Morning Conversation: MyBridge Radio

When Walter Hill first encountered Jesus as a teenager, it changed everything. He came from a broken home –– a father who wanted nothing to do with faith, a mother who passed away when he was just 15, and a season of deep anger and confusion. But thanks to the persistence of a friend, Walter found himself at a youth event where the Gospel reached past his hurt and brought him home to Jesus. That initial, transformative encounter sparked a lifelong journey of faith that he now hopes to pass on to others. In this episode, Walter shares his powerful story, including the mentors who shaped him, the spiritual lessons he’s learned along the way, and the faith that still fuels his ministry today.

Walter also shares about the heart behind his book, Amazed Again: Reclaiming Christ’s Fading Fire. It began as a message to his son, who had recently expressed interest in ministry, but quickly grew into a call to all believers. Walter reflects on the challenges of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the dangers of allowing our relationship with church to replace our relationship with Christ. He also speaks to the everyday distractions that can slowly draw our hearts away from the joy we once knew in Jesus –– and how we can rediscover it. With insights from John 15 and his own journey of abiding in Christ, Walter offers a refreshing reminder to stay close to the true source of our strength and hope.

Cade Thompson has been singing for as long as he can remember, but his journey into Christian music goes deeper than just a love for melody. Growing up in the church, Cade gave his life to Christ at a young age, surrounded by family and mentors who modeled what it meant to follow Jesus. In this episode, Cade reflects on those early days, the lessons he’s learned from seasoned artists, and the moments that solidified his calling to use music as a tool for ministry. From leading worship as a teenager in South Dakota to touring with artists like TobyMac and Chris Tomlin, Cade shares how his faith has shaped his music and how he’s learning to keep his eyes fixed on the One who called him.

Hear about the challenges of staying faithful on the narrow road, the powerful moments he’s experienced on stage, and why he’s committed to making music that moves the heart of God. Whether you’re a young artist or someone who simply loves worship, this conversation is full of encouragement to stay grounded, stay faithful, and trust God’s timing.

Jeremy Camp joins us for a heartfelt conversation about what God’s been teaching him lately—and how those lessons are showing up in both his music and his everyday life. From a youth camp encounter that shifted everything to walking through physical heart surgeries that sparked deeper spiritual reflection, Jeremy shares how surrender has been a theme throughout his journey. He opens up about trusting God with his heart—literally and figuratively—and the powerful realization that came from that experience.

In this episode, Jeremy also unpacks the stories behind songs from his Deeper Waters album, including “Again” and “Better.” He talks about writing from a place of honesty and how real-life moments—including arguments, healing, and surrender—have shaped his music. We also talk about worship, purpose, and what he hopes people take away from this tour. Whether you’ve followed Jeremy’s story for years or you’re hearing from him for the first time, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to dive deeper in your walk with God.

Mike Donehey—lead voice of Tenth Avenue North—joins us to talk about life, music, and learning to listen for God’s voice in the middle of it all. He shares reflections on the band's 20-year journey, the decision to call it quits, and the unexpected nudge to return to the road with a new band and a new perspective. From his Nebraska roots to the deep relationships that have shaped him, Mike opens up about the interruptions that became invitations from God, including a powerful season of being home with his family during a time of personal struggle for one of his daughters.

In this conversation, Mike talks candidly about ambition, identity, purpose, and the rhythms of life that keep him grounded. He shares the inspiration behind songs like “Kind to Myself” and how learning to speak kindly to ourselves aligns with how God approaches us—with grace and gentleness. Whether he’s reflecting on discipleship, parenting, or playing basketball at the Y, Mike offers honest insight into what it means to live out the Gospel—not just from a stage, but in the everyday moments that matter most.

Ellie Holcomb joins us for a heartfelt conversation about faith, family, and the beauty of new life in every season. She shares how growing up as the daughter of legendary producer Brown Bannister shaped her love for music, why she once swore she’d never marry a musician, and how she and her husband, Drew, navigate life on the road while staying grounded in community.

We dive into Spring Sings, Ellie’s new children’s book and companion EP, and the deep personal journey behind it. Written in a season of loss, Spring Sings became a reflection on the hope of resurrection—how even in the coldest winters of our lives, new life is waiting to bloom. Ellie shares why she believes creation itself is singing this truth and how she hopes her book will spark conversations about the story of Easter in homes everywhere.

From the power of singing through grief to the unexpected joy of writing books for kids, Ellie’s words will encourage anyone longing for hope. Whether you’re in a season of sorrow or simply looking for a reminder of God’s faithfulness, this conversation will lift your heart.

MercyMe guitarist and founding member Mike Scheuchzer joins us for a fun and honest conversation ahead of the band’s spring tour. He talks about hitting the road with Zach Williams, the joy of having Bart’s son Sam out on tour—and even singing on one of their songs—and why they’re so excited to be back in Lincoln with the body of Christ.

Mike shares stories behind some of their new music, how a surprise text from Walker Hayes turned into a powerful song, and what it’s like recording at their songwriting cabin. He also reflects on MercyMe’s 30-year journey, staying grounded off stage, and how worship is really about honoring God in everything—yes, even scrubbing toilets!

What if generosity wasn’t just an action we do, but a way we live—an overflow of trusting God with everything we have? In this episode, Bill and Dana Wichterman invite us into a different way of thinking about money—not as owners, but as stewards of all God has entrusted to us.

Drawing from their book Stewards Not Owners, the Wichtermans share how their journey of financial stewardship began, how it’s shaped their home, their habits, and even their parenting. From practical ideas like creating a generosity fund, to deeper conversations about legacy, obedience, and joy—they show how aligning our money with our faith leads to freedom, not restriction. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your approach to giving, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and hope for living with open hands and hearts.

Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers shares what it’s looked like to truly experience the joy of the Lord—after years of walking with Jesus without really feeling it. He talks about how time in God’s Word and a desire to live like Jesus have brought joy he never found in success or comfort.

Darren also opens up about the heart behind his music, the challenges of touring, and his passion for reaching broken people with the hope of Christ. From worship and transparency to stories behind the songs, you’ll get an honest and encouraging glimpse into his life and faith.

For more than three decades, Darlene Zschech has been a voice that has helped shape modern worship, but she never set out to be in the spotlight. In this conversation, Darlene shares how she wrestled with the responsibility of leading worship, learning to keep her heart focused on giving God glory rather than receiving it. She reflects on the early days of Hillsong, the unexpected journey of Shout to the Lord, and the unseen life of faith that fuels authentic worship.

Darlene also opens up about some of the challenges she’s faced—battling cancer, navigating the pressures of ministry, and learning to trust God in every season. She shares insights from her new devotional, Testament, written to mark the 30th anniversary of Shout to the Lord, and the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness. This conversation is an encouragement to anyone seeking to live a life of worship—one that magnifies the worth of Christ and keeps the glory where it belongs.

WARNING TO PARENTS: The content of this episode contains conversations about cultural topics that young people may not be ready to hear. If listening with children, please note it could create uncomfortable conversations.

Monique Duson grew up amid the challenges of a crime-affected neighborhood and the 1992 Rodney King riots. Her upbringing shaped her understanding of race and justice, but it was her faith that led her to found the Center for Biblical Unity. Monique's mission is to promote a vision for racial healing rooted in the Gospel, challenging cultural narratives with biblical truth.

In this conversation, Monique shares her passion for equipping young people with the hope of Christ and dispels misconceptions about prejudice, justice, and humanity. She explains why Scripture is more relevant than ever to today’s pressing cultural issues, offering a path to unity that transcends racial and societal divides.

We are so grateful for Susie Larson! She has such a big heart for Jesus and sharing her God given gifts. Join the conversation today to learn more about Advent and Susie’s newest book, “Prepare Him Room.”

In the genre of contemporary Christian music, no artist has won more awards than Steven Curtis Chapman. 59 Gospel Music Association “Dove” awards, five Grammy awards, a historic 50 No. 1 singles and recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry are evidence of a long career noted by many blessings. 

Over the four decades that encompass the career of this CCM icon, Steven Curtis and his wife, Mary Beth, have also experienced heartache, including the tragic loss of their daughter, Maria at the age of five. It was a tragedy that God used to launch a ministry to care for orphans by engaging the Church to reduce barriers to adoption.

Get to know the heart of this husband, daddy and “pop-pop” as he shares his love for Christmas music and what God has taught him in years singing and writing songs that point to God.

Whether you’re facing the ordinary, daily pressures of squaring away today’s to-do list or an unexpected season of suffering that seems to have no end, sometimes it feels like Jesus’ promise of “overflowing joy” is simply not within reach for your real life.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Author and Bible teacher Tara Dew takes us to Jesus’ words in John 15 to reveal three surprising paths to a truly joy-filled life. If you’re willing to take Jesus up on His teaching, you’ll find that God’s pruning, God’s presence, and persevering in God’s commands have the power to deliver not just a taste of joy as a fruit God is developing in your life, but an overflowing bushel of it.

Over the past six years, Kristine Fischer has become the face of bass fishing. She’s been on television, her social media following is massive and she is always a favorite to win any kayak fishing competition

But, Kristine Fischer is catching more than prize-winning fish. She’s catching attention and drawing an audience that’s not necessarily familiar with how to win a fishing tournament. Why? It’s how she carries herself. Fischer has been called a force for good. 

What caught our attention about Kristine? It was her very proud dad who told us how this bass angler who grew up in small town Nebraska always gives glory to God when she has an audience on her growing platform. As a fisher of fish, God may also be using her to point others to THE fisher of souls.

As a coach and mentor to hundreds of pastors, Chris Sonksen has a front-row seat to watch churches that were once in trouble and in danger of closing their doors start to thrive through coaching and by applying one or two ideas that could cause a church to...boom. 

Sonksen is the founder of Church Boom, where he helps pastors and churches achieve their desired growth by providing personalized coaching, a supportive community, and practical resources. Sonksen knows: when the pastor grows, the church grows, and he’s helping hundreds of pastors who are experiencing the health and growth that comes from the coaching and community provided by Church Boom.

In the world of Gospel Music, few groups are more well-known and loved than the Gaither Vocal Band. A group that, for more than four decades, has toured the world, bringing the Gospel to audiences through amazing harmonies.

The list of men who have comprised the Gaither Vocal Band reads like a “Who’s Who” among the gospel music industry’s best-loved voices, including: Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Mark Lowry, Michael English, David Phelps and many others.

Not only that, Bill Gaither –– known as the “Godfather of Modern Christian Music” –– is responsible for discovering the likes of Steven Curtis Chapman, TobyMac, Russ Taff and many others.

Through an unexpected journey, Wes Hampton landed the spot of “tenor voice” for the GVB in 2005 and is currently the longest-tenured voice in the group, other than Bill Gaither himself.

Pastors and ministry leaders are some of the hardest-working people in the world--and they have a high rate of burnout to prove it. Leaders that aren't operating at peak efficiency and, also taking care of themselves, are setting themselves up for a crash. The reality is, few in ministry feel they have the time to take a sabbatical or tend to their own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. But healthy rhythms of work and rest are the key to a thriving, long-term ministry. In their book, Don’t Burn Out, Burn Bright, Jason Young and Jonathan Malm put their years of ministry leadership and consulting experience together to show us how to fine-tune leadership and organize life in such a way that you can become a high-capacity leader without the exhaustion and discouragement so many feel.

Many of us long for the abundant life Jesus promised, but instead we feel stagnant and frustrated in our faith. More of us cultivate our view of God from our family of origin than from the pages of the Bible—and a faulty view of God will always be a barrier to a satisfying spiritual life.

Bryan Clark has served in pastoral ministry in Nebraska for more than 40 years. In that time, he’s observed a lot of, as he says, “messed up” views of God. In his unique and interactive book God’s Not Like That, our guest returns us to Scripture on a step-by-step journey to identify and then correct our misconceptions about God. 

Listen for specific ways our childhood influences our beliefs today and how to distinguish truth from fiction when it comes to personal beliefs.

Order Bryan’s book here: https://www.christianbook.com/not-like-redeeming-inherited-beliefs-finding/bryan-clark/9780830784394/pd/784395?event=ESRCG

The fact that you’re about to press play on this podcast says you’re aware of technology and some of its benefits. However, technology also has a darkside, especially for our children. Tech is directly responsible for increased teenage anxiety and depression, exposure to explicit material, online predators, screen addiction, and more.

Along comes David Tucker, a former pastor and current tech exec, offering parents a framework for safely navigating these dangers. Through an approachable (and Biblical) 7-step process, his guidebook equips parents with the easy to apply tools and relevant guidance needed to protect their families, while still having the benefits of technology in their lives.

Many of us want to talk about our faith with others, but we feel unprepared and uncomfortable. 

Babbie Mason knows that feeling. Feeling convicted of how little she was sharing her own faith, this popular singer and songwriter asked Jesus to help her change her ways. Out of that journey came a book that shares the title of one of her most well-known songs.

Each One Reach One is about finding your own unique style of talking about Jesus and approaching sharing your faith with enthusiasm rather than a sense of obligation.

Babbie believes sharing our story of Jesus doesn’t have anything to do with rote lines, preachy words, or guilty feelings. It has everything to do with listening well, practicing compassion, and demonstrating Christ’s joy.

With a blend of worship, vulnerability, and grit, the sound of We The Kingdom is birthed out of decades of musical influences and a shared difficult experience that brought them together as a band.

Made up mostly of the Cash family, the band members had been involved behind-the-scenes in songs that have been sung around the world. That is until they came together to share their own story.

Andrew Bergthold serves as the producer and guitarist (and today, spokesman) for the band whose other members include Ed, Scott and Martin Cash. 

We The Kingdom will be part of Livin’ Out Loud in Gothenburg, Nebraska on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Throughout this conversation, Andrew will share what to expect from their appearance that evening. For more information: livinoutloud.org

Lisa Anderson is accustomed to taking on a variety of challenging assignments with deadlines and late nights.However, when she took on the unexpected role of being a caregiver for her mom who was battling dementia, it was the hardest — yet most rewarding — role of her life.

Lisa never anticipated how the Lord was writing a story of hope and inspiration amid some very dark days.

Today, as she reflects on her role as a caregiver, Lisa clearly sees how the Lord’s faithfulness and His grace were on display — allowing her to spend quality time with her mom and reminding her about the sanctity of life.

As a parent, your role changes drastically after your kids grow up… at least, it should. 

Too many of us have faced heartache and strained relationships when our children choose difficult--even seemingly wrong--paths.

In, Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Children with Joy, Mary DeMuth shares a gracious, practical resource for navigating the rocky terrain of parenting grown-ups.

If you’ve wondered: What do I do when my kids make choices that don't align with my values? Or, how do I keep communication lines open with my grown children? When do I speak, and when do I listen? And, how do I avoid the temptation of meddling in my kids' lives?

...this conversation will help. This is your invitation for spiritual growth and a path toward fulfilling relationships with your adult children.

48 million Christ followers will approach retirement age over the next two decades. Most have no real plan for impact in their retirement years. Unfortunately, too many Christ-followers have embraced the world’s retirement plan: it’s all downhill, then you die, so jam as much leisure as you can into those years.  

In, The Retirement Reformation Bruce Bruinsma changes the way we think about what our culture calls retirement. While acknowledging the reality of longevity, Bruce challenges both individuals and faith-based organizations to reexamine, reshape, reform, and revitalize the fastest-growing segment of our society. God has a unique call for each of our lives, and it does not stop at sixty-five or seventy.

When life hurts, you need more than bubbly inspiration. To get through life’s storms, you need a God who meets you in the blurry confusion of heartache and carries you through to the other side.

In her book, You Can Trust God When Life Hurts, Amber Albee Swenson helps you see how you can find faith when things don’t make sense, adopt a hope-filled perspective in hard times, receive grace for when you fail, and so much more! 

Whether you’re navigating hurt right now or fortifying your faith for the days to come, our guest wants to help you see how you can hope in God no matter what comes your way.

In her latest book, Recipes for a Sweet Child: Creative Bible-based Activities to Help Your Family Thrive, author Katie Trent combines her counseling and ministry expertise with her own parenting experiences to provide you with a creative guide to work past challenging childhood issues in a winsome way.

Searching for answers to help turn your children’s grumbling into gratitude? Trying to navigate ongoing issues like sibling rivalry, tattling, unforgiveness, peer pressure, or bullying? Katie will help you teach your kids how to apply biblical wisdom in any situation.

Discover simple tools to bring peace and joy into your home with easy, interactive activities and Bible lessons and enjoy making delicious recipes with your kids.

The world needs young men to grow up into real men. But with young men receiving so many conflicting messages about what it means to be a man, they find it hard to know what masculinity looks like when men are at their absolute best.

Brant Hansen paints a refreshingly specific, compelling picture of what men are designed to be in a world of cultural confusion.

We were created to work, and our work provides unique meaning and purpose in our lives. Yet today, we are living in a crisis of apathy and ignorance regarding work’s theological and existential nature.

David Bahnsen believes our understanding of work and its role in our lives is deeply flawed—we are unmoored from what he calls “created purpose". It is in work—effort, service, striving—of every kind, that we discover our meaning and purpose; a significant and successful life is one rooted in full-time productivity and cultivation of God’s created world.

Whether you’re facing the ordinary, daily pressures of squaring away today’s to-do list or an unexpected season of suffering that seems to have no end, sometimes it feels like Jesus’ promise of “overflowing joy” is simply not within reach for your real life.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Author and Bible teacher Tara Dew takes us to Jesus’ words in John 15 to reveal three surprising paths to a truly joy-filled life. If you’re willing to take Jesus up on His teaching, you’ll find that God’s pruning, God’s presence, and persevering in God’s commands have the power to deliver not just a taste of joy as a fruit God is developing in your life, but an overflowing bushel of it!

Do you want well-behaved kids? Or, kids with good character? Ideally, both. How do we get there? Too often, parents misguidedly prioritize behavior. Behavior modification does not guarantee g

ood character qualities. 

In her latest book, Parent Differently, Kathy Koch says it’s character that influences decisions. It shows up in our speech, actions and attitudes. It’s about who we are and what we do. As Christians, we want to see the character of Jesus Christ in our children. We want our kids to be brave, compassionate and joyful. Whether a parent, grandparent or teacher, we all want to see our children grow in humility, gratitude and respect—for others and themselves. 

The founder of Celebrate Kids, Dr. Kathy Koch will help us define character and why it matters as she unpacks the crisis of character in our culture today. Listen for some great tips on steps we can take to teach and develop character in our kids.

Taking on the moniker “Purveyors of Good News,” Rend Collective is a band that seeks to be authentic while delivering the Gospel in a simple old-fashioned manner. 

Amid so much heaviness consuming events of today’s world, Rend Collective is sharing good news as a response to that brokenness. The five-member group identifies as a worship band with nothing to prove… just being faithful.