Vince Bantu knew God called him into ministry, but he first needed to learn a thing or two. This desire for knowledge led him on a journey of reconciling his background and culture with what he thought the Christian life was, and a passion for understanding how context, culture, and racial justice influence the way we go about sharing Christianity with others. It wasn't until he discovered early church traditions and teachings outside of Europe that he found the missing puzzle piece in the conversation.

Michelle Sanchez always expected perfection. Growing up, that expectation guided her to great success. Yet, God had a much greater plan for her in mind; a plan that required a journey of untangling her toxic pursuit of perfection from the racial dynamics of her past. Today, that journey has led her to become a voice for change and fueled her passion for using discipleship to help heal racial inequalities and build a beautifully diverse and beloved community with one another.

What if, instead of being just one person, you were created to be a part of something more? Even with her past hurts, Dr. Heather Thompson Day continues to see God’s goodness through her story. In fact, it has fueled her mission of standing in the gaps so others can learn from her mistakes and build healthy relationships with one another. Discover how we are invited to be in an intentional community with one another and how that influences our understanding of our identity and faith in Christ.

From the very beginning, Dhati Lewis had a plan; he was going to be in the NFL and that was it. Yet, when he was so close to achieving it, God gave him a different dream. Instead, he suddenly found his calling into ministry, one that inspired his mission of being the last generation to leave the urban context for sound discipleship and being God’s hands and feet in his own neighborhood.

How the pain of bigotry and marginalization turned up the volume on Ally Henny’s ministry of faith and activism.

At some point in our lives, we will be asked to give a defense for our faith. While we know the Bible to be inherently true, how do we share that with others? Popular British apologist, author, and podcaster Justin Brierley has dedicated his life’s work to this very cause. Join us as we hear Justin’s personal journey to the faith, his passion for Christian apologetics, why he thanks God for Richard Dawkins, and the hope that he has for the rebirth of a belief in God in future generations.

How rapper and spoken-word artist Propaganda blends art and activism as an expression of faith.

What, or rather who, defines your identity? Chinese-American Vivian Mabuni understands what it’s like to always feel on the outside. While painful to deal with, God used Viv’s reality of being different from most people around her to shape her heart for ministry to share God’s precious truth with college students and become a powerful voice for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Have you ever questioned where you truly belong? In “Would Jesus Eat Frybread,” Renee Begay visits VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast and shares her beautiful journey reconciling her Zuni identity with her Christian faith, and how her past has helped shape both her identity and relationship with the Creator. Join us as we discover how our cultural traditions and where we come from can help give us more confidence as we embrace our new lives in Christ.

Do you ever feel unsure of what your calling is in life? In “What Had Happened Was,” well-known comedian and content creator Chaz Smith visits the VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast to share his journey of living out his purpose by following God’s direction, not for himself or others. Chad saw how God directed all that has happened in the past 10+ years while preparing him for his current project. Join us as we’re reminded that God will continue to lead and show up, so we can carry out His greater purpose, even when we question where He is leading us. And yes, sometimes all we need is just a good laugh.

How do you help people explore uncomfortable truths? Ya'Ke Smith, the award-winning director of Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom, explains how his life led him to understand that people need to see stories that reflect real life in order to be free from their bondage. Check out this episode of the Where Ya From? podcast by VOICES.

How does history affect how we use our voices today? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast, recently retired VOICES Executive Editor Joyce Dinkins shares how her rich family roots inspire her to uplift marginalized stories of faith.

What does it mean to worship through justice? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast, second-generation Latina author, pastor, and speaker Sandra Van Opstal discusses how Scripture should fuel our desire to seek justice in our communities and around the world.

Is there only one way to read the Bible? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast, Cuban-American theologian, author, and minister Dr. Justo González teaches us how our context—and even Jesus’ context—shapes how we read, interpret, and engage with Scripture.

What happens when the plans you have for your life don’t match up with what God has in store for you? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? Podcast, rapper, speaker, and activist who goes by Reflect discusses his old dreams of basketball stardom, his detour into youth service, and the Lord’s heart for the forgotten and oppressed.

How should we handle topics about Christianity that bring up potential offense and tension? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast, author Rebecca McLaughlin shares the surprising truth that digging deep into these tough subjects is an opportunity to respect others and deepen our faith.

Do you ever feel like it’s more important to behave at church rather than be yourself? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast, Reach Records rapper 1K Phew discusses his music, upbringing, and reconciling who he is inside and outside of church.

How do we repair relationships that have been broken for a long time, even outside of our influence? Duke Kwon, pastor and writer of Reparations: A Christian Call to Repentance and Repair joins VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast to remind us that everyone is crowned with dignity because they are made in God’s image. Even people or places that have hurt us. God breaks His light of truth through even the most unlikely people and places—which means we can learn something from everyone, everywhere. Join us to rethink how being willing to let go and learn from others allows us to repair broken relationships.

Where do we find fulfillment? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? Podcast, FOX Sports host Chris Broussard joins host Rasool Berry to discuss how his earthly successes don’t compare to the ultimate victory he finds in God.

In recognition of International Women's Day, we’re pulling back the curtains at Where Ya From with an episode of producer’s picks—the powerful conversations about how God worked through women like Ekemini Uwan, KB Newton, and Jenn Peterson because they used what was “in their hand” —like Moses and his staff at the burning bush. They responded to the daunting call God was making on their lives by asking how they could possibly do that. And God said, look at what’s in your hand. See how it all starts with using what God has given you in this very specific moment.

Has God really experienced all of the pain and suffering we have? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast, speaker, author, and trauma counselor Sheila Wise Rowe shares about her childhood in post-segregated Boston, her work in post-apartheid South Africa, and the Lord’s ultimate healing power.

Ever struggled to admit “I’m not okay,” even though you knew it was true? When Dr. Debbye Turner Bell won the Miss America pageant, she began the toughest time of her life. Join Rasool Berry on the Where Ya From podcast as he talks with Debbye Turner Bell, speaker, journalist, veterinarian, and writer of Courageous Faith about how isolation, burnout, and loss challenged her faith at a time when people expected her to be at her very best. Learn from Debbye about how it takes faith to admit you need help and to hold on to God even when you don’t like what He’s allowed.

How do you share your witness in political conversations? Does it fit your true convictions? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast, Justin Giboney, attorney, ordained minister, and co-founder of the AND Campaign, explains how his experience of being pressured to silence his witness—and witnessing others do the same—prompted him to reconsider political parties and to combine social justice AND moral order.

Facing the impossible in your life right now? In this episode of VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast, Carvens Lissaint, writer of Target Practice and actor on Hamilton, explains how facing devastating mountains in his life brought him an awareness of God and strengthened his faith.

How do you move what you know in your mind to what you believe in your heart? Nona Jones, well-known preacher, executive, entrepreneur, and writer of Killing Comparison, joins VOICES’ Where Ya From? podcast to share how the trajectory of her life dramatically changed when she began believing in her heart that she truly is who God says she is. Join us to learn how to be inspired—rather than expired—by people we compare ourselves with, and see how Nona was able to push past the comparison game.