Night Train to Cairo: A Filmmaker’s Global Adventures in Faith, War Zones, and Storytelling | EP 169

Veteran filmmaker Craig D. Forest shares gripping stories from 60+ countries—war zones, famine regions, voodoo rituals in Haiti, exorcisms in Argentina, and miracles around the world—along with hard-won lessons on media, missions, and faith-filled storytelling from his book Night Train to Cairo.​

• 0:00 Intro: Craig’s bio, 60 nations, Night Train to Cairo overview.​
• 5:10 Why the Book: Writing process, multiple rewrites, summer push to finish.​
• 11:30 Purpose & Audience: Leaving a legacy for his kids and young filmmakers; previous book Commando Tactics.​
• 18:20 Iraq War Zone: Crossing the border, Black Hawks, tanks, advice from U.S. sergeant, road to Baghdad warning.​
• 25:40 Voodoo Drums in Haiti: Shooting for A&E/History Channel, demonic possession, praying protection before entering.​
• 33:15 Spiritual Warfare: Reality of demons, Hindu rituals, Santería, why Western Christians must wake up.​
• 40:05 Cuba & Sex Trafficking: Undercover work in Havana, danger of shooting without permits, early days of big-camera docs.​
• 47:00 Travel Logistics: 1,500+ flights, missed train in Milan, importance of preparation and organization.​
• 53:30 Media as Mission Field: Why leaders must embrace digital media; story as the true “mission.”​
• 1:01:10 Advice to Creatives: Don’t seek success—seek significance; media as redemptive storytelling.​
• 1:08:00 Life Lessons: Proverbs 16:9 and trusting God to direct your steps.​
• 1:13:20 Prayer for Creatives & Leaders: Empowerment by the Holy Spirit, peace, and divine direction.​
• 1:18:00 Where to Find Craig: Matchstick Media, social handles, book formats (Amazon, Apple Books, B&N).​

DescriptionIn this episode of Talks with Gallagher, filmmaker, author, and “media sensei” Craig D. Forest unpacks his travel memoir Night Train to Cairo: A Filmmaker’s Journey Across the Globe, filled with border crossings, missed trains, spiritual encounters, and behind‑the‑scenes lessons from decades of international documentary work. From Iraq’s war zones and voodoo ceremonies in Haiti to exorcisms in Argentina and undercover shoots on sex trafficking in Cuba, Craig reveals both the danger and beauty of telling truthful stories in some of the world’s hardest places—while showing how God’s protection and guidance have marked every step.​Craig also shares practical wisdom for emerging creatives and ministry leaders: why media is today’s global mission field, how to prepare for overseas shoots, the power of rewriting, and why significance for God’s kingdom matters more than worldly “success.” If you’re a storyteller, filmmaker, pastor, or creative leader, this conversation will stir your faith and sharpen your craft.​If this helped you, follow, rate, and share the show. Support the show: talkswithgallagher.com

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