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

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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:

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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?

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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)

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