Category Archives: Friends of the Podcast

Friend of the Ministry – Evie Clair In The News

Friend of the Ministry, Evie Clair has been in the headlines today, but before we talk about the current events topic, let us share with you our very first, of multiple, interviews with the America’s Got Talent Finalist.

Evie Clair and Amos Interview with Pastor Ed Boston

This is the episode description from that July 14, 2017 interview with Evie and her dad Amos.

Evie Clair is a 13 year old singer, songwriter, pianist and arranger with incredible vocal ability. Her pure voice is magic and has captured many hearts. Evie now has a nationwide audience after appearing on this season’s America’s Got Talent auditions. She advanced to the next round, but not only is her talent amazing, but the reason she’s on the show will capture your heart. Join us as we talk with Evie, and her father Amos. Amos has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Both Evie and Amos share their stories about AGT and the struggle that Amos has with that horrible disease.

 Now on to why Evie is in the news today. 

Fan-favorite Evie Clair has shared her feelings on social media after not being included in the top 15 most viral moments of America’s Got Talent. The singer who won the hearts of viewers around the world with the heartbreaking story of her father’s cancer battle during her time on the NBC talent competition series commented that she was disappointed that her story and performance which did go viral wasn’t included in the special.

You can read our friend Trevor Decker’s entire post on this topic by clicking this link. 

 

https://youtu.be/boK9z1hSasQ

Friend of the Podcast Jonathan Cain Has A New Christmas Single With Michael Tait

Friend of the podcast Jonathan Cain from Journey sent out the following.

I’m excited to announce that my Christmas single featuring Michael Tait, Wonder of Wonders, is finally out!

Pick your favorite streaming platform and click below to listen to my newest single, Wonder of Wonders.

Click Here

Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings – Official Trailer

Below is the official trailer for the new Netflix series, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. Click here to listen to our interview about the series with Sam Haskill, Executive Producer of Heartstrings

https://youtu.be/Rk0dfTAH7ME

Eight Dolly songs. Eight Dolly stories. Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings is an anthology series that showcases the stories, memories, and inspirations behind her most beloved songs. Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings premieres November 22, only on Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/title/80244846

Big Announcement from The Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys Release New Album ‘Down Home Christmas’ Today & Celebrate 30th Annual Christmas Tour Kicking Off On November 13

Produced By Dave Cobb, ‘Down Home Christmas’ Is Available Everywhere Today

Billboard Magazine Premieres All New Festive Video For “Reindeer On The Roof,” With Cameo Appearances By John Rich, Dennis Quaid & Jamey Johnson; Shot At Santa’s Pub In Nashville

Oak Ridge Boys Commemorate New Album Release With Upcoming Appearances on HUCKABEE, Nashville Insider, Country Gold With Terri Clark, and more!
“The Oak Ridge Boys got their own little Christmas miracle while recording their new holiday album…”
– Deborah Evans Price, Billboard Magazine

“If the holiday season is all about long-held traditions, then pushing play on an Oak Ridge Boys Christmas album should absolutely be up there with spiking the egg nog, arguing with your crazy uncle and watching “A Christmas Story” for 24 hours straight.”
– Kelly Dearmore, Sounds Like Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – GRAMMY® Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys, have released their 8th holiday themed album today, Down Home Christmas, available everywhere music is sold from Lightning Rod Records/Thirty Tigers. The new album marks the 3rd collaboration with famed Nashville hit-making Producer Dave Cobb. Down Home Christmas includes standards such as “Amazing Grace” and “Silent Night,” plus new originals like “Don’t Go Pullin’ On Santa Claus’ Beard” written by Americana hit-maker Anderson East and Aaron Raitiere, and “South Alabama Christmas,” written by Jamey Johnson, Bill Anderson and Buddy Cannon.

Billboard Magazine Premieres “Reindeer On The Roof” Video
Billboard Magazine premiered [click to view] an all new video today for “Reindeer On The Roof,” a fun and festive original tune that puts Oaks singer Richard Sterban in the spotlight with his one-of-a-kind basso cantante. Shot on location at Nashville’s famed Santa’s Pub, the video also features cameo appearances by John Rich, Dennis Quaid and Jamey Johnson.

30th Annual Down Home Christmas Tour
Each year The Oak Ridge Boys travel all over the United States spreading Christmas cheer by performing holiday classics, and fun new favorites plus many of the hits that shaped the career of this legendary vocal quartet. On November 13 in Branson, Missouri, they’ll embark on their 30th annual holiday-themed tour, with more than 30 concerts on tap in 28 cities and 16 states throughout the U.S.

The Oak Ridge Boys’ set list will take audiences on a hit-filled musical journey of holiday cheer from the group’s seven best-selling Christmas albums, along with performances from the new Down Home Christmas album.

“It is so hard to believe that our 30th Annual Christmas Tour is upon us,” said lead singer Joe Bonsall. “It seems like yesterday when Marie Osmond and all of us were planning our first tour called The Magic Of Christmas back in 1989. With different variations production-wise, and by gleaning fresh material from our eight different Christmas albums, we have maintained this energetic and challenging tour every year since. This year we will perform 31 full production Christmas shows across the Midwest and Northeast, and once again the show will be refreshed by utilizing all of the new songs from our new Down Home Christmas album, produced by Dave Cobb.”

Down Home Christmas Track Listing:
1. The Family Piano (Aaron Raitiere)
2. Angels (Aaron Raitiere)
3. Bring Daddy Home (Channing Wilson, Aaron Raitiere)
4. Reindeer On The Roof (Jake Mitchell, Aaron Raitiere)
5. Silent Night (Franz Gruber, Joseph Mohr)
6. Hallelujah Emmanuel (Robert Jason, Paul Bradley Sr.)
7. Down Home Christmas (Mando Saenz, Aaron Raitiere)
8. South Alabama Christmas (Jamey Johnson, Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon)
9. Don’t Go Pullin’ On Santa Claus’ Beard (Anderson East, Aaron Raitiere)
10. Amazing Grace (spoken introduction by Joseph Bonsall)
11. Amazing Grace (John Newton)

Album Name: Down Home Christmas
Release date: October 25, 2019
Pre-sale date: October 4, 2019
Label: Lightning Rod Records/Thirty Tigers
UPC: 644216238361
DISC: LRR38361
Produced by: Dave Cobb
Buy/Stream/Listen at orcd.co/downhomechristmas

Oak Ridge Boys Down Home Christmas Tour:
NOV 13 -The Mansion Theatre / Branson, Mo.
NOV 14 – The Mansion Theatre / Branson, Mo.
NOV 15 – Orpheum Theatre / Sioux City, Iowa
NOV 16 – Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel / Deadwood, S.D.
NOV 17 – Aberdeen Civic Arena / Aberdeen, S.D.
NOV 18 – Wild Rose Casino & Resort / Jefferson, Iowa
NOV 19 – Hartman Arena / Park City, Kan.
NOV 20 – The Mansion Theatre / Branson, Mo.
NOV 21 – The Mansion Theatre / Branson, Mo.
NOV 22 – Peoria Civic Center Theater / Peoria, Ill.
NOV 23 – The Vern Riffe Center For The Arts / Portsmouth, Ohio
NOV 24 – River City Casino / St. Louis, Mo.
NOV 29 – Carson Center / Paducah, Ky.
NOV 30 – Memorial Hall / Independence, Kan.
DEC 01 – McCain Auditorium / Manhattan, Kan.
DEC 04 – UMBC Events Center / Baltimore, Md.
DEC 05 – Riviera Theatre / N. Tonawanda, N.Y.
DEC 06 – Palace Theatre / Greensburg, Pa.
DEC 07 – Roland E. Powell Convention Center / Ocean City, Md.
DEC 08 – Sherman Theater / Stroudsburg, Pa.
DEC 10 – Brown County Music Center / Nashville, Ind.
DEC 11 – Paramount Theater / Anderson, Ind.
DEC 12 – Holland Civic Center / Holland, Mich.
DEC 13 – Leelanau Sands Casino Showroom / Peshawbestown, Mich.
DEC 14 – Honeywell Center / Wabash, Ind.
DEC 15 – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center / Renfro Valley, Ky.
DEC 18 – Mayo Civic Center Presentation / Rochester, Minn
DEC 19 – Five Flags Center / Dubuque, Iowa
DEC 20 – Shooting Star Casino Hotel / Mahnomen, Minn.
DEC 21 – Crystal Grand Music Theatre / Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
DEC 22 – Rialto Square Theatre / Joliet, Ill.
For entire tour schedule, please click here.

About The Oak Ridge Boys:
The Oak Ridge Boys, who have sold over 41 million units worldwide, are synonymous with “America, apple pie, baseball, pop, rock, gospel and country music.” In addition to their awards and accolades in the country and pop music fields, they have garnered five GRAMMY® Awards and nine GMA DOVE Awards as well as the Mainstream Artist of the Year Award at the ICM Awards. The group—Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban—have earned prestigious membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame (2015 Inductees) and Grand Ole Opry, and are known worldwide as one of recording history’s most extraordinary musical successes. They have charted single after single and album after album, celebrating one double-platinum album and one double-platinum single and more than 30 Top 10 hits, including No. 1 chart-toppers “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” among dozens more. For more information and to view upcoming tour dates for The Oak Ridge Boys, please visit oakridgeboys.com.

Shari Rigby From The Cast of “Overcomer”- Movie Premieres August 23

Here is the link to listen to our interview with Shari Rigby, one of the stars of the movie Overcomer.

Shari_Rigby_headshotActress, director, writer, and inspirational speaker Shari Rigby is outspoken and passionate about her faith and family. She has appeared in “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” as well as in the feature films, THE LEAST OF THESE, NOT TODAY, which received seven awards including an IFFF Spirit Award and Best Justice Film, and OCTOBER BABY, named one of the “Top 15 Impressive Box Office Performances of 2012” by CNN. Shari founded “The Women in My World,” a women’s group focusing on identity, purpose, ministry, serving others and living life in Hollywood. Shari and her husband, Matt, have been married 21 years and have two sons.

Overcomer 1Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth… until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey.

Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendrick Brothers return to theaters with OVERCOMER, their newest feature following FACING THE GIANTS, FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, and the #1 box-office hit, WAR ROOM. The inspiring family film stars Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and introduces Aryn Wright-Thompson.

Opening nationwide on August 23, OVERCOMER dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you?

 

Overcomer kendricksAlex, Stephen, and Shannon Kendrick are the filmmaking Kendrick Brothers, based in Albany, Georgia. For OVERCOMER, Alex co-wrote, directed, and plays the role of Coach John Harrison. Stephen co-wrote and produced the movie. Shannon serves as the movie’s executive producer.

OVERCOMER is the sixth movie from the Kendrick Brothers, following on the heels of their 2015 release WAR ROOM, which was the No. 1 movie in theaters across North America in its second week of release. Their other films:

  • COURAGEOUS (2011)
  • FIREPROOF (2008)
  • FACING THE GIANTS (2006)
  • FLYWHEEL (2003)

The Kendrick Brothers exist to honor Jesus Christ and make His truth and love known among the nations through movies, books, curriculum, and speaking. By prayerfully blending engaging stories with doctrinal integrity, the Kendricks seek to encourage and inspire viewers and readers with resources that impact their spiritual lives and strengthen their families and personal relationships.

To read more about The Kendrick Brothers, click this link.

Press Release: Friend of the Podcast Brady Novotny Climbs the Charts

Christian guitar virtuoso Brady Novotny reached #3 on the iTunes Rock Song chart in Canada with the title track to his album, “Passions Collide.” Novotny will open for David Leonard from All Sons & Daughters.

Press Release from:  MTS Management Group

PITTSBURGH, PA, UNITED STATES, June 24, 2019  —

“Nothing short of phenomenally top-notch!” – Jamsphere

“A true master of the six string like the guitar gods of old” – NeuFutur

“He plays like a living legend” – IndieBandGuru

2019 is shaping up as a highlight reel-type year for Christian guitar virtuoso Brady Novotny. His debut album was released in February, and it’s won the praises of critics around the globe. His first single, “Redemption’s Cry” was a staple on AC and rock stations this spring, charting both nationally and internationally. He appeared on Fox and ABC TV, as well as taking up a half page in Guitar Player Magazine. Brady also opened for one of his guitar heroes, Paul Gilbert, and he will be opening for All Sons & Daughters member, David Leonard on September 19th.  At only 6 months into the year, what more could the mild-mannered guitarist from Pittsburgh ask for?

It was awesome to see ‘Passions’ charting!”

— Brady Novotny

This past Saturday, that question was answered when Brady’s latest single and video, “Passions Collide” reached #3 on the iTunes Rock Songs chart in Canada. The flamenco-influenced track was beat out only by the new Freddie Mercury single and Queen’s classic, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Novotny came in ahead of time-tested favorites by Journey, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac and a host of household names.

A man of few words, Novotny said, “It was awesome to see ‘Passions’ charting!’

“Passions Collide” was produced by Pittsburgh favorite son, David Granati of the Granati Bros and G-Force.

Watch “Passions Collide”

ABOUT BRADY NOVOTNY: Pittsburgh native Brady Novotny is no stranger to the stage, or the world of music performance. In fact, as a nationally-touring musician, the guitar virtuoso has been heard by thousands of people. This past Christmas season, Novotny performed to more than 20,000 attendees as a member of the Victory mega-church worship team. He was featured in the April 2019 issue of Guitar Player Magazine.

Citing Randy Rhoads as his muse, Brady began playing guitar at age 10. An attendee of Berklee College of Music, he has taught summer guitar workshops at renowned Duquesne School of Music. His experience ranges from the Pittsburgh rock scene to national tours. He has worked as a Pittsburgh session guitarist, Worship leader, and guitarist at several mega-churches. Brady is also a licensed therapist, with a Master’s Degree in Psychology.

http://www.bradynovotny.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bradynovotnymusic
http://www.twitter.com/bradyanovotny
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4DPpHy1OgmjF5rCrOcjTTo?si=FTOfT2IPQrOKovryXJIPfQ

Interview: Hoyt And Suzy Tidwell

Hoyt & Suzy Tidwell Have A New Cookbook And Discuss The Importance of Families Having Dinner at the Table

Pastor Ed interviews Hoyt and Suzy Tidwell and they discuss several topics including Hoyt’s new cookbook and the importance of having the family eating together at the dinner table.

https://anchor.fm/ed-boston-podcast-network/episodes/Hoyt–Suzy-Tidwell-Have-A-New-Cookbook-And-Discuss-The-Importance-of-Families-Having-Dinner-at-the-Table-e4be1j

In late 2017, Suzy Tidwell taped her husband, Hoyt, making his chicken and dumplings in his trademark overalls and posted it on Facebook. There were no expectations for the 28-minute video, which quickly went viral. To date, 71 year-old Hoyt Tidwell’s chicken and dumplings video  has been viewed over 5 MILLION times on Facebook alone. Hoyt and Suzy started posting additional recipe videos, and before long, an unlikely celebrity was born. From their home kitchen south of Nashville, Tennessee, Hoyt and Suzy now post a weekly video offering viewers some country cookin’ and a dose of inspiration.

Hoyt Tidwell

The videos have developed an international fanbase, with over 20 million views to date. The videos typically feature Suzy behind the camera, admonishing Hoyt if he doesn’t wash his hands, and instructing him to get a bigger bowl because he just can’t seem to make small batches of anything. Much like his old-fashioned southern recipes, Hoyt’s videos themselves are comfort food, reminding us of a simpler time and the magic that can be found around the family dinner table.

Hoyt and Suzy (who once “won big” on the Newlywed Game) just celebrated their 50th anniversary. If you ask the happy couple about their long term goals, they are quick to point out that Hoyt’s Kitchen isn’t about cookbooks or view counts… but about bringing people together.

New this month… Hoyt’s Kitchen, Volume 2: Favorite Recipes from Hoyt, Family & Friends (The Cookbook Specialists). The all-new collection of recipes follows 2018’s Hoyt’s Kitchen: Favorite Recipes from Hoyt and Family. Both books are available now at HoytsKitchen.com.

Hoyt's Kitchen

 

Huge News About Friend of the Podcast Michael Behenna

It’s been a long, long time coming but today, President Trump gave an Executive Grant of Clemency for friend of the podcast, Michael Behanna. I, along with numerous other members of the then called “Cyber Crew” worked hard to defend Michael from nearly the very beginning of this horrible ordeal to a true Military Hero.

A trip to DC in support of Micheal, walking the halls of the Congressional Office Building to speak with Congressmen and their staffs about the grave injustices that were placed on our friend, having Michael’s parents on the podcast more than once to keep us updated (once Michael himself got on the line to thank us for our support), and regular prayers are some of the things we’ve done on behalf of this amazing former Military Officer.  We once had former Congressman and retired LTC Allen West on the podcast just to talk about Michael.

This grant of clemency serves as a complete pardon for Michael. While he can never get back the years of pain and suffering he has endured because of this disgrace of a miscarriage of justice, I am so pleased that he can now have this part of his life behind him.

May God’s blessing always be with Michael, Vicki, Scott along with the rest of the family, friends, and fellow soldiers that were so affected by this ordeal.

Pastor Ed Boston

Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding Executive Clemency for Michael Behenna

Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Grant of Clemency (Full Pardon) for former Army First Lieutenant Michael Behenna of Oklahoma.

In 2009, a military court sentenced Mr. Behenna to 25 years in prison for unpremeditated murder in a combat zone. After judgment, however, the U.S. Army’s highest appellate court noted concern about how the trial court had handled Mr. Behenna’s claim of self-defense. Additionally, the Army Clemency and Parole Board reduced his sentence to 15 years and paroled him as soon as he was eligible in 2014—just 5 years into his sentence. Upon his release, dozens of Patriot Guard motorcycle riders met Mr. Behenna to escort him back to his home in Oklahoma.

Mr. Behenna’s case has attracted broad support from the military, Oklahoma elected officials, and the public. Thirty-seven generals and admirals, along with a former Inspector General of the Department of Defense, signed a brief in support of Mr. Behenna’s self-defense claim. Numerous members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation, Oklahoma’s then-Governor Mary Fallin, and current Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter have also expressed support for Mr. Behenna. Further, while serving his sentence, Mr. Behenna was a model prisoner. In light of these facts, Mr. Behenna is entirely deserving of this Grant of Executive Clemency.

Another post about this topic can be found here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-pardons-the-former-soldier-who-was-convicted-of-murdering-an-iraqi-prisoner/2019/05/06/158765f8-705e-11e9-9f06-5fc2ee80027a_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.e7a271341b53

Here is the Facebook page dedicated to this cause: https://www.facebook.com/Free-Michael-Behenna-286735434685704/

Friend of the Podcast Celebrates Birthday in a Big Way

John Schneider’s 2nd Annual Bo’s Extravaganza Draws Nearly 10,000 Fans to Rural Louisiana for Ultimate Fan Weekend

Fans celebrated the 40th anniversary of The Dukes of Hazzard and John “Bo Duke” Schneider’s birthday with celebrity appearances, live concerts, carnival rides, car stunts and explosions, bonfires, helicopter rides, a hood slide contest, food vendors, fireworks and more.

Nearly 10,000 fans descended on rural Holden, Louisiana over the weekend for John Schneider’s 2nd annual Bo’s Extravaganza. The 2-day fan event was held April 6-7 at John Schneider Studios, celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Dukes of Hazzard and John “Bo Duke” Schneider’s birthday with live music on 3 stages, carnival rides, car stunts and explosions, celebrity appearances, bonfires, helicopter rides, a hood slide contest, incredible food vendors, a fireworks show to end each day and so much more.

Without a doubt, a major highlight of the weekend was a series of live car stunts coordinated by veteran stunt coordinator Jack Gill (Fast & Furious series, The Dukes of Hazzard, Knight Rider and more), including an incredible moment when John Schneider arrived by helicopter and thrilled fans by jumping the General Lee on Saturday afternoon.

Additional highlights included a special performance by multi-platinum recording artist Kid Rock, and two concert appearances by John Schneider and the Hazzard Nation Band, with skydivers diving into the event while Schneider performed his popular tribute to veterans, “Can I Buy You A Beer.” Schneider and his partner Alicia Allain bought event tickets for all veterans and first responders, as well as their families.

Bo’s Extravaganza also featured performances by Schneider’s The Dukes of Hazzard co-star Tom Wopat, Whey Jennings, American Idol favorite Bo Bice,Trick Pony’s Keith Burns, Thom Bresh, JoEl Sonnier, Beau Young,Confederate Railroad’s Cody McCarver, Smith & Wesley, Christian Davis and more. Additional special guests included actor Butch Patrick (The Munsters), Lulu Roman (Hee Haw), and several of Schneider’s co-stars on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, including Peter Parros, Gavin Houston and Angela Robinson.

The ultimate fan weekend also featured the Hazzard County Car Show & Parade — the largest car parade in the south featuring cars from The Dukes of Hazzard, Smokey & the Bandit, Knight Rider, The Munsters, The Love Bug, Scooby Doo and more.

A portion of the proceeds from Bo’s Extravaganza will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network.

While plans are already underway for next year’s event, Schneider will keep busy with an upcoming Christmas movie, a new album project and extensive touring of new music throughout 2019. Download the free John Schneider app to keep updated on live events, new projects and more.

John Schneider Studios sits on a 58-acre property in Holden, Louisiana that offers camping, lodging, trails, ponds, bamboo forest, a 200,000 gallon swimming pool and more.

ABOUT JOHN SCHNEIDER: John Schneider’s extensive acting career includes the iconic roles of “Bo Duke” on The Dukes of Hazzard, “Jonathan Kent” on Smallville and “Jim Cryer” on his current series, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots – the #1 primetime series on cable on Tuesday nights. John is also a celebrated country music artist with 19 albums to his credit and 4 #1 singles on the Billboard Country chart. In 2018, he launched an ambitious 52-song project, The Odyssey, as well as the album projects Greatest Hits…Still and Merry Christmas Baby. In addition to his entertainment career, John co-founded the Children’s Miracle Network – a non-profit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals, medical research, and community awareness of children’s health issues. Founded in 1983, they have raised more than $4.7 billion dollars which is distributed directly to a network of 170 hospitals. For more information, visit the official website at JohnSchneiderStudios.com.