Tasha Layton Official Site
https://tashalayton.com/

Life in Me: CDs & Vinyl
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Being obedient to God is something that all of us ascribe to but so few of us always follow through. Sometimes the simplest things seem to get in our way. With our best intentions, we often fall short in our quest to please others, satisfy our sinful desires, or walk the fine line between love and hate.

Singer/songwriter Tasha Layton believes that when you are a follower of Jesus Christ your life is not your own. If we are obedient, He will take our loaves and fish and multiply them. Doing so may not guide us in the direction we desire, but being in His will is far more important than our selfish pursuits.

It is that spirit that has fueled Layton’s twisty-turny journey of obedience the last 15 years, one that has included earning a masters of divinity degree, being an American Idol contestant, a backup singer for Katy Perry, and even serving as a college professor. All before signing her first Christian recording contract in 2018. But Layton doesn’t regret any of it, for she believes it was all part of God preparing her for the current season she is in.

Recently, the South Carolina native has released her second full-length album called “Life in Me”. This dynamic collection of songs represents where the last 15 years of living for Him have taken her. It is a journey Layton is thankful for, not because it has fulfilled her heart’s desire but because she has consistently followed God’s leading along the way.

Layton joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to reflect on where God has taken her the last 15 years as she pursued a career in Christian music. Listen as she walks us through her new album, pointing out how each song helps the listener to identify with the freedom and joy that only He can provide.

Nashville-based therapist Tricia Thornton came to the country’s attention in 2023 when she counseled grieving children and their families following the tragic Covenant School shooting.

An emerging figure in the world of child and family therapy, Thornton combines psychological and neuroscience research with spiritual guidance to address many of the mental health issues that parents are facing as they raise their children in today’s unforgiving world.

In a follow up to her debut book, Thornton has released Beyond Blessed Parenting, a practical guide for parents who want nothing more than to raise their children to be morally productive, faith-inspired adults. In the book’s 192 pages, Thornton, a parent of two, provides valuable insight and faith-fueled guidance on troubling topics ranging from fear to anxiety to dealing with trauma.

We recently sat down with Thornton to discuss the most critical challenge facing parents today, understanding the brain’s role in making an authentic connection with our children, and why it is so vital to stay connected to God in the most challenging of circumstances.

• Tricia's Website
• Beyond Blessed Parenting Book

The flames seemed to climb higher and higher at the recent Dove Awards ceremony as the Grammy Award winning duo for KING & COUNTRY unveiled their latest radio single, “World on Fire”. As flames blazed 20 feet high on the stage, the performance served as a beacon that they were back and better than ever.

The performance marked the band’s first original song release in more than two years. Fresh from a year off from touring to get some much-needed rest and to regroup for the next phase of their music, “World on Fire” represents a rallying cry to live fully alive and to be on fire for God.

The single will serve as a precursor to their forthcoming 2026 album release, a recording designed to build upon the success of the 2024 hit feature film “Unsung Hero”, a biopic about how their family first came to America from Australia.

One half of for KING & COUNTRY, Luke Smallbone, says that the time off afforded them the chance to reflect upon where the last 15 years have taken them and to allow God to breathe new vision into their hearts. He believes that out of this refining process will come a renewed clarity to usher in a new era for them, one of passion and purpose.

Luke joins me to chat about why he and his brother, Joel Smallbone, decided to take some time off and how it has refocused them for what lies ahead. Listen as he shares about their new single, "World on Fire" and his hope that it will become an anthem for revival around the world.

Links from the Show

• for KING + COUNTRY - WORLD ON FIRE with Taylor Hill | Live At GMA Dove Awards 2025
• Luke Smallbone's first appearance on this podcast (Episode 85)