When You Hit a Wall, Lean on God: Sarah Drew & Janine Turner

This week, we're thrilled to be celebrating our 500th podcast episode with actor Sarah Drew , known for her roles in Grey's Anatomy and Everwood . Sarah shares how her faith shaped her career from a pastor's kid who found joy in acting to eventually navigating the pressures of Hollywood. She discusses the rewarding challenge of developing her Grey's Anatomy character, April Kepner, into an honest portrayal of a person of faith, including the storyline of April's crisis of faith and her eventual return. Later in the episode, we'll hear from actor Janine Turner . Janine recounts her own tumultuous path to Hollywood, characterized by countless rejections and setbacks. She shares the story of her darkest period, when she had only eight dollars and felt entirely alone, right before landing her breakthrough, unexpected role as a bush pilot in Northern Exposure . Janine's experience with closed doors taught her to wait on unexpected, better opportunities—proving that perseverance, even through black holes of despair, can take us to where we're meant to be. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned : Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Erin Hicks Moon Upcoming interview: John O'Leary Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season Sarah Drew Eric Liddell Grey's Anatomy Janine Turner Northern Exposure Rocky Northern Disclosure Interview Quotes: "The gift of having so many seasons to develop [a character] is you actually have time to sort of unpack and allow someone to take different turns and twists and upside downs. You get to experience a far more human life when you see someone on a series for a long period of time." - Sarah Drew "If I don't have the thing that rooted me and anchored me to the whole purpose of my life, if that somehow comes undone and is shaking under my feet, then what am I doing here? How do you keep breathing when you are so shaken to your core?" - Sarah Drew "So many people are suffering, so when they welcome a character [into their life], day after day, week after week, year after year, and really become kind of friends with this person who's walked this path, they're feeling through it with them." - Sarah Drew "In every job I walk on to, I want the folks that I'm working with, the cast, crew, and everyone to really feel a sense of belonging and that they deserve to be there and that they are part of this community and we're so happy that they're here and we're all in this together. I think that's one of the biggest ways that I live out my faith." - Sarah Drew "If God closes the door, He opens the window. There will be a window. There will be the right thing at the right time." - Janine Turner "I didn't give up before the miracle because eighty percent of success is just showing up." - Janine Turner "[ Northern Exposure ] became the most miraculous opportunity for me that I think also used my talents in such a way that were dignified, respected, and it had an impact that made people's lives happier. Don't let anybody put out your flame that God has given you or me, and don't give up before that miracle." - Janine Turner "I've hit this kind of, literally, sort of a wall of blackness where I'm desperate or I'm in a panic attack or I'm crying hysterically. I don't see the light, I don't see the hope, but there's always been something that has kept me from going over that cliff. I believe it is my faith and it's God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. If I just stick with it, tomorrow will be a better day." - Janine Turner ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What's Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

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When You Hit a Wall, Lean on God: Sarah Drew & Janine Turner is an episode from Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith by Support.

This episode is 29:00 long.

This episode was published on Feb 19, 2026.

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