The Upload with Brooke Taylor

iHeartPodcasts

Hosted by radio personality Brooke Taylor alongside her co-host, Pastor Mark Evans, The Upload dives into real and honest conversations about faith, purpose, and life. Each week, Brooke and Mark sit down with musicians, authors, athletes, and influencers to explore what faith means to them, and how it shapes the way they navigate their unique callings, careers, and family lives. Rooted in authenticity, The Upload goes deeper than surface-level chats. Guests share personal stories, defining moments, and the spiritual lessons that sustain them through both triumphs and challenges. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, inspiration, or just a meaningful conversation to lift your week, this podcast is designed to uplift your soul and strengthen your walk.

  1. 5d ago

    Jenna Raine: Courting, Conviction & Putting Jesus at the Center

    This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with singer-songwriter Jenna Raine for an honest conversation about faith, relationships, discernment, and boldly living for Christ in the music industry. Fresh off the release of her debut album Jeans, Boys and Jesus and celebrating her recent engagement, Jenna shares why following God's plan has always mattered more than following the world's expectations. Jenna opens up about growing up with a deep love for Jesus, developing strong discernment from a young age, and how trusting the Holy Spirit shaped every relationship that led her to her fiancé. She shares why becoming friends first laid the foundation for a healthy relationship, how she discovered the biblical concept of courting, and why she's passionate about pursuing marriage God's way rather than simply following modern dating culture. Together, they discuss: Why friendship is the foundation of a lasting marriage Courting vs. modern dating Learning to trust God's timing over your own plans Putting "Jesus" in the title of a mainstream album Living boldly for Christ without being confined by labels Why community is essential to a thriving faith Navigating church hurt with grace instead of bitterness The importance of confession, repentance, and personal conviction One of the most compelling moments of the episode comes as Jenna explains why she chose to include Jesus in the title of her debut album. While some assumed it meant she was releasing a worship album, Jenna shares that Jeans, Boys and Jesus simply reflects her life—a young woman pursuing relationships, chasing her calling, and keeping Christ at the center of it all. For Jenna, following Jesus isn't a genre—it's her identity. Brooke, Mark, and Jenna also dive into why so many people struggle with church hurt, how Christians should view imperfect leaders, and why genuine faith is built through a personal relationship with Jesus—not borrowed belief. Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or simply seeking to grow in your walk with Christ, this episode is a refreshing reminder that God's plans are always worth trusting.  🎧 If you've ever wrestled with dating, purpose, church hurt, or boldly living out your faith, this conversation will encourage you to pursue Jesus with confidence and conviction. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jenna Raine: Courting, Conviction & Putting Jesus at the Center
  2. Aug 19

    Morgan Myles: Calling Off Her Wedding, Choosing Faith & Learning to Never Settle

    This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with singer-songwriter and The Voice finalist Morgan Myles for a raw conversation about heartbreak, resilience, surrender, and trusting God when life doesn't go according to plan. Morgan opens up about one of the biggest decisions of her life: calling off her wedding just months before she was supposed to walk down the aisle. After she and her fiancé bought a house together, Morgan says things began to change and incompatibilities she could no longer ignore—including differences in their faith—became clear. Despite the invitations being sent and plans already in motion, Morgan knew she couldn't move forward simply because she was afraid of embarrassment or disappointing other people. Her biggest lesson from walking away? Never settle. In an incredible twist, Morgan had a show just 30 minutes after ending the engagement. Rather than canceling, she walked onstage with her guitar, told the crowd what had just happened, and performed. Looking back, she describes the decision not with regret, but with relief—and a belief that God had different plans for her life. Morgan also shares how years of rejection, loss, and navigating the music industry have deepened her relationship with God. She gets candid about the pressure to measure success through streams, followers, likes, and career milestones—and why she's trying to trade control for surrender. Instead of asking how far her career can take her, Morgan says her prayer has become: “Lord, make me a better vessel.” The conversation explores knowing when it's time to leave a relationship, listening to the convictions God places on your heart, finding peace in letting go, and refusing to allow another person to dim the light and purpose God has given you. Morgan also explains why her concerts have evolved into something deeper than performances—creating spaces where fans share their own stories of heartbreak, abuse, loss, and healing and find connection through music. And through it all, Morgan reflects on the importance of perspective. After losing a close friend to cancer at just 36, she shares how grief has reminded her how quickly life can change and how little so many of the things we stress about actually matter. From a broken engagement to career rejection, grief, anxiety, and learning to loosen her grip on the future, Morgan's story is a reminder that sometimes there's peace in the leaving—and God's plan requires the courage to let go. 🎧 If you've ever wondered whether you should stay, struggled to surrender control, or felt like your worth was tied to someone else's approval or your own success, this conversation is an encouragement to trust God, know your worth, and never settle. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Morgan Myles: Calling Off Her Wedding, Choosing Faith & Learning to Never Settle
  3. Aug 12

    Charles Wesley Godwin: Losing His Son, Choosing Faith & Finding God in Grief

    This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin for a deeply personal conversation about grief, healing, fatherhood, and the faith that carried his family through unimaginable loss. Faith has always been part of Charles’ life. The grandson of a Methodist preacher, he never experienced a season of completely walking away from God—but admits that for much of his life, faith wasn't always his first priority. That changed in August 2024, when Charles and his wife, Samantha, lost their son Samuel to stillbirth. Charles describes the loss as the moment that forever changed him and moved his relationship with God to the “front of the line” in his life. In the midst of devastating grief, Charles made a conscious decision not to turn toward anger or resentment, but to turn toward God. He shares how the story of Job helped him wrestle with the questions that come with tragedy and trust that his family's pain is part of a story much bigger than what he can currently understand. Since Samuel's passing, Charles and Samantha have welcomed their son Elijah—a source of joy and a glimpse of redemption in the midst of their ongoing healing. Charles also opens up about pouring his grief into his music. He describes his upcoming album as his own version of a worship album—a statement of faith created to glorify God and point to Him as his healer. While Charles doesn't know what the project will accomplish commercially, he knows what he hopes it will accomplish personally: reaching others who have experienced loss and helping them feel less alone.Together, Brooke, Mark and Charles discuss raising children with a foundation of faith, the importance of church and genuine community, finding purpose beyond success, and why Charles believes we're simply not designed to navigate life alone. Toward the end of the conversation, Charles offers a simple message to anyone currently walking through grief: turn to faith. He shares that whenever he's sincerely come to God and asked for help, help has arrived—and encourages anyone who has never prayed before to simply try. You don't need the perfect words; you just have to start the conversation. This is a raw and hopeful conversation about what it means to trust God when you don't understand His plan, to believe He is still good in the midst of profound pain, and to allow Him to meet you in the places you can't heal on your own. 🎧 If you've experienced loss, questioned why God allows painful things to happen, or struggled to hold onto faith in a season that doesn't make sense, Charles' story is a powerful reminder that you don't have to walk through it alone. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Charles Wesley Godwin: Losing His Son, Choosing Faith & Finding God in Grief
  4. Aug 5

    Jordan McCullough: From Rejection to American Idol, God's Timing & Living Boldly for Christ

    This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor sits down with American Idol runner-up Jordan McCullough for an inspiring conversation about rejection, surrender, worship, and discovering that God's delays are often His greatest preparation. Before captivating millions of viewers on American Idol and making his Grand Ole Opry debut, Jordan experienced a crushing disappointment that almost made him give up on music altogether. After auditioning for The Voice and receiving no chair turns, he wrestled with shame, disappointment, and wondering why God had allowed him to fail so publicly. But looking back now, Jordan sees that season differently—not as rejection, but as God's loving preparation for something far greater. Jordan shares how fully surrendering his dreams to God in 2019 transformed everything. Instead of chasing success, he began pursuing a genuine relationship with Christ, stepping into full-time ministry as a worship leader before God unexpectedly opened the door to American Idol. This time, his identity wasn't rooted in the outcome—it was rooted in Jesus. Together, they discuss: Why God's "wait" is often preparation, not denial Recovering after public rejection and disappointment Living boldly for Christ in the entertainment industry The difference between being a "church kid" and a Christ follower Why worship is about your heart—not your performance Laying down pride and surrendering every success back to God Navigating sudden success with humility and grace Trusting God's identity for your life over the world's expectations One of the most encouraging moments of the conversation comes as Jordan reflects on the years between The Voice and American Idol. What once felt like failure became the very season God used to refine his character, deepen his faith, and prepare him for the platform he has today. As Jordan puts it, if success had come earlier, he wouldn't have been ready to steward it well. Brooke and Jordan also dive into the beauty of authentic worship, reminding listeners that there isn't one "right" way to worship God. Whether your hands are raised high or you're quietly reflecting in your seat, God is after your heart—not your performance. Honest, uplifting, and full of wisdom, this episode is a reminder that God's timing is never late, His preparation always has purpose, and the greatest success you'll ever find is becoming who He created you to be. 🎧 If you've ever faced rejection, questioned God's timing, or wondered whether your season of waiting has a purpose, this conversation will encourage you to keep trusting—even when you can't yet see what God is preparing you for. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jordan McCullough: From Rejection to American Idol, God's Timing & Living Boldly for Christ
  5. Jul 29

    Lathan Warlick: God Stopped The Bullet & Gave Me A New Life

    This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with artist, storyteller, and encourager Lathan Warlick for a powerful conversation about purpose, prayer, and the unmistakable hand of God throughout his life. Growing up on the east side of Jackson, Tennessee, Lathan shares how his environment nearly pulled him away from the faith he embraced as a child. But even in the darkest moments, God continued to pursue him—through a stranger's prophetic word, a life-changing encounter on stage, and a miracle that forever altered the course of his life. Lathan recounts the terrifying night he found himself staring down the barrel of a .45 caliber handgun. As he silently cried out to God for help, the trigger clicked—but the bullet never fired. Moments later, headlights flooded the scene, sending the attackers running. When Lathan returned to the spot, he discovered the bullet on the ground and realized the gun hadn't jammed at all. It became undeniable evidence to him that God had intervened and spared his life for a greater purpose. The conversation also explores: How a prophetic word shifted him from dancing to using his voice for God Why surrender—not striving—brought balance to his life The life-changing power of prayer and fasting Protecting your heart, mind, and attention in the age of social media Building a legacy of faith that outlives money or success Why unity is at the heart of everything God calls us to do Lathan also shares how stepping away from a stable railroad career to pursue music wasn't just a career decision—it was an act of obedience. Now, as an independent artist, he continues to use his platform to bridge cultures, inspire hope, and point people to Jesus through every song and every story. Honest, passionate, and filled with unforgettable testimony, this episode is a reminder that God is still working miracles, still calling people into purpose, and still writing stories that only He could orchestrate. 🎧 If you've ever wondered whether God still speaks, still protects, or still has a purpose for your life, this conversation will encourage you to trust Him—even when you can't yet see the bigger picture. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lathan Warlick: God Stopped The Bullet & Gave Me A New Life
  6. Jul 22

    Franni Cash: Escaping a Cult, Hearing God's Voice & Finding the Real Jesus

    This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with singer-songwriter Franni Cash for one of the most vulnerable conversations yet. Known to many as the former frontwoman of We The Kingdom, Franni opens up about the painful reality of growing up in a controlling religious cult, the long road to healing, and how she ultimately discovered the true heart of Jesus. Franni shares how her family's involvement with a manipulative spiritual leader distorted her view of God from a young age. After the group's abuse and deception were publicly exposed, she found herself wrestling with church hurt, forgiveness, and one life-changing question: Who is Jesus, really? Rather than walking away from faith, Franni dove into Scripture for herself. Through reading the Gospels, she encountered a Savior who wasn't controlling or condemning, but gentle, compassionate, and deeply personal. She reflects on how learning to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit transformed her understanding of God's character—and gave her the confidence to follow Him instead of relying on the opinions of others. Together, they discuss: Escaping spiritual abuse and rebuilding faith The difference between religion and a relationship with Jesus Why church hurt doesn't have to be the end of your story Learning to hear God's voice for yourself The role of pastors, discernment, and spiritual authority Forgiveness, healing, and finding freedom after trauma Why authentic storytelling matters in Christian music Franni also shares what led her to step away from We The Kingdom and launch her solo career. She opens up about writing deeply personal songs—including Raised by Wolves—and why she felt God calling her to tell the difficult parts of her story in hopes that others would find healing, freedom, and the courage to believe they aren't alone. This episode is an honest reminder that even when people misrepresent God, Jesus remains the same. He isn't afraid of your questions, your doubts, or your pain—and He is still in the business of redeeming broken stories. 🎧 If you've experienced church hurt, questioned your faith, or longed to hear God's voice for yourself, this conversation offers hope that healing is possible—and that the real Jesus is far kinder than you may have imagined. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Franni Cash: Escaping a Cult, Hearing God's Voice & Finding the Real Jesus
  7. Jul 15

    Chase Wright: Brokenness, Surrender & Finding God in the Lowest Moments

    his week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with country artist Chase Wright for one of the most honest and vulnerable conversations we've had yet. Chase opens up about the moments that brought him to rock bottom, becoming a single father, rebuilding his life, and discovering that sometimes God meets us most powerfully when we've run out of strength. Chase shares how a friend's simple invitation to church and church camp transformed his faith as a teenager, why he believes God often uses our deepest trials to shape our greatest purpose, and how surrender—not self-reliance—became the turning point in his story. He also reflects on navigating the music industry as a Christian, wrestling with conviction in his songwriting, and learning what it truly means to live a life that points others to Jesus. Together, they discuss: How God uses brokenness to build stronger faith Becoming a single dad and finding hope through heartbreak Why "casting your cares" is more than just a Bible verse Learning to trust God's timing over your own plans Living with conviction in a culture that celebrates compromise Reading Scripture through the lens of real-life trials Marriage, purity, parenting, and leading by example Why your greatest testimony may come from your hardest season One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes as Chase recalls falling to his knees in desperation, praying, "God, just take this—I can't carry it anymore." Looking back, he now sees how surrendering his pain became the beginning of healing, reminding listeners that even when circumstances don't immediately change, God can begin changing your heart. Honest, heartfelt, and full of hope, this episode is a reminder that no one is beyond God's grace. Your lowest moments don't disqualify you—they may be the very place where God begins writing your greatest testimony. 🎧 If you've ever wondered why God allows hardship, struggled with shame from your past, or needed the courage to surrender what you can't control, this conversation will remind you that God is still working—even in the middle of the valley. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Chase Wright: Brokenness, Surrender & Finding God in the Lowest Moments
  8. Jul 8

    Matthew West: Authentic Faith, Don't Stop Praying & Following God's Voice

    This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with award-winning Christian artist, author, and songwriter Matthew West for a powerful conversation about authenticity, prayer, parenting, marriage, and what it truly means to walk with God. As a preacher's kid who has spent more than two decades in the spotlight, Matthew reflects on the pressure of always looking like he had it all together—and why he's spent much of his faith journey learning to "shed the performer." He shares how losing his voice early in his career forced him into a season of silence and solitude, where God began teaching him that his identity was never meant to be found in success or performance, but in simply being His child. The conversation dives into Matthew's latest message of Don't Stop Praying, inspired by years of praying for a loved one battling addiction. He encourages anyone who's growing weary in prayer to keep believing, reminding listeners that even when God's answers don't come on our timeline, He is always working. Brooke also vulnerably shares her own journey through miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, and praying, "Lord, I believe—help my unbelief." Together, they discuss: Why authenticity is more powerful than perfection Learning to pray without ceasing in everyday life The difference between talking about Jesus and talking to Him Navigating marriage through humility, forgiveness, and grace Parenting daughters with gentleness, honesty, and intentionality The importance of silence, solitude, and hearing God's voice Why following God's plan is better than asking Him to bless your own One of the most memorable moments of the episode comes as Matthew recounts a father-daughter exercise where his blindfolded daughter had to navigate a trail by remembering three simple truths: "I'll never leave you. You can ask me anything. Only listen for the sound of my voice." What unfolded became a profound picture of God's relationship with His children—and a reminder that even when we find ourselves in life's ditches, our Heavenly Father is still there, waiting for us to call out to Him. Honest, funny, and deeply encouraging, this episode is filled with practical wisdom for anyone longing to deepen their prayer life, pursue authentic faith, and trust God's voice above every other.  🎧 If you've ever struggled with unanswered prayers, performance, parenting, or simply slowing down long enough to hear God speak, this conversation will encourage you to keep walking—and keep praying. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Matthew West: Authentic Faith, Don't Stop Praying & Following God's Voice
4.9
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Hosted by radio personality Brooke Taylor alongside her co-host, Pastor Mark Evans, The Upload dives into real and honest conversations about faith, purpose, and life. Each week, Brooke and Mark sit down with musicians, authors, athletes, and influencers to explore what faith means to them, and how it shapes the way they navigate their unique callings, careers, and family lives. Rooted in authenticity, The Upload goes deeper than surface-level chats. Guests share personal stories, defining moments, and the spiritual lessons that sustain them through both triumphs and challenges. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, inspiration, or just a meaningful conversation to lift your week, this podcast is designed to uplift your soul and strengthen your walk.

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