Grammy-nominated gospel artist Jamie MacDonald joins Crosswalk Talk to share the story behind her highly anticipated self-titled album Jamie MacDonald releasing January 23. From years of background vocals in Nashville to singing in prison ministry and finding hope in her own brokenness, Jamie unpacks how her faith journey shaped her sound, her message, and the heart behind her music.

Highlights


Jamie’s mixed emotions and sense of accomplishment as her first major album arrives


How years of background vocals shaped her musical path


The role of faith, family healing, and reconnecting with her father


Turning points: church camp, hitting rock bottom, and meeting God at age 21


Transformative ministry in prisons and how it influences her music today


Her distinctive sound: soulful, choir-inspired, and gospel-rooted


Stories behind key songs like “My Family” and themes of restoration


What she hopes listeners take away from Jamie MacDonald


Her unique aesthetic and personal style


A preview of her first headline tour with Taylor Hill

Resources Mentioned

Jamie MacDonald – Gospel artist and songwriter


Official Website: jamiemacdonaldmusic.com


Instagram


Spotify Artist Profile: 

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a dose of hope and inspiration today. Explore more faith-centered conversations at LifeAudio.com.

Grammy-nominated gospel artist Jamie MacDonald joins Crosswalk Talk to share the story behind her highly anticipated self-titled album Jamie MacDonald releasing January 23. From years of background vocals in Nashville to singing in prison ministry and finding hope in her own brokenness, Jamie unpacks how her faith journey shaped her sound, her message, and the heart behind her music.
<hr data-start="723" data-end="726">
Highlights
<ul data-start="743" data-end="1421">
<li data-start="743" data-end="830">
Jamie&rsquo;s mixed emotions and sense of accomplishment as her first major album arrives
</li>
<li data-start="831" data-end="889">
How years of background vocals shaped her musical path
</li>
<li data-start="890" data-end="961">
The role of faith, family healing, and reconnecting with her father
</li>
<li data-start="962" data-end="1041">
Turning points: church camp, hitting rock bottom, and meeting God at age 21
</li>
<li data-start="1042" data-end="1118">
Transformative ministry in prisons and how it influences her music today
</li>
<li data-start="1119" data-end="1188">
Her distinctive sound: soulful, choir-inspired, and gospel-rooted
</li>
<li data-start="1189" data-end="1260">
Stories behind key songs like &ldquo;My Family&rdquo; and themes of restoration
</li>
<li data-start="1261" data-end="1321">
What she hopes listeners take away from Jamie MacDonald
</li>
<li data-start="1322" data-end="1365">
Her unique aesthetic and personal style
</li>
<li data-start="1366" data-end="1421">
A preview of her first headline tour with Taylor Hill
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1423" data-end="1426">
Resources Mentioned
Jamie MacDonald &ndash; Gospel artist and songwriter
<ul data-start="1504" data-end="1709">
<li data-start="1504" data-end="1558">
Official Website: <a href="https://www.jamiemacdonaldmusic.com/#/">jamiemacdonaldmusic.com</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1559" data-end="1626">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamiemacdonald/">Instagram</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1627" data-end="1709">
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0cZttbEqSCC76paqdgVLL4">Spotify Artist Profile:&nbsp;</a>
</li>
</ul>
If this episode encouraged you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a dose of hope and inspiration today. Explore more faith-centered conversations at <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/">LifeAudio.com.</a>

Join us each week on Crosswalk Talk where we interview your favorite Christian celebrities. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment.

Some of our favorite interviews include:

⭐️ Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins Discuss Their Heartwarming Children's Book on Prayer

⭐️ Patricia Heaton and David Hunt Talk Faith, Life and Their Adoption Film Unexpected

⭐️ Willie and Korie Robertson Open Up About The Blind and the Generational Impact of Faith

⭐️ Phil Wickham Talks New Album, Songwriting, and the Deconstruction Movement

Let us know what famous Christian celebrities you want us to interview for the show!

Join us each week on Crosswalk Talk where we interview your favorite Christian celebrities. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment.
Some of our favorite interviews include:
⭐️ Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins Discuss Their Heartwarming Children's Book on Prayer
⭐️ Patricia Heaton and David Hunt Talk Faith, Life and Their Adoption Film Unexpected
⭐️ Willie and Korie Robertson Open Up About The Blind and the Generational Impact of Faith
⭐️ Phil Wickham Talks New Album, Songwriting, and the Deconstruction Movement
Let us know what famous Christian celebrities you want us to interview for the show!

Join us each week on Crosswalk Talk where we interview your favorite Christian celebrities. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment.

Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

Join us each week on Crosswalk Talk where we interview your favorite Christian celebrities. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment.
Some of our favorite interviews include:
⭐️ Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins Discuss Their Heartwarming Children's Book on Prayer
⭐️ Patricia Heaton and David Hunt Talk Faith, Life and Their Adoption Film Unexpected
⭐️ Willie and Korie Robertson Open Up About The Blind and the Generational Impact of Faith
⭐️ Phil Wickham Talks New Album, Songwriting, and the Deconstruction Movement
Let us know what famous Christian celebrities you want us to interview for the show!

Jamie MacDonald on Hope, Healing, and Her Soulful New Album

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/0daea6d2-26ba-4d38-8f63-b3d7014bea41/transcript

Director Richie Johns joins us to discuss his new film Still Hope and why he chose to confront the reality of human trafficking through storytelling. He explains how the movie draws from true events and focuses not only on the crime itself, but also on recovery, forgiveness and the long road toward healing.

Johns also talks about The Promised Land, his faith-based comedy series that brings the story of Moses and the Exodus to life for a new generation. He shares how faith shapes both projects, even though they differ greatly in tone and audience. The conversation explores how film can raise awareness, inspire compassion, and point people toward meaningful action and hope.

Highlights


Why Richie took on Still Hope and what makes its recovery story unique


How true survivor stories shaped the film’s narrative


The theme of forgiveness as freedom


The story’s setting and why it matters: trafficking can happen in everyday America


Why Still Hope was designed as a tool for awareness and action


Behind the scenes on The Promised Land, a faith-based comedy about Exodus


How humor and scripture combine to reach new audiences


Richie’s journey from assistant directing to filmmaking with a missional focus

Resources Mentioned

Richie Johns – Filmmaker, Director & Producer


Instagram

Films & Series


Still Hope – Feature film on human trafficking depicting rescue and restorative journey


Official Website:
The Promised Land– Faith-based comedy series about Exodus 

Director Richie Johns joins us to discuss his new film Still Hope and why he chose to confront the reality of human trafficking through storytelling. He explains how the movie draws from true events and focuses not only on the crime itself, but also on recovery, forgiveness and the long road toward healing.
Johns also talks about The Promised Land, his faith-based comedy series that brings the story of Moses and the Exodus to life for a new generation. He shares how faith shapes both projects, even though they differ greatly in tone and audience. The conversation explores how film can raise awareness, inspire compassion, and point people toward meaningful action and hope.
<hr data-start="912" data-end="915">
Highlights
<ul data-start="932" data-end="1490">
<li data-start="932" data-end="1008">
Why Richie took on Still Hope and what makes its recovery story unique
</li>
<li data-start="1009" data-end="1066">
How true survivor stories shaped the film&rsquo;s narrative
</li>
<li data-start="1067" data-end="1110">
The theme of forgiveness as freedom
</li>
<li data-start="1111" data-end="1197">
The story&rsquo;s setting and why it matters: trafficking can happen in everyday America
</li>
<li data-start="1198" data-end="1270">
Why Still Hope was designed as a tool for awareness and action
</li>
<li data-start="1271" data-end="1350">
Behind the scenes on The Promised Land, a faith-based comedy about Exodus
</li>
<li data-start="1351" data-end="1409">
How humor and scripture combine to reach new audiences
</li>
<li data-start="1410" data-end="1490">
Richie&rsquo;s journey from assistant directing to filmmaking with a missional focus
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources Mentioned
Richie Johns &ndash; Filmmaker, Director &amp; Producer
<ul data-start="1573" data-end="1653">
<li data-start="1573" data-end="1653">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/_richiejohns/?hl=en">Instagram</a>
</li>
</ul>
Films &amp; Series
<ul>
<li data-start="1675" data-end="1915">
<a href="https://stillhopemovie.com/">Still Hope</a> &ndash; Feature film on human trafficking depicting rescue and restorative journey
<ul data-start="1771" data-end="1915">
<li data-start="1771" data-end="1820">
<a href="https://stillhopemovie.com/">Official Website:</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://stillhopemovie.com/"></a><a href="https://www.angel.com/shows/promised-land-series">The Promised Land </a>&ndash; Faith-based comedy series about Exodus&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

How 'Still Hope' Brings Awareness to Trafficking and Recovery -- Director Richie Johns

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/9a8a00f5-a96d-4034-ae47-b3d90150b541/transcript

Joel Courtney and Masey McLain discuss why they were drawn to Soul on Fire, a true story they say is saturated with hope, resilience, and the power of personal choice. The film follows John O’Leary, who survives a devastating burn accident as a child in 1987 and later grows into a man whose life points others toward what it means to truly live, a journey the actors say reflects the heart of the gospel.

As believers themselves, Joel and Macy reflect on how this story reshaped their understanding of resilience, vulnerability, and the gospel—revealing a hope that isn’t naïve, but hard-won and deeply rooted in faith.

Highlights


Why telling true stories of hope and overcoming matters now more than ever


The idea of agency: choosing life, joy, and freedom one decision at a time


How John’s journey mirrors biblical resilience, including parallels to Job


A powerful picture of the gospel: being fully known and fully loved


What it was like meeting the real-life John and Beth and how it shaped the performances


The promise of restoration—what’s been stolen can be replenished, resurrected, and rebuilt


Why hope isn’t automatic… but it is always available

Join the Conversation

What part of this story resonated with you most—choosing hope, embracing vulnerability, or seeing restoration firsthand? How has faith helped shape your own resilience through hard seasons?

Share your thoughts with a review!

And if today’s episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and explore more faith-filled conversations across the LifeAudio network.

Resources Mentioned


Joel Courtney – Actor known for Soul on Fire and Super 8


IMDb


Official Instagram


Masey McLain – Actress featured as Beth O’Leary in Soul on Fire



IMDb:


Official Instagram:


Soul on Fire (2025) – Official film page with cast and details


John O’Leary – The real-life inspiration for Soul on Fire (author & speaker)

Joel Courtney and Masey McLain discuss why they were drawn to Soul on Fire, a true story they say is saturated with hope, resilience, and the power of personal choice. The film follows John O&rsquo;Leary, who survives a devastating burn accident as a child in 1987 and later grows into a man whose life points others toward what it means to truly live, a journey the actors say reflects the heart of the gospel.
As believers themselves, Joel and Macy reflect on how this story reshaped their understanding of resilience, vulnerability, and the gospel&mdash;revealing a hope that isn&rsquo;t na&iuml;ve, but hard-won and deeply rooted in faith.
<hr>
Highlights
<ul data-start="852" data-end="1424">
<li data-start="852" data-end="934">
Why telling true stories of hope and overcoming matters now more than ever
</li>
<li data-start="935" data-end="1017">
The idea of agency: choosing life, joy, and freedom one decision at a time
</li>
<li data-start="1018" data-end="1100">
How John&rsquo;s journey mirrors biblical resilience, including parallels to Job
</li>
<li data-start="1101" data-end="1176">
A powerful picture of the gospel: being fully known and fully loved
</li>
<li data-start="1177" data-end="1272">
What it was like meeting the real-life John and Beth and how it shaped the performances
</li>
<li data-start="1273" data-end="1367">
The promise of restoration&mdash;what&rsquo;s been stolen can be replenished, resurrected, and rebuilt
</li>
<li data-start="1368" data-end="1424">
Why hope isn&rsquo;t automatic&hellip; but it is always available
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1426" data-end="1429">
Join the Conversation
What part of this story resonated with you most&mdash;choosing hope, embracing vulnerability, or seeing restoration firsthand? How has faith helped shape your own resilience through hard seasons?
Share your thoughts with a review!
And if today&rsquo;s episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and explore more faith-filled conversations across the <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/">LifeAudio network.</a>
<hr>
Resources Mentioned
<ul data-start="929" data-end="1913">
<li data-start="929" data-end="1178">
Joel Courtney &ndash; Actor known for Soul on Fire and Super 8
<ul data-start="929" data-end="1913">
<li data-start="1000" data-end="1084">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1525807/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_Joel%2520Cour">IMDb</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1087" data-end="1178">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joel_courtney/?hl=en&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com">Official Instagram</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/joel_courtney/?hl=en&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/joel_courtney/?hl=en&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="1087" data-end="1178">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joel_courtney/?hl=en&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a>Masey McLain &ndash; Actress featured as Beth O&rsquo;Leary in Soul on Fire
</li>
</ul>
<ul data-start="1256" data-end="1569">
<li>
<ul data-start="1256" data-end="1569">
<li data-start="1256" data-end="1340">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4558567/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">IMDb:</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1343" data-end="1443">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/maseymclain/">Official Instagram:</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="1571" data-end="1712">
<a href="https://soulonfiremovie.com/">Soul on Fire (2025) &ndash; Official film page with cast and details</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1714" data-end="1913">
<a href="https://johnolearyinspires.com/soulonfire/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">John O&rsquo;Leary &ndash; The real-life inspiration for Soul on Fire (author &amp; speaker)</a>
</li>
</ul>

The Faith and True Story Behind Soul on Fire: A Conversation with Joel Courtney and Masey McLain

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/1cb32db3-d72d-456e-a197-b3d20166027e/transcript

Family discipleship, Christian parenting, and teaching toddlers about Jesus are at the heart of this conversation with pastor, author, and podcaster Adam Griffin, lead pastor of Eastside Community Church and co-host of The Family Discipleship Podcast. Adam shares the vision behind his new children’s board book, What Will You Teach Me?, and why the earliest lessons—colors, numbers, animals, and music—can all point children back to God.

This episode explores how parents can integrate faith into everyday learning, why discipleship doesn’t require seminary training, and how spiritual formation begins long before children can read or speak.

Highlights


Why most Christian kids’ books miss an opportunity for deeper discipleship


How everyday lessons like math, science, and language reveal God’s design


The inspiration behind What Will You Teach Me?


Why this board book is designed for babies through age four


How repetition helps children learn truth through story and visuals


What “family discipleship” really means—and why it’s often overcomplicated


Bridging the gap between spiritual and secular education


Why discipleship deserves the same priority as academics


How parents can lead spiritually without being experts


Adam’s vision for future family discipleship resources

Join the Conversation

How do you naturally incorporate faith into everyday learning moments with your kids?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts using #LifeAudio.

Resources & Links


📘 What Will You Teach Me? by Adam Griffin (B&H Publishing)


🎙️ The Family Discipleship Podcast


📘 Family Discipleship by Adam Griffin & Matt Chandler


📖 Deuteronomy 6:4–9


📖 Matthew 28:19–20


🎧 Explore more faith-centered podcasts at LifeAudio.com

Family discipleship, Christian parenting, and teaching toddlers about Jesus are at the heart of this conversation with pastor, author, and podcaster Adam Griffin, lead pastor of Eastside Community Church and co-host of The Family Discipleship Podcast. Adam shares the vision behind his new children&rsquo;s board book, What Will You Teach Me?, and why the earliest lessons&mdash;colors, numbers, animals, and music&mdash;can all point children back to God.
This episode explores how parents can integrate faith into everyday learning, why discipleship doesn&rsquo;t require seminary training, and how spiritual formation begins long before children can read or speak.
<hr data-start="1246" data-end="1249">
Highlights
<ul data-start="1269" data-end="1933">
<li data-start="1269" data-end="1347">
Why most Christian kids&rsquo; books miss an opportunity for deeper discipleship
</li>
<li data-start="1348" data-end="1425">
How everyday lessons like math, science, and language reveal God&rsquo;s design
</li>
<li data-start="1426" data-end="1478">
The inspiration behind What Will You Teach Me?
</li>
<li data-start="1479" data-end="1542">
Why this board book is designed for babies through age four
</li>
<li data-start="1543" data-end="1614">
How repetition helps children learn truth through story and visuals
</li>
<li data-start="1615" data-end="1693">
What &ldquo;family discipleship&rdquo; really means&mdash;and why it&rsquo;s often overcomplicated
</li>
<li data-start="1694" data-end="1754">
Bridging the gap between spiritual and secular education
</li>
<li data-start="1755" data-end="1815">
Why discipleship deserves the same priority as academics
</li>
<li data-start="1816" data-end="1874">
How parents can lead spiritually without being experts
</li>
<li data-start="1875" data-end="1933">
Adam&rsquo;s vision for future family discipleship resources
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1935" data-end="1938">
Join the Conversation
How do you naturally incorporate faith into everyday learning moments with your kids?
Join the conversation and share your thoughts using #LifeAudio.
<hr data-start="2125" data-end="2128">
Resources &amp; Links
<ul data-start="2155" data-end="2435">
<li data-start="2155" data-end="2220">
📘 What Will You Teach Me? by Adam Griffin (B&amp;H Publishing)
</li>
<li data-start="2221" data-end="2262">
🎙️ The Family Discipleship Podcast
</li>
<li data-start="2263" data-end="2323">
📘 Family Discipleship by Adam Griffin &amp; Matt Chandler
</li>
<li data-start="2324" data-end="2348">
📖 Deuteronomy 6:4&ndash;9
</li>
<li data-start="2349" data-end="2372">
📖 Matthew 28:19&ndash;20
</li>
<li data-start="2373" data-end="2435">
🎧 Explore more faith-centered podcasts at LifeAudio.com
</li>
</ul>

What “family discipleship” Really Means—and Why It’s Often Overcomplicated with Adam Griffin

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/b940b675-1203-4bcb-8997-b3cb014e4ae5/transcript

Jamie MacDonald on Hope, Healing, and Her Soulful New Album

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Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

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