69. Brian Bird: Faith, Film & When Calls the Heart

In this episode of the Faith Film Fan Podcast, host Rick Altizer sits down with Mike Flynt, the inspiring true story behind the new film The Senior. At 59 years old, Mike returned to play college football, becoming the oldest linebacker in NCAA history. But his journey is about more than football—it’s about redemption, faith, and discovering God’s greater plan through life’s closed doors. Mike shares his powerful testimony of overcoming regret, finding new purpose, and how his faith transformed him from a fighter fueled by anger into a servant leader. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from the making of The Senior, the role his wife Eileen played in his journey, and the gospel moments that shaped this extraordinary film.Don’t miss The Senior in theaters opening September 19, 2025! Learn more and find showtimes at faithfilmfan.com..

On this episode of the Faith Film Fan Podcast, host Rick Altizer welcomes Andrew and Jae Huff, the creative husband-and-wife team behind Dot Conner: Webtective. What began as a fun children’s ministry video grew into a YouTube series—and now, a full-length feature film designed for kids ages 8–12 (and the whole family). The Huffs share how their passion for creating high-quality, Christ-centered entertainment led them to bring Dot Conner to the big screen, why this age group is so underserved in faith-based media, and how families can guard against today’s cultural challenges while still enjoying fun, meaningful stories.Don’t miss Dot Conner: Webtective in theaters starting September 19, 2025! Find showtimes and learn more at faithfilmfan.com.

In this episode, we sit down with John Schafer, producer and ministry leader with the Salvation Poem Project, and Tom Bancroft, veteran Disney animator (The Lion King, Aladdin, Pocahontas) making his directorial debut, to talk about their groundbreaking new animated film, Light of the World, releasing in theaters September 5th.They share the heart and vision behind creating one of the most ambitious faith-based animated films in decades—why this project is personal, how they stayed rooted in Scripture throughout the process, and how they believe this movie will impact families, children, and ministries around the globe.You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories of God’s faithfulness, the challenges of telling the life of Jesus in 88 minutes, and why opening weekend is so critical for faith films.Don’t miss Light of the World in theaters September 5th. Watch the trailer, get tickets, and explore resources at FaithFilmFan.com

On this episode of the Faith Film Fan Podcast, we tee off with director Frank Sanza and producer David Parks to talk about their brand-new golf drama, The Short Game. From the first spark of an idea more than a decade ago to overcoming budget hurdles, SAG strikes, and the challenges of shooting on a live golf course, Frank and David share the behind-the-scenes story of bringing this inspiring independent film to theaters.The Short Game opens in theaters nationwide August 29! Watch the trailer, find tickets, and learn more at FaithFilmFan.com.

On this episode of the Faith Film Fan Podcast, host Rick Altizer welcomes filmmaker, musician, and creative visionary Steve Taylor for a deep dive into his remarkable journey through film. From his early days directing and producing to his current role mentoring and connecting talent, Steve has consistently championed bold stories and fresh voices in faith-based media.Steve reflects on projects like Blue Like Jazz, Show Me the Father, and his upcoming documentary He Calls Me Daughter, sharing the lessons he’s learned along the way. He also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his latest feature film Sketch—a project that almost didn’t happen but is now showing in theaters nationwide.This conversation is more than just a story about one movie—it’s an inside look at the ups and downs of filmmaking, the importance of collaboration, and the heart behind bringing powerful stories to the screen..

In this episode of the Faith Film Fan Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed producer and screenwriter Brian Bird (When Calls the Heart, The Case for Christ, Touched by an Angel). Brian shares the powerful backstory of When Calls the Heart, how its devoted fanbase helped save it, and why stories of faith and family still matter in today’s media landscape. He also gives us a first look at his upcoming series Home to Harmony, a John Wooden biopic, and a compelling new documentary on intelligent design.Want to watch the films and shows mentioned in this episode? Visit FaithFilmFan.com to find out where to stream them—and discover more inspiring content for the whole family.

On this episode of the Faith Film Fan Podcast, host Rick Altizer sits down with Testament creator, writer, and director Paul Syrstad to explore one of the most exciting new series in Christian media. Streaming now on the Angel Studios app, Testament reimagines the Book of Acts in an alternate, modern-day dystopian world—blending cinematic visuals, powerful acting, and timeless truth.Paul shares the creative vision behind the project, his journey from youth ministry to filmmaking, and how his passion for Scripture comes alive in this multi-season series. Go behind the scenes to hear how the team pulled off big-budget visuals on an indie budget, why the acting stands out, and what this means for the future of Christian storytelling in the UK and around the world.If you love faith-based films, bold storytelling, or just want to hear what’s next in Christian entertainment, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Watch Testament now, streaming exclusively on the Angel Studios app.

In this inspiring episode, Rick Altizer welcomes filmmaker and close friend Tim Mahoney to discuss his powerful new film, The American Miracle: Our Nation Is No Accident. Drawing from Michael Medved’s bestselling book, Mahoney brings to life the often-overlooked stories of divine providence and historical turning points that shaped the founding of the United States.From dramatic reenactments and historic battlegrounds to firsthand stories of George Washington’s survival against impossible odds, The American Miracle explores the idea that America’s birth was guided by something greater than chance. Tim shares behind-the-scenes insights into the filmmaking process, from coordinating hundreds of reenactors and filming in iconic locations to collaborating with scholars and unexpected talent like Nicole C. Mullen and Richard Dreyfuss.With the 250th anniversary of the nation on the horizon, this episode is a heartfelt look at faith, freedom, and the forgotten moments that defined a nation. Whether you’re a history buff, a film lover, or someone searching for inspiration, you won’t want to miss this conversation.🎬 The American Miracle hits theaters June 9–11 as a Fathom Event. Learn more and get tickets at faithfilmfan.com.

In this heartfelt episode of The Faith Film Fan Podcast with host Rick Altizer, acclaimed actor Mykelti Williamson (known for roles in Forrest Gump, Fences, Ali, and The Purge) joins the show to talk about his newest film, The Last Rodeo—opening in theaters May 23.Mykelti shares how the project came together with Neil McDonough and director Jon Avnet, the deeply personal and spiritual process he brings to every role, and how his faith grounds him both on and off screen.From navigating Hollywood as a Christ follower to honoring the real-life heroes portrayed in the film, this candid conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and heart. Whether you're a film fan, a believer, or both—this one’s for you.

In this powerful episode of the Faith Film Fan Podcast, host Rick Altizer sits down with Eric and Kameron Swithin—filmmakers, ministers, and co-creators of the upcoming documentary SHOW ME YOUR GLORY. From combat trauma and a crisis of faith to miraculous testimonies from around the world, the Swithins share their 20-year journey to understanding God’s love amid suffering. Hear how their film captures real-life stories of the supernatural, explores the purpose behind pain, and reveals the glory of God through powerful reenactments and expert insights. Discover how a donor-funded vision turned into a global project of hope, and why this movie may just be the faith-based event of the year.SHOW ME YOUR GLORY hits theaters May 13–15. Find out more at faithfilmfan.com