Mike Mack is back on the Rooted in Christ Podcast, and this conversation goes deep.

From celebrating 10 years of the Elevation Conference to breaking down the real challenges of building faith-based events, Mike shares wisdom on Christian hip-hop, artist development, and what it truly means to create for the Kingdom.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The evolution of the Elevation Conference—from a church basement to a full-scale festival
• Why Christian events often feel “safe” and how to break the mold
• The importance of cultural diversity in worship and creative spaces
• Real talk on booking artists, building events, and avoiding costly mistakes
• Behind-the-scenes insight into the Christian hip-hop industry
• How to start your own faith-based event the right way
• The heart posture needed to build for impact—not profit

Mike also shares powerful insight on resistance in faith-based work, the reality of funding challenges, and why obedience matters more than popularity.

If you're an artist, creative, promoter, or someone passionate about faith and culture—this episode is for you.

Plus: A look at this year’s Elevation Festival lineup, artist development opportunities, and what’s next for the movement.

The episode closes with a powerful prayer for vision, provision, and salvation.

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Cassian Bellino to talk about faith, doubt, and the journey of discovering God in a deeper way. Cassian shares her honest story—from growing up in the church but feeling disconnected from Scripture, to launching a Christian podcast where she asks the questions many believers are afraid to ask.

Together they explore what it means to pursue biblical understanding, wrestle with spiritual warfare, and stay rooted in Christ while navigating life’s challenges. Cassian opens up about her time living overseas, the moments that reshaped her faith, and how God led her to create a platform where scholars, pastors, and everyday believers can unpack difficult biblical topics in a way that’s accessible and real.

Eric and Cassian also discuss the importance of prayer, accountability, and staying connected to God in the midst of ministry, work, and everyday life. Whether you're new to faith, struggling with biblical literacy, or looking for encouragement in your walk with Christ, this conversation is filled with honest reflections and practical insights.

In this episode:

• Cassian’s journey from church kid to Christian podcaster
• Why biblical literacy matters more than ever
• Spiritual warfare and staying faithful in difficult seasons
• The power of fasting, prayer, and accountability
• How asking honest questions can deepen your faith

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fully understand Scripture—or wondered how to grow closer to God—this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Christian artist Mike Teezy for an honest conversation about faith, purpose, and staying grounded in God while navigating the music industry.

Mike opens up about his upcoming album “Chameleon,” explaining how his versatility across multiple genres—Christian hip hop, R&B, Afrobeat, pop, and more—has shaped his journey as an artist. Rather than chasing trends or industry approval, Mike shares how he’s learning to embrace who God created him to be, even if that means not fitting into a single box.

The conversation goes deeper as Mike discusses the pressures artists face, the distractions of social media success, and how keeping “the main thing the main thing”—a life centered on Christ—helps him stay focused on his calling.

Mike also shares an incredible personal testimony, revealing how he was paralyzed twice in his life and miraculously healed, experiences that continue to fuel his passion for ministry through music and performance.

Throughout the episode, Eric and Mike talk about:

• Remaining faithful in an industry driven by numbers and trends
• The importance of testimony in music and ministry
• The realities of working independently as a Christian artist
• Finding identity in Christ instead of public approval
• Trusting God’s timing—even when doors don’t open right away

This episode is a powerful reminder that your gifts are meant to glorify God, and that faith, perseverance, and obedience can lead to incredible purpose.

In this powerful episode of the Rooted In Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Julian Rodriguez for one of the most raw and transformative testimonies shared on the platform.

Born into gang culture in Chicago and raised between violence, drugs, poverty, and trauma, Julian opens up about witnessing his father’s addiction, family division, suicidal thoughts at a young age, and the weight of growing up far too soon. From living in an attic to hustling in the streets, his story reflects the harsh realities many inner-city families face.

But this episode isn’t about statistics — it’s about redemption.

Julian shares the moment he cried out to God as a child after being told he couldn’t go to church… and how that prayer was answered almost immediately. He walks through the slow, real process of salvation — the wrestling, the conviction, the sanctification — and how God transformed his hustle mentality into purpose.

Today, Julian is: • A first-generation college graduate (earning both his AA and MBA with a 4.0 GPA) • A financial advisor helping families build wealth • A husband and father of three • A servant and leader within his church community

This conversation dives deep into: • Breaking generational curses • Surviving trauma and depression • The reality of sanctification (it’s a process, not a light switch) • Trusting God’s timing • Praying for family members who seem “too far gone” • Using your gifts for God instead of the streets

If you’ve ever felt like your background disqualified you… If you’re praying for a prodigal… If you’re wrestling with purpose…

This episode is for you.

“We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.” – Revelation 12:11

Listen, share, and be encouraged — it’s not too late for you. And it’s never too early either.

On this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down alongside Nobles Darby IV—Metro Cleveland Director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)—for a conversation about faith, sports, unity, and the Great Commission.

From the locker rooms of the NFL and NBA to high school campuses across Cleveland, Noel shares how God called him into chaplaincy and sports ministry at the highest levels. We dive into:

• What it really means to live out the Great Commission
• Why sharing your faith requires getting uncomfortable
• How FCA is impacting 50+ schools in Northeast Ohio
• The powerful “One Team” football camp that united inner-city and suburban athletes during 2020’s civil unrest
• Why Cleveland’s deep sports culture is the perfect mission field
• Tearing down idols and pointing athletes and fans back to Jesus

We also discuss the partnership between FCA and Redwood Christian Ministries for this year’s Beyond the WallsChristian hip-hop & R&B concert in Cleveland on November 7th—an event focused on salvation, discipleship, and advancing the Kingdom.

This episode is a reminder: We weren’t saved to sit—we were saved to be sent.

If this episode encourages you, like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast on all major platforms.

What happens when the stage you prayed for becomes the altar your family needed?

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Christian hip-hop artist Craig Wallace for a raw and heartfelt conversation about purpose, obedience, and the true mission behind the music.

Craig shares how a dream of performing on big stages wasn’t about fame—but about seeing his family saved. After performing at Beyond the Walls, that dream became reality when his uncle gave his life back to Christ. From that moment, the mission was clear: this isn’t about lights, platforms, or applause—it’s about souls.

The conversation dives deep into:

• Craig’s transformation from secular music to fully surrendered faith
• Turning down pressure to “water down” the name of Jesus
• Navigating pride, platforms, and “celebrity culture” in Christian spaces
• The importance of servant leadership and humility
• Overcoming rejection in the industry
• Seeking the Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) as an artist
• Why fruit matters more than fame

Craig also opens up about his journey as a former D1 athlete, walking away from worldly identity, embracing marriage and fatherhood, and recently receiving his late grandfather’s community award—an honor that meant more than any Grammy ever could.

If you’re an artist, leader, or believer wrestling with calling, comparison, or culture—this episode will challenge and encourage you to stay rooted, stay humble, and keep Jesus at the center.

In this powerful episode of The Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Charron Leeper for a raw, Spirit-led conversation that challenges the very core of our faith.

From growing up in church to navigating pain, divorce, identity, rejection, and purpose, Charron shares her journey of walking with God beyond performance, platforms, and appearances. This episode dives deep into what it really means to love Jesus—not just for His blessings, but for who He is.

Together, they unpack topics like:

• Faith that’s tested through pain and disappointment
• Loving God when prayers go unanswered
• Identity, people-pleasing, and comparison in Christian spaces
• Character vs. gifting and performative Christianity
• Healing after divorce and seasons of loss
• Obedience when God asks you to let go of platforms and titles
• Serving what God actually cares about: people, humility, and grace

Charron also shares how her personal healing journey gave birth to Perfect Pineapple, Agency 33, and Kingdom Culture, and how obedience—without all the answers—has shaped her walk with God.

This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and honestly ask yourself: "Do I love God… or do I love what He can do for me?"

If you’re wrestling with faith, navigating pain, or longing for deeper intimacy with God, this conversation is for you.

Listen, reflect, and share with someone who needs encouragement today. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Rooted in Christ on all major podcast platforms!

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Karla Callan for an unfiltered conversation about her radical journey from generational witchcraft and New Age practices to complete surrender to Jesus Christ.

Born into spiritual darkness and immersed in occult practices for nearly two decades, Karla shares how supernatural experiences, deception, trauma, and addiction kept her bound—until a divine encounter revealed Jesus as the only way out. With honesty and boldness, she breaks down how witchcraft, New Age spirituality, and counterfeit light operate, and how Christ restores identity, heals trauma, and brings true freedom.

This episode dives deep into:

• Generational witchcraft and spiritual doorways
• New Age deception and false spirituality
• Trauma, addiction, and demonic strongholds
• Radical repentance, deliverance, and inner healing
• Renewing the mind and restoring identity in Christ
• Obedience to the Holy Spirit and living on mission

Karla also shares how God is now using her testimony through her podcasts Deliverance Diaries and Speak Life with Karla, as well as her work helping others break free, heal deeply, and align their lives and businesses with Christ.

This episode is not surface-level faith talk. It’s real, intense, and life-changing.

If you or someone you love is caught in New Age practices, witchcraft, spiritual confusion, or feeling stuck with no way out—this conversation is for you.

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Learn more about Karla here: https://karlacallanministries.com/