# 284: TIM TIMMONS defies a 5-year cancer prognosis, and his story is told in "I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2" in theaters Friday!

# 284: TIM TIMMONS defies a 5-year cancer prognosis, and his story is told in "I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2" in theaters Friday!

Author: Contagious, Inc. February 18, 2026 Duration: 25:59

What do you do when doctors give you five years to live… and you're still here more than twenty years later?

In this moving episode of Contagious Influencers of America, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams interviews singer-songwriter and worship leader Tim Timmons. Diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2001 and given just five years, Tim's story deepened into one of profound faith, surrender, and hope. Now, over two decades later, his journey is portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia (Gilmore Girls, This is Us) in "I Can Only Imagine 2," tied to MercyMe's iconic song that has impacted millions "Even If."

Tim shares openly about:

  • Living with cancer while embracing both grief and hope
  • Shifting from "working for God" to simply joining Jesus
  • His daily grounding practice (the X he writes on his wrist each morning)
  • Co-writing "Even If" with MercyMe's Bart Millard
  • Watching his life and pain depicted on the big screen
  • The heart of his new book, Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief and Gratitude

This isn't about pretending life is easy—it's about waking up again to presence, purpose, and a faith that holds joy and sorrow together.

If you're facing uncertainty, loss, or a heavy season, this conversation will meet you with real hope.

I Can Only Imagine 2 opens in theaters this Friday! "Waking Up Again" is available now wherever books are sold.

Listen today—and share with someone who needs encouragement.

Click here for tickets:  I Can Only Imagine 2 | Only In Theaters February 20

#PodcastInterview #FaithAndHope #WakingUpAgain #ICanOnlyImagine2 #EvenIf #GriefAndGratitude #TimTimmons #MercyMe #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith


The conversations found in CIA: Contagious Influencers of America are not your typical interviews. Hosted by nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, this podcast digs into the raw, human stories behind the people shaping culture from a foundation of faith. Each episode is a deep exploration of personal history, focusing on how guests-from artists and musicians to spiritual leaders and everyday pioneers-navigated profound challenges. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of battling addiction, confronting fear, and turning perceived failures into fuel for a meaningful life. The dialogue naturally unfolds to reveal how spirituality and creativity intertwine, offering listeners more than just inspiration; it provides a blueprint for resilience. This isn't about surface-level success stories. It's about the gritty, often unseen work of moving mountains, whether that work happens on a stage, in a studio, or within the quiet corners of one's own journey. The podcast creates a space where vulnerability is strength, and where the lessons learned in overcoming obstacles resonate with anyone seeking to make a tangible difference in their own world. Tune in for authentic conversations that examine the heart of influence, where faith meets action and music underscores the message of hope.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Podcast Episodes
Danny Gokey Gets Real: Loss, Faith & Fighting for Others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
American Idol Top 3 finalist and three-time Grammy nominee Danny Gokey joins nine-time Emmy winner David Sams back at the Contagious Influencers of America studio for a heart-to-heart that goes far beyond the music. Reco…
# 286: He Survived Iraq. Now He's Warning Us About AI | Ben Peterson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
David Sams sits down with Army veteran and Engage Your Destiny founder Ben Peterson for a conversation that moves from the battlefields of Iraq to the front lines of the AI revolution. Ben opens up about the darkest chap…
How Does Trauma Turn Into Trust? LISA HARPER Tells Her Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:22
What if the Bible isn't a rulebook, but a love story? Bestselling author, Bible teacher, and self-described "hot mess" Lisa Harper joins host David Sams on this episode of Contagious Influencers of America — and she come…
What If Your Dream Isn't Dead - Just Delayed? (HOPE DARST) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:15
Feeling like your window of opportunity has passed? Let Hope Darst's story be your encouragement to never give up. Hope signed her first record deal at 39, after two decades as a wife, mom, and worship leader at her chur…