Pivot Podcast Devon Franklin from Hollywood hits to heartbreak and healing, producer talks faith, divorce, rebuilding identity, help from Will Smith, believing in love again and the power of pivoting.
Mar 17, 2026
Devon Franklin, producer and bestselling author known for faith-infused mainstream films, talks Hollywood beginnings, leaving a powerhouse studio to start his own company, and the role Will Smith played in his journey. He also shares his public divorce, the process of grief and rebuilding identity, and how faith and vulnerability helped him believe in love again.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Grace Is Learned In Your Lowest Moment
- Grace becomes real when you need it, forcing patience and permission to process rather than perform.
- Devon learned grace during his personal collapse, which shifted him from achievement-driven coping to empathy and emotional honesty.
How A Childhood Funeral Shaped His Faith
- Devon's father died when Devon was nine and his family used church activities and movies as therapy.
- He describes kissing his father's cold forehead in the morgue and using church youth roles and films like Rocky as outlets to process grief.
Preacher Is Not The Same As Pastor
- Devon distinguishes preacher from pastor: preacher speaks publicly while a pastor holds day-to-day responsibility for a congregation.
- He started preaching at 16 but always planned Hollywood, showing ministry can coexist with other callings.
