Unlearned Wisdom by Johnny Chang

Ex Gang Member Turned Pastor Meets The Man Changed His Life | #054

2h 8m·March 23, 2026
0:00--:--

About this Episode

Mark Laita, the creator of Soft White Underbelly, sits down with me to reveal why he dumped $3.5 million of his own money into interviewing people on America's most dangerous streets, and the dark parenting truths he learned along the way. In this full-circle reunion, the self-proclaimed anti-religious photographer explains his uncanny ability to spot a liar in seconds, and how he accidentally built the exact platform that led me back to God and launched my preaching career.


Make God a daily habit in your life! Join the waitlist to my app:

https://getcothdaily.com/


🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdom⁠


Sign up for FREE Daily Devotional Emails here: 

⁠https://coreoftheheart.com/pages/dailydevotions⁠


🤝 WE'RE HIRING A-players at Core of the Heart!  

Apply here: ⁠https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/coreoftheheart⁠

We have open roles in Content and Media, Digital Marketing, and Live Events Production.


In just 1.5 years, God has grown this community to over 3 million people worldwide. We are building a global movement to help people walk closer with Him every day.

We’re looking for people with proven excellence, high standards, and a heart for the mission.

If you’re an A-player who wants your work to matter for eternity and be a part of a fast-paced team, we’d love to meet you.


Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:06:27 How he chooses what to publish

00:13:19 Starting YouTube and early growth

00:18:53 Investing money into interviews

00:28:36 Addiction and recovery patterns

00:35:16 Safety risks and street realities

00:39:33 Are there interviews you couldn’t release?

00:43:01 How do these stories affect you?

00:49:16 What’s your mindset and lifestyle?

00:55:04 How did you find the Whitakers?

01:09:57 What makes a great interview?

01:13:28 What interviews stand out most?

01:22:55 What’s the purpose behind your work?

01:36:33 How do you view society today?

01:44:06 Advice for thinking independently

01:49:35 What makes a good parent?

01:57:04 Should people have children?

02:02:16 Closing thoughts and reflections


🎥 Watch my documentary, 'Faith On Death Row': ⁠https://youtu.be/-KgMmqN79kg?si=hpLBvqxbI-jGmLFn⁠


📲 a new COTH app is COMING SOON. Text 'APP' to 323-613-3577 to get on the wait list!!!!

This will be your daily guide to help you get closer to God


If you are a church, or know a direct representative who wants to host 500-2000 local people, please fill out this form: ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeP7uLdy0r8pvcwvli--9TIBWpUI5ac6wCaY1TzogbpnIC4-Q/viewform?usp=header⁠⁠


🧢 Core of the Heart merchandise now available: ⁠https://coreoftheheart.com/collections/all⁠


🤖 We just launched Gospel Bot! Check out details here:

⁠https://gray-dosa-37b.notion.site/Gospel-Bot-A-I-2564380db0c380ec8cd5c79be2bb0370⁠


✂️ Join Clipping Class: ⁠https://discord.com/invite/coth⁠


👾 Join my free Discord to submit your question for a future episode: ⁠https://discord.com/invite/coth⁠


🐉 Follow Johnny Chang everywhere: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/johnnychang⁠


🎧 Access Johnny's Mainstage discussions: ⁠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/⁠


🕊️ Start your Free 7-Day Trial or 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/ZuAFD⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Teachers

Topics

From this Show

Unlearned Wisdom by Johnny Chang

Johnny Chang

Take Selah With You

Get the Selah app for personalized recommendations, background playback, and a library built around the teachers you trust.

Get the App