Real America’s Voice – Stinchfield Tonight (October 2, 2025)

Host: Bo Davidson (guest host, filling in for Grant Stinchfield)
Location: International Christian Visual Media (ICVM) Storytellers Conference, Orlando, FL
Date Aired: October 3, 2025

Overview

This episode of Stinchfield Tonight centers on the power of faith-based storytelling in a troubled world, focusing on the International Christian Visual Media (ICVM) Storytellers Conference. With in-depth interviews from industry leaders and artists, most notably the Vice President of Marketing for Angel Studios, Kelly Shelton, and visual artist Jim McMahl, the show explores the intersection of media, faith, culture, and the importance of amplifying positive, redemptive messaging through Christian media. The episode also touches on recent developments in public safety in Memphis, major news in health research, and finishes with a call to uplift purpose and light in dark times.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. ICVM Storytellers Conference & Faith-Based Media

• Purpose: The ICVM has been fostering the Christian film and media industry for 53 years, bringing together international storytellers, producers, distributors, and investors united to communicate Christ through media. (00:25)
• Mission: "Their mission statement is to be a supportive Christian community for those involved in the production and distribution of visual media… to communicate Christ to the world… to advance the kingdom of God." – Bo Davidson (02:24)
• Cultural Backdrop: In light of recent violent events (referencing Charlie Kirk’s assassination), the host emphasizes the importance of providing purposeful content to reach disaffected youth. (03:13)
• Examples: Projects like "Beauty and the Atheist" show a willingness to engage skeptics and present complex arguments, ultimately amplifying light. (03:25)

2. Angel Studios: Mission, Model, and Impact

• Company Backstory: Founded by the Harmon Brothers, who started with VidAngel to filter content for families, Angel Studios now champions original faith-based content like "The Chosen" and "Sound of Freedom."
• Redefining Hollywood: Angel Studios empowers audiences through a democratized model, letting a guild of 1.6 million members vote on which projects are distributed. (08:27)
• Crowdfunding & "Torch" Model: "A torch got the name because of the Statue of Liberty… with a little sign that said, if you'd like to see the rest of this, help fund it." – Kelly Shelton (10:06)
• Hidden Gems: Angel Studios revives shelved or overlooked projects, such as "Amish Grace," fostering stories of forgiveness and redemption. (12:41)
• Originals & Exclusives: New and upcoming releases include "Testament" (Book of Acts retold in modern times), "A Week Away," "Miracle," and "RFK Legacy." (14:08)
• Industry Influence: Angel’s success forces mainstream platforms (Netflix, Amazon) to recognize the audience for uplifting, faith-based stories. (15:47)

Notable Quotes

• "We believe that there are more good people than bad people in the world. We’re seeking out stories that amplify light because we believe that light will attract people." – Kelly Shelton (18:16)
• "The films that we have taken to the theaters… have an average score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score, which is the highest among all studios." – Kelly Shelton (11:51)

3. The Angel Guild: Power to the People

• Membership Benefits: Voting rights, exclusive streaming, theatrical access (free tickets), and direct influence on distribution. (20:00)
• Process: Every project—concept or finished—must earn Guild approval to advance. (10:57)
• Community Impact: The Guild gives a voice and platform to independent filmmakers shut out by traditional Hollywood. (20:00)
• Upcoming Highlight: Guild members receive early access and tickets to "Young Washington," a major release for 2026. (21:11)

4. Stories of Healing: Artist Jim McMahl

• Personal Journey: An orphan raised in poverty, McMahl overcame violence and anger; art became his lifeline and mission. (25:11–27:49)
• Mentorship & The Revelation Collective: McMahl mentors high-level creatives and helps artists channel gifts for God’s glory, stressing practical life skills and community. (29:38)
• Blue Cat Fine Art: Proceeds from McMahl’s fine art business support orphan care—themes of healing and giving back define his mission. (31:01–32:24)

Notable Quotes

• "In the pursuit of what I didn’t have, I sought after a lot… I father many, many young men and it's amazing… they said I've never been so affirmed in my life." – Jim McMahl (28:08)
• "We do creative discipleship essentially… once you find your tribe of like-minded believers that are creatives, it’s a game changer." – Jim McMahl (29:38)

5. Public Safety and the Situation in Memphis

• National Guard Deployed: In response to a violent crime rate 344% above average, city officials welcome the National Guard—modeled after similar interventions in Washington, D.C. (35:13)
• Emphasis on Toughness: Administration figures (Miller, Bondi, Hegseth) vow a crackdown and support for law enforcement, reversing what they describe as years of leniency and bad governance. (36:27–39:54)

Notable Quotes

• "Law enforcement officers have handcuffs on them. They now want the handcuffs on the criminals." – Brian Glenn (35:13)
• "If you assault a police officer, you’re going to jail. If you assault a federal agent, you’re going to do more than jail. You’re going to do some hard time." – Brian Glenn (39:13)

6. Medical Updates with Dr. Peter McCullough

• Autism & Vaccines: Trump administration links childhood combination vaccinations to autism, citing over 100 supporting papers; Tylenol risks for pregnant women remain inconclusive. (41:29)
• Pharmaceutical Lobbying: Discusses why “vaccine injury” research faces resistance—industry profits/lobbying cited. (42:50)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Effects: Advises post-vaccine blood testing and “ultimate spike detox” protocol. (43:24)
• Screwworm Threat: Warns about the “New World Screwworm,” calls USDA beef import ban wise, recommends Wellness Company antiparasitic solutions. (44:08)
• Cancer Research & Pharma Deals: Raises questions about government partnerships with pharma giants like Pfizer. (45:14)

Notable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Moment | |---|---|---| | 03:13 | Bo Davidson | "Even as you think about the disaffected young man who assassinated Charlie Kirk, we have to think about, where are those people? Where are those young men getting their content?" | | 07:21 | Kelly Shelton | "It was an easy decision for me… to join angel and in their mission to bring the world stories that amplify light." | | 10:06 | Kelly Shelton | "…the creator of the Statue of Liberty placed a torch on the sidewalk and with a little sign that said, if you'd like to see the rest of this, help fund it." | | 12:41 | Kelly Shelton | "Amish Grace… a beautiful story that we needed to hear today about an Amish community where there was a person that came in and shot up a school… this story shows how this Amish community forgave him…" | | 18:16 | Kelly Shelton | "There's more good in the world than evil… we're seeking out and trying to bring stories that amplify light because we believe that light will attract people…" | | 28:08 | Jim McMahl | "…in the pursuit of what I didn’t have, I sought after a lot… I father many, many young men and it's amazing…" | | 35:13 | Brian Glenn | "Law enforcement officers have handcuffs on them. They now want the handcuffs on the criminals." | | 39:13 | Brian Glenn | "If you assault a police officer, you’re going to jail. If you assault a federal agent, you’re going to do more than jail. You’re going to do some hard time." |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• ICVM Conference / Christian Media Landscape: 00:24–04:28
• Angel Studios Interview: 06:01–22:28
• Artist Jim McMahl’s Story: 25:04–32:24
• Memphis Crime & National Guard: 33:11–40:36
• Dr. Peter McCullough on Vaccines, Autism, and Health: 41:29–47:13

Closing Remarks

• Host’s Summary: Davidson reiterates the urgency of uplifting “light” in a “fallen” world, encouraging listeners to seek purpose and become active participants in supporting redemptive, faith-driven stories and community efforts.
• Call to Action: Invites listeners to become Angel Guild members and join efforts to amplify light through media.

Overall Tone and Style

The episode fuses earnest faith-driven optimism with sharp cultural criticism and a resolve to counter negative trends (both societal and moral) with positive storytelling, vigilance in public safety, and community action. The language is direct, heartfelt, and motivational, matching the Real America’s Voice brand.

For Listeners: What You’ll Take Away

• Inside perspective on how Christian filmmakers are organizing to counter negative mainstream trends
• How Angel Studios democratically chooses what to produce and distribute
• Profile of an artist who uses his pain to mentor others and support orphans
• Updates on efforts to fight violent crime in Memphis through new policies and the National Guard
• A look at controversial medical debates on vaccines, autism, and public health

Perfect for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, storytelling, culture, and public life in America.