What if the nativity wasn’t sentimental — but courageous, gritty, historical, and deeply human?

In this exclusive interview, Director David L. Cunningham reveals the inspiration, historical accuracy, and behind-the-scenes challenges of Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas — premiering Tuesday, December 9th at 8 PM ET on ABC.

This isn’t the westernized version of Christmas.
This is the REAL world Mary and Joseph walked through — politically dangerous, culturally complex, and full of courage, faith, and hope.

🔥 Key Topics We Discuss:
▪️ Why THIS is the right cultural moment for the story
▪️ How modern audiences misunderstand the nativity
▪️ The courage and faith of Mary and Joseph
▪️ Why the shepherds mattered more than kings
▪️ Why the wise men arrive two years later — and what that means
▪️ Kevin Costner’s personal connection to Christmas
▪️ Filming in Morocco: caves, deserts, storms, and real weather
▪️ Why this Christmas film may inspire people to open their Bible again
▪️ What David hopes happens in your living room on December 9th

📌 About David L. Cunningham
David is an award-winning filmmaker known for creating deeply meaningful stories that connect audiences to themes of courage, faith, and humanity.

📆 Air Date:
December 9 at 8 PM Eastern on ABC

🙏 Watch as a Family
• Let this be the year:
• You see the nativity with fresh eyes
• You understand the cultural and historical context
• You remember the courage of Mary and Joseph
• You appreciate the real meaning of Christmas

👍 Support this film by sharing this interview!

@ABCNetwork @GraceHillMedia @EdenFilms @DavidLCunningham @KevinCostnerModernWest

▶️ Behind the Mike Podcast with Mike Stone
Encouraging, biblical, and culturally relevant conversations for everyday believers.

https://behindthemike.net

#TheFirstChristmas #KevinCostner #ChristmasSpecial #ABC #DavidLCunningham #Nativity #HistoricalBible #BehindTheMike #ChristianPodcast

Timestamped Chapters:
00:00 Intro — Why this film matters
01:15 Why now? The cultural moment for this project
03:14 The biggest misconception about Christmas
05:18 Historical accuracy: wise men two years later
07:20 Kevin Costner’s role and perspective
09:35 Filming moments that moved the director
11:44 What David hopes happens in homes watching ABC
13:41 Final encouragement + air date reminder

Send us a text

Support the show

Hypocrisy in the Church has quietly destroyed more faith than atheism, suffering, or doubt.

In this episode of Behind the Mike Podcast, Mike Stone speaks directly to anyone who has been hurt, betrayed, disappointed, or wounded by Christians, pastors, spiritual leaders, or church culture.

If someone’s sin shook your faith… maybe your faith was standing on them instead of Christ.

🔥 In this message, you’ll learn:
• Why hypocrisy hurts so deeply
• What Jesus actually said about hypocrites
• Why spiritual betrayal feels like abandonment
• How to heal from church hurt
• Six biblical steps to rebuild your faith
• Why Christians fail—but Jesus never does

Whether you've been wounded by leaders, friends, family, or the church itself… there is hope.

Don’t walk away from Jesus because of someone who wasn’t acting like Him.

📖 Scripture referenced: Matthew 23, Luke 12:1, Titus 1:16, Hebrews 12:1–2

If this encourages you, please share it with someone who’s struggling.
Keep seeking Truth. Keep walking by faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

#ChurchHurt #Christianity #HypocrisyInTheChurch #Faith #BibleTeaching #BehindTheMikePodcast #mikestone

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Why Hypocrisy Is Destroying Faith
00:56 – When Christians Don’t Act Like Christ
02:10 – Why Hypocrisy Feels Like Betrayal
03:13 – What Jesus Said About Hypocrites
04:11 – Why Spiritual Hurt Cuts So Deep
05:19 – Christians Fail, But Jesus Doesn’t
06:16 – Don’t Walk Away Because of People
07:43 – Abuse, Manipulation, and Real Church Hurt
08:23 – Jesus Faced Betrayal Too
08:55 – Six Biblical Steps to Heal
09:59 – A Final Word to the Wounded
10:37 – Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
11:47 – Final Encouragement & Closing

Send us a text

Support the show

Loneliness is quietly becoming one of the biggest struggles inside the church. Many believers feel isolated, unseen, or disconnected—especially heading into the holiday season. In this episode of Behind the Mike Podcast, Mike breaks down why loneliness is so widespread, why Christians rarely admit they feel this way, and how Jesus Himself understands deep isolation.

You’ll hear:
• The difference between loneliness and simply being alone
• Why digital connection is replacing emotional connection
• The three reasons believers hide their loneliness
• How loneliness reshapes identity, hope, and spiritual health
• How Jesus pursued lonely people throughout Scripture
• Practical steps to overcome loneliness—both spiritually and relationally

If you’re feeling lonely today, you’re not weak, broken, or forgotten. Jesus draws close to the lonely—and there is hope, healing, and community waiting for you.

Type “pray for me” in the comments and Mike will pray for you personally.
🙏 You’re not walking through this season alone.

https://behindthemike.net

#LonelinessEpidemic #ChristianLife #FaithPodcast #BehindTheMike #ChristianEncouragement
#EmotionalHealth #HolidaySeasonStruggles #JesusSeesYou #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchCommunity
#ChristianMentalHealth #LonelyButNotAlone #ChristianMotivation #PrayForMe


Chapters:
00:00 — The Holiday Season & Hidden Loneliness
00:31 — Even Jesus Faced Loneliness
01:15 — Overstimulated but Under-Supported
02:21 — Why Churches Struggle With Loneliness
02:59 — 3 Reasons Christians Don’t Admit They’re Lonely
04:28 — How Church Culture Gets Community Wrong
05:00 — What Loneliness Does to Your Soul
06:46 — The Loneliest People Are Often the Most Capable
07:11 — How Jesus Responded to Lonely People
09:35 — How to Heal From Loneliness (Biblical + Practical)
11:18 — Loneliness Doesn’t Mean You’re Weak
12:31 — How Vulnerability Breaks Isolation
13:07 — Final Encouragement & Prayer Invitation

Send us a text

Support the show