He was eight years old when he taught Tom Hanks how to talk. Michael Connor Humphreys played the young Forrest Gump — the voice, the walk, the mannerisms Hanks would go on to win an Oscar for were lifted straight from an eight-year-old kid from Mississippi. Decades later, he's driving a Coca-Cola delivery truck, and it might be the most honest conversation we've ever recorded.

We connected with Michael after years of being genuinely curious — Rush had shown Forrest Gump to his kids and found himself wondering, whatever happened to that kid?

We cover what it's actually like to shape a Best Picture-winning performance without knowing it at the time, the three years of global fame that hit before he'd even turned eleven, the identity crisis of being defined by a role he barely remembers, joining the Army partly to escape being "the Forrest Gump kid," the Battle of Ramadi and the reunion he's organizing for the soldiers who served alongside him, a script find in the making of Stupid is as Stupid Does, and what it means to still be chasing the difference between who you are and what you're known for.

LINKS
Stupid as the Superdust [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9HZSWQY?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] by Steve Starkey
The Gary Sinise Foundation [https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/]

REFERENCED
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton (authors mentioned)
Ron Chernow's Mark Twain biography

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Cold open — meeting Michael and the "no-prep" philosophy of the show
3:00  — The stats: life now, Coca-Cola truck driving, small-town Mississippi
6:30  — Being an uncle to nephew Fox — and the Matrix family down the street
11:00  — Growing up worldly-minded — European trips, military history, grandmother's history lessons
15:00  — Landing Forrest Gump at eight — home movies, VHS, and one lucky audition
19:00  — Three years of global press tours before age eleven
22:00  — Confirming the legend — Tom Hanks learning to talk like him, not the other way around
26:00  — The saturation of attention and why he almost avoided the movie for 20 years
30:00  — Acting out in high school — "if I can't be cool, I'll be the kid who's nuts"
34:00  — Joining the Army to escape being asked about the movie
38:00  — Identity, expectation, and doing things "under his own steam"
43:00  — What contentment actually feels like — and what he's still working through
47:00  — The Battle of Ramadi reunion and the Gary Sinise Foundation
51:00  — The most interesting thing about you isn't the movie
53:00  — The walkaway

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The Most Interesting Person in the World — hosted by Rush Witt & Joe Keller.

Micheal Conner Humphreys - Little Forrest Gump | Military Service | Finding Yourself After Fame

You'd expect a girl raised on a tropical island in Madagascar to end up somewhere warm, somewhere familiar, somewhere close to home. Instead she's in Seoul, editing a Christian magazine, speaking English with a British accent she picked up by accident, and thinking more clearly about the sovereignty of God than most people twice her age. Madagascar Mia is one of the most unexpectedly deep conversations we've had.

We met Mia through a magazine interview she was conducting — about halfway through, we wanted to flip the tables and interview her instead.

We cover growing up as a pastor's kid in Madagascar, losing her faith at ten and finding it again at thirteen, the strange science of how she ended up with a British accent despite growing up speaking French and Malagasy, a full scholarship to a Christian university in South Korea she almost didn't apply to, what it's like to be an introvert building intentional community in one of the fastest-paced cities on earth, her vision for discipling the next generation of Malagasy youth, and a Ninja Turtles movie that nobody in Seoul showed up for.

LINKS
Handong Global University [https://www.handong.edu/]

REFERENCED
The Art of Divine Contentment by Thomas Watson
Ecclesiastes
2 Timothy 2

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Cold open — the haircut debate and the return of "high, low, buffalo"
4:16 — How Mia got booked — a magazine interview flipped into a podcast
7:01 — Life in Seoul right now, and the long road from Madagascar
9:39 — The full scholarship to Handong Global University she almost didn't apply for
10:42 — The mystery of the British accent
13:01 — Reformed roots — Mia's dad, Pastor Rakotobe, and a surprising Fali Rabenirina connection
14:50 — The high of her childhood — Jesus as a member of the family
16:19 — Losing faith at ten, finding it again at thirteen
21:07 — Editing a Christian magazine and interviewing believers around the world
22:11 — Community in Madagascar vs. community in Seoul — the cost of intentionality
27:01 — Made in the image of a communal, triune God
28:20 — What patience with people actually looks like, day to day
33:30 — Her vision: discipling Malagasy youth out of fear and into exploration
38:00 — Korean culture, K-pop, and the Ninja Turtles theater nobody showed up to
45:00 — Mia's question back to us — "What is God showing you about Himself?"
48:00 — Joe and Rush's own academic origin stories — probation, no SATs, a 1.9 GPA
51:00 — The walkaway

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The Most Interesting Person in the World — hosted by Rush Witt & Joe Keller

Madagascar Mia - Global Scholar | Faith in Seoul | Sovereignty & Community

What happens when a fifth-grade science teacher turns karaoke Christmas CDs into a full-blown PBS television career? You get Mister C — and a conversation packed with hair-raising science, toe-tapping music, and mind-blowing media.

We met Mister C at one of his live theater shows, and it was clear right away why we had to talk with him.

We cover his 15-year path through education (teacher → principal → STEM director), the leap of faith that turned "Mister C" into a full-time brand, how a kitchen pilot turned into 39 episodes of DIY Science Time on PBS, the philosophy of "fail fast, fail often," building a life and business alongside his wife of 23 years, surviving COVID by live-streaming from cell phones, and why he insists on being himself on stage rather than playing a character.

LINKS
Mister C's Website [https://mrc.live/]
Learning Science is Fun (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/user/learningscienceisfun]
DIY Science Time [https://diysciencetime.com/]
WonderSTEM [https://wonderstem.com/]

Instagram: @OriginalMrC | TikTok: @LearningScienceisFun

REFERENCED
PBS Digital Innovator Program · PBS Learning Media · Full Steam Ahead (Think TV) · Alabama Public Television · Switcher Studio · Wright State University

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Cold open — Name Your Body Parts: internal organ edition
2:35 — Introducing Mister C (aka Kevin Cornell)
6:00 — From fifth-grade teacher to full-time "Mister C"
8:00 — Karaoke CDs, YouTube, and the birth of edutainment
11:15 — The PBS journey: Digital Innovator to DIY Science Time
15:40 — Pivoting during COVID — Facebook livestreams and Switcher Studio
20:30 — What inspires Mister C: "It's okay to fail"
28:00 — Scaling impact: from 70 kids a day to a million
32:00 — Jumping off the cliff: leaving education full-time
35:00 — Meet Mrs. C — 23 years, one pet ferret, and a true partnership
38:00 — Relationships at the center of it all
40:30 — Staying true to the mission
43:00 — What's next: WonderSTEM, new episodes, and mrc.live
45:30 — Joe and Rush — the walkaway

The Most Interesting Person in the World — hosted by Rush Witt & Joe Keller.

Mister C — Science Educator, PBS Host | Learning Should Be Fun | The Ferret, The Cliff Jump, and Reaching 1M Kids

What do you get when a Southern lawyer trades the courtroom for a recording studio, writes 200+ songs a year for two decades, then sits down in a coffee shop and writes a best-selling novel? You get Allen Levi — and one of the best conversations we've ever had.

We met Allen at a conference and knew he had to be on the show. Within minutes, you'll know why.

We cover his wild life arc (law → Edinburgh → music → judge → novelist), what it really means to be an introvert who loves people, the phrase "adorational attentiveness," writing hundreds of songs a year as a discipline in wonder, hard pivots and the bravery behind them, caring for aging family members, and the annual long weekend with five close friends — including a certain 90s Christian musician you definitely remember.

LINKS
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi [https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Golden-Novel-Allen-Levi/dp/1668236516/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NYBOFBGI0FRR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rriMYq8YsYggXvLPDkFCrbub_lPgEZUIBzGuD3riUe60wbAFPAc0R3MCMA5qwoPzKUf9uUd7xeq9JrS9BChDUprc6QavgkkgUpUMkwXqG3rbFZFh__yqtDtk6SgkYk0UWOoTKlyo9CUvhI4kmQdqOCdQo3wLhlUIEdS1LCnw-dkmZXsi7kuhY3x6_ecE-CKHzN2w4IP1xX0kOkWIav5p2TeHnRToP5VApFNffsccAyo.iAtCl5fJ7s4OFXij-JKUxTPgXoMYaEFsTguH6A5rMPU&dib_tag=se&keywords=theo+of+golden&qid=1782932904&sprefix=theo+of+golde%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-1]
Allen Levi's Website [https://www.allenlevi.com/]

REFERENCED
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Every Moment Holy by Doug McKelvey
Diehard Sins by Rush Witt
Eugene Peterson · Bebo Norman · Wendell Berry

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Cold open — the great vomit bucket debate

3:05 — Introducing Allen Levi and Theo of Golden

5:05 — What life feels like right now: 700 acres, a 97-year-old dad, stories he can't stop writing

6:20 — The full life arc: Alabama → UGA → law → Edinburgh → music → judge → novelist

15:00 — What "personable" really means — Allen reframes it as loving

19:30 — "Adorational attentiveness" and what it does to how you see people

25:50 — Writing 200–300 songs a year (Joe's reaction is everything)

32:00 — Hard pivots: how Allen makes big jumps without second-guessing them

36:00 — Leaving law for music — the exhilaration and the guilt

43:05 — Caring for aging family: what Allen is still learning

45:25 — Bebo Norman is in the group

51:25 — Thomas Carlyle: wonder is the basis of worship

52:30 — Joe and Rush — the walkaway

Subscribe so you don't miss a conversation. If this one moved you, send it to someone who needs it.

The Most Interesting Person in the World — hosted by Rush Witt & Joe Keller.

Golden Allen Levi - NYT Best Seller | Wonder | Hard Pivots | Holding the Door

The Most Interesting Person in the World is back! The future globally famous unscripted podcast hosted by Rush Witt and Joe Keller is SOOOO back! They talk with even more complete strangers about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. That’s right, complete strangers! Whoever it is—no matter where they come from or what they do in life—the guest for that hour is “The Most Interesting Person in the World.”

Join in to listen, laugh, and learn to appreciate the person right in front of you.

Subscribe - Listen - Share

MIP Season 2 Trailer

In this episode of Straight to the Heart [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/], our host Rush Witt [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/author/rush-witt/] meets with Dan Alger who is the Canon for Church Planting for the Anglican Church in North America, through which he leads the Always Forward Church Planting Initiative. They discuss the important topic of liturgy in the normal Christian life.

DAN ALGER ONLINE
Dan’s Website [https://danalger.com/]
Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/dan.alger2/]
Instagram
Twitter/X [https://x.com/dan_alger]

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Word and Sacrament [https://newgrowthpress.com/pastoral-resources/word-and-sacrament-ancient-traditions-for-modern-church-planting/]
Always Forward Podcast [http://always-forward.com/]

For more about the podcast at New Growth Press [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/] online.

Timestamps:

1:30 - Intro
4:31 - What are people most curious to know about the Anglican Church?
7:26 - How does the modern culture see a more liturgical approach to church?
13:59 - Tell me more about what led you to write Word and Sacrament?
20:24 - How would you describe the role of liturgy in the Christian life?
29:23 - What is the potential for good liturgy to impact the Christian life?
35:16. -How can Christians not in a liturgical church start using liturgy in their daily life?
39:16 - Describe how liturgy changed your day already on this Wednesday.
43:28 - Farewell

How Liturgy Can Grow Your Faith with Dan Alger

In this episode of Straight to the Heart [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/], our host Rush Witt [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/author/rush-witt/] talks with Mike Emlet who practiced as a family physician for over ten years before becoming a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). They talk about difficult topics like intrusive thoughts and Scrupulosity, and the biblical wisdom that helps us overcome them.

MIKE EMLET ONLINE
Mike’s Website [https://www.ccef.org/people/mike-emlet]

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Autism Spectrum Disorder (minibook) [https://newgrowthpress.com/minibooks/medical-issues-and-psychiatric-issues-books/autism-spectrum-disorder-meeting-challenges-with-hope/]
Saints, Sinners, and Sufferers [https://newgrowthpress.com/christian-books/biblical-counseling-books/saints-sufferers-and-sinners-loving-others-as-god-loves-us/]

For more about the podcast at New Growth Press [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/] online.

Timestamps:

1:21 - Why do you describe yourself as a cup half empty kind of guy?
4:25 - What’s the most recent cup-half-empty moment  you’ve had?
6:45 - What do you mean when you refer to emotional buoyancy?
10:44 - The Intrusive Problem of Scrupulosity
14:49 - Why are we prone to intrusive, unwanted thoughts?
17:54 - When you counsel scrupulosity, what is the central approach you take?
23:54 - What does growth look like in the area of intrusive thoughts?
27:12 - How do we turn down the volume on intrusive thoughts?
33:55 - In what ways does our embodied nature affect us?
38:35 - Is Mike Emlet a hugger?
41:50 - Farewell

Obsessive and Intrusive Thoughts with Mike Emlet

In this episode of Straight to the Heart [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/], our host Rush Witt [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/author/rush-witt/] talks with Eliza Huie, Director of Counseling at McLean Bible Church in Vienna, VA. They discuss Christian self-care, the relentless pressure to keep up with modern life, and the concerning problem of burnout among adults and children.

ELIZA HUIE ONLINE
Eliza’s Website [https://www.elizahuie.com/]
Facebook
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/elizajanehuie]
Twitter/X [https://x.com/ElizaJaneHuie]

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
The Whole Life [https://newgrowthpress.com/christian-books/devotionals-books/the-whole-life-52-weeks-of-biblical-self-care/]
Teens and Anxiety [https://newgrowthpress.com/minibooks/parenting-guide-books/teens-and-anxiety-how-parents-can-help/https://newgrowthpress.com/minibooks/parenting-guide-books/teens-and-anxiety-how-parents-can-help/]
I’m Stressed [https://newgrowthpress.com/new-releases/upcoming-books/im-stressed-a-path-from-pressure-to-peace/]

For more about the podcast at New Growth Press [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/] online.

Timestamps:
1:30 - Welcome
4:00 - What interested you about the topics of self-care and counseling?
9:23 - How can the average person find the best pace for life?
16:00 - Isn't it selfish to practice self-care?
18:30 - Keys Parents Can Use To Build Margin Into Their Kids
21:28 - What are some big emotional struggles parents should watch for?
24:50 - Eliza shares her own story of panic.
31:06 - What reminds you to give better attention to your stress?
35:05 - What have you done to encourage others toward self-awareness?
37:21 - When do I need intensive help for my stress?
41:29 - Farewell

Avoid Burnout for You and Your Family with Eliza Huie

Preview Season 3 of Straight to the Heart, a podcast from New Growth Press, hosted by Rush Witt. Each episode includes thought-provoking conversations with leading Christian writers and thinkers. We hear who they are, what they believe, how they approach their work and ministry, and the moments and people who have changed their lives. In "Straight to the Heart," we go beyond the books to connect with the remarkable people behind them.

Join us for Season 3 conversations with Randy Alcorn, Joni Eareckson Tada, Adriel Sanchez, Paul Tripp, and more.

 
Learn more about the podcast here [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/].

Season 3 Trailer

In this episode of Straight to the Heart [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/], our host, Rush Witt, [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/author/rush-witt/] talks with Dr. Curtis Solomon [https://solomonsoulcare.com/]. They dive into the hallmarks of the PTSD experience and key ways biblical counseling has been effective in helping those suffering from PTSD. They also touch on a fascinating historical perspective, discussing PTSD in the context of World War II and the lessons learned from that era.

CURTIS SOLOMON ONLINE
Curtis' Website [https://solomonsoulcare.com/]
Biblical Counseling Coalition [https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/]
Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/curtis.solomon.100/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drcurtissolomon/]
Twitter/X [https://x.com/cwsolomon]

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
I Have PTSD [https://newgrowthpress.com/christian-books/biblical-counseling-books/i-have-ptsd-reorienting-after-trauma/]
Redeem Your Marriage [https://newgrowthpress.com/christian-books/marriage-and-singleness-books/redeem-your-marriage-hope-for-husbands-who-have-hurt-through-pornography/]
Reclaim Your Marriage [https://newgrowthpress.com/christian-books/marriage-and-singleness-books/reclaim-your-marriage-grace-for-wives-who-have-been-hurt-by-pornography/]

For more about the podcast at New Growth Press [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/] online.

Timestamps:
1:50 - Welcome
3:28 - Can you give a brief overview of the BCC and your role in it?
10:03 - Where did your interest in PTSD begin?
17:16 - What are some of the hallmarks of the PTSD experience?
24:57 - Does PTSD usually result from physical trauma?
32:05 - How do you help a person see a difference between hardship and trauma.
37:28 - What are the key ways you’ve seen biblical counseling help people suffering with PTSD.
47:37 - A Final Question About PTSD and WWII
57:11 - Farewell

The Way Forward with PTSD with Curtis Solomon

The Most Interesting Person in the World is an unscripted podcast hosted by Rush Witt and Joe Keller. They talk with complete strangers about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. That’s right, complete strangers! Whoever it is—no matter where they come from or what they do in life—their guest for that hour is “The Most Interesting Person in the World.”

Join in to listen, laugh, and learn to appreciate the person right in front of you.

Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-most-interesting-person-in-the-world/id1674377498]
Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EoYTXko1KBd9pT6t4331S?si=gxj4qNhJTDao-U0eedRHYg]
Amazon Podcasts [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1805c5e4-9359-4da9-a3bc-9aee75cc964d/the-most-interesting-person-in-the-world?ref=dm_sh_6mJlxq6C69YCFW1ANUigiy4fv]
Youtube [https://youtu.be/9H3MpMgYt0o?si=xXGJgL9_7MmPyldE]

The Most Interesting Person in the World

Welcome to “Straight to the Heart,” a podcast from New Growth Press hosted by Rush Witt. Each episode includes thought-provoking conversations with leading Christian writers and thinkers. We hear who they are, what they believe, how they approach their work and ministry, and the moments and people who have changed their lives. In "Straight to the Heart," we go beyond the books to connect with the remarkable people behind them.

Learn more about the podcast here [https://blog.newgrowthpress.com/podcast/].

Rush Witt

Shows