MICHAEL LEE BROWN: From Broadway to Songwriting
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Michael Lee Brown Episode Title: MICHAEL LEE BROWN: From Broadway to Songwriting Episode Summary: In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes singer, songwriter, and Broadway actor Michael Lee Brown, best known for his four-year run in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. Michael shares his unexpected journey into the NCS studio, his early beginnings in music, his transition from musical theater to singer-songwriter artistry, and the faith-filled moments that shaped his path. He opens up about the...
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STOWTOWN WORSHIP: Unity, Legacy, and Worship
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: STOWTOWN WORSHIP: Unity, Legacy, and Worship Episode Summary: In this episode, John welcomes an extraordinary lineup of worship leaders and vocal powerhouses—Alvin Slaughter, Steven McWhirter, and TaRanda Greene—along with the vision behind StowTown Worship’s new project, Live from the Iron Manor. What began as a desire to bless worship pastors at the Metro Conference grew into a powerful night of worship, featuring reimagined classics, newly arranged favorites, and cross-generational, cross-genre collaboration. The...
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JOHN CHISUM: The Craft of Christmas Songwriting
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum & Bryant Urich Episode Title: JOHN CHISUM: The Craft of Christmas Songwriting Episode Summary: In this festive episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum and co-host Bryant Urich dive into the art and craft of writing Christmas songs. From exploring why holiday music resonates so deeply to analyzing the lyrical and musical trends behind the world’s biggest Christmas hits, this conversation is packed with practical ideas, humor, and real-world insights for songwriters. John and Bryant discuss everything from...
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JAMIE JAMGOCHIAN: Learning to Wait Well with God
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Episode Title: JAMIE JAMGOCHIAN: Learning to Wait Well with God Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Song Revolution Podcast, host John Chisum welcomes singer-songwriter, worship leader, and author Jamie Jamgochian for a rich conversation about creativity, calling, spiritual formation, and her new book Sacred Surrender: The Practice of Waiting Well with God. Jamie shares her personal journey from studying jazz at Berklee, to encountering Jesus at twenty-one, to navigating a decades-long career in...
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MARY LOU KAYSER: The Power of Poetry
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3 Host: John Chisum Guest: Mary Lou Kayser Episode Title: The Power of Poetry Episode Summary In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes poet, author, and creative entrepreneur Mary Lou Kayser for a deeply moving and thought-provoking conversation on art, creativity, and what it means to live—and write—fully in a digital age. Mary Lou shares her journey as a teacher, writer, and poet, exploring how the rapid shift into the digital world impacts human connection and creativity. She opens up about loss, love, and the role...
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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...
info_outlineSong 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 practical insight and encouragement for Christian creatives.
John and Bryant share lessons from their own journeys, reflect on standout moments from past guests, and unpack why success looks different for everyone—from indie artists like Jason Lovins and Justin Gambino to songwriters working quietly at home. The conversation highlights the importance of obedience, daily faithfulness, and allowing God to shape your creative path—one step at a time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How the definition of “success” in music has evolved
- Why comparison is one of the biggest creativity killers
- What it takes to build a career in today’s indie music economy
- Why obedience and consistency are more valuable than overnight success
- How NCS is helping songwriters at every stage of their journey
- Practical resources to understand the business side of music
Key Moments:
- Reflecting on standout episodes and guests from 2025 so far
- Why the indie artist model is more relevant than ever
- Breaking down the myth of “overnight fame”
- How John rebuilt his music career at age 58
- The power of obedience in creative and career decisions
-Why your journey is valid—no matter what stage you're in
-Resources and book recommendations for navigating the music business
- A preview of upcoming episodes on building a business and mapping your next steps
Recommended Resources:
- How to Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand
- How to Make a Living in the Music Business by Vince Wilcox
- NCS Free Monthly Training – First Monday of each month
- NCS Community for coaching, connection, and weekly support
- Upcoming NCS Songwriting Retreat: October 16–18, 2025
Take the Next Step:
Whether you're a hobbyist, a worship leader, or a developing artist, NCS has tools to help you grow. From free resources to deep-dive coaching, you’re invited to take one step forward on your songwriting journey.
Visit nashvillechristiansongwriters.com to learn more, explore our library of past podcast episodes, and access everything from blogs to artist development programs.
Get Involved:
NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Get the free guide & grow your songwriting skills this year!
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025
NCS Community Membership – 52 weeks of access to the right music industry professionals. Join today!
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/community/
NCS Collective - Check out the artists we’re working with!
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/
Connect With Us:
Website: NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com
Support the Show:
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