Rebecca St. James Friends and Family

Grammy Award-winning vocalist and long-time friend Mandisa joins Rebecca to share about her time on American Idol, overcoming seasons of depression, finding true community, and the stories behind her new book, “Out of the Dark” which is available now. Guest Mandisa is one of the most commercially successful contemporary Christian and gospel vocalists of the late 2000s and early 2010s. After sharing stages with Trisha Yearwood and Shania Twain, Mandisa went on to compete on season five of American Idol, where she placed in the top ten. The gospel & CCM artist’s solo career took off quickly after departing the show. Through all Mandisa has experienced, she continuously shows audiences the meaning of being an overcomer.

Rebecca is joined this week by her mum, Helen Smallbone, for a conversation on nurturing your child’s heart. In this episode, she shares wisdom on fostering connection within your family, creating teachable scenarios in the home, and turning to Jesus in parenting.  Guest Helen Smallbone is a loving wife, mother of seven, grandmother of thirteen, and new author who recently released her first book, Behind The Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family. She is also the co-founder of MUMlife Community and co-host of AccessMore’s MUMlife Podcast. Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme. Journey to Bethlehem Movie in Theaters.

This week, Rebecca is joined by fellow musician and new friend Jordan St. Cyr. In this episode, they share about showing compassion, sitting with people in their pain, and resting in knowing that God is in control. Guest Jordan St. Cyr is a singer, songwriter, husband, and father. He recently released his self-titled debut album, featuring the top five radio hit “Fires'' and his first number one single “Weary Traveler.” Jordan was born in Canada but now calls Nashville home with his wife and four children – two daughters and two sons. Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme. Journey to Bethlehem Movie in Theaters.

Rebecca and friend Tasha share about parenting, healing from shame, expressing your authentic self, and moving truth from your head to your heart. This episode focuses on finding freedom from the past and freedom in who God created us to be.  Tasha Layton is a worship leader and former American Idol contestant. She recently released “Boundless” a guided prayer journal, and you can find her on tour at tashalayton.com.  Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme. Journey to Bethlehem Movie in Theaters.

Rebecca and new friend Jim discuss marriage and the important role that it plays in parenting. He shares wisdom on how to exhibit grace and humility as a parent, teach children responsibility, and encourage them in their own faith. Jim Daly is the head of Focus on the Family, an international Christian communications ministry based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He succeeded founder James Dobson in 2005. Alhambra, California, U.S. Daly is the main host of the Focus on the Family radio program. Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme. Journey to Bethlehem Movie in Theaters.

Rebecca and long-time friend Ginny share an encouraging conversation on finding hope amidst suffering. This episode focuses on how to look forward when you feel stuck. Ginny Owens is a singer-songwriter and author of the new book “Singing In The Dark” and recently released her first worship EP “Sing Hope In the Darkness” which are both available here. Her unique musical style and inspirational lyrics transcend genre definition and have taken her to diverse venues, including the White House, the Sundance Film Festival, Lilith Fair, and the National Day of Prayer in Washington, D.C. Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme. Journey to Bethlehem Movie in Theaters.

Rebecca and fellow musician and friend Michael share about marriage, parenting, touring with families, and the story behind Michael’s book “The Way of the Father. Lessons from My Dad, Truths About God.” This episode focuses on family life and how to navigate the seasons well.  Guest Michael W Smith is multi-platinum artist, best-selling author, and acclaimed actor. He releases new music regularly and performs around the world to sold-out crowds of loyal and inspired fans. During Michael’s storied career, he’s not only been honored with three Grammy Awards, 45 Dove Awards, an American Music Award, and has sold more than 15 million albums, he’s also given back to the global community. Michael has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa alongside longtime friend Bono, started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope, and has helped more than 70,000 children’s lives through Compassion International.

This week, Rebecca sits down with friend Danny. They discuss being grateful for the invitation of parenthood, being open to constructive criticism as a parent and spouse, and raising your children to become contributors to God’s kingdom story. Guest Danny Huerta gets to serve as Vice President of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family and thoroughly enjoys spending time with his family playing, serving, working, resting, and being outdoors. He has counseled families for over 20 years and has been interviewed on Fox News and various other outlets around the world, and recently released “7 Traits of Effective Parenting”. 

Rebecca and long-time friend and mentor Wess share about hope. This episode focuses on finding forgiveness and joy through God’s hope.  Guest Dr. Wess Stafford is President Emeritus of Compassion International and is an internationally recognized advocate for children in poverty. He is an avid outdoorsman and he and his wife, Donna, live on a small ranch near Colorado Springs, CO. They have two daughters, Jenny and Katie- the two children in the world for whom Wess is the greatest advocate of all. 

Rebecca sits down with author and new mom, Sadie Robertson Huff, who is known for her role on Duck Dynasty and Dancing With The Stars. In this episode they discuss parenthood, marriage, turning to God as you walk through fear, and her new book Who Are You Following? which is available now. Guest Sadie Robertson is an American actress, author, and businesswoman, who rose to fame on the A&E reality television show Duck Dynasty. She is a prominent Christian media personality and the host of WHOA, That's Good Podcast. She loves spending time with her husband Christian and daughter Honey!

Lead vocalist of Casting Crowns and long-time friend Mark Hall speaks with Rebecca about family, worship, marriage, God’s influence on his life, and helping his children find their faith. This episode focuses on making Christ the foundation of life and family. Guest Mark Hall has served as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for Casting Crowns since the band’s creation in 1999. Casting Crowns is known for its seamless blending of music and ministry and is one of the most successful Christian bands of all time. Mark is a youth pastor, loving husband, and father of four, and is now excited to embrace his new role as a grandfather!

Rebecca and brothers Joel and Luke from for KING & COUNTRY share about the importance of family in their lives. This episode focuses on early memories as siblings, lessons learned in family life and glorifying God through mission together. Guest for KING & COUNTRY is a 4 time Grammy Award winning duo. Their 9 no.1 songs have produced an astonishing accumulation of over one billion on-demand streams. They have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including the legendary Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE, Timbaland, Tori Kelly, Kirk Franklin, and others. Luke is father to 4 and Joel is godfather to those 4 as well as dog and cat dad. Their fourth studio album “What Are We Waiting For?” is available now at forkingandcountry.com.

Join me on season 3 of Rebecca St James Friends and Family. Each week I’ll have coffee conversations with friends like Michael W Smith, Sadie Robertson, my brothers for KING & COUNTRY as we share on topics like faith, family, parenting, and marriage.

Rebecca and friend Brad Stine share about the importance of laughter in the Christian life. This episode focuses on being genuine in your words, but finding the joy through the seasons.  Guest Brad Stine is “God’s Comic" - using his craft and talents to bring glory and focus on God. He is passionate about spreading the gospel and supporting churches through his ministry. 

Rebecca and long time friend John Cooper share the importance of being serious about faith in a time that desperately needs the Truth. This episode focuses on John’s story of growing a personal relationship with Jesus, his journey with music and spreading the gospel, and how to instill a deep faith in our kids.  Guest John Cooper is the lead vocalist, bassist, and songwriter/producer for two-time Grammy Award-Nominated Skillet. He is also fellow podcaster, creator of a beard care line, and Graphic Novelist. Find out more about his book “Awake and Alive to Truth” at JohnLCooper.com

Rebecca and friend Colton share about his new journey into fatherhood and the parallels between God’s love for us as His children. This episode focuses on the joys of parenthood, insightful tips for wives to support their husbands, and encouraging fathers in their own experiences. Guest Colton Dixon is a fellow musician-former American Idol contestant, and native Tennessean. Colton and his wife Annie live in Tennessee and have twins, Ava Dior and Athens Elizabeth.

Rebecca and friend Natalie share how to navigate the cancer journey- walking with people, walking through it yourself, and building faith in the midst of it. This episode focuses on how to face the challenges of a cancer diagnosis along with finding hope and strength in your family and faith.  Guest Natalie Grant is an eight-time Grammy nominated artist, wife and mom to 3, as well as fellow AccessMore podcast host of “Dare to Be” with Charlotte Gambol. She is also co-founder of Hope for Justice, a non profit fighting against human trafficking. Find out more about Natalie at nataliegrant.com

Rebecca and new friends David and Sissy, experts on the topic of parenting, give encouragement, tips and wisdom on raising your kids. This episode focuses on practical insight, benchmark ages of boys and girls, and advice for what’s most important in parenting.  Guests David Thomas and Sissy Goff have over forty years of experience counseling kids and families. They’ve written sixteen books and have their own podcast called Raising Boys and Girls. Mostly, they love getting to share what they’re learning on a daily basis from their work with kids of all ages with us. You can find out more at raisingboysandgirls.com

Rebecca and friend Matt share about making balance in life. This episode focuses on creating space for what’s most important and finding the time for those values. Guest Matt Hammitt is an American singer, songwriter and author. Matt was the lead singer and songwriter for the band Sanctus Real from 1996-2016. He has been the recipient of three Dove Awards, has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for his work with Sanctus Real, and has been awarded for his chart topping songs, performed by both Sanctus Real and other musical artists. http://matthammitt.com

In this special episode, the Smallbone family is hosted by Paula Faris and Rebecca St James. Together, Joel Smallbone (for KING & COUNTRY) his wife Moriah Smallbone, sister Rebecca and their parents Helen & David share powerful stories of coming to America, trusting the faithfulness of God, and seeing God miraculously provide. They share the things God has taught them about family life and how David and Helen’s faith has led to generational blessing.