Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

DOE, Grammy-winning singer and founding member of Forever Jones, has been leading worship her whole life. But her third solo album Shiloh, releasing August 28, is different from anything she has made before. Her mother is singing on it. Three of her siblings are in the videos. And the central conviction running through every song is one she has carried since long before she had a child of her own — someone had to make sure you knew who Jesus was, and it is your job to make sure the next generation knows too. Generational legacy, the gospel as the only lasting wealth, and a Grammy win discovered between frantic airport searches: DOE shares the heart behind Shiloh and the lead single Know Your Name, co-written with Anthony Brown and David Spencer as a declaration that if it is up to her, every generation will know the name of Jesus. She also opens up about writing Black Boy Joy for the men in her family before she was married or had a son, why she sang it at Carnegie Hall for Juneteenth, and what it felt like to find out she had won a Grammy while postpartum, running through an airport, and looking for her milk bag — holding what she calls her greatest accomplishment in her arms while receiving her greatest musical one. Highlights Why DOE says Shiloh is not just her most personal album — it is her life, her upbringing, and her mother singing beside her The central theme of the album: generational transfer of eternal wealth, the kind that can only be found through the gospel Know Your Name, co-written with Anthony Brown and David Spencer, as a declaration to pass the name of Jesus to every generation How becoming a mother sharpened her understanding of how God sees us when we are trying, striving, and not yet understanding The story behind Black Boy Joy, written for her father, brothers, uncles, and grandfathers before she had a husband or son Why she sang Black Boy Joy at Carnegie Hall for Juneteenth and what that celebration means to her as an American milestone Finding out she won a Grammy in an airport while postpartum, searching for her milk bag, and surrounded by a flood of missed calls Why she believes her next album may be entirely congregational worship and the prayer she takes into every writing session Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 DOE website: https://www.doejonesmusic.com 📱 DOE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doejonesmusic 🎵 Album: Shiloh, releasing August 28 🎵 Single: Know Your Name 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nick Skytland, Vice President of AI Research at GLOO, has been tracking how pastors use AI for a year through a joint research initiative with Barna. The headline finding will surprise people: 87% of pastors are using AI in some form. Only 13% say they do not use it at all. But how they are using it — and where the cautions lie — is where the conversation gets important. Brainstorming, biblical research, and the Friday sermon temptation: Nick walks through the data, including the 24% of pastors who now use AI to write or edit sermons, double last year's number, and why he believes the biggest risk is not that pastors are using it but that they stop thinking critically about what it gives back. AI is biased, not theologically neutral, and trained on secular pluralistic information — using it for spiritual formation without pastoral judgment, he says, is like turning to Reddit for marriage advice. He also shares what GLOO is building to address that gap and why he believes the church's mandate for human formation has never mattered more than it does in the age of AI. Highlights Why 87% of pastors are now using AI in some form and what that actually looks like in practice The top uses: brainstorming, idea generation, biblical research, small group questions, and administrative tasks Why 79% of pastors worry about AI replacing God and 63% worry about it replacing spiritual leaders entirely Why AI is not theologically neutral and defaults to secular pluralistic responses unless specifically prompted otherwise The Friday sermon temptation and why tired pastors need to be most on guard against outsourcing their judgment Why the church's core calling is formation, not information, and why friction in human relationships matters What GLOO is building to make AI values-aligned for faith communities and where to find the full research Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 GLOO Flourishing AI research: https://gloo.com 🌐 Barna State of the Church research: https://www.barna.com/stateofthechurch 🌐 Nick Skytland Twitter: https://x.com/skytland 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nathan Gamble grew up in church. He knew the creed, got confirmed, got baptized as an infant, and showed up every Sunday. He knew every rhythm of the Christian life — and had nothing in his heart for any of it. Then at 18 he moved to LA by himself, worked a lot, had no friends, hit rock bottom, and considered ending his life. A few connections later, he found himself hanging out with broke Bible college students in Ventura, California who were inexplicably joyful, and he wanted whatever they had. Two weeks after enrolling, he got saved. Isolation, genuine joy, and a faith that finally moved from the head to the heart: Nathan shares how he went from playing Sawyer in Dolphin Tale and Commissioner Gordon's son in The Dark Knight to being all in for the kingdom, and why he believes the most powerful form of the Great Commission is simply loving people so well they start asking what you have. He also gives a preview of Bad Counselors, releasing July 22, a film following two frat brothers who pose as counselors at a Christian youth camp to fulfill court-ordered community service — and why he thinks it is one of the smartest faith films made in years because it puts the audience squarely on the side of the non-believer. Highlights Why Nathan says most of his career he was not a believer — he just knew all the rhythms and performed them for his parents Moving to LA at 18 alone, hitting rock bottom, considering ending his life, and how Bible college students changed everything The premise of Bad Counselors and why he thinks the script is a page turner that made him laugh out loud Why showing Bad Counselors to non-believing students at USC got a 90% approval rating His philosophy of being a light on secular sets without needing to identify every moment as a ministry opportunity His dad's three rules for success — show up early, memorize people's names, memorize your lines — and why they are all biblical His upcoming projects, Miracle on the Precipice with Sean Patrick Flanery and a show he co-created called Bible College Resources / Links / CTA 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanleegamble 🎬 Bad Counselors: in theaters July 22–27 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Alex Kendrick and his brother Stephen went to Brazil to train 65 young Christian filmmakers. They came home with a Sony-funded feature film shot in Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro, starring a husband and wife who got pregnant during production and welcomed their baby two weeks before this interview. The new film is Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul, a remake of the very first movie the Kendrick brothers ever made, updated for modern day Brazil and releasing in American theaters October 16. Lordship, the movie screen as a canvas for the human heart, and a God who put every piece in place: Alex shares how the trip to Brazil came together through a series of unlikely open doors — including an interpreter named Enrique from Orlando who walked up out of nowhere and asked if they needed help — and why the story of an unethical car salesman, his praying wife, and a pastor's prayer that God would treat him the way he treated others is just as powerful in Portuguese as it was in English 25 years ago. He also revisits the Facing the Giants PG controversy and why a rating that initially stung turned into $8 million worth of free publicity that launched their career. Highlights Why the Kendricks agreed to train 65 Brazilian filmmakers and how that trip became a Sony-funded feature film The interpreter named Enrique who walked up and offered to help the moment they needed one — and never left Why shooting Flywheel in Portuguese, in Rio de Janeiro, in Brazilian culture made it something no dubbed version could replicate The husband and wife lead actors who got pregnant during production and welcomed a baby two weeks ago How the original Flywheel sold over a million DVDs despite almost every production mistake imaginable The story behind Flywheel, a used car salesman whose pastor unknowingly prays that God treats him the way he treated others Why Alex says the movie screen is not the primary canvas — the human heart is The Facing the Giants PG controversy and why a rating over faith content turned into a career-launching media moment Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul 📱 Instagram Alex Kendrick: https://www.instagram.com/the.alex.kendrick 🌐 Kendrick Brothers: https://kendrickbrothers.com 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bear Grylls has built a career taking people into the places where the real conversations happen — not the two-minute chat show slot where nobody asks about faith, but the mountaintop at sunset, the canyon at dusk, the forest trail where walls come down and people start talking about what actually matters. His new Prime Video series Chosen in the Wild takes the cast and crew of The Chosen into exactly those places, and Bear says what he has seen in these actors surprised him — many of them were not people of faith when they joined the show, and the transformation has been genuine. Faith kept simple, the wilderness as a place of encounter, and a show that has changed the people who made it: Bear shares why he keeps his own faith uncomplicated — say sorry, ask for help, say thank you — and why he believes there is a hunger for this kind of conversation everywhere he goes in the world. He also reflects on why sitting beside a river, walking through a forest, or watching a sunset with someone you love is just as sacred as anything that happens inside a building, and why he has learned long ago that a man is never as tall as when he kneels. Highlights Why Bear says he struggles more in normal everyday life than in the wilderness and what that reveals about how we are designed How the cast and crew of The Chosen arrived in the wild honest, open, and ready to talk about their real struggles Why many of the Chosen actors were not people of faith before the show and how that has changed Bear's simple daily prayer practice and why he keeps faith uncomplicated rather than formal Why climbing a mountain or sitting beside a river is just as much a spiritual encounter as anything in a church building His advice to young people who want to follow their hearts — fail a lot, build good people around you, and keep faith close Why he believes life will humble all of us eventually and why it is better to learn that lesson early The phrase that guides him: a man is never as tall as when he kneels Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Bear Grylls website: https://www.beargrylls.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beargrylls 📺 Chosen in the Wild with Bear Grylls 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ben Peterson, founder of Engage Your Destiny and former military chaplain's assistant, has led more than 8,000 sailors, airmen, marines, and soldiers to Christ in the last three years. He works with the most faithless generation in American history — only 3% of Gen Z holds a fully biblical worldview — and he is watching them turn to AI chatbots for spiritual advice, emotional support, and the sense of belonging their brains are wired to crave. His new book When Intelligence Isn't Human: Navigating Your Faith in the Age of AI is his response. The Tower of Babel, the dopamine loop, and a generation being shaped by technology built by men who don't follow Christ: Ben walks through why he believes AI is the tool of the great deception described in Matthew 24, how the creators of the most powerful technology in human history are driven by evolutionary moral relativism and utopian promises that echo the language of Mao, Hitler, and Stalin, and why a 40% rise in Gen Z turning to AI chatbots as pastoral figures should alarm the church. He also shares why he is not anti-AI, where the line is between useful tool and dangerous dependence, and why he believes the same historical pattern that brought revival through World War Two, the Civil War, and the Great Awakening is building again right now. Highlights Why dopamine is a pursuit chemical, not a pleasure chemical, and how social media and AI have hacked that system in young people How 40% of Gen Z is now turning to AI chatbots in the same way they would turn to a pastor for spiritual guidance Why AI is not the issue — it is the originators and creators of AI who are building a world without Christ that is the danger The Tower of Babel parallel and why Genesis 11 warns about what happens when nothing is impossible for those who reject God Where Ben draws the line between AI as a tool and AI as a guide or relationship — and why it will never replace the Holy Spirit Why he is concerned about the 70% of military personnel who are Gen Z and what AI integration means for their spiritual lives The every-80-to-90-years revival pattern and why he believes the church is on the verge of the greatest move of God yet How every copy of his book sold funds putting a copy directly into the hands of a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Ben Peterson website: https://thebenpeterson.com 🌐 Book website: https://whenintelligenceisnthuman.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebenpeterson 📖 Book: When Intelligence Isn't Human: Navigating Your Faith in the Age of AI by Ben Peterson 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

John James was the voice of Shine, Breakfast, Take Me to Your Leader, and Not Ashamed — the songs that defined the Newsboys' most creative era and introduced a generation to Christian music that was quirky, bold, and unlike anything else on the radio. He spent 16 years with the band. Then his world fell apart. He lost his marriage, his ministry, his career, and eventually flew back to Australia not to start over but, as he puts it plainly, to disappear and die. Brokenness, the lies that keep you silent, and the God who refuses to give up on his kids: John shares what it was like to hit rock bottom after leaving the Newsboys, why it took nearly 30 years before he could sing again, and how writing his new book Newsboy: My Story of Hope and Second Chances became the most healing and liberating experience of his life. He also reflects with grace on the recent Newsboys scandal, why he believes no one — not even the most broken person — is beyond the reach of God's redemption, and what the Christian music industry is missing by staying in one lane while an entire generation of young people has never heard of Bethel, Elevation, or Hillsong. Highlights Why John says he went back to Australia not for ministry but to disappear — and how God met him there How the slow erosion of his foundations, not a single dramatic fall, brought his house of cards down Why he refused to sing for nearly 30 years and the lies that kept him silent until God breathed on that area of his life again The process of losing 40 pounds, relearning to sing, and recording 11 new songs that sound like the follow-up to Shine Why he wanted the book to be a story of redemption, not a tell-all or a stone-throwing exercise His gracious and honest response to the recent Newsboys scandal and why redemption does not require our permission Why fast-tracking people in ministry based on gifting and charisma rather than character and biblical foundation is dangerous His urgent call for more Christian artists writing outside the worship lane to reach kids who have never heard of Christian music Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 John James website: https://www.ireachusa.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjosephjames_official 📖 Book: Newsboy: My Story of Hope and Second Chances 🎵 Album: God of the Second Chance 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Willie and Korie Robertson have been watching how entertainment shapes culture since Duck Dynasty first aired on cable. They have seen cable give way to streaming, watched the iPads appear in their grandchildren's hands, and decided that the answer to bad content is not just criticism — it is a better option. EKKL Entertainment is their answer: a faith and family streaming platform that also houses podcasts and devotionals, built for families who are tired of trying to figure out what is safe to watch. Faith families, Hollywood's blind spot, and a rock star who finds God in a hospital room: Willie and Korie share why they believe Hollywood does not overlook the faith and family audience so much as it simply does not understand it, why Duck Dynasty and God's Not Dead proved the appetite is real, and why the gatekeepers of traditional entertainment have kept too many good stories from reaching the people who need them. They also give a preview of Elijah Peele, releasing in theaters August 14, a gritty true story about a rock star whose life is falling apart who finds himself in a hospital room with a young girl and a chance at redemption — the kind of story, Willie says, where you do not realize it is a faith film until it has already gotten to you. Highlights Why Willie and Korie believe streaming is where culture is being shaped and why they wanted to be part of shaping it How watching their own kids and grandchildren consume content made the need for EKKL feel urgent and personal Why Hollywood does not overlook the faith and family audience — it just does not understand it How Duck Dynasty, God's Not Dead, and dozens of faith films proved the audience has always been there Why the gatekeepers of traditional entertainment are the problem and what EKKL offers as an alternative Elijah Peele, releasing August 14, a gritty true story about a rock star whose chase for everything leaves him with nothing Why Willie loves that Elijah Peele does not announce itself as a faith film in the first five minutes How EKKL goes beyond streaming to include podcasts and devotionals as a full trusted home for faith families Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 EKKL Entertainment: https://m.ekkl.com 📱 Instagram Korie Robertson: https://www.instagram.com/korie.robertson 🎬 Elijah Peele: in theaters August 14 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jon Erwin has been dreaming about the story of George Washington for over a decade. He read approximately 30 books, brought in historians obsessed with the subject, and set out not to photograph history but to paint an accurate portrait of a young man raging against an unfair world who decided to build a better one. Young Washington finished third at the box office over the Fourth of July weekend, making it the only film about American history in theaters on the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding — and the only modern theatrical film about George Washington in decades. The origin story of America, a love letter to a nation still worth believing in, and why your movie ticket is your vote: Jon shares what drew him to Washington's story, how the film captures a young man denied entry into a colonial class system and the fury that forged him into the father of a different kind of country, and why he believes so many of America's current problems trace back to a generation that no longer knows its own origin story. He also previews his next film, 1776, which will bring Washington back as the central figure of an ensemble story about the moment the largest amphibious fleet ever assembled in the history of the world hit the immovable object that was George Washington. Highlights Why Young Washington finishing third on the Fourth of July weekend was not a surprise to Jon but a statement from Middle America How nearly 30 books and years of research shaped a film he originally fell in love with long before he planned to make it The moment that defines Young Washington — a young man denied entry into a colonial class system who decides to build a fairer one Why America replaced the word subjects with citizens in the Declaration of Independence and what that still means today Why Jon believes this film belongs to everyone, left and right, because Washington is the first founding father for all Americans The staggering fact that Young Washington is the only modern theatrical film about George Washington in decades A preview of 1776, the next chapter in Washington's story, featuring an ensemble cast and the largest amphibious fleet ever assembled Why Jon believes America's story needs to be retold through film and why he hopes other filmmakers follow where Young Washington led Resources / Links / CTA 🎬 Young Washington film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32104007 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonerwinofficial 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Steven Curtis Chapman grew up watching his grandfather Ruble Rudd — a Purple Heart World War II veteran who came home with shrapnel permanently lodged in his leg, the only survivor of his platoon — live out a quiet, grateful patriotism that never left him. That legacy is at the heart of a new song Steven wrote for America's 250th birthday, a reimagining of America the Beautiful with the same chorus and new verses, recorded with country singer Chris Janson and debuted at the Grand Ole Opry on July 31, 2024 — the same night Ricky Skaggs walked out to invite Steven to become the Opry's newest member. Gratitude, division, and what happens when algorithms keep feeding us reasons to fight: Steven shares why he felt compelled to write a song that names the thing tearing America apart — including a lyric about algorithms that he was not sure belonged in a patriotic song but knew he had to say — and why his prayer for it is simply that people would lay down their weapons long enough to be grateful. He also opens up about the song Cinderella never becoming a number one because some Christian radio stations did not consider it a Christian song, why I Will Be Here was born from his parents' marriage dissolving, and why after four decades he is playing music with more joy than ever. Highlights The Purple Heart grandfather who survived his platoon and gave Steven a lifelong love for the cost of American freedom The night he debuted the new song at the Grand Ole Opry and was immediately invited to become a member Why he put the word algorithms in a patriotic song and what he believes social media is doing to American unity How he and Chris Janson connected as Opry brothers and why Janson jumped at the chance to record it together Why Cinderella never reached number one because some Christian radio stations said it was not a Christian song The painful season behind I Will Be Here, written after his parents' marriage dissolved, and why it surprised him by becoming one of his most beloved songs The Speechless 25th Anniversary Tour, a string quartet, a full band, and why he is playing music with more joy now than ever What he told his record label when he started — and what they told him about his singing before they signed him anyway Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Steven Curtis Chapman website: https://stevencurtischapman.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevencurtischapman 🎵 Single: America the Beautiful with Chris Janson 🎤 Speechless 25th Anniversary Tour 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Tenroc has spent his life making hits for other people. Grammy nominated producer and songwriter, he has worked with Rihanna, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Renee Rapp, and others — building songs, polishing them, handing them off, and going back to do it again. He never wanted to be the one out front. Then, about a year ago, he was driving a church van full of youth with his wife in the passenger seat when he heard God say something that changed everything. God's personhood, misdirected worship, and why the universe is not listening when you talk to it: Tenroc shares the story behind God Is a Person, his debut solo album releasing July 17, and why every song on it was deliberately written to be impossible to apply to anyone but God. He also breaks down Celebrity Is Dead, a song born from a conversation with his wife about why fame ruins both the person being worshipped and the people doing the worshipping, and why the whole album is designed to start with you wherever your emotion is and carry you out of it by the last note. Highlights The moment God spoke to him while driving a church van and why his first attempt to rationalize his way around it failed Why God specifically told him to make songs that were explicit about Jesus and said His name out loud Celebrity Is Dead and why humans were never created to receive worship — and what it does to both parties when they try Why every song was written to be impossible to apply to anyone but God, including rewriting verses that felt too generic What God Is a Person means — not just that Jesus is God, but that the universe is not a person and is not listening Why the album has an 80s pop and rock sonic profile that anyone can enjoy regardless of their faith background What it is like to be a producer who gets to make the product, hand it off, and then go back to make another one Why he believes every song needs to begin in an honest emotion but cannot leave you there Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Tenroc website: https://www.praise-jesus.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenroc 🎵 Single: Call My Name (Yahweh) 🎵 Album: God Is a Person, releasing July 17 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. Jay Richards, philosopher, senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, and vice president at the Heritage Foundation, has spent his career dismantling one of the most persistent myths in modern culture — that science and Christianity have always been at war. The founders of almost every sub-discipline of modern science, from Copernicus to Kepler to Newton, were either conventional or devout Christians. The warfare narrative was invented in the 19th century, and the evidence has been moving in the opposite direction ever since. Design, purpose, and the 20th century discoveries that materialism cannot explain: Dr. Richards walks through why the universe having a beginning in the finite past effectively removes materialism from contention as a worldview, how the fine-tuning of the cosmos points to a transcendent creator, and why the moral argument — the simple fact that you know it is always wrong to torture a child for fun, is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence for God that requires no science at all. He also shares his role in The Story of Everything as the philosophical connective tissue between the film's different streams of scientific evidence, and why he believes audiences who watch it will walk away knowing that the 19th century just-so stories of materialism simply do not hold up to scrutiny. Highlights Why the warfare between science and Christianity was always a myth invented in the 19th century How the discovery that the universe had a beginning effectively eliminates the materialist worldview from serious contention The moral argument for God, why the certainty that torturing a child is wrong points to a personal, holy, transcendent creator How Thomas Aquinas' teleological argument maps onto modern intelligent design evidence from DNA, bacterial flagella, and cosmology Why Dr. Richards served as the philosophical connective tissue between the scientists featured in The Story of Everything His go-to argument depending on the person, scientific for those interested in evidence, moral for those interested in truth Why he is agnostic on extraterrestrial life and what Mars and Venus tell us about how narrow the conditions for life actually are Resources / Links / CTA   📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaywrichards 🎬 The Story of Everything 📖 Book: The Privileged Planet 🌐 Discovery Institute: https://www.discovery.org 🌐 Heritage Foundation: https://www.heritage.org 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Anne Wilson is 24 years old, has a K-LOVE Award for Hey Girl, a debut country album called Rebel, a new book by the same name, and no social media on her phone. In 2023 she bought a flip phone, used it for a year, and has not looked back. She is one of the boldest Christian voices in country music right now, and she will tell you that boldness did not come from strategy — it came from watching her five-foot-tall, opinionated mother walk into rooms and say exactly what she believed. Faith in country music, the emptiness Gen Z is finally admitting, and what it means to be a rebel for Jesus: Anne shares why she named her book, album, and lead single all the same thing — because Jesus himself was a rebel who went against the crowd, fixed what was broken, and spoke the truth whether people liked it or not. She also opens up about why she believes phones and social media are quietly destroying her generation, why country music artists are increasingly using collaborations with Christian artists as a safe way to share a faith they have never publicly expressed before, and the surreal moment she sang the national anthem at the Artemis 2 launch — exactly 10 years to the day she first visited NASA as a 14-year-old who wanted to be an astronaut. Highlights Why she named her book, album, and single Rebel and why she believes Jesus himself was the original rebel What it actually looks like to follow Jesus boldly in today's culture beyond just going to church on Sunday How her five-foot-tall, opinionated mother modeled boldness in a way that shaped everything about who Anne is today Why she got rid of social media on her phone in 2023, bought a flip phone for a year, and still has no regrets The Light Phone and why she recommends making your phone do only what a phone actually needs to do Why she believes Gen Z is hitting rock bottom earlier than previous generations and why that is opening the door for Jesus How country artists have used collaborations with her as a safe space to share a faith they have never expressed on their own records Singing the national anthem at Artemis 2 exactly 10 years to the day she first visited NASA as a child who dreamed of space Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Anne Wilson website: https://www.annewilsonofficial.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annewilsonmusic 📖 Book: Rebel: Following Jesus When the World Walks the Other Way 🎵 Album: Stars 🎤 Stars Tour 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Leanna Crawford writes songs the way other people write journal entries — because she needs them first. Her sophomore album Thank God, releasing July 26, is the most personal thing she has made, built around gratitude for unanswered prayers, the freedom that comes from forgiveness, and the simple conviction that sitting at the feet of Jesus is better than any to-do list she could ever complete. She did not plan for it to be called Thank God. The songs told her that was the name. Comparison, forgiveness, and what it means to trust God with the nos: Leanna shares the story behind Living Room Floor, inspired by Mary and Martha and her lifelong struggle to simply sit with Jesus instead of earning her way into His presence, and Ask Him Again, born from a week of vulnerability in a writing room when a co-writer showed her a daily reminder on her phone that said exactly what Leanna needed to hear. She also opens up about Revenge, a song she wrote after realizing she was holding unforgiveness in her heart for someone who probably did not even know it, and Her, the Proverbs-inspired anthem for young women she has been wanting to write for years that asks whether two girls can both be fully okay with the gifts God gave them. Highlights Why she did not plan to call the album Thank God and how the songs themselves decided the title Living Room Floor, the Mary and Martha song she wrote because she is a Martha who desperately wants to be a Mary Ask Him Again, the song born from a co-writer's daily phone reminder and Leanna's own season of unanswered prayer How she cried to the demo of Ask Him Again over and over before the album was even finished Revenge, the song about forgiveness she wrote after a phone conversation with a friend helped her realize she was still holding bitterness Her, the comparison song for young women that she has wanted to write for years and has already made audiences cry before its release The season when songwriting became impossible for her and how Still Waters was her first step back to loving it again Indiana football, her husband Cody, and the Cinderella national championship run the whole country ended up cheering for Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Leanna Crawford website: https://www.leannacrawford.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leannacrawfordmusic 🎵 Album: Thank God 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Todd Nettleton has spent more than two decades working with Voice of the Martyrs, and he has sat with enough persecuted Christians around the world to know that what happened in a Roman coliseum in 203 AD is still happening today — just in different arenas. On this year's Day of the Christian Martyr, June 29, Voice of the Martyrs is spotlighting Perpetua, a 22-year-old woman from a noble family in ancient Carthage who kept a journal in prison while her father begged her to deny Christ and come home to her nursing baby. She was killed for refusing. Her journal survived nearly 1,800 years. Christian persecution, the courage of the church under fire, and what happens when the government decides it is in charge of your faith: Todd walks through what is happening in China, where unregistered churches are illegal, pastors are forbidden to preach about the Second Coming, and children under 18 are barred from attending services. He also shares what is happening in Northern Nigeria, where Christian homes are specifically targeted while Muslim homes next door are left untouched, and the story of Pauline Ayyad, a widow in the Middle East whose social media post forgiving the men who murdered her husband has been read by millions across the Arab world and changed lives no sermon could reach. Highlights Who Perpetua was, a 22-year-old noble woman with a nursing baby who kept a journal in prison and refused to deny Christ Why her journal may be the earliest surviving example of a woman's writing in history How her father used her infant son as an emotional plea to make her recant, and why she still said no What Christian persecution in China actually looks like, illegal gatherings, state-approved sermons, and children barred from church Why Chinese registered church pastors are forbidden from preaching about the Second Coming How Fulani attackers in Nigeria specifically target Christian farms and homes while leaving Muslim properties untouched The Nigerian pastor who sent his wife and children south to safety and stayed with his flock anyway Pauline Ayyad, the widow whose public forgiveness of her husband's killers reached millions across the Middle East Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vom_usa 🎙️ Voice of the Martyrs Radio: https://www.vomradio.net 📅 Day of the Christian Martyr: June 29 📅 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church: November 1 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bella Taylor Smith was 17 when she got saved at a summer camp during a worship service and realized that singing was not just something she could do — it was what she was made for. Years later, when a Voice Australia application popped up on her computer during Covid lockdowns, she felt the Lord prompting her to apply. She won. And then, rather than chasing the biggest mainstream opportunity that win could have opened, she and her husband moved to Nashville to make Christian music full time. Worship, the local church, and music made for your living room: Bella shares the story behind her new EP For the Home, the companion piece to her earlier project For the House, and why she wanted to make two distinctly different kinds of music — one filled with scripture for the local church, and one intimate and honest enough to fill a home with the Lord's presence. She also tells the genuinely strange story of winning The Voice Australia by watching the pre-recorded finale on her then-boyfriend's parents' couch, the difference between Australian and American food ingredients, and what it means to be a worship leader whose goal is to disappear so the congregation can find Jesus. Highlights Why she felt the Lord prompting her to enter The Voice Australia even though Christian music was always the plan The bizarre Covid finale where all four finalists pre-recorded four different endings and she found out she won watching TV Why she made two separate EPs, For the House for the local church and For the Home for intimate listening How she got saved at 15 at a summer camp worship service and knew immediately that was where she was meant to sing What it has been like to move from Australia, where Christianity is not culturally embedded, to the Christian music world of Nashville Why she believes a worship leader's job is to be as invisible as possible and simply connect people to heaven What her husband's production philosophy of recording with live musicians means for the intimate organic sound of her music Her honest take on Australian versus American food and why high fructose corn syrup is actually banned in Australia Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Bella Taylor Smith website: https://www.bellataylorsmith.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bella.taylor 🎵 EP: For the Home 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bethany Wohrle has been with Bethel Music since she was 17 years old. Her voice is on All Hail King Jesus and Living Hope, songs with tens of millions of streams that have been sung in churches around the world. But when her niece Junie died unexpectedly at 18 months old in February 2023, Bethany nearly didn't show up to the Nashville writing camp she had scheduled for her debut solo album just weeks later. She went anyway, and what happened in those writing rooms was not what she expected. Grief, hope, and a God who is still good even when nothing makes sense: Bethany shares how the songs on her debut album Reason That I Sing, releasing July 10, were born not from a desire to process sadness but from a determination to write hope-filled music because she had seen too much of God's faithfulness to doubt Him now. She talks about the song So Close, written for her sister and brother-in-law as a declaration that God can bring dead things back to life, what it means to be a worship leader whose goal is to be as invisible as possible, and why walking through the hardest season of her life left her more on fire to lead people into worship than she has ever been. Highlights How her niece Junie's unexpected death three years ago became the grief behind nearly every song on this album Why she went to the Nashville writing camp just weeks after the loss and what God did in those rooms Why she refused to write a song about sadness and what she chose to write about instead So Close, the song she wrote for her sister, and the moment they both wept listening to the mastered version together What she believes the role of a worship leader actually is — to be invisible and simply connect the congregation to heaven The woman who had never raised her hands in church and what happened when the whole room lifted them together All Authority, the song on the new album declaring that every fear and worry bows to the King of Kings What she is sensing about the movement of God right now and why she does not want to be left behind what He is doing Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Bethany Wohrle website: https://bethanywohrle.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanywohrle 🎵 Album: Reason That I Sing 🎵 Single: He Is Here 🌐 Bethel Music: https://bethelmusic.com 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Anike grew up with a Muslim father, a conviction that some of the music she was listening to was wrong, and no idea she would one day be the first female artist signed to Reach Records. She looked up Christian remixes, found Lecrae, convinced her family to let her go to a church summer camp by calling it an internship program, and gave her life to Jesus on day three. Two days later, Lecrae showed up at the camp. She had no idea what God was setting in motion. Christian hip hop, the gospel carried in a beat, and what it means to give God your yes even when it costs you everything: Anike shares how a high school biology project turned into freestyle circles at lunch that turned into a full-time calling, why she carries headphones everywhere so people can listen before they realize they're hearing about Jesus, and what led her to change her name from Wande to Anike as an act of obedience to God. She also talks about the new single Holy Girls, inspired by Proverbs 31, what it felt like to record her entry for the Forrest Frank contest on a camera mic at her relative's house and get selected anyway, and why she believes you don't need the perfect setup for God to use what you have. Highlights How finding Lecrae through a search for Christian remixes became the first domino in her entire journey to faith The summer camp permission slip she got her Muslim father to sign by calling it an internship, and what happened on day three Why she brought headphones to school every day as her non-awkward strategy for evangelism What it cost her to give up a Nigerian family's expectation of becoming a doctor or lawyer to pursue music full time Holy Girls, the Proverbs 31-inspired single celebrating women of God who are unashamed, diligent, and fearless Why she changed her name from Wande to Anike and what God showed her through letting go of a brand she had built Recording her Forrest Frank contest entry on a camera mic at her relative's house and getting selected for the album anyway Her new ebook Song Release 101, giving other artists everything she had to figure out alone about releasing music legally Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Anike website: https://anike.net 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anike 🎵 Single: Holy Girls 🎵 Single: Contagious 🎵 Forrest Frank collaboration: Jesus Is Alive 🌐 Reach Records: https://www.reachrecords.com/artists/wande 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. Thomas Kidd, professor at Midwestern Seminary and author of biographies on Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, and George Whitefield, has spent his career at the intersection of American history and Christian faith. He is one of the most careful historians working on the founding era today, and when he says the debate over whether America was founded as a Christian nation has enough to offend both sides, he means it — and he can explain exactly why. The founders, the First Amendment, and the tens of millions of churchgoers nobody is counting: Dr. Kidd unpacks why the separation of church and state was actually championed most fiercely by evangelical Baptists who were being persecuted by state churches, why Jefferson hosted church services in government buildings while also being the architect of religious liberty, and why Christianity thrives more when the government stays out of it. He also drops a finding from upcoming research that could reframe the entire conversation about American religious decline — congregational surveys are undercounting the total number of churches in America by at least 25%, and the tens of millions of people showing up every Sunday who never get counted are roughly equivalent in size to the entire group of Americans who claim no religion at all. Highlights Why the founding has enough historical evidence to offend both the Christian nation crowd and the strict secularists How Baptist Christians were among the loudest voices for church-state separation because state religion meant persecution Why Jefferson hosted church services in government buildings while also being the great architect of religious liberty What the founders actually believed about Christianity's role — strong cultural influence, but no official legal role How the Great Awakening of the 1740s shaped Patrick Henry's speaking style and the entire patriot movement Why Rosa Parks was chosen specifically because she was a dignified, churchgoing Christian woman — and why that matters The upcoming research showing American churches are undercounted by at least 25% and what that means for the nones narrative Why religiously practicing people consistently outperform non-practicing people on every measure of human flourishing globally Resources / Links / CTA   📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ThomasSKidd 📖 Book: American History Volume Two 📖 Upcoming Book: The Death of Religion? co-authored with Byron Johnson 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sam Eaton grew up hiding under tables in kindergarten because he was afraid of the world. His father's alcoholism left deep roots of trauma, and years later, after watching four people in his school community die by suicide, he could no longer stay silent about the pain he had carried alone for years. Sam is the founder of Recklessly Alive, a suicide prevention ministry, and the author of the new book You Can Do This: Daily Affirmations to Live Recklessly Alive. He has spoken at more than 250 events across the country, and he opens up here about his own attempt, what brought him through, and why he believes almost everyone who feels suicidal does not actually want to die. Mental health, the lies depression tells, and what Scripture says to the person who doesn't want to be alive: Sam walks through why suicide at its core is simply pain that has outgrown someone's ability to cope, why talking about it openly makes people more likely to seek help rather than less, and how Job and the Psalms show that this struggle is not new to God and has never been a sign of faith failure. He also shares the one simple daily practice that carried him through the months after his own attempt, why community is essential even when you have to push yourself to show up, and what he wants caregivers to know about how to reach the people they love who are struggling. Highlights Losing four people to suicide in one school community and how that became the turning point that broke his silence Why almost everyone who feels suicidal doesn't actually want to die — they just can't see another way through the pain How social media triples the pressure on young people and why three and a half hours a day doubles the risk for depression The one simple daily practice he used after his own attempt — one small thing a day, photographed as proof that life can get better What Job, Jonah, and the Psalms reveal about God's long familiarity with the pain of not wanting to be alive Why struggling with mental health is not a spiritual failure, and why faith and medicine are meant to work together The police officer video that went viral and what it captures about the power of human connection in a crisis moment What he wants caregivers, parents, and teachers to know about how to reach someone who is struggling without having the perfect words Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Sam Eaton website and Recklessly Alive: https://www.recklesslyalive.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recklesslyalive 📖 Book: You Can Do This by Sam Eaton 🆘 If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 — call or text 988 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kristian Stanfill has been part of Passion Music for over 20 years. He has seen a lot. But what he is witnessing right now among Gen Z, he says, is different. Not hype. Not emotional. Students showing up at Globe Life Field in Arlington at 3am, lining up around the building with their physical Bibles, just to make sure they could get into the room. Forty-five thousand of them. All hungry for the same thing. Repentance, revival, and a generation that wants something durable enough to build a life on: Christian shares what he believes Asbury 2023 cracked open across college campuses in America, why this move of God is marked by confession and holy living rather than spectacle, and what the new Passion album Just That Good is really about — joy from a life that has been genuinely redeemed. He also gives a preview of the upcoming Passion tour with Taya and Levi Lusko, and why none of them are interested in just doing a show. Highlights What Christian has never seen in 20-plus years with Passion, and why this moment feels unmistakably different How the Asbury outpouring in February 2023 stripped back celebrity culture Christianity and got back to the simple heart of faith The image seared into his mind of students lined up around Globe Life Field at 3am, Bibles in hand, just to get in the room Why this generation is not looking for hype but for something real, durable, and honest enough to build a life on What the title track Just That Good is about and where the joy in it comes from What Watch Him Work, What a Worthy Name, and the rest of the album represent for Passion The upcoming tour with Taya and Levi Lusko and why all three of them are going into every city with faith for something fresh Why Christian says leaving his family is only worth it if God is actually going to show up and do something powerful Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Kristian Stanfill's website: https://www.kristianstanfill.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristianstanfill 🎵 Album: Just That Good 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. Michael Behe, biochemist and professor at Lehigh University, has spent his career making a case that most scientists would rather not hear. The concept he became famous for, irreducible complexity, argues that the molecular machinery inside living cells is so intricately assembled that removing a single part causes the entire system to collapse. Darwin thought the closer you looked at biology, the simpler it would get. The opposite turned out to be true, and that discovery has never stopped being inconvenient for strict materialism. Science pointing beyond itself, the mind behind the machinery, and what a young generation deserves to know: Dr. Behe walks through why he joined The Story of Everything, how the fine-tuning of the universe and the information embedded in DNA both point insistently toward a designer, and why the mainstream scientific establishment continues to resist conclusions that the evidence increasingly demands. He also shares his go-to argument for God — not from biochemistry, but from the one thing every person already knows they have — a mind — and why that single observation, followed honestly, leads somewhere materialists cannot explain away. Highlights Why irreducible complexity is not going away and why evolutionary biology is still fighting to ignore it How Darwin's assumption that cells were simple blobs of protoplasm turned out to be completely wrong Why the more science advances, the stronger the evidence for purposeful design becomes The fine-tuning argument and why the universe sits on a knife's edge to allow life to exist at all His go-to argument for God, starting not with biochemistry but with the reality of the human mind Why the mainstream media and academic establishment push the science-versus-faith narrative against their own evidence What books like The God Delusion have done to students, and why this film is a direct answer to that Why he believes young people who feel like accidents need to hear that science itself says otherwise Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Dr. Michael Behe website: https://michaelbehe.com 🎬 The Story of Everything: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13374694 📖 Book: Darwin's Black Box 📖 Book: The Edge of Evolution 🌐 Discovery Institute: https://www.discovery.org 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Shae Robins had one dream her entire life — Broadway. She worked the hours, joined the union, had friends performing on tour, and was ready to make the move to New York. Then, driving to work one morning past red rock canyons in Utah, God gave her a peace she wasn't looking for, and she let go. She signed with an agent almost immediately, got cast in her first Great American Family film, and has been making faith-forward rom-coms ever since. It turns out God was not closing a door. He was building a different stage entirely. Identity, letting go, and the faith stitched into the seams of everyday life: Shae shares what drew her to Blessings in Disguise, a film about a fashion designer who discovers her grandmother's Bible verse-stitched dresses and finds her way back to what matters, and how those themes led to a seven-day devotional audio series through the Glorify app called The Fabric of Faith. She also talks about the night her daughter called out "Hi Mommy" from the audience while she was playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast, why she believes families are starving for content that doesn't require a filter, and what it means to her to raise two little girls while making films they can be proud of. Highlights The morning God gave her peace about letting go of Broadway and how everything opened up immediately after How her first Great American Family film Destined at Christmas launched a career she never planned for What drew her to Blessings in Disguise and why the themes of identity and self-worth hit close to home The grandmother's Bible verse-stitched dresses in the film and why that detail became the heart of the story The Fabric of Faith, a seven-day Glorify audio devotional tied to Blessings in Disguise covering identity, community, stillness, and grace The night her daughter shouted "Hi Mommy" from the audience during Beauty and the Beast and why it was the highlight of her life Why she believes families are spiritually hungry for content that carries hope and light without compromise Her upcoming film A Christmas Prayer Two, a sequel to the Movieguide Award-winning original Resources / Links / CTA 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shae_robins 🎬 Blessings in Disguise 🌐 Glorify app: https://glorify-app.com 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Aaron Burns, director of the upcoming film Jimmy, had always loved Jimmy Stewart the way most people do — through the movies. It was a Guideposts article, written by Stewart himself, that stopped him cold. The man who played George Bailey had flown 20 combat missions against the Nazis, left Hollywood behind for three years to serve his country, and carried a flight log in his own handwriting marking the planes of his fallen comrades. The prayer in Martini's Bar in It's a Wonderful Life, it turns out, was not just a scene. It was the beginning of something real. Timeless storytelling, the faith woven into Hollywood's most beloved film, and what it means to tell stories that outlast your own life: Aaron shares how Jimmy Stewart's daughter Kelly Stewart Harcourt came on board as executive producer, brought her father's personal journals and wartime flight logs to the production, and even lent them Jimmy's actual Oscars for filming. He also opens up about Frank Capra's mysterious visitor who told him he was worse than Hitler for wasting his gifts, why Aaron's team asked "What would Capra do?" on set every day, and the pre-production journey of his next film, Hudson and Maria, about missionary Hudson Taylor's radical integration into Chinese culture and his courageous stand against both the British and Chinese empires to carry the gospel where no one else would go. Highlights The Guideposts article Jimmy Stewart wrote that revealed he was a combat pilot who flew 20 missions against the Nazis How Kelly Stewart Harcourt joined as executive producer and brought her father's personal journals, flight logs, and actual Oscars to set Why the prayer in Martini's Bar in It's a Wonderful Life was a real turning point in Jimmy Stewart's spiritual journey The story of Frank Capra's mysterious visitor who told him he was wasting God's gifts, and how it changed the kind of films he made Why Aaron's team put "What would Capra do?" on their coffee cups during production How It's a Wonderful Life flopped at the box office, fell out of copyright, and became America's most beloved film by accident KJ Apa's total transformation into Jimmy Stewart, and why Aaron was startled seeing him in real life after weeks in the edit The Hudson and Maria project, filming in Malaysia this August, about Hudson Taylor's decision to dress, speak, and live as Chinese to bring the gospel without cultural barriers Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Aaron Burns website: https://www.burnsco.us 🎬 Jimmy the Movie: https://www.jimmythemovie.com 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Cliffe Knechtle has been standing on college campuses answering skeptics for 46 years. His son Stuart joined him, bringing a background in psychology and mental health that turns hard arguments into something people can actually feel healed by. Together they have written Demolishing Doubt, a book that walks readers from evidence for God's existence to the reliability of the Gospel accounts to what it means to take a genuine step of biblical faith — and it was built for exactly the kind of person who shows up on a college quad with a list of reasons not to believe. Apologetics, the emotional fragility of Gen Z, and a revival that is spreading from campuses into the local church: Cliffe and Stuart walk through their go-to arguments for the existence of God and the resurrection of Christ, why answering "I don't know" has become one of the most powerful things a Christian can say to a skeptic, and why they believe the questions young people are asking now are more urgent and more honest than ever before. Stuart also shares the story of a top Division I athlete who broke down in tears at a dinner table, saying he was jealous that Stuart had objective value and meaning in his life — and why that moment captures exactly what is driving the spiritual hunger they are witnessing everywhere they go. Highlights How Cliffe's open-air Q&A ministry started 46 years ago on the beaches of Fort Lauderdale and never stopped Why the content of skeptics' questions hasn't changed much, but the emotional stakes behind them have grown dramatically The four-part argument Cliffe uses in two minutes to make the case that your worldview already assumes God Why the best answer a Christian apologist can give is sometimes "I don't know," and why skeptics love it Stuart's background in psychology and how he pairs counseling instincts with Cliffe's hard arguments to reach the whole person What the historical explosion of Jewish converts to Christianity reveals about the reality of the resurrection Why Cliffe and Stuart believe secularism is not dying but dead, and what is rushing in to fill the vacuum Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Give Me an Answer: https://givemeananswer.org 📱 Instagram Cliffe Knechtle: https://www.instagram.com/cliff.knechtle 📱 Instagram Stuart Knechtle: https://www.instagram.com/stuart_knechtle 📖 Book: Demolishing Doubt 🎙️ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@givemeananswer 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dan Darling, Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Seminary and Assistant Professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College, has spent years watching Christians navigate some of the hardest personal decisions of their lives without much help from the pulpit. His new book Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Life, releasing May 26 through B&H, is the resource he wrote for the pastor who gets asked about IVF on a Tuesday, the parent whose college kid is cohabitating, and the young man who can't scroll through a sports app without a gambling ad following him everywhere. Biblical ethics, cultural pressure, and the questions every pastor hears at least twice a week: Dan walks through why cohabitation has become a wink-and-nod issue even in conservative evangelical churches, why IVF requires more careful ethical thinking than most Christians have been given, and why he believes sports gambling is one of the most laser-targeted traps ever aimed at young men. He also addresses the growing libertine streak inside conservatism, why some issues are black and white in Scripture while others require applied wisdom, and what it looks like to take God's design seriously not just because He commands it but because it is actually for our good. Highlights Why Dan wrote this book for pastors and everyday Christians, not just academics or policy makers The libertine streak growing inside conservatism and why Christians are called to live differently Why cohabitation embeds patterns of non-commitment and what Tim Keller says about training yourself to leave The nuanced case for thinking carefully about IVF, frozen embryos, and how far we move from the one-flesh union Why he believes surrogacy raises serious ethical concerns that Christians should not dismiss How gambling preys specifically on the working class and why the house is always designed for you to lose Why prop bets are corrupting the purity of sports and putting athletes in danger How to think through gray areas where Scripture does not give a direct command but biblical wisdom still applies Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Dan Darling website: https://danieldarling.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dandarling 📖 Book: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Life 🌐 Land Center for Cultural Engagement 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Matt Chandler, Senior Pastor of The Village Church in Texas and author of the new book Becoming Like Jesus, has been pastoring the same congregation for nearly 25 years. He has watched 20-year-olds from the Dallas party scene get radically saved, get married, lose children, walk through divorce, battle addiction, and slowly become more like Jesus across decades. He has also survived a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, endured seven years of a painful marriage, and come out the other side convinced that the Christian life was never meant to be up into the right — and that the lie that it is has sent a generation into deconstruction. Progressive sanctification, the Beatitudes, and the deep work only the Spirit can do: Matt unpacks why the church has over-emphasized conversion at the cost of discipleship, why holiness is not a checklist or a ladder but a lifelong journey of closing the distance between yourself and Jesus, and why the most dangerous thing you can do is expect to be a finished product at any point on the road. He also shares what it felt like to be diagnosed with incurable brain cancer in 2009, why he was with David and Jeremiah in their rawest moments with God rather than offering polished theological responses, and what he is witnessing at The Village Church right now as revival seems to be jumping from college campuses into the local church. Highlights Why Matt has spent 20 years wanting to write this book and what finally made it feel like time The lie that the Christian life is up into the right and why it is sending evangelicals into deconstruction How progressive sanctification works as a coil moving forward, not a straight line upward Why the church has over-emphasized conversion and under-invested in the now what of discipleship His terminal brain cancer diagnosis in 2009, what it felt like in the moment, and where he is now 17 years later Why confession is not just telling God your sin but telling God the truth about everything in your heart How the Beatitudes are not a checklist but a portrait of what the Holy Spirit forms in us over a lifetime What he is seeing at The Village Church right now, record baptisms, radical salvations, and a prayer for revival to land locally Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Matt Chandler website: https://www.pastormattchandler.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattchandler74 📖 Book: Becoming Like Jesus 🌐 The Village Church: https://thevillagechurch.net 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Alexander Pappas, founding member of the Grammy-nominated group Hillsong Young and Free, has spent 15 years writing songs that congregations around the world sing without always knowing his name. Alive, Real Love, Echo, A Great Awakening — his fingerprints are on some of the most-played worship songs of the last decade. Now he is stepping out with a solo EP called Sunday, a project born out of a season of personal doubt, a reckoning with whether ministry was done with him, and a fresh revelation about why gathering with the church every week actually matters. Worship as strength training, the power of praise, and a God whose plan has always been Jesus: Alexander unpacks why he believes Sunday gatherings are not just services but practice sessions for the hard moments of real life, what it looks like to sing a song you don't fully believe yet until you do, and how studying Abraham and Isaac gave him a song called Always Been Jesus that traces the thread of Christ all the way back to the first time the word worship appears in Scripture. He also tells the story behind Echo, the elevation Worship hit he co-wrote and was supposed to sing before a broken tour bus changed everything, and why after 15 years he still finds the high energy praise song just as powerful as ever. Highlights Why Alexander named his solo EP Sunday and what it took to feel called back into making church music How he came to see Sunday worship as strength training, a physical therapist preparing you for the hard moments of real life The story of Always Been Jesus and how the first use of the word worship in Scripture points straight to the cross Writing Love Won't Let Me Down out of a season of feeling let down by God, and singing it until he believed it The broken tour bus story that kept him from being the lead vocalist on Echo, one of the most-played worship songs in the world How alive clicked Hillsong Young and Free into their identity after early songs that sounded like Hillsong United B-sides His current work with Lakewood Music and Hillsong Church while writing for other artists simultaneously Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Alexander Pappas website: https://www.alexanderpappasmusic.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexander.pappas 🎵 NEW EP: Sunday 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kyle Idleman, Senior Pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, has watched a generation fall in love with Jesus without ever submitting to Him. The Missing Messiah, co-authored with Mark E. Moore, starts with a Michael Jordan illustration that says it all: millions feel connected to Jesus the way fans feel connected to a logo, through cultural association and name recognition, without ever being close enough that following Him actually costs them something. Discipleship, the Jesus we have domesticated, and what it means to follow a King: Kyle unpacks why the word Christ is not a last name but the New Testament equivalent of Messiah, why belief without following is not the faith of the Gospels, and what it looks like when someone treats Jesus like a drawer in the dresser of life rather than the dresser everything else fits into. He also shares what he is seeing in the spiritual awakening happening on college campuses right now, why awakening without alignment will miss the moment, and what questions every believer should be asking themselves about their bank statements, their politics, and the last time following Jesus actually cost them something. Highlights Why Christ is not Jesus's last name but a title meaning Messiah and King, and why that changes everything The Michael Jordan illustration and how cultural association with Jesus is not the same as knowing Him Why a man leaving Kyle's church because it "interfered with his life" was actually the point The Netflix faith problem, how we have built a Jesus who matches our preferences and filters out anything that doesn't Why the dresser illustration matters, Jesus is not a drawer in the dresser of life, He is the dresser itself How making Jesus in our own image is not a Western problem but a human one that goes back to the Crusades and beyond What questions Kyle challenges believers to ask themselves when they stop and honestly examine their lives Why spiritual awakening without spiritual alignment will miss the greatest opportunity of a generation Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Kyle Idleman website: https://www.kyleidleman.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyleidleman 📖 Book: The Missing Messiah 🌐 Southeast Christian Church: https://www.se.church/watch 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, co-authors of God Won't Leave You There, came to Joseph's story the hard way. Anne survived breast cancer, lost her husband of 49 years after finding him unresponsive in their pool, and has walked through decades of suffering with a faith anchored in God's promises. Rachel-Ruth survived two rare SCAD heart attacks that should have killed her, spent three years in and out of the ER, and carried a nine-out-of-ten PTSD diagnosis while clinging to the Psalms in the middle of the night. Together they wrote this book because they had no choice but to. God's promises, the story of Joseph, and what it looks like to trust God when the suffering will not stop: Anne and Rachel-Ruth unpack how Joseph's journey from the pit to Potiphar's house to prison to the palace was never accidental, how God was teaching him at every stage even when it looked like abandonment, and why every hard thing in their own lives carried the same fingerprints. They also share what it was like to write this book together across two very different personalities, why Anne's father Billy Graham kept telling her for years that Joseph was the book she needed to write, and why they both believe this message is for such a time as this. Highlights How two rare SCAD heart attacks that should have killed Rachel-Ruth became the spark for this book Why Ann's father Billy Graham repeatedly told her Joseph was the book she needed to write, and why she waited The "Jesus in the Shadows" feature at the end of each chapter, where mother and daughter trace Christ in Joseph's story How Joseph chose to trust God and learn at every stage of suffering rather than wallowing in his pain What Anne learned about blessing during chemotherapy treatments that became like mission trips with her daughters How Rachel-Ruth clung to a specific promise God gave her after the heart attacks, and why it carried her through three years of pain Why Anne believes the key to surviving suffering is shifting your focus off your pain and onto the blessings along the way Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Anne Graham Lotz website: https://www.annegrahamlotz.org 📱 Instagram Anne Graham Lotz: https://www.instagram.com/annegrahamlotz 📱 Instagram Rachel-Ruth Wright: https://www.instagram.com/rachelruthlotzwright 📖 Book: God Won't Leave You There 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ainsley Earhardt, co-host of Fox and Friends and host of Fox Nation's Ainsley's Bible Study, has written a children's book timed to one of the biggest moments in American history. America, I'm So Glad You Were Born releases June 2 through Zondervan Kids, illustrated by Ken Barnes, and it was born out of something deeply personal — a phrase her mother used to say on birthdays that Ainsley has carried with her ever since, and now wants an entire generation of children to say about their country. Freedom, faith, and what it means to raise children who love America: Ainsley shares why this book was the natural next step after her earlier title I'm So Glad You Were Born, how she wove in themes of equality, free speech, military service, and the beauty of disagreeing without becoming enemies, and why she believes Americans have far more in common than they realize. She also opens up about her own faith journey, from growing up in a formal Episcopal church to having her life transformed in college through praise and worship, how she stays spiritually grounded as a single mom in New York City, and what her 3:30am mornings actually look like behind the scenes at one of the most-watched morning shows in America. Highlights Why America's 250th birthday was the perfect moment to tell children the country's story through a picture book The deeply personal origin of the phrase "I'm so glad you were born" and how her mother's words inspired two books How the book tackles freedom of speech, voting, military service, equality, and the beauty of disagreement Her faith journey from formal Episcopal services to a college Baptist church that felt like a concert How a women's Bible study group has become her spiritual anchor in the middle of a fast-paced media career Why she believes God placed her at Fox News specifically because she is not afraid to talk about her faith Resources / Links / CTA 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aearhardt 📖 Book: America, I'm So Glad You Were Born 📖 Book: I'm So Glad You Were Born: Celebrating Who You Are 📺 Ainsley's Bible Study: Fox Nation 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Brian Bird, producer of The Story of Everything and co-creator of When Calls the Heart, has spent his career telling stories that point people toward hope. His latest project, a documentary six years in the making, takes a different kind of swing — not with Scripture, but with science itself, making the case that when you follow the evidence honestly, it leads unmistakably to design. He opens up about why he felt urgency to make this film, what his own kids experienced being pushed through secular university classrooms, and why he believes this is exactly the movie young people need right now. Scientific materialism, the anything-but-God syndrome, and the science that keeps pointing back to a designer: Brian walks through why the film has no narrator and lets 22 scientists and scholars tell the story themselves, how following the evidence rather than an agenda shaped every creative decision, and why even the multiverse and simulation theory ultimately just kick the designer further down the road without getting rid of him. He also reflects on what making this film did to his own faith, why When Calls the Heart is still the top-rated scripted show on Sunday nights on cable after 13 seasons, and why he believes content that carries no cynicism will always find a hungry audience. Highlights Why Brian and his team felt urgency to make this film after seeing young people indoctrinated into scientific materialism at college How Stephen Meyer's book Return of the God Hypothesis became the backbone and creative blueprint for the documentary How the multiverse, quantum physics, and simulation theory all still require a designer, and why that matters What making this film did to Brian's own faith after navigating doubts during his secular journalism school years The six-year journey to get the science right, make it accessible, and keep it bulletproof to skeptics How When Calls the Heart accidentally birthed the Hearties, a grassroots fan movement of nearly 2 million people Resources / Links / CTA 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brbird 🎬 The Story of Everything: https://www.thestoryofeverything.film 📺 When Calls the Heart: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/when-calls-the-heart 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Butch Wilmore, retired NASA astronaut, US Navy test pilot, and one of only two people to have flown five different spacecraft, boarded Boeing's Starliner for what was supposed to be an eight-day test mission to the International Space Station. It lasted 286 days. His new book, Stuck: An Astronaut's Hope Through the Unexpected, tells the full story, and he opens up here about what he knew before the mission even launched, the thruster failures that changed everything, and how the contentment Paul wrote about from a prison cell turned out to be exactly what he needed 250 miles above Earth. Space exploration, unshakable faith, and the hope that holds when you cannot come home: Butch walks through the moment he realized they likely would not return on Starliner, why he privately told his wife and daughters a month before NASA made the official call, and what it looks like to trust God when your eight-day mission becomes nine and a half months. He also shares why he believes science and faith are not in conflict, what the Aurora Borealis from space reveals about God's protection of our planet, and why after circling Earth 7,424 times, he is more convinced than ever that this world was made by design. Highlights Why Butch told Boeing executives before launch that the thrusters and valves were his biggest concern, and how that proved exactly right The moment he realized mid-docking that they likely would not return on Starliner, and why he kept it to himself at first What Philippians 4 contentment actually looks like when you are stuck in space with no return date Seeing the Aurora Borealis from orbit and why it reflects God's deliberate protection of Earth Why he believes the creator of science cannot be in conflict with science, and how Satan has deceived people into thinking otherwise What launch, reentry, and all three landing types feel like, and why he compares the Dragon capsule to a Volkswagen Beetle His friendship with Artemis 2 pilot Victor Glover and why neither of them will shy away from their faith when asked Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Butch Wilmore: https://www.butchwilmore.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_butch 📖 Book: Stuck in Space: An Astronaut's Hope Through the Unexpected   Take Our Newsletter Survey! 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Billy Hallowell, journalist and host of a new CBN documentary, has spent years covering faith and the supernatural, but it wasn't until he started investigating firsthand accounts of angels and demons that his own skepticism was put to the test. Angels and Demons is the follow-up to his earlier film on miracles, and it goes beyond Hollywood sensationalism to bring in scientists, scholars, and Ivy League-educated experts who have changed their minds after coming face to face with evidence they could not explain away. The supernatural, spiritual warfare, and the stories skeptics cannot easily dismiss: Billy walks through the case of Bruce Van Natta, a man crushed under a semi-truck who claims to have seen angels and survived against all odds, and the chilling story of Julia, a Satan worshiper whose experiences convinced Columbia University professor and psychiatrist Dr. Richard Gallagher that possession is real. He also opens up about why he believes the supernatural is becoming one of the most powerful apologetics tools for reaching a generation that has had secularism pushed on them, and why after 27 years in media, he still believes the most important story anyone can tell is one that points people toward God. Highlights Why Angels and Demons started as a TV series and became a feature documentary The story of Bruce Van Natta, crushed under a semi-truck, who claims to have seen angels and lived How Dr. Richard Gallagher, an Ivy League-educated Columbia University psychiatrist, went from skeptic to believer The disturbing details of Julia, a Satan worshiper whose abilities shook even the most credentialed skeptics Why Billy believes supernatural evidence is becoming a compelling apologetics tool for reaching Gen Z Why Hollywood's portrayal of demons is both mockery and misdirection, and what Scripture actually says How Billy got his start in media at age 15 in the wake of the Columbine shooting and never looked back Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Billy Hallowell website: https://billyhallowell.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyhallowell 🎬 Angels & Demons: https://securegiving.cbn.com/films/investigating-the-supernatural/angels-demons 🎬 Miracles: https://securegiving.cbn.com/films/investigating-the-supernatural-miracles   Take Our Newsletter Survey! 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Stephen Meyer, author, philosopher of science, and senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, has spent decades making the case that the universe points unmistakably to a designing mind. The Story of Everything is the cinematic adaptation of his book Return of the God Hypothesis, four years in the making and releasing in theaters April 30, bringing together 22 scientists and scholars to walk audiences through the discoveries that are pulling even skeptics back toward theism. Scientific evidence, intelligent design, and the digital code inside every living cell: Stephen walks through his three core arguments, the universe's finite beginning, the fine-tuning that made life possible against all odds, and the four-character digital code embedded in DNA that Bill Gates himself has compared to software more complex than anything humans have ever written. He also shares how he talks about this with Uber drivers and seatmates on airplanes, why college students are having their faith mocked out of them in university classrooms, and why he believes this film gives both believers and skeptics something they genuinely need. Highlights Why the idea of a designer behind the universe was the dominant view from ancient Greece through the scientific revolution How Darwin, Marx, and Freud together shifted the intellectual world toward materialism in the late 19th century The three arguments from Return of the God Hypothesis, a beginning, fine-tuning, and digital information in DNA Why Bill Gates' comparison of DNA to software is one of Meyer's most powerful 30-second arguments What the impasse in origin-of-life research reveals, and why chemistry simply does not move toward life on its own Why this film is something Christians can bring their skeptical friends to without fear Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Stephen Meyer website: https://stephencmeyer.org 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephencmeyer 🎬 The Story of Everything 📖 Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen Meyer 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

René Echevarria, award-winning television writer and producer known for his work on Star Trek and CSI, spent years wanting to make something he could share with his church. The Faithful: Women of the Bible is that project, a series premiering on Fox that tells the stories of Sarah, Hagar, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel through their own eyes, and what it looks like to experience the call of God not from Abraham's perspective, but from the woman who woke up and found him gone. Bible storytelling, creative license, and a faith that came home through grief: René opens up about how the success of The Chosen and House of David cracked open the door for serious Scripture-based television on mainstream networks, how a Jewish rabbi and a Christian theologian kept the creative license honest, and what the ancient tradition of Midrash taught him about reading between the lines of Scripture. He also shares how losing his mother drew him back to church after years away, and why when his kids were born, he and his wife were baptized in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Malibu. Highlights How co-creator Carol Mendelson, head writer of the CSI franchise, shaped the women-first lens of the show What Midrash is and why a Jewish rabbi told René he was doing something with a 1000-year tradition behind it How The Chosen and House of David together created the Venn diagram moment that opened doors for faith content Why streaming and long-form storytelling let Scripture breathe in a way that two-hour Bible epics never could Losing his mother young, finding himself drawn back to church, and getting baptized in the Pacific Ocean off Malibu Why he is hosting a private premiere for his church family the night before the show airs Resources / Links / CTA 🎬 The Faithful: Women of the Bible 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jay Lowder, evangelist and founder of Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries, has spent over 20 years doing one thing — full time evangelism. Recently he headlined a campus wide event at Stephen F. Austin University in Texas where more than 500 students made public decisions for Christ, so many that those not responding to the invitation were quietly asked to leave because there was not enough room to walk everyone through the follow up process. It was only the second time in two decades of ministry that has ever happened. College campuses, a generation hungry for something real, and a move of God that is unlike anything seen in a generation: Jay breaks down the difference between revival and awakening, why he believes what is happening right now on college campuses across America is unprecedented, and what it felt like to sense the presence of God so strongly in that room at SFA before a single student stood up. He also opens up about his own suicide attempt at 21, the evangelistic event that changed everything, and why the moment he saw students come to Christ he turned to his roommate and said that is what I will do with the rest of my life. Highlights Over 500 students made public decisions for Christ at Stephen F. Austin University The key difference between revival among believers and a true awakening among the lost Why college students are the most hungry demographic Jay has encountered in over two decades of evangelism How the pandemic, social media, and cultural emptiness are driving students toward Jesus What Jay was preaching from Matthew 7 and why Jesus saying "I never knew you" set the tone for the entire event His personal story, a suicide attempt at 21 and the night an evangelist's message about Jesus changed everything Why he believes God is strategically pouring out His Spirit on young people at this moment in history Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Jay Lowder website: https://www.jaylowder.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay_lowder 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Tim Timmons was given five years to live 25 years ago. Diagnosed with stage four incurable cancer, with tumors still on his liver today, he woke up again this morning. Featured in the new I Am Second film and at the heart of I Can Only Imagine 2, Tim shares what it has looked like to hold onto Jesus through decades of uncertainty, and why the hardest seasons of his life became the greatest gifts. Deconstruction, radical gratitude, and the practice of waking up with Jesus: Tim opens up about walking away from full-time ministry after 15 years, what he learned about the real church while hanging out at a rundown motel with homeless families and prostitutes, and why he quit working for God to simply be with Him. He also talks about how a chance friendship with Bart Millard became the heart of a major motion picture, what he writes on his wrist every single morning with a Sharpie, and why he believes if Jesus people actually practiced the heart of Jesus, the world would never be the same. Highlights Diagnosed with stage four incurable cancer 25 years ago and still waking up every day What deconstruction and reconstruction really looked like in his own faith journey Leaving a massive Orange County church to hang out with homeless families at a rundown motel Why he quit working for God and chose to simply live with Him instead How a casual friendship with Bart Millard became the story behind I Can Only Imagine 2 What Milo Ventimiglia brought to the role and why he acts more like Jesus than most Christians Tim knows What 10,000 Minutes is and why he believes Christians are fat on content but anemic on practice Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Tim Timmons website: https://www.timtimmonsmusic.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmonsmusic 🎬 I Can Only Imagine 2 🎬 I Am Second Films 📖 Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief & Gratitude 🎙️ Ministry and Podcast: https://www.10000minutes.com 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Tommee Profitt, award-winning composer and producer, has spent years making cinematic music for movie trailers, TV shows, and artists like NF and TobyMac. Now he is turning that same epic, orchestral sound toward something deeply personal. The Resurrection of a King is a 19-song album that reimagines beloved hymns as modern worship anthems, featuring voices like CeCe Winans, Crowder, Jenn Johnson, and Ben Fuller. Tommee opens up about why he felt urgently called to make this project, and what it felt like to score the moment Jesus walked out of the tomb. Cinematic worship, the power of hymns, and a God the world desperately needs right now: Tommee shares why he believes the rich theology of classic hymns still has everything to say to a new generation, how a Friday night in a Michigan basement with his friend NF changed the trajectory of both their careers, and why after years of working in the mainstream music world, this album feels like a full-circle moment he did not see coming but could not ignore. Highlights How The Birth of a King Christmas album led to the idea for an Easter equivalent What cinematic sound means and why orchestral weight changes the way we experience worship What we lose when the church stops singing hymns and why their theology still matters The story of how a casual Friday night with NF led to a record deal and a career-defining moment The first time he heard his music in a Will Smith movie trailer and what that moment meant How 5 million monthly Spotify streams reflect a life built on making music that is emotional and powerful Why Resurrection of a King marks a full-circle shift back to his roots as a worship leader Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Tommee Profitt website: https://www.tommeeprofitt.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommeeprofitt 🎵 Album: The Resurrection of a King 🎵 Previous album: The Birth of a King 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Lee Strobel, author and Christian apologist, is executive producer of a compelling new documentary that makes the case that science and faith are not at odds — they never were. The Story of Everything, based on Stephen Meyer's book Return of the God Hypothesis, brings together some of the world's brightest scientific minds to examine the evidence for a designer behind the universe. Lee shares why he got behind this film, what he hopes it does for young believers sitting in skeptical classrooms, and why he believes the evidence is more than enough to put your trust in. Scientific evidence, faith under fire, and the God who matches the data: Lee walks through his go-to argument for the existence of God, why he believes most skepticism is personal before it is intellectual, and what he found when he investigated Christianity as a Yale-trained atheist and legal journalist. He also opens up about why fatherlessness and atheism are more connected than people realize, and what he wants both skeptics and Christians to walk away with after seeing this film. Highlights Why science, when done right, points powerfully toward the God of the Bible How Lee's high school science classes were a major step in his journey toward atheism The cosmological argument and what it reveals about the nature of the creator Why most rejection of God is personal before it is philosophical or scientific The surprising connection between fatherlessness and the rise of atheism in America What the film says to someone who wants to believe but worries the evidence isn't there Lee's own story, from Yale-trained atheist and Chicago Tribune journalist to follower of Christ Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Lee Strobel website: https://leestrobel.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lee_strobel 📱 X: https://x.com/leestrobel 🎬 The Story of Everything: https://www.fathomentertainment.com 📖 Book: The Case for Heaven 📖 Book: Seeing the Supernatural 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bryce Crawford, evangelist, podcaster, and host of the Bryce Crawford Podcast, has built a life and ministry around one thing — taking the love of Jesus to the streets, literally. From his Jesus in the Street ministry to the I Love Jesus Tour currently taking him across the country, Bryce carries a boldness for the gospel that is hard to miss and even harder to explain without knowing his story. He opens up about the night in December 2020 when he was at his lowest point and how a real encounter with Jesus changed everything. Faith, revival, and the hunger of a generation searching for truth: Bryce shares why he believes Gen Z is turning to Jesus in a way that is visible, tangible, and growing. He talks about what is driving the spiritual awakening he is witnessing on tour, why he believes boldness comes directly from the love God has shown him, and what he tells anyone who feels too timid to share their faith. This is a conversation about a life fully surrendered and a generation ready to hear the truth. Highlights Why Gen Z is tired of fake answers and turning to Jesus as the one real truth The role the pandemic played in sparking a hunger for God among young people His personal testimony, the night he planned to take his life and how Jesus met him there How street evangelism started, running up to strangers, saying Jesus loves you, and running away Why boldness is not a personality trait but a direct overflow of God's love His challenge to skeptics, inviting them to let their questions lead them to the evidence What people can expect when they show up to the I Love Jesus Tour Resources / Links / CTA 📱 Instagram 🎙️ Podcast: Bryce Crawford Podcast 🤝 Ministry: Jesus in the Street 🎤 I Love Jesus Tour: https://brycecrawfordconcerts.com/ 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Chris Tomlin, award-winning worship artist and songwriter, is stepping into one of the most meaningful projects of his career. The First Hymn is a new film built around the discovery of what many scholars believe is the oldest known Christian hymn, nearly 1,800 years old, found on a torn piece of papyrus in an Egyptian trash heap and preserved in a vault at Oxford. Chris opens up about what it felt like to be asked to bring something that precious back to life, and the responsibility that came with it. Ancient worship, the enduring power of hymns, and the everlasting King: Chris shares what this project stirred in him about the pure, unfiltered heart of praise, and why a song that old still has something powerful to say to the church today. He also gets real about what God is teaching him on the Winter Jam tour, how gathering with thousands of people in worship cuts through the noise of a broken world, and why after 30 years of leading people to God in song, it still moves him every single night. Highlights The discovery of the oldest known Christian hymn, found in a trash heap and preserved at Oxford Why the hymn references the Trinity a full century before the Council of Nicaea How historian and theologian John Dixon guided Chris and Ben Fielding through the creative process The difference between songs of deliverance and songs of transcendence, and why both matter What this ancient song reveals about the pure, undivided praise of the early church How Holy Forever and How Great Is Our God connect to that same eternal thread What God is teaching Chris on the Winter Jam tour and the hunger for worship he's witnessing Why he called his new album The King Is Still the King and the hope it points to Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 Chris Tomlin website: https://christomlin.com/ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christomlin/ 🌐 The First Hymn movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36458791/ 🎵 New album: The King Is Still the King 🎤 Winter Jam Tour: https://jamtour.com/ 🌐 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk 👉 Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

David Pollack, college football Hall of Famer and former NFL player, shares how life-altering adversity—including a career-ending injury—reshaped his faith, purpose, and perspective. From losing everything he worked for in a single moment to rebuilding with intention, David opens up about how God used hardship to refine his identity, strengthen his family, and deepen his relationship with Christ. Christian resilience, overcoming adversity, and trusting God’s plan: David shares the heart behind his new book Every Day Counts. He talks about how his faith shifted from routine to relationship, what it looks like to slow down and truly listen to God, and how those lessons continue to shape the way he approaches life, purpose, and daily decisions. Highlights How a career-ending NFL injury became a turning point in faith and perspective Moving from transactional faith to a personal relationship with God The biblical principle of “be still” and learning to hear God’s voice Why adversity is inevitable—and how faith shapes your response The “50-40-10 rule” for discipline, growth, and personal excellence Finding purpose after setbacks in career, family, and life transitions The role of gratitude and perspective in navigating loss and change How everyday faith and consistency lead to lasting impact Resources / Links / CTA 🌐 David Pollack website: https://davidpollack.com/ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidpollack47/ 📖 Book: Every Day Counts 🎙️ Podcast: See Ball Get Ball Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk For more faith-driven conversations go to lifeaudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Faith, redemption, and the story of King David come to life as Zachary Levi unpacks the powerful themes behind David King of Israel—a gripping new series exploring one of the Bible’s most complex figures. From shepherd to king, David’s journey is filled with courage, failure, repentance, and unwavering pursuit of God’s heart—making it one of the most relatable stories in Scripture. Zachary shares how portraying David deepened his understanding of grace, highlighting a truth that resonates today: no failure is beyond redemption. He also opens up about his personal faith journey, his passion for storytelling that reflects truth without being preachy, and his bold vision for the future of faith-driven entertainment through his upcoming Wildwood Studios initiative. Highlights Why King David remains one of the most relatable figures in the Bible The tension between David’s greatest victories and deepest failures How the Psalms reveal raw, personal faith struggles still relevant today Zachary Levi’s personal faith journey and spiritual growth over time The importance of storytelling that leads with excellence—not agendas Inside the vision for Wildwood Studios and reshaping entertainment culture The core message: nothing can separate us from the love of God Resources & Links Mentioned David King of Israel (4-part series) Wildwood Studios (upcoming project) Watch the series: Fox Nation Zachary Levi on Instagram (search: @zacharylevi) Enjoyed this conversation? Follow and subscribe for more faith-driven interviews with actors, creators, and cultural influencers. Discover more powerful Christian podcasts and content at LifeAudio.com—your hub for faith, culture, and meaningful conversations. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Clean comedy, musical humor, and relatable life moments take center stage as Tim Hawkins returns with his latest special Fist Bump. Known for blending stand-up with music and everyday observations, Hawkins shares how his comedy has evolved over time, why clean humor still resonates, and what fans can expect from his newest project. Highlights Tim Hawkins explains how his comedy style has matured, shifting from high-energy performances to a more conversational, relaxed approach. Musical comedy remains a core part of his act, inspired by artists like Weird Al Yankovic and Ray Stevens. He shares the creative process behind turning everyday observations—like visits to Buc-ee’s—into memorable comedy bits. Hawkins discusses the challenge and reward of staying a clean comedian in today’s entertainment landscape. His humor often highlights relatable church culture moments without crossing into irreverence. The rise of platforms like YouTube played a major role in growing his audience and career. With four grandkids and fewer tour dates, Hawkins is focused on balancing family life while continuing to create content. Links & Resources Watch the new special Fist Bump (available to stream now) Official website: Tim Hawkins — timhawkins.net Follow and watch clips on YouTube Tim's Instagram Explore More from LifeAudio Subscribe & ShareEnjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a good laugh.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The situation in Iran remains volatile, with tens of thousands affected by government crackdowns and systemic oppression. Lana Silk, President and CEO of Transform Iran, shares her firsthand insight into the impact of political upheaval on Iranian citizens, particularly Christians, and the role of faith in the midst of persecution. From the potential for regime change to the underground church’s resilience, Lana explores how hope, prayer, and strategic ministry can transform lives even under extreme circumstances. Highlights Initial Reactions: The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader sparked both caution and cautious hope among activists and citizens. Role of the Supreme Leader: Khamenei’s lifetime leadership fueled terrorism across the Middle East; his removal may shift regional dynamics, but challenges remain. Christian Life in Iran: Worship is illegal; converting from Islam is punishable by death, and Christians face intense surveillance. Transform Iran’s Mission: Focused on evangelism, discipleship, and societal transformation—using media, mentorship, and digital tools to reach Iranians safely. Prayer Priorities: For the lost to encounter Christ, protection and courage for Christians, salvation for leaders, and support for ministry efforts. Hope for Change: Unity behind leaders like Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi could guide Iran toward freedom and a peaceful transition. Join the Conversation How can we pray for Christians living under persecution today? Share your prayers and thoughts on how faith intersects with justice and hope.Hashtags: #TransformIran #FaithUnderPersecution #PrayerForIran #ChristianityInIran Website & Resources: Transform Iran Lifeaudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hymns have shaped the faith of generations, offering timeless theology in singable form. In this episode, Robert J. Morgan, author of The Origin of Hymns, shares the stories behind 50 of the most cherished hymns and explains why these songs continue to strengthen faith today. Featured in the new movie I Can Only Imagine 2, Morgan’s book dives deep into the history, meaning, and spiritual power of classic worship songs. Highlights How The Origin of Hymns became tied to the making of I Can Only Imagine 2, and why it was written after the film was shot. What defines a hymn: “singable theology” rooted in Scripture, as opposed to modern worship songs that often focus on us rather than God. The importance of hymns in preserving theology, history, and longevity in worship. Stories behind key hymns such as It Is Well With My Soul, Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine, and A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. How singing hymns connects us to generations of believers, embedding Scripture and faith into our memories. Practical ways to incorporate a “hymn habit” into daily devotionals for spiritual growth. Morgan’s personal journey with hymns, from childhood exposure to research, writing, and publishing multiple books on the topic. Insights into the history of hymnody—from Exodus 15 to Latin, German, English hymns, gospel songs, and modern praise and worship music. About Pastor Robert J. Morgan Pastor Morgan is the author of numerous faith-based books including Then Sings My Soul, Red Sea Rules, and 100 Bible Verses That Changed the World. He serves as Associate Pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and has spent decades studying and writing about hymns and biblical wisdom. Resources Mentioned The Origin of Hymns I Can Only Imagine 2 World Outreach Church You can find more faith-based podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The ancient manuscripts known as the Dead Sea Scrolls remain one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the modern era. In this episode of Crosswalk Talk, Bobby Duke, Chief Curatorial Officer at the Museum of the Bible, discusses the museum’s remarkable new exhibit showcasing fragments of these ancient texts. Dr. Duke explains why the scrolls—some dating back more than 2,000 years—have strengthened confidence in the reliability of the biblical text. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the traveling exhibit organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority and highlights other fascinating artifacts visitors can experience at the museum. In This Episode What the Dead Sea Scrolls are and why they matter How the scrolls confirmed the remarkable preservation of the Old Testament text Why scholars once expected major differences in the manuscripts—and what they actually found The significance of Second Temple Judaism in understanding the world of the Bible Why the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit is a rare opportunity to see ancient biblical manuscripts The story behind the Magdala Stone discovered near the Sea of Galilee The importance of the Megiddo Mosaic and what it reveals about early Christian theology How the Museum of the Bible uses modern technology to help families explore Scripture About the Museum of the Bible Located in Washington, DC, the Museum of the Bible explores the Bible’s history, narrative, and cultural impact through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and immersive experiences. From ancient manuscripts to modern technology—including the first smartphone to download the YouVersion Bible App—the museum traces the story of Scripture and its influence on art, literature, science, and global culture. Resources Mentioned Museum of the Bible Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit (traveling exhibition organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority) Magdala Stone Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Award-winning and Latin Grammy-nominated worship artist Christine D’Clario joins Crosswalk Talk to discuss her deeply personal new book, Healing in the Desert. Known by millions for her music, Christine opens up about her battle with severe postpartum depression, suicidal thoughts, childhood trauma, and how therapy—paired with a vibrant faith—became a turning point in her healing journey. In this powerful conversation, she shares how vulnerability became strength, why the Church must address mental health more openly, and how God’s presence sustained her in her darkest moments. In This Episode Christine’s diagnosis with severe postpartum depression Surviving suicidal thoughts as a public Christian leader Childhood trauma, abuse, and unresolved grief Why mental health remains a challenging topic in some church communities The importance of Spirit-filled, biblically grounded therapy Wrestling honestly with God in seasons of pain Her salvation story at age 19 and dramatic encounter with God Encouragement for anyone battling anxiety, depression, or trauma About the Book In Healing in the Desert, Christine offers both her story and practical guideposts for navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and spiritual doubt. The book combines personal testimony, biblical insight, and mental health resources for readers seeking hope and restoration. Resources Mentioned Healing in the Desert by Christine D’Clario Soul Share Health – A faith-based mental health community offering prayer gatherings and licensed Christian therapy resources LifeAudio – Discover more faith-centered podcasts A Word of Encouragement If you or someone you love is battling depression, anxiety, or trauma, this episode serves as a reminder: you are not alone. Many are the afflictions—but the Lord rescues. And often, He does so through both His Spirit and wise, compassionate community. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

From The Fairly Odd Parents to Danny Phantom, Butch Hartman has shaped generations of childhoods with iconic animated shows. In this episode of Crosswalk Talk, Butch shares how his Christian faith informs his work, why he launched his own studio, and how he’s pioneering faith- and value-driven entertainment for kids today. Butch opens up about navigating Hollywood as a Christian, balancing creativity with integrity, and using animation to teach hope, joy, and family values to a young audience. He also dives into his newest projects at Butch Hartman Studios, including The Garden Cartoon, Two by Two, Possum Paul, and Dragon Drive Through, and explains why animation has unique power to inspire kids in ways live-action often cannot. In This Episode Butch’s journey from Michigan to becoming a Nickelodeon animator The creation of The Fairly Odd Parents, Danny Phantom, and other classics How hand-drawn animation shaped his early career and the evolution to digital tools Navigating Hollywood as a Christian and integrating faith into mainstream media Launching Butch Hartman Studios and creating family-friendly, faith-infused shows Upcoming projects for older and younger audiences The power of animation to communicate values, humor, and hope to kids Butch Hartman Art Academy: mentoring the next generation of artists, writers, and producers Lion and Lamb Foundation: supporting faith-based entertainment and charitable outreach Resources: Butch Hartman Studios – Explore shows and upcoming projects: Lion and Lamb Foundation – Support faith-based entertainment: Butch Hartman Art Academy – Online courses for aspiring artists, writers, and producers You can find more Faith-based podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.