Song Revolution with John Chisum

Nashville Christian Songwriters
  • 4.9 (65)
  • Music
  • Biweekly

The Song Revolution Podcast exists to empower you through valuable songwriting insights, inspiration, and interviews with some of the greatest songwriters, producers, arrangers, artists, and creatives in the industry and beyond. Find out more at nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

  1. 6d ago

    KATHY TROCCOLI: What Matters Most After a Lifetime in Music?

    Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4   TITLE: KATHY TROCCOLI: What Matters Most After a Lifetime in Music?   HOSTS: John Chisum   EPISODE SUMMARY Kathy Troccoli joins John Chisum to reflect on her decades-long music career, her personal faith journey, and what matters most beyond success. From discovering a relationship with Jesus to serving on mission trips around the world, Kathy shares how God has shaped her priorities, taught her to let go of expectations, and called her to live with greater compassion and generosity.   EPISODE TOPICS Kathy's four-decade career and enduring songs Finding a personal relationship with Jesus Prioritizing Christlike character over industry success Handling criticism and finding identity in God How mission trips reshape perspective and priorities Practicing generosity and noticing people others overlook Following God one step at a time Exploring new creative directions later in life   KEY HIGHLIGHTS Success isn't the ultimate goal; becoming more like Jesus is. A friend's kindness and genuine faith helped Kathy become curious about God. Kathy's experiences serving people in need changed how she viewed possessions, gratitude, and generosity. She encourages believers to become "noticers," seeing and valuing the people around them. Kathy continues to create music while learning not to run ahead of God's direction. Her guiding question is simple: "Lord, every day, what do you want me to know and what do you want me to do?"   FINAL TAKEAWAY A meaningful life and creative career are about more than recognition or achievement. Stay rooted in Jesus, notice the people around you, live generously, and trust God to reveal the next step in His timing.   RESOURCES & LINKS:   Follow along with Kathy Troccoli! https://kathytroccoli.com/   FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting. https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide   Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge   Be a part of our community of songwriters from across the globe. Join NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community   Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters! NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com   Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

  2. Oct 19

    BAY TURNER: What If Your Detour Is Part of Your Calling?

    Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4   TITLE: BAY TURNER: What If Your Detour Is Part of Your Calling?   HOSTS: John Chisum   EPISODE SUMMARY Bay Turner joins John Chisum to share an incredible story of faith, vocal injury, and discovering who God created him to be. After doctors told Bay he might never sing again, his voice was ultimately restored. Bay also talks about leaving opera behind, finding his unique sound, and learning to fully surrender his life and calling to God.   EPISODE TOPICS Bay's journey from opera to Christian music The vocal injury that threatened his singing career How his classical training helped preserve his voice Discovering his unique sound and identity Working with Tommy Prophet on Resurrection of the King Turning pain and difficult seasons into songs Learning what full surrender to God looks like   KEY HIGHLIGHTS At just 22, Bay was told he might never sing again. His years of vocal training ultimately helped him recover and continue singing. Bay realized he didn't need to fit an established mold in either opera or Christian music. He describes learning to see himself through God's eyes rather than trying to become someone else. A difficult breakup became a season of deeper surrender and dependence on God. Bay encourages listeners to get alone with God and ask Him to reveal anything that still needs to be surrendered.   FINAL TAKEAWAY God doesn't need you to become someone else. He wants you to fully surrender what He has given you and become the person He created you to be. Even painful detours can become preparation for the calling ahead.     RESOURCES & LINKS:   Follow along with Bay Turner! https://www.bayturner.com/   FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting. https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide   Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge   Be a part of our community of songwriters from across the globe. Join NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community   Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters! NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com   Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

  3. Oct 12

    PHOEBE SCOTT & ANGELA JOWERS: Money, Mindset, and the Creative Life

    Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4   TITLE: PHOEBE SCOTT & ANGELA JOWERS: Money, Mindset, and the Creative Life   HOSTS: John Chisum   EPISODE SUMMARY Phoebe Scott and her mom, life coach Angela Jowers, join John Chisum for a conversation about creativity, mindset, and one topic many Christians struggle to talk about: money. Angela shares how changing your mindset can change the way you approach money, work, creativity, and the next season God is leading you into.   EPISODE TOPICS Developing a healthy relationship with money Mindset and its impact on creativity and life Moving from limiting beliefs to new possibilities Phoebe and Angela's podcast, If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother Life coaching versus therapy The value of having a coach who can "zoom out" Finding balance between coaching and songwriting Creating space for God to work through coaching   KEY HIGHLIGHTS Money can be a difficult subject for Christians, but our beliefs and mindset around it matter. Changing your mindset can help you step into the season God has for you. Life coaching focuses on moving forward through mindset, emotional health, and intentional action. A coach can see things from a different perspective and help identify what you may not be able to see yourself. Coaching can create a meaningful space for people to recognize what is possible and align their thinking with God. Community and coaching can make personal growth more powerful than trying to do everything alone.   FINAL TAKEAWAY The way you think about money, creativity, and yourself can affect how you move forward. Sometimes the next step is not simply working harder, but changing your mindset, getting perspective, and creating space for God to lead you into what's next.     RESOURCES & LINKS:   Follow along with Angela Jowers https://www.landofangelacoaching.com/link-in-bio   Follow along with Phoebe Scott https://www.instagram.com/phoebeisloud/?hl=en     FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting. https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide   Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge   Be a part of our community of songwriters from across the globe. Join NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community   Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters! NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com   Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

  4. Oct 5

    LAURA OSNES: How Do You Keep Going When the World Says No?

    Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4   TITLE: LAURA OSNES: How Do You Keep Going When the World Says No?   HOSTS: John Chisum   EPISODE SUMMARY Broadway star Laura Osnes joins John Chisum to talk about faith, resilience, creativity, and finding courage after seasons of rejection and hardship. Laura shares what she has learned from her Broadway career, her experience performing for the Memorial Day concert in Washington, D.C., and the importance of staying grounded in who God has called you to be rather than comparing yourself to others.   EPISODE TOPICS Laura's Broadway journey and performing at the Memorial Day concert The preparation and pressure behind a major live broadcast Handling rejection, criticism, and negativity Overcoming comparison and embracing your unique gifts The mental and emotional challenges of a creative career Equipping the next generation through Stagecraft Trusting God when life doesn't look the way you expected Seeking God first in difficult or uncertain seasons   KEY HIGHLIGHTS Laura reflects on the honor of performing for Gold Star families and veterans. She talks honestly about the rejection and criticism that can come with being in the spotlight. Comparison can steal your joy; confidence grows when you embrace the gifts God has uniquely given you. A successful creative career requires more than talent—it takes resilience, preparation, skill, and perseverance. Through Stagecraft, Laura is using her experience to equip the next generation of theater artists. Laura's encouragement for difficult seasons: "Seek first the kingdom of heaven."   FINAL TAKEAWAY Your calling isn't about becoming someone else or achieving someone else's version of success. Stay rooted in who God created you to be, keep showing up through rejection and uncertainty, and seek Him first. The rest can unfold in His timing.     RESOURCES & LINKS:   Follow along with Laura Onses! https://lauraosnes.com/   FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting. https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide   Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge   Be a part of our community of songwriters from across the globe. Join NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community   Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters! NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com   Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

  5. Sep 28

    MEREDITH ANDREWS: Letting God Take Care of the Breadth

    Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4   TITLE: MEREDITH ANDREWS: Letting God Take Care of the Breadth   HOSTS: John Chisum   EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum sits down with worship leader, songwriter, recording artist, and two-time Dove Award winner Meredith Andrews. Meredith shares the journey that led her from leading worship as a young girl to a life of ministry, music, and songwriting. Meredith talks about learning to be faithful wherever God has placed her, letting go of seasons and ministries when God says it is time to move on, and finding her identity in Him rather than in success or performance. She also shares how her understanding of God's presence and character has deepened through seasons of pain, questioning, and healing. The conversation also explores Meredith's new album with the Liberty University Worship Collective and the kingdom-centered theology behind her music.   EPISODE TOPICS Meredith's journey into worship leading Learning to be faithful in every season Returning to Liberty University for her new album Leaving a successful ministry season and passing the baton Finding identity beyond ministry and performance Redefining success through faithfulness and obedience How suffering and hardship deepen our understanding of God Knowing Jesus beyond religious expectations The kingdom of God and the kingship of Christ The story and theology behind Meredith's song "Prevail" Healing from rejection and discovering God's protection Trusting God when doors close   KEY HIGHLIGHTS Meredith recalls being 17 when God gave her a defining message: "Be faithful where I've placed you." She learned that worship begins in the secret place before it ever reaches a platform. After a decade of ministry at Harvest, Meredith recognized that the season had ended and learned to release something she had helped build. Meredith shares a powerful lesson from God: "You take care of the depth and I'll take care of the breadth." She explains why kingdom success is measured by faithfulness, obedience, and showing up with joy rather than numbers or recognition. Meredith reflects on how pain, grief, and suffering have revealed the kindness and goodness of God to her. She encourages listeners to find their identity as God's beloved children rather than in their ministry output or performance. Meredith reframes rejection as potential protection and encourages people to bring their wounds honestly before God so He can bring healing and redemption.   FINAL TAKEAWAY Faithfulness matters more than visibility. Meredith Andrews' story is a reminder that our identity is not found in our platforms, accomplishments, or ministry success, but in who we are as God's children. Sometimes God asks us to release what we have built, walk through painful seasons, or trust Him when doors close. But He remains faithful. Our role is to pursue depth, obedience, and intimacy with Him while trusting Him with the breadth and impact of our lives.   RESOURCES & LINKS:   Follow along with Meredith Andrews! https://meredithandrews.com/   FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting. https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide   Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge   Be a part of our community of songwriters from across the globe. Join NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community   Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters! NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com   Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

  6. Sep 21

    JORDAN SMITH: When You Can Sing Anything, What Do You Say?

    Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4   TITLE: JORDAN SMITH: When You Can Sing Anything, What Do You Say?   HOSTS: John Chisum   EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Song Revolution, John Chisum sits down with Jordan Smith, one of the most recognizable voices to emerge from The Voice, for an honest conversation about music, faith, creativity, and the journey of discovering what comes next. Jordan shares behind-the-scenes stories from his unforgettable time on The Voice, including how "Chandelier" became his breakthrough performance and what it was like stepping onto that stage as a college student from a small town in Kentucky with no industry experience. The conversation also explores Jordan's latest project, The People's Hymnal, his collaboration with arranger Tommy Profitt, and his desire to continually take creative risks rather than repeat what he has already done. Jordan opens up about the personal growth that has shaped his artistry, learning to establish boundaries, and the often unseen cost behind music that brings people hope and encouragement.   EPISODE TOPICS Jordan Smith's journey from a small town in Kentucky to The Voice The story behind his iconic "Chandelier" performance What it was like performing for four superstar coaches The making of The People's Hymnal Reimagining beloved hymns while staying authentic Jordan's gospel music influences Collaborating with Tommy Profitt The Resurrection of the King and "Mary Did You Know" Navigating different musical directions and opportunities Why great artists need to take creative risks Finding the courage to say something meaningful How personal growth influences songwriting and artistry Learning boundaries and the importance of saying no The unseen cost behind music that brings people hope   KEY HIGHLIGHTS Jordan chose "Chandelier" during an early audition because he believed successfully performing such a challenging song could help him earn a place on The Voice. His performance became one of the defining moments of his time on the show, including an unforgettable reaction from Gwen Stefani. The People's Hymnal grew out of the response to Jordan's performance of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" on The Voice and his desire to return to that musical territory. Jordan credits Tommy Profitt with pushing him creatively and drawing things out of him that he didn't know were there. He shares wisdom from Amy Grant: the risk for an artist isn't always in how they sing, but in what they have to say. He has learned the importance of boundaries, taking time for family and himself, and becoming more comfortable saying no to the wrong opportunities so he can say yes to the right ones.   FINAL TAKEAWAY The most meaningful creative work often comes from a willingness to take risks and share something genuine. Jordan Smith's story is a reminder that the hope people receive through our music is often born from the places where we've experienced the greatest growth, struggle, and transformation. As artists and songwriters, we aren't simply called to repeat what has worked before. We're called to keep growing, keep exploring, and have the courage to say something that comes from our own experience and perspective. Sometimes the greatest creative risk is simply being honest about what we've learned along the way.     RESOURCES & LINKS:   Follow along with Jordan Smith! https://www.therealjordansmith.com/   FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting. https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide   Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge   Be a part of our community of songwriters from across the globe. Join NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community   Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters! NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com   Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

  7. Sep 14

    HOPE DARST: What Happens When God Asks You to Let Go?

    Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4   TITLE: HOPE DARST: What Happens When God Asks You to Let Go?   HOSTS: John Chisum   EPISODE SUMMARY Hope Darst shares the story behind her music, from laying down her childhood dream of becoming an artist to eventually stepping into a music career later in life. She talks about how God used years of hidden preparation, healing, and surrender to reshape her identity and teach her to trust His timing. Hope also opens up about overcoming insecurity, fear, depression, and lies about her identity—and how grounding herself in God's Word transformed her life. Her story is a powerful reminder that our calling is bigger than our career, gifts, or success.   EPISODE TOPICS Trusting God's timing Surrendering personal dreams Finding identity in Christ Overcoming lies, fear, and insecurity The importance of being planted in a local church How life experiences shape songwriting Using your gifts without making them your identity Ministering through every season of life   KEY HIGHLIGHTS Hope explains why God asked her to lay down her dream of becoming an artist without asking her to stop singing. She shares how "Peace Be Still" sat for years before becoming her breakthrough song during COVID. Years of feeling unseen were actually years of preparation and transformation. Hope describes how Scripture reshaped her thinking and helped her recognize the lies she had believed about herself. She emphasizes the importance of being rooted in a local church for community, accountability, and spiritual growth. Hope's definition of success has shifted from being known as a great singer to being known as someone who loved people and ministered the gospel.   FINAL TAKEAWAY Your current season is not your forever season. God can be working deeply in you even when your circumstances don't look like what you expected. Surrender your timeline, trust His process, and remember that your identity and calling are ultimately found in Christ—not in your career, platform, or accomplishments.     RESOURCES & LINKS:   Follow along with Hope Darst! https://www.hopedarst.com/   FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting. https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide   Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge   Be a part of our community of songwriters from across the globe. Join NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community   Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters! NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com   Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

  8. Sep 7

    CLARK BECKHAM: Finding Your Voice and Following Your Calling

    Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4   TITLE: CLARK BECKHAM: Finding Your Voice and Following Your Calling   HOSTS: John Chisum   EPISODE SUMMARY Clark Beckham, American Idol Season 14 runner-up, shares his journey from growing up in Nashville to discovering his unique voice as a singer, songwriter, and musician. He talks about overcoming rejection, developing his vocal and musical skills, and learning humility through his American Idol experience. Clark also explains how his love for R&B, jazz, gospel, and complex musical arrangements shapes his worship and songwriting. Most importantly, he shares how he sees music as a way to connect with God and express what he sees through "redeemed eyes."   EPISODE TOPICS Overcoming rejection and finding opportunities Discovering your unique musical identity Growing up in a musical family Developing vocal technique and mixed voice Learning music through curiosity and experimentation Clark's American Idol journey Faith and purpose in the entertainment industry Learning humility through losing Using music as a personal expression of worship Writing authentic love songs   KEY HIGHLIGHTS Clark shares how Nashville's music scene initially rejected him because he didn't fit the country music mold. He learned guitar and piano largely on his own and developed a deep understanding of music by asking, "Why does this sound like that?" Vocal training transformed his range and helped prepare him for his signature high notes on American Idol. His time on American Idol strengthened rather than weakened his faith and sense of calling. Finishing second taught Clark an important lesson about pride, humility, and trusting that winning isn't always what's best. Clark sees complex chords and musical beauty as part of God's creative design. His songwriting is rooted in observing God's creation and expressing it authentically through music.   FINAL TAKEAWAY Your calling doesn't have to look like everyone else's. Clark's story is a reminder to embrace the unique way God has wired you, keep developing your craft, and resist the temptation to measure success by recognition or winning. Authentic artistry happens when your gifts, your experiences, and your faith come together.     RESOURCES & LINKS:   Follow along with Clark Beckham! https://clarkbeckham.com/   FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting. https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide   Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE! https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge   Be a part of our community of songwriters from across the globe. Join NCS Community! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community   Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters! NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com   Real people writing real songs - check out NCS Collective https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

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4.9
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

The Song Revolution Podcast exists to empower you through valuable songwriting insights, inspiration, and interviews with some of the greatest songwriters, producers, arrangers, artists, and creatives in the industry and beyond. Find out more at nashvillechristiansongwriters.com

Information

  • Creator
    Nashville Christian Songwriters
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    293
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nashville Christian Songwriters
  • Show Website
    Song Revolution with John Chisum

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