Unapologetically Audacious: Making Film History with an iPhone and AI with Hallelujah Johnson

🔥 Excerpt

“I love you just the way that you are—and I love you too much to leave you there.” That’s not just a quote—it’s the DNA of Hallelujah Johnson’s approach to storytelling, innovation, and self-discovery.

⚡ TL;DR

Digital storyteller Hallelujah Johnson joins Rick Meekins to break down how she made history—launching the world’s first AI-assisted, feature-length animated film produced entirely on an iPhone. From former hand model and American Idol contestant to creative tech trailblazer, Hallelujah takes us on a candid journey of personal growth, cultural reclamation, and unapologetic excellence. This isn’t just about film—it’s about legacy, leadership, and stepping into your genius with audacity.

📄 Show Notes

What happens when you combine vision, grit, AI, and a cracked laptop screen in the middle of Nowhere, Texas? You get Sovereign—the world’s first full-length animated feature produced by a single creator using AI tools and a smartphone.

In this special launch edition of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, I sit down with the bold and brilliant Hallelujah Johnson—founder of InHale Studios—to talk about what it really takes to turn a wild idea into a world-shifting reality. Spoiler alert: it’s not the tech that makes it great. It’s the intention behind every frame, chant, and soundbite.

We dive into Black fatherhood, the power of ancestral storytelling, and how Sovereign isn't just a movie—it’s the first chapter in an entire universe built to elevate Black excellence across time and genre. Hallelujah didn’t just make a film. She launched a movement. And she’s just getting started.

✅ Key Takeaways

•  You don’t need a Hollywood budget to make a masterpiece—just a phone, some grit, and a deep why.
•  AI is not a shortcut; it’s an amplifier. Human input still drives excellence.
•  Great stories start with honesty. Hallelujah’s creative process was rooted in unfiltered self-truth.
•  Black fatherhood deserves more than survival narratives—it’s time to depict legacy, wisdom, and sovereignty.
•  Creativity and entrepreneurship require sacrifice—sometimes that means burning the boats and going all in.
•  Innovation is spiritual. When you surrender to the process, the story tells you what it wants to be.

👤 Bio

Hallelujah Johnson is a digital storyteller, strategist, and founder of InHale Studios. A former singer-songwriter and hand model (yes, those McDonald’s ads), she pivoted from music to marketing and now leads a new wave of animated filmmaking rooted in Black history, AI innovation, and narrative excellence. She is the creator of Sovereign, the first AI-enhanced, iPhone-produced animated feature film—and she's building an entire cinematic universe to follow.

🎁 Giveaway

Hallelujah Johnson is offering private screenings of Sovereign to educators, community leaders, and organizations looking to bring transformative Black storytelling to their audiences.

Here’s how to request access:

1. Connect with Hallelujah on LinkedIn: Hallelujah Johnson
2. Send a direct message: “I heard you on RPOW—I’d love to host a Sovereign screening.”
3. She’ll personally follow up to coordinate a time.

You can also visit inhale-studios.com to sign up for updates on public release and distribution plans.

🧭 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sovereign and Hallelujah Johnson
03:24 Hallelujah's Journey in Storytelling and Film
06:01 The Inspiration Behind Sovereign
07:14 Exploring Black Fatherhood in Sovereign
08:43 Distribution Plans and Future Projects
11:23 The Role of Dreams in Creativity
13:48 The Production Process and Use of AI
17:14 Showcasing Sovereign: A Journey Through Time
18:30 The Creative Process Behind the Film
21:26 Overcoming Challenges and Responsibilities
22:19 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
26:20 A Message of Self-Acceptance and Potential
38:30 New Chapter