We Turned Our Parents “American Dream” Into A Nightmare - James Chang Interview | #006
Johnny Chang sits down with his older brotherJames to unpack their shared past growing up in the projects, gang violence, prison trauma, and deep family wounds. What unfolds is a raw, redemptive story of pain, forgiveness, and how Jesus transformed two broken brothers into vessels of hope and healing.🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdomTimestamps: Timestamps:00:00 - Intro with special guest02:00 - Johnny’s and James’ Childhood05:30 – Their mom saves Johnny Chang from abortion11:30 – Johnny and James earn respect at school through fights24:07 – The first time James Chang got arrested31:56 – Home life while Johnny was in prison 37:00 – Johnny faces 14 years and mental struggle47:00 – Prison life: KFC, spreads, and survival hacks52:00 – Prison trauma and memories 58:30 – Mom finds Christ while sons are in prison59:30 – Pastor Kim knew Johnny Chang will preach one day01:04:10 – The first time James Chang meet God01:06:30 – Understanding what being a sinner means01:10:11 – Cop recognizes James from Johnny’s testimony videos01:13:00 – Former rivals now respect Johnny’s prison transformation01:16:35 – James feared Johnny wouldn’t survive gang life01:22:30 – James kept Johnny grounded while he was angry 01:26:00 – From gang life to preaching grace and truth01:28:30 – Johnny leads James to Christ post-prison01:29:22 – James teaches Johnny forgiveness through example01:35:00 – Johnny shares to a non-prison crowd for first time01:37:30 – James’ favorite childhood memory of Johnny01:38:52 – Johnny’s favorite memory of James01:42:30 – Johnny and James reflect on God’s redemption01:45:34 – Final thanks from Johnny Chang 👾 Join my free Discord to submit your question for a future episode: https://discord.com/invite/nTuvmutSsU 🐉 Follow Johnny Chang everywhere: https://linktr.ee/johnnychang 🫶 Donate to support our Core of the Heart ministries: https://coreoftheheart.com/pages/donate💙 For those that want to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible & get closer with God, to unlock true peace and happiness: https://coreoftheheart.com/ 🕊️ Use code WISDOM for 50% off your first month.Core of the Heart is our digital community to support you in getting closer to the true Gospel. Membership includes: Weekly Bible Class with Minister Johnny, hundreds of hours of livestream content, sermons, Q&A's and resources to help you understand the Bible faster.Sign up instructions: https://shorturl.at/ZuAFDPs. Don't forget to subscribe to this new channel!
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1:46:06
Stop Twisting God’s Word For Your Own Selfish Reasons (My advice to Kanye) | #005
Johnny Chang shares stories from his New York trip, unpacks how Leviticus points to Jesus, explores the impact of trauma and unbelief on faith, and answers raw questions about salvation, grief, and walking with God.🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdom📱Submit Videos for Johnny to React: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUEWPxuLEoT30AJRVsmwBe_KpNCYxCHDX51GtGAiI2VBBXlw/viewform?usp=dialog Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:26 – Johnny Chang gets unexpectedly upgraded to first class06:30 – “I'm not going back” – Johnny jokes about never flying economy again07:03 – New York event had people lining up 3+ city blocks early08:16 – The longest meet and greet line we’ve ever had10:30 – From online to offline: building real Christian community12:00 – Johnny invited to share his testimony with LadBible in the UK13:00 – “What would you say to your 10-year-old self?”13:54 – Johnny Chang learns UK slang 15:00 – Podcast hits #6 on Spotify spirituality charts20:09 – Deep Dive Bible Class through Core of the Heart21:30 – Leviticus is hidden love, not legalism25:00 – Why Heart Posture matters?27:02 – Why control issues reveal a deeper spiritual trauma31:18 – Johnny Chang reacts to JD Vance Memes33:00 – How to handle gossip and slander biblically?34:00 – Johnny Chang Reacts to Kanye’s Crashout 37:00 – Acting out from lack of faith40:00 – Satan works through religion too42:00 – Gospel hope vs. human performance44:00 – Johnny Chang Reacts to Cam Newton’s view on polygamy47:30 – King Solomon’s many wives were a curse50:32 – Johnny Chang reacts to Christian Spencer from iCarly Memes53:30 – Koine Greek meaning of “holy kiss” 55:14 – The danger of chasing visions56:30 – Johnny Chang reacts to Thief on the Cross meme01:00:30 – When works become your idol01:01:24 – Merch announcement01:02:33 - Did humans before Christ go to Heaven?01:04:18 - Do Animals go to Heaven?01:07:06 – Do Pastor’s translators get a free pass into heaven?01:09:25 – Encouragement for people who feel too behind in their spiritual walk01:11:00 – Can you believe for someone’s salvation after they’ve passed away?01:12:40 – Posthumous salvation and God’s justice01:16:00 – What about unreached groups?01:17:50 - Community Q&A Starts01:18:15 – How to deal with grief and anger spiritually?01:21:25 – How to build spiritual strength?01:23:00 – Does God have favorites?01:25:00 – How do I get high on the holy spirit?01:25:50 - How do I keep myself sane after watching a loved one pass?01:26:00 – Remaining humble by remembering your life before Christ01:28:38 – Why doesn't everyone reach the point of hopelessness that's needed to accept the gospel? 👾 Join my free Discord to submit your question for a future episode: https://discord.com/invite/nTuvmutSsU 🐉 Follow Johnny Chang everywhere: https://linktr.ee/johnnychang 🫶 Donate to support our Core of the Heart ministries: https://coreoftheheart.com/pages/donate💙 For those that want to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible & get closer with God, to unlock true peace and happiness: https://coreoftheheart.com/ 🕊️ Use code WISDOM for 50% off your first month.Core of the Heart is our digital community to support you in getting closer to the true Gospel. Membership includes: Weekly Bible Class with Minister Johnny, hundreds of hours of livestream content, sermons, Q&A's and resources to help you understand the Bible faster.Sign up instructions: https://shorturl.at/ZuAFDPs. Don't forget to subscribe to this new channel!
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1:34:16
Isolation Could Cost You Your Life... | #004
Isolation isn’t just about being alone — it’s a battle in the mind and spirit. Minister Johnny Chang shares how prison, pain, and silence nearly broke him, and what it took to find healing. If you’ve ever felt distant from God or trapped in your thoughts, this episode is for you.🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdomTimestamps:0:00 - Intro0:31 – Christian “rizz”2:30 – Johnny Chang shares the spiritual side of isolation4:56 – Silent tears in prison after grandfather’s death6:02 – Johnny Chang on how prison yards are structured7:25 – Emotional vulnerability in prison — can you open up to homies?8:30 – Locked up mentally before prison9:08 – Johnny Chang’s loneliest moments: nights alone in thought10:20 – When numbness and depression take over11:18 – Two types of inmates: handling emotional pain13:15 – Johnny Chang isolates and works out obsessively16:27 – Is self-isolation for growth healthy or harmful?21:50 – Did Johnny Chang turn to motivational content?22:55 – Johnny Chang on suicide attempts26:00 – Pastor Kim helps Johnny Chang find community27:30 – “You’re not thinking — you’re listening to Satan”30:00 – Feeling empty while trying to live right33:00 – How should believers avoid isolation?34:35 – Johnny Chang meets a pastor from a rival gang36:21 – Advice for someone deeply isolated 39:57 – Why sermons matter in spiritual warfare42:20 – Do what you don’t want to — it grows you46:00 – Calm a racing mind — drip feed strategy49:05 – Johnny Chang on Satan’s constant influence50:10 – Signs of healthy vs toxic community53:00 – Constructive vs destructive criticism56:53 – Tempted to go back to the old life?58:48 – Breaking mental & spiritual isolation 1:06:20 – Q&A starts1:06:55 – Alone for long periods — how to handle it1:08:00 – Helping a friend who isolates1:10:00 – Stopping Satan’s isolating thoughts1:10:20 – Following vs questioning your thoughts1:15:00 – Is it okay to go to God first before people?1:18:30 – Isolation and anger at a toxic workplace1:24:00 – When someone uses your past to shame you👾 Join my free Discord to submit your question for a future episode: https://discord.gg/nTuvmutSsU🐉 Follow Johnny Chang everywhere: https://linktr.ee/johnnychang🫶 Donate to support our Core of the Heart ministries: https://coreoftheheart.com/pages/donate💙 For those that want to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible & get closer with God, to unlock true peace and happiness: https://coreoftheheart.com/🕊️ Use code WISDOM for 50% off your first month.Core of the Heart is our digital community to support you in getting closer to the true Gospel. Membership includes: Weekly Bible Class with Minister Johnny, hundreds of hours of livestream content, sermons, Q&A's and resources to help you understand the Bible faster.Detailed instructions on how to sign up here: https://shorturl.at/ZuAFDPs. Don't forget to subscribe to this new channel!
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1:28:22
How To Cure Deep Trauma, Abuse, and Church Hurt | #003
In this episode, we talk about facing deep trauma, healing from church hurt, and learning to forgive what once felt unforgivable. After almost walking away from my testimony to helping others through their pain, God continues to redeem it all.🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdomTimestamps:00:00 - Johnny Chang on facing trauma with faith01:30 - Johnny Chang overwhelmed sharing his testimony05:30 - Pastor Kim is the only one who believed 10:24 - Turning church hurt into deeper healing15:10 - Why Johnny Chang says healing takes time17:05 - Forgiving the unforgivable through God’s eyes23:23 - How trauma can turn into victim mindset25:30 - Johnny Chang’s fear of freedom27:22 - A mother’s faith during hopelessness28:41 - Johnny Chang on leaving the past behind through Christ30:04 - Healing through boundaries32:47 - Tough love in recovery35:30 - “You’re nothing” the truth humbled Johnny Chang39:09 - One negative comment can derail your identity41:33 - Finding support when you have no mentor45:18 - King David’s trauma and spiritual victory48:53 - Johnny Chang on healing by helping others51:08 - No longer defined by trauma or pain54:09 - Replacing trauma with gospel-centered hope56:30 - Recognizing the enemy’s voice in your thoughts01:00:37 - Johnny Chang on sharing pain without trauma dumping01:06:39 - Why God allows trauma: Johnny Chang responds01:10:58 - Praising God through pain and suffering01:12:49 - The church’s role in emotional healing01:16:08 - The importance of a gospel-centered community01:18:30 - How to trust God after losing a sibling01:23:00 - How to make amends with someone you hurt01:26:30 - Is Trump the Antichrist? Johnny Chang responds01:28:24 - Embracing new identity after deep trauma01:31:30 - Overcoming trauma through Jesus👾 Join my free Discord to submit your question for a future episode: https://discord.gg/nTuvmutSsU🐉 Follow Johnny Chang everywhere: https://linktr.ee/johnnychang🫶 Donate to support our Core of the Heart ministries: https://coreoftheheart.com/pages/donate💙 For those that want to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible & get closer with God, to unlock true peace and happiness: https://coreoftheheart.com/ 🕊️ Use code WISDOM for 50% off your first month.Core of the Heart is our digital community to support you in getting closer to the true Gospel. Membership includes: Weekly Bible Class with Minister Johnny, hundreds of hours of livestream content, sermons, Q&A's and resources to help you understand the Bible faster.Sign up help here: https://shorturl.at/ZuAFDPs. Don't forget to subscribe to this new channel!
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1:32:36
From Prisoner To Preacher (The 8 Years Before I Went Viral on Soft White Underbelly) | #002
In this episode, we dive into my early years walking with Christ, moving into the church, and leaving the gang life. From meeting my mom's pastor to nearly going back to the streets, God worked through it all. Timestamps:00:00 - First meal out: Korean BBQ tears02:00 - Intro to Johnny’s 8-year journey05:00 - Meeting Pastor Kim through his mom06:15 - Church by day, gang by night08:50 - Going all-in with church life10:18 - Pastor offers escape from the streets11:12 - Living in church but still armed12:23 - Gang turns on Johnny’s new faith13:17 - Trading gang status for salvation15:00 - Church dorm life & early prayers19:14 - Scrubbing toilets tests Johnny’s pride21:00 - Pastor calls out closed-off heart24:53 - Opening up builds trust with pastor26:00 - Humbling himself to become teachable29:50 - Learning forgiveness after gang war33:28 - Wrestling with salvation and sin cycles36:34 - Overcoming temptation with scripture truth40:30 - Using God’s word against deception47:42 - Setting boundaries to guard his flesh51:32 - Mentors show grace through near relapse 1:07:25 - Accepting the idea of becoming a Minister1:26:52 - Viral Soft White Underbelly interview1:32:00 - Testimony spreads to strangers and enemies1:37:15 - From inmate to Minister through grace🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdom👾 Join my free Discord to submit your question for a future episode: https://discord.gg/nTuvmutSsU🐉 Follow Johnny Chang everywhere: https://linktr.ee/johnnychang🫶 Donate to support our Core of the Heart ministries: https://coreoftheheart.com/pages/donate💙 For those that want to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible & get closer with God, to unlock true peace and happiness: https://coreoftheheart.com/ Core of the Heart is our digital community to support you in getting closer to the true Gospel. Membership includes: Weekly Bible Class with Minister Johnny, hundreds of hours of livestream content, sermons, Q&A's and resources to help you understand the Bible faster.🕊️ Use code WISDOM for 50% off your first month.Sign up help here: https://shorturl.at/ZuAFDPs. Don't forget to subscribe to this new channel!
Welcome to Unlearned Wisdom! A gospel-centered podcast by me, Johnny Chang.
Every episode is a special lesson that I have learned through God, my pastors, and my personal life experiences. Everything I speak about can be directly applied to YOUR own life, today.
These lessons can’t be learned from reading a book or sitting in a classroom.
New episodes every Monday!
Enjoy and God Bless.
Listen to Unlearned Wisdom by Johnny Chang, The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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