Russ Taff: The Gospel Icon Who Hit Rock Bottom and Found Grace

April 08, 2025
00:00 30:01
Listen on Your Favorite App

In this deeply vulnerable and inspiring episode, Michael sits down with legendary gospel singer Russ Taff to talk about his most personal project yet: his new album Cover Story. The album includes powerful covers from artists like Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, U2, Depeche Mode, Prince, and The National, each chosen to reflect a chapter in Russ’s life—particularly his decades-long battle with addiction, relapse, healing, and spiritual redemption.

Russ opens up about:

  • The real story behind "Sound of Silence" and his experience with relapse

  • The shame cycle rooted in childhood trauma and abuse

  • Why songs like “Demons” and “Tear This Building Down” hit so close to home

  • How therapy, the 12 Steps, and God’s relentless grace changed everything

  • What it means to truly say “help me” and find freedom

  • The kinds of whispered confessions fans share after hearing his story

  • His message to anyone battling addiction (or loving someone who is)

With a blend of honesty, humor, and spiritual insight, Russ doesn’t just tell his story—he invites others to begin telling theirs.


💿 Featured Album:

Cover Story – An album of iconic covers that mirror the journey of a life transformed. Available now on all platforms.


🎧 Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, trauma, shame—or love someone who has—this conversation will speak directly to your heart. Russ Taff's story is proof that God meets us even in the darkest hotel rooms, and His grace brings the light.


📝 Resources & Mentions:


📱 Connect with Us:

Follow Crosswalk Talk for more honest, hope-filled conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and real life. at lifeaudio.com

Check out our other Crosswalk podcasts: The Crosswalk Devotional

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

More Episodes
Dallas Jenkins of The Chosen: Exploring Faith, Culture, and the Impact of Spiritual Awakening
April 3, 2025
Jonathan Roumie on Spiritual Awakenings, The Chosen, and Shining Light in a Dark Culture
April 10, 2025
See all episodes
Meet Your Host
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and culture for more than two decades. His stories have appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel, Christianity Today, Toronto Star and Baptist Press.

Michael enjoys popcorn, college football, history, hiking, growing tomatoes, and watching his children play sports. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, husband to his amazing wife, Julie, and the father of four super kids.
Podcasts About Sign Up Advertise Contact