Earlier this week, comedian Theo Von had an unexpected conversation with Twitch streamer Sketch about the power of prayer on his podcast “This Past Weekend.” It’s the latest example of how podcasts have become a surprising space for unique faith discussions. This long-form medium has allowed comedians, actors, entrepreneurs and more to open up about their thoughts on God, Christianity, the Church and their personal faith journey.
Over the last few years, several notable figures have opened up on podcasts about their faith. Here are five of our favorite conversations:
Kathryn Hahn Shared That Her Acting Career Began With a Church Production of Psalty the Singing Songbook
In a lengthy and very fun conversation with Conan O’Brien on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast, WandaVision‘s Kathryn Hahn revealed the very first bullet point on her acting resume was a gig with a certain beloved(?) anthropomorphic hymnbook familiar to Christian kids of a certain age. Psalty and his family (also talking hymnbooks) would gather kids around and sing all sorts of songs about God in a manner that was either sweet or terrifying, depending on the costume. Hahn played the big blue book in her first ever “acting gig.”
The conversation begins around the 51:45 mark.
Oscar Isaac Shared His Experience at Cornerstone in the 90s
Back in 2015, Oscar Isaac told Nerdist podcast host Chris Hardwick that he had attended Cornerstone festival as a teen. Isaac described it as a “Christian Woodstock” or a “Christian Coachella” where her listened to different Christian metal and hardcore bands. It was probably a big inspiration for him to start his own ska band, The Blinking Underdogs.
Mark Ruffalo Told His Wild Church Experience at a Jimmy Swaggert Revival Service
On NPR’s Fresh Air podcast, actor Mark Ruffalo talked about attending a (pre-scandal) televangelist Jimmy Swaggart revival services at his local church Kenosha, Wisconsin. During the service, Swaggart held an altar call for the kids and Ruffalo’s grandmother urged him to go to the front, and that’s where things take an interesting turn. You can hear him tell the full story starting around the 24:30 mark.
Kat Von D Doesn’t Hold Back Talking About Her Newfound Faith and Church Community
Tattoo artist and reality TV star Kat Von D has gone through a major spiritual transformation over the last two years. In 2023, she began to speak out more about her journey, inviting her fans in on her thoughts on faith, the Church and God. On the Relatable Podcast with Allie Beth Stuckey, the reality TV star also shared her surprising choice to attend a more tradition church.
“I want to worship,” she said. “I don’t want to go to a concert.”
Von D opened up further about the community she’s found and how the people in her life have lead her closer to God.
You can watch the full conversation here.
Rob Reiner Pushes Back Against Christian Nationalism on NPR
Rob Reiner is known for his acting career and film career, which includes classics like The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally and This is Spinal Tap. But as of this year, Reiner is stepping into new territory, tackling a new subject: Christian nationalism. Reiner served as the executive producer on a new documentary, God and Country, which follows the rise of Christian nationalism. Reiner sat down with NPR Here and Now host Robin Young to talk about why it’s important for America to understand Christian nationalism, and why he believes this movement isn’t what Jesus wants for the Church.