Bigger Than Belief

Hamline Church Dining Hall has been serving up at the Minnesota State Fair for more than 120 years. Host Adam Duxter spoke with Senior Pastor Mariah Tollgaard live at the Great Minnesota Get-Together to hear what it takes to be so successful. Is it having the best breakfast pancakes? Maybe it's the handmade fresh daily pies?  Pastor Tollgaard says while faith drives them, it's certainly no requirement. More than 700 congregation members volunteer every year, but they don't spend their time ministering. They are simply there to serve up a nice meal. She says she's seen all kinds of people share a meal, maybe two people that would otherwise never share the same space.  Their discussion also touches on Operation Metro Surge, and how the community continues to heal.  From serious, to silly, and maybe a slice of pie, it's a fun conversation-- join us on Bigger Than Belief.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candace Cameron Bure has spent most of her life in the spotlight—from Full House to movies, television, podcasting and now a live tour. But in this candid conversation, she opens up about something much deeper than her career: who she is when the cameras aren't rolling. Candace shares how becoming a wife and mother helped her discover an identity rooted not in her work, but in her relationship with God. She explains why she believes her faith isn't something she leaves at home, why she's willing to be vulnerable even when it means occasionally sharing too much, and how she has learned to draw boundaries while living a very public life. She also talks about mistakes, apologies, redemption and the pressure of knowing that millions of people may see when you get something wrong. It's a short but meaningful conversation about faith, identity, vulnerability and the reminder that what we do isn't necessarily who we are. Candace Cameron Bure is currently taking her live show on the road, including a stop in Minneapolis on September 12. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 27, 2026, marks one year since a gunman shot into an early morning all-school mass at Annunciation Catholic Church - injuring dozens of students, teachers and parishioners - and killing 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel. On today's episode of Bigger Than Belief, Adam shares extended interview segments from WCCO-TV's on-air Annunciation special - along with personal interviews from three WCCO staff members who put those stories together. One year removed from one of the single greatest tragedies to take place in the Twin Cities, they share the impact still being felt.  To Harper, Fletcher, your families, and your classmates - our hearts are with you. We will never forget you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“What happens when faith moves beyond something we believe and becomes something we actually live? This week on Bigger Than Belief, Paul Hurckman, executive director of Venture, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, courage, service, family, and the uncomfortable places where belief becomes action. Paul shares the story of the decision that changed his life: saying no to a cross-country bike trip — and living with that regret for years. Eventually, he learned to say yes to the unconventional, a journey that took him to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and ultimately into leadership at Venture, a faith-based justice organization working in some of the world's most unsafe, unreached, and under resourced communities. We talk about the realities of refugee care, human trafficking, women's health and church planting, and why Paul believes the Gospel requires both proclaiming hope and responding to urgent human needs. But this conversation isn't only about global missions. Paul gets candid about the tension between doing meaningful work around the world and being present for his wife, his five children and his neighbors. He talks about resisting the temptation to be the "hero" of his own story, the importance of listening to your neighbors, and why sometimes faith asks us to step away from comfort. And in a particularly honest moment, Paul discusses what happens when he turns on the news and sees faith used to justify competing worldviews — and how those moments of doubt send him back to the foundations of what he believes. From seven marathons on seven continents to the simple act of helping a neighbor move a couch, this is a conversation about what it means to live a faith that shows up.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, alcohol was simply part of life for Nick Hanson. What started as normal social drinking in college slowly became something much darker—an addiction that consumed his thoughts, relationships, and sense of self. On this week’s Episode of Bigger Than Belief, Nick shares his journey through more than two decades of alcohol use, the devastating impact addiction had on his life, and the moment he finally admitted he couldn't overcome it alone. What began as a search for sobriety ultimately became a deeper journey of faith, purpose, and personal transformation. Today, Nick is over three years sober, a published author, a father of three, and an advocate for others seeking recovery. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how far someone has fallen, hope remains—and life on the other side can be better than they ever imagined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every 10 seconds, a child dies from hunger-related causes. JJ Slag, CEO of Feed My Starving Children, has spent the last two years traveling the world, meeting children whose lives are being transformed by something as simple as a nutritious meal. But this conversation goes far beyond global hunger - it's about faith that costs something, leading one of the world's largest Christian humanitarian organizations, raising children while carrying enormous responsibility, wrestling with doubt, and why some of the greatest heroes of faith may be people whose names we'll never know. Whether you're a person of faith or simply searching for purpose, this episode is a reminder that compassion isn't just something we believe, it's something we do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One moment, Sig Muller was laughing with lifelong friends at a backyard barbecue. The next, his heart stopped. After suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, Sig was clinically dead for nearly 10 minutes. Thanks to quick-thinking friends, CPR, and an AED, he survived with less than a one percent chance of making a full recovery. But surviving wasn't the greatest miracle. In this episode of Bigger Than Belief, Sig shares how facing death transformed the way he thinks about faith, purpose, gratitude, and the time we've all been given. From the friends who refused to give up on him to the simple question that now guides every day—"Am I spending my 5% on the right things?"—this conversation is an inspiring reminder that every day is a gift. Whether you're walking through a difficult season, questioning your purpose, or simply wondering what really matters, Sig's story offers hope, perspective, and encouragement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Phenow thought he was volunteering to help a refugee family. Instead, he became part of their family. In this episode, Jesse shares how one college volunteer opportunity grew into lifelong friendships, living with a refugee family in St. Paul, humanitarian work in war-torn Myanmar, and ultimately founding The Urban Village to serve Karenni youth in St. Paul. Along the way, he reflects on violence, faith, empathy, and why following Jesus often begins with one simple decision: moving toward people instead of away from them. This is a conversation about compassion, courage, and discovering that the people we think we're serving often end up changing us the most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From carrying frozen kettlebells into church basements to training future NBA and NFL stars, DeVentri Jordan's journey is anything but ordinary. As the founder of Game Face Training, one of the nation's premier sports performance programs, DeVentri has helped countless athletes reach the highest levels of competition. But behind the success is a story marked by loss, hardship, fatherlessness, business setbacks, and a faith that ultimately changed everything. In this powerful episode of Bigger Than Belief, DeVentri shares how the death of his mother, the loss of his brother, and years of chasing success forced him to ask one life-changing question: "Where did you last leave God?" Together, we explore the connection between physical discipline and spiritual growth, what it means to be "gracefully broken," and why some of the strongest athletes in the world are struggling silently behind the scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Kaycee Stanley, adoption isn’t just a cause—it’s a calling. What started as a dream to change the narrative around foster care grew into a nonprofit with a national reach - that has created hundreds of videos connecting waiting children with adoptive families across the country. On this episode, Kaycee opens up about the challenges of launching a faith-based organization, the resistance she faced in launching Reel Hope, and the remarkable ways she has seen God provide every step of the journey. She also shares the deeply personal story of adopting her own son through foster care and why she believes family remains the greatest need in a child's life. From faith and calling to foster care and adoption, this conversation is a moving reminder that one act of obedience can change countless lives. Learn more about The Reel Hope Project at thereelhopeproject.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It started as a college assignment and a simple dream - "put Jesus at the pulse of a generation". It has since grown into a global movement reaching millions of people across the planet. On this week’s Bigger Than Belief Nick Hall shares the remarkable story behind Pulse Evangelism, why he believes Gen Z is leading a spiritual awakening, and what it looks like to bring hope into a culture marked by division, loneliness, and uncertainty. He also shares how he views the role of the Church during moments of crisis, why authentic faith matters more than influence, and how ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact right where they are. Whether you're a lifelong believer, spiritually curious, or simply searching for purpose, this conversation offers an honest look at faith, leadership, and the power of one life surrendered to something bigger than itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Najeeba Syeed—peacebuilder, professor, author, and Executive Director of Interfaith at Augsburg University—has spent her life as a bridge-builder across religious, cultural, and political divides. Born in Kashmir and raised in Southern Indiana after immigrating to America at age three, Najeeba grew up learning that faith wasn't just about what you believe—it was about how you care for others. From her parents' intentional friendships across faith traditions to her mother's nightly questions about how she used her hands, heart, and feet to serve others, Najeeba developed a vision of faith rooted in action. Throughout the conversation, she challenges the idea that religious differences must divide us. Instead, she argues that authentic faith should expand our capacity to love our neighbors, engage conflict with courage, and build meaningful relationships with people who see the world differently. The conversation takes an unexpected and deeply personal turn when Najeeba reveals she is awaiting results from a biopsy and facing the possibility of a cancer diagnosis. In that vulnerable moment, she reflects on prayer, uncertainty, and the surprising people who have shown up for her—including friends and colleagues from different faith traditions. Her story becomes a powerful reminder that our deepest connections often emerge not from shared beliefs, but from shared humanity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A successful career in finance, a marriage, and a growing family. On the outside, Tom Truszinksi had it all together. On the inside, he was quietly falling apart. After years of addiction, arrests, and despair, he reached a breaking point. Convinced his family would be better off without him, Tom prepared to walk away from everything. Instead, a devastating motorcycle crash became the turning point that changed the course of his life. On this week’s episode of Bigger Than Belief, Tom shares the deeply personal story of growing up in a home marked by alcoholism, wrestling with questions about faith, surviving addiction, and ultimately finding hope through a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Today, Tom serves as CEO of Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, one of the nation's largest faith-based recovery organizations. He also offers a firsthand perspective on the fentanyl crisis, addiction recovery, and why he believes true transformation requires more than sobriety alone. Learn more about Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge at mntc.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Sheletta Brundidge arrived in Minnesota from Houston, Texas, she didn't know a single person. She wasn't planning to stay, and she certainly wasn't planning to build one of the Twin Cities' most recognizable media brands. On this episode of Bigger than Belief, she shares the remarkable story of how a weekend visit turned into a career, a family, and a calling. From walking into a television station unannounced and leaving with a job, to raising three children diagnosed with autism, to becoming an Emmy Award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker, and community leader, she reflects on the faith that has guided every step of her journey. Filled with laughter, powerful stories, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode explores what it means to trust God, serve your community, and remain obedient when life takes unexpected turns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For more than a century, Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church has worked to serve its community – South Minneapolis and beyond. ‘It’s kind of an ecosystem’, says Senior Pastor David Lose. The church has a number of affiliated ministries – but its latest venture could break boundaries. Lose and his team want to turn a shuttered church property, which once served as the original chapel, into a coffee shop and brewery combo – aimed to serve what Lose says is an increasingly lonely, isolated population. On this episode of Bigger Than Belief, he shares his heart for the project, and what could be next after gaining the support of Minneapolis City Council. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lino Rulli’s Wikipedia page reads as almost if he’s trying to pull a prank on you. It’s fitting, given Rulli’s love and natural inclination towards comedy. A childhood spent in the circus? A chance encounter coaching a Caribbean soccer team? It’s all true – and then some. Rulli credit’s his life, and success, to his faith and belief in God’s plan. It’s what brought him to WCCO in the early 2000s, where he paved a way for faith reporting – and what led him eventually to Sirius XM in 2006 – where he was named the host of the Catholic Channel’s “Catholic Guy” show. In the 20 years since, he’s traveled the world, brushed shoulders with A-listers, and even started a family. He spares no detail in his open-ended conversation with Adam, and answers the burning question… is the Pope soft on crime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jovonta Patton has done what many thought would be improbable - if not impossible. He's topped the Billboard gospel charts more than a half dozen times - and done it without the help of a record label. Born and raised in the Twin Cities, he's taken a lifelong passion for music and turned it into a career - singing with legends like Beyonce and Stevie Wonder. In 2016, he was even honored with his own day in Minnesota. On this episode of Bigger Than Belief, he shares with Adam how he's navigated an unconventional career while keeping his faith at the forefront. He also shares about a brand new song, and how he's working to build a growing faith community in Minneapolis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Twin Cities’ School District’s Plans to include spaces for prayer and washing of feet in new construction and building upgrades has drawn national attention and outrage. The district insists these updates come at the urging of “user groups” – and that prayer space comes as a multipurpose room – that can be used for any number of activities. The news, however, has drawn the attention of America’s top elected officials – who have compared the decision to Sharia Law, and slammed the decision as a double standard of how faith is perceived in schools. On this episode of Bigger Than Belief, Adam sits down with Imam Makram El-Amin, a Muslim leader with decades of experience serving the Twin Cities to understand the impact of this current conversation – as well as ask… are there double standards at play when it comes to faith in schools? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Layoffs, pinching pennies and the demand to do more with less – it’s what the business world can feel like in 2026. But one group is spurring business leaders to increase their generosity in the Twin Cities – by using faith as a common bond. Amplify Mission Network gathers hundreds of business leaders monthly to listen to the needs of non-profits – and brainstorm ways they can provide what’s missing. It’s led to buildings being donated, services given away for free, and lives being changed for the better. On this episode, Adam sits down with Amplify President Andrea McMaster – to figure out how Amplify has built a model for success – and why it seems to redefine what generosity, and working together, can look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elk River native Nate Prosser spent more than a decade in the NHL playing for the Flyers, Blues and his hometown team, the Minnesota Wild. As his career progressed, one thing remained constant – his faith. On this week’s episode of Bigger Than Belief, Nate sits down with Adam to share how his faith came to be, his work to share with teammates, and the room hockey has to grow when it comes to putting faith first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices