JOHN CHISUM: Stop Waiting, Start Growing
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Stop Waiting, Start Growing HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John shares a powerful and honest message about the importance of mentoring and coaching in the journey of becoming a great Christian songwriter and artist. Drawing from over four decades in the music industry, John reflects on his own apprenticeship under legendary mentors and how that experience shaped his career. He challenges common misconceptions around calling, talent, and success—reminding songwriters that passion alone...
info_outline
CLARK BECKHAM: Are You Settling For Average?
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: CLARK BECKHAM: Are You Settling For Average? HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with returning guest, artist, and songwriter Clark Beckham for a powerful conversation on artistry, worship, and the pursuit of excellence in songwriting. From his journey as a finalist on American Idol to becoming an NCS Records artist, Clark shares how his passion for soul, jazz, and expressive musicianship has shaped his unique approach to worship music. The conversation explores the heart behind his Acoustic...
info_outline
JOHN CHISUM: Don't Be A Lazy Songwriter
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Don’t Be A Lazy Songwriter EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum dives into one of the most essential—and often overlooked—skills in songwriting: finding truly great ideas. Against the backdrop of today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape, John challenges songwriters to resist shortcuts and instead pursue authenticity, depth, and spiritual connection in their creative process. He explores the tension between “high tech” and “high touch,” emphasizing that while technology continues to...
info_outline
GINNY OWENS: Different Kind Of Water
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: GINNY OWENS: Different Kind Of Water HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with award-winning artist, songwriter, theologian, and worship leader Ginny Owens. From her early discovery by Michael W. Smith and her years in the CCM spotlight to seasons of burnout, spiritual wrestling, and renewed calling, Ginny shares a candid look at the highs and hardships of life in Christian music. Now serving at Redeemer Church in Manhattan and holding a Master of Divinity degree, Ginny reflects on...
info_outline
DANIEL DOSS: Revival and Songwriting
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: DANIEL DOSS: Revival and Songwriting HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with songwriter and artist Daniel Doss for an honest conversation about calling, perseverance, and the refining process of songwriting. Daniel shares his journey into music, the challenges of building a career while staying grounded in faith, and the lessons he has learned about consistency, character, and craft. Throughout the conversation, Daniel opens up about navigating setbacks, staying creative...
info_outline
SHAYLEE SIMEONE: Honest Jesus Music
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: SHAYLEE SIMEONE: Honest Jesus Music HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes singer, songwriter, and storyteller Shaylee Simeone for an honest and heartfelt conversation about identity, calling, and the long road of obedience in a creative life. Shaylee shares her journey from early musical influences and family harmony to stepping out on her own as an artist and songwriter. The conversation explores the tension between ambition and surrender, the process of refining your voice over...
info_outline
AMANDA JANSON: Sinner To Saint
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: AMANDA JANSON: Sinner To Saint HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this powerful episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with worship artist and songwriter Amanda Janson for an honest and deeply vulnerable conversation about faith, calling, trauma, and songwriting as testimony. Amanda shares her journey from a Broadway-bound upbringing and a complicated spiritual background to encountering Christ in adulthood and eventually stepping into a life of worship and songwriting. The conversation traces Amanda’s move to Nashville,...
info_outline
JOHN CHISUM: Can AI Write Christian Music?
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Can AI Write Christian Music? HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this thought-provoking episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum tackles one of the most pressing issues facing today’s music creators: artificial intelligence in songwriting. Fresh off multiple interviews at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention, where AI was the dominant topic of conversation, John unpacks the realities, risks, and responsibilities surrounding AI-generated music. From deep fakes and copyright confusion to spiritual discernment and...
info_outline
JACKSON DREYER: Letting Life Shape The Song
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: JACKSON DREYER: Letting Life Shape The Song HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with singer-songwriter Jackson Dreyer for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, discipline, and finding your voice as a songwriter. From growing up outside Chicago to planting roots in East Nashville, Jackson shares how movement, architecture, relationships, and everyday life experiences shape his songwriting process. The conversation explores how stepping away from constant noise...
info_outline
LAURA OSNES: Faith, Art, and Starting Over
Song Revolution with John Chisum
Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4 TITLE: LAURA OSNES: Faith, Art, and Starting Over HOSTS: John Chisum EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes Broadway star, film actress, and singer-songwriter Laura Osnes for a deeply personal conversation about calling, identity, and creativity. Laura shares her journey from early musical theater roots to starring on Broadway, navigating career success, public controversy, and a major life pivot that led her to Nashville. The conversation explores how a season of loss and uncertainty opened the door to...
info_outlineSong Revolution Podcast – Season 3
Hosts: John Chisum & Bryant Urich
Episode Title: Time, Tithe, and Talent
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum and Bryant Urich shift the focus inward to explore what it really means to be a songwriter in today’s world. Beyond writing lyrics and melodies, this conversation is about discovering the deeper motivations that drive your creative work—your identity, purpose, and the integrity behind the songs you share.
John and Bryant discuss the pressures that come with songwriting in the Christian space, the temptation to chase trends, and the challenge of staying spiritually grounded in the process. With honest stories and practical insight, they offer encouragement to writers at any stage—whether you’re just getting started or trying to reignite your creative spark.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why songwriting is as much about spiritual formation as it is about craft
How to stay connected to your purpose when writing gets hard
The danger of creating to be seen or validated by others
Why your identity must be rooted in something deeper than public approval
How personal growth leads to stronger, more honest songs
Why songwriting is a long game that rewards consistency and humility
Key Topics and Highlights:
- The internal conflict many songwriters face between calling and performance
- Why it’s okay to take breaks when creativity feels dry
- John’s reflections on mentoring writers through burnout and self-doubt
- Bryant’s experience rediscovering joy in the process of writing, not just releasing
- The power of writing songs that minister to you before they minister to others
- Letting go of perfectionism and pressure to produce commercial work
- Writing from a place of wholeness instead of striving
- The value of community, coaching, and trusted feedback in your journey
Final Takeaway:
Your songs matter—but not because of streams, charts, or recognition. They matter because they’re a reflection of your story, your journey, and your willingness to be honest with God and others. When you write from that place, the impact will follow.
Resources & Links:
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/