Braden Johnson grew up chasing attention and approval—through semi-professional singing, competitive basketball, and creating content with famous social media influencers. But during his freshman year of college, everything changed when he encountered Jesus in a life-changing way. Braden discovered that true fulfillment can only be found in Christ. Since then, he’s been on a mission to help others find that same freedom. He now speaks full-time at schools, conferences, and events across North America, sharing real stories, real hope, and a message that connects faith to the realities young people face today.

Chris Padgett has been a teacher, musician, and speaker for over thirty years, dedicating his adult life to traveling the world and sharing the faith. When he is not engaged in ministry, Chris runs a used bookstore in central New York. He is married and the proud father of nine children and grandfather of eight. Chris loves sharing the faith with energy, humor, and a heart for helping others grow closer to Christ.

Deacon Jason Bulman has been married for nearly 16 years and is the father of seven children, six on earth and one in heaven. He is a practicing Physician Assistant, writer, and national speaker. Jason holds a Master’s Degree in Theology and a Master’s Degree in Medicine. He appears with his family in Meet the Bulmans on the Word on Fire Institute YouTube channel, and he and his wife wrote and recorded a novena for married couples featured on the Hallow app.

Rachel Bulman is a wife, mother, author, and national speaker. She served as editor for With All Her Mind: A Call to the Intellectual Life (Word on Fire, 2022) and is the author of Becoming Wife: Saying Yes to More Than the Dress (Our Sunday Visitor, 2023). Rachel and her family appear in the Meet the Bulmans series on the Word on Fire Institute YouTube channel, and she and her husband wrote and recorded a novena for married couples featured on the Hallow app. She also co-hosts Strong Voices every Thursday on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband, Jason, and their six children.

Alex Gotay is a national Catholic speaker known for his fire, faith, and real talk. With lively storytelling, high energy, and deep conviction, he speaks at major events like Steubenville, Life Teen, and diocesan conferences across the country. A convert to Catholicism, Alex connects with teens on a personal level because he’s lived it. He’s a 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a former UFC/MMA coach, and co-host of the Sainthood in the City podcast. He’s also a featured voice on the Hallow App and a regular guest on national media. More than anything, Alex is a husband of 25 years, a proud dad of four boys, and a man all in for Jesus. When he speaks, expect passion, humor, and a powerful invitation to go deeper with the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Rick Martignetti is a Franciscan priest of 28 years and holds a doctorate in Sacred Theology and Franciscan Spirituality from the Antonianum Pontifical University in Rome. Throughout his ministry, he has served in preaching, teaching, campus ministry, spiritual direction, and retreat ministry. He currently serves as Chaplain and Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Marian University. Fr. Rick is the author of three books on prayer and spirituality according to St. Bonaventure, including Perfect Love, a collection of forty short meditations published in 2022. Above all, he loves sharing the stories of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi and helping people live their values in everyday life.

Joe Melendrez is a dynamic Catholic performer, dedicated to energizing and inspiring the next generation of disciples. After a life-changing youth retreat, he committed to sharing the Good News through high-energy performances, keynote talks, and retreats that have reached audiences worldwide. A former Catholic educator with more than a decade of experience, Joe specializes in leading school assemblies and retreats that blend praise music with powerful, faith-filled messages. A devoted husband and father, he brings passion, creativity, and a heart for empowering youth to live boldly for Christ.

Kelsey Jenney lives in Northville, Michigan, and has served in full-time ministry with Young Life for 20 years. She speaks, hosts retreats, works in disability ministry with Capernaum, and engages in special projects, all while cultivating a deep curiosity about prayer. Outside of ministry, Kelsey has a love for all animals, especially her Goldendoodles, Moose and Messi. She enjoys scarves, black coffee, walking her doodle boys, and never turns down peanut butter, hummus, or guacamole. Kelsey is a certified Spiritual Director, holds certification in Spiritual Formation from the Transforming Center, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Spiritual Formation at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Learn more at kelseyjenney.com.

Mike Patin is a Louisiana native with over 40 years of experience working with teens and ministry leaders. He’s served as a high school teacher, coach, youth and campus minister, summer camp counselor, and even an assistant basketball coach. Known for his energy, humor, and heart, Mike speaks across North America, engaging youth and adults in honest conversations about real life and real faith. Whether on a big stage or in a small group, he challenges others to connect with God in meaningful ways and to live out their faith in today’s fast-paced world.

Nellani is a Catholic creative, speaker, and faith-based content creator from Hawaii. She is the writer and producer of Adore: The Eucharistic Revival Musical Production, a powerful stage experience inviting audiences to encounter the beauty and mystery of Jesus in the Eucharist. Nellani is also the author of Aleena’s Special Invitation, a children’s book encouraging young readers to respond to Christ’s love. Through her podcast, Getting PersoNell with Christ, she shares honest stories, spiritual reflections, and Christ-centered conversations to help others grow in faith. Active in youth and young adult ministry and building her Catholic business, Lumen Dei Creations, Nellani uses her creativity to connect hearts to Christ. Her mission is to empower the next generation to boldly shine their light and share His love with the world.

Santonio Hill is a dynamic speaker driven by a passion for inspiring others through the Gospel. With a degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America, Santonio brings a unique perspective and depth to his talks that resonates with audiences of all ages. For over a decade, Santonio has been actively involved in youth and young adult ministry, dedicating his life to empowering the next generation. His speaking engagements have taken him across various platforms and events, speaking at conferences, workshops, retreats, parish missions, colleges, high schools, and young adult events. Currently based in Pittsburgh, PA, Santonio resides with his wife Kristen and their two children. Through his engaging presentations and personal commitment to faith and family, Santonio continues to inspire and uplift communities, leaving a lasting impact wherever he goes.

Doug Brummel and Dave Wilson are storytellers, musicians, and passionate stewards of the faith. Together, they created The Doug and Dave Show, a fun, engaging, and faith-filled experience featuring original music, rich storytelling, and quirky characterizations. Their unique blend of humor and heart has made them a popular presence at parish, diocesan, and national events across the country. Based in Colorado, both Doug and Dave treasure their vocations as husbands and fathers. Learn more at www.DougandDaveShow.com

Bishop Oscar Cantú serves as the Bishop of San José, CA. A native of Houston, TX, he was ordained in 1994 and holds advanced degrees in theology from the University of St. Thomas and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He has served in parish ministry, taught theology, and worked in youth and community outreach. Bishop Cantú previously served as Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio and Bishop of Las Cruces. He currently chairs the USCCB Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs and leads the California Catholic Conference. Known for his advocacy on justice, peace, and human dignity, he has represented the U.S. Church globally in areas of conflict and at international forums.

Chenele Shaw is a seasoned Catholic speaker, writer, and ministry leader known for blending bold storytelling with deep pastoral insight. She has served as a parish youth minister, theology teacher, and Director of Youth Ministry for her diocese, where she oversaw formation for youth ministers across multiple parishes. She holds a degree in Theology from Ave Maria University and has spoken for organizations such as Life Teen, NET Ministries, the McGrath Institute for Church Life, and various diocesan conferences around the country. Chenele is the co-founder of the Before Gethsemane Initiative, a nonprofit focused on Catholic education around racial justice and reconciliation. She currently serves on the board of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and coordinated two routes of the 2024 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage across 38 dioceses. She is also the co-host of Anti-Depressing, a podcast where Catholic faith and pop culture meet real-life joy, challenge, and renewal.

Fr. Allen Hoffa was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Allentown on June 6, 2009, after completing seminary at St. Charles Borromeo in Philadelphia. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy and a Master of Divinity. His ministry has included roles as parochial vicar, high school and college chaplain, diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry, and national Catholic speaker and worship leader. Since 2017, Fr. Hoffa has led Integrity Restored efforts in the Diocese of Allentown, developing a pastoral plan to combat pornography and offering formation for priests, parents, and teens. He also serves on the national Integrity Restored team, presenting at diocesan and parish events. His latest talk, “It Used to Be Drama and Now It’s Trauma,” equips parents and teens with tools to face a culture shaped by the pornography industry.

Jason Kidd is the National Director for Alpha in a Catholic Context, where he helps equip parishes for evangelization. He spent over a decade in diocesan ministry focusing on marriage, family, youth, and mission, following twelve years of hands-on parish work. Jason has also served with Young Life Catholic Relations and as President of the Catholic Family Life Association. He holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering and a Master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. Jason and his wife, Sarah, live in Portland, Oregon, with their four children and together co-founded Intentional Intermission, a ministry dedicated to renewing the domestic church.

Ogechi Akalegbere is a Nigerian-American who currently works as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Washington. She previously served as the Christian Service Coordinator at an all-girls Independent Catholic School where she served as a diversity co-practitioner and ministry leader. She also uses her gifts as a public speaker, fitness instructor, and community organizer.

Ogechi grew up in and lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and when she is not at work or creating digital content she is either enjoying quality time with her husband of five years or at the gym lifting weights. She has a passion for social justice, empowering individuals to find their inner and outer strength and solidarity with those in the margins. She has served as a catechist, lector, pastoral council co-chair, and small group leader at her parish and diocese and is involved as a community organizer and diversity practitioner in her community. Ogechi uses her training as an equity facilitator and practitioner to help parishes, organizations, and small groups digest what equity means to them and those they encounter. Ogechi combines her passion for community organizing and her Catholic faith as a board member of Catholics United for Black Lives. Ogechi is the 2021 winner of the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Beccy Roseman comes from a small village in England, about an hour north of London. She serves the Archdiocese of Birmingham in both education and youth ministry and has spent over 20 years accompanying young people in discovering the adventure of falling in love with Jesus. She splits her time between training Catholic school leaders, running Life Teen’s UK summer camp, and leading the Catholic Mental Health Project. Beccy is married to Neil, and together they enjoy traveling and great Thai food whenever they get the chance.

Rick Grinstead is passionate about guiding young people into a deeper relationship with Christ. He serves as the Director of Evangelization, Youth, and Young Adult Ministry at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville, TN, where he creates opportunities for faith formation, discipleship, and evangelization. Rick also serves as the National Catholic Youth Specialist for Alpha, equipping leaders across the country to help others encounter Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. With a heart for mentorship and mission, Rick works to empower young people to embrace their faith and become bold witnesses in the world.

Shannon Wimp Schmidt serves as the Content Director for Tenx10 and is co-host of the Plaid Skirts and Basic Black podcast. She is the award-winning co-author of Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s: A Black Catholic Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Diversity (Ave Maria Press, 2022). A proud wife and mother, Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Catholic Theological Union. She also serves on the board of Catholics United for Black Lives, a nonprofit committed to racial justice.

Thomas is a singer/songwriter from Arizona, inspired by the story of humanity, God’s redemption, and the ability to create. Through campus ministry in college, Thomas discovered a passion for worship and community. Filled with fresh conviction and a heart for mission, he’s quickly gaining influence in Catholic music. 

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth Isaiah 43:19 

Echo Harbor is a faith-based, worship-centered bridge, fostering unity for all people through the love of God. Our label team, songwriters and artists come from different faith communities, but we all seek the “unity in community” that Jesus calls us to. Our songs, events, and artists strive to be catalysts for healing, unity, and hope; to be a life-giving stream in the deserts of daily living. We desire to be an ECHO of the Word of God, and to be a safe HARBOR for all people to experience God’s love through worship and praise. 

Learn more at echoharbormusic.com