In this FIRST episode of the Christian Music Maker podcast, host Sam Hart shares his vision for the show, emphasizing the importance of Christian music in today's world. He discusses the calling of artists, the balance between ministry and industry, and the significance of nurturing one's inner life as a creator. Sam aims to empower listeners to pursue their musical calling with confidence and integrity, while also addressing the challenges and realities of the music industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Christian Music Maker Podcast 02:49 The Purpose and Impact of Christian Music 06:10 Navigating the Tension Between Ministry and Industry 09:01 The Inner Life of the Artist 09:59 Defining Real Success in Music

https://www.christianmusicmaker.com/

Christian Music Maker on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianmusicmakerpodcast

In this engaging conversation, Mike Weaver, the lead singer of Big Daddy Weave, shares his journey through music, ministry, and personal loss. He reflects on the evolution of his band, the challenges of navigating grief after losing loved ones, and the importance of viewing music as a ministry rather than just entertainment. Mike emphasizes the significance of obedience to God in achieving true success and encourages the next generation to seek fulfillment in their relationship with Jesus. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of Christian music and the hope it brings.

Big Daddy Weave's Website: https://www.bigdaddyweave.com

Big Daddy Weave on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigdaddyweave

Big Daddy Weave on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdwmusic

Big Daddy Weave on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BDWmusic

https://www.christianmusicmaker.com/

In this conversation, worship leader Meredith Andrews shares her journey from a small-town church in North Carolina to becoming a prominent figure in the Christian music industry. She discusses her early influences, the importance of healing and personal growth, and the challenges of navigating the music industry while maintaining her identity in Christ. Meredith emphasizes the significance of mentoring younger worship leaders and the need for emotional health in ministry. The conversation culminates in her latest album, 'Heaven's Frequency,' which aims to capture the sound of heaven and create space for God's presence.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:53 Meredith's Early Journey in Worship 05:58 Defining Moments in Music and Surrender 08:46 Influences and Inspirations in Worship 11:55 Travel and Cultural Experiences in Worship 14:52 The Evolution of Worship Meaning 17:48 Healing and Personal Growth Journey 20:44 The Depths of Worship and Suffering 34:58 Navigating Sadness to Find Joy 36:52 The Connection Between Trauma and Healing 39:09 Holistic Healing: Body, Mind, and Spirit 40:42 Leading Through Personal Struggles 46:55 Mothering the Younger Self and Others 50:46 Wisdom for Young Christian Artists 59:13 Navigating the Music Industry with Integrity 01:04:28 Capturing Heaven's Frequency in Music 01:09:08 Navigating Worship and the Music Industry 01:09:38 Healing and Trusting God Through Trauma

Stay In Touch With Meredith: https://meredithandrews.com

Stay in the loop: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com ✅ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker ✅ Sam Hart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic ✅ Sam Hart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhartlife

In this conversation, Sam Hart and Matt Mundt explore the intricacies of digital marketing within the Christian music industry. They discuss the importance of balancing personal effort with divine guidance in content creation, the evolution of digital strategies, and the nostalgic shift in music consumption. Matt shares his journey in the music industry, emphasizing the significance of audience engagement through email and text messaging, as well as monetization opportunities for artists. They delve into the role of social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, and the impact of AI on music creation, advocating for authenticity and personal connection in content.

Matt's website:

https://www.mattmundt.com

GodMade Podcast on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@GodMadePod

The Salty Christians YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSaltyChristians

In this engaging conversation, David Smallbone shares his journey in Christian music, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, faith, and family support. He discusses the challenges and decisions that shaped his career, the role of women in music, and the significance of cultivating creativity in children. The dialogue also touches on balancing fatherhood with a demanding career, the necessity of prayer and accountability, and the evolving landscape of Christian music. David offers valuable advice for aspiring artists, encouraging them to find their mission and stay true to their calling.

for KING + COUNTRY'S WEBSITE: https://www.forkingandcountry.com

for KING + COUNTRY on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/forkingandcountrytv

Unsung Hero Movie Official Website: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/unsung-hero

Helen Smallbone's Book "Behind The Lights": https://a.co/d/gh0ktpR

Stay in the loop: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

✅ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

✅ Sam Hart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic

✅ Sam Hart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhartlife

John Waller waited 15 years for success in Christian music — and when it finally came, he almost quit.

In this episode of Christian Music Maker, John Waller shares the untold story behind “While I’m Waiting,” his journey through obscurity, signing a record deal, touring with Casting Crowns, battling panic attacks, and nearly walking away from it all.

This conversation dives into:

• Staying faithful while waiting on God

• The emotional cost of success

• Ministry vs. the music industry

• Identity, comparison, and performance pressure

• Why legacy starts at home

• How artists can prepare for independence

If you’re a Christian artist, songwriter, producer, or worship leader wrestling with timing, calling, or platform pressure — this episode is for you.

🎵 Listen to John’s new single “All You’ve Ever Done”: https://lnk.to/AllYouveEverDoneSong 🌐 Connect with John: https://johnwallerofficial.com 🎙 Subscribe to Christian Music Maker: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

Many artists grow up believing their dream is their calling. But what if those two things aren’t the same?

In this conversation with Aaron Shust, we talk about the difference between dreams, calling, and assignment—and how confusing them can lead to frustration, burnout, or chasing the wrong thing.

Aaron shares openly about his journey as a songwriter and artist, including imposter syndrome after 20+ years, learning to develop his craft, and what it looks like to stay grounded spiritually in the middle of a music career.

We also get into songwriting, journaling, Sabbath, and the importance of being faithful with the people and opportunities right in front of you.

If you’re a Christian artist, worship leader, songwriter, or producer trying to figure out your path, this conversation will help you think more clearly about where you are—and what actually matters.----more----

• The difference between a dream, a calling, and an assignment

• Why confusing them can lead to frustration or burnout

• Aaron’s journey from church musician to recording artist

• Dealing with imposter syndrome even after 20+ years

• Why developing your craft still matters

• The role of journaling and prayer in songwriting

• How Aaron wrote My Savior My God

• The importance of faithfulness in your current “sphere of influence”

• Touring, family life, and setting boundaries

• Discovering and practicing Sabbath

• Trusting God with provision instead of striving----more----

“Just because you have a dream… it would be dangerous to call that dream your calling.”

🎧 Follow the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-music-maker/id1872883204 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RFCA9IjFwfezxSgCt3gKO

💻 Website: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

📱 Connect on Instagram: Christian Music Maker: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker Sam Hart: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another artist or songwriter who needs to hear it.

What does success actually feel like after 30+ #1 songs in Christian music?

In this episode of the Christian Music Maker Podcast, legendary Nashville songwriter Tony Wood opens up about the hidden struggles behind a decades-long songwriting career.

Tony shares honestly about feeling like an imposter even after massive success, the devastating moment he realized how good Nashville songwriters really are, and why comparison can quietly destroy a songwriter’s soul.

This is a rare, vulnerable conversation about faith, identity, and the long road of songwriting in the Christian music industry.

If you’re a Christian artist, songwriter, producer, or worship leader, this episode will resonate deeply.

• Feeling like an imposter—even after writing 30+ #1 songs • The moment Tony realized how high the bar is in Nashville • Why comparison can destroy a songwriter’s soul • Faithfulness vs. chasing success in the music industry • The tension between calling, creativity, and providing for your family • What Tony would tell his younger self starting out in songwriting

Tony Wood is one of the most respected lyricists in Christian music, with 30+ #1 songs recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman, Danny Gokey, and many others.

🌐 Website https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

🎙 Hosted by Sam Hart https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic

In this episode of Christian Music Maker, Sam sits down with Steele Croswhite and Caleb Yetton from The Rock Music in Utah for a conversation about worship culture, authenticity, theology, creativity, and why so many churches unintentionally end up sounding exactly the same.

Steele shares his journey from rock-and-roll frontman to pastor and worship leader after addiction, loss, and a radical encounter with Jesus changed the trajectory of his life. Caleb shares how grace, discipleship, and authentic community reshaped his understanding of ministry and creativity.

Together, they unpack:

• How churches can discover their own unique “sound”
• Why authenticity matters more than trends
• The tension between creativity and imitation in worship culture
• Theology, Scripture, and discipleship in worship ministry
• Why local church involvement matters for musicians
• Building team culture instead of personality-driven ministry
• What it looks like to create music that actually reflects your city and people

This is a conversation for worship leaders, artists, pastors, songwriters, producers, and anyone wrestling with how to build something meaningful without simply copying what already exists.

Follow / listen to The Rock Music: therockmusic.org

Instagram: instagram.com/therockmusic

TikTok: tiktok.com/@therockmusic

Facebook: facebook.com/therockmusic

Christian Music maker: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

Christian hip hop artist Connor Flanagan joins Sam Hart for a practical and honest conversation about what it really looks like to build an artist career before the “big breakthrough.”

Connor is a full-time indie artist, husband, dad of five, songwriter, performer, and self-described artistpreneur who has learned how to book his own shows, route tours, build a live experience, sell merch, and keep going without waiting for a label, manager, or booking agent to rescue him.

In this episode, Connor shares how he went from playing small shows with CDs and moving lights to building a nimble live setup that fits in a minivan. He also opens up about fear, faith, comparison, anxiety, and what it takes to stay faithful in the middle season of the artist journey.

If you’re a Christian artist, songwriter, producer, worship leader, or creative trying to figure out how to move forward without a full team behind you, this conversation is full of gold.

Connect with Connor: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connorflanaganmusic

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/connor-flanagan/450791190

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5AhC3FXTAcCNMKXvVhGDZo?si=3erpY25US2yF0JaGq711yA

Website: https://www.connorflanaganmusic.com

Connect with Christian Music Maker: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianmusicmakerpodcast

Website: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

What happens when a former skeptic and mocker of Christianity has a radical encounter with God in a hospital bed — and Christian music becomes part of his redemption story?

In this solo episode (the first since Episode 0!), Sam reflects on a viral post from celebrity influencer Perez Hilton, who recently shared how a song by Rend Collective and Jervis Campbell moved him to tears on the way to school drop-off. It's a surprising, encouraging, and timely reminder of something every Christian music maker needs to hear: you never know who is going to hear your song and how God is going to use it.

Sam also gets personal — sharing his own story of how Christian music met him in his own prodigal season, his convictions about Scripture and sexuality, and why staying "salty" matters more than chasing spins, streams, or awards.

If you're tired, discouraged, or wondering if any of this is worth it — this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• The Perez Hilton story and why it matters for Christian music makers
• Watch the clip Sam references: [Perez Hilton's Post — https://youtu.be/pmhAdGubNXI?si=yONpOv1byx8en6kz ]
• Rend Collective & Jervis Campbell — listen to Do It All Alone: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/track/4r52cNLmKqWVMMyaHYXikF?si=29cd4d2261744b8f  |  APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/do-it-all-alone/1887355945?i=1887356036

• Sam's personal story and convictions
• Matthew 5:13-16 — Stay salty, stay light
• A word of encouragement for the weary creative

Join the conversation: 📲 Follow & DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

Supported by Worship Leader Media: https://worshipleader.com

Enjoying the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts — just scroll down on the show page, select your star rating, and tap "Write a Review." It takes 60 seconds and helps more Christian music makers find the show.

~1,000 downloads and counting — thank you to listeners across the US, Canada, Algeria, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Philippines, New Zealand, Mexico, Chile, Italy, and beyond!

What do you do when the calling you were certain about… goes quiet?

In this episode, Jamie Jamgochian shares the real story behind a career that looked like it was over—Lyme disease, years of silence, and the wrestle of wondering if God was finished.

We talk about surrender, identity, waiting seasons, and what it actually means to trust God when nothing is moving. If you’re an artist, songwriter, or producer navigating a slow season—or questioning your next step—this one will hit close to home.

00:00 — Intro 02:00 — From jazz pianist to Jesus encounter 05:00 — How faith reshaped her music and calling 09:00 — Early days with Centricity Music + “Hear My Worship” 13:30 — Worship vs CCM: does the distinction even matter? 21:30 — When everything stopped: illness, silence, and doubt 24:30 — “I thought it was over…” — hearing God in the lowest moment 27:00 — Identity: who you are when the music stops 32:00 — Advice for single artists in ministry 38:30 — The importance of mentorship and being teachable 43:00 — Stop waiting for industry permission 46:30 — New music, book, and creative direction 49:00 — How to wait well when nothing is happening

• Why your identity can’t be tied to your career

• How to navigate seasons where nothing is moving

• What surrender actually looks like in real life (not just songs)

• Why mentorship and community matter more than you think

• The difference between calling, timing, and control

• Music, book, and more from https://www.jaimejam.com

https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

Todd Smith (Selah) shares the story behind his life, faith, and career—from growing up in the Congo to almost quitting music just two weeks into his first tour.

We talk about people-pleasing, burnout, calling vs career, and what it really means to walk with God instead of performing for Him.

If you’re an artist trying to make it—and stay grounded—this one’s for you.

🔗 LINKS 💻 Website: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

📸 Instagram:   / christian.music.maker  

CONNECT WITH TODD:

Facebook:   / toddsmithonline  

Instagram:   / officialtoddsmith  

Selah's Instagram:   / selahonline  

Selah's Website: https://www.selahonline.com

Yancy turned down a London record deal at 16, won a GMA competition right before a label said no, and accidentally became one of Christian music's most beloved artists — all without ever signing to a major label. In this conversation, she traces the thread of obedience that runs through every unexpected turn, and what it felt like to finally win a Dove Award on her own terms. For anyone who makes music and wonders if God is actually paying attention...this episode is gold.

----more----

Connect with Yancy:

Yancey's Official Website - https://yancyministries.com

Yancey's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yancynotnancy

Yancy on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/yancynotnancy

More from Christian Music Maker:

💻 Official Website: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-music-maker/id1872883204

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RFCA9IjFwfezxSgCt3gKO

✅ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

✅ Sam Hart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic

✅ Sam Hart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhartlife

What if your identity has slowly become tied to your success?

For many Christian artists, songwriters, and producers — music becomes more than just a calling. It becomes a place to find belonging, approval, and worth. But what happens when success doesn’t come… or when it does and still doesn’t satisfy?

In this conversation, Sam Hart sits down with Bill Yuhasz from Known Legacy to talk about identity, healing, and learning to create from who you already are — not for what you hope to become.

They explore how men especially can struggle with performance-based identity, why our worth often becomes tied to our work, and how God invites us into a deeper place of belonging that isn’t dependent on platform, success, or recognition.

This episode is about doing music from identity — not for it.

• Why many artists unknowingly perform for belonging
• The difference between identity and calling
• How success can become a substitute for love and acceptance
• Healing the wounds that drive performance-based identity
• Learning to create from who you already are in Christ
• Why men often struggle to name emotions and vulnerability
• Finding worth beyond platform, recognition, or achievement
• Creating from identity instead of chasing validation

Website: https://knownlegacy.org Book: https://knownlegacy.org/more-than-you Known Legacy Podcast: https://knownlegacy.org/podcasts

Website: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

Stacey Willbur is a Nashville publishing veteran who has spent over 25 years championing artists and songwriters across both Christian and country music — with credits spanning Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, Mandisa, Chris Stapleton, John Paul White of the Civil Wars, and many more. Now serving as Head of Publishing at TIM Publishing alongside Chris Tomlin and Jason Ingram, she's still as passionate about a great song as the day she arrived in Nashville with no money and no connections.

In this conversation, Stacey opens up about what it really takes to stay unjaded in a creative industry — and why the secret has less to do with success and more to do with keeping your heart in the right place.

Follow Stacey Willbur on IG: https://www.instagram.com/staceywillbur

💿 Follow Christian Music Maker on IG: https://www.instagram.com/timpublishing

🎙️ Follow Christian Music Maker on IG: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

🎙️ Website: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClpxaPIm0dcJ01Ma5VsHCqw

Thomas Toner is a Nashville-based producer and songwriter best known for his decade-long collaboration with Jelly Roll. In this conversation, Thomas gets honest about the business side of producing, how AI is reshaping his workflow, and why he walked away from a thriving career to return to Christian music.

• The artist-producer relationship: chemistry, trust, and knowing your role
• What producers are actually worth — and how to negotiate for it
• Master splits, recoupment, and catalog organization
• Where AI fits (and where it doesn't) in modern music production
• Faith, fulfillment, and the decision to start over
• His new producer presets via STL Tones Control Hub

[00:00] Intro

[01:43] Early influences: Travis Barker, Blink-182, and stealing his sisters' CDs

[07:00] First job in Christian music at 19

[09:50] Meeting Jelly Roll

[12:10] Can you make Christian music without believing it?

[22:38] What a decade with Jelly Roll taught him about the artist-producer relationship

[31:00] The "Walmart Rick Rubin" production philosophy

[35:35] What separates good producers from great ones

[38:05] What artists most misunderstand about producers

[43:23] Master splits, recoupment, and why the old model is broken

[55:18] Catalog admin and the revenue streams most producers are missing

[59:44] AI: tool, threat, or noise?

[01:23:00] What AI can never replicate in production

[01:35:42] What integrity looks like in this industry

[01:39:31] The hardest lessons from 15 years in the business

[01:44:56] Why he returned to Christian music

[01:51:28] His new STL Tones / Control Hub plugin presets

[01:59:37] "If your kids described your career one day, what would you hope they say?"

🎛️ Thomas Toner's Producer Presets — STL Tones Control Hub 👉 https://www.stltones.com/products/controlhub-plugin

📱 Follow Thomas Toner on IG: https://www.instagram.com/stonebabysounds 

🎙️ Follow Christian Music Maker on IG: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker

🎙️ Website: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClpxaPIm0dcJ01Ma5VsHCqw

Christian Music Maker is a podcast about the people, process, and purpose behind music made for something bigger. Subscribe wherever you listen.