DAN DEAN: 25 Years of Ministry with Phillips, Craig, and Dean
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum Guest: Dan Dean Episode Title: DAN DEAN: 25 Years of Ministry with Phillips, Craig, and Dean Episode Summary: In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with Dan Dean—one-third of the legendary trio Phillips, Craig & Dean—to explore a decades-long career marked by timeless songs, deep-rooted ministry, and a newly released solo album, More. From early cassette recordings to leading worship across the globe, Dan opens up about perseverance, songwriting, the power...
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JOHN CHISUM: Want to Be a Christian Artist?
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Want to Be a Christian Artist? Episode Summary: Season 3 of Song Revolution kicks off with a powerful conversation between hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich about what it truly means to pursue a calling as a Christian artist. Reflecting on their recent experience at the Heaven on Earth Festival in Moab, Utah, they share personal stories, hard truths, and practical encouragement for artists who feel called to create for the Kingdom. This episode is about more than music. It’s...
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JUSTIN GAMBINO: Turning Trials Into Testimony
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: Bryant Urich Guest: Justin Gambino Episode Title: JUSTIN GAMBINO: Turning Trials into Testimony Episode Summary: In one of the most powerful episodes of Song Revolution to date, host Bryant Urich sits down with recording artist and worship leader Justin Gambino, who shares his raw and redemptive life story—from addiction and criminal charges at age 18, to leading worship in Iraq, to becoming a full-time touring Christian artist. Raised in church and homeschooled in small-town Texas, Justin began his musical journey strumming his Bible as a...
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JOHN CHISUM: Mapping Your Next Steps in Music Making
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: Mapping Your Next Steps in Music Making Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich continue their deep dive into what it means to build a career in the current music landscape. They break down how the music business has radically changed in recent years, why anyone can now record and distribute music, and what that means for artists trying to rise above the noise. John and Bryant also get practical, discussing how to identify your...
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CHRIS WEINBERG: Build a Business For Your Music
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Special Guest: Chris Weinberg Episode Title: CHRIS WEINBERG: Build a Business For Your Music Episode Summary: This week on Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with Chris Weinberg, a top business and performance coach who has worked with Fortune 500 executives, artists, entertainment companies, and entrepreneurs. As someone who has helped creative professionals turn their passion into a sustainable business, Chris shares valuable insights on what it takes to monetize your music career. If you’re a songwriter,...
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JOHN CHISUM: How Music Works Now
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: How Music Works Now Episode Summary: In this kickoff episode for July, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich reflect on the first half of 2025 and introduce the month’s focus: understanding how the music industry works today. They explore the challenges and changes facing songwriters and artists, especially those operating outside traditional industry systems. From redefining what “making it” means to embracing the calling of songwriting at every level, this episode delivers both...
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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...
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