What Hope Sounds Like is a dose of hope and encouragement with your favorite artists and leaders in our communities. Each episode will give you the boost you need to be a light for Christ right where you are!
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Even when it’s a hard story, it can still be a happy song because God has a plan.
On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Kelly Brandon sits down with someone very special — and very close to her heart — 12-year-old Airely Hart, Western North Carolina native. Airely may be young, but God is already stirring something big in her: a deep love for singing, songwriting, and sharing Jesus with every note. She is proof that you’re never too young to follow your dreams and step into your purpose from God.
Airely talks about how she finds inspiration, why walking and praying help her get ready to write, and how she uses Scripture to make sure her lyrics stay rooted in God’s truth. She shares the stories behind the songs she’s working on and how each one points straight to Jesus and the hope He brings.
You’ll hear about her heart for people who don’t know Christ yet, how she’s using music to tell others about Him and the sweet ways her family encourages and helps her grow.
Stick around to the end where Airely shares one of her original songs. Trust us… you’re going to be inspired by this girl - and you just might start singing along.
Remember…
“There’s no government or darkness that can stop the Gospel. The light always shines through.”
On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Jeff talks with Izabella McMillon from Operation Christmas Child. Izabella grew up under communism in Romania, where faith was forbidden and even owning a Bible could cost your life. But God broke through that darkness in the most unexpected way—through a hidden Bible and, years later, a simple shoebox.
You’ll hear how Izabella’s first prayer for snow led to a snow globe tucked inside her shoebox, and how that moment became proof to a 13-year-old girl that God saw her, loved her, and was real. Today, Izabella helps lead others to share that same hope around the world through Operation Christmas Child.
It’s a story about light breaking through darkness, a child’s faith, and how God can use something as small as a shoebox to change a life forever.
God sees us—even in the darkest places. Izabella’s story proves that no barrier can keep Him from reaching those He loves.
Small acts of obedience matter. A simple shoebox, packed and prayed over, can open a heart to Jesus.
Hope multiplies. Izabella once received a shoebox as a child; now she helps share that same hope with children worldwide.
Leanna Crawford joins Jonathan Unthank to share how honesty with God has shaped her life, her music, and her marriage.
From writing her song Honest during a season of anxiety and depression, to discovering God’s kindness in unexpected ways, Leanna reminds us that Jesus meets us right where we are. She opens up about how marriage has taught her more about grace, why rest is so vital, and how hope is always available in Christ—even when life feels confusing or overwhelming.
“What I thought was a setback was really a setup for what God was preparing.”
– Drew Baldridge
On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Brian from The Light FM sits down with Matt from I AM THEY and country artist Drew Baldridge to talk about their re-release of Scars.
They open up about the pain and healing behind their stories—how scars are more than reminders of the past; they’re testimonies of God’s redemption. Matt shares the heart behind I AM THEY’s biggest song and how God used it to transform their ministry, while Drew explains why the message of Scars hit so close to home after years of struggle in the country music industry.
Together, they remind us that scars don’t disqualify us—they point us to Jesus and give us a story to share with others who need hope.
Ben Kessler—known online as The Lord’s Giant—has a story you won’t forget. From battling mental health struggles to finding his purpose in Christ, Ben shares how God turned his pain into a platform for hope. With hundreds of thousands following his content online, Ben reminds us it’s never about the numbers—it’s about reaching the one.
Listen in as Ryan from The Light FM talks with Ben about faith, social media, and standing tall for Jesus in every season of life.
God meets us in our lowest moments—even when our hearts are breaking, He reminds us that His love is stronger than our pain.
Faithful obedience is greater than viral success—if one person comes to know Jesus, it’s worth it.
Your uniqueness is part of God’s design—you don’t need to copy anyone else to share Christ; He made you to shine in your own way.
“I stopped putting confidence in my own story and put it all in Jesus—the man who died and rose again for me.”
Jeff from Mornings on The Light FM sat down with Jimmy Clifton, a local, independent Christian artist whose music has been reaching people all over the world. Jimmy shares about growing up in a big family, wrestling with faith and temptation, and how God has used even his struggles to bring hope to others.
From playing guitar just to impress his future wife, to busking in downtown Asheville, to writing songs that point directly to Jesus—Jimmy’s story shows us how faithful God is. Jimmy and Jeff remind us that our first ministry is to our family and that when we put Jesus first He can use even our weakest moments for His glory.
God’s grace is greater than our failures.
Ministry begins at home.
Staying true to Christ matters more than chasing success.
“He doesn’t compare us to other people. He meets us exactly where we’re at.” - Madison Watkins
What Hope Sounds Like is BACK—and kicking it off with us is none other than rising Christian artist and former American Idol finalist, Madison Watkins! You might know her from Idol or America’s Got Talent, but today you’ll get to know her heart, her journey, and the One who changed her life forever.
In this powerful and transparent conversation with Carol, Madison shares her story of chasing fame, hitting rock bottom, and hearing God say, “Give it back to Me.” From mainstream music to full-on ministry, Madison opens up about surrender, rest, healing, and writing music that points people straight to Jesus—especially those who don’t know Him yet.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt burned out, confused about their calling, or like they might be too far gone. (Spoiler alert: You’re not.)
🎶 Music: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon – just search Madison Watkins
📱 Socials: @madison_watkins on all platforms
💌 DM her: She reads every message and loves connecting with new friends from The Light FM family!
Madison asked us to pray for protection—especially over her mind as she steps boldly into a new season of ministry and music for the Kingdom. Let’s lift her up together as a Light FM family! 💛
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helen's devastation, Operation Christmas Child continues to bring hope to children and families worldwide. Denise Gravely of OCC shares the resilience of volunteers and churches in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina as they prepare for National Collection Week. Discover how simple shoebox gifts, filled with toys, essentials, and love, are transforming lives and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Join the movement to bring joy and hope through the power of a shoebox. Whether through packing, donating, or praying, there's a role for everyone in this life-changing mission.
In this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Carol and Jeff sit down with Mac Powell to chat about life on the road as a Christian artist, juggling his music career with family time, and the incredible story of his wife’s recovery from a brain aneurysm. Mac opens up about the power of prayer, staying hopeful through tough times, and why being fully present with the people he loves is what matters most.
Mac Powell is a Grammy-winning Christian artist, best known as the former lead singer of the iconic band Third Day. With over 30 years in music, he’s still going strong, bringing a message of hope and faith through his solo work, and a new album releasing October 27, 2024!
