Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

Kingstone Media CEO Art Ayris discusses Kingstone Comics and U.S. Comics, two imprints transforming how children and teens learn not only about the Bible but also about U.S. history. Ayris explains how graphic novels, created with Marvel and DC-level artists, engage readers who might not otherwise pick up a traditional book, making Scripture and history more accessible and memorable. Want more Christian movie reviews, music reviews and celebrity Christian interviews? Visit Crosswalk.com!  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jen Lilley has appeared in some 18 Christmas movies, including two new ones this year: Great American Family’s A Little Women's Christmas (Nov. 23) and Hulu’s Operation Mistletoe, which is currently streaming. She’s also heading a new innovative crowdfunding company, Raise the Reel, which offers fans the opportunity to be extras in a new rom-com movie, Holiday Hearts, shooting next year. He's also a person of faith. "I read the whole Bible at a young age, and then I just was pretty on fire ever since."What they discuss: Jen's faith journey started with her Catholic upbringing and transitioned to the Episcopalian Church. As a child, she read the Bible cover to cover and had a deep connection with Jesus.How Christmas movies help Jen get into the holiday spirit and their positive impact on fans.Jen discusses her role as Meg March in "A Little Women's Christmas," based on Louisa May Alcott's novelJen shares her excitement about "Operation Mistletoe," her first movie on Hulu.Jen introduces her innovative crowdfunding platform, Raise the Real, which connects fans with filmmakers. The first movie project is called "Holiday Hearts." Want more celebrity Christian interviews, movie reviews and music reviews? Visit Crosswalk.com! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Director Rich Hull opens up about his new documentary "Fighting Spirit," which follows the inspiring journey of combat chaplains from the past and present, including one -- Army combat chaplain Emil Kapaun -- who died in a prison during the Korean War and whose remains were identified in 2021 and laid to rest in Kansas. Actor Chris Pratt was an executive producer on the film. For more faith-filled, family-friendly movie reviews, interviews and music reviews, visit Crosswalk.com! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Author T. Martin Bennett discusses his book Wounded Tiger, which recounts the incredible true story of a Japanese pilot, Mitsuo Fuchida, who, led the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II and later found forgiveness in Christ. The pilot's story, Bennett says, has many lessons for our divided society. Learn more about Bennett at https://www.woundedtiger.com/.  For more Christian celebrity interviews, movie reviews and more, visit Crosswalk.com! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Michael Reagan, the son of former President Ronald Reagan, says today’s politics could be improved greatly by embracing his father’s principles. He also says his father was deeply guided by his Christian faith. His dad once told him, "I have not gone to church at all on a regular basis. So I'm so looking forward to no longer being president and once again, going to visit my Lord and Savior on any given Sunday morning." Ronald Reagan's story is told in a new movie, "Reagan." Want more Christian interviews, movie and music reviews? Head over to Crosswalk.com! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Joel Smallbone of the Grammy-nominated Christian group For King & Country opens up about their beloved holiday tradition, "A Drummer Boy Christmas," and an upcoming concert film event of the same name, in theaters Dec. 5-9. "You're in the front row of this show," he said. "We're awfully proud of it." Listen to the interview here, and for more movie reviews, music reviews and faith-filled, family entertainment, visit Crosswalk.com! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Filmmaker Todd Komarnicki has been involved in some of the top family and inspiring movies in recent decades, including 2003's Elf and 2016's Sully. His latest film, Bonhoeffer, follows the story of the German theologian who stood up to Nazi Germany's hatred when few others would. It opens in theaters Nov. 22. "I literally felt tracked down by God to tell the story," he says. For more celebrity Christian interviews, movie reviews and music reviews, visit Crosswalk.com! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mac Powell, the Grammy-winning singer who gained popularity in the band Third Day with such songs as Soul on Fire and Cry Out to Jesus has a new solo album, titled simply I Love Jesus, and a new single, Good News. It is Powell’s second solo project, following 2021’s New Creation. "Eternity doesn't start when our bodies die. It starts right here, right now. And so I just don't want people to miss out on it like I did for so long -- the abundance of life and love and hope and all the great things that Jesus has for us" What more Christian celebrity interviews, movie, and music reviews? Head over to Crossswalk.com! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Great American Family CEO Bill Abbott discussed the network's past, present and future, including its annual “Great American Christmas” event, which features 18 new movies for 2024, beloved classics and 24/7 holiday programming through the Christmas season. Great American Family's parent company also owns the streaming service Great American Pure Flix. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham traveled the country in 2023 and 2024 as part of their Summer Worship Nights Tour, featuring their award-winning music and their testimonies about Christ’s power. Fans who missed the tour or want to relive it can do with the tour documentary For the One, featuring highlights and the stories behind the music. “Yes, we want [fans] to be entertained, but we want them to walk out better than they came in," Lake said. Lake and Wickham talk about their tour documentary "For the One," which releases in theaters on October 27th and 29th. They emphasize that their concerts are more than entertainment; they aim to provide a spiritual encounter for both believers and non-believers. The artists share impactful stories, such as security guards raising their hands during a gospel presentation. The film was initially intended for social media but evolved into a documentary highlighting worship and evangelism. They hope the film encourages churchgoers, leads non-believers to Jesus, and showcases the church's vitality. Brandon and Phil also reflect on their friendship and mutual admiration. Listen to the whole episode here, and for more Christian interviews, music reviews and movie reviews, head over to Crosswalk.com!  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

CEO Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries opens up about a new free online video series, “Should Christians Avoid Politics?” which challenges common perspectives and encourages believers to develop a biblical worldview on political involvement. “I'm not saying that they have to be an enthusiastic member of a political party or a political junkie, but we are citizens in the kingdom of man, as well as being citizens in the Kingdom of God,” he said. “And non-involvement is not an option.” Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries, discussed his new free video series, "Should Christians Avoid Politics?" which aims to guide young Christians, many of whom are first-time voters, on engaging in politics from a biblical perspective. Myers emphasized the importance of Christian involvement in politics, debunking myths like politics not mattering and the "lesser of two evils" argument. He explained the concept of sphere sovereignty, highlighting the roles of family, church, and government. Myers also promoted Summit Ministries' student conferences, which help young adults develop a biblical worldview, with 85% maintaining it long-term. Listen to the whole interview, and be sure to check out Crosswalk.com for more family-friendly movie reviews, Christian celebrity interviews and more! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Everett Osborne opens up about his role in the Angel movie Sweetwater, in which he portrays the first African American to sign an NBA contract. Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton entered the NBA in the 1950s and blazed a trail for other players. Osborne also discusses faith, his career, and a Nike commercial he filmed alongside LeBron James. Want more Chrisitan celebrity interviews? Head over to https://www.crosswalk.com/culture/!  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Denny Duron is the chancellor and head football coach at Louisiana’s Evangel Christian Academy, a private school whose team is spotlighted in a new documentary, God. Family. Football., streaming on Fox Nation. The school is well-known to many football fans, having won 14 state championships while producing numerous college and NFL players. Duron says, "Christ always is the priority at Evangel." Listen to the entire interview here and be sure to check out more Christian Interviews at Crosswalk.com!  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Chris Wall, creator of the animated series "Wingfeather Saga," discussed his background in animation, including his work on VeggieTales and his passion for family-friendly entertainment. The series, based on Andrew Peterson's best-selling children's books, raised over $7 million through crowdfunding. Wall emphasized the importance of a consistent, redemptive world in the storytelling, comparing it to "Lord of the Rings." Season two continues the adventure of the Itchydrew family, who discover their royal heritage and face challenges. Wall highlighted the need for community support to continue the series, encouraging families to join the Wingfeather Guild for early access to episodes. Listen to the entire episode here! For more faith-filled, family-friendly movie reviews, check out Crosswalk.com! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Charley Humbard, the CEO/founder of UPtv/UP Entertainment, opens up about the importance of family-friendly programming and 20 years of UPtv. "We go out of our way" to give moms and dads kid-friendly, inspiring entertainment, he says. Listen to the whole conversation here! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Filmmaker Kevin Downes of Kingdom Story Company explains why the new movie White Bird is a "rush of hope" America needs. "We're doing true-life stories that showcase the power of the gospel, that offer this rush of hope. And so White Bird is exactly that." "White Bird" is a sequel to the movie "Wonder" and tells the story of Julian, who is visited by his grandmother and is transformed by the story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Listen to the entire interview here! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dallas Jenkins, the creator and director of "The Chosen," is the director of a new movie, "The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever. " Based on a classic children's book, it tells the story of a group of troubled siblings who encounter the true meaning of Christmas. The film will be released in theaters on November 8. Jenkins says the film contains a powerful gospel message: "Jesus came to earth for you."  Listen here to the whole interview!  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Matthew West has 34 No. 1 songs as an artist and songwriter combined, but he says his primary goal is to spread the gospel. “I don't care about that -- I used to care about that,” he says of success. His prayer, he says, is this: “God, what have You really put me on this earth to do? And that's to make You known and to tell the lost and hurting world that there's a God who hears them when they pray.” West’s next album releases October 4. Listen to the entire conversation here! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For Alexandra Osteen, growing up in a megachurch and being raised by parents who are recognized around the globe felt, surprisingly, normal. The daughter of Lakewood Church's Joel and Victoria Osteen, Alexandra has made a name for herself in recent years as a worship leader at the Houston congregation, as well as being a powerful voice for Lakewood Music, which released its new album, Oh How Worthy, this month. "They've always just been my parents, and I could brag on them for days on end," Alexandra Osteen told Crosswalk Headlines. "They're great parents, and who they are on stage is who they are at home." Lakewood Church is the fourth largest congregation in the United States, drawing 45,000 attendees each week and millions more tuning into its worship services worldwide on television and online. Alexandra was about 7 when the congregation moved into the former Summit/Compaq Center, the former home of the NBA's Houston Rockets.  "As I've grown up, I've… recognized [that] this is not normal," she said of the church's size. "This is the hand of God that's blessed us and given us this ministry. And we have to steward and do the best that we can with it, and always point to Jesus." Listen to the entire interview here! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

To this day, Coach Joe Kennedy looks back with bewilderment that a simple 30-second post-game prayer sparked a cultural battle and, ultimately, a Supreme Court case. Kennedy won that case, and he also won over many critics. He also inspired countless Christians around the world. Still, Kennedy is amazed that his defiant act—he prayed after being told to stop—changed America's legal landscape.   "This was such a simple thing," Kennedy told Crosswalk Headlines. "[Prayer has] been going on from the beginning of time." He had no interest in stirring controversy, he said, "but God had other plans." Listen to the whole episode here! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.