Defending Freedom Show

Colby Wiltse

The Defending Freedom Show brings powerful conversations and real stories from people standing on the front lines of faith, freedom, family, and truth. Hosted by Colby Willsey, this podcast exists to expose what’s happening in our culture, equip everyday Americans, and inspire action.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Batman & James Bond Stuntman Exposes What Hollywood Hides | Mike Smith Ep. 011

    Join The Defenders Circle here: https://www.thedefendingfreedomshow.net Former Hollywood stuntman, stunt coordinator, and action director Mike Smith joins The Defending Freedom Show to share the story behind his career, the accident that changed everything, and the spiritual journey that followed. Mike worked on major film and television productions throughout a decades long career. He performed in Batman Forever, wore the Batsuit as a stunt double, worked on shows including The X-Files, and performed asa double for James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies.  But in 2014, a stunt went wrong. Mike fractured his L2 vertebra, was temporarily paralyzed from the waist down, and underwent emergency surgery. The injury stripped away the identity he had built  and forced him to confront who he would become next.  In this episode, Mike opens up about: • Breaking into the Hollywood stunt industry• Becoming a Batman and James Bond stunt performer• The dangerous reality of professional stunt work• The accident that nearly ended his life and career• Chronic pain, prescription medication, and recovery• Losing his faith and later encountering the Holy Spirit• Spiritual warfare and the questions that changed his life• Creating the documentaries Out of Shadows and Into the Light Mike’s story is not simply about leaving Hollywood. It is about losing everything that once defined you, discovering what is real, and allowing God to rebuild your life with a new purpose. Subscribe to The Defending Freedom Show for more conversations about faith, freedom, culture, and the issues shaping America. Mikes Films: Out Of The Shadows: https://www.intothelight.movie/#home Into The Light: https://www.intothelight.movie/#home Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Meet Mike Smith 01:13 From Texas Athlete to Elite Diver 07:21 The Road From High Diving to Hollywood 15:16 Landing Batman Forever 18:15 Performing the Batman Stunt 22:41 Becoming James Bond 23:06 Transitioning Into Stunt Coordination and Directing 25:25 The Accident That Shattered His Spine 32:09 Chronic Pain, Medication and Withdrawal 39:02 Rebuilding His Identity Through Recovery 44:36 The Warning That Changed His Spiritual Journey 49:53 A Terrifying Spiritual Attack 52:45 Returning to Church and Encountering God 1:01:35 The Story Behind Out of Shadows and Into the Light 1:21:44 Narrative Control, Cultural Warfare and Final Thoughts

    Batman & James Bond Stuntman Exposes What Hollywood Hides | Mike Smith Ep. 011

About

The Defending Freedom Show brings powerful conversations and real stories from people standing on the front lines of faith, freedom, family, and truth. Hosted by Colby Willsey, this podcast exists to expose what’s happening in our culture, equip everyday Americans, and inspire action.