What happens when the chase for fame collides with an undeniable encounter with faith? For John Robert Hill, that collision didn’t just change his life; it reshaped his purpose, his voice, and the way he uses his influence today.
In a powerful episode of “A Healthy Point of View” podcast, Sam Tejada, CEO and Founder of Liquivida®, sat down with John Robert Hill, better known as Holy Gabbana, and co-host Cledis Duran, aka Jersey, to explore faith, identity, and the impact of using influence for something greater.
Sam shared that his passion for health and wellness is rooted in spirituality and his connection with God. This opened the door to Holy Gabbana’s story, a journey of redemption, renewed purpose, and faith.
From Clout to Christ: Holy Gabbana Reveals God’s Blueprint for Wellness | Ep. 83
A Turning Point Behind Bars
Gabbana’s journey didn’t begin with fame. It began in an LA County jail cell, where his cellmate introduced him to the gospel. At the time, he didn’t know what to do with it. But the seed was planted. Years later, when tragedy struck, that seed grew roots. One of his closest friends was set up and shot. He was pronounced dead before miraculously coming back to life. When he woke up, the first words out of his mouth were about Jesus. Gabbana remembers the moment vividly; it shook him to his core. “Nothing in this world mattered anymore,” he explained. From then on, faith became his foundation.
The Rise and Shift of a Social Media Star
At just 20 years old, Gabbana had built a massive following online. Through pranks, wild stunts, and outrageous content, he gained millions of fans. He admitted he was willing to do whatever it took to be rich, famous, and respected. But as his popularity grew, so did the emptiness he felt. Today, the same platform that once showcased his antics now carries messages of faith and hope. He didn’t try to erase his past; he chose to be transparent about it. “I didn’t try to rebuild my identity. The only thing I wanted to do was share my faith in Jesus,” he said. That honesty is what keeps people listening.
Faith, Fitness, and True Wellness
The conversation shifted into a powerful reminder that wellness is more than diet and exercise; it’s spiritual stewardship. Together, Gabbana, Sam, and Jersey drew connections between scripture and daily health:
- 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and honoring God means caring for them.
- Genesis 1:29 — God’s original design for food: seed-bearing plants and natural nourishment, not chemical substitutes.
- Ezekiel 4:9 — The recipe for today’s Ezekiel bread, a sprouted, nutrient-dense food still found in health stores.
- Matthew 4:4 — “Man shall not live on bread alone,” a reminder that spiritual nutrition is as vital as physical fuel.
- Proverbs 17:22 — “A cheerful heart is good medicine,” joy and emotional health are just as critical as diet and exercise.
- Romans 8:28 — Trusting God reduces anxiety and creates inner peace that supports resilient health.
They discussed the dangers of ultra-processed foods and how communities often face “food deserts” where healthy options are scarce. Gabbana shared how he prioritizes organic, natural foods, while acknowledging that not everyone has the same financial means. For him, it’s not about perfection but about striving to put the right foods and fluids into the body as an act of worship.
Fasting also came up as a biblical practice that strengthens spiritual health while resetting the body. Gabbana explained that fasting is not about denying the spiritual but about setting aside physical cravings to sharpen the connection with God.
Religion, Relationship, and Redefining Faith
For much of his life, Gabbana rejected Christianity, calling himself against religion. But real encounters with God changed his perspective. By definition, Christianity is a religion, “a structured system of beliefs, practices, and worship centered around God.” But to him, it’s deeper than that. “We don’t earn salvation by good works. We receive it through faith in Jesus,” he said. Grace, he believes, is freely given.
Cledis “Jersey” Duran added his own perspective. For him, scripture is the foundation. Encounters with God are powerful, but it’s through reading the Word that people learn who He is, how to love Him, and how to worship Him. Relationship and scripture go hand in hand.
Sam Tejada shared his own upbringing surrounded by different denominations, Catholicism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Mormonism. At family gatherings, each group had different rules, leaving him questioning what was real. His father would say, “We just go to church to live a better life,” but Sam wasn’t satisfied with that answer. It wasn’t until he attended a non-denominational church in his twenties that things clicked. The pastor told him, “Religion is manmade. Christianity comes straight from the Bible.” From that moment, Sam identified as a Christian, not just a Catholic.
A Voice Recording That Changed Everything
Perhaps one of the most emotional details Gabbana shared was about his friend who had been shot. In the moments before losing consciousness, his friend called his mother to say goodbye. She told him, “If you’re about to die, you better call on Jesus.” That voice recording of his mother crying, his friend calling out for help, stays with Gabbana to this day. Hearing his friend come back from death talking about Jesus was the evidence he couldn’t ignore.
Influence With Purpose
Sam pointed out how rare it is for influencers to use their platforms for something greater. Many continue creating the same content even after their lives change behind the scenes. Gabbana’s story shows a different path of what can happen when influence is repurposed to uplift and inspire. Millions who once followed him for entertainment are now being exposed to messages of faith and healthy living.
Gabbana’s advice to anyone with influence is simple: be honest, be vulnerable, and be prayerful. Share mistakes, share growth, and let God do the work through authenticity.
A Life Rewritten
Holy Gabbana’s story is one of radical change. From chasing likes to living for something lasting, his journey proves that no one is too far gone to turn their life around. His testimony also highlights something deeper: true health and wellness aren’t only about the body or mind, they’re also about the spirit.
For Gabbana, the fame he once pursued is now just a tool to carry a far more meaningful message. His life is proof that influence doesn’t have to stop at entertainment. It can inspire, heal, and lead people toward hope.