Beyond the frontline

Beyond the Frontline

Podcast| Builder
May 12, 2026•2 min read

Purpose, Passion, and Persistence: A Conversation with Michael Kalel

In a recent episode of The Jesse Wood Show, host Jesse Wood sat down with Michael Kalel (also known as Michael Wittig), the bass player for the influential Christian rock band Pillar. Kalel’s journey is a masterclass in balancing diverse passions, ranging from music and high-level fitness to acting and authoring. The conversation delved deep into how a sense of divine purpose, forged through early life trauma, can drive a career that spans decades and multiple industries.

A Legacy of Creativity

One of the most exciting developments in Kalel’s life is the resurgence of Pillar, which began playing shows again in 2024 with the original lineup after a 15-year hiatus. This comeback has been captured in a feature-length documentary titled Pillar: Beyond the Frontline, which is scheduled to premiere for streaming on May 13, 2026. The project is particularly special to Kalel because it was directed and produced by his son, Caden, an award-winning filmmaker. Kalel spoke with pride about empowering his son’s creative vision, noting that he intentionally avoided micromanaging the project to let Caden tell the band's story—including their beginnings, member changes, and eventual reunion—through his own lens.

The Power of Consistency

Kalel attributes much of his success to an entrepreneurial mindset he inherited from his grandmother and a life-altering event at a young age. After surviving a near-fatal car accident as a child—an event where he woke from a coma stating, "Jesus saved me"—he has lived with an unwavering sense of calling. While he modestly claims he isn't the "best" at any one craft, he emphasizes that consistency is his greatest strength. Whether it was bringing a full weight set onto the Pillar tour bus—permanently damaging the shocks—or waking up at 4:00 AM to research fitness writing, Kalel’s philosophy is to take small, daily steps toward a goal.

Overcoming the "Wilderness"

Despite his high-energy persona and professional accolades, Kalel was remarkably candid about recent struggles with mental health. Having felt "invincible" for most of his life, he shared that the past year brought a season of loss and a brush with depression that left him feeling stuck and without his usual internal motivation. He found his way back through "repeated prayer" and a disciplined return to his faith, asking God to "fill the cracks" of his brokenness with hope. His advice to others in similar "wilderness" seasons is to surround themselves with people who are more knowledgeable, remain open to seeking help, and refuse to quit even when the path is unclear.

Connect with Michael Kalel:

Back to Blog