The Deepest Cut

The Rabbit Room Podcast Network & Matt Conner
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast about the movement from painful experiences to meaningful music. Part of the Rabbit Room podcast network. (Rabbitroom.com)

  1. Mac Powell: "It's a Shame"

    DEC 19

    Mac Powell: "It's a Shame"

    Mac Powell warned me ahead of time that he was fully prepared to cry. It’s not uncommon for us to talk about emotional subjects here on the Deepest Cut. After all, our subject matter walks us through the formative process behind a song that the artist or band has labeled as the most painful or difficult song they’ve ever released. It’s par for the course. But for Powell, the song he’s ready to discuss is quite the outlier for his catalog, whether as the longtime front man for the globally-known rock band Third Day or the last few years as a solo artist. That’s because Powell says he normally doesn’t turn to songwriting to be his therapy. For all of the songs in Powell’s incredible catalog—which includes 10 million albums sold, 4 Grammy Awards and over 30 No. 1 radio singles—and for all of the nights Powell was taking center stage, it’s amazing how he managed to stay out of the spotlight of his own handiwork. “It’s a Shame”, however, was different and on this episode of the Deepest Cut, Powell says he’s prepared to discuss the song publicly for the first time. The song itself is an empathetic exercise for Powell to find perspective and healing within an alcoholic family system. As connective as the song can be, it’s surprising that Powell hasn’t tried to mine the terrain for more of what he might have to say from such tender spaces. We appreciate Powell’s openness and honesty here, especially on a subject he so rarely explores. His candor and careful approach—one literally full of care—make this a conversation that’s likely to remain with the listener long after it’s over. We hope you enjoy this episode with Mac Powell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  2. Kristian Stanfill: "Come to Jesus"

    DEC 5

    Kristian Stanfill: "Come to Jesus"

    Kristian Stanfill has spent the last two decades helping shape the sound of modern worship through Passion Music—leading songs that have echoed through stadiums, college campuses, and churches around the world. But his latest offering, “Come to Jesus,” doesn’t come from a mountaintop. It comes from the valley. Instead, Come to Jesus is an honest reflection from Krisitan on sobriety, disillusionment, and the kind of healing that only comes after hitting bottom. In this interview on the Deepest Cut, he shares how, after years of trying to numb failure and fear with alcohol, he came to a breaking point in 2020 that sparked a journey of recovery. What emerged was a simple but urgent message: Jesus is better. He’s the way forward. He’s the only way out. Kristian speaks of “Come to Jesus” as both testimony and sermon, a song forged from his own transformation and the hunger he sees in a new generation of worshipers. Whether leading from a stage or writing with others, his sings it with all the fervor of a heavenly invitation. Here’s our interview with Kristian Stanfill, a conversation about redemption, freedom, and the power of telling your story—one honest line at a time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min
  3. Cindy Morgan: "Bows and Arrows"

    NOV 7

    Cindy Morgan: "Bows and Arrows"

    Cindy Morgan knows the power of a moment. A shadow stretching across a summer meadow. A yellow dress. A question from a daughter growing up too fast. These are the kinds of scenes that stay with her—images that slowly turn into songs over months, even years. That patience and attention to detail have defined her decades-long career. As one of the most celebrated songwriters in Christian music, Cindy has earned two GRAMMY nominations, 14 Dove Awards, and 21 No. 1 hits. She’s written for artists across genres—Amy Grant, Vince Gill, India.Arie, Rascal Flatts—and built a catalog known for its emotional depth and lyrical honesty. In this conversation, Cindy shares the long, personal journey behind “Bows and Arrows,” a song she spent nearly a decade writing for her daughter. We talk about writing from life, writing with care, and what it means to tell the truth as a mother and an artist. Here’s Cindy Morgan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  4. Jenny & Tyler: "How Long"

    OCT 24

    Jenny & Tyler: "How Long"

    When a late-night medical emergency upended Jenny Somers’ world, fear and fragility became unexpected companions. Out of that darkness came “How Long,” a raw and prayerful song shaped by grief, healing, and the Psalms. In this episode of The Deepest Cut, the beloved folk/pop duo Jenny & Tyler open up about the story behind the song, the private ways they process pain through music, and how their art continues to trace the thin places between lament and hope. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min
  5. Matt Wheeler: "Worn Thin"

    OCT 10

    Matt Wheeler: "Worn Thin"

    In this episode of The Deepest Cut, singer-songwriter Matt Wheeler reflects on the painful season that inspired his 2024 single Worn Thin. Known for crafting songs rooted in literature, Matt shares how personal trials led him to a “thin place”—a sacred space where God felt closer than ever. From health struggles to spiritual renewal, this conversation explores the intersection of suffering, transcendence, and the healing power of honest songwriting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min
  6. Greg Lafollette: "Psalm 88 (Darkness is my Closest Friend)

    SEP 12

    Greg Lafollette: "Psalm 88 (Darkness is my Closest Friend)

    On this episode of The Deepest Cut, Greg LaFollette shares the story behind Psalm 88 (Darkness is my Closest Friend)—a hauntingly honest song born from a season of deep pain. Rather than rushing toward resolution, Greg explores what it means to remain in lament, offering worship for those still in the valley. It’s a moving conversation about faith in the dark, the power of honest prayer, and creating space for sorrow in our spiritual lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min
  7. Sanctus Real: "On The Mend"

    AUG 29

    Sanctus Real: "On The Mend"

    In this episode of The Deepest Cut, Chris Rohman of Sanctus Real opens up about the deeply personal story behind the band’s single On The Mend. After decades of making honest, faith-driven music, Chris reflects on recent struggles with mental health and how a season of panic attacks led to a powerful new song about breaking down—and slowly healing. It’s a candid conversation on vulnerability, longevity, and the ongoing journey of making music that truly matters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
  8. Ellie Holcomb: "Red Sea Road "

    AUG 15

    Ellie Holcomb: "Red Sea Road "

    On this episode of The Deepest Cut, singer-songwriter Ellie Holcomb reflects on the story behind “Red Sea Road,” a song written during a season of profound sorrow. She shares how grief, faith, and community shaped the songwriting process, and we explore her journey as a solo artist, author, and mother navigating creativity in hard places. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
See All (31)

Trailer

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

A podcast about the movement from painful experiences to meaningful music. Part of the Rabbit Room podcast network. (Rabbitroom.com)

Information

  • Creator
    The Rabbit Room Podcast Network & Matt Conner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Deepest Cut

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