What Hope Sounds Like

“The beautiful thing is God’s going to meet us right where we are.” - Brewer Hicklen

Brewer Hicklen has been chasing the dream of professional baseball since he was four years old, and along the way, God has given that dream an even bigger purpose.

In this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Ryan sits down with Atlanta Braves outfielder Brewer Hicklen to talk baseball, faith and what it looks like to follow Jesus wherever God places you. Brewer shares how his faith became personal during his college years and how he’s learned to see every clubhouse, teammate and season as an opportunity to make a difference. 

For Brewer, baseball is something he loves, but it's not his identity. Whether he’s experiencing a career high or navigating an unexpected turn, he wants his life to point people back to Jesus.

The FIFA World Cup has the world's attention, but the best stories aren't happening on the field.

This week on What Hope Sounds Like, Ryan talks with Jason Romano from Sports Spectrum about the incredible ways God is working through athletes on the world's biggest stage. Jason talks about why he walked away from his dream job at ESPN to follow God's call, and how doing that changed everything.

From post-game prayer circles to the viral "King's Return" celebration, you'll hear how players are using some of the biggest moments of their careers to point people to Jesus.

The spotlight may be on the World Cup, but these athletes are making sure it points somewhere even greater.

"I want my daughters to see me and see a reflection of the Father's heart."

Being a good dad can feel like a lot of pressure. You want to get it right, protect your kids, be their friend, have their respect and lead them to Jesus…and that is a lot.

In this episode, Brian from The Light FM talks to Jeremy Camp for a conversation about fatherhood, raising daughters, and learning to trust God through every season. From bedtime prayers and family memories to praying for future spouses and dealing with dad guilt, Jeremy shares what he's learned from walking through more than two decades of being a girl dad.

Jeremy reminds us that our kids don't need perfect parents. They need parents who are willing to be honest, ask for forgiveness when they miss the mark, and keep pointing them to Jesus.

If you're a dad, a parent, or someone who needs a reminder that God has a plan for you and your child, this episode is a great reminder.

Because no matter what yesterday looked like, Jesus is still in the business of redemption.

REMEMBER...

Your kids don't need the perfect parent, but they do need you.

Some of the moments that matter most happen in the ordinary, everyday rhythms of life.

It's never too late for God to redeem what's been broken.

Over the last two episodes, we've heard how Garrett and Jacq from CLINE followed God through unexpected twists, uncertainty, and seasons that stretched their faith.

But what was God building through all of it?

In this final part of their story, Garrett and Jacq share about family, legacy, songwriting, grief, and the moments that shaped who they are today. From the story of Garrett's dad surrendering his life to Christ on the side of the road, to writing songs that give people words for their pain, this conversation is a reminder that God is working in ways we often can't see until we look back.

At the end of the day, it all comes back to Jesus.

What do you do when life suddenly changes and the future feels really uncertain?

In this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Garrett and Jacq from CLINE share how God met them in one of the hardest and most uncertain seasons of their lives.

From the shutdown of the music industry during COVID, to stepping away from the life they had built in country music, they found themselves learning what it really means to trust God one day at a time.

And through it all, God continued to provide, redirect, and remind them that He was still working behind the scenes.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the waiting or unsure what God is doing next… this episode is for you.

• God is still working, even when life feels uncertain
• Sometimes the waiting season is where God does His deepest work
• Your calling is bigger than a title, platform, or industry

What do you do when you feel called to ministry… but God leads you somewhere completely unexpected?

In this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Brian sits down with Garrett and Jacq from CLINE to talk about how their journey didn’t follow the plan they thought it would.

From leading worship in their local church to stepping into the country music world, their story is a reminder that God’s calling doesn’t always look the way we expect—but it’s always right on time.

If you’ve ever felt like your life took a turn you didn’t plan… this conversation will remind you that God is still working in every step.

REMEMBER…

God’s calling doesn’t always look like church but it’s still ministry

Your “yes” to God can lead you into unexpected places with purpose

What feels like a detour might actually be divine direction

No matter where you find yourself today - on the path you planned or somewhere totally unexpected—God is still writing your story.

“It wasn’t just a shoebox. It was a reminder that God sees this child — and He hasn’t forgotten them.”

What happens after you pack a shoebox?

On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Christian Artist Austin French joins Jeff and Ryan from The Light FM as they talk about witnessing firsthand what God does through Operation Christmas Child.

It’s one thing to drop a box in a collection bin. It’s another thing entirely to place it into a child’s hands, to look into their eyes and to see how Jesus uses something seemingly insignificant to spark something eternal.

From remote villages to moments none of us expected, this trip wasn’t just about delivering gifts, it was about watching Jesus meet kids (and honestly, us) right in the middle of their stories.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your small “yes” matters - this episode will remind you: it does. More than you know. Your small act of obedience can have global impact.

A simple shoebox can be the doorway for a child to encounter the love of Jesus

“This generation isn’t running from God — they’re hungry for truth and authenticity.”

This week, Ryan sits down backstage at Winter Jam with the Three Heath Brothers — Clayton, Nicholas, and Christian — three real-life brothers from North Carolina who are on a mission to reach Gen Z with the truth of Jesus.

From growing up as preacher’s kids to singing in over 200 public schools for 70,000+ students, their heart is clear: this generation is hungry. Hungry for truth. Hungry for authenticity. Hungry for hope.

They share how God opened doors from small church gigs to the Winter Jam stage, why they started writing their own music and what they’re seeing in Gen Z across the country.

This conversation is fun, honest, and full of energy, but underneath it all is something deeper: a generation searching for something real and a very real God who is still showing up.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Gen Z cares about faith, this episode will encourage you. Keep praying and keep being authentic.

Gen Z isn’t lost — they’re searching.
Behind the screens and sarcasm, there’s a deep hunger for something real. Jesus is still meeting young people right where they are.

Be who God created you to be.
The Three Heath Brothers aren’t trying to copy anyone else. They’re choosing authenticity, and that’s exactly what this generation responds to. Your obedience, just as you are, might be someone else’s lifeline.

“Seeing thousands of young people worship Jesus gives me so much hope for this generation.”

Ryan sits down with Brady Pettee, the creative mind behind much of what you see from Josiah Queen online. From viral social content to powerful music videos, Brady shares what it looks like to turn songs like “Dusty Bibles” and “Demons” into visuals that connect deeply with Gen Z, while still staying rooted in truth and pointing people straight to Jesus.

They also talk about the moment Brady realized his job isn’t just about making cool content—it’s ministry. From praying with someone after a show to hearing how a song helped someone stand firm against the lies of the enemy, Brady shares why he has real hope for this generation and how God is using creativity to reach hearts in a big way.

Creativity can be ministry – God uses cameras, social media, and art to plant seeds and change lives.

Gen Z is hungry for truth – When Jesus is presented honestly and boldly, people respond.

The power of Jesus is real and present – Songs like “Demons” remind us we don’t fight alone.

“God isn’t scared of your big feelings — He created you.”

We sat down with Ivey Asher, a singer, songwriter, streamer, and all-around honest voice for this generation. From growing up in music and acting, to walking through grief, bullying, and church hurt, Ivey shares how God met her right in the middle of her mess — not after she had it all together. Her heart is simple: help people feel seen, known, and less alone.

We also talk about how Ivey uses social media and livestreaming as real ministry spaces, where faith conversations happen naturally and safely. Whether she’s sharing music, playing Minecraft, or talking about Jesus being a friend who can handle our biggest feelings, Ivey reminds us that God never gave up — even when she felt far away.

REMINDERS:

• God can handle our doubts, anger, grief, and questions — and still stay close.

• Authentic faith opens doors, especially with Gen Z who are hungry for what’s real.

• Ministry doesn’t always look like a stage — sometimes it looks like community, conversation, and showing up honestly.

“I don’t just love music — I love ministry. I want to help people love on Jesus.” – Lindy Bryson

We loved getting to sit down with Lindy Bryson and hear how God has been shaping her heart from a little girl singing in church to a young worship leader with a clear calling. Lindy shares how a moment at summer camp helped her realize faith isn’t about religion — it’s about relationship — and how God used a simple answer from Kari Jobe to confirm her calling to help people love on Jesus.

Lindy also talks about her roots in the Carolinas, her love for storytelling music, and how God is opening new doors as she writes and records in Nashville. Her heart for ministry is undeniable, and her prayer is simple: that wherever God sends her, people would find their hope, worth, and confidence in Jesus.

• A real relationship with Jesus changes everything — even how we see our calling.

• God uses music as ministry, reaching hearts we may never fully see.

• Our broken places aren’t wasted — Jesus makes something beautiful out of them.

On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Carol sits down with Christina Eagle, whose life story has been anything but simple — yet Jesus has been faithful every step of the way.

Christina shares how losing both of her biological parents early in life shaped her, and how her grandparents poured faith into her from the beginning. She talks about discovering her love for singing, the moment she almost ignored the audition link for The Voice, and how one small step of courage led to a chair turn from a judge that changed her life.

She also opens up about the season when she confused fear with faith, and how God gently led her out of a hurtful environment and into real freedom. And you’ll hear the sweet story behind her viral TikTok song “Jesus Loves You,”inspired by a nudge from the Holy Spirit.

Christina’s journey is honest, unexpected, and full of reminders that Jesus meets us where we are — and He knows exactly how to lead us forward.

Take It With You

1. God opens doors no one else can — and sometimes those doors look different than you expected.
2. Healing from spiritual hurt is real, and Jesus walks gently with us back into freedom.
3. You don’t have to stay in a box — God will use you right where people need hope most.

Even when it’s a hard story, it can still be a happy song because God has a plan.

On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Kelly Brandon sits down with someone very special — and very close to her heart — 12-year-old Airely Hart, Western North Carolina native. Airely may be young, but God is already stirring something big in her: a deep love for singing, songwriting, and sharing Jesus with every note. She is proof that you’re never too young to follow your dreams and step into your purpose from God.

Airely talks about how she finds inspiration, why walking and praying help her get ready to write, and how she uses Scripture to make sure her lyrics stay rooted in God’s truth. She shares the stories behind the songs she’s working on and how each one points straight to Jesus and the hope He brings.

You’ll hear about her heart for people who don’t know Christ yet, how she’s using music to tell others about Him and the sweet ways her family encourages and helps her grow. 

Stick around to the end where Airely shares one of her original songs. Trust us… you’re going to be inspired by this girl - and you just might start singing along.

Remember…

• God can use any age to tell big stories about His love.
• When we root our creativity in Scripture, it becomes a way to share Jesus with the world.
• Your gifts grow when you offer them back to the Lord.

“There’s no government or darkness that can stop the Gospel. The light always shines through.”

On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Jeff talks with Izabella McMillon from Operation Christmas Child. Izabella grew up under communism in Romania, where faith was forbidden and even owning a Bible could cost your life. But God broke through that darkness in the most unexpected way—through a hidden Bible and, years later, a simple shoebox.

You’ll hear how Izabella’s first prayer for snow led to a snow globe tucked inside her shoebox, and how that moment became proof to a 13-year-old girl that God saw her, loved her, and was real. Today, Izabella helps lead others to share that same hope around the world through Operation Christmas Child.

It’s a story about light breaking through darkness, a child’s faith, and how God can use something as small as a shoebox to change a life forever.

Remember...

1. God sees us—even in the darkest places. Izabella’s story proves that no barrier can keep Him from reaching those He loves.

2. Small acts of obedience matter. A simple shoebox, packed and prayed over, can open a heart to Jesus.

3. Hope multiplies. Izabella once received a shoebox as a child; now she helps share that same hope with children worldwide.

Leanna Crawford joins Jonathan Unthank to share how honesty with God has shaped her life, her music, and her marriage.

From writing her song Honest during a season of anxiety and depression, to discovering God’s kindness in unexpected ways, Leanna reminds us that Jesus meets us right where we are. She opens up about how marriage has taught her more about grace, why rest is so vital, and how hope is always available in Christ—even when life feels confusing or overwhelming.

3 Key Takeaways

1. God can handle our honesty. Leanna encourages us to bring our raw, unfiltered prayers to Him, trusting His grace meets us right where we are.
2. Hope is found in His presence. Even in seasons of anxiety, confusion, or chaos, God’s kindness and faithfulness remain steady.
3. Rest is biblical. Leanna challenges us to slow down, embrace Sabbath rhythms, and remember that God built us to rest, not run on fumes.

“What I thought was a setback was really a setup for what God was preparing.”

 – Drew Baldridge

 On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Brian from The Light FM sits down with Matt from I AM THEY and country artist Drew Baldridge to talk about their re-release of Scars.

They open up about the pain and healing behind their stories—how scars are more than reminders of the past; they’re testimonies of God’s redemption. Matt shares the heart behind I AM THEY’s biggest song and how God used it to transform their ministry, while Drew explains why the message of Scars hit so close to home after years of struggle in the country music industry.

Together, they remind us that scars don’t disqualify us—they point us to Jesus and give us a story to share with others who need hope.

Ben Kessler—known online as The Lord’s Giant—has a story you won’t forget. From battling mental health struggles to finding his purpose in Christ, Ben shares how God turned his pain into a platform for hope. With hundreds of thousands following his content online, Ben reminds us it’s never about the numbers—it’s about reaching the one.

Listen in as Ryan from The Light FM talks with Ben about faith, social media, and standing tall for Jesus in every season of life.

God meets us in our lowest moments—even when our hearts are breaking, He reminds us that His love is stronger than our pain.

Faithful obedience is greater than viral success—if one person comes to know Jesus, it’s worth it.

Your uniqueness is part of God’s design—you don’t need to copy anyone else to share Christ; He made you to shine in your own way.

“I stopped putting confidence in my own story and put it all in Jesus—the man who died and rose again for me.”

Jeff from Mornings on The Light FM sat down with Jimmy Clifton, a local, independent Christian artist whose music has been reaching people all over the world. Jimmy shares about growing up in a big family, wrestling with faith and temptation, and how God has used even his struggles to bring hope to others.

From playing guitar just to impress his future wife, to busking in downtown Asheville, to writing songs that point directly to Jesus—Jimmy’s story shows us how faithful God is. Jimmy and Jeff remind us that our first ministry is to our family and that when we put Jesus first He can use even our weakest moments for His glory.

💡 Takeaways

1. God’s grace is greater than our failures.

2. Ministry begins at home.

3. Staying true to Christ matters more than chasing success.

“He doesn’t compare us to other people. He meets us exactly where we’re at.” - Madison Watkins

What Hope Sounds Like is BACK—and kicking it off with us is none other than rising Christian artist and former American Idol finalist, Madison Watkins! You might know her from Idol or America’s Got Talent, but today you’ll get to know her heart, her journey, and the One who changed her life forever.

In this powerful and transparent conversation with Carol, Madison shares her story of chasing fame, hitting rock bottom, and hearing God say, “Give it back to Me.” From mainstream music to full-on ministry, Madison opens up about surrender, rest, healing, and writing music that points people straight to Jesus—especially those who don’t know Him yet.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt burned out, confused about their calling, or like they might be too far gone. (Spoiler alert: You’re not.)

Takeaways from the Episode

1. God’s plan is always better than your plan—even when it doesn't look like it at first.
2. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is rest and listen.
3. You’re never too far gone for Jesus. He meets you exactly where you are.
4. Fame without faith will never fulfill.
5. Laying down your dreams isn’t the end—it might be the beginning of something even better.

Connect with Madison

🎶 Music: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon – just search Madison Watkins
📱 Socials: @madison_watkins on all platforms
💌 DM her: She reads every message and loves connecting with new friends from The Light FM family!

How You Can Pray for Madison

Madison asked us to pray for protection—especially over her mind as she steps boldly into a new season of ministry and music for the Kingdom. Let’s lift her up together as a Light FM family! 💛

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helen's devastation, Operation Christmas Child continues to bring hope to children and families worldwide. Denise Gravely of OCC shares the resilience of volunteers and churches in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina as they prepare for National Collection Week. Discover how simple shoebox gifts, filled with toys, essentials, and love, are transforming lives and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Join the movement to bring joy and hope through the power of a shoebox. Whether through packing, donating, or praying, there's a role for everyone in this life-changing mission.

In this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Carol and Jeff sit down with Mac Powell to chat about life on the road as a Christian artist, juggling his music career with family time, and the incredible story of his wife’s recovery from a brain aneurysm. Mac opens up about the power of prayer, staying hopeful through tough times, and why being fully present with the people he loves is what matters most.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Balancing Family and Career: It's so important to be all-in when you're with your people. It no doubt takes work to find the balance, but you won't regret making time for the people you love.
2. The Power of Prayer: Prayer makes a world of difference. Don't be ashamed to ask for prayer - it's an honor to be prayed for and to pray for others.
3. Hope in Tough Times: Although challenges are part of life, we’re never truly alone—God is always right there with us.

Mac Powell is a Grammy-winning Christian artist, best known as the former lead singer of the iconic band Third Day. With over 30 years in music, he’s still going strong, bringing a message of hope and faith through his solo work, and a new album releasing October 27, 2024!