Join Nate Parker, beloved actor and director of The Birth of a Nation fame, as he gets real with All That to Say about navigating his faith in Hollywood, the art of breaking down walls, and his record-breaking film The Birth of a Nation.  He recounts his origin story in a Norfolk, Virginia, housing project, his “escape” to college, and his awakening to the experience of being a Black man in America. He recalls how a phone conversation with his mother shifted the course of his life from pursuing a degree in computer science to moving to Los Angeles on a dream and a literal prayer: Los Angeles, where he found his way to Bishop Dixon’s Center of Hope, where he filmed his first national TV commercial, and where he got his breakout role with Denzel Washington and Forrest Whitaker on The Great Debaters.  Nate also talks in-depth about the birth of The Birth of a Nation—the film he wrote, directed, and starred in, which recounts the real-life story of the enslaved African American preacher who organized and led the Nat Turner Rebellion of 1831. Hear why studying for that role was the closest to God he’s ever felt in his life and why he calls the film “the hallmark of [his] existence.”  Nate Parker is an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. Parker’s directorial debut feature film The Birth of a Nation made history at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival when Fox Searchlight Pictures acquired the distribution rights for a record-breaking price tag. In 2016 he also founded the Nate Parker Foundation and The Nate Parker School of Film and Drama at Wiley College, both dedicated to empowering young Black filmmakers to develop and produce meaningful stories that shape culture.

In this timely, in-depth conversation, National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) president Walter Kim reflects on the history of the organization he’s been leading since 2020. Kim is the first person of a minority community to hold this position. He recounts his personal story of being “loved into his faith,” from being born the son of refugees, to hearing the gospel in a theater parking lot as a teenager, to the coupling of his faith and critical thought during his studies at Harvard. And he explores the evolving definitions and connotations of the word “evangelical,” its journey through the “toxic politicization of faith,” and the cultural posture it must take in changing world – one that he says should be informed by all members of the faith. Hear him express hope and opportunity for revitalization, racial reconciliation, and public engagement of faith for this generation and beyond. Walter Kim is the president of the National Association of Evangelicals. He previously served as a pastor for 15 years at Boston’s historic Park Street Church and four years at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. He has spent nearly three decades preaching, writing and engaging in collaborative leadership to connect the Bible to the significant intellectual, cultural and social issues of the day. He serves on the boards of Christianity Today and World Relief. Kim received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, and his M.Div. from Regent College in Vancouver. He is a licensed minister in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.

In this moving, long-form conversation, journalist and documentary filmmaker Ted Green recounts his journey from an early aspiration to be the next William Faulkner, to his 20-year career in sports journalism, to his natural evolution into storytelling through documentary films. Green’s stated goal is to “celebrate the triumph of the human spirit” through his work, and his latest project, “The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story,” certainly does that. Listen in as Green reflects on his subject, the “skinny kid from Anderson, Indiana” who became a baseball legend, pitched the first nationally televised no-hitter against Willie Mays and the Giants in 1956, and who Jackie Robinson was proud to call a teammate, an ally, and a true friend. He also discusses Erskine’s influence on the acceptance of people with disabilities – his fourth child was born with Down syndrome – and on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, to which he contributed his celebrity for bedrock fundraising. You’ll also hear about his widely acclaimed documentary film “Eva: A-7063,” the true story of a Holocaust survivor’s extraordinary journey to forgive the Nazis who killed her family. Ted Green has won 21 regional Emmy Awards. His documentaries have been screened in film festivals worldwide and at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and have been featured in The New York Times and Forbes.com. “Eva: A-7063” aired on 95 percent of U.S. PBS stations and in Germany. “Undefeated: The Roger Brown Story” aired on ESPN Classic for several years. Ted holds a BA in American History from Princeton University and a Masters from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

In this long-form conversation Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, takes a deep dive into the generational and contemporary benefits of faith-based higher education. She reflects on her own unlikely full-circle journey from Calvin College through law school and private law practice, and finally back to Christian university leadership.  She discusses her advocacy work in Washington D.C. building alliances with her Catholic, Jesuit, and LDS colleagues to protect religious liberty alongside LGBTQ rights. And hear her adamant commitment to following the counter-cultural example of Jesus Christ, who defied the norms and asked the hard questions, just as she believes Christian universities should do.   Finally, Hoogstra shares her predictions for the future of Christian universities, which she views as places of societal hope, and whose voices she believes will be critical as society faces the broad questions of artificial intelligence, medical ethics, and more.   As president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities since 2014, Shirley Hoogstra has focused on expanding diversity and inclusion on CCCU campuses and making education available, accessible, and affordable to all students, including the incarcerated and the undocumented. Hoogstra also serves on the steering committee for the Washington Higher Ed Secretariat, is a leader for the Evangelical Immigration Table, and serves on the boards of the American Council on Education, the National Association of Evangelicals, and Trinity Forum.

In this long-form conversation Geremy Dixon, lead pastor of Center of Hope LA, reflects on the unique opportunities of ministering in the diverse microcosm of Los Angeles. He talks frankly about deep racial and political divides, why the church at large has lost the trust of the community, and how it might gain it back through reconciliation. “We have to be so comfortable with the presence of the Holy Spirit,” he says, “that we are not rattled by dissent.”   In the spirit of reconciliation, he discusses his co-founding of the Misfits Conference, an event that gathers those on the cutting edge of Christianity to think broadly in order to break barriers, build community, and shift culture.   And he speaks in-depth about Center of Hope’s missional work with foster care and child welfare, including the Faith Family Foster Network (3FN), a coalition of area churches who collaborate with the Department of Children and Family Services on behalf of children and families in Los Angeles County.   Pastor Geremy has served as an associate and now lead pastor for over 20 years at Center of Hope LA in Inglewood, California. Known for his approachable demeanor and common sense approach to Kingdom living, he has the unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life.  Pastor Geremy’s particular blend of humor, inspiration and sound biblical grounding has opened doors for him to be a sought after speaker for churches, conferences, and conventions both nationally and internationally. Articulate, passionate, and driven; Geremy is one of the emerging voices proclaiming God’s desire to establish His Kingdom in the marketplace.

In this frank, in-depth conversation, criminal justice advocate John Koufos recounts his personal relationship with the criminal justice system – first as the son of an incarcerated father, then as a high-powered lawyer in New Jersey, and later through his own experience with alcoholism and incarceration.  Hear him discuss his ongoing justice reform work, beginning with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, into the Texas-based Safe Streets & Second Chances program, to helping pass common-sense criminal justice reform laws in several states, to his involvement with both the Obama and Trump administrations…all of which culminated with the passing of the bi-partisan First Step Act of 2018, which he calls “by far the most consequential piece of criminal justice legislation in 30 years.”   And learn about his current initiatives, including a clemency project with criminal justice reform advocate Alice Marie Johnson, a collaboration with Florida State University and Wellbeing Equity on the topic of second-chance hiring, as well as his work to create healthier pathways for people coming out of incarceration.  John Koufos is the National Director of Reentry Initiatives at Right on Crime and the Executive Director of Safe Streets & Second Chances. John’s reentry work has been recognized by former President Donald J. Trump, and he works with the public and private sector to build partnerships designed to lead to better employment outcomes and safer communities. He is a regular speaker on criminal justice, healthcare and workforce development, and helps cities, states, and the federal government to optimize reentry systems.

In this in-depth conversation, Bob Dalton, founder and CEO of Sackcloth & Ashes, tells the origin story of the organization he founded after his own mother experienced homelessness. And he talks about “Blanket the United States,” a campaign to donate 1 million blankets to homeless shelters and programs by 2024, which to date has garnered national partnerships from like-minded companies like Subaru, Churchill Mortgage, and KB Home.  You’ll also hear about loveyourcity.org, a website he constructed to connect local people with local charities. “The only way to move the needle on society's largest problems,” he says, “is they have to be addressed on a local level.” The project has grown a robust database of more than 4,000 vetted organizations, and just launched a national podcast.  Finally, Dalton discusses Everyone Is Someone, his 2020 children’s book collaboration with Scotland artist Ritchie Collins, which aims to teach children that we are all more similar than we are different.  Bob Dalton is the founder and CEO of Sackcloth & Ashes, a mission-driven company that gives a blanket to a local homeless shelter for each one purchased. Today he travels the United States campaigning to bring awareness and resources to address homelessness, speaking at events on the topics of entrepreneurship and societal solutions.

In this episode, Rev. Dr. Que English, Director of the Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, joins us for a fearless, in-depth conversation about her work tackling some of the most pressing social issues of our time.   Listen in as she reflects on her upbringing in Spanish Harlem, and how her personal exposure to things like addiction, HIV AIDS, and mental health struggles prepared her to be an “outward-facing pastor” in the Bronx, which she now calls her “mission field.” You’ll also hear the origin story of Not On My Watch, a New York City-based, survivor-led non-profit she founded to combat human trafficking; and the People’s Police Academy, a coalition she built to help bridge the gap between community and law enforcement.   All of which led her to her current position at the Department of Health and Human Services, where daily she tackles complex issues ranging from men’s health, to maternal mortality, to infant formula shortages and youth suicide.   Before joining HHS, Dr. English served as the former Deputy Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for the Governor’s Office of the State of New York, where she brought together interfaith coalitions to create and implement strategic plans to tackle the state’s most problematic issues. In addition to the non-profit coalitions she’s founded, her background also includes decades working with the criminal justice system, substance abuse issues, health and mental health, human trafficking, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, civil rights, and more.

From skateboarding to spelunking to Bible college: In this long-form conversation, BibleProject co-founders Tim Mackie and Jon Collins tell the origin story of their nonprofit, crowdfunded organization that produces 100% free Bible videos, podcasts, blogs, and more.     They reveal the behind-the-scenes exegetical, creative, and technical processes it takes to serve up their one-of-a-kind world-class animations and other content. And they discuss what it is about their approach that takes the Bible from a “theological tech manual” to a “hospitable, approachable” collection of divine, deep truth that the world is hungry for today.    They also give a sneak peek into what’s next for BibleProject, including their new app, a 14-hour “deep dive” series called Classroom, and more.    Tim Mackie is co-founder and chief education officer of BibleProject. He’s also a writer and creative director, and a professor at Western Seminary. Tim holds a PhD in Semitic Languages and Biblical Studies. Jon Collins is co-founder, chief product officer, writer and creative director at BibleProject. With a BA in Biblical Studies from Multnomah University, Jon has spent a decade founding and leading digital media and marketing companies before coming to BibleProject.

In this long-form conversation Kevin Palau, president and CEO of the Luis Palau Association, reflects on the historic ministry of his Argentinian-born father, who trained and participated in Billy Graham crusades, and led similar crusades throughout Latin America.  He talks about new ways of telling the story of Jesus in a modern society, and how today that mission is just as much about transforming the individual as it is about “the desire for social justice and to see institutions and structures transformed.”  Kevin also tells the origin story of TogetherPDX, a collaboration of churches he founded 15 years ago to meet the needs of the citizens of Portland, Oregon, where the Luis Palau Association is based. He discusses how that has been a catalyst for City Gospel Movements across the U.S., which helps churches in the same city join together to be an essential part of making a difference in things like public education, foster care, refugee communities, and people living with homelessness.  Kevin Palau is President and CEO of the Luis Palau Association, which unites tens of thousands of churches in hundreds of cities to love and serve their communities and clearly share the Good News of Jesus. His book, Unlikely: Setting Aside Our Differences to Live Out the Gospel describes the ongoing impact of the movement. He enjoys serving on the boards of Alpha USA, Christians Against Poverty, and Transforming the Bay with Christ.

In this long-form conversation Steve Arterburn, founder and chairman of New Life Ministries, dives deep into his life’s journey through loss, grief, mental health issues, and shame and into freedom and redemption.  He speaks frankly about his own experiences confronting abortion, human sexuality, homosexuality, and toxic leadership and abuse in the church. And he discusses some of his most-loved books including Healing is a Choice, Every Man’s Battle, and Toxic Faith, which he co-authored with Jack Felton.  Steve Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and host of the #1 nationally syndicated Christian counseling talk show, New Life Live!, heard and watched by over 2 million people each week. Steve is also the host of New Life TV, a web-based video channel dedicated to transforming lives through God’s truth, and the founder of the Women of Faith conferences attended by over 5 million people.

In this intimate, long-form conversation, Bill and Gloria Gaither reflect on their 55-year, international Christan music ministry, from writing gospel songs in their Indiana living room to singing for millions across the globe. Hear how they fell in love over poetry, and how “the stewardship of fusing words” is still core to their ministry.   They also tell the origin stories of beloved Gaither songs like “Because He Lives” and “There Just Something About that Name,” and reflect on the influence of their ministry on other Christian music artists like Sandi Patty and Michael W. Smith.  Since 1962 Bill and Gloria Gaither have been writing, recording, publishing, and performing some of the world’s most cherished music. Their collaboration has resulted in more than 700 popular gospel songs, eight Grammy Awards, and more than two dozen Dove Awards from The Gospel Music Association, including eight “Songwriter of the Year” titles. Bill and Gloria are still writing and touring today.

In this long-form conversation, USAID’s faith-based office director Adam Phillips talks about his journey in faith-rooted advocacy that ultimately led him to a position in the Biden-Harris Administration.   From Guatemala to Ethiopia, from clean water to COVID, Phillips discusses his work identifying and coordinating with embedded faith communities around the world that are the “last mile,” as he says, “loving their neighbor as themselves, and in their own traditions, and looking to serve the greater good.”  Hear his deep convictions about why unity is critical to solving the world’s biggest problems, and why he believes “the divisions that we might have at home can translate into opportunities to lean in together and serve our neighbors around the world.”  Adam Nicholas Phillips is USAID’s director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Former lead pastor at Christ Church: Portland, he has served in community development and advocacy initiatives with the ONE Campaign, World Vision, Micah Challenge, Bread for the World, One Days Wages, and Oasis.

In this inspiring, long-form conversation, Sseko Designs founder and social entrepreneur Liz Forkin Bohannon tells the story of how her fair-trade, by-women-for-women lifestyle brand literally began on the back of a motorcycle in Uganda.  She also discusses her book Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now, why she believes leaders need to “channel their inner beginner,” and how gender inequality is just as damaging to men as it is to women.  And she dives into the philosophies that have built Sseko into what it is today: That every human deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, and that how we spend our money matters. “As consumers, every dollar we spend is a vote for how we're saying, this is how we want the world to work,” she says.  A former journalist, Liz is passionate about conscious consumerism, social justice, creative leadership, gender equity, risk-taking, and empowering women. She believes deeply that business is a powerful platform for social change and that girls are our future.

In this in-depth conversation, CityServe’s vice president of children & youth initiatives Lynn Johnson recounts her journey from a pardon and parole officer to being tapped for a position in the Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration.  Hear her describe in detail the state of the foster care system in America, and her firmly-held belief that real change can happen when government, churches, non-profits, and the business community work together for kids in need.  Johnson is the former Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and has spent most of her career advocating for the underserved, the homeless, the incarcerated, and most recently children and youth.

The guest for this episode is a Jordanian refugee we call “Samir.” After converting to Christianity as a teenager, he was questioned by the secret police and forced to flee the 97% Sunni Muslim country because of threats to his life and his family. In this in-depth conversation, Samir discussed his experience of how 14 centuries of culture, poverty, and ignorance have fed a distorted view of God that has led to suffering, hate, and war.  He also reflects on the American intervention in Afghanistan, how the figure of Jesus is perceived by other religions in the Middle East, and how the Christian ideals of human dignity, human rights, and freedom have the potential to change a centuries-old culture of fear. As Samir says, “Christianity is the only faith in the word that tells people, ‘I don't care about your performance. I love you regardless of your performance.’” Hosted by: Jim Lyon SUBSCRIBE to the All That To Say podcast on YouTube (http://youtube.com/allthattosaypodcast​) or wherever you listen to podcasts. - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-that-to-say/id1555624956 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7jDZ3gy653r3jhyS8mWXF2?si=rRo81YRZTF6Zmg2hnPqf5Q&nd=1 FOLLOW the conversation and like us on social media: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllThatToSayPodcast - Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllThatToSay​ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthattosaypodcast/ LEARN MORE about the podcast online: http://www.allthattosay.org/​ #AllThatToSay​

In this intimate conversation, Immigrant Connection executive director Zach Szamara tells the story of how a two-week assignment in Logansport, Indiana evolved into a life passion that has affected thousands of U.S. immigrant families, refugees, asylum seekers, and dreamers. From offering start-up immigration legal services in his local church to 18 locations coast-to-coast, the non-partisan Immigrant Connection has become a trail guide to those navigating legal paths to citizenship.  Listen in as Zach discusses the history of U.S. immigration, and his efforts to change the ways that Americans view immigrants today. "Immigration is an issue," he says, "but immigrants are people." He also discusses what the Bible has to say, and the church’s place in all of this.  A Department of Justice accredited legal representative since 2014, Zach has served more than 2,200 immigrants from 100+ nations in the last seven years. He also serves as the pastor of The Bridge Community Church – a multilingual, multicultural, multiethnic church in Logansport, Indiana. He has spoken nationally on the topic of immigration, diaspora, multi-cultural/multi-ethnic diversity, and holistic outreach to immigrants and refugees.  Hosted by: Jim Lyon _____________________________ SUBSCRIBE to the All That To Say podcast here on YouTube (http://youtube.com/allthattosaypodcast​) or wherever you listen to podcasts. - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-that-to-say/id1555624956  - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7jDZ3gy653r3jhyS8mWXF2?si=rRo81YRZTF6Zmg2hnPqf5Q&nd=1    FOLLOW the conversation and like us on social media: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllThatToSayPodcast  - Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllThatToSay​ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthattosaypodcast/    LEARN MORE about the podcast online:

In this episode, we sit down for an intimate conversation with Steve Brallier, lead author of Mitka’s Secret: A True Story of Child Slavery and Surviving the Holocaust. Listen in as he traces his unlikely career path from director of information for Anderson University; to concert promoter with the William Morris Agency representing gospel megastars like Bill Gaither and Amy Grant; to storyteller and author.  Hear him relay the heartbreaking story of Holocaust survivor Mitka Kalinski escaping execution in the German concentration camps, his seven-year enslavement by a German officer, his rescue by American GIs, and his ultimate journey to safety, love, and redemption. Steve also discusses the fear and difficulty of the writing process, and how writing Mitka’s Secret led him to his own personal redemption from hurt and pain.

In this long-form conversation, General Superintendent Emerita and Ambassador of The Wesleyan Church Jo Anne Lyon talks about the life and work of John Wesley who, much like Jesus, ministered at the intersection of spiritual, cultural, and political change. It’s in that light she reflects on the question of the church’s role in policy, as well as her participation as a member of the Council on Faith in the World Economic Forum, examining how faith affects the health and prosperity of nations.   Jo Anne also speaks frankly about what the Bible has to say about the roles of women in the church, how early feminism – and its backlash – shaped those roles over the last several decades, and where the church is headed from here. “We need to come back and reclaim who we are,” she says.  And don’t miss her reflections on racial justice, compassion, common ground, and the next generation of believers.  Dr. Lyon holds a master's degree in counseling and has been granted five honorary doctorates. She authored the book The Ultimate Blessing and has served over 30 years in pastoral ministry. She has been an adjunct professor at both Indiana Wesleyan University and Asbury Theological Seminary. As the founder and CEO of World Hope International, she directed the faith-based relief and development organizations into over 30 countries to alleviate suffering and injustice.

In this intimate conversation, author, Bible teacher, and spoken-word artist Hosanna Wong offers reflections on the global pandemic as it relates to faith, loss, leadership, and where we go from here.    The daughter of a heroin addict and Chinese gang member in San Francisco, she recounts her father’s transformation through faith, the impact of his loss, and how she met that loss with “the only thing I knew how to do,” which was poetry.   She also speaks bravely about finding and embracing her identity as a Chinese American and as a Chinese American woman, and her passion to empower others – especially young people – to lean into their own unique identity and God-given worth in order to live out their purpose in a changing world   Hosanna is the teaching pastor at EastLake Church in the San Diego area and the executive director of Calvary Street Ministries, an outreach bringing hope to the homeless and low-income families in San Francisco. Under the name Hosanna Poetry, she has released two spoken-word albums—Maps, Boots, & Other Ways We Get There (2013) and Figless (2015)—and authored three books, I Have a New Name (2017), Superadded (2018), and her new best-selling book, How (Not) to Save the World, available now.