Michael interviews American Idol winner Trent Harmon, who’s traded country stardom for something deeper: a life of faith, family, and worship. From late nights on tour with Rascal Flatts to leading worship at small churches, Trent shares what led him back to his roots—and how his new Christian EP, Scars and Sins, reflects that journey.

🔥 Key Takeaways

• Faith Over Fame: Despite winning American Idol and earning radio spins, Trent found himself spiritually drained in the mainstream music world. Now, he’s prioritizing music that glorifies God—and that his daughter can grow up listening to.

• Church Roots Run Deep: Trent grew up in Mississippi, led worship through college, and even sought out a church while sequestered during Idol. Worship has always been part of his DNA.

• From Country to Christian: Scars and Sins is not a country album—it’s a worship EP. Honest, heartfelt, and grounded in scripture, this is the music Trent says he was always meant to create.

Resources & Links

• 🎵 Listen to “Scars and Sins”: TrentHarmonMusic.com

• 📲 Follow Trent on Instagram: @TrentHarmon

• 🛑 Need a reset? Check out our devotional: “How to Reconnect with God After Spiritual Burnout”

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comedian, speaker, and author Mickey Bell joins Michael to discuss his journey from deep depression and ministry burnout to becoming a nationally touring comedian who inspires audiences with both laughter and hope. Using laughter as a ministry. Mickey shares about his new devotional, You're Not Broken, a 60-day guide for those navigating life’s resets—whether from tragedy, failure, or forced reinvention.

🧠 Key Topics Covered

• Mickey’s Backstory: From student pastor to senior pastor… to losing it all.

• Rock Bottom: Depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and how he found a way forward.

• The Call to Comedy: A floor prayer, a doubtful wife, and a divine nudge into stand-up.

• Devotional Breakdown: Each day includes Scripture, a real-life pain point, stories from public figures, and insights from Mickey’s personal journey.

• Mental Health Advocacy: The power of just saying it out loud. Why Mickey includes a 3–5 minute mental health segment in every comedy show.

• Scientific + Scriptural Insight: Why “taking every thought captive” has both biblical and neurological power (hint: you’ve got 30 seconds to intercept negative thoughts!).

• How Comedy Works: Writing, testing, and delivering humor rooted in everyday chaos—with a Southern accent as secret sauce.

Key Resources

• 📚 You're Not Broken – 60-Day Devotional
  → Grab your copy here

• 📘 I Am David (Mickey’s full story from adoption to ministry to restoration)
  → Read more

• 📕 Reverse the Course of Depression
  → 14 emotions Mickey tackled in his healing journey
  → Check it out

❤️ Support the Show

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review! Your support helps us reach more people with faith-centered content every week.

🙌 Special Thanks

Thanks to our partner, LifeAudio, for making this show possible. Visit LifeAudio.com and sign up for our newsletter to discover more uplifting podcasts and content.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Michael welcomes The Chosen star Lara Silva—better known to fans as Eden, Simon Peter’s wife. With season 5 wrapping up and season 6 filming in full swing, Lara opens up about the emotional weight of portraying this chapter of Jesus’ journey and what it’s like behind the scenes of one of the most beloved faith-based series in the world.

But that’s just the beginning. Lara dives into her personal story—how she initially auditioned for Mary Magdalene, how her role as Eden has impacted her spiritually, and what it was like coming to faith in her 20s. She also shares how becoming a mother has deepened her emotional connection to both her faith and her acting.

If you’re a fan of The Chosen, new to the show, or just looking for inspiration in your spiritual walk, this episode is a must-listen.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Filming Season 6: The emotional and spiritual impact of filming The Chosen’s crucifixion season

• On-Set Culture: How the cast and crew function like a true family

• Her Acting Journey: How Lara originally auditioned for Mary Magdalene—and ended up as Eden

• Faith Formation: Finding faith in adulthood and how The Chosen transformed her walk with Christ

• Glorify App: Why she partnered with the devotional app and how it’s helped her spiritual rhythms

• Motherhood & Faith: The life lessons and deep emotional growth she’s found in becoming a new mom

📲 Resources Mentioned

• The Glorify App – Lara's go-to tool for structured devotional time

• Watch The Chosen – Catch up on all seasons including the latest on Prime Video

• LifeAudio.com – Explore more faith-centered podcasts from our network

❤️ Support the Show

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review! Your support helps us reach more people with faith-centered content every week.

🙌 Special Thanks

Thanks to our partner, LifeAudio, for making this show possible. Visit LifeAudio.com and sign up for our newsletter to discover more uplifting podcasts and content.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Michael is joined by Joe Jensen, former pastor and Senior VP at Barna Group, to discuss sobering new research about the mental health of today's church leaders.

Barna's latest data reveals a staggering truth: nearly 1 in 5 Protestant senior pastors in the U.S. have contemplated self-harm or suicide in the past year. Joe brings firsthand experience and deep insight into what’s behind the growing crisis—and how the church can respond.

Key Highlights:

• Loneliness in Leadership: Why pastors often feel isolated—even while surrounded by people.

• Spiritual Burnout: How unrealistic expectations and lack of community can erode a pastor's well-being.

• The Role of Elders & Boards: Rethinking leadership structures to better care for church leaders.

• Changing the Scorecard: Redefining what “success” looks like for pastors and churches.

• Practical Solutions: Mentorship, professional counseling, and local pastor-to-pastor connections as lifelines.

• Congregational Care: The power of asking, “How are you really doing?” and praying with your pastor in person.

To explore Barna’s full research, visit: https://www.barna.com

🗣️ Let us know what you thought of the episode—tag us on social with #CrosswalkTalk and share your reflections.

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Pastor Mark Francie of Ocean Church shares powerful insights from the recent Baptize California event—where over 7,700 people were baptized in a single day—and previews the upcoming Baptize America movement set for June 8. From braving cold weather at Huntington Beach to uniting thousands of churches across denominations, this episode captures the heart of a spiritual awakening unfolding across the U.S. Pastor Mark reflects on why water baptism resonates so deeply, how God’s love fuels revival, and what could happen when an entire nation responds.

Key Takeaways:

• 🌊 Baptize California Recap: Over 7,752 people were baptized at Huntington Beach despite chilly, rainy weather—possibly the largest single-day baptism event in U.S. history.

• 🔥 Spiritual Momentum in America: Pastor Mark senses a revival stirring—especially among Gen Z—and draws parallels to the Jesus Revolution of the 60s and 70s.

• 🙏 What Fuels Revival: It often follows seasons of national distress, and this one is marked by unity, prayer, and a fresh awareness of God’s love for America.

• 🤝 Churches United: From Baptists to Pentecostals, thousands of churches across every state have joined forces around one central theme—water baptism.

• 🌍 A Global Vision: Baptize America is just the beginning—plans are in motion for Baptize Europe, Africa, and more, with a vision to spark global revival.

Call to Action:

👉 Visit BaptizeAmerica.com to find a hosting church or register your own for the nationwide water baptism event on June 8, Pentecost Sunday.

🎥 Stay tuned for the Baptize America documentary—capturing the movement’s journey from California to the world.

🎧 Want more stories that inspire, encourage, and help you walk in faith?
Subscribe and listen to more episodes on LifeAudio.com — your go-to destination for faith-filled conversations, devotionals, and uplifting podcasts that speak to the heart.

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Worship leader and songwriter Christian Stanfill shares the heart behind Passion Music’s live album Call on Heaven (Come Lord Jesus). Hear powerful moments from Passion 2024, how spontaneous worship shaped the record, and how Stanfill found freedom in Christ from addiction.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Why live Christian worship invites the presence of God

• The spiritual hunger among Gen Z and young believers

• How Jesus brought healing and transformation in Stanfill’s life

• Behind the songs: writing and leading “Come, Lord Jesus”

📚 Resources

• 🎶 Stream the album: Call on Heaven (Come Lord Jesus)

• 🙏 Learn more at passion2025.com

• 📱 Follow Christian on Instagram: @cstanfill

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Award-winning Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman joins Crosswalk Talk to share the deeply personal story behind his song “At the Speed of Love.” Originally written for Mother’s Day, the song goes far beyond the holiday—offering a heartfelt tribute to his mom, Judy, while reminding us to slow down and live life with intentional love.

Steven opens up about his mother’s legacy, her compassion, and how her quiet acts of service helped shape his understanding of what it means to truly see and care for people—whether it’s at a community kitchen, a flower shop, or simply making someone feel seen at a gas station checkout.

He also touches on other personal songs, including “Forever Love My Life”—a birthday song for his wife that blends humor, heart, and humility.

🧭 Key Takeaways 💗 What Does It Mean to Live at the Speed of Love?

Living at the speed of love doesn’t mean slowing down in every practical sense—but rather:

• Living with intention

• Seeing people as stories, not tasks

• Taking time to connect deeply, even in quick moments

As Steven says: “It’s that moment of connection—that’s what we’re made for.”

🌹 A Tribute to Mom: Judy

Steven’s mother, Judy, is the heartbeat of “At the Speed of Love.”

• Survived two bouts of cancer

• Volunteers at a community kitchen and works in a flower shop

• Known for her thumb Band-Aids and rose-thorn wisdom

• Inspires others with her quiet empathy and enduring joy

🎵 Songs That Tell Stories

Steven has long used songwriting to process life’s moments:

• “I Will Be Here” – a love song for his wife

• “Cinderella” – about his daughters

• “Forever Love My Life” – a birthday gift turned streaming release

• “At the Speed of Love” – a musical memoir that invites us all to slow down and notice one another

• 🎤 More from Steven: stevencurtischapman.com

🎧 Want more stories that inspire, encourage, and help you walk in faith?
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In this meaningful and heart-stirring conversation, author and speaker Jennie Allen shares the heart behind her first children’s book, What to Do With Your Worried, Whirly Thoughts—a beautifully illustrated tool for kids struggling with anxious thinking.

Jennie reveals how the mental health crisis, particularly among children, compelled her to translate the message of her bestselling adult book Get Out of Your Head into a form accessible to young readers. She opens up about her own battle with anxious thoughts, the heartbreaking signs of anxiety she’s seen in the lives of children around her, and how biblical truth paired with simple daily practices can bring healing and clarity.

You’ll also hear Jennie’s passionate challenge to parents: be willing to swim upstream. Say “no” to cultural norms like early smartphone use, and instead, fight for your child’s mind and joy. There’s power in practicing gratitude, movement, connection, and trusting in God’s truth—no matter your age.

💬 Top Takeaways:

• Anxiety is the pandemic under the pandemic. And it’s hitting our kids hard.

• Your thoughts can be taken captive. You’re not at the mercy of your mind.

• Connection crushes isolation. We were made to live in community.

• Gratitude resets perspective. A small shift can start big healing.

• Simple steps work. Move your body, talk to someone, speak God’s truth.

Real Talk for Parents:

Jennie urges parents not to fear being the “bad guy.” From delaying phones to prioritizing real-life experiences, she testifies how hard choices led her children into richer, freer lives. Her son’s story—captured in a joint podcast on her site—serves as a warning and a hope-filled guide for others.

Spiritual Revival on the Rise?

Jennie shares her belief that revival is already here. From packed college worship gatherings to Gather25 reaching 7 million people globally, she sees the Holy Spirit moving across generations and nations.

“For all the darkness, the anxiety, the loneliness—it creates desperation for God.”

🎙️ Listen Now If You…

• Are a parent wanting practical, faith-based ways to help your anxious child

• Want to raise kids who know how to take their thoughts captive

• Need encouragement that revival is not just coming—it’s here

• Are ready to be a bold parent with eternal perspective

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• What to Do With Your Worried, Whirly Thoughts – Jennie Allen’s children’s book

• Gather25 global worship event

🙌 A Prayer for Today:

God, thank You for creating our minds with purpose. Help us—and our children—learn to take every thought captive. Replace anxiety with truth, fear with faith, and isolation with connection. Use our families as places of revival. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a parent who needs some encouragement today. And for more faith-driven podcasts, visit LifeAudio.com.

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