Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4
 
TITLE: JOHN CHISUM: Stop Waiting, Start Writing
 
HOSTS: John Chisum & Bryant Urich
 
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this opening episode of Season Four of Song Revolution, John and co-host Bryant Urich reflect on the highlights of the past year while casting vision for 2026. They discuss the growth of the NCS community, the return of in-person songwriting retreats, the launch of NCS Records, and meaningful conversations from recent podcast guests. The episode then shifts into a practical and encouraging discussion about one of the biggest challenges songwriters face: making the most of their time. Through honest conversation and real-life examples, John and Bryant challenge listeners to move past discouragement, establish sustainable writing rhythms, and take intentional action toward their calling as songwriters.
 
EPISODE TOPICS
Highlights from 2025 and vision for 2026
Growth of the NCS community and songwriting retreats
Launch and expansion of NCS Records
Lessons learned from recent podcast guests
Overcoming discouragement and writer's block
Time management and creative rhythms for songwriters
Discipline versus legalism in the creative process
The importance of consistency, accountability, and action
 
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
A reflection on how in-person writing retreats and community connection reignited creativity and collaboration.
Insight into why many songwriters struggle to write consistently and how exhaustion, discouragement, and unrealistic expectations play a role.
A practical reminder that inspiration often follows action, not the other way around.
A discussion on identifying personal energy rhythms and choosing realistic writing times that fit current seasons of life.
Encouragement to view songwriting as a calling worth intentional investment rather than waiting to feel "good enough."
A reframing of the common question from "Am I good enough?" to "Am I called enough to show up and do the work?"
 
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Songwriting growth doesn't come from waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect idea. It comes from showing up consistently, feeding your creativity, and taking small but intentional steps forward. If you feel called to write songs, the next step is action. Treat your craft with purpose, surround yourself with community, and commit to using your time wisely so the songs inside you don't stay unwritten.
 
 
Resources & Links:
 
Check out Nashville Christian Songwriters!
NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com
 
FREE DOWNLOAD - The Complete NCS Songwriting Guide: Proven Principles for writing better songs, stewarding your gifts, and building a lasting life of Christian songwriting.
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/guide 
 
 
 
Be a part of NCS Community!
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community 
 
NCS Collective: Check out the songwriters and artists in our collective!
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3
 
Hosts: John Chisum
 
Guest: Dan Dean
 
Episode Title: DAN DEAN: 25 Years of Ministry with Phillips, Craig, and Dean
 
Episode Summary:
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! Thank you for joining us for Song Revolution. As we gear up for season 4 we wanted to share just a few of our favorite episodes from 2025. Enjoy!

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum sits down with Dan Dean—one-third of the legendary trio Phillips, Craig & Dean—to explore a decades-long career marked by timeless songs, deep-rooted ministry, and a newly released solo album, More. From early cassette recordings to leading worship across the globe, Dan opens up about perseverance, songwriting, the power of legacy, and why he's more inspired than ever to keep creating.
 
What You'll Hear:
Dan's early journey from solo artist to founding member of Phillips, Craig & Dean
Behind-the-scenes stories from their 30+ year career and 14 studio albums
How one heartfelt war-time promise shaped generations of ministry
The spiritual and emotional layers behind Dan's new solo album, More
A father-son duet and the family legacy of faith through music
Why beloved songs like "Crucified with Christ" and "Revelation Song" still resonate
Words of encouragement for aspiring songwriters and worship leaders
 
Featured Songs from More:
"More" – A song of hope written during the isolation of COVID
"Home" – A heartfelt duet with Dan's son, Devin Dean
"Mother of Boys" – Inspired by a poem written by Dan's mom
"Never Gets Old" – A touching reflection on the unchanging power of Scripture
Notable Quotes:
"God always has more of what you need."
"You want to hear the songs that brought some kind of emotional or spiritual impact in your life."
"The power of one man's decision can impact generations."
"It wasn't always easy, but we were faithful to the call."
 
 
Resources & Links:
 
Connect with Dan Dean:
https://www.dandeanofficial.com/
 
Follow Dan on Instagram: @danpcd
 
NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com
 
Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025
 
Sign up for Free First Monday Songwriting Training
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training
 
Explore NCS Community and membership options
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community
 
NCS Collective: Check out our artists!
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3
 
Episode Title: ANDREW GREER (part 1): Songwriting and Storytelling
 
Host: John Chisum
 
Episode Summary:
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! Thank you for joining us for Song Revolution. As we gear up for season 4 we wanted to share just a few of our favorite episodes from 2025. Enjoy!

In this rich and heartfelt conversation, John welcomes singer-songwriter, producer, author, and documentarian Andrew Greer to Song Revolution. From his early days growing up in Texas with music all around him, to his time at Belmont University, and now as a respected artist and filmmaker, Andrew shares how music has always been more than sound—it has been a divine meeting point and a lifelong connection to God.
 
Andrew opens up about discovering music as collaboration with the Creator, the spiritual weight of art, and how songwriters and storytellers carry the yearning for belonging and acceptance. He and John dive into the mystery of creativity, the intersection of sacred and "secular" art, and the role of music in healing, connection, and co-creation with God.
This first part of the interview also explores Andrew's reflections on growing up with thoughtful parents, his deep love for liner notes, the importance of songwriting beyond categories, and the spiritual resonance of great artists from Joni Mitchell to Roberta Flack.
 
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Andrew's early encounter with music and its connection to faith
How music serves as collaboration with our Creator
The difference between original sin and original virtue in shaping our lives
Why songwriting is about more than "Christian" or "secular" categories
How great art and music point us toward belonging and acceptance
Andrew's insights on the indie music landscape and why it's a great time for creators
 
Key Topics & Highlights:
The spiritual role of music as connection and belonging
How Andrew discovered a calling for songwriting and storytelling at an early age
The influence of his parents and church community on shaping his worldview
Why labeling art as sacred vs. secular often misses the deeper point
Stories from Andrew's journey at Belmont University and launching into music
Insights on how artists like Joni Mitchell, Roberta Flack, and others shaped his perspective
Why vulnerability and honesty in songwriting resonate more deeply than formulas
 
Final Takeaway:
At its heart, music is not about categories or success—it is about connection. Whether writing songs, producing stories, or simply listening, music offers us a chance to collaborate with God and remind one another that we belong.
 
 
Resources & Links:
 
Explore Andrew Greer's work: 
https://www.andrew-greer.com/
 
 NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com
 
Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025
 
Sign up for Free First Monday Songwriting Training
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training
 
Explore NCS Community and membership options
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community
 
NCS Collective: Check out our artists!
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3
 
Episode Title: SARAH KROGER: Invitation to the Desert
 
Host: John Chisum
 
Episode Summary:
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! Thank you for joining us for Song Revolution. As we gear up for season 4 we wanted to share just a few of our favorite episodes from 2025. Enjoy!

In this deeply moving episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes recording artist and worship leader Sarah Kroger for an honest conversation about faith, identity, songwriting, and spiritual wilderness. With a contemplative heart and a background shaped by Catholic tradition, Sarah shares how her latest album A New Reality was birthed in a season of silence and questioning.
 
Together, John and Sarah explore what it means to embrace mystery in the Christian life, the importance of living in the present moment, and how belovedness can become an anchor in seasons of darkness. They also discuss the role of co-writing in Sarah's journey, her musical influences, and the inspiration behind standout tracks like "Galaxies," "Ghost," and the beloved fan-favorite "Belovedness."
 
Whether you're navigating your own spiritual desert or longing to write from a deeper place, this episode offers a rich well of encouragement, authenticity, and insight.
 
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Sarah Kroger discovered her identity as a songwriter through co-writing
Why gratitude and presence are key to thriving as an artist
The inspiration and impact of her song "Belovedness"
How contemplative authors like Henri Nouwen shaped her spiritual growth
Why living in mystery may be the most authentic form of faith
Real talk on spiritual silence, deconstruction, and creative perseverance
 
Key Moments:
[01:09] – John welcomes listeners and introduces Sarah Kroger
[03:34] – Sarah on gratitude, presence, and the joy of doing what she loves
[05:56] – The early passion for music and discovering co-writing
[10:24] – Influences from Nouwen, Merton, and Catholic mysticism
[13:06] – John and Sarah discuss spiritual darkness and the mystery of God
[17:03] – "I am with you always" as a theme through the desert
[23:39] – Letting go of old faith feelings and embracing radical immediacy
[29:01] – Practicing presence and the discipline of stillness
[31:14] – The story behind "Belovedness" and Sarah's devotional book
[36:39] – Exploring "Galaxies" and the divine image within us
[38:40] – Writing "Ghost" and choosing sacred, traditional language
[40:17] – John reflects on Sarah's album and the beauty of authenticity
 
Resources & Links:
Order Sarah Kroger's devotional Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic
https://sarahkroger.com
 
Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025
 
Sign up for Free First Monday Songwriting Training
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training
 
Explore NCS Community and membership options
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3
 
Episode Title: CLARK BECKHAM: Micro Moments of Flow State
 
Hosts: John Chisum
 
Guest: Clark Beckham - American Idol Season 14 Runner-Up, Soul/R&B Artist, Educator, Host of Idol Breakdown
 
Episode Summary:
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! Thank you for joining us for Song Revolution. As we gear up for season 4 we wanted to share just a few of our favorite episodes from 2025. Enjoy!
 
In this powerful episode, John sits down with acclaimed vocalist and musician Clark Beckham to unpack his journey from street performer to American Idol fame. Clark opens up about the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, how his faith shapes his artistry, and why he believes Jesus loves the complexity found in music—yes, even a flat five.
 
You'll also hear about Clark's passion for music education, the emotional weight of critiquing performers on his Idol Breakdown series, and why it's perfectly normal to not feel obsessed with your art every single day.
 
Key Takeaways:
Clark's honest experience as runner-up on American Idol
Why he sees music as a competition with yourself
The story behind "Jesus Loves the Flat Five"
How faith, love, and genuine care translate in the entertainment world
The difference between worship as a genre vs. worship as a personal practice
Why it's okay not to feel creative every day—and why you should keep going anyway
The purpose behind Idol Breakdown and how he handles criticism responsibly
Demystifying music theory through Clark's online courses
 
Quotable Moments: 
"Excuses are just permission slips for mediocrity."
"God is the author of art. And when we express emotions through it, He's in it."
"You don't follow your passion. You work really hard to get good, and passion follows."
"Jesus loves complexity. He loves art. He loves the flat five."
 
RESOURCES & LINKS
ClarkBeckham.com
 
Get Involved with NCS:
NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Get the free guide & grow your songwriting skills this year!
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025
 
Free First Monday Songwriting Training
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training
NCS Community Membership – 52 weeks of access to the right music industry professionals. Join today! 
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/community/
 
NCS Collective:
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/
 
Connect With Us:
NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com
 
Support the Show:
If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your fellow songwriters!