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.
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What Does It Mean To Trust God With Your Life? | #001
Episode 1
Monday, March 17, 2025 • Duration 01:36:19
Welcome to the FIRST EPISODE of my brand new podcast: Unlearned Wisdom!
I'll share concise lessons 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. These lessons can't be learned from reading a book or sitting in a classroom. This episode is all about Trust: What it means, how to discern who to trust, the dangers of "distrust", and most importantly, How to trust the man above, GOD!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Podcast intro & set built with love
01:46 - Weaving the gospel into real life
02:55 - How this podcast differs from live streams
05:41 - Struggling with trust: broken home & gang life
07:38 - First true friend and a tragic loss
09:15 - Meeting my pastor – a life-changing encounter
20:29 - Eye-opening "apple seed" sin analogy
26:22 - Moving into church under pastor's mentorship
29:30 - Challenged to share my story in prison
34:35 - Overwhelmed by fear before testimony
36:00 - Pastor's counsel to push through fear
42:00 - Facing the inmates with renewed resolve
46:37 - Vulnerability opens hearts in prison
48:06 - Trauma – a universal language
Q&A Segment – Community Questions:
1:06:45 - Community Q&A begins
1:07:30 - What does fully trusting God actually look like?
1:12:30 - How do I discern if something is from God or the enemy?
1:19:05 - How do I trust my partner again after infidelity?
1:24:12 - How do I deal with people saying I'm ungodly?
1:28:40 - How can I trust God again after losing a loved one?
1:34:51 - Walking by faith, not by sight
1:35:00 - Closing thoughts & outro
At the end of every episode, I will answer questions directly from the Core of the Heart community that relates to each topic.
👾Join my free Discord to submit your question for a future episode: https://discord.gg/nTuvmutSsU
💙 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.
From Prisoner To Preacher (The 8 Years Before I Went Viral on Soft White Underbelly) | #002
Episode 2
Monday, March 24, 2025 • Duration 01:38:09
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 Minister
1:26:52 - Viral Soft White Underbelly interview1:32:00 - Testimony spreads to strangers and enemies1:37:15 - From inmate to Minister through grace
How To Find A Godly Partner [Relationships] | #007
Episode 7
Monday, April 28, 2025 • Duration 01:28:58
In this episode, Johnny Chang breaks down what it means to pursue relationships through a gospel-centered lens. From dating and marriage to boundaries and spiritual timing, he shares how true connection starts with a heart aligned with God.
🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdom
Timestamps:
00:00 – Johnny Chang on dating that pulls you closer to God
01:34 – Why Biblical love is reflection, not rules
06:12 – Johnny Chang explains the true meaning of equally yoked
09:11 – What are the signs that you're ready to date?
14:30 – Prepare your heart before pursuing relationships
18:25 – Where can you meet new people as a Christian?
20:38 – Johnny Chang speaks to long-term singles: preparation, not punishment
22:27 – The Biblical purpose of marriage according to Johnny Chang
25:56 – Signs God is closing a relationship door
29:22 – The most common mistake couples make in relationships
32:46 – Johnny Chang breaks down Genesis 2 as God's dating blueprint
35:30 – Why only God can lead your spouse to faith
39:38 – Why weaponizing gospel advice will close hearts
52:09 – Can men and women just be friends?
59:21 – How to protect relationships from worldly influences
01:00:57 – Johnny Chang on purity, body count, and love-based obedience
01:08:29 – Does God say anything about getting back with an ex?
We Turned Our Parents "American Dream" Into A Nightmare - James Chang Interview | #006
Episode 6
Monday, April 21, 2025 • Duration 01:46:07
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/unlearnedwisdom
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro with special guest
02:00 - Johnny's and James' Childhood
05:30 – Their mom saves Johnny Chang from abortion
11:30 – Johnny and James earn respect at school through fights
24:07 – The first time James Chang got arrested
31:56 – Home life while Johnny was in prison
37:00 – Johnny faces 14 years and mental struggle
47:00 – Prison life: KFC, spreads, and survival hacks
52:00 – Prison trauma and memories
58:30 – Mom finds Christ while sons are in prison
59:30 – Pastor Kim knew Johnny Chang will preach one day
01:04:10 – The first time James Chang meet God
01:06:30 – Understanding what being a sinner means
01:10:11 – Cop recognizes James from Johnny's testimony videos
01:13:00 – Former rivals now respect Johnny's prison transformation
01:16:35 – James feared Johnny wouldn't survive gang life
01:22:30 – James kept Johnny grounded while he was angry
01:26:00 – From gang life to preaching grace and truth
Stop Twisting God's Word For Your Own Selfish Reasons (My advice to Kanye) | #005
Episode 5
Monday, April 14, 2025 • Duration 01:34:17
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 - Intro
00:26 – Johnny Chang gets unexpectedly upgraded to first class
06:30 – "I'm not going back" – Johnny jokes about never flying economy again
07:03 – New York event had people lining up 3+ city blocks early
08:16 – The longest meet and greet line we've ever had
10:30 – From online to offline: building real Christian community
12:00 – Johnny invited to share his testimony with LadBible in the UK
13:00 – "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 charts
20:09 – Deep Dive Bible Class through Core of the Heart
21:30 – Leviticus is hidden love, not legalism
25:00 – Why Heart Posture matters?
27:02 – Why control issues reveal a deeper spiritual trauma
31:18 – Johnny Chang reacts to JD Vance Memes
33:00 – How to handle gossip and slander biblically?
Isolation Could Cost You Your Life... | #004
Episode 4
Monday, April 7, 2025 • Duration 01:28:23
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/unlearnedwisdom
Timestamps:0:00 - Intro
0:31 – Christian "rizz"
2:30 – Johnny Chang shares the spiritual side of isolation
4:56 – Silent tears in prison after grandfather's death
6:02 – Johnny Chang on how prison yards are structured
7:25 – Emotional vulnerability in prison — can you open up to homies?
8:30 – Locked up mentally before prison
9:08 – Johnny Chang's loneliest moments: nights alone in thought
10:20 – When numbness and depression take over
11:18 – Two types of inmates: handling emotional pain
13:15 – Johnny Chang isolates and works out obsessively
16:27 – Is self-isolation for growth healthy or harmful?
21:50 – Did Johnny Chang turn to motivational content?
22:55 – Johnny Chang on suicide attempts
26:00 – Pastor Kim helps Johnny Chang find community
27:30 – "You're not thinking — you're listening to Satan"
30:00 – Feeling empty while trying to live right
33:00 – How should believers avoid isolation?
How To Cure Deep Trauma, Abuse, and Church Hurt | #003
Episode 3
Monday, March 31, 2025 • Duration 01:32:37
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.
01:30 - Johnny Chang overwhelmed sharing his testimony
05:30 - Pastor Kim is the only one who believed
10:24 - Turning church hurt into deeper healing
15:10 - Why Johnny Chang says healing takes time
17:05 - Forgiving the unforgivable through God's eyes
23:23 - How trauma can turn into victim mindset
25:30 - Johnny Chang's fear of freedom
27:22 - A mother's faith during hopelessness
28:41 - Johnny Chang on leaving the past behind through Christ
30:04 - Healing through boundaries
32:47 - Tough love in recovery
35:30 - "You're nothing" the truth humbled Johnny Chang
39:09 - One negative comment can derail your identity
41:33 - Finding support when you have no mentor
45:18 - King David's trauma and spiritual victory
48:53 - Johnny Chang on healing by helping others
51:08 - No longer defined by trauma or pain
How To Stop Intrusive Thoughts From Satan Biblically | #008
Episode 8
Monday, May 5, 2025 • Duration 01:23:41
Johnny Chang explains how intrusive thoughts are lies from the enemy and how to overcome them by trusting God's Word. He shares personal stories, showing that true peace comes through grace, not self-effort.
🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdom
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intrusive thoughts intro
00:43 – Does Johnny Chang still get sinful cravings?
02:34 – Can Pastors make mistakes or mess up?
07:12 – What are Intrusive thoughts and how does it impact us?
11:23 – The tragic story of a Korean mother's intrusive thoughts
15:46 – Human minds wired for survival, not peace or rest
20:00 – Why we trust God's plan instead of living in fear
24:42 – Johnny Chang trusting Satan's thoughts at 12 years old
26:24 – Three ways Satan attacks: possession, suggestion, or accusation
31:39 – Why do you feel empty inside?
35:01 – The story of relationship cheating due to intrusive thoughts
37:47 – How do you overcome intrusive shameful thoughts from the past?
40:15 – How did Jesus deal with intrusive thoughts?
41:40 – Should you believe any of your intrusive thoughts?44:30 – Lustful thought during prayer proves enemy's spiritual attack
49:40 – Temptations thoughts are harmless until you agree with them
51:50 – What part does intrusive thoughts play in addiction?54:46 – Study shows isolated addicts recover through healing community
57:55 – Johnny's stealing from Toys R us
If You're Feeling Unworthy, Watch This | #009
Episode 9
Monday, May 12, 2025 • Duration 01:41:30
Johnny Chang discusses what causes self-worth issues and how to overcome them using the Bible. He shares his personal journey of self-worth during his childhood, answers community questions and reacts to memes.
🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdom
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro to Unlearned Wisdom Podcast
05:22 Cultural Misunderstanding In Thailand
11:10 Self-Worth and Childhood Trauma
20:39 Johnny Chang's Life in the Gang
25:09 Being Taken Advantage of and Self-Worth Development
37:44 How Social Media Affects Us
48:26 Learning Empathy and Building Confidence
54:27 Overcoming Shame and Accepting Forgiveness
01:00:32 Discovering Self-Worth Through Faith
01:03:58 Navigating Shame and Finding Healing
01:08:30 Johnny's Story on Overcoming Shame Using The Bible
01:17:19 How To Rebuild Your Self-Worth
01:21:27 Overcome Getting Your Self-Worth From Your Looks
01:24:44 Scripture To Help Us Between The Line of Self-Worth and High Heart
01:27:22 Are Bisexuals Worthy of God's Love?
01:29:54 How To Stop Trying To Earn Worth Through Works
01:30:43 Johnny's Reaction To Biblical Memes
01:40:45 Outro
👾 Join my free Discord to submit your question for a future episode: https://discord.com/invite/nTuvmutSsU
I Finally Gave My Anger To God..Here's What Happened | #011
Episode 11
Monday, May 26, 2025 • Duration 01:47:11
In this episode, Johnny Chang shares his struggle with anger and how it affected every part of his life. He explains how faith and scripture offer a path to healing, self-control, and lasting peace.
🎙️ Watch/Listen to Unlearned Wisdom on every platform: https://linktr.ee/unlearnedwisdom
Timestamps:
00:00 Episode Preview
00:53 Intro into Anger
03:57 Johnny Chang's Early Childhood with Anger & Violence
13:11 Faith On Death Row Documentary Preview
20:35 How Anger Bleeds into All Aspects of Your Life
24:27 Dealing with Gang Violence
27:32 Prison, Anger, and Control
37:04 Johnny Chang on Dealing with Anger After Prison
46:00 What Does The Bible Say About Anger
49:07 How To Understand and Manage Anger Through Faith
58:27 How To Heal from Emotional Triggers
01:06:56 How To Break The Cycle of Anger and Apologizing
01:10:14 How Did Jesus Express Anger
01:11:37 Dealing with Parenting and Disciplining Children
01:16:03 Navigating Emotional Regulation and Communication
💙 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.
01:26:12 – Johnny Chang's final word: Trust God's timing, not your own
👾 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/ZuAFD
01:28:30 – Johnny leads James to Christ post-prison
01:29:22 – James teaches Johnny forgiveness through example
01:35:00 – Johnny shares to a non-prison crowd for first time
01:37:30 – James' favorite childhood memory of Johnny
01:38:52 – Johnny's favorite memory of James
01:42:30 – Johnny and James reflect on God's redemption
01:45:34 – 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.
44:00 – Johnny Chang Reacts to Cam Newton's view on polygamy
47:30 – King Solomon's many wives were a curse
50:32 – Johnny Chang reacts to Christian Spencer from iCarly Memes
53:30 – Koine Greek meaning of "holy kiss"
55:14 – The danger of chasing visions
56:30 – Johnny Chang reacts to Thief on the Cross meme
01:00:30 – When works become your idol
01:01:24 – Merch announcement
01:02:33 - 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 walk
01:11:00 – Can you believe for someone's salvation after they've passed away?
01:12:40 – Posthumous salvation and God's justice
01:16:00 – What about unreached groups?
01:17:50 - Community Q&A Starts
01:18:15 – 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 Christ
01:28:38 – 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.
34:35 – Johnny Chang meets a pastor from a rival gang
36:21 – Advice for someone deeply isolated
39:57 – Why sermons matter in spiritual warfare
42:20 – Do what you don't want to — it grows you
46:00 – Calm a racing mind — drip feed strategy
49:05 – Johnny Chang on Satan's constant influence
50:10 – Signs of healthy vs toxic community
53:00 – Constructive vs destructive criticism
56:53 – Tempted to go back to the old life?
58:48 – Breaking mental & spiritual isolation
1:06:20 – Q&A starts
1:06:55 – Alone for long periods — how to handle it
1:08:00 – Helping a friend who isolates
1:10:00 – Stopping Satan's isolating thoughts
1:10:20 – Following vs questioning your thoughts
1:15:00 – Is it okay to go to God first before people?
1:18:30 – Isolation and anger at a toxic workplace
1:24:00 – 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/ZuAFD
Ps. Don't forget to subscribe to this new channel!
💙 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.
01:11:00 – How to reach loved ones battling dark, hopeless thoughts
01:13:30 – When does intrusive thought cross into actual sinful action?
01:15:00 – How to battling false-memory OCD?
01:17:33 – What's an intrusive thought most people wouldn't consider intrusive?
01:20:00 – What if we don't know enough of the word yet to combat intrusive thoughts?
01:22:10 – Closing out prayer 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.
🐉 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.
🫶 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.
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