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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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...
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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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