From Orphan to Hollywood: An Incredible Journey with Joe Knopp

The Braintrust "Driving Change" Podcast

Joe Knopp’s journey is one of raw resilience and redemptive purpose. From growing up homeless and in a Philadelphia orphanage, to serving in the military, to becoming a successful Hollywood film producer (I Can Only Imagine, Unplanned, Woodlawn, The Trump I Know), Joe’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling, faith, and perseverance. In this intimate, in-studio conversation with Jeff Bloomfield, Joe opens up about how his past shaped his mission to bring hope through film.

This episode isn't just about filmmaking—it's about overcoming deep adversity, finding your identity, and using your story to lift others up. Whether you're a creator, leader, or someone walking through a tough chapter, Joe's vulnerability, humor, and faith-filled insight will leave you inspired to live with more intention.

1. Adversity Can Be a Setup, Not a Setback

2. Storytelling Is a Superpower

3. Faith Was the Turning Point

4. Belonging Matters

5. Orphan Mentality Is More Common Than We Think

6. Hollywood Is a Mission Field

7. The Backstory Gives Power to the Glory

8. You Can’t Argue with a True Story

9. God Uses Our Whole Journey

10. There’s Always a Next Chapter

• 00:00–03:00: Studio setup & intro banter

• 03:00–05:00: Jeff introduces Joe’s bio

• 05:00–10:00: Joe’s origin story—homelessness, orphanage, faith discovery

• 10:00–15:00: Loneliness, early identity struggles, and spiritual awakening

• 15:00–20:00: Joining the military & the power of belonging

• 20:00–27:00: Transition to finance & the longing for self-sufficiency

• 27:00–35:00: Entry into film and producing Woodlawn

• 35:00–40:00: The breakthrough and impact of I Can Only Imagine

• 40:00–45:00: Producing Unplanned—controversy, courage, and calling

• 45:00–51:00: The origin of The Trump I Know & White House access

• 51:00–58:00: Behind-the-scenes stories from the Trump documentary

• 58:00–01:03:00: Reflections on purpose, calling, and media impact

• 01:03:00–End: What’s next for Joe & how storytelling brings hope

• I Can Only Imagine Movie
  

• Woodlawn Movie
  

• Unplanned Movie
  

• The Trump I Know Documentary

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