Newsmakers

When one thinks about Bravo's "The Real Housewives" franchise, many things likely come to mind. But "Jesus-loving" and "Christian" generally aren't two of the first descriptors to materialize. Yet Lydia McLaughlin, who formerly starred on "The Real Housewives of Orange County," fully embraces these titles, and openly shares her faith with the masses.  In fact, McLaughlin, who left the show in 2018, recently released a book, "JoyFull: 365 Daily Devotions for Women," aimed at helping women get closer to Jesus. The title of the book has much to do with McLaughlin's own life and demeanor. "My time in the spotlight — on 'Housewives,' I was known for being a happy housewife ... being someone [who has] a lot of joy," she told CBN's Faithwire. "I just believe in the joy that comes from the Lord."  McLaughlin pointed to the Apostle Paul's writings on the subject of joy, paraphrasing Paul's words in Philippians 4. "Paul wrote, 'I have learned to be content,'" she said. "Joy is something that we can learn to do even if it's not something that comes natural to us." McLaughlin acknowledged joy comes more naturally to some than it does others — and explained how life circumstances can complicate people's quest for peace. Yet even in the midst of the storm, she believes it's possible to cling to hope and experience joy.  "I've had the hardest year," McLaughlin said of her own journey. "My mom's been sick, and even in the midst of hardship and trial, no one can steal my joy because the joy comes from the Lord. And that is everlasting, and that is never changing." Watch McLaughlin discuss how she ended up on "Housewives," how she came to Christ, and why her faith matters to her so deeply.

On this episode of Newsmakers, we go behind three major headlines shaping faith and culture. First, Shah Ahmadi of Iran Alive Ministries shares his powerful story of fleeing Iran — and what’s really happening inside the Islamic Republic. As tensions rise in the Middle East, his firsthand perspective offers sobering insight and hope. Then, surgeon and author Dr. Raymond Wiggins breaks down the growing body of research surrounding marijuana use. Are today’s legalization narratives ignoring serious health risks? He unpacks the studies and challenges the myths. Finally, Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, joins us to respond to controversy surrounding her recent comments on the death penalty — tackling one of the most complex moral debates in America today. For over 20 years, CBN has beamed life-giving Farsi broadcasts into Iran despite internet shutdowns. Now, with war erupting across the country today and civilians facing mass displacement and suffering, CBN is ready to deliver prayer support, emergency food, humanitarian aid, and the hope of Jesus to families whose lives have been upended by conflict.

Author Randy Kay says he’s seen heaven — and it’s an experience he still gets emotional recounting. It all happened years ago when Kay experienced a medical emergency. He recalled waking up in the middle of the night with a swollen calf after a business trip — something he initially ignored. “I could barely walk, went for a bike ride of all things, which I should not have done because that exacerbated the problem,” he told Billy Hallowell and Jen Lilley on their “Into the Supernatural” podcast. “I went up the coast of San Diego ... on the bicycle and could barely breathe. My calf was about one and a half times its size.” At first, he thought he was experiencing asthma, but soon realized it was something else entirely. By the time he reached his doctor’s office, he collapsed and ended up in the emergency room. And things went from bad to worse from there. “The ER physician said that I was a walking dead man because I had let this go so long,” Kay said. “By the time I had made it into the emergency room, I had seven clots, one near my heart, six that were blocking the pulmonary artery, which is the main blood flow to the lungs.” Already struggling to survive, Kay ended up contracting Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which got into his bloodstream. Suddenly, he was clinically dead, but rather than being overtaken by darkness and nothingness, Kay experienced something he’ll never forget. “Immediately, my body went still, and, initially, it felt like a tugging at my hospital gown,” he said. “And, later, I would come to realize that that was my spirit leaving my body, and then I became a third party to my body. So, I was looking down this still body I knew that was my body, but that wasn't me.” Kay said he was suddenly “in a different place.” He found himself moving up to a new location. Watch his experience — and see the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG3bqRLfpyw&t=58s ⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Are angels and demons real? Does evil impact the world around us? Billy Hallowell and Raj Nair preview the new CBN documentary "Investigating the Supernatural: Angels and Demons" and discuss the importance of understanding spiritual warfare.

Christopher Gunderson spent the first 16 years of his life unable to eat and in desperate need of medical intervention for survival. But Gunderson, who was born with chronic pseudo-obstruction syndrome — an ailment in which the gastrointestinal tracts can't appropriately absorb food — experienced a miracle that changed everything. Here's his story. ⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠⁠

Author Lee Strobel joins the show to discuss his new documentary "The Case for Miracles" and the evidence behind real-life supernatural encounters. Barna Group CEO David Kinnaman breaks down the spiritual ripple effects of Charlie Kirk’s legacy and how Americans are responding in faith during a pivotal moment. Plus, Fox News’ Dana Perino shares a powerful Thanksgiving experience serving those in need with Mercy Ships.

On this week’s episode of Newsmakers, we go behind the headlines on three of the most talked-about and consequential issues shaping culture today. Actor Kirk Cameron joins us first to respond to the controversy surrounding his recent comments about hell, unpacking what he believes — and why the conversation matters now. Next, detransitioner Chloe Cole and then filmmaker Richie Johns stop by. That and more on this week’s Newsmakers — a show where we go beyond the headlines to bring you meaningful conversations with pastors, entertainers, policymakers, and cultural influencers.

What happens when faith collides with real-world evidence, life-or-death moments, and radical encounters with God? On this episode of Newsmakers, Billy Hallowell goes behind the headlines with three powerful voices whose stories are sparking conversation—and challenging skepticism:  Author Camey Joy shares her stunning claim that angels literally saved her life and how that supernatural moment reshaped everything. Online evangelist Bryce Crawford reveals how a radical encounter with Jesus rescued him from destruction—and how that moment launched a viral ministry reaching millions. Filmmaker Michael Ray Lewis breaks down his new documentary Universe Designed, exploring scientific and philosophical evidence pointing to the existence of God. From miracles and supernatural encounters to faith grounded in reason, this episode tackles the questions people are asking right now. Plus, don’t miss the documentary Investigating the Supernatural: Miracles, now streaming at CBN.com/supernatural.

Newsmakers goes beyond the headlines to bring you the people shaping today’s biggest stories. Hosted by journalist Billy Hallowell, the show delivers in-depth conversations with leaders, experts, and influencers at the center of culture, faith, politics, and global events—cutting through noise to get clarity, context, and truth. Franklin Graham, Ashley Tankard, and Joel Penton join today's show.

Jennifer Welch, co-host of the progressive podcast 'I’ve Had It', had some horrible things to say about about Evangelical Christians. CBN's Raj Nair and Billy Hallowell have the story.

On this episode of Newsmakers: Brad Brandon, CEO of Across Nigeria, exposes the brutal persecution facing Christians in Nigeria—and why the global media keeps getting it wrong. Then, former NYPD officer turned pastor Andrew Columbia shares chilling encounters with the demonic from his days on the streets of New York City and how faith changed everything. Finally, Rep. Maria Salazar joins us to break down her push to reform America’s broken immigration system and why she says dignity—not politics—must lead the conversation.

The Rev. Franklin Graham is calling America to prayer, imploring Christians and citizens more broadly to turn back to the Lord and appeal to Him to help heal the US. Amid rampant social dysfunction that has Graham concerned, he told CBN News in a recent interview that he's also been "thrilled" to see the younger generation "beginning to search for God." "They've been left cold by education, and ... many churches have quit even giving invitations and preaching the Gospel," Graham said. "And so there's a lot of young people out there that are searching, looking. I'm glad they are — and I hope they get into the Word of God, get into the Bible." He went on to say that he doesn't see Scripture predicting a great revival during the end times, despite some of the positive faith trajectories society is currently witnessing. "I see things are going to get bad and go from bad to worse as we get closer to the end times," Graham said. "I think we're seeing that. But at the same time, you have things like Charlie Kirk, who had a political platform, but as he got closer and closer to the end of his life, he was saying he is nothing without Jesus." He continued, "He was standing and stronger on his faith in Jesus Christ, and we saw, at his memorial, what, 100,000 people were there, and they estimated like 100 million were watching." Graham said Kirk likely reached more people in his death than he did during his life — a fact that many have stated as they've reflected on the massive reaction to Kirk's death. Churches immediately reported seeing pews full, with reports of many young people coming to faith. "People every day are downloading his videos," Graham said. "So God's at work. ... We miss people like Charlie Kirk, but at the same time, God is still on that throne." In the end, Graham encouraged people to be ready for Jesus' return.

Arch Kennedy, an author and former meteorologist, once lived a gay lifestyle before an encounter with Jesus changed everything. Kennedy, author of "The Weather's Fine: My Method for Navigating Life's Challenges," told CBN News he "grew up in the church" but went on to struggle with addiction and same-sex attraction. "They instilled Christian values in us as children," Kennedy said of his parents. "I left that as I moved through my life, through my 20s and 30s, and where I got into heavy alcohol addiction through a good ... chunk of my life." A few years ago, though, something changed. Kennedy said his sister, who is six years older, had been prodding him to join a Bible study. He was reluctant due to commitment struggles, but eventually the Lord convinced him to join. "I had never studied God's word," Kennedy said. "A lot of my life, I barely even got to church, but I called myself a Christian." Despite living a gay lifestyle, this backdrop of faith and devotion left Kennedy without negative views on faith and with an openness. At times, he had attempted to combine the Christian and gay lifestyles — but it was always a struggle to make that work. "When I also realized my same sex attraction, I was trying to juggle the two for many years," he said. "And I tried to reconcile the two and to be able to have my faith and also my lifestyle, which is something I knew I couldn't change as far as my attraction to males." Kennedy continued, "So ... that was a big struggle for many years of my life, and ... as I look back now, that's probably a reason why I didn't much go to church or didn't really pursue my faith through those turbulent years." But when his sister invited him to that Bible study in Atlanta three years ago, something changed. The men's group was the first time Kennedy truly studied God's word. Much deeper than the typical Bible verses or devotionals he had previously read, the men's group dove deep into Scripture. "That is when the same-sex attraction and my faith really started to collide and where I started to realize that I had to make a change," Kennedy said, noting that, though he had abandoned earlier debauchery by that point in his life, he was still living in sin. "I was still living in relationships — physical, sexual relationships, and I realized that had to change, that I could not continue to follow Christ, and have Christ in my heart, and carry on a physical relationship." Kennedy added, "I couldn't change the feelings of same-sex attraction, but I could change how I acted on it, and I realized that celibacy is what God was calling me to do." ⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

Erika Kirk, the wife of slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, is reportedly invoking a rare Utah law that could speed up the trial of Tyler Robinson, her husband’s accused killer. Billy Hallowell and Tré Goins-Phillips have the story.

Anti-ICE protesters stormed a worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, because of a pastor’s alleged ties to ICE. Now the DOJ is threatening to “come down hard” on the agitators. CBN's Raj Nair and Billy Hallowell have the story.

After decades in modern medicine, Dr. Marc Siegel has seen too much to dismiss the divine. In this powerful conversation, Siegel joins Billy Hallowell to unpack his new book The Miracles Among Us. This episode challenges skepticism, redefines miracles, and invites listeners to see healing—and God’s grace—in a whole new light.

On this week’s Newsmakers, we explore faith’s enduring power and the Shroud of Turin. Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston reveals how he went from skeptic to believer on the Shroud of Turin and what new evidence points to its authenticity. Todd Nettleton from Voice of the Martyrs breaks down the global persecution crisis and why prayer is vital as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church approaches. And activist and author Alveda King joins to share her take on revival and the growing spiritual hunger she sees across America. ⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App

We have some extremely encouraging news to share with you. According to new research collected by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Bible sales in the United Kingdom are booming. CBN's Raj Nair and Billy Hallowell break down the numbers.

As the situation in Venezuela continues to capture international attention, one expert believes the Trump administration's decision to capture and detain former president Nicolás Maduro could yield positive results. "My first reaction was, 'What an incredible job of the American military to pull this off with no U.S. casualties,'" Col. (Ret.) Gregory Thompson, professor of criminal justice at Cedarville University, told CBN News of the Trump administration's bold move to detain Maduro. Beyond that, Thompson said his mind also went to matters surrounding faith and the church. "But, more importantly to me as a Christian, I'm thinking of just the incredible joy because I have friends that work with pastors in Venezuela, and it's been difficult, as you probably know," he said. "When Hugo Chavez took over Venezuela, he kicked out all mission organizations, so that was significant, and the pastors there are being salt and light." While many Venezuelans and political observers are excited to see Maduro go, Thompson said there are still many questions about what comes next. "My general sense is I'm excited for maybe a hopeful future for Venezuela — one that's free, particularly free for the free exercise and the spread of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ," he said. Thompson said the situation leading up to Maduro's ouster was perilous and difficult after Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chávez wreaked what critics call havoc on free speech, expression, and truth. "They pretty much wrecked the economy," he said. "Inflation is beyond rampant. They have a politically corrupt government, which I think we've heard in the news." Thompson said socialism has been a disaster globally, with ineffective policies failing to create human flourishing. All of this leads to President Donald Trump's decision to send the U.S. Army's elite Delta Force to capture Maduro. While some speculate that oil was a driving force, Thompson believes it's a factor but not the "main driving force" behind the decision. "I think with President Trump's concerns when he came into office, this is like the perfect storm," he said. "Illegal immigration was highly coming from Venezuela ... they're leaving because they want to live in a free country. They want to pursue a place where they can live in freedom and democracy, and so they're coming to America, but illegally, of course, and in droves. So that's one issue." The other issue, according to Thompson, centers on nations like Iran and terror groups like Hezbollah, with both having purported influence and presence in Venezuela. Mix in Russian and Chinese influence and one can easily see why this collectively becomes a problem for the U.S. Watch what else he had to say about this complex matter.

Comedians Tim Allen and Bill Maher recently sat down for a conversation on Maher’s Club Random. Allen had quite a bit to say about the Apostle Paul and the downside of empty philosophy. CBN's Billy Hallowell and Raj Nair break it all down.