In this episode, I welcome back guest Michael Riley to share another "power song story." Michael tells us about the impact of Tye Tribbett's song "I Love You Forever," describing how it lifts up Jesus and reminds him to give glory to God even through difficult times. This episode captures the essence of what I love about these short power song stories - they highlight the effect music can have on our lives and faith.

In this episode, I sat down with Michael Riley, a talented musician who's been making waves in the industry since childhood. We explored his journey from church drummer to Grammy-nominated collaborator, discussing the challenges of music directing and the impact of certain songs on his faith. Michael shared insightful stories from his career, including his work on high-profile projects with Justin Bieber and the lessons he's learned along the way. What struck me most was his humility and pass...

In this episode, I continue my conversation with Jordan Critz, diving into our "Power Song Story" segment. Jordan opens up about his deep connection to U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," describing how his interpretation of the song has evolved over time. He recounts his initial encounter with the song in his childhood home and how it's continued to impact him throughout his musical journey.We explore the profound layers of meaning in the song, from its philosophical underpinn...

As I continue my journey podcasting, I'm constantly amazed by the diverse and inspiring stories I get to uncover through the power of songs. In this episode, I found myself in Jordan Critz's stunning Nashville studio, diving deep into his musical journey and discovering more amazing and inspiring stories. From his early days of sneaking contraband Christian music to his current role as a respected producer and composer, I was Intrigued by Jordan's unique perspective on the creative process. A...

In this episode I continue my conversation with James Duke, focusing on our "Power Song Story" segment. James opens up about his deep connection to Amanda Cook's song "Pieces," describing how he first heard it on tour and the lasting impact it's had on him. James recounts his emotional experiences with the song, both as a listener and while watching Amanda perform it live. We dive into Our the power of this song's artistry, its deeply affecting lyrics, and unique ability to resonate with...

I’m excited to kick-off season 2 with an inspiring journey through the musical life of James Duke, a guitar virtuoso who has left an indelible mark on the Christian music landscape. James takes us on a nostalgic trip through his early days, from strumming his first guitar—a hand-me-down Ovation from his father—to the inspiring influence of U2's "Joshua Tree" album. He reminisces about the joy of playing alongside his bass-playing younger brother in church, and the impact of mid-90s alternativ...

In this episode I sit down with dear friend and acclaimed musician Tom Booth to explore the profound impact that music has had on his life and faith journey. Tom shares with me his early exposure to music through his father's eclectic taste, ranging from Beethoven to the Beatles, and the transformative experience of writing his first song at the age of 14. He also opens up about a mystical encounter with God at 17 that forever changed his perspective on life and music, leading him to pursue a...

This power song story is a classic from the legend Stevie Wonder. Tom Booth joins me to revisit the timeless masterpiece "Love's In Need of Love Today," sharing his personal narrative of discovery and the spiritual voyage he embarked on with each play of it on his beloved cassette tape in his college car player.Tom's infectious passion for the album's gospel undertones and the profound messages woven into Wonder's lyrics elevate our conversation to more than just a trip down memory lane...

Chris Bell returns to share the extraordinary influence of Stephen Curtis Chapman's "For the Sake of the Call" on his path as a young Christian. This power song story peels back the layers of a song that became the anthem of Chris' adolescence, steering him through the maze of temptations and leading him to a life dedicated to faith and ministry. Join us as we explore how a single melody can leave an indelible mark on the heart and soul, inspiring us to persevere for the sake of ou...

In this week's episode, I sat down with one of my best friends and fellow music lover, Chris Bell. He dove into the significant role music has played in his life and reminisced about the country classics he sang along to with his grandad in his truck on the farm. There are many other stories of the powerful Christian songs that shaped his faith journey. From his early days as a worship leader to his current role as a pastor of our home church, 3Circle, Chris shares personal stories that...

In this Power Song Story, I share my personal journey with the song "Open the Eyes of My Heart" by Paul Baloche. From playing the song in my local church to experiencing its global impact during a trip to Malaysia, I reflect on how God used this powerful worship song to connect me to the wider Christian community. I also recount a memorable encounter with Paul himself during my first GMA Dove Awards week, where a potentially disastrous meeting turned into a heartfelt conversation about music,...

In this episode, I sit down with my doppelgänger and long-time friend in the Christian music industry, Stephen Brewster. We discuss Brewster's journey from growing up on the mission field in Haiti to discovering his passion for music, particularly through the influence of Prince's "Purple Rain." Brewster shares how he transitioned from college into the music business, working with various Christian artists and labels, and how he found his niche in helping churches and ministries release their...

Have you ever been a part of something so surreal that it left you questioning the boundary between the earthly and the divine? In this power song story with Stephen Brewster he shares an incredible story that embodies this. He takes us through a worship night that transcended the ordinary during the Jason Upton "Remember," album recording. This was the night where the song "Fly" became a vessel for the supernatural to happen. Tune is to hear Brewster share this powerful story reveling ...

I love the power of this song story because it dives into the rush of clarity and Holy Spirit that washed over Ryan Horton. In this power song story he shares a profound encounter with the song “Refiner” that turned an ordinary drive into an extraordinary spiritual experience. As the lyrics "I want to be tried by fire" echoed in his car, a personal revelation unfolded, leading him to question the depth of his faith and his readiness for spiritual purification. This episode is not just a ...

In this episode of The Power of Songs, I had the honor of sitting down with Ryan Horton to discuss his incredible journey from leading worship in church to ministering through music on the streets and in subways. Ryan shares with me how his love for music was sparked at a young age by gospel artists like Fred Hammond, and how he eventually felt called by God to take his worship to "uncommon spaces."We dive into the challenges and rewards of his unconventional ministry, from hostile crowds to ...

In this first episode of my Power Song Story series, I get personal and share how the song "Ever Be" by Kalley Heiligenthal met me on a plane, listening to the first mix of the song, and reading a journal of encouraging messages from the Bethel Music label staff to me. The lyrics and journal messages collided as I'm ugly crying from feeling God's love and acceptance wash over me. I take you through my journey with Bethel Music, my own childhood struggles, and how God stepped in as...

In this episode I sit down with drummer and artist Phil J to discuss his lifelong musical journey. Phil shares personal stories with me, from his early days drumming in church at age 6, to discovering artists like Michael Jackson, Andy Mineo, and Jon Bellion that shaped his artistic development. He opens up about influential songs and pivotal moments where music's power became undeniable for him. Whether it was a concert that sparked his creativity to have air freshener fog machines his...

Join Jordan and Steve from SONS The Band as they we have a laugh-filled convo about the songs that impacted their musical journeys. From U2 to Willie Nelson to Elvis performing in the Marriott Conference Room circuit with Steve's Mom's band opening, this episode is fun ride!

In this episode, I had the honor of hosting the living legend, David Smallbone, who is the father of famous Christian Music Artists Rebecca St. James and For King and Country (Luke and Joel). We talk about his decades-long career in the music industry. He shares stories from his early days playing folk music in coffee shops and churches in Australia in the 1960s, to later managing successful Australian bands and eventually helping launch his daughter Rebecca St. James' music career in the U.S...

In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing my podcast producer and mix engineer maestro Paul Kimsal. We talk about his formative years, from the raw energy of local South Florida shows to his leap into head engineering at 17. This episode takes a deep dive into the alchemical world behind the music, where mixtapes were king and a single microphone was all you needed to capture lightning in a bottle with a Tascam four-track in the garage! Paul still recognizes music's power t...