JUSTIN GAMBINO: Turning Trials Into Testimony

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 boy, only to spiral into a destructive lifestyle during his teenage years. A run-in with the law, followed by a choice between prison and military service, led him to the Navy—and eventually to Iraq, where God quite literally put the guitar back in his hands.

 

This episode traces Justin’s powerful transformation, the birth of his music career, and the spiritual awakening that reignited his faith. His 2023 album Made New and the ongoing annual revival in his hometown are living proof of God’s faithfulness and redemption.

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Justin went from addiction and theft to leading worship in Iraq

Why his first deployment became the turning point in his spiritual journey

The role of music in reconnecting with God during his darkest season

How COVID-19 shutdowns helped him rediscover his purpose

What it means to truly surrender your platform and calling to God

The incredible story behind the founding of a county-wide revival in the same courthouse where he once stood trial

 

Key Moments:

03:00 – Justin’s musical roots and discovering Christian music

10:00 – Addiction, brokenness, and being arrested at 18

13:00 – Choosing military service over a felony conviction

18:00 – Feeling lost in Iraq and reconnecting with God through worship

23:00 – Leading worship for fellow soldiers and rebuilding faith

29:00 – Going full-time in music and launching his career

35:00 – Falling into complacency and chasing popularity in Christian music

39:00 – The spiritual breakthrough during COVID that inspired Made New

43:00 – The full-circle moment of leading worship on the courthouse steps

47:00 – Launching an annual revival and walking in true purpose

 

Closing Thought:
Justin’s story is a reminder that no matter how far you've fallen, God is still writing your story—and sometimes He puts the guitar back in your hands just when you think the music is over.

 

Resources & Links:

 

Listen to Justin Gambino’s album Made New on all streaming platforms

Follow Justin on Instagram: @justingambinomusic

Learn more at justingambino.com

 

 NashvilleChristianSongwriters.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

 

NCS Collective: Check out our artists!

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/