On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’ll hear from Grammy Award-winning musician and songwriter Ron Block, of Alison Krauss & Union Station. Ron shares how, through all the ups and downs of a music career, he’s learned to depend on God. 

 

Guest’s Links

Ron Block’s Facebook: @RonBlockMusic

Ron Block’s Twitter: @ronblockakus

Ron Block’s Instagram: @ronblockakus

________________________ 

Connect with Jesus Calling

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

Jesus Calling Website

TikTok

 

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we&rsquo;ll hear from Grammy Award-winning musician and songwriter Ron Block, of Alison Krauss &amp; Union Station. Ron shares how, through all the ups and downs of a music career, he&rsquo;s learned to depend on God.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Guest&rsquo;s Links 
Ron Block&rsquo;s Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RonBlockMusic/">@RonBlockMusic</a>
Ron Block&rsquo;s Twitter: <a href="https://x.com/ronblockakus">@ronblockakus</a>
Ron Block&rsquo;s Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ronblockakus/?hl=en">@ronblockakus</a>
________________________&nbsp;
Connect with Jesus Calling
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/">Facebook</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling">Twitter</a>
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&amp;etslf=5858">Pinterest</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1">YouTube</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/">Jesus Calling Website</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en">TikTok</a>
&nbsp;
*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Millions have been encouraged and inspired by the words of the #1 best-selling 365-day devotional "Jesus Calling." Listen to real-life stories of faith as told by those who have experienced the power of living in His presence.

Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

Millions have been encouraged and inspired by the words of the #1 best-selling 365-day devotional "Jesus Calling." Listen to real-life stories of faith as told by those who have experienced the power of living in His presence.

Jesus Calling

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Praying to Trust God More: Ron Block

*This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.*

This week, as the country remembers the twenty-fifth anniversary of 9/11, we’re talking with Darin Kinder, a retired Secret Service agent who survived the September 11th attacks and was later awarded a Medal of Valor for his actions that day. Kinder recounts the chaos of that morning, from treating the wounded on the street to making the choice to go back into a collapsing tower to help others get out.

Later in the episode, we feature Sam Eaton. After enduring years of severe depression, the former music teacher had made plans to take his own life on Christmas Day in 2011. However, a single pivotal question intervened at the final second, steering him toward a new direction and a mission to support others through their own darkest trials.

 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Jay Lowder 

Upcoming interview: David Pollack

Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season

 

Darin Kinder

World Trade Center complex

www.DarinKinder.com

Bury Me in a Dirty Suit

 

Sam Eaton

Recklessly Alive

You Can Do This

 

Interview Quotes:

“The 343 New York City Firefighters who died [on 9/11] answering the call, running to the threat so that others may live, embraced the embodiment of what we all must be as ambassadors of Christ.” - Darin Kinder

“We are called to be that man, that woman, standing in the alley, pointing people to the light of life. ‘Those who follow Me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life,’ said Jesus. And that’s our mission as witnesses of Christ, as ambassadors representing Christ—to be the man, to be a woman standing in the alley, pointing people to the light of the world.” - Darin Kinder 

“Sometimes God creates miracles, but most of the time He creates people. This world is full of problems, and you and I were created to be part of the solution for at least one.” - Darin Kinder 

“I want to encourage people to get outside of the walls of their church and engage humanity, engage the problem. Bring the love of Christ, bring the light of Christ into the dark places.” - Darin Kinder 

“I was so angry because so much of the messaging I had heard in my Christian journey was ,’God has great plans for your life.’ We hear that so often. And of course, I believe that. But in moments of extreme pain, when you can’t see hope, I was like, ‘Oh God, wow, if these are the great plans that you have for our lives--so much pain that I’m not even sure I want to be alive--how can you be a good God?’” - Sam Eaton

“Have you really given life everything you’ve got? Because I think that’s the life that Jesus calls us to: to be brave and courageous and to give it what we’ve got, no matter how hopeless we might feel.” - Sam Eaton

“I was made on purpose for a purpose, and there’s been this good God who’s been this quiet and gentle voice that’s willing to meet us when we make a little time for Him.” - Sam Eaton

“We lose almost 50,000 people a year to suicide in the U.S. We just have to be willing to talk about it, to have these hard conversations, and to encourage people to seek the medical help that can help them like it has helped me create a life that they want to live and that they can love.” - Sam Eaton 

________________________

Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!

Audio Interviews: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 

Video Interviews: https://bit.ly/4f79RAW 

Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/4q5iTCx 

Scripture Series: https://bit.ly/4wAVGKU 

Celebrity Readings: https://bit.ly/4bIS5BJ 

Video Devotionals: https://bit.ly/4fG1kFb 

Sleep Meditations: https://bit.ly/4w0xu37 
Shorts: https://bit.ly/3RHFubh 

________________________ 

Connect with Jesus Calling

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

Website

TikTok

*This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.*
This week, as the country remembers the twenty-fifth anniversary of 9/11, we&rsquo;re talking with <a href="https://www.darinkinder.com/">Darin Kinder</a>, a retired Secret Service agent who survived the September 11th attacks and was later awarded a Medal of Valor for his actions that day. Kinder recounts the chaos of that morning, from treating the wounded on the street to making the choice to go back into a collapsing tower to help others get out.
Later in the episode, we feature <a href="https://www.recklesslyalive.com/">Sam Eaton</a>. After enduring years of severe depression, the former music teacher had made plans to take his own life on Christmas Day in 2011. However, a single pivotal question intervened at the final second, steering him toward a new direction and a mission to support others through their own darkest trials.
&nbsp;
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/">Jesus Calling Podcast</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/">Jesus Calling</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/">Jesus Always</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/">Jesus Listens</a>
Past interview: <a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/finding-hope-through-waves-of-sorrow-jay-lowder-and-riley-kehoe/">Jay Lowder</a>&nbsp;
Upcoming interview: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidpollack47/">David Pollack</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Listens-Prayers-365-Day-Illustrated/dp/1400254671">Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.darinkinder.com/">Darin Kinder</a>
<a href="https://www.911memorial.org/learn/resources/digital-exhibitions/world-trade-center-history/world-trade-center-facts-and-figures">World Trade Center complex</a>
<a href="http://www.darinkinder.com">www.DarinKinder.com</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bury-Dirty-Suit-Discovering-Aftermath-ebook/dp/B0FL1G58B8">Bury Me in a Dirty Suit</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.recklesslyalive.com/">Sam Eaton</a>
<a href="https://www.recklesslyalive.com/">Recklessly Alive</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-This-Affirmations-Recklessly/dp/031046742X/">You Can Do This</a>
&nbsp;
Interview Quotes:
&ldquo;The 343 New York City Firefighters who died [on 9/11] answering the call, running to the threat so that others may live, embraced the embodiment of what we all must be as ambassadors of Christ.&rdquo; - Darin Kinder
&ldquo;We are called to be that man, that woman, standing in the alley, pointing people to the light of life. &lsquo;Those who follow Me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life,&rsquo; said Jesus. And that&rsquo;s our mission as witnesses of Christ, as ambassadors representing Christ&mdash;to be the man, to be a woman standing in the alley, pointing people to the light of the world.&rdquo; - Darin Kinder&nbsp;
&ldquo;Sometimes God creates miracles, but most of the time He creates people. This world is full of problems, and you and I were created to be part of the solution for at least one.&rdquo; - Darin Kinder&nbsp;
&ldquo;I want to encourage people to get outside of the walls of their church and engage humanity, engage the problem. Bring the love of Christ, bring the light of Christ into the dark places.&rdquo; - Darin Kinder&nbsp;
&ldquo;I was so angry because so much of the messaging I had heard in my Christian journey was ,&rsquo;God has great plans for your life.&rsquo; We hear that so often. And of course, I believe that. But in moments of extreme pain, when you can&rsquo;t see hope, I was like, &lsquo;Oh God, wow, if these are the great plans that you have for our lives--so much pain that I&rsquo;m not even sure I want to be alive--how can you be a good God?&rsquo;&rdquo; - Sam Eaton
&ldquo;Have you really given life everything you&rsquo;ve got? Because I think that&rsquo;s the life that Jesus calls us to: to be brave and courageous and to give it what we&rsquo;ve got, no matter how hopeless we might feel.&rdquo; - Sam Eaton
&ldquo;I was made on purpose for a purpose, and there&rsquo;s been this good God who&rsquo;s been this quiet and gentle voice that&rsquo;s willing to meet us when we make a little time for Him.&rdquo; - Sam Eaton
&ldquo;We lose almost 50,000 people a year to suicide in the U.S. We just have to be willing to talk about it, to have these hard conversations, and to encourage people to seek the medical help that can help them like it has helped me create a life that they want to live and that they can love.&rdquo; - Sam Eaton&nbsp;
________________________
Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!
Audio Interviews: <a href="https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7">https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7</a>&nbsp;
Video Interviews: <a href="https://bit.ly/4f79RAW">https://bit.ly/4f79RAW</a>&nbsp;
Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: <a href="https://bit.ly/4q5iTCx">https://bit.ly/4q5iTCx</a>&nbsp;
Scripture Series: <a href="https://bit.ly/4wAVGKU">https://bit.ly/4wAVGKU</a>&nbsp;
Celebrity Readings: <a href="https://bit.ly/4bIS5BJ">https://bit.ly/4bIS5BJ</a>&nbsp;
Video Devotionals: <a href="https://bit.ly/4fG1kFb">https://bit.ly/4fG1kFb</a>&nbsp;
Sleep Meditations: <a href="https://bit.ly/4w0xu37">https://bit.ly/4w0xu37</a>&nbsp; Shorts: <a href="https://bit.ly/3RHFubh">https://bit.ly/3RHFubh</a>&nbsp;
________________________&nbsp;
Connect with Jesus Calling
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/">Facebook</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling">Twitter</a>
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&amp;etslf=5858">Pinterest</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1">YouTube</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/">Website</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en">TikTok</a>

Finding Courage in the Dark: Darin Kinder & Sam Eaton

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/08037a97-d3f0-4328-b747-b4b7011d8174/transcript

We’re joined by author and counselor Chuck DeGroat, who explores the profound invitation of the second half of life—a season where we are called to move beyond the “proving and performing” of our younger years. Chuck shares why this transition calls us to detangle our identities and embrace a slower, “non-microwavable” path to healing. He explains how cultivating spaces of safety and reconnection allows us to finally come home—to ourselves, to one another, and to God.

Later, we’ll hear from David and Alicia Lloyd. After more than two decades of dedicated service in the country of Haiti, they faced a devastating crisis that upended their world and challenged everything they thought they understood about God’s faithfulness. They share the raw, vulnerable journey of navigating profound loss and the unexpected ways they ultimately discovered God anew in the aftermath.

 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Erin Leigh Nelson 

Upcoming interview: Darin Kinder

Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season 

 

Chuck DeGroat

Carl Jung

Thomas Merton

Henri Nouwen

Genesis chapter three

www.chuckdegroat.net

Who You’re Becoming

 

David and Alicia Lloyd

www.missionsinhaiti.com

Strong to the End

 

Interview Quotes:

“We’re often wrestling with this invitation of the second half of life where there is some sense that the rules of the first half of life don’t work any longer, and that there’s a deeper realization that they’re being invited to.” - Chuck DeGroat 

“I think that the work that I invite others into, and the work I’ve had to do myself, is some detangling from the identity of that first half of life. What I thought I needed to chase after—that usually comes with a lot of should’s. And we’ve got to trace that story back often to early childhood. Where did those should’s and ought’s come from? And what was the deeper dream? What was the deep longing, the deeper vision?” - Chuck DeGroat 

“You’re noticing things that you didn’t have time to notice in the first half of life when you were living according to the rules of busyness and proving and protecting. But with that, there are also questions of mortality like, Did it mean anything? What have I lost? Who have I hurt along the way in my busyness and my workaholism?” - Chuck DeGroat

“God created us with a physiological connection point, or maybe even call it a homing beacon, that reminds us that our deepest longing is for home, is for connection, is for love.” - Chuck DeGroat

“We stray from home into places that are disconnected, sometimes overwhelmed, sometimes frantic. Sometimes we find ourselves in anxious places, and yet the invitation to my clients, the invitation from God to you and to me, is always to return home.” - Chuck DeGroat 

“There’s no fast track to change. There’s no microwavable pathway to change. It’s slow, and sometimes painful, but it begins with reconnection, and reconnection can only happen when our nervous systems experience a sense of safety. When we know within us, and around us, that we’re in a place where we’re truly seen and known and held, that’s when we can begin to shift in a new direction.” - Chuck DeGroat 

“We had prayed so many times before that [God] would show up in the middle of whatever we’re facing, and [He] had showed up, God, like we prayed.” - David Lloyd

“God did show up, just not the way we had prayed. But God was there.” - David Lloyd 

“For me, my moments of grief, my moments of breakdown, were when I was by myself, which was usually not always the most opportune times.” - David Lloyd

“I realized that God still does care about us, He does still realize that we’re hurting, and we can just call out to Him, and we can say, ‘We need some relief.’” - David Lloyd

________________________

Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!

Audio Interviews: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 

Video Interviews: https://bit.ly/4f79RAW 

Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/4q5iTCx 

Scripture Series: https://bit.ly/4wAVGKU 

Celebrity Readings: https://bit.ly/4bIS5BJ 

Video Devotionals: https://bit.ly/4fG1kFb 

Sleep Meditations: https://bit.ly/4w0xu37
Shorts: https://bit.ly/3RHFubh 

________________________ 

Connect with Jesus Calling

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

Website

TikTok

We&rsquo;re joined by <a href="https://www.chuckdegroat.net/">author and counselor Chuck DeGroat</a>, who explores the profound invitation of the second half of life&mdash;a season where we are called to move beyond the &ldquo;proving and performing&rdquo; of our younger years. Chuck shares why this transition calls us to detangle our identities and embrace a slower, &ldquo;non-microwavable&rdquo; path to healing. He explains how cultivating spaces of safety and reconnection allows us to finally come home&mdash;to ourselves, to one another, and to God.
Later, we&rsquo;ll hear from <a href="https://www.missionsinhaiti.com/about-us">David and Alicia Lloyd</a>. After more than two decades of dedicated service in the country of Haiti, they faced a devastating crisis that upended their world and challenged everything they thought they understood about God&rsquo;s faithfulness. They share the raw, vulnerable journey of navigating profound loss and the unexpected ways they ultimately discovered God anew in the aftermath.
&nbsp;
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/">Jesus Calling Podcast</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/">Jesus Calling</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/">Jesus Always</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/">Jesus Listens</a>
Past interview: <a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/the-sacred-space-of-sorrow-erin-leigh-nelson-allie-marie-smith/">Erin Leigh Nelson</a>&nbsp;
Upcoming interview: <a href="https://www.darinkinder.com/">Darin Kinder</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Listens-Prayers-365-Day-Illustrated/dp/1400254671">Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.chuckdegroat.net/">Chuck DeGroat</a>
<a href="https://jungiancenter.org/">Carl Jung</a>
<a href="https://merton.org/chrono.aspx">Thomas Merton</a>
<a href="https://www.henrinouwen.org/about-henri-nouwen">Henri Nouwen</a>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%203&amp;version=NIV">Genesis chapter three</a>
<a href="https://www.chuckdegroat.net">www.chuckdegroat.net</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496483189">Who You&rsquo;re Becoming</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.missionsinhaiti.com/about-us">David and Alicia Lloyd</a>
<a href="http://www.missionsinhaiti.com">www.missionsinhaiti.com</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802439055">Strong to the End</a>
&nbsp;
Interview Quotes:
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re often wrestling with this invitation of the second half of life where there is some sense that the rules of the first half of life don&rsquo;t work any longer, and that there&rsquo;s a deeper realization that they&rsquo;re being invited to.&rdquo; - Chuck DeGroat&nbsp;
&ldquo;I think that the work that I invite others into, and the work I&rsquo;ve had to do myself, is some detangling from the identity of that first half of life. What I thought I needed to chase after&mdash;that usually comes with a lot of should&rsquo;s. And we&rsquo;ve got to trace that story back often to early childhood. Where did those should&rsquo;s and ought&rsquo;s come from? And what was the deeper dream? What was the deep longing, the deeper vision?&rdquo; - Chuck DeGroat&nbsp;
&ldquo;You&rsquo;re noticing things that you didn&rsquo;t have time to notice in the first half of life when you were living according to the rules of busyness and proving and protecting. But with that, there are also questions of mortality like, Did it mean anything? What have I lost? Who have I hurt along the way in my busyness and my workaholism?&rdquo; - Chuck DeGroat
&ldquo;God created us with a physiological connection point, or maybe even call it a homing beacon, that reminds us that our deepest longing is for home, is for connection, is for love.&rdquo; - Chuck DeGroat
&ldquo;We stray from home into places that are disconnected, sometimes overwhelmed, sometimes frantic. Sometimes we find ourselves in anxious places, and yet the invitation to my clients, the invitation from God to you and to me, is always to return home.&rdquo; - Chuck DeGroat&nbsp;
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no fast track to change. There&rsquo;s no microwavable pathway to change. It&rsquo;s slow, and sometimes painful, but it begins with reconnection, and reconnection can only happen when our nervous systems experience a sense of safety. When we know within us, and around us, that we&rsquo;re in a place where we&rsquo;re truly seen and known and held, that&rsquo;s when we can begin to shift in a new direction.&rdquo; - Chuck DeGroat&nbsp;
&ldquo;We had prayed so many times before that [God] would show up in the middle of whatever we&rsquo;re facing, and [He] had showed up, God, like we prayed.&rdquo; - David Lloyd
&ldquo;God did show up, just not the way we had prayed. But God was there.&rdquo; - David Lloyd&nbsp;
&ldquo;For me, my moments of grief, my moments of breakdown, were when I was by myself, which was usually not always the most opportune times.&rdquo; - David Lloyd
&ldquo;I realized that God still does care about us, He does still realize that we&rsquo;re hurting, and we can just call out to Him, and we can say, &lsquo;We need some relief.&rsquo;&rdquo; - David Lloyd
________________________
Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!
Audio Interviews: <a href="https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7">https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7</a>&nbsp;
Video Interviews: <a href="https://bit.ly/4f79RAW">https://bit.ly/4f79RAW</a>&nbsp;
Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: <a href="https://bit.ly/4q5iTCx">https://bit.ly/4q5iTCx</a>&nbsp;
Scripture Series: <a href="https://bit.ly/4wAVGKU">https://bit.ly/4wAVGKU</a>&nbsp;
Celebrity Readings: <a href="https://bit.ly/4bIS5BJ">https://bit.ly/4bIS5BJ</a>&nbsp;
Video Devotionals: <a href="https://bit.ly/4fG1kFb">https://bit.ly/4fG1kFb</a>&nbsp;
Sleep Meditations: <a href="https://bit.ly/4w0xu37">https://bit.ly/4w0xu37</a> Shorts: <a href="https://bit.ly/3RHFubh">https://bit.ly/3RHFubh</a>&nbsp;
________________________&nbsp;
Connect with Jesus Calling
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/">Facebook</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling">Twitter</a>
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&amp;etslf=5858">Pinterest</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1">YouTube</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/">Website</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en">TikTok</a>

Coming Home Through the Crisis: Chuck DeGroat & David and Alicia Lloyd

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/727ca33c-fe20-4fc2-af23-b4b100d7cc5e/transcript

This week, we’ll hear from Megan Piphus, a puppeteer and ventriloquist known for playing Gabrielle on Sesame Street. She’ll share how a childhood spent in her father’s church led her to an opportunity at the Jim Henson Company and how she’s since used puppetry to teach kids about God’s love. You’ll also meet her puppet, June Bug, who occasionally jumps in to help tell the story.

Next, we’ll hear from legendary voice actor Jim Cummings, whose iconic performances as Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck, and countless other beloved characters have brought comfort and joy to generations. Jim reflects on discovering his gift at a young age, the surprising path that led him into voice acting, and the unforgettable moments when his work became a source of hope for people facing difficult circumstances.

 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview:RaeLynn

Upcoming interview: Chuck DeGroat

 

Megan Piphus

Gabrielle on Sesame Street 

Psalms 126:6

Cinderella Sweep

Saving Our Daughters

Sesame Street on PBS

 

Jim Cummings

The Jack Benny Program

www.JimCummingsWorld.com

 

Interview Quotes:

“I realized that puppetry was something that you could learn and something that you could do for other people and do for kids.” - Megan Piphus

“I believe that God’s timing is perfect and divine. I knew very early that I had a callingto teach kids about God’s love.” - Megan Piphus

“By teaching [children] something new, they are inspired to be anything.” - Megan Piphus 

“It is so important for young girls to see themselves represented in the most diverse spaces and unique spaces.” - Megan Piphus

“Oftentimes, kids are told, ‘I don’t know if you can do that, or I don’t know if that’s possible.’ As we get older, our world slowly confines into a space of what we see is possible and what the world tells us is possible. What I loved about puppetry is it kind of broke the rules of what’s possible.” - Megan Piphus 

“I was always in a lot of plays as a child, and I didn’t want to be the student prince, or this and that. I wanted to be the troll that lived under the bridge. I was inadvertently doing research for what I was going to ultimately do when I grew up.” - Jim Cummings 

“Winnie the Pooh is like comfort for the soul. ‘You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.’ He’s got a lot of that folksy wisdom that people rely on to get through tough times. And I’ve just been very fortunate to be a part of that.” - Jim Cummings

“I think the key word with Winnie the Pooh and the whole Hundred Acre Wood gang is ‘sincerity.’ It’s all just the interaction between friends, and it’s that bonding time, and it’s a celebration of the time in life when everything’s magical.” - Jim Cummings 

________________________

Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!

Audio Interviews: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 

Video Interviews: https://bit.ly/4f79RAW 

Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/4q5iTCx 

Scripture Series: https://bit.ly/4wAVGKU 

Celebrity Readings: https://bit.ly/4bIS5BJ 

Video Devotionals: https://bit.ly/4fG1kFb 

Sleep Meditations: https://bit.ly/4w0xu37
Shorts: https://bit.ly/3RHFubh 

________________________ 

Connect with Jesus Calling

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

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This week, we&rsquo;ll hear from <a href="https://www.meganbaptist.com/">Megan Piphus</a>, a puppeteer and ventriloquist known for playing <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6830384/">Gabrielle on Sesame Street</a>. She&rsquo;ll share how a childhood spent in her father&rsquo;s church led her to an opportunity at the Jim Henson Company and how she&rsquo;s since used puppetry to teach kids about God&rsquo;s love. You&rsquo;ll also meet her puppet, June Bug, who occasionally jumps in to help tell the story.
Next, we&rsquo;ll hear from legendary <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191906/">voice actor Jim Cummings</a>, whose iconic performances as Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck, and countless other beloved characters have brought comfort and joy to generations. Jim reflects on discovering his gift at a young age, the surprising path that led him into voice acting, and the unforgettable moments when his work became a source of hope for people facing difficult circumstances.
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Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/">Jesus Calling Podcast</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/">Jesus Calling</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/">Jesus Always</a>
<a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/">Jesus Listens</a>
Past interview: <a href="https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/using-artistic-gifts-to-inspire-and-give-hope-raelynn-kristy-cambron/">RaeLynn</a>
Upcoming interview: <a href="https://www.chuckdegroat.net/">Chuck DeGroat</a>
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<a href="https://www.meganbaptist.com/">Megan Piphus</a>
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6830384/">Gabrielle on Sesame Street</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%20126%3A6%2C&amp;version=NIV">Psalms 126:6</a>
<a href="https://www.meganbaptist.com/album">Cinderella Sweep</a>
<a href="https://savingourdaughters.org/">Saving Our Daughters</a>
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6830384/">Sesame Street on PBS</a>
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191906/">Jim Cummings</a>
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042116/">The Jack Benny Program</a>
<a href="https://jimcummingsworld.com/">www.JimCummingsWorld.com</a>
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Interview Quotes:
&ldquo;I realized that puppetry was something that you could learn and something that you could do for other people and do for kids.&rdquo; - Megan Piphus
&ldquo;I believe that God&rsquo;s timing is perfect and divine. I knew very early that I had a calling to teach kids about God&rsquo;s love.&rdquo; - Megan Piphus
&ldquo;By teaching [children] something new, they are inspired to be anything.&rdquo; - Megan Piphus&nbsp;
&ldquo;It is so important for young girls to see themselves represented in the most diverse spaces and unique spaces.&rdquo; - Megan Piphus
&ldquo;Oftentimes, kids are told, &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know if you can do that, or I don&rsquo;t know if that&rsquo;s possible.&rsquo; As we get older, our world slowly confines into a space of what we see is possible and what the world tells us is possible. What I loved about puppetry is it kind of broke the rules of what&rsquo;s possible.&rdquo; - Megan Piphus&nbsp;
&ldquo;I was always in a lot of plays as a child, and I didn&rsquo;t want to be the student prince, or this and that. I wanted to be the troll that lived under the bridge. I was inadvertently doing research for what I was going to ultimately do when I grew up.&rdquo; - Jim Cummings&nbsp;
&ldquo;Winnie the Pooh is like comfort for the soul. &lsquo;You&rsquo;re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.&rsquo; He&rsquo;s got a lot of that folksy wisdom that people rely on to get through tough times. And I&rsquo;ve just been very fortunate to be a part of that.&rdquo; - Jim Cummings
&ldquo;I think the key word with Winnie the Pooh and the whole Hundred Acre Wood gang is &lsquo;sincerity.&rsquo; It&rsquo;s all just the interaction between friends, and it&rsquo;s that bonding time, and it&rsquo;s a celebration of the time in life when everything&rsquo;s magical.&rdquo; - Jim Cummings&nbsp;
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!
Audio Interviews: <a href="https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7">https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7</a>&nbsp;
Video Interviews: <a href="https://bit.ly/4f79RAW">https://bit.ly/4f79RAW</a>&nbsp;
Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: <a href="https://bit.ly/4q5iTCx">https://bit.ly/4q5iTCx</a>&nbsp;
Scripture Series: <a href="https://bit.ly/4wAVGKU">https://bit.ly/4wAVGKU</a>&nbsp;
Celebrity Readings: <a href="https://bit.ly/4bIS5BJ">https://bit.ly/4bIS5BJ</a>&nbsp;
Video Devotionals: <a href="https://bit.ly/4fG1kFb">https://bit.ly/4fG1kFb</a>&nbsp;
Sleep Meditations: <a href="https://bit.ly/4w0xu37">https://bit.ly/4w0xu37</a> Shorts: <a href="https://bit.ly/3RHFubh">https://bit.ly/3RHFubh</a>&nbsp;
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Bringing Characters and Wonder to Life: Megan Piphus & Jim Cummings 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/33029492-fb97-4a12-aa44-b4ac010ec65c/transcript

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Praying to Trust God More: Ron Block

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