Song Revolution with John Chisum

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 4
 
TITLE: JACKSON DREYER: Letting Life Shape The Song
 
HOSTS: John Chisum
 
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with singer-songwriter Jackson Dreyer for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, discipline, and finding your voice as a songwriter. From growing up outside Chicago to planting roots in East Nashville, Jackson shares how movement, architecture, relationships, and everyday life experiences shape his songwriting process. The conversation explores how stepping away from constant noise creates space for emotional clarity, lyrical depth, and authentic expression.
This episode is a thoughtful look at how songwriters can stay inspired, grounded, and creatively alive while navigating both personal growth and artistic ambition.
 
EPISODE TOPICS
The connection between physical movement and creative clarity
How running and solitude spark songwriting ideas
Growing up near Chicago and the influence of architecture and place
Finding inspiration in cities, communities, and everyday surroundings
Living and writing in East Nashville as a songwriter
Turning real emotions into honest lyrics
Avoiding creative overload and reclaiming mental space
Letting life experiences shape better songs
 
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Jackson shares how running helps him reconnect with his thoughts and emotions, often leading to new song ideas.
A discussion on how silence and mental margin are essential for meaningful songwriting.
Reflections on how cities like Chicago and Nashville influence creativity, identity, and artistic perspective.
Insight into how architecture and visual beauty can fuel musical inspiration.
Honest thoughts on balancing productivity with presence as a modern songwriter.
Encouragement to embrace real life—relationships, movement, environment—as songwriting fuel.
 
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Great songs don't come from constant noise—they come from paying attention. By creating space to think, feel, and live fully, songwriters can tap into deeper honesty and write from a more authentic place. Creativity thrives when we slow down, observe our surroundings, and allow life itself to shape the songs we write.
 
Resources & Links:
 
Check out Jackson Dreyer
https://www.jacksondreyer.com/ 
 
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 
Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE!
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge 
 
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 4
 
TITLE: LAURA OSNES: Faith, Art, and Starting Over
 
HOSTS: John Chisum
 
EPISODE SUMMARY:
In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes Broadway star, film actress, and singer-songwriter Laura Osnes for a deeply personal conversation about calling, identity, and creativity. Laura shares her journey from early musical theater roots to starring on Broadway, navigating career success, public controversy, and a major life pivot that led her to Nashville. The conversation explores how a season of loss and uncertainty opened the door to songwriting, personal expression, and new purpose beyond the stage. Laura also introduces her latest venture, Stagecraft, an online training platform designed to equip and mentor the next generation of stage performers with both excellence and integrity.
 
EPISODE TOPICS:
Laura Osnes' early beginnings and Broadway career
Winning a Broadway role through reality television
Identity and faith in high-pressure creative environments
Navigating career disruption and public controversy
Moving from performance to songwriting as personal expression
Finding your voice outside of roles and expectations
Comparison, authenticity, and creative confidence
Differences between stage performance and film acting
Launching Stagecraft to mentor young performers
Encouragement for artists walking unconventional paths
 
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Laura's reflection on discovering her identity beyond performance and public success.
Insight into how songwriting became a new creative outlet after a season of loss and silence.
A powerful discussion on authenticity and resisting comparison in artistic careers.
Lessons learned from navigating rejection, cancellation, and rebuilding with integrity.
Practical wisdom on preparation, patience, and being ready when opportunity appears.
The heart behind Stagecraft and its mission to equip young artists with skill and character.
 
FINAL TAKEAWAY:
Creative calling is not limited to a single platform or season. This episode reminds songwriters and artists that identity must be rooted deeper than success, roles, or recognition. When doors close, new expressions of purpose can emerge. By staying faithful, authentic, and open to unexpected paths, artists can discover new ways to share their voice and make meaningful impact.
 
Resources & Links:
 
Check out Laura Osnes
https://lauraosnes.com/ 
 
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 
Join the NCS ONE SONG CHALLENGE!
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/one-song-challenge 
 
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 4
 
TITLE: MICAH CHRISTOPHER: Writing From Where You Are
 
HOSTS: John Chisum
 
EPISODE SUMMARY:
In this episode of Song Revolution, John sits down with artist and songwriter Micah Christopher to explore the journey from local church leadership to signing with Integrity Music. Micah shares his story of faith, obedience, and gradual growth, emphasizing how songwriting developed alongside spiritual maturity rather than overnight success. The conversation highlights the tension between calling and platform, the importance of community, and the often unseen seasons that prepare songwriters for wider opportunities. Together, John and Micah unpack what it really means to pursue songwriting with humility, patience, and purpose in a rapidly changing music landscape.
 
EPISODE TOPICS:
Micah Christopher's faith and songwriting journey
Transitioning from local worship leader to recording artist
Signing with Integrity Music
Writing songs for the church versus writing for personal expression
The role of obedience and faithfulness in creative growth
Balancing ambition, calling, and character
Community, mentorship, and long-term development
Navigating expectations in the modern Christian music industry
 
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Micah's honest reflection on slow, steady growth rather than sudden success.
Insight into how songwriting evolved naturally out of worship leadership and spiritual formation.
A discussion on the dangers of chasing platform before being rooted in purpose.
Encouragement for songwriters who feel overlooked or stuck in hidden seasons.
Practical wisdom on staying grounded while stepping into new opportunities.
A reminder that label deals and recognition are outcomes, not destinations.
 
FINAL TAKEAWAY:
Faithful songwriting is built over time through obedience, humility, and community. Rather than striving for quick success, this episode challenges songwriters to trust the process, steward their current season well, and allow their craft and character to grow together. When the foundation is solid, the opportunities that come will have lasting impact.
 
Resources & Links:
 
Check out Micah Christopher
https://www.micahchristopher.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/micahchristopher_/?hl=en 
 
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 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/