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...
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MIA FIELDES: Writing From Revelation
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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JOHN CHISUM: Does God Really Give You Songs?
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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STAFF EDITION: NCS Staff Takeover
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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ANDREW GREER: Mysticism, Minimalism, and Music
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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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JOHN CHISUM: Inside Music Publishing
Song Revolution with John Chisum
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...
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/