Christian Music Maker

Many artists grow up believing their dream is their calling. But what if those two things aren’t the same? In this conversation with Aaron Shust, we talk about the difference between dreams, calling, and assignment—and how confusing them can lead to frustration, burnout, or chasing the wrong thing. Aaron shares openly about his journey as a songwriter and artist, including imposter syndrome after 20+ years, learning to develop his craft, and what it looks like to stay grounded spiritually in the middle of a music career. We also get into songwriting, journaling, Sabbath, and the importance of being faithful with the people and opportunities right in front of you. If you’re a Christian artist, worship leader, songwriter, or producer trying to figure out your path, this conversation will help you think more clearly about where you are—and what actually matters.----more---- Episode Highlights The difference between a dream, a calling, and an assignment Why confusing them can lead to frustration or burnout Aaron’s journey from church musician to recording artist Dealing with imposter syndrome even after 20+ years Why developing your craft still matters The role of journaling and prayer in songwriting How Aaron wrote My Savior My God The importance of faithfulness in your current “sphere of influence” Touring, family life, and setting boundaries Discovering and practicing Sabbath Trusting God with provision instead of striving----more---- Key quote: “Just because you have a dream… it would be dangerous to call that dream your calling.” 🎧 Follow the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-music-maker/id1872883204 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RFCA9IjFwfezxSgCt3gKO 💻 Website: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com 📱 Connect on Instagram: Christian Music Maker: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker Sam Hart: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic If this episode resonated with you, share it with another artist or songwriter who needs to hear it.

What does success actually feel like after 30+ #1 songs in Christian music? In this episode of the Christian Music Maker Podcast, legendary Nashville songwriter Tony Wood opens up about the hidden struggles behind a decades-long songwriting career. Tony shares honestly about feeling like an imposter even after massive success, the devastating moment he realized how good Nashville songwriters really are, and why comparison can quietly destroy a songwriter’s soul. This is a rare, vulnerable conversation about faith, identity, and the long road of songwriting in the Christian music industry. If you’re a Christian artist, songwriter, producer, or worship leader, this episode will resonate deeply. In this conversation, we discuss: • Feeling like an imposter—even after writing 30+ #1 songs • The moment Tony realized how high the bar is in Nashville • Why comparison can destroy a songwriter’s soul • Faithfulness vs. chasing success in the music industry • The tension between calling, creativity, and providing for your family • What Tony would tell his younger self starting out in songwriting About Tony Wood Tony Wood is one of the most respected lyricists in Christian music, with 30+ #1 songs recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman, Danny Gokey, and many others. Listen / Watch / Connect 🌐 Website https://www.christianmusicmaker.com 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker 🎙 Hosted by Sam Hart https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic

In this conversation, worship leader Meredith Andrews shares her journey from a small-town church in North Carolina to becoming a prominent figure in the Christian music industry. She discusses her early influences, the importance of healing and personal growth, and the challenges of navigating the music industry while maintaining her identity in Christ. Meredith emphasizes the significance of mentoring younger worship leaders and the need for emotional health in ministry. The conversation culminates in her latest album, 'Heaven's Frequency,' which aims to capture the sound of heaven and create space for God's presence.   00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:53 Meredith's Early Journey in Worship 05:58 Defining Moments in Music and Surrender 08:46 Influences and Inspirations in Worship 11:55 Travel and Cultural Experiences in Worship 14:52 The Evolution of Worship Meaning 17:48 Healing and Personal Growth Journey 20:44 The Depths of Worship and Suffering 34:58 Navigating Sadness to Find Joy 36:52 The Connection Between Trauma and Healing 39:09 Holistic Healing: Body, Mind, and Spirit 40:42 Leading Through Personal Struggles 46:55 Mothering the Younger Self and Others 50:46 Wisdom for Young Christian Artists 59:13 Navigating the Music Industry with Integrity 01:04:28 Capturing Heaven's Frequency in Music 01:09:08 Navigating Worship and the Music Industry 01:09:38 Healing and Trusting God Through Trauma   Stay In Touch With Meredith: https://meredithandrews.com Stay in the loop: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com ✅ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker ✅ Sam Hart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic ✅ Sam Hart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhartlife

In this conversation, Sam Hart and Matt Mundt explore the intricacies of digital marketing within the Christian music industry. They discuss the importance of balancing personal effort with divine guidance in content creation, the evolution of digital strategies, and the nostalgic shift in music consumption. Matt shares his journey in the music industry, emphasizing the significance of audience engagement through email and text messaging, as well as monetization opportunities for artists. They delve into the role of social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, and the impact of AI on music creation, advocating for authenticity and personal connection in content.   Matt's website: https://www.mattmundt.com GodMade Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GodMadePod The Salty Christians YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSaltyChristians    

In this engaging conversation, David Smallbone shares his journey in Christian music, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, faith, and family support. He discusses the challenges and decisions that shaped his career, the role of women in music, and the significance of cultivating creativity in children. The dialogue also touches on balancing fatherhood with a demanding career, the necessity of prayer and accountability, and the evolving landscape of Christian music. David offers valuable advice for aspiring artists, encouraging them to find their mission and stay true to their calling.   for KING + COUNTRY'S WEBSITE: https://www.forkingandcountry.com for KING + COUNTRY on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/forkingandcountrytv Unsung Hero Movie Official Website: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/unsung-hero Helen Smallbone's Book "Behind The Lights": https://a.co/d/gh0ktpR Stay in the loop: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com   ✅ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker ✅ Sam Hart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic ✅ Sam Hart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhartlife

John Waller waited 15 years for success in Christian music — and when it finally came, he almost quit. In this episode of Christian Music Maker, John Waller shares the untold story behind “While I’m Waiting,” his journey through obscurity, signing a record deal, touring with Casting Crowns, battling panic attacks, and nearly walking away from it all. This conversation dives into: Staying faithful while waiting on God The emotional cost of success Ministry vs. the music industry Identity, comparison, and performance pressure Why legacy starts at home How artists can prepare for independence If you’re a Christian artist, songwriter, producer, or worship leader wrestling with timing, calling, or platform pressure — this episode is for you. 🎵 Listen to John’s new single “All You’ve Ever Done”: https://lnk.to/AllYouveEverDoneSong 🌐 Connect with John: https://johnwallerofficial.com 🎙 Subscribe to Christian Music Maker: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

In this engaging conversation, Mike Weaver, the lead singer of Big Daddy Weave, shares his journey through music, ministry, and personal loss. He reflects on the evolution of his band, the challenges of navigating grief after losing loved ones, and the importance of viewing music as a ministry rather than just entertainment. Mike emphasizes the significance of obedience to God in achieving true success and encourages the next generation to seek fulfillment in their relationship with Jesus. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of Christian music and the hope it brings.   Big Daddy Weave's Website: https://www.bigdaddyweave.com Big Daddy Weave on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigdaddyweave Big Daddy Weave on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdwmusic Big Daddy Weave on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BDWmusic   https://www.christianmusicmaker.com/

In this FIRST episode of the Christian Music Maker podcast, host Sam Hart shares his vision for the show, emphasizing the importance of Christian music in today's world. He discusses the calling of artists, the balance between ministry and industry, and the significance of nurturing one's inner life as a creator. Sam aims to empower listeners to pursue their musical calling with confidence and integrity, while also addressing the challenges and realities of the music industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Christian Music Maker Podcast 02:49 The Purpose and Impact of Christian Music 06:10 Navigating the Tension Between Ministry and Industry 09:01 The Inner Life of the Artist 09:59 Defining Real Success in Music https://www.christianmusicmaker.com/ Christian Music Maker on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianmusicmakerpodcast