Imagine not making your high school varsity basketball team, standing just 5’7”, and thinking your dream of making it in the game you love is unrealistic. That was Ryan Carr’s reality. But what seemed hopeless, was really the beginning of a bigger story—one that would take him from writing a bold letter to coaching legend Bobby Knight, to working side-by-side with Larry Bird, and eventually to his role as Senior Vice President of Player Personnel for the Indiana Pacers. Ryan’s path proves that when God has a plan, no obstacle is too great.

Ryan was one of hundreds of amazing basketball (and life) success stories that came out of NBC basketball camps founded by Fred Crowell our guest on Episode #10 of Amazing Greats. (if you haven't listened to it yet, you need to check it out.). Fred passed away of cancer in August of 2021.

In this episode of Amazing Greats, Ryan Carr shares how God’s fingerprints have been all over his journey—not just in the surprising career breaks, but in the valleys as well. He opens up about the moment he gave his life to Christ at age 30, how faith carried him through personal loss and depression, and why he now sees every success as an opportunity to glorify God. With honesty, humility, and wisdom from years inside the NBA, Ryan’s story is one of perseverance, grace, and the transforming power of faith.

If you’ve ever faced setbacks, wondered about your purpose, or questioned if God could really use your story, this conversation will inspire you to trust His game plan.

"Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel.
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

What happens when a commercial airline pilot hears God’s call to take flight on a mission bigger than himself? Ted Greenfield went from teacher, TV producer, and FAA employee to the founder of Invisible Angels—a nonprofit airline that provides free transportation to survivors of human trafficking. His journey is filled with unexpected turns, divine provision, and miracles that only God could orchestrate.

In this episode of Amazing Greats, Ted shares how a Bible study opened his eyes to the hidden reality of trafficking in America, how a prophetic prayer and a donated airplane set his mission in motion, and why “do nothing” became one of the most important lessons of his life. With stories of heartbreak, redemption, and God’s unmistakable fingerprints, Ted’s testimony is proof that when you surrender your plans, God can use your skills—and even your struggles—to save lives and shine His light.

"Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel.
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

In this gripping episode of Amazing Greats, we sit down with renowned cinematographer and documentarian Michael Lienau, whose life was forever changed by the eruption of Mount St. Helens, May 18 1980. At just 20 years old, Michael found himself trapped at ground zero with a small film crew during the volcano’s second major blast—an ordeal that turned into a four-day fight for survival. From melted boots and eerie silence to blinding ash and divine visions, Michael recounts the harrowing experience that not only tested his physical endurance but also transformed his spiritual life. His powerful encounter with Jesus in the midst of catastrophe set him on a new path—one rooted in faith, purpose, and storytelling.

Michael shares how this life-defining moment led to a long career producing faith-centered documentaries, launching ministries, and raising a family of nine with his wife and creative partner, Sherry. From the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii to the streets of Tacoma, Michael’s journey is marked by a passion for truth, reconciliation, and the supernatural power of God. Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation about divine rescue, creative calling, and a legacy built on listening to God’s voice—even in the darkest moments.

"Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel.
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

The operating room is his happy place. Doing God's healing work with the audio backdrop of Contemporary Christian music and an occasional Bible quiz with his surgical staff. Dr. Robert Kayal has build a "one stop" orthopedic care empire. The 20 Kayal Orthopedic Centers in New Jersey and New York were born out of his love of God, love of people, gifted hands, and an innate desire to "fix things".

It was Dr. Kayal's pastor, who helped to ignite his life long career in medicine by encouraging him to use his God given gifts as his mission field. Doing what he does to glorify God. It is on that foundation that he has built his practice. His staff of over 100 health care professionals are blessed with the deep rooted culture of Christianity at his clinics.
In his recent book, "Mastering the Business of Medicine & the Doctor-Patient Relationship" Dr. Kayal articulates his 7 C's philosophy and shares that with us in this episode as well.

Everyone has a unique faith journey...and you'll hear how Dr. Kayal's was as, thoughtful, intense and mindful as his journey to become a surgeon.

Enjoy the amazing, God--centered career path of this inspiring guest on this episode of Amazing Greats.

"Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel.
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

Steve Siler has written hundreds of songs , nine of them were #1 Christian Contemporary songs and 45 of them top 10. His songs have been recorded by some of the countries biggest stars...Kenny Loggins, Smokey Robinson, Patty Labelle, the Oak Ridge boys and others. To say the very least his song wrting skills are a true gift from God.

Born out of his love of music at a very early age, combined with finding his way to Jesus as a teen was the fertile ground for what turned out to be his life's work.
Although he loved writing Christian hits, he found his special niche in writing songs that address the challenges of our current culture: eating disorders, body imaging, pornography, anxiety, additions, alzheimers, cancer and much more.

You'll hear how music has a unique way of breaking through to help heal wounds and bridge the challenges that so many face. It was hearing his first hit song played on the radio that changed his musical direction and ultimately launched "Music for the Soul", Steve's non-profit organization that has been doing this amazing work for the past two decades. In this episode you'll get to hear a brief sample of a couple of his most powerful and well known songs that will help you understand his mission and passion.

Find out more, listen to his healing music and help support his mission at www.musicforthesoul.org.

"Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel.
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

Hearing Christian stories in their triumphs and challenges is always inspiring. In this episode we're tracking the journey of musician, songwriter, worship team member and church planter, Jesse Butterworth. While many Christian lives start with their roots in early family life, most blossom later as we grow, mature and come to a true relationship with Jesus, in a real way. And every story is unique. Jesse's "moment" came in a dorm room listening to James Taylor.

It was at this same Christian College that he hooked up with 3 other like-minded musician "want-to-be's" and started a rag tag rock and roll band that led to an early signing to a record label, recording in Nashville and an album that won them multiple DOVE award nominations and a chance to play on the televised Dove Awards show. All happening at the age of 22. A crazy, God driven, career trajectory! A career that saw a dramatic change for Jesse in an instant, while on stage playing a 5 minute 80's rock medley.

You'll hear about Jesse's recording journey to the Abby Road Studios and playing the same piano that John Lennon did, and singing through the same microphone that Elton, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Adelle, and others sang on over the years. A dream come true. You can sample the album “All The Gold I’ve Struck” recorded at Abby Road and learn more about Jesse's work at: https://www.jessebutterworth.com/

You can also watch the hilariously fun video Our Good Old Days that we talk about in the pod.

Our conversation is filled with fun and laughter and hopefully some inspiration. Don't miss a word of it.

Oh and you can help us grow our podcast audience by sharing this with a friend, "liking" it and leaving a review. It really helps spread the word.

God Bless.

"Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel.
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

His music career exploded within a year. From being a camp worker, councilor and worship leader at the Catholic Damascus summer camp in Ohio to world renown Christian Music artist...24 year old Seph Schluter's life long love of Jesus unfolds in this episode of Amazing Greats.
"Counting My Blessings" was his breakout song and has been streamed over 100 million times in English and many million more in Portuguese ultimately becoming the #5 biggest song globally. It is a story of God's blessings in his young life.

From a big Catholic family, Seph had a solid Christian foundation but ultimately found his family religion become his own through a faith evolution that included many encounters in prayer with Jesus that brought him closer and closer to a powerful relationship with him. His personal decision to go all in, changed everything.

His music story is AMAZING... but his personal journey and his insight into the need for young people to actually encounter Jesus is what inspires him and propels his work with kids at Damascus where he is still a huge part as the Worship leader.

Uplifting, relatable and humble, I know your are going to love getting to know this talented rising star!

"Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel.
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

Starting her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 15, Nicole Jansen utilizes her wealth of experience and divine guidance to empower leaders. She collaborates with small family-owned businesses, large franchise groups, and major corporations. In this episode, Nicole reveals her top 3 leadership skills, highlights common leadership errors, and much more.

Beyond offering practical advice on cultivating mindset and leadership abilities, the most profound insights in this episode stem from her spiritual path, which began with a pivotal moment at 14 years old. She shares a poignant narrative of setbacks — business failures, relationship loss, and the passing of her parents. At her lowest ebb, she found solace in God's call to "come and rest," a turning point that reshaped her life. Discover how her faith-driven approach to supporting business leaders aims not just to assist change but to effect transformation.

Nicole's immensely popular podcast, "Leaders of Transformation", has reached millions of listeners in over a hundred countries with more than 500 episodes since 2015.

Furthermore, she provides coaching, consulting, and speaking services to business leaders, imparting her inspired wisdom to both religious and non-religious leaders, guiding them towards a fresh perspective by refining their mindset and embracing their true potential. Her mission goes beyond mere profit generation; it's about embodying the essence of a transformational leader.

For inquiries, reach out to Nicole at:

nicole@leadersoftransformation.com
or visit her Website at:
https://leadersoftransformation.com

"Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel.
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.