In this episode of The PlayFull Podcast, Kristine Michie talks with filmmaker Nicholas Ma about growing up in a creative family (his dad is cellist Yo Yo Ma) and using storytelling to navigate difficult conversations and approach division with courage and curiosity. They explore how his documentary film featuring pastors in Grand Rapids sparked deeper dialogue around faith, identity, and belonging, and how extended in-person conversations can open space for empathy and understanding, even when people disagree. Through his film and American Revival festivals, Nicholas shares why storytelling, kindness, and local relationship-building remain essential tools for healing polarization and renewing the social fabric.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith can unite, or it can divide. It’s up to us.
- Communities grow stronger when they choose to face hard topics with honesty. Staying in the dialogue builds trust even when agreement is not guaranteed.
- True vocation begins with listening to what feels aligned and real. Pursuing that path requires courage and a willingness to step into uncertainty.
- Perspectives shift when people talk face-to-face over time. Honest conversations nurture connection and soften division.
- Small acts of empathy can counter fear and polarization. Choosing to be a good neighbor creates space for hope and shared humanity.
- Film and conversation can spark new reflections and actions. Shared stories invite people to imagine a healthier and more connected future together.
"Maybe people want to be asked to do something hard, and when we get asked to do something hard, we're really proud of ourselves when we meet that bar." — Nicholas Ma
“The beauty of film is that it is this sort of shared reality. It's like empathy steroids... there's something really beautiful about what it does, and I think that's true with scripted film as well with documentary film.” — Nicholas Ma
"It's not about not taking a tumble, it's actually about knowing that you're going to be secure after you take the tumble..." — Nicholas Ma
About Nicholas Ma: .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}
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