The Sower Project

Eric Tuffendsam
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The podcast where bible meets music. We dive into all things relating to the current state of Christian music. Hosted by Eric Tuffendsam, the songwriter behind the solo project Sower.”

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    Alex Zimmerman of Near Kingdom Records: A New Way Forward for Christian Music

    In this conversation, Eric Tuffendsam interviews Alex Zimmermann, co-founder of Near Kingdom Records, discussing his journey in the Christian music industry, the challenges faced by indie artists, and the importance of community and collaboration in music. They explore the evolution of Christian music, the impact of major labels, and the need for a new approach to support emerging artists. Alex shares valuable insights and advice for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the significance of social media presence, consistent music releases, and the importance of documenting the impact of their work. About Alex:  https://nearkingdomrecords.com/ https://www.instagram.com/circlebackeg/?hl=en LISTEN TO GREAT MUSIC: biblicalindierock.com sowerproject.com Support Sower Project Patreon.com/sowerproject

    57 min

  2. JAN 26

    I Once Was Blind - Eric from Sower shares his testimony

    In this solo episode, Eric tells the story of how he came to faith in Christ and some of the pivotal growth points he's had since then. May Christ encourage you through it! For biblical indie rock music, visit: biblicalindierock.com sowerproject.com

    28 min

  3. JAN 12

    The Challenge of Self Promotion - Zac Taw from Zily Creative Works

    In this conversation, Eric Tuffendsam and Zac discuss the challenges of self-promotion for Christian entrepreneurs, particularly in the context of Zac's card game, Escape Master. They explore the fears associated with promoting one's work, the importance of community feedback, and the balance between creativity and marketing. The discussion emphasizes trusting God throughout the process and learning from failures, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their gifts and promote their work confidently. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.zilycreativeworks.com/ For Biblical Indie Rock Music: biblicalindierock.com and sowerproject.com

    44 min

  4. 12/29/2025

    AI Music and the Christian Conscience: Wisdom, Dominion, and Deception

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping music creation, but should Christians embrace it without discernment? In this short episode, Eric examines AI music through a biblical lens. Is AI just another tool, or is it fundamentally different? We discuss conscience, honesty, disclosure, human creativity, and whether outsourcing music to AI undermines the Christian calling to create with wisdom and integrity. This conversation calls Christian musicians and listeners to slow down, think biblically, and approach AI with discernment rather than novelty or fear. Support the ministry of sower: patreon.com/sowerproject Listen: sowerproject.com More: biblicalindierock.com

    8 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    Serving Hope in the Trenches: A Conversation with DJ Collier of BLOC Ministries

    In this episode, Eric sits down with DJ Collier, a leader with BLOC Ministries in Cincinnati, Ohio — an urban ministry devoted to serving neighbors in need with both compassion and truth. We dive into the realities of ministry in one of Cincinnati’s most underserved communities and explore the delicate balance between meeting physical needs and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. DJ walks us through the heart of their work: how they respond to crisis first, offering tangible help like meals, basic care, and safe space, and how they ensure their efforts build holistic growth rather than enable dependency. We talk about how BLOC prioritizes crisis intervention, while also creating pathways toward healing, dignity, and spiritual transformation. This isn’t just charity — it’s intentional, long-term relationship building in the name of Christ. DJ shares insights on walking alongside people in real struggle, how ministry leaders can avoid reinforcing systems of dependency, and what it looks like to invite people into a life transformed by hope and relationship with Jesus. BLOC Ministries is a faith-based organization focused on building relationships with neighbors and sharing hope in brokenness in the Price Hill area of Cincinnati. They serve through multiple programs, including food assistance, emergency care, job skills training, youth mentoring, transitional homes, and holistic support aimed at long-term growth and restoration.  Learn more & get involved: 🔗 Official Website: https://www.onebloc.org/  🔗 Contact & Volunteer: https://www.onebloc.org/contact-us  🔗 Mission Trips & Group Engagement: https://www.onebloc.org/missions  🔗 Weightless Anchor (Crisis Care): https://www.onebloc.org/weightless-anchor  🔗 Redeemed Home (Residential Recovery): https://www.onebloc.org/redeemedhome   Hear Sower at sowerproject.com and more music at biblicalindierock.com

    54 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    Friendship, Discipleship, and Instrumental Post Rock with Jeremiah Medley from Fury & Solace

    Eric talks with his close friend, Jeremiah Medley, who also plays guitar in the amazing post rock instrumental band, Fury & Solace. Their friendship goes back 15 years and includes some hard moments of discipleship, counting the cost, and a growing bond as brothers in Christ. They met in Eric's recording Studio, Moonlight Studios, just after Jeremiah graduated from high school. Now, fifteen years later, both have families, still do Christian music, and are members of the same church in the Cincinnati area. You will be encouraged as they talk about Jeremiah's current band, then take a trip down memory lane. Follow Fury & Solace: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2XEpCtVHq1Zh6qHwCI3d9G?si=b_3alL--RxK8yf63hujQcQ https://music.apple.com/us/artist/fury-solace/1665004666 https://www.instagram.com/furysolace/ As always, find great biblical indie rock music at biblicalindierock.com Find sower at sowerproject.com

    45 min

  7. 11/16/2025

    Shepherd Bridge - A Family Legacy Reversed (Concept Album and Book)

    In this conversation, Eric Tuffendsam and Tyler Daniel explore the creative journey behind Tyler's project, Shepherd Bridge, which encompasses a music album and a book. They discuss the importance of prayer, fellowship, and the role of the local church in supporting creative endeavors. Tyler shares his personal testimony of overcoming a difficult childhood and finding faith, emphasizing the rawness and authenticity in his music. The conversation highlights the significance of community and the transformative power of art in expressing one's faith. shepherdbridgeofficial.com sowerproject.com biblicalindierock.com

    48 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    Josh from Make Sure - Disagreeing With Charity

    Eric talks to his friend, Josh, from the indie rock project, "Make Sure." They had been having conversations privately and thought it would be helpful to bring the conversation to the public. Eric and Josh both love Jesus and His word and desire to live and talk in a way that honors Christ. Yet, they land in pretty different places regarding political and social issues. We get into the topics of patriarchy, race, and even a bit of the Charlie Kirk stuff that has sparked a massive conversation across the globe. This is not a debate and many things are left unsaid. Listen with grace and an open bible. Josh aligns with more with Tim Keller, Russell Moore, Gavin Ortland, and Kevin DeYoung while Eric has been greatly influenced by Douglas Wilson, Michael Foster, Wayne Grudem, and John Piper. So how can we have productive conversations with Christians who's worldview is very different from ours? It's difficult, takes time, and requires the godly attributes from James 3:13-18 and Proverbs 18:17. Check out Make Sure's new album, "Starry May Morning" at https://makesure.bandcamp.com/album/starry-may-morning Visit sowerproject.com and biblicalindierock.com for good ole' fashioned indie rock music that is explicitly biblical.

    1h 16m

  9. 10/20/2025

    What Makes Music Christian? With Brian Day

    Eric sits down with his brother-in-law, Brian Day to discuss the complexities of adding the label, "Christian" to music. Brian is a longtime musician and songwriter. Follow his podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilosopherRock2020 and his current music projects: https://acrolith.bandcamp.com/album/allision and https://blackwithstars.bandcamp.com/album/black-with-stars. Featured Biblical Indie Rock Artist: Descriptor. Listen at biblicalindierock.com. Please consider supporting the mission of Sower at patreon.com/sowerproject

    50 min

  10. 10/06/2025

    Twenty One Pilots "Breach" Meaning

    In this solo episode, Eric discusses his history with Twenty One Pilots and why he interprets their lyrics through the lens of his Christian worldview. He also breaks down the meaning of each of the 13 songs on the new album, "Breach." Listen to Sower's music at sowerproject.com or at biblicalindierock.com

    32 min

  11. 09/22/2025

    The History of Sower

    In this solo episode, Eric discusses the history of Sower and how his love for songwriting, production, and teaching the Bible have all come together. He discusses his studio, moonlightstudios.org, his old bands, Curbsquirrels (Christian Pop Punk) who was signed to Dug Records, and Kevin and the Octaves (Indie Pop), which has been featured in many tv shows, movies, trailers, and video games over the years. Eric has also released a number of songs under his own name, Eric Tuffendsam. As a producer, the biggest song Eric has worked on is the song "Make You Mine" by Public, accumulating over a billion plays between all platforms. Featured Biblical Indie Rock Artist: Zambroa. You can find more at biblicalindierock.com.

    22 min

  12. 09/08/2025

    Rich Mullins Kindred Spirit - Interview with one of Rich's old friends, Dan Monahan

    Dan Monahan, a college roommate and friend of Rich Mullins, reminisces about his time with Rich. Eric and Dan talk about how Rich might have viewed the modern Christian music industry today (CCM).

    44 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

The podcast where bible meets music. We dive into all things relating to the current state of Christian music. Hosted by Eric Tuffendsam, the songwriter behind the solo project Sower.”

Information

  • Creator
    Eric Tuffendsam
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Eric Tuffendsam
  • Show Website
    The Sower Project