MANDY MORRIS: Overcoming Writers Block with EMDR
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Mandy Morris (Executive Coach, Therapist, EMDR Specialist) Episode Title: MANDY MORRIS: Overcoming Writers Block with EMDR Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes Mandy Morris, a licensed therapist, executive psychological coach, and EMDR specialist. Together, they explore how trauma, subconscious belief systems, and emotional blocks can interfere with creativity—and how tools like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help artists,...
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SARAH KROGER: Invitation to the Desert
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song 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...
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JOHN CHISUM: Killer Ideas and the Unforgettable Titles (Part 2)
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Episode Title: JOHN CHISUM: Killer Ideas and the Power of Journaling (Part 2) Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Summary: In this follow-up to their previous conversation on song concepts, John Chisum and Bryant Urich dive deeper into the craft of generating unforgettable song ideas and titles. Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, they explore how journaling, active listening, and intentional creativity can transform your songwriting from empty to inspired. John shares lessons learned from his mentors, including Bill...
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EMILY HOSTETLER: Heaven On Earth
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Emily Hostetler (Founder of Heaven on Earth Festival) Episode Title: EMILY HOSTETLER: Heaven On Earth Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum is joined by special guest Emily Hostetler, founder of the Heaven on Earth music festival—a unique and immersive Christian music and wellness event held in stunning locations like Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Moab, Utah. Emily shares her journey of discovering God's love throughout her life—from a childhood of spiritual...
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JOHN CHISUM: Killer Ideas and Unforgettable Titles
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Episode Title: JOHN CHISUM: Killer Ideas and Unforgettable Titles Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Summary: This week on Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich kick off June with an essential topic for every songwriter: how to develop killer ideas and unforgettable titles. Great songs start with strong hooks, but how do you find them? Where do the best ideas come from? And how do you know when a title is fresh, original, and worth writing? John and Bryant share personal stories, songwriting insights, and...
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CLARK BECKHAM: Micro Moments of Flow State
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Episode Title: CLARK BECKHAM: Micro Moments of Flow State Hosts: John Chisum Guest: Clark Beckham - American Idol Season 14 Runner-Up, Soul/R&B Artist, Educator, Host of Idol Breakdown Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, John sits down with acclaimed vocalist and musician Clark Beckham to unpack his journey from street performer to American Idol fame. Clark opens up about the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, how his faith shapes his artistry, and why he believes Jesus loves the complexity found in...
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JOHN CHISUM: Writing in Your Best Genre
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Writing in Your Best Genre Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich continue their deep dive into genre, style, and artistic identity—with practical insights on how to discover and develop your best musical lane. From personal stories to real-world examples like Anya Lee, Clark Beckham, and the NCS Collective, John and Bryant unpack how to write with intention, identify your audience, and stay creatively inspired. Whether you're...
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CLAIRE BACON: Genre, Growth, and Grace
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Claire Bacon (Project Manager, NCS) Episode Title: CLAIRE BACON: Genre, Growth, and Grace Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum introduces a new member of the NCS team: Claire Bacon, NCS Project Manager and music industry pro. With experience at Bethel Music, Pure Mosaic, and a degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Claire brings a unique blend of creative and business insight to Christian songwriting and artist development. Claire shares how she went from singing...
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JOHN CHISUM: The Power of Knowing Styles & Genres
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: The Power of Knowing Styles & Genres Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich dive deep into one of the most important (and often confusing) parts of being a songwriter or artist: understanding your genre and style. This discussion is packed with practical insights for anyone who has ever wondered, "What kind of music do I actually make?" Using real examples from the NCS Collective—including music from artists like Nikki Lou,...
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ADRIAN THOMPSON: Bethel Exec on Miracles and Music
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Adrian Thompson (Head of A&R, Bethel Music) Episode Title: Adrian Thompson: Bethel Exec on Miracles and Music Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with Adrian Thompson, the Head of A&R at Bethel Music and former VP of A&R at Integrity Music. They discuss the impact of Bethel Music on modern worship, the controversy surrounding charismatic expressions of faith, and the process of developing and signing artists at Bethel. Adrian shares insights into...
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