Podcast

20 The Countdown Magazine

Music, Music Commentary, Music Interviews

20 The Countdown Magazine is a weekly top 20 Christian music countdown show hosted by William Ryan, III featuring artist interviews, Christian music news, and the latest Christian music!

Music Commentary chart
#151
Episodes
57
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
1 hr 44 min
On air since
2025
Latest episode
4 days ago

Episodes

57 episodes, newest first

  1. 20 The Countdown Magazine (10/31/26)

    Episode 364

    Show notes

    Join William Ryan III for this week’s 20 The Countdown Magazine! Anne Wilson enters the chart, Leanna Crawford makes a big jump, and we count down to this week’s most-played Christian song. Plus, we revisit Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” from 2018 and spotlight Voice of Life in Dominica.

    In the news, Forrest Frank announces The Jesus Generation Movie, CeCe Winans takes on a role in Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas, and Caleb and John share their first visit to Yosemite National Park.

    We’ll also reveal your Future Fan Favorite winner and introduce two new songs from Lost & Found and Terrian for your vote! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  2. 20 The Countdown Magazine (10/24/26)

    Episode 363

    Show notes

    Join William Ryan III for the week of October 24, 2026, as we count down the 20 biggest songs in Christian music! Brandon Lake makes a big move, and Ben Fuller teams up with Carrie Underwood for this week’s new entry, “If It Was Up To Me.”

    We’re throwing it back to 2013 with Building 429’s “We Won’t Be Shaken” and spotlighting HCJB2 in Ecuador as our Station of the Week. Plus, we reveal your Future Fan Favorite winner, and Josh Wilson and Switchfoot go head-to-head for your votes.

    Who takes the top spot this week? Listen to find out! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  3. 20 The Countdown Magazine (10/17/26)

    Episode 362

    Show notes

    We’re counting down the biggest songs in Christian music for the week of October 17, 2026! CAIN joins the Top 20 with “Living Water,” Jeremy Camp makes the week’s biggest climb, and the race for the top spot continues.

    Join William Ryan III for highlights from the GMA Dove Awards, stories behind the songs, and a 20Throwback to Zach Williams’ “Fear Is a Liar” from 2017. We’re also celebrating Ascend FM as our Station of the Week.

    This week, Jamie MacDonald’s “Million Chances” and Phil Wickham’s “Everyday Hallelujah” are up for your vote. Listen, vote, and join our October $1 Challenge at 20TCM.com! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  4. 20 The Countdown Magazine (10/10/26)

    Episode 361

    Show notes

    There’s a new #1 this week! Join William Ryan III as we count down the 20 biggest songs in Christian music.

    Jamie MacDonald shares her personal connection to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Colton Dixon tells the story behind his new fragrance, and we have details on how you can watch Phil Wickham’s upcoming concert from home.

    Plus, we’re heading back to 2015 with Francesca Battistelli’s “Holy Spirit,” celebrating Good News Radio in Nebraska, and introducing two new songs for your Future Fan Favorite vote! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  5. 20 The Countdown Magazine (10/3/26)

    Episode 360

    Show notes

    There’s a new #1 this week! Join William Ryan III as we count down the 20 biggest songs in Christian music for October 3, 2026, including a new entry from Peter Burton!

    Matthew West takes us behind the scenes of his new album, and Chris Tomlin gives some familiar worship favorites a more relaxed sound. Plus, we head back to 2015 with Big Daddy Weave’s “Overwhelmed” and visit our Station of the Week, KFSI in Rochester, Minnesota.

    We’ll also hear last week’s Future Fan Favorite winner from Joseph O’Brien and introduce this week’s contenders from Matthew West and Elevation Worship. Who’s taking the top spot? Listen to find out! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  6. 20 The Countdown Magazine (9/26/26)

    Episode 359

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, two songs make their chart debut and several artists are climbing fast. We’ll hear how Anne Wilson’s story is headed to the big screen, get a childhood dream update from Caleb of Caleb & John, and share the story behind for KING + COUNTRY’s collaboration with Jessica Simpson.

    Our 20Throwback is Switch’s “Symphony” from 2019, and we’re celebrating RacMan Radio, part of the 20 family since 2013, as our Station of the Week. Plus, hear last week’s Future Fan Favorite winner and the two songs up for your vote!
    20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  7. 20 The Countdown Magazine (9/19/26)

    Episode 358

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, William shares the latest songs in Christian music, introduces two new Future Fan Favorite contenders, and looks back at Chris Tomlin’s “Jesus Loves Me” from 2015. You’ll also hear about Chris Tomlin’s latest milestone, Natalie Grant’s performance at a Tennessee Titans game, and Brandon Lake’s special onstage moment with a Make-A-Wish recipient. Plus, we visit CHVN 95.1 FM in Winnipeg, Manitoba, our Station of the Week!
    20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  8. 20 The Countdown Magazine (9/12/26)

    Episode 357

    Show notes

    This week, WR3 celebrates seven years as host of 20 The Countdown Magazine and shares the personal story of how he became part of the show. The countdown also delivers one of its most surprising debuts ever, along with new artist stories, this week’s Christian music news, a visit with our Station of the Week in South Florida, and another round of Future Fan Favorite voting. Listen now to find out how the Top 20 unfolds!
    20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  9. 20 The Countdown Magazine (9/5/26)

    Episode 356

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, Ryan Stevenson celebrates 10 years of “Eye of the Storm” with a special new version honoring his late friend Gabe Patillo. We’ll also hear about Lauren Daigle’s new Krewe Pass app and a new television show that brings some familiar Christian artists into the kitchen.

    Terrian is your Future Fan Favorite winner with “You Remain,” and our 20Throwback takes us back to 2012 with Sidewalk Prophets and “Live Like That.”

    Join William Ryan III as he counts down this week’s 20 biggest songs in Christian music! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  10. 20 The Countdown Magazine (8/29/26)

    Episode 355

    Show notes

    We’re counting down the Top 20 songs in Christian music this week, including some big moves up the chart and several newer songs making their way toward the top. William also remembers the extraordinary life and faith of Dolly Parton, including her long history with the GMA Dove Awards and collaborations with Christian artists. You’ll hear about Jamie MacDonald’s new song inspired by *The Chosen* and a new biblical movie executive-produced by Michael W. Smith. Plus, we have a special Dolly Parton and Zach Williams 20XTRA, reveal last week’s Future Fan Favorite winner, introduce two new songs for your vote, and spotlight Arizona Hope Radio in Flagstaff and Prescott, Arizona. Which song reaches number one? Listen to find out! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  11. 20 The Countdown Magazine (8/22/26)

    Episode 354

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, William counts down the biggest songs in Christian music and catches up on stories from Hope Darst, Leanna Crawford, and Elevation Rhythm’s Nate Diaz. We’ll also visit WMIE in Cocoa, Florida, a longtime 20TCM affiliate, and rewind to 2016 with Stars Go Dim and “You Are Loved.” Plus, two new songs compete for your vote as this week’s Future Fan Favorite. Which song will take the top spot? Listen now to find out! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  12. 20 The Countdown Magazine (8/15/26)

    Episode 353

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, we’ll tell you about a new movie celebrating some of the biggest worship songs of all time, Forrest Frank’s record-breaking Jesus Generation Tour, and Phil Wickham’s recent visit to Fox & Friends. Plus, we’re going back to Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Dive” for this week’s Throwback, and you’ll meet The Dove Radio Network in Medford, Oregon, our Station of the Week. We’ll also count down the 20 biggest songs in Christian music and give you two new songs to vote on for Future Fan Favorite! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  13. 20 The Countdown Magazine (8/8/26)

    Episode 352

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, the countdown keeps moving with new music climbing the chart, including a strong debut from Cochren & Co. We also welcome the WBCL Radio Network to the 20 family as our Station of the Week and celebrate their 50 years of ministry on the air.

    In the news, we take you to the Ark Encounter for the kickoff of the world's largest Christian music festival, hear about Joel Smallbone's latest movie role alongside his wife Moriah, and break down the newly announced Dove Award nominations, including one of the toughest categories of the year: Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year.

    We'll also hear from this week's Future Fan Favorite winner, Tate Butts, and introduce two brand-new Fresh Finds from Katy Nichole and Red Rocks Worship & Chris Brown.

    Plus, we'll count down the 20 biggest songs in Christian music, according to this week's chart, on another exciting edition of 20 The Countdown Magazine! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  14. 20 The Countdown Magazine (8/1/26)

    Episode 351

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, Zach Williams looks to hold onto the top spot, but Josiah Queen and CeCe Winans are right behind him and making things interesting. We'll also see who earns this week's Biggest Mover honors and welcome a brand-new song to the countdown.

    In Artist News, Leanna Crawford shares some exciting family news, Francesca Battistelli opens up about returning with new music after an eight-year break, and Seph Schlueter announces a new children's book inspired by one of his biggest songs.

    You'll also hear this week's Station of the Week, check out two brand-new Future Fan Favorite songs, and count down the 20 biggest songs in Christian music on this week's edition of 20 The Countdown Magazine! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  15. 20 The Countdown Magazine (7/25/26)

    Episode 350

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, we're celebrating some exciting artist news from Jeremy Rosado, taking to the skies with Natalie Layne for a one-of-a-kind performance, and highlighting one of this week's biggest new Christian music releases. Plus, we revisit a favorite from Stars Go Dim in this week's Throwback and count down the 20 biggest songs in Christian music. Thanks for listening! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  16. 20 The Countdown Magazine (7/18/26)

    Episode 349

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, William Ryan III counts down the 20 biggest songs in Christian music and catches you up on what's happening with some of your favorite artists.

    You'll hear about Matthew West's unforgettable trip to Alaska, Britt Nicole's first performance at Nashville's legendary Ryman Auditorium, and Brandon Lake's recent appearance on CBS Mornings, where he shares the heart behind his music.

    Plus, we shine the spotlight on our Station of the Week, KGBA & KROP in El Centro, California, celebrate another Future Fan Favorite, and count down all the way to this week's biggest song in Christian music.

    Thanks for listening to 20 The Countdown Magazine! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  17. 20 The Countdown Magazine (7/11/26)

    Episode 348

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, one of the year's biggest songs continues its run at the top, but the race is getting tighter as several familiar favorites continue to climb. There's a brand new debut from Forrest Frank, strong upward movement from Micah Tyler and TobyMac, and another shakeup inside the Top 10.

    You'll also hear the latest artist news, including Lauren Daigle celebrating the Fourth of July in front of more than 400,000 people in Nashville, Joel Smallbone marking 13 years of marriage with a look back at his wedding day, and Steven Curtis Chapman sharing why he never takes the freedom to live out his faith for granted.

    Plus, we'll introduce two brand new Future Fan Favorite contenders and count down the 20 biggest songs in Christian music. Thanks for listening to 20 The Countdown Magazine! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  18. 20 The Countdown Magazine (7/4/26)

    Episode 347

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, a familiar favorite is back in the spotlight as a former chart-topper makes a big move toward the top, while two brand new songs make their chart debut. We also count down another week of the biggest songs in Christian music and find out which artist claims the number one spot.

    Along the way, Ben Fuller shares what God has been teaching him as his ministry continues to grow, Jeremy Camp joins Dude Perfect for a special night that ends with worship and the Gospel, and Matthew West reflects on true freedom after taking part in a powerful Independence Day celebration in Washington, D.C.

    You'll also hear last week's Future Fan Favorite winner, cast your vote between new songs from Leanna Crawford and Megan Woods, and we'll spotlight our Station of the Week, KETQ in Yuba City, California.

    Thanks for listening to another edition of 20 The Countdown Magazine! 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  19. 20 The Countdown Magazine (6/27/26)

    Episode 346

    Show notes

    Join William Ryan III as he counts down this week's biggest songs in Christian music on 20 The Countdown Magazine!

    This week, there's a new song making its debut in the Top 20, while several artists continue their climb toward the top of the chart. You'll hear music from Matthew West, CeCe Winans, Elevation Rhythm, Zach Williams, MercyMe, Elevation Worship, Phil Wickham, We The Kingdom, Josiah Queen, Jamie MacDonald, Tauren Wells, and more.

    Along the way, we'll hear about CAIN's upcoming Live and in Worship Tour, Leanna Crawford's new behind-the-scenes video series leading up to her upcoming album, and Anne Wilson celebrating the release of her brand-new book, *Rebel*.

    Plus, we'll introduce this week's Future Fan Favorite nominees and reveal which station we're recognizing as our Station of the Week. 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min
  20. 20 The Countdown Magazine (6/20/26)

    Episode 345

    Show notes

    This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, several songs continue their climb toward the top of the chart, including a strong move from CeCe Winans and a Top 10 breakthrough for Josiah Queen. You'll also hear music from MercyMe, Zach Williams, Elevation Worship, We The Kingdom, Phil Wickham, Caleb & John, and more.

    We'll take a trip back to 2018 for this week's Throwback with Tauren Wells and his hit song "Known."

    Plus, we'll spotlight our Station of the Week, WFST in Caribou, Maine, a longtime affiliate serving listeners in the northeastern corner of the United States.

    And don't forget to cast your vote in this week's Future Fan Favorite matchup featuring new music from Dan Bremnes and Jon Reddick. 20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit
    20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel
    around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

    1 hr 44 min