We originally spoke with Marcella back in April 2006. She had been dealing with Multiple Sclerosis as it slowly began to steal away her mobility. Now five years later, with Marcella’s physical condition much worse, we’ll find out how she’s been getting along with God – or not.
"Earlier this week, on May 2nd 2011, the man responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks was killed by the United States government. On September 11, 2001 Anne’s son Stephen and those with him in the upper conference room on the 87th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, passed a cell phone among themselves, so that each might briefly speak to or leave messages for their loved ones. “There were eight messages on my telephone answering machine. The first was from my son Stephen, the sixth of the eight children, the fourth of the five sons, saying good-bye, his voice telling me that whatever was to happen, he would be all right, and so would I; his voice, saying “I love you” -- a plural ‘you’ if ever there was one, because not for a moment did I not know this was a message for all he was leaving behind. I put myself in the hands of God; I put us all in hands of God, and prayed for strength to face whatever was ahead.”
They grew up in the church, got married, fought everyday, then began to get wasted and party on the weekends just to escape and cope, even while Chad was leading worship in their church. Eventually porn crept into the marriage. Eventually Chad became a workaholic. Eventually Sarah had an affair with Chad’s friend. Eventually one of Sarah’s friends told their pastors. Eventually…
In the summer of 2007, Alanna had just finished her third year of University studying International Development. She was hoping to go oversees and work for an NGO after completing her degree. However, life took a drastic detour. Alanna’s mother, who had been sick with breast cancer for nine years, was now dying. Within months of the family realizing just how bad the Cancer had really gotten, she was gone. Then, within months of her mother’s death, her father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away. Unexpectedly, in a six month period, seven children had become orphaned. Suddenly, Alanna was left with many questions and concerns: "How are they going to live? Will they be able to stay together? Who will come along side them and make sure they get through this? Where was God in this?" But Alanna’s main question, as the eldest of the seven and the one now responsible for her family became…"why should I trust you and love you now God?"
Stafford and his wife Michelle had four children – Rebekah, Naomi, Ethan, and Isaac. One day he got a call at work from a friend who told him that his youngest, Isaac, who was almost two at the time, was just taken to the hospital. Isaac had crawled into the reclining chair, somehow became trapped and suffocated. When Stafford arrived at the hospital he was told that his young boy had already passed away. Father’s Day isn’t easy for everyone. Today, Stafford and his wife will share their journey through grief and how they were able to cope with every parent’s nightmare.
Nothing would have ever prepared Lenore for the worst half-hour of her life. She’d only been working at a local clothing shop in Orangeville a couple of weeks and this was her first shift by herself. Then, on July 11th, 2009, with only five minutes left in her shift, a man entered the store and proceeded to strangle her, kick her, and stab her 31 times. Somehow, Lenore had the presence of mind to fake her own death just so the assailant would stop. The man eventually did stop, shut off the lights, lock the front door of the store and left out the back of the building. Laying there hearing the sound of blood leaving her body, Lenore knew that if she didn’t at least try to go for help that she would bleed to death. She would never see her three girls or husband again. So with everything she had, Lenore began to get up. However, the man who had so savagely and randomly attempted to murder her hadn’t actually left. He’d only gone into the washroom to clean the blood from his hands. When he saw that Lenore was still alive, he came back to finish the job. Somehow – someway – eventually, Lenore found her way to the front door and collapsed on the sidewalk in front of the shop, where she was able to get the attention of a man who called 911. She had only one unit of blood left in her and to this day is called “a walking miracle” by the local police. Today, Lenore and her husband talk about “life after” and how this traumatic event has impacted even their spiritual lives.
Shades of Springsteen, John Mayer and Dave Matthews, built on a reputation for giving what thousands have described as the best live music experience of their lives. One of acoustic music's most arresting artists, this Welsh singer songwriter has been in demand on both sides of the Atlantic for over two decades. Martyn`s 30 year career has embraced some notable achievements including 5 Top 50 UK chart positions, and appearances and tours with, amongst others, Ani DiFranco, Suzanne Vega, Chris de Burgh, Art Garfunkel, Celine Dion and Shirley Bassey. He has won fans everywhere with his uncanny fusion of material – feisty, pull no punches big issue numbers alongside stripped bare love songs. Martyn`s particular strength is in the lyrical narrative of his songs, be they contemporary protests against injustice and inhumanity, a musical psalm to the fulfillment and fragilities of love, or a piercing summary of social history. In this manner he carries on in the tradition of the six string balladeer as both catalyst and interpreter of our raddled and rewarding times, our personal and communal stories sung out loud in the spirit of Woody Guthrie, Ewan MacColl, Hank Williams and Bruce Springsteen. 2011 is Martyn’s 31st year in the business, and he has sold over a quarter of a million albums during his career, with his latest being “Under Lemonade Skies.”
Seven-time Dove award winner and two-time Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole C. Mullen has just released her new worship album Captivated through Maranatha Music. Her first studio album in three years, Captivated delivers a personal and profound message that is not only a watermark album for Nicole; but one for our entire generation. Featuring unforgettable songs, crafted with rare insight and sensitivity into the journey of faith, Nicole’s artistry is inspiring. From her early days as a background vocalist/dancer/choreographer to writing and recording such classic hits as “Redeemer” to mentoring young women through her Baby Girls Club, Nicole’s creativity and compassion have fuelled a life of ministry that has had global impact. On November 5, 2011, she will be inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame alongside six other Christian music artists. Throughout her career, Nicole has traveled with the Billy Graham Crusades, Franklin Graham, Will Graham, Luis Palau, and Women of Faith and has sung around the world on prestigious stages including the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall.
The Imperials have stayed in the forefront of Christian music for the last five decades! They’ve won four Grammy Awards, seventeen Dove Awards including the inaugural “Male Group of the Year” in 1969 and the first ever “Artist of the Year” in 1981. They backed Elvis Presley on stage, in the studio and in the 1970 feature film Elvis: That’s The Way It Is. They were the first Christian group to ever perform on a Grammy telecast, scored chart topping singles in four consecutive decades and landed a number one single on all three charts (Contemporary, Inspirational and Southern) at the same time for a dozen straight weeks. Out of retirement, Armond Morales, Paul Smith, and Dave Will reunite as “The Classic Imperials”. Together with Rick Evans they will once again step back into the national spotlight with their trademark sound that led the Christian music industry for decades! Armond, who has been an Imperial since the very beginning, across 42 albums and concerts in 21 countries, joins us to talk about their latest release Still Standing.
Beginning as a worship leader at a small church in Southern California, Cheri has ministered through music and testimony for twenty years. Her debut album, Child of the Father, was released to rave reviews in 1994 earning her a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year. Six albums, nine Number One songs, three Dove Award nominations and a Dove Award win later, Cheri Keaggy is recognized as a mainstay in the adult contemporary and inspirational genres, and her songs are sung in churches worldwide. Most recently though, the end of her twenty-two year marriage to her high school sweetheart has stretched her in ways she never could have imagined.
The quintessential Christian rock band Stryper is back with a new CD of cover tunes from some of the bands which influenced the boys over the years. The Covering comes out in February and is already causing some controversy. With songs from bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Van Halen, UFO, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and Kansas, some have wondered if Stryper has lost their way. Michael’s response: “We wanted to step outside the box and record a record that shows you, the fans, where we come from - our historical, musical roots so to speak. It's a side to Stryper that no one has really seen or heard before, or at least quite like this. For those of you who may think that we're walking away from our faith - your wrong. We've never been more serious about our faith at any point in our lives. It is however important to enjoy what you do and lighten up from time to time. That's what we plan to do. This was a fun record to make and we hope that this comes through, as well as the chance to showcase the abilities that we've been blessed with.” More than a quarter of a century ago, Stryper broke on to the scene with their debut EP Yellow and Black Attack and have since gone on to sell millions of records worldwide and tour the world, spreading an inspirational message through their branded sound of rock songs, heavy guitars, and pristine harmony vocals.
X-SINNER is taking a break from tracking their next album "Goin Out With A Bang" and heading North to Canada to tour with their good friends, veteran rockers, The Daniel Band, March 31st through Apr 3rd 2011!
For the first time in the history of the show, Drew booked a guest while driving down to the studio! Brian was scheduled to perform at the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival but got rained out. THANK GOD FOR RAIN! This unique singer/songwriter from Belfast can only be described as... well... umm like, .... okay, try this. If Ron Sexsmith and Elvis had a baby, then gave it to Bob Dylan to raise but then hired Van Morrison as a nanny, they'd name him Brian Houston! (Sort of...)
Senator Dallaire served thirty-five years with the Canadian Armed Forces and now sits in the Canadian Senate. His Governor General's Literary Award-winning book, Shake Hands with the Devil, exposed the failures of the international community to stop the worst genocide in the twentieth century. It has been turned into an Emmy Award-winning documentary as well as a feature film; it has also been entered into evidence in war crimes tribunals trying the perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide. Senator Dallaire has received numerous honours and awards, including Officer of the Order of Canada in 2002. As a champion of human rights, his activities include work on genocide prevention, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the Child Soldier Initiative, which seeks to develop a conceptual base for the elimination of the use of child soldiers.
A couple of weeks ago Drew attended media mogul Moses Znaimer’s www.ideacityonline.com conference in Toronto. During Barbara Kay’s presentation, a lady seated behind him got up and left in disgust as Barbara spoke in a very non politically correct way about feminism. At that point, Drew knew he needed to have Barbara as a guest. As a conservative columnist with The National Post, Barbara brings a bold and clear perspective to issues close to her heart: honour killings, gendercide, feminism, “tolerance”, Israel.
Terence Young is the founder and Chair of Drug Safety Canada, a research and public advocacy organization based in Oakville. He has been active in issues related to prescription drug safety since 2000, after losing his fifteen year old daughter Vanessa to the Johnson & Johnson prescription drug Prepulsid. Terence’s presentations make an impact wherever he appears, including University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, The Rotman School of Business and various community groups. He has been quoted in media interviews and has appeared on TVO, CBC and CBC radio. Today, Terence will share this heart wrenching story and share what role his faith has played in processing his grief.
Tarek Fatah is the author of The Jew is Not My Enemy, a widely acclaimed book that investigates the roots of Muslim anti-Semitism. His earlier book Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State, in which he argues that the Prophet never meant for an Islamic State but rather a spiritual state of Islam, was short-listed for the prestigious Donner Prize. He is a frequent contributor to the National Post. Born in Pakistan where he was a leftwing student leader and was imprisoned twice for his part in opposing successive military dictatorships, he lived for a decade in the Middle East before moving to Canada in 1987 where he has been involved as a political activist and writer on the liberal-left spectrum of Canadian public life.
The Honourable David C. Onley has championed disability issues on many fronts and for many years. Having lived with polio and post-polio syndrome since the age of three, he has broken through social barriers and become a role model. In his 22-year career with CityTV, he was Canada’s first senior newscaster with a visible disability. A popular news anchor, host/producer, science and technology specialist, and weatherman, he showed that ability outshines disability. In view of his success in life, Mr. Onley credits his Christian faith and the ongoing support of his wife, singer and Christian recording artist Ruth Ann Onley, and their three sons, Jonathan, Robert, and Michael.
Columnist, television host, author, and practicing Catholic, Michael Coren examines four main aspects of Catholicism. For some, Catholicism is the only permanent, absolute body of truth, while for others it is the last permanent, absolute body that has to be opposed and stopped. Why Catholics Are Rightopens with a discussion of the abuse scandal and the reality of what happened. Michael then traces Catholic history, with a discussion of the Crusades, Inquisition, Holocaust, and Galileo. He looks at Catholics and theology, explaining what and why Catholics believe what they do — Papal infallibility, Immaculate Conception, the Church rather than Bible alone. Finally, he outlines the pro-life position and why it is so important to Catholicism. In this challenging, provocative, and personal book, Michael Coren draws on history, politics, and theology to present the arguments for the truth of Roman Catholicism. Michael Coren is the bestselling author of twelve books, including biographies of G.K. Chesterton, H.G. Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle, J.R.R. Tolkein, and C.S. Lewis. He is the host of The Michael Coren Show, a nightly television talk show with an audience of 250,000 viewers. He also hosts a daily radio show and writes a syndicated column for ten daily newspapers.
We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones. In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In his latest book Max On Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions, Max offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter. Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions—parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships—as well as to the profound: Is God really listening? Max on Life includes topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight.
Peter Rollins is a widely sought after writer, lecturer, storyteller and public speaker. He is also the founder of ikon, a faith group that has gained an international reputation for blending live music, visual imagery, soundscapes, theatre, ritual and reflection to create what they call 'transformance art'. Peter has earned degrees (with distinction) in Scholastic Philosophy, Political Theory and Post-Structural thought (PhD). He is currently a research associate with the Irish School of Ecumenics in Trinity College, Dublin and is the author of the much talked about How (Not) to Speak of God. His most recent work is entitled The Orthodox Heretic and Other Impossible Tales. He was born in Belfast but currently resides in Greenwich, CT and is employed by The Olson Foundation.
Joel C. Rosenberg is the New York Times best-selling author of six novels: The Last Jihad, The Last Days, The Ezekiel Option, The Copper Scroll, Dead Heat and his latest, The Twelfth Imam, and two non-fiction books, Epicenter and Inside the Revolution, with some two million total copies in print. As a communications advisor, Joel has worked with a number of U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, Rush Limbaugh, Natan Sharansky, and Benjamin Netanyahu. As an author, he has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV programs, including Nightline, CNN Headline News, FOX News Channel, The History Channel, MSNBC, The Rush Limbaugh Show, The Sean Hannity Show, and The Glenn Beck Show. He has been profiled by the New York Times, the Washington Times, the Jerusalem Post, and World magazine. He has also spoken at the White House, Pentagon and to Members of Congress. Joel is someone Drew has very much wanted to chat with about his month in Israel.
Luis Palau and his ministry have shared the Gospel with more than 1 billion people through evangelistic events and media. He has spoken in person to 25 million people in 72 countries. He has authored close to 50 books and countless articles on issues of faith, and has counselled with business and political leaders and heads of state around the world. His radio program broadcasts, in both English and Spanish, are heard by millions on 3,000 radio outlets in 48 countries.
Phyllis is founding editor of the Religion Department of Publisher’s Weekly, the international journal of the book industry, is frequently quoted in print sources like USA Today, Christian Science Monitor, NY Times as well as in electronic media like PBS, NPR, The Hallmark Channel, and innumerable blogs and web sites. She’s an authority on religion in America and a much sought after lecturer on the subject. In addition to lectures and numerous essays, articles, and interviews, Tickle is the author of over two dozen books on religion and spirituality, most recently The Great Emergence, How Christianity is Changing and Why and The Words of Jesus, A Gospel of the Sayings of Our Lord. She is also the author of the notable and popular The Divine Hours series of manuals for observing fixed-hour prayer.
Dallas Willard is a Professor in the School of Philosophy at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He has taught at USC since 1965, where he was Director of the School of Philosophy from 1982-1985. He has also taught at the University of Wisconsin and has held visiting appointments at UCLA and the University of Colorado. His philosophical publications are mainly in the areas of epistemology, the philosophy of mind and of logic, and on the philosophy of Edmund Husserl, including extensive translations of Husserl's early writings from German into English. He also lectures and publishes in religion. Dr. Willard’s books include the award-winning Renovation of the Heart, The Divine Conspiracy, The Spirit of the Disciplines, and Hearing God. He has served on the boards of both the C.S. Lewis Foundation and Biola University.
Lee Strobel is an award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and a New York Times bestselling author. (Case For Faith, Case For Christ, Case For… etc.) After years of nonfiction bestsellers, he is publishing his debut fiction novel, a legal thriller called The Ambition. Lee is a Yale Law School graduate, accomplished journalist and world-renowned speaker.
Jay Bakker is a 35 year old pastor who grew up witnessing both the good and bad of the church. His parents are Jim and Tammy Faye, ministers-turned-TV-hosts who helped start both the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the 700 Club in the 1970s, and later founded the PTL (Praise The Lord) Club. At the height of their popularity, they pastored the largest church in the country – until their lives were changed by one of the biggest scandals in American history. For the first time, Jay was exposed to the dark underbelly of religion; an experience that would stay with him to this day. He has appeared on Larry King Live and been featured in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Time, The Economist, FHM and New York Magazine. With his father now out of prison and his mother having passed away of Cancer a few years ago, Jay joins us today to talk about his journey through one of the messiest lives any kid could go through and the restoration process with his father and mother.
A multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner, recipient of the Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the year 2000, which was bestowed upon her by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, Jane Seymour has proven her talents in virtually all media, the Broadway stage, motion pictures and television. From “Bond Girl” to Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman to Dancing With The Stars, Hollywood actress Jane Seymour is indeed a woman of many talents. Also known for her talents as an artist, author, poet, dancer, and jewellery designer, this romantic seemed to be the perfect choice for our Valentine’s Day Special.
Kevin Sorbo has enjoyed success on television for over 20 consecutive years, a feat rarely accomplished by an actor. He quickly rose to stardom in the title role of the hit series Hercules, the Legendary Journeys. The series passed Baywatch as the most watched TV show in the world. The innovative action hour revitalized the entire action/adventure genre on television and fostered two spin-off series Xena, Warrior Princess and Young Hercules. Following the success of Hercules, Kevin went on to star in the lead role of “Captain Dylan Hunt” in Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda. Kevin has guest starred in Just Shoot Me, According to Jim, Hope and Faith, Two and a Half Men, The Middleman, Psych, and had recurring appearances on Dharma and Greg, and on Fox’s The OC. He also appeared in the season one finale of the hit comedy series Gary, Unmarried. He’s also appeared in countless film productions, including Soul Surfer starring Helen Hunt, Denis Quaid and Carrie Underwood. Based on a true life story: On Oct. 31, 2003, teen surfer Bethany Hamilton lay on her board in placid waters just off a Kauai beach. From out of nowhere, a 14-foot tiger shark attacked, taking off Bethany’s arm at the shoulder and setting in motion events that would test the strong Christian faith of Bethany and her family and, ultimately, reveal God’s purpose for her life.
Patch is both a medical doctor and a clown, but he is also a social activist who has devoted 30 years to changing America's healthcare system, a system that he describes as expensive and elitist. He believes that laughter, joy and creativity are an integral part of the healing process and therefore, true health care must incorporate those aspects of life. Doctors and patients in his model relate to each other on the basis of mutual trust and patients receive plenty of time from their doctors. Patch has devoted his life to the study of what makes people happy. Patch Adams, M.D., is a nationally known speaker on wellness, laughter, and humour as well as on health care and health care systems. He approaches the issues of personal, community, and global health with “zestful exuberance,” according to Time Magazine. Dr. Adams believes that “the most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy.” Medical doctor; Clown; Performer; Social Activist; Founder and Director of the Gesundheit Institute, a holistic medical community has provided free medical care to thousands of patients since it began in 1971; Author of Gesundheit & Housecalls; Moving Speaker.
She’s BAAAAACK! Drew’s most favourite guest in the whole wide world is back to tell us about her brand new children’s book, Messy M'Cheany! When it comes to a mess, this kid is the best! However, as soon as Messy meets his new baby sister, Missy, he realizes that she does not share the same fondness for messes, but instead loves to be clean! How will he learn to get along with a sister who is so different? Kathie Lee's new rhyming picture book teaches children that though being messy is fun, changing bad habits for baby sisters and brothers is the best thing any sibling can do!
Star of Whose Line Is It Anyway, host of Canada’s Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader, Second City Alumni… blah blah blah. Google him! He’s kind of a big deal.
Candace Cameron Bure first became known to millions as a co-star on the hit ABC television series Full House. Today, like her brother Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains) she is the rare Hollywood actor who is outspoken about her Christian faith and how it helps overcome certain obstacles. Her healthy lifestyle has been featured in US Weekly and People magazines as well as national talk shows including The View and NBC’s Today. In Reshaping It All Candace inspires women to embrace a healthier lifestyle by moving faith to the forefront, making wise choices, and finding their worth in the eyes of God. Candace shares a candid account of her struggle with food and ultimately her healthy outlook on weight despite the toothpick-thin expectations of Hollywood.
Broadcasting Legend, Author of TRUTH BE TOLD: Off the Record about Favorite Guests, Memorable Moments, Funniest Jokes, and a Half Century of Asking Questions
Growing up on the streets of Depression-era Brooklyn, the son of Russian immigrants, Larry Zeiger became known to millions as Emmy-award winner Larry King, host of CNN’s Larry King Live, the first worldwide phone-in television talk show and the longest running show with the same host in the same time slot on the same network in the history of television. Beamed live to 200 countries and territories around the world, King was a broadcaster for more than 50 years and interviewed the most compelling and influential people in the world—major political leaders and cultural luminaries, alike. Now, in his book TRUTH BE TOLD Larry reflects on how much the world has changed around him over the course of his fifty-year career, and shares inside stories on some of the most fascinating figures of our time. Larry is one of Drew’s most memorable guests over the years, primarily for answering the question: “Larry, are you afraid of dying?” with “You bet your ass I am!”
