In this deeply vulnerable and inspiring episode, Michael sits down with legendary gospel singer Russ Taff to talk about his most personal project yet: his new album Cover Story. The album includes powerful covers from artists like Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, U2, Depeche Mode, Prince, and The National, each chosen to reflect a chapter in Russ’s life—particularly his decades-long battle with addiction, relapse, healing, and spiritual redemption.

Russ opens up about:


The real story behind "Sound of Silence" and his experience with relapse


The shame cycle rooted in childhood trauma and abuse


Why songs like “Demons” and “Tear This Building Down” hit so close to home


How therapy, the 12 Steps, and God’s relentless grace changed everything


What it means to truly say “help me” and find freedom


The kinds of whispered confessions fans share after hearing his story


His message to anyone battling addiction (or loving someone who is)

With a blend of honesty, humor, and spiritual insight, Russ doesn’t just tell his story—he invites others to begin telling theirs.

💿 Featured Album:

Cover Story – An album of iconic covers that mirror the journey of a life transformed. Available now on all platforms.

🎧 Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, trauma, shame—or love someone who has—this conversation will speak directly to your heart. Russ Taff's story is proof that God meets us even in the darkest hotel rooms, and His grace brings the light.

📝 Resources & Mentions:


Documentary & Book: “I Still Believe” by Russ Taff


12-Step Recovery Programs:Alcoholics Anonymous | Celebrate Recovery


Russ Taff’s Music & Tour Info: russtaff.com

📱 Connect with Us:

Follow Crosswalk Talk for more honest, hope-filled conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and real life. at lifeaudio.com

Check out our other Crosswalk podcasts: The Crosswalk Devotional

In this deeply vulnerable and inspiring episode, Michael sits down with legendary gospel singer Russ Taff to talk about his most personal project yet: his new album Cover Story. The album includes powerful covers from artists like Bob Dylan, Simon &amp; Garfunkel, U2, Depeche Mode, Prince, and The National, each chosen to reflect a chapter in Russ&rsquo;s life&mdash;particularly his decades-long battle with addiction, relapse, healing, and spiritual redemption.
Russ opens up about:
<ul data-start="1088" data-end="1599">
<li data-start="1088" data-end="1166">
The real story behind "Sound of Silence" and his experience with relapse
</li>
<li data-start="1167" data-end="1225">
The shame cycle rooted in childhood trauma and abuse
</li>
<li data-start="1226" data-end="1310">
Why songs like &ldquo;Demons&rdquo; and &ldquo;Tear This Building Down&rdquo; hit so close to home
</li>
<li data-start="1311" data-end="1397">
How therapy, the 12 Steps, and God&rsquo;s relentless grace changed everything
</li>
<li data-start="1398" data-end="1457">
What it means to truly say &ldquo;help me&rdquo; and find freedom
</li>
<li data-start="1458" data-end="1529">
The kinds of whispered confessions fans share after hearing his story
</li>
<li data-start="1530" data-end="1599">
His message to anyone battling addiction (or loving someone who is)
</li>
</ul>
With a blend of honesty, humor, and spiritual insight, Russ doesn&rsquo;t just tell his story&mdash;he invites others to begin telling theirs.
<hr data-start="1733" data-end="1736">
💿 Featured Album:
Cover Story &ndash; An album of iconic covers that mirror the journey of a life transformed. Available now on all platforms.
<hr data-start="1891" data-end="1894">
🎧 Why You Should Listen:
If you&rsquo;ve ever struggled with addiction, trauma, shame&mdash;or love someone who has&mdash;this conversation will speak directly to your heart. Russ Taff's story is proof that God meets us even in the darkest hotel rooms, and His grace brings the light.
<hr data-start="2179" data-end="2182">
📝 Resources &amp; Mentions:
<ul data-start="2217" data-end="2508">
<li data-start="2217" data-end="2271">
Documentary &amp; Book: &ldquo;I Still Believe&rdquo; by Russ Taff
</li>
<li data-start="2272" data-end="2404">
12-Step Recovery Programs: <a href="https://www.aa.org" data-start="2303" data-end="2345">Alcoholics Anonymous</a> | <a href="https://www.celebraterecovery.com/" data-start="2348" data-end="2404">Celebrate Recovery</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2405" data-end="2508">
Russ Taff&rsquo;s Music &amp; Tour Info: <a href="https://www.russtaff.com" data-start="2438" data-end="2478">russtaff.com</a>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2510" data-end="2513">
📱 Connect with Us:
Follow Crosswalk Talk for more honest, hope-filled conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and real life. at <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-talk-celebrity-christian-interviews/">lifeaudio.com</a>
Check out our other Crosswalk podcasts: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/">The Crosswalk Devotional</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!