Saints in the Spotlight

Happy Valley Productions LLC
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  • Performing Arts

How do you balance your life in the entertainment biz with your values as a Christian? Can you even BE successful as a Christian in this industry? What really defines success? We take you on a journey of discovery as we take on one of the toughest questions for Christians in entertainment: Can I be successful without compromising my values? Hosted by Corwin Belnap, we reveal the stories behind some of the most inspiring success stories in the modern Christian world -- and redefine what it truly means to succeed.

Episodes

  1. Jul 21

    Yahosh Bonner: Moving Forward with Faith

    The conversation with Yahosh Bonner covers the extraordinary musical and spiritual legacy of the Bonner family, from their humble beginnings to their journey of faith and the power of family and music. It also delves into the challenges of building a brand and the importance of promoting humility and faith in the entertainment industry. The conversation covers topics such as uplifting through gifts, balancing career and passion, reconciling grievances of the past, the legacy of gospel music, honoring ancestral history, and encouragement for moving forward. Yahosh shares insights on the importance of using gifts to uplift and edify, finding balance between career and passion, reconciling grievances of the past, and carrying on the legacy of gospel music. He also emphasizes the significance of honoring ancestral history and encourages individuals to move forward with faith and perseverance. Takeaways The Bonner family's legacy is a testament to the power of faith, family, and music.Overcoming challenges and building a brand in the entertainment industry requires humility, trust, and a focus on promoting a message rather than self-promotion. Uplift and edify through giftsBalance career and passionReconcile grievances of the pastHonor ancestral historyEncouragement for moving forward Chapters 00:00 The Bonner Family Legacy03:02 The Journey to Las Vegas05:05 Finding Faith in Adversity09:59 The Power of Family and Music20:02 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Brand27:02 Promoting Humility and Faith29:47 Uplifting Through Gifts31:03 Balancing Career and Passion34:17 Reconciling Grievances of the Past44:40 Legacy of Gospel Music51:51 Honoring Ancestral History01:01:07 Encouragement and Moving Forward

    Yahosh Bonner: Moving Forward with Faith

  2. Jun 23

    What Musicians Get Wrong About Success | Ben Truman

    Ben Truman shares his journey from growing up in Nashville to launching his music career at BYU. He discusses the influence of his family, the challenges of the music industry, and the evolution of his music style. Ben also emphasizes the importance of faith and family in his music, and the business skills required for success in the industry. The conversation covers the journey of the Truman Brothers in the music industry, from their involvement in The Nashville Tribute Band to their decision to create Christian music. It explores their experiences on the NACA circuit, the success of their song 'Quiet Revolution,' and the inspiration behind 'Bruised.' The discussion also delves into their definition of success and their future plans. Takeaways The impact of a music industry upbringingThe evolution of music style and faith-based messaging Navigating opportunities and advantagesOvercoming adversity in college shows Chapters 00:00 The Music Industry Upbringing07:27 The Thank You Tour and Musical Projects13:36 Balancing Music and Family Life19:07 The Secret to a Good Song29:27 The Basics of Business36:27 Navigating Opportunities and Advantages41:53 Overcoming Adversity in College Shows49:04 Success of 'Quiet Revolution'56:21 Authenticity in Christian Music01:03:15 Defining Success in Music

  3. Jun 10

    Accidentally on Purpose: How two cousins reached over 6 million streams

    Halfy & Winks, two cousins, share their journey from accidental music creation to viral success, emphasizing the emotional impact of music and the power of passion in creative endeavors. Their evolution from childhood jealousy to creative collaboration and the balance between quality and quantity in music production are key themes. The viral breakthrough of 'Oblivion' brought both success and new challenges, shaping their approach to future releases. The conversation with Halfy & Winks covers their journey of growth, challenges, and adaptation in the music industry. It delves into their commitment to faith, reconciliation, and the evolution of their music and brand. The discussion also explores their financial harmony, future plans, and expansion into live events and animation. Takeaways Passion is the driving force behind creative endeavors.The emotional impact of music is a powerful tool for storytelling and connection.Balancing quality and quantity in music production is a challenge that requires careful consideration. Adaptation and growth are essential in the pursuit of improvement and success.Navigating challenges and maintaining authenticity is crucial for sustained growth and success. Chapters 00:00 The Accidental Magic of Music06:32 The Evolution of a Friendship15:04 The Emotional Impact of Music22:56 Starting with Passion and Perseverance29:37 The Viral Breakthrough and Its Aftermath36:19 Navigating Challenges and Growth42:14 Commitment to Faith and Mission49:40 Evolution of Music and Brand54:53 Navigating Backlash and Authenticity01:01:33 Financial Harmony and Future Plans

  4. May 26

    From Grief to Grace: The Evie Clair Story

    Evie Clair shares her journey from early exposure to music and family influence to her experience on America's Got Talent and performing through grief and loss. Her story highlights the impact of persistence, resilience, and the power of music in times of hardship. The conversation with Evie Clair delves into the power of faith, the challenges of navigating the music industry, the balance between values and success, the complexities of independence, and the power of faith and resilience. Evie's journey as an artist and a mother highlights the importance of faith in times of struggle and the delicate balance between pursuing a music career and motherhood. Takeaways Early exposure to musicPersistence and resilienceThe impact of loss and grief Faith in times of struggleThe balance between music career and motherhood Chapters 00:00 Early Musical Beginnings and Family Influence12:57 Performing Through Grief and Loss38:50 The Power of Faith45:07 Navigating the Music Industry51:37 Balancing Values and Success01:06:02 The Challenges of Independence01:14:13 The Power of Faith and Resilience

  5. Mar 25

    The Producer: The Secret to Turning Dreams into Reality

    Tanner Christensen shares his journey from early influences to becoming an event producer, highlighting his experiences at the Eccles Theater and the impact of persistence in the industry. He discusses the challenges, setbacks, and decision-making involved in producing shows, emphasizing the unique experience and key roles in event production. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to event production and the entertainment industry. Tanner shares insights on building a team of experts, dealing with live event challenges, negotiating with A-list artists, organizational strategies, evaluating event viability, balancing creativity and business, navigating stressful show situations, the emotional impact of events, the magic of the arts, and defining success in career and life. Takeaways Early influences shape career choicesPersistence is crucial in event production Building a strong team of experienced professionals is crucial for successful event production.Dealing with live event challenges requires a focus on the performers and trust in the expertise of the technical team. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tanner Christensen06:26 Producing Shows at the Eccles Theater15:16 The Impact of Persistence and Challenges23:14 Navigating Setbacks and Future Plans30:10 Challenges in Event Industry35:31 Organizational Strategies43:24 Navigating Stressful Show Situations49:13 Emotional Impact of Events55:28 Defining Success in Career and Life

  6. Mar 10

    Songwriting 101: Berklee Music Grad Breaks Down The Formula for Writing a Hit

    The conversation delves into Brandon Pak's faith journey through music, his missionary experience, and the influence of Berklee College of Music on his career. It also explores his transition from pre-Christian to post-Christian music phase and the impact of music on his relationship with God. Additionally, it covers his debut EP, new album, and the scouting and performances at Berklee. The conversation delves into the significance of connections in the music industry, emphasizing the impact of kindness and genuine relationships. It then explores the process of crafting a song, covering topics such as starting a song with a hook, understanding song form and structure, and managing melodic and lyrical density. The conversation delves into the balance between songwriting and performance, the significance of wedding gigs for musicians, defining success in music and life, advice for aspiring musicians, and the importance of sharing testimony through talents. Takeaways Faith journey through musicTransition from pre-Christian to post-Christian music phaseImpact of music on relationship with GodMissionary experience and musicInfluence of Berklee College of Music on career Importance of connectionsStarting a song with a hookUnderstanding song form and structureMelodic and lyrical density Songwriting and performance balanceInfluence of songwriters on music performanceThe significance of wedding gigs for musiciansBalancing music career with family and other responsibilitiesDefining success in music and lifeAdvice for aspiring musiciansSharing testimony through talents Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Music Career06:20 Missionary Experience and Music13:58 Origin Story and Transition to Songwriting24:32 Scouting and Performances at Berklee43:23 Crafting a Song56:17 Balancing Songwriting and Performance01:08:43 The Significance of Wedding Gigs for Musicians01:15:39 Advice for Aspiring Musicians

  7. Feb 24

    Casey Elliott: The Power of 1000 Fans

    Casey Elliott shares his journey from a diverse career in music, acting, and entrepreneurship, driven by his faith and passion to uplift and inspire others. He discusses the formation of GENTRI and the challenges of balancing passion with career aspirations in the music industry. The conversation covers a range of topics including the balance between artistic integrity and financial stability, adapting to the changing music industry, building a niche audience on social media, owning your audience and content, creating content with emotional impact, emotional connection and audience building, faith and success in the spotlight, expanding the team and growth, setting boundaries without burning bridges, and remembering who you are. Takeaways Passion and faith drive Casey's diverse career.The music industry requires dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance. Balancing artistic integrity and financial stability is crucial for maintaining creative freedom.Building a niche audience on social media and creating emotionally impactful content are key to audience building. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Casey Elliott07:48 Life Goals and Faith13:26 Starting GENTRI18:27 Brad Robbins Joins GENTRI26:31 Challenges in Music Industry32:03 The Reality of Music Career37:05 Adapting to the Changing Music Industry43:00 Owning Your Audience and Content49:19 Faith and Success in the Spotlight55:06 Expanding the Team and Growth01:09:27 Remembering Who You Are

  8. Feb 10

    Roger and Heidi Merrill: The Magic of Creating Moments

    The conversation covers the journey of the Playmill Theater to its new building, the impact of theater on the human experience, and the challenges and rewards of running a theater business. It explores the role of the Holy Ghost in theater and the unique experiences of cast members in the theater industry. The conversation delves into the world of auditions, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, emotional connection, and being oneself. It also explores the impact of technology on human connection and the significance of family in a family-run business. Additionally, it discusses conflict management and the importance of trust and compartmentalization in a family business. Takeaways The journey of the Playmill Theater from its old space to the new buildingThe impact of theater on the human experience and the role of the Holy Ghost in theaterThe challenges and rewards of running a theater business Authenticity in auditionsThe importance of being nice and respectfulThe role of personality in auditionsThe value of real, emotional connection in auditionsThe significance of being oneself in actingThe impact of technology on human connectionThe importance of family in a family-run businessConflict management in a family businessThe importance of trust and compartmentalization in a family businessThe role of maturity and learning from experiences in a family business Chapters 00:00 The Playmill Theater's Journey to a New Building26:46 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Theater Business36:45 The X Factor in Auditions42:03 The Impact of Technology on Human Connection54:29 The Significance of Family in Business59:32 Conflict Management in a Family Business

  9. Jan 26

    Faith vs Fame: Liahona Olayan on Standing Firm in Hollywood

    The conversation delves into Liahona Olayan's early life in Hawaii, her family's sacrifice and resilience, and the pivotal moment when they willingly became homeless. It then explores her journey from American Idol to redefining success beyond fame, highlighting the challenges she faced in the music industry and the importance of maintaining personal standards and values. The conversation with Liahona Olayan covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of defining values in the music industry, the impact of modesty and standards, navigating the business side of the industry, effective networking, diversifying revenue streams, the influence of AI, leaving a lasting legacy, and future plans for music releases. Throughout the conversation, the recurring themes of authenticity, connection, and standing firm in one's values are emphasized as crucial elements for success in the music industry. Takeaways Family sacrifice and resilienceDefining success beyond fame Stand for your valuesThe importance of authenticity and connection in the music industry Chapters 00:00 Redefining Success and Purpose33:32 The Impact of Modesty and Standards38:59 Navigating the Business Side of the Music Industry45:15 Diversifying Revenue Streams in the Music Industry52:03 The Influence of AI on the Music Industry58:27 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

    Faith vs Fame: Liahona Olayan on Standing Firm in Hollywood
  • 9 Episodes

About

How do you balance your life in the entertainment biz with your values as a Christian? Can you even BE successful as a Christian in this industry? What really defines success? We take you on a journey of discovery as we take on one of the toughest questions for Christians in entertainment: Can I be successful without compromising my values? Hosted by Corwin Belnap, we reveal the stories behind some of the most inspiring success stories in the modern Christian world -- and redefine what it truly means to succeed.

Information

  • Creator
    Happy Valley Productions LLC
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Happy Valley Productions LLC
  • Show Website
    Saints in the Spotlight