Livin' The Bream Podcast

Shannon is joined by best-selling author, Pastor Jonathan Pokluda for a conversation about his latest book, Why Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do?: Replace Deadly Vices with Life-Giving Virtues.   Pastor Pokluda reflects on how his unique life journey forced him to question and understand his faith. He discusses the roles that vice, and virtue play within our lives and shares how believers can practice discipline to stop feeding sin.   Later, Pastor Pokluda shares how listeners can find a fresh start in their faith in the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merry Christmas!   Shannon sits down with Pastor Max Lucado to reflect on the state of the world and emphasize the importance of the Christmas story to bring hope to the world. Later, he and Shannon discuss their favorite holiday traditions this time of year.   Finally, Pastor Lucado ends with a Christmas prayer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bachelor’s Madison Prewett Troutt found her happy ending! Shannon is joined by Christian influencer and best-selling author Madison Prewett Troutt for a conversation about her latest book, The Love Everybody Wants: What You're Looking For Is Already Yours.   Madison discusses how her life changed after searching for love on The Bachelor, the faith-filled journey that led her to her true love and now-husband. She also shares the lessons learned during her season of singleness, and how it brought her closer to God. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President and Founder of Founder and President of Arc of Justice Ret. Major Will Ostan has dedicated his life to advocate for ill and wounded service members. He joins Shannon for a conversation on his advocacy and latest book, The Patriot's Field Manual. Will explains how many how active service members are medically separated after they become ill or wounded while in uniform, and how the Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights legislation aims to amend this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May you feel joy and peace this holiday season. Shannon is joined by NYT best-selling author, Pastor Max Lucado for a conversation about his latest movie, Because Of Bethlehem.   Pastor Lucado reflects on the story of Bethlehem and finds parallels within the troubling times of today. He explains how amidst such darkness, God brought a miracle that saved humanity, and encourages listeners to find hope during the holiday season.  Later, Pastor Lucado and Shannon discuss why the season of Christmas is so special to them. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by Christian author Ocieanna Fleiss for a conversation about her latest book, Awaiting the Manger: Whispers of Advent in the Old Testament.   Ocieanna provides a new way of looking at the traditional Christmas story through the lens of the Old Testament. She discusses the importance of studying the Advent during the holiday season and shares how listeners can adjust their minds and hearts to focus on the importance of Christ throughout the Christmas season. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by public affairs expert and political commentator Denise Grace Gitsham for a conversation about her latest book, Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul.   Denise provides ways for listeners to have tough political conversations with family and loved ones this holiday season. She shares how her faith inspires her to bring love and truth in difficult situations and explains the importance of making people feel understood. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by Marine veteran and Executive Director of Mission Roll Call Cole Lyle for a conversation about how his nonprofit supports and uplifts veterans.   Cole reflects on his experience as a veteran returning to civilian life and shares intimate details about his mental health struggles. He explains how his faith helped him survive the hard times and ultimately led him to public service, where he became an advocate for veterans.   Later, Cole shares how listeners can get access to resources they may need and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of veterans. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by New York Times best-selling author and FOX News Contributor Raymond Arroyo for a conversation about his new book, The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln, as well as a glimpse of his new Christmas album, Christmas Merry And Bright. Raymond sheds light on the history of the White House turkey pardon and explains how the tradition began with President Lincoln and his son, Tad. He shares how the Lincoln family, and the country, were experiencing dark times during the holiday, but themes of family, forgiveness, and mercy ultimately healed those wounds. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by film and music producer Adam Anders for a discussion about his latest project, Journey To Bethlehem. Adam discusses his background in Christian music and shares how he was inspired to create this film 17 years ago. He explains how he balances the true story in the Bible with pop music and dance to create a modern take on the Nativity. Later, Adam shares what it was like to work with big-name stars on this project. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by NYT best-selling author Lee Strobel for a conversation about his upcoming book, Is God Real?: Exploring The Ultimate Question Of Life.   As a former atheist, Lee reveals that it wasn't until he attempted to disprove Christianity that he became a devout follower of Christ. He shares how through his interviews with scientists, philosophers, and other experts, evidence of God can be found in all aspects of our life, whether it's the creation of the universe, or even in our DNA. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past weekend Hamas terrorists unleashed multiple attacks on Israel, resulting in irreparable harm and destruction to the nation. As Israelis and Palestinians seek refuge amid a gruesome war, the world watches drawing in immense support for both sides of the conflict, offering monetary aid and prayers. Founder & Editor-in-Chief of All Israel News and All Arab News, Joel Rosenberg joins Shannon from his home in Jerusalem to offer his insight on civilian response to the war in Israel. Joel reacts to President Trump calling Hezbollah 'very smart" and criticizing the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Joel describes what he is witnessing within his community, following the mobilization of military-aged men and women.  Later, Joel and Shannon extend their prayer of wisdom for global leaders as the world navigates the war between Israel-Hamas. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by Actors and Authors Carlos and Alexa PenaVega for a conversation about their latest book, Love Is The Point: 100 Days of God’s Love for You and How to Share It with Those Around You.   Carlos and Alexa share how they aim to spread God's love and Truth through serving others. As Lahaina residents, the couple discuss the devastation of the Maui wildfires and how they find hope in the rebuilding efforts that followed. Later, Carlos and Alexa emphasize the importance of unity, faith, and commitment within their marriage. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by the Director of International Affairs for the City of David Foundation, Ze'ev Orenstein for a conversation about the excavation of the Pool of Siloam.   Ze'ev recounts the story of how Jesus healed a blind man at the Pool of Siloam and discusses how the latest archeological discovery affirms Scripture. He explains how unearthing these sites allows people of different faiths to celebrate their heritage, culture, and beliefs. Later, Ze'ev provides an inside look into the careful work that goes into archeological excavations. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by Bible scholar, Author, and Host of the Back Porch Theology podcast Lisa Harper for a conversation about her latest book, JESUS: A Scandalously Devoted, Conspicuously Uncool, Super-Transparent Homage to Who Our Savior Is and How Much He Loves Us Devotional.   Lisa shares how God protected her throughout her adolescence and explains how her desire to know Jesus inspired her to write this book. She revels in how God introduced her to her daughter, Missy, and shares the story of her adoption. Later, Lisa emphasizes that God extends His love to all, and will heal us when we're broken. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by NYT best-selling author, Pastor Max Lucado for a conversation about his latest book, God Never Gives Up On You.   Pastor Lucado tells the story of Jacob in the Bible and explains that despite his mistakes and flaws, God never turned away from him. Shannon and Pastor Lucado discuss why many people of faith are unsure whether God believes in them. Later, Pastor Lucado assures listeners that our bad decisions don't define us, and that God's forgiveness ultimately sets us free. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon sits down with Journalist, Author, and Founder of CARRY Media, Paula Faris for a conversation about her latest book, Who Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?   Paula explains her inspiration for writing the book, citing how we should encourage children to focus on their character and personal values instead of the job they want in the future. She looks back at her career journey and shares how she found her true calling once she decided that she wouldn’t let her job define her worth. Later, Paula emphasizes why we should embrace failure and how it can lead us to success. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon is joined by Author and co-Pastor of Forward City Church Dr. Jackie Greene for a conversation about her latest book, Permission to Live Free.   Dr. Greene shares how she finds the time and ability to balance her work, her family, and her faith in a meaningful way. She discusses how her close relationship with God enabled her to let go of the things that held her back in order to truly live freely. Later, Dr. Greene shares how a near-death experience fueled her passion to help other women. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon sits down with Stand-up Comedian, John Heffron for a conversation about humor, faith, and family.   John and Shannon look back to discuss the story of how they met on a cruise and bonded over meals. John talks about the evolution of his comedic style from his time on Last Comic Standing, to remote Covid gigs, to the present day. Later, John shares his gratitude for the instrumental role his wife plays in his life and his faith. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon sits down with Grammy and Billboard Music Award-nominated Christian artist Ryan Stevenson to discuss his latest album, ABLE.   Ryan tells the incredible story of how his career as an ambulance paramedic ultimately led him to pursue music full-time. He reflects on how he saved the life of a woman who had been struck by lightning, and the pivotal role she played in the creation of his first recording. Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices