Amazing Greats

In this gripping episode of Amazing Greats, we sit down with renowned cinematographer and documentarian Michael Lienau, whose life was forever changed by the eruption of Mount St. Helens, May 18 1980. At just 20 years old, Michael found himself trapped at ground zero with a small film crew during the volcano’s second major blast—an ordeal that turned into a four-day fight for survival. From melted boots and eerie silence to blinding ash and divine visions, Michael recounts the harrowing experience that not only tested his physical endurance but also transformed his spiritual life. His powerful encounter with Jesus in the midst of catastrophe set him on a new path—one rooted in faith, purpose, and storytelling. Michael shares how this life-defining moment led to a long career producing faith-centered documentaries, launching ministries, and raising a family of nine with his wife and creative partner, Sherry. From the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii to the streets of Tacoma, Michael’s journey is marked by a passion for truth, reconciliation, and the supernatural power of God. Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation about divine rescue, creative calling, and a legacy built on listening to God’s voice—even in the darkest moments. "Amazing Greats" [http://www.amazinggreats.net] is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocLAyh6OyHvbOtyDopjTzA]. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

The operating room is his happy place.  Doing God's healing work with the audio backdrop of Contemporary Christian music and an occasional Bible quiz with his surgical staff.  Dr. Robert Kayal has build a "one stop" orthopedic care empire.  The 20 Kayal Orthopedic Centers in New Jersey and New York were born out of  his love of God, love of people, gifted hands, and an innate desire to "fix things".  It was Dr. Kayal's pastor, who helped to ignite his life long career in medicine by encouraging him to use his God given gifts as his mission field.  Doing what he does to glorify God.  It is on that foundation that he has built his practice.  His staff of over 100 health care professionals are blessed with the deep rooted culture of Christianity at his clinics.   In his recent book, "Mastering the Business of Medicine & the Doctor-Patient Relationship" Dr. Kayal articulates his 7 C's philosophy and shares that with us in this episode as well.  Everyone has a unique faith journey...and you'll hear how Dr. Kayal's was as, thoughtful, intense and mindful as his journey to become a surgeon.   Enjoy the amazing, God--centered career path of this inspiring guest on this episode of Amazing Greats.  "Amazing Greats" [http://www.amazinggreats.net] is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocLAyh6OyHvbOtyDopjTzA]. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

Steve Siler has written hundreds of songs , nine of them were #1 Christian Contemporary songs and 45 of them top 10. His songs have been recorded by some of the countries biggest stars...Kenny Loggins, Smokey Robinson, Patty Labelle, the Oak Ridge boys and others. To say the very least his song wrting skills are a true gift from God. Born out of his love of music at a very early age, combined with finding his way to Jesus as a teen was the fertile ground for what turned out to be his life's work. Although he loved writing Christian hits, he found his special niche in writing songs that address the challenges of our current culture:  eating disorders, body imaging, pornography, anxiety, additions, alzheimers, cancer and much more.  You'll hear how music has a unique way of breaking through to help heal wounds and bridge the challenges that so many face.  It was hearing his first hit song played on the radio that changed his musical direction and ultimately launched "Music for the Soul", Steve's non-profit organization that has been doing this amazing work for the past two decades.  In this episode you'll get to hear a brief sample of a couple of his most powerful and well known songs that will help you understand his mission and passion.  Find out more, listen to his healing music and help support his mission at www.musicforthesoul.org [https://www.musicforthesoul.org/]. "Amazing Greats" [http://www.amazinggreats.net] is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocLAyh6OyHvbOtyDopjTzA]. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

Hearing Christian stories in their triumphs and challenges is always inspiring.  In this episode we're tracking the journey of musician, songwriter, worship team member and church planter, Jesse Butterworth.  While many Christian lives start with their roots in early family life, most blossom later as we grow, mature and come to a true relationship with Jesus, in a real way.  And every story is unique.  Jesse's "moment" came in a dorm room listening to James Taylor. It was at this same Christian College that he hooked up with 3 other like-minded musician "want-to-be's" and started  a rag tag rock and roll band that led to an early signing to a record label, recording in Nashville and an album that won them multiple DOVE award nominations and a chance to play on the televised Dove Awards show.   All happening at the age of 22.  A crazy, God driven,  career trajectory!  A career that saw a dramatic change for Jesse in an instant,  while on stage playing a 5 minute 80's rock medley.  You'll hear about Jesse's recording journey to the Abby Road Studios and playing the same piano that John Lennon did, and singing through the same microphone that Elton, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Adelle, and others sang on over the years.   A dream come true.  You can sample the album  “All The Gold I’ve Struck” recorded at Abby Road and learn more about Jesse's work at: https://www.jessebutterworth.com/ [https://www.jessebutterworth.com/] You can also watch the hilariously fun video Our Good Old Days [https://youtu.be/8OrbgF6opxk?si=OG2PqNaiyZircYiN] that we talk about in the pod. Our conversation is filled with fun and laughter and hopefully some inspiration.  Don't miss a word of it.   Oh and you can help us grow our podcast audience by sharing this with a friend, "liking" it and leaving a review.  It really helps spread the word. God Bless. "Amazing Greats" [http://www.amazinggreats.net] is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocLAyh6OyHvbOtyDopjTzA]. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

His music career exploded within a year.  From being a camp worker, councilor and worship leader at the Catholic Damascus summer camp in Ohio to world renown Christian Music artist...24 year old Seph Schluter's life long love of Jesus unfolds in this episode of Amazing Greats.    "Counting My Blessings" was his breakout song and has been streamed over 100 million times in English and many million more in Portuguese ultimately becoming the #5 biggest song globally.  It is a story of God's blessings in his young life.   From a big Catholic family, Seph had a solid Christian foundation but ultimately found his family religion become his own through a faith evolution that included many encounters in prayer with Jesus that brought him closer and closer to a powerful relationship with him.  His personal decision to go all in, changed everything.  His music story is AMAZING... but his personal journey and his insight into the need for young people to actually encounter Jesus is what inspires him and propels his work with kids at Damascus where he is still a huge part as the Worship leader. Uplifting, relatable and humble, I know your are going to love getting to know this talented rising star! "Amazing Greats" [http://www.amazinggreats.net] is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocLAyh6OyHvbOtyDopjTzA]. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.