The Bryce Crawford Podcast
The George Janko Interview (EP 137)
September 8, 2025
Episode Overview
In this engaging and heartfelt conversation, Bryce Crawford hosts George Janko — creator, performer, and outspoken Christian — for a discussion deeply rooted in faith, vulnerability, purpose, and surrender to God’s will. The dialogue ranges from childhood, social media fame, and the dangers of pride to the significance of spiritual mentors, practical faith, and the importance of open-handed living. Both speakers candidly share personal stories, struggles, and supernatural experiences, encouraging listeners to pursue a humble, surrendered relationship with Jesus.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. George’s Refreshing Return from Greece & The Peace of Solitude
[00:49 - 01:28]
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George shares about his vacation in Greece and how time spent in natural beauty, meditating and praying, brings spiritual refreshment.
- “God gave us a little time that we could go get away and be together and just meditate and pray in the most beautiful places. And I just feel refreshed.” — George [00:49]
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Bryce relates to finding God's presence at the beach, even in less glamorous locations, emphasizing the importance of solitude for spiritual connection.
2. Social Media, Vulnerability, & Truth-Telling
[01:30 - 04:46]
- George reflects on longevity in social media and the temptation to portray a perfect image.
- He rejects perfectionism in favor of transparency about his flaws:
“If I just put it out there and I dance in front of the world the way I dance in the closet with God, I don’t have any fear, anxiety, or depression because I’m not scared of them catching me in an act that I’m trying to hide.” — George [02:55]
- He rejects perfectionism in favor of transparency about his flaws:
- Bryce admires George’s vulnerability as empowering and freeing.
- George discusses coping with lies and criticism, comparing suffering to Christ's experience:
- "They killed Jesus. Yeah, they lied on Jesus' name and killed them. The perfect man. ... It’s pointless for me to stay in a world that’s like wishy-washy. But I stayed to a God that’s so true and focused ..." — George [03:51]
3. Dealing With Opinions and Self-Acceptance
[04:48 - 05:49]
- George learned early not to change himself to be liked, and now prefers to be authentic:
- “Myself they hated and then the fake person they hated. Then why don’t I just be who I am?” — George [05:39]
4. Faith Journey — From Childhood to Hollywood and the Role of Prayer
[05:50 - 11:26]
- George’s faith began in childhood, fostered by his mother’s teaching and prayers.
- He recounts intimacy with Jesus as a lonely kid, but felt distance after moving to Hollywood and being consumed by busyness.
- He shares an impactful prayer:
- “If it takes me one inch away from you, I don’t want it.” [08:08]
- He attributes God’s timing and protection over his career and life to that prayer.
- George expresses his practice of living "open-handed," treating talents, relationships, and material things as gifts from God to be held loosely.
- “Everything that I have is from God. ... I worship him and not the materialistic things.” [09:47]
- He credits his mother’s and grandparents’ prayers as spiritual “money” cherishing blessings greater than talent or wealth.
5. Humility, Pride, and Staying Grounded in Success
[11:08 - 12:25]
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George identifies pride as an ongoing challenge, especially with increasing success.
- “The only enemy that I have is myself. Nobody else could be my downfall. ... I gotta make sure that I’m choosing him and not me.” [11:26]
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Bryce connects this to the original sin and warns of idolizing money, relationships, and status in transitional life stages.
6. The Fear of the Lord & Daily Surrender
[12:25 - 14:52]
- Both stress the biblical concept that “the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.”
- Inviting God into life’s big and small decisions is essential.
- Bryce cites Psalm 25:14: “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him,” emphasizing reverence as the foundation for spiritual friendship and fruitfulness.
7. Anxiety, Depression, Keeping Eyes on Jesus — The Tour’s Message
[14:52 - 16:10]
- George previews his upcoming “Man on Water” tour, focused on anxiety and depression.
- He draws from Peter’s story (walking on water), teaching that peace comes by keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus.
- “The moment that Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the problem, [he] can’t breathe no more. But the moment that he took his eyes and put it back on Jesus, he could breathe again.” — George [15:19]
8. Surrender, Dreams, and God’s Leading
[16:10 - 21:44]
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George shares a powerful story of his mother’s prophetic dream guiding him to leave “Impulsive” and begin a new chapter.
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Both hosts discuss how God often leads through dreams, burdens, and steps of obedience without full clarity upfront.
- “God rewards the faithfulness...” — Bryce [18:08]
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George reflects on a childhood dream:
- “I had a dream that when I met God ... there’s more than the eyes could see of people that got introduced to Jesus because of what God used in my life.” [20:44]
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As a child in special ed, Mrs. Love, a supportive aide, believed in him and reinforced his sense of being chosen by God.
9. Humility in Influence: Rejecting Idolatry & Giving Glory to God
[21:44 - 27:57]
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Both speakers feel uncomfortable being credited for changing lives, insisting that all thanks and glory go to God.
- “I can’t bless people. Like, God uses me to bless people, but I. I don’t like saying that I bless people because I’m just not worthy...” — George [18:49]
- “If you felt touched by God ... it’s like any man is a reflection. It’s like a mirror. If I position my heart towards the sun and it beams off of me to you, you can’t thank me for what the sun is doing.” — George [25:04]
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Bryce shares a mentor’s advice of mentally giving “flowers” (gratitude) to God, and George reinforces cutting credit off at the root to avoid idolatry and potential spiritual harm to followers.
10. The Role of Correction, Brotherhood, and Mentoring
[27:57 - 33:21]
- George recounts boldly correcting Bryce early in their relationship, feeling spiritually compelled to warn him against pride and the dangers of platform.
- “Heaven and hell are wrestling for him.” — George [29:19]
- Bryce values being surrounded by people who tell the truth, not those impressed by his success.
- "People that are impressed by you won't tell you the truth when you need to hear it." — Bryce [31:07]
11. Moving Back to Arizona — Following God’s Timing & Provision
[33:30 - 41:47]
- George shares the full-circle story of moving near his mom in Arizona (fulfilling a 10-year prophecy she spoke over him) and the miraculous process of finding his new home.
- Stories involve prophetic feelings, dreams, and confirmation through events (meeting Donald Trump at the church God would ultimately lead George to).
- “God said I have my home. As soon as it left my mouth, I get a call from the real estate agent ... [House] is available.” — George [40:10]
- He emphasizes not being attached to possessions, but viewing his home as a place for ministry, refreshment, and worship — holding material things loosely.
12. Living Open-Handed & Freedom from Possessions
[41:51 - 43:32]
- Bryce and George agree that not clinging to possessions brings true freedom:
- “If God says, hey, get up and go to Africa, then I’ll go up and go to Africa… Wherever he wants me to go, then I pray that I go.” — George [43:08]
- George reflects on Jesus' command to sell everything and identifies the bondage of materialism as one of the greatest spiritual dangers.
13. Goals, Vision, and Not Planning Too Far Ahead
[44:26 - 46:40]
- George shares his career and life philosophy: create, perform, and produce as the Spirit leads — not according to a rigid five-year plan.
- “I stopped planning my futures. I just think about today and what I think God wants me to deal with in the future. But I don’t set stones in the future.” — George [44:26]
- “Every time I tell him what I want, I always suffer. And every time I ask for his will, I thrive.” — George [46:30]
- His ultimate desire is to have no debt and to steward whatever God gives him (wealth, fame, influence) for the good of others and God’s glory.
14. Lighthearted Ending: Hibachi Stories
[47:01 - End]
- The podcast ends on a humorous note with George revealing he was a Benihana chef at age 21, and the two banter about “yum yum sauce” and favorite hibachi restaurants.
Memorable Quotes
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On Vulnerability:
"There’s such a strength to showing your flaws." — George Janko [02:55] -
On Handling Criticism:
"They killed Jesus. ... It’s pointless for me to stay in a world that’s wishy-washy. But I stayed to a God that’s so true and focused." — George Janko [03:51] -
On Surrender:
"If it takes me one inch away from you, I don’t want it." — George Janko [08:08] -
On Open-Handed Living:
"Everything that I have is from God. ... I worship him and not the materialistic things." — George Janko [09:47] -
On Pride:
"The only enemy that I have is myself." — George Janko [11:26] -
On Correction and Brotherhood:
"Heaven and hell are wrestling for him." — George Janko [29:19] -
On the Present:
"Every time I look towards the future, I got super anxious. Every time I looked at the past, I got depressed. ... The reason present is called present is because it’s a present from God." — George Janko [46:30]
Notable Timestamps
- [02:55] — Vulnerability & strength in public confession
- [03:51] — Handling lies and criticism as a Christian public figure
- [05:39] — Learning early to choose authenticity over people-pleasing
- [08:08] — The prayer that shaped George’s career and ministry
- [15:19] — On Peter walking on water, anxiety and keeping eyes on Jesus
- [20:44] — The prophetic childhood dream about influencing others for Christ
- [25:04] — On being a mirror to God’s light, not seeking undue credit
- [29:19] — The weight of spiritual mentorship and accountability
- [40:10] — Supernatural confirmation in finding his current home
Tone & Language
The conversation balances light-hearted banter with profound spiritual insight, marked by humility, honesty, and an earnest desire for God’s will. George is vulnerable, practical, and candid about struggles, while Bryce offers encouragement, scriptural truth, and brotherly warmth. Both speak colloquially, peppering humor, real-life anecdotes, and spontaneous reflection.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This episode is a masterclass in authentic Christian living. George Janko opens his journey — with honesty about his flaws, the highs and lows of public influence, and the ever-present challenge of pride. The dialogue is rich with vivid stories about dreams, calling, and God's gentle leading through humble, open-handed living. Those wrestling with self-image, fear, purpose, or ambition will find encouragement and practical wisdom to live vulnerably, fear God above all, and trust His daily provision. Get ready for inspiring confessions, biblical depth, and a few laughs about "yum yum sauce" along the way.