Song Revolution with John Chisum

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!

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3
Host: John Chisum EPISODE TITLE: NIKI LOU SAVICH: Songs Born From Poetry
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this heartfelt episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with longtime friend, songwriter, and Americana/folk artist Niki Lou Savich to reflect on her remarkable creative and spiritual journey. Once an international model, poet, caregiver, and therapist, Niki shares how songwriting unexpectedly emerged from her poetry during a deeply emotional season of life. She tells the story of discovering Nashville Christian Songwriters, attending her first retreat, and slowly growing from a poet with notebooks full of lyrics into a recording artist with two full-length albums. Together, John and Niki explore grief, faith, courage, artistry, and the patient, step-by-step process of becoming an artist later in life. This episode is a powerful reminder that God often brings songs from places we never planned—and that it's never too late to say yes to the call.
EPISODE TOPICS: • Niki's transition from poetry to songwriting• Discovering songwriting through an unexpected creative moment• Attending her first NCS retreat and falling in love with the craft• Learning melody, structure, and song form without a musical background• Writing songs born from grief, loss, and lament• The death of Niki's parents and how sorrow shaped her songwriting voice• Developing confidence as a vocalist and recording artist• Overcoming fear and self-doubt in the studio• The difference between writing for a notebook and releasing songs into the world• Artist development, mentorship, and long-term growth• Finding purpose and obedience beyond age, background, or expectations
KEY HIGHLIGHTS: • A song that changed everything: Niki describes the moment a poem unexpectedly came out in full song form—melody, structure, and all—launching her songwriting journey. • From Starbucks parking lots to finished albums:Early coaching sessions took place over Zoom while Niki sat bundled in her car outside Starbucks, learning song structure line by line. • Grief as sacred ground:Following the loss of both parents, Niki's songwriting deepened into raw, biblical lament, producing songs like "Million Tears," "Dry as Bone," and "Valley of Shadow and Light." • Becoming an artist later in life: Niki shares the mental and emotional shift required to believe she could sing her own songs and step into the role of an artist. • Studio courage:Recording her first album was terrifying, but with patient coaching, encouragement, and faith, Niki found her voice and confidence. • Two albums born from obedience:Niki released Million Tears followed by My Offering, both rooted in honesty, humility, and deep spiritual reflection. • A quiet but fierce strength:John reflects on Niki's combination of humility, tenacity, and dependence on God as key ingredients in her artistic growth.
FINAL TAKEAWAY: Niki Lou Savich's story is a testament to the beauty that can rise from brokenness. Her journey reminds us that songwriting is not about age, background, or platform—it's about obedience, honesty, and trusting God with the songs He places in our hearts. When we surrender our pain, our fear, and our timing, God can transform even grief into a lasting offering of hope.
Connect with Niki Lou Savich: https://nikilousavich.com/
Learn more:Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.
Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community
Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025
NCS Collective: Check out our artists! https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3
 
Host: John Chisum
 
Guest: Michael Lee Brown
 
Episode Title: MICHAEL LEE BROWN: From Broadway to Songwriting
 
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes singer, songwriter, and Broadway actor Michael Lee Brown, best known for his four-year run in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. Michael shares his unexpected journey into the NCS studio, his early beginnings in music, his transition from musical theater to singer-songwriter artistry, and the faith-filled moments that shaped his path. He opens up about the disciplines of acting, the joy and challenge of writing authentically, and why storytelling matters now more than ever. This episode offers inspiration for any creative searching for clarity, direction, and renewed passion in their craft.
 
Episode Topics:
• Michael's early exposure to music and his family's creative influence
• The road to Dear Evan Hansen and the meaningful moments that confirmed his path
• What it took to perform as Evan, Connor, and Jared
• Lessons learned from repetition, preparation, and total immersion in a show
• How audience feedback shaped his understanding of the show's impact
• Life after Broadway and navigating the post-pandemic creative landscape
• Michael's songwriting process for pop and musical theatre
• Writing from personal truth versus writing from a character's perspective
• John's coaching advice on emotional authenticity in songwriting
• The heartfelt inspiration behind Michael's song "Bob's Town"
• New music, teaching, and what Michael hopes for in the next season of his career
 
Key Highlights:
• A meaningful Broadway breakthrough:
Michael reflects on years of walking past the Music Box Theatre, imagining himself on that stage, long before Dear Evan Hansen moved there. He later discovered a ring used in his first rehearsal was engraved with the Lord's Prayer—one of several moments that affirmed his steps.
• Becoming the only actor to play all three major male roles:
Michael shares the strategy, training, mental discipline, and repetition required to perform Evan, Connor, and Jared at different times throughout the show's run.
• The emotional weight and reward of the work:
Letters, conversations with fans, and powerful audience reactions reinforced the deep impact Dear Evan Hansen had on people of all ages.
• Songwriting as a window into the soul:
Michael describes his usual melody-first writing approach, how musical theatre requires a different process, and the tension between writing catchy songs versus revealing more vulnerable personal truth.
• The power of story in "Bob's Town":
Michael explains the inspiration behind the song, which honors a man named Bob and the small town that lovingly supported him. The story underscores the beauty of simple kindness and everyday humanity.
Looking ahead:
Michael is actively auditioning, writing new music, teaching voice and acting, and preparing to release more songs in the coming year. 
Resources & Links:
Connect with Michael Lee Brown:
https://www.michaelleebrown.com/
Learn more:
Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.
 
Learn more about Nashville Christian Songwriters: nashvillechristiansongwriters.com
 
Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community
 
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
 
NCS Collective: Check out our artists!
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/