19 Feb 2026
Episode 208: Robern Talkalai Interview
Robern Talkalai of Triple Cross from the San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona. Robern is a Christian music artist known for the 2005 album John 3:16. The album, released under Talkalai Studios, features tracks such as "Time to Pray," "Jesus In My Life," and "Take Me to the River". It is available on digital platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music. In this interview, Christian music artist Robern Talkalai discusses his more than 30 years in ministry, beginning with playing guitar at age four (0:00-0:17). He shares how his father's love for music exposed him to various genres in the early '70s (0:18-0:27).Key highlights from the discussion include:• Early Ministry and Baptism (0:29-1:14): Robern recounts his experiences playing at revivals and camp meetings through his parents' ministries and his first baptism in 1980 at a camp meeting led by Bishop Samuel Harris, marking his commitment to Jesus Christ.• San Carlos Miracle Church (1:14-4:36): He talks about his home church, San Carlos Miracle Church, founded around 1956. He highlights its significant role as the "fathering church" for several other miracle churches in Arizona. The church is known for its "Holy Ghost, devil shouting camp meeting revivals" and the numerous miracles that have occurred there.• Community Outreach and Youth Rallies (4:38-5:20): Robern emphasizes the importance of collaborations such as camp meetings and annual youth rallies, which aim to reach out to the youth and communities with the gospel.• Music Ministry and Triple Cross Band (6:17-8:51): A significant part of the discussion revolves around the powerful music ministry within the miracle churches. Robern, a legendary guitarist, leads the band Triple Cross, founded in 1999 with Billy James (BJ) on bass and James Paul Antonio (JP) on drums. The band's name, "Triple Cross," symbolizes the forgiveness of Jesus Christ and offering people a second chance.• "Gig in the Sky" Album and its Impact (9:09-11:59): He mentions "Gig in the Sky" as Triple Cross's only album from 1999. He shares a touching story about how the song "Spread Your Wings" from this album brought comfort and encouragement to a friend, Brian Adams, who was grieving the loss of his child and was not saved at the time.• Talkalai Studios and Original Music (18:43-20:18): Robern proudly states that all his music and Triple Cross recordings are original, many of which were created in his home studio. He expresses gratitude for modern technology like YouTube and the internet, which provide easy access to information that wasn't available when he was starting.• Ministry Philosophy (20:19-20:27): He believes that "God's music is free" and therefore, they do not perform for payment or contracts.• Past Recordings and Future Plans (23:29-26:40): Robern lists several artists and ministries he has recorded since 1982, including Johnny Curtis, Soldiers of the Light, Ruben, Alfred and Jacob, the Billy family, Francis Eno, George, and Pete Wear. He also announces plans for a new album and a website to advertise his studio and ministry.• Personal Life and Family (30:20-31:32): Robern shares about his 20-year marriage to Monica, whom he met at American Indian Bible College, and their three children: Robin Monet, Robbie Rashelle, and their son, who is following in his footsteps as a drummer.• Breakthroughs in Ministry (36:02-37:56): He highlights significant moments in their ministry, such as being part of the first Christian recording gospel category at the Native American Music Awards (NAMAs) in 2002 and their first nationwide broadcast on American Indian Radio.• Encouragement to New Believers (41:06-42:25): Robern encourages those outside of Christianity to "open your heart" and let God in, emphasizing that true change and restoration come from within, not from external perceptions.
