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.

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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?
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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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Hitting the Billboard Charts—60 Years Apart!
Pat Boone first stormed the charts in the 1960s, and now he’s back with One Voice for Tanzania, a powerful collaborative anthem featuring country greats like Alabama, Vince Gill, Billy Dean, Lee Greenwood, Pam Tillis, and Wendy Moten. Pat shares the inspiration behind the song, its deep mission, and the extraordinary lineup that came together to make it happen.

Key Take-Aways
The conversation covers:

• The Shirley Boone Vegetable Garden (now a full farm!)

• Solar-powered wells drilling 500 feet for clean water

• Education for children who previously had no schools

• The touching involvement of the Legacy Mission Village Singers from Tanzania, who bring authentic, heart-stirring voices to the project

Faith in Action
Pat draws on Scripture, from Matthew 10:42 to the sobering “last exam” of Matthew 25, underscoring why this mission matters not just on earth, but eternally. “If you give even a cup of cold water… you will certainly not lose your reward,” he reminds us.

Behind the Collaboration
Modeled after We Are the World, this effort sprang from a partnership with WorldServe International and producer friends Jimmy Nichols and Frank Myers. Pat candidly shares the challenge of reaching big stars like Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift—and the joy of the artists who did join.

Looking Ahead: The Big Dream
Pat’s dream?

• Bring this movement to TV with impactful spots

• Rally billionaire donors and Christian business leaders

• Spark a giving habit among families and children everywhere

Website: onefortanzania.org → Hit the “Give” button and get your kids involved too!

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In this inspiring episode of Crosswalk Talk, Michael welcomes Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of the YouVersion Bible App—the world’s most downloaded Bible app. Bobby unpacks the record-breaking Bible engagement numbers from Easter 2025, including a staggering 18.95 million users engaged across their apps in a single day.

But this isn’t just about numbers—Bobby shares stories of spontaneous baptisms, college campus revivals, and surging interest in Scripture across regions like North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central Asia. From humble beginnings with a BlackBerry and a big dream, YouVersion has grown into a global spiritual movement—with over 930 million installs and climbing.

Learn how digital discipleship is reshaping Bible engagement worldwide—and what’s next for YouVersion as they expand into personalized spiritual tools and new global-friendly platforms like Bible App Lite.

🗣️ Key Takeaways:

• Easter 2025 was YouVersion’s most active day ever, up 12% from last year.

• Gen Z is more open to the Bible than expected—especially in traditionally secular regions.

• Bible App Lite is reaching users in low-connectivity regions with offline tools.

• YouVersion is gearing up for a more personalized future with AI-powered engagement.

• “God’s Word. Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day.” — YouVersion’s global mission.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 📱 Download YouVersion

• 🎨 Bible App for Kids

• 🌍 Learn about Bible App Lite

🙏 Let’s Reflect:

Have you underestimated the hunger for God’s Word today? Bobby reminds us that the gospel is not just surviving—it’s thriving in places we least expect. Maybe the revival we’re praying for is already happening... in our pockets.

Check out Lifeaudio.com for more podcasts like this! 

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What does it take to bring a massive ark, hundreds of animals, and a timeless biblical story to life on stage? In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Miller, lead producer of the 30th-anniversary revival of Noah at Sight & Sound Theatres. From building towering set pieces to training real animals (yes, real ones!) and animatronic companions, Ryan shares the rich legacy of this flagship show and the powerful message it carries.

Whether you've never seen a Sight & Sound production or you're a longtime fan, this behind-the-scenes conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the craft, creativity, and calling behind these "Broadway-style Bible musicals." (Ryan’s words? Not quite—but we think it fits!)

🧱 Key Takeaways

• The Legacy of Noah: First staged in 1995, Noah marked a turning point for Sight & Sound and helped define their identity as storytellers of epic biblical theater.

• Faithful Storytelling: This updated production adds emotional and spiritual depth to Noah’s world, highlighting the darkness around him—and his unshakable daily faithfulness.

• The Spectacle: No LED screens here—this production leans into traditional, handcrafted magic with immersive staging, life-sized animatronics, and over 100 real animals.

• Generational Impact: Kids who saw the show 30 years ago are now bringing their kids, creating a legacy of inspiration through theater.

• Encouragement for the Faithful: Ryan hopes this show inspires those quietly and faithfully doing God's work to keep going—because their reward is coming.

Links & Resources

• 🎟 Visit & Get Tickets: https://www.sight-sound.com

• 📺 Watch from Home: Explore their streaming service for past productions

• 📅 Show Schedule: Check performance times and availability

• 📖 More About Sight & Sound: Discover their 50-year journey of bringing the Bible to life

A Big Thanks

Thanks to Ryan Miller for sharing his time and passion! And thank you for listening. If this episode inspired or encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a 5-star review, and don't forget to subscribe.

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We’re joined by true rock royalty — Donnie and Johnny Van Zant! 🎤
Donnie (co-founder of .38 Special) and Johnny (lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd) have traded in stadium anthems for a heartfelt, faith-driven project: their first Christian album, Always Look Up.

In this conversation, we dive deep into:
✨ How COVID-19 and faith led them to create a Christian record
✨ The songwriting process (spoiler: it started with a broomstick!)
✨ Their Southern rock sound meeting Gospel themes
✨ Favorite tracks like Jesus Christ, I’ll Rise, and Speak His Name
✨ Stories of how this album is already touching lives — including a woman saved from the brink of suicide ❤️
✨ Their personal faith journeys from the rock scene to now

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when rock and faith collide, this is one powerful (and heartfelt) conversation you don’t want to miss. 🎶🙌

Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Van Zant Band Official Website
🔗 Stream Always Look Up wherever you get your music 🎵
🔗 Check out LifeAudio’s full network of inspiring podcasts: LifeAudio.com

👉 Listen now and be inspired!

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