Can worship music sound like a rave? For DJ and producer Topher Jones, aka Rave Jesus, the answer is a bold yes. On today’s episode of Crosswalk Talk, we dive into how this former international club DJ went from touring Tomorrowland to launching a global movement that brings the gospel to the dance floor.

Topher shares the origin story of Rave Jesus—from a humble weekly prayer call to sold-out shows, millions of streams, and collaborations with artists like Latin pop star Thalía. He also gets candid about the criticism he’s faced from both sides of the faith and music worlds—and why he believes worship isn’t defined by a genre.

Highlights:

• 🎵 The story behind his new single "Two or More"

• 🙌 Why dance floors can be sacred spaces

• 🌍 His upcoming international tour and debut album

• 💬 The viral moment that got Thalía’s attention

• 🤔 What to say to people who claim “this isn’t Christian music”

Whether you love worship, EDM, or just want to see faith expressed outside the box, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

🔗 Explore More:

• Visit RaveJesus.com

• Follow @ravejesusmusic on social

• New single “Two or More” out now

• Album I Met God on the Dance Floor drops October 2025

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In this deeply honest and hope-filled episode of Crosswalk Talk, the members of Sanctus Real join Michael to share the heart behind their latest music and ministry—particularly a recent live concert inside the walls of Grafton Correctional Facility. With nearly 30 years in Christian music, Sanctus Real is still discovering new ways to live out their mission—and their vulnerability about faith, mental health, and what hope really looks like makes this conversation one you don’t want to miss.

“Jesus doesn’t bring us hope—He is our hope.” – Dustin Lolli

The band reflects on:

- What it was like to perform inside a maximum-security prison
- How they prepared spiritually and emotionally for a unique audience craving hope
- The story behind their new single “The Difference”—a powerful anthem of belief in Jesus
- Why sadness and depression may be hitting harder—even in churches—and what the Church can do about it
- How social media and cultural noise impact our sense of peace, purpose, and hope

🎧 Listen in to hear how music, worship, and honest conversation are reaching even the darkest corners with light.

👉 Learn more about Sanctus Real’s music at sanctusreal.com
👉 For more faith-filled shows, visit LifeAudio.com

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What if building wealth wasn’t just for personal gain—but a way to advance the Kingdom of God? In this episode of Crosswalk Talk, host Michael sits down with Shawn Marcell, president of Life Surge, a national movement that brings thousands together for high-energy events focused on faith, finances, and fulfilling God’s calling in the marketplace.

Shawn shares why now is the time to:

- Rethink your 9–5 as a divine assignment—anointed work that creates impact beyond a paycheck
- Reignite bold faith in the business world without falling into the trap of prosperity preaching
- Merge revival, business strategy, and practical equipping in one unforgettable event
- Empower entrepreneurs and everyday professionals to steward their gifts, generate wealth, and bless others

You’ll also hear the heart behind Life Surge’s unique events, which combine worship, powerful speakers like Tim Tebow and Priscilla Shirer, business training, and real Gospel invitation—resulting in over 6,000 salvations in Q1 alone.

As Shawn puts it: “We’re not just building companies—we’re building Kingdom impact.” If you’ve ever felt there’s more God wants to do through your work, this conversation will inspire you to step out in faith and rise to the call.

👉 Find an event near you or learn more at lifesurge.com
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What if the Book of Acts unfolded today—in a world that looked eerily like ours, yet with no digital revolution? That’s the bold vision behind Testament, a new drama series from Angel Studios. In this episode of Crosswalk Talk, host Michael sits down with creator, director, and co-writer Paul Syrstad to explore the creative journey behind reimagining Scripture for a new generation.

Together, they dive into:

🎥 How Testament brings the story of Acts to life in an alternate modern world—no smartphones, no email, just raw human encounters and analog risk

🕊️ Why the series begins on the Day of Pentecost and centers around Stephen, inviting viewers to rediscover the Spirit’s power through fresh eyes

🌍 The thought process behind changing settings while preserving character names and biblical authenticity—from Peter and Caiaphas to Salem (Jerusalem)

📖 How the creative team balances faithful storytelling with cinematic world-building to engage both believers and skeptics alike

🔥 Themes of courage, boldness, and spiritual transformation that echo through the early church—and how Testament brings them to life for today's viewer

Paul shares why the Holy Spirit is the true lead character of the series, how Testament invites re-engagement with familiar stories, and why this modern retelling may be exactly what the church—and the world—needs right now.

👉 Stream the first episode and learn more at angel.com/testament
👉 Find more faith-fueled conversations at Lifeaudio.com

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“I’ve never been the same since Jesus.” That lyric isn’t just a line from Ben Fuller’s new album—it’s his life in a sentence. In this inspiring episode of Crosswalk Talk, host Michael talks with the singer-songwriter about his powerful testimony, his new collaboration with Carrie Underwood, and why Walk Through Fire is his most honest work yet.

From a past filled with addiction and searching to a present rooted in Christ and purpose, Ben opens up about:

• 🎶 The story behind If It Was Up to Me and how a friendship led to a duet with Carrie Underwood

• 🔥 The meaning and heart behind his new single Black Sheep, written for anyone who feels they don’t belong

• 🙏 How God redeemed his life after years of addiction, heartbreak, and self-destruction

• 🎤 His spiritual journey from a small dairy farm in Vermont to the Grand Ole Opry

Ben’s prayer? That these songs slow us down, make us reflect, and remind us that Jesus is walking with us through every fire. Whether you’ve walked through flames or are standing in one now, this conversation reminds us of the hope and healing only Christ can bring.

👉 Listen to other full episodes and discover more faith-filled content at LifeAudio.com

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In today’s episode of Crosswalk Talk, Michael sits down with director Tim Mahoney to discuss his newest project, The American Miracle, a dramatic documentary based on Michael Medved’s bestselling book. Known for his Patterns of Evidence series, Tim shares how God opened the door for this new venture—which brings to life powerful stories of divine intervention during the founding of the United States.

From George Washington’s unexplainable survival in battle to fog-covered escapes and perfectly timed weather patterns, The American Miracle makes a bold case: our nation is no accident.

Tim explains why he believes God’s providence is woven through America’s history, how the Constitution reflects biblical values, and why now—on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary—is the perfect time to reclaim our origin story.

He also shares what viewers can expect from the film’s unique format, combining immersive reenactments with insight from scholars like Princeton’s Robert George and even commentary from actor Richard Dreyfuss.

🎥 Learn more and find showtimes: AmericanMiracleMovie.com

📚 Explore the book: The American Miracle by Michael Medved
🔍 More from Tim: PatternsOfEvidence.com

🔔 Listen + Subscribe

If today’s conversation inspired you, don’t forget to follow and share Crosswalk Talk. And check out more faith-based shows at LifeAudio.com.

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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”

❤️ 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

Thank you 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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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.

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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.

🎧 Want more stories that inspire, encourage, and help you walk in faith?
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