ED RODE: We Are All Storytellers
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Episode Title: ED RODE: We Are All Storytellers Guest: Ed Rode, Iconic Nashville Photographer and Author of “Songwriter: Musician Behind the Curtain with Nashville’s Iconic Storytellers and Players” Host: John Chisum Episode Summary In this visually rich and inspiring episode, host John Chisum sits down with celebrated photographer Ed Rode, whose lens has captured some of the most iconic figures in music—from Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson to Taylor Swift and Vince Gill. Through his stunning photography and...
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JOHN CHISUM: Developing The Skill of Rewriting
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: The Skill of Rewriting Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with NCS Vice President of A&R and Production, Bryant Urich, to dive deep into the art and discipline of rewriting songs. As part of the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge, they explore why rewriting is essential to crafting powerful, lasting songs—and how humility, skill, and intentionality play key roles in the process. From Clark Beckham’s new songwriting courses to the band Eauclaire’s...
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Steele Crosswhite & Caleb Yetton: From Rock to Redemption
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: Steele Crosswhite & Caleb Yetton: From Rock to Redemption Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum sits down with Steele Crosswhite and Caleb Yetton from The Rock Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. Once a rock musician sharing stages with artists like the Foo Fighters, Sheryl Crow, and Maroon 5, Steele encountered the grace of Jesus and traded the spotlight for a life of ministry and songwriting rooted in the local church. Together with Caleb, a fellow pastor and musician, Steele...
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DAWN & STEVE: Faith, Radio, and Soul Care
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: DAWN & STEVE: Faith, Radio, and Soul Care Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum turns the tables and welcomes longtime radio hosts Dawn Ray May and Steve Hiller, formerly of Moody Radio and now co-hosts of the Dawn and Steve Plus podcast. With decades of experience in Christian radio, Dawn and Steve share stories of their broadcasting journeys, memorable interviews with iconic artists, and the lessons they’ve learned about faith, resilience, and community. The...
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CLARK BECKHAM: American Idol Finalist on Songwriting & Surrender
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: CLARK BECKHAM: American Idol Finalist on Songwriting & Surrender Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum welcomes singer-songwriter, musician, and American Idol finalist Clark Beckham. Known for his soulful voice and authentic artistry, Clark shares his journey from small-town beginnings to national recognition and beyond. The conversation dives deep into the balance between ambition and surrender, the lessons learned from rejection and waiting, and how faith anchors him...
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MIA FIELDES: Writing From Revelation
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: MIA FIELDES: Writing From Revelation Episode Summary In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum sits down with acclaimed songwriter and worship leader Mia Fieldes, whose songs have been recorded by artists like Lauren Daigle, Zach Williams, Phil Wickham, Kim Walker-Smith, and many more. From growing up in poverty and seasons of homelessness to becoming one of the most prolific voices in modern worship, Mia shares how faith, perseverance, and gratitude have shaped her journey. With honesty and humor,...
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JOHN CHISUM: Does God Really Give You Songs?
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Does God Really Give You Songs? Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich tackle one of the most frequently asked—and often misunderstood—questions among songwriters: Does God really give you songs? As Nashville Christian Songwriters celebrates its 10th anniversary, John and Bryant reflect on thousands of conversations with writers over the years who have wrestled with this very idea. Together, they unpack the...
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STAFF EDITION: NCS Staff Takeover
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: Claire Bacon, Bryant Urich, Chris Crenshaw, Kyle Kicker, and Jack Landis Episode Title: STAFF EDITION: NCS Staff Takeover Episode Summary: In this special episode of Song Revolution, the microphones are turned toward the Nashville Christian Songwriters staffas the team celebrates NCS’s upcoming 10-year anniversary. With John Chisum away on vacation, Claire, Bryant, Chris, Kyle, and Jack take over to share their stories, talk about their paths to NCS, and give listeners a glimpse of the unique personalities that make up the...
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ANDREW GREER: Mysticism, Minimalism, and Music
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: ANDREW GREER: Mysticism, Minimalism, and Music Episode Summary In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes back singer-songwriter, producer, and filmmaker Andrew Greer for another deep and thought-provoking conversation. From literature and scripture to mysticism, minimalism, and music, John and Andrew explore how faith, creativity, and a posture of humility shape our art and our lives. Andrew shares about his move from Nashville to the small town of Plains, Georgia, and how a...
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JOHN CHISUM: Inside Music Publishing
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum, Claire Bacon, & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Inside Music Publishing Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum is joined by Claire Bacon and Bryant Urich from the NCS team for a lively and practical discussion on music publishing. Together, they break down the difference between creative and administrative publishing, share behind-the-scenes stories from Claire’s time at Bethel Music, and explore how co-writing, retreats, and publishing support can shape a songwriter’s career. The...
info_outlineSong Revolution Podcast – Season 3
Episode Title: SARAH KROGER: Invitation to the Desert
Host: John Chisum
Episode Summary:
In this deeply moving episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes recording artist and worship leader Sarah Kroger for an honest conversation about faith, identity, songwriting, and spiritual wilderness. With a contemplative heart and a background shaped by Catholic tradition, Sarah shares how her latest album A New Reality was birthed in a season of silence and questioning.
Together, John and Sarah explore what it means to embrace mystery in the Christian life, the importance of living in the present moment, and how belovedness can become an anchor in seasons of darkness. They also discuss the role of co-writing in Sarah's journey, her musical influences, and the inspiration behind standout tracks like “Galaxies,” “Ghost,” and the beloved fan-favorite “Belovedness.”
Whether you’re navigating your own spiritual desert or longing to write from a deeper place, this episode offers a rich well of encouragement, authenticity, and insight.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Sarah Kroger discovered her identity as a songwriter through co-writing
- Why gratitude and presence are key to thriving as an artist
- The inspiration and impact of her song “Belovedness”
- How contemplative authors like Henri Nouwen shaped her spiritual growth
- Why living in mystery may be the most authentic form of faith
- Real talk on spiritual silence, deconstruction, and creative perseverance
Key Moments:
[01:09] – John welcomes listeners and introduces Sarah Kroger
[03:34] – Sarah on gratitude, presence, and the joy of doing what she loves
[05:56] – The early passion for music and discovering co-writing
[10:24] – Influences from Nouwen, Merton, and Catholic mysticism
[13:06] – John and Sarah discuss spiritual darkness and the mystery of God
[17:03] – “I am with you always” as a theme through the desert
[23:39] – Letting go of old faith feelings and embracing radical immediacy
[29:01] – Practicing presence and the discipline of stillness
[31:14] – The story behind “Belovedness” and Sarah’s devotional book
[36:39] – Exploring “Galaxies” and the divine image within us
[38:40] – Writing “Ghost” and choosing sacred, traditional language
[40:17] – John reflects on Sarah’s album and the beauty of authenticity
Resources & Links:
Order Sarah Kroger’s devotional Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic
https://sarahkroger.com
Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025
Sign up for Free First Monday Songwriting Training
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training
Explore NCS Community and membership options
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community