Episodes

Can you become a respected leader in your field without sacrificing your closest relationships? As the world grows smaller, and each of us as creatives are granted more and more influence, the answer to that question becomes more and more important. Some would argue that that to be truly exceptional, you must push yourself - and others - regardless of feelings or emotions. This “win-at-all-costs” mentality is popular to those who feel commercial and vocational success is their ultimate goal. ...

The celebrated musician and producer reveals the process that shaped his career in gospel music industry and the lessons every Christian creative must apply to survive and thrive in an uncertain and constantly changing culture.

How do you move to the front of the stage when you’ve spent a lifetime being in the background? This is the question many talented musicians and vocalists are asking. As the entire world continues to struggle to recover from the impact of COVID-19, singers and background musicians are no longer able to work consistently behind touring artists. This has forced many of us to rethink how to use our gifts and become more visible in the public eye. Thankfully, you don’t have to have a outgoing pers...

Is it possible to sing on big stages with legendary artists like The Clark Sisters - yet have equal respect for the work that very few people will see? Worship leader, minister, vocalist and author Kelli Kinney Brownlee would say the answer is yes - and she has proven it by navigating her roles as a background vocalist and a leader in ministry with equal passion and dedication. Starting from her early days growing up in a small town in West Virginia, the priority of ministry and authentic wors...

This discussion could get us in trouble. As the Covid-19 situation has enveloped our cultural and social world, philanthropy and charitable giving have become a huge part of the response. Scores of artists and creatives have been forced to rely on the goodwill of others to survive. Don't be mistaken - we’re all thankful for the generosity of those who give willingly to help artists. But...what about the long-term? Is this something that could hurt musicians later on? In this passionate discu...

In an industry that often seems to reward ‘overnight success’, is it worth it to perfect your craft, maintain professional principles, and learn from the best mentors you can find? According to creative entrepreneur, background vocalist and vocal producer Rachel James of Bridge Hooks & Stuff Entertainment, it's more than worth it - it’s the most valuable thing you could do to ensure you maintain a spot in the rough and tumble role of being a backing vocalist. Rachel James began her musical car...

Is it really possible to protect your hard earned creative income.. ... to confidently run and maintain an artistically focused business… ... and keep accurate financial records all year around… ...all while remaining compliant and current with ever-changing tax laws? You might say that’s impossible - because you've seen so many prominent artist careers destroyed due to financial mismanagement and poor (or non-existent) tax planning. Every year we hear stories of high-profile celebrities tha...

How do you keep your career together when the world seems to be falling apart? This is the question so many musicians, creatives and artists are asking as we endure one of the most unbelievable situations in modern history. While there have been many other crises that have rocked the arts and entertainment industries, it’s safe to say there has never been a situation quite like what happened in March 2020 as the entire world was paralyzed by the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of dwelling on the...

What would it feel like to wake up every day, knowing you would spend your day doing the work you were created to do - and doing it at an exceptional level? Almost every creative dreams of finding ultimate fulfillment and personal satisfaction as they pursue their goals - only to find themselves stuck in the mud of indecision, mediocrity, and confusion when it comes to mastering their craft. This is the problem serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, podcaster and thought leader Jordan Rayno...

Name any major gospel or R&B project in the past 25 years - whether from Janet Jackson, ‪Beyoncé‬, ‪Paula Abdul‬, Donald Lawrence, Karen Clark-Sheard, Carl Thomas, the Winans, Fred Hammond, the list goes on and on - and there's a good chance Daniel Weatherspoon was a major player in bringing it to pass. Daniel Weatherspoon is a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning producer, composer, musician and musical director. This dynamic artist proved to be the pivotal force behind some of the most icon...

If there is one artist whose story perfectly sums up what God can do with an artist with a heart for Him, it’s Teja Veal. From her first days of discovering the bass, to playing in the White House and meeting President Obama, this uber-talented bass player, vocalist, songwriter and musical director has radiated joy and humility in every opportunity she’s been given as a musician, songwriter and creative. Tejá Veal, has worked with top jazz, pop and R&B artists for years and has graced many of ...

Do you hide under the bushes when someone mentions the word “lawyers”? The music and entertainment business has always been a treacherous place for artists who don’t know the legal side of being a creative. Many of us are frightened by the terminology and confused by the legalities, not to mention the financial cost of legal assistance. That’s why we talked to an attorney with a heart for artists, to help us get over the fear of legally protecting and profiting from your creativity. . S...

If there’s one thing we creatives all have in common - it’s the struggle to be consistent. It’s not that we don’t know what to do - it’s making sure we keep doing it. That’s as true for a podcast host and creative coach as it is for you. In this episode we’re sharing three powerful productivity hacks that can drastically reduce the chances of creative burnout, ensure you maintain your motivation, and renew your artistic focus day after day. We actually shared these tips during one of our Cre...

It’s our 50th episode...but the celebration takes second chair to the important challenge we are posing to every creative in our community. Here’s the question for you - are you doing what you were created to do? And are you doing it with excellence - meaning God’s standard and not yours? Two things have helped to clarify the importance of this message - one is a new book on finding and focusing on your purpose by Jordan Raynor called “Master of One”, and the other is the tragic loss of legend...

Is it possible to be a thriving Christian creative in the arts and entertainment industry - even in the midst of the rough and tumble world of Hollywood? And...how does one avoid being crushed by the pressures of the artistic lifestyle - the hyper-competitive battles to gain work, self-esteem issues, and outside negative influences - as you work to be the best you can be and reach your God-given potential? Michelle Pelsue, co-Founder of Arts and Entertainment Ministries and the Arts and Entert...

New Year, New Decade...New you? At the start of a year, it seems the entire world is bursting with optimism. But it's important that we take stock of what we need to leave behind in the last decade so we can have our most successful year as musicians, creatives and artists. In our last Creative Checkup of 2019 in our God and Gigs Facebook group, we shared 3 negative habits that we need to leave behind and the three positive characteristics that we can use to guarantee our best year ever in 2020...

How does a drummer with a dream, who began playing drums in his family's church at only seven years old, rise to become a highly successful musician touring with some of the biggest stars in music? Jamal Moore says it takes unshakable faith, serious focus, and relentless attention to details.

In this exclusive behind the scenes episode, we share a coaching call with an aspiring vocalist and influencer as she works through the issues every creative faces.

Reaching our highest potential as artists is impossible if we aren't healthy enough to pursue it. In this in-depth discussion, health advocate Dr. Katina shares key strategies and tips to help creatives put our health first.

Before you can communicate with your audience, you must communicate effectively with your fellow artists. Here's five essential tips to improving the flow of creative ideas in your group on and off the stage.

What's the secret to continued success as a creative? Acclaimed producer John Mike reveals the key to reaching new levels - developing your skills and investing in yourself.

Co-host Allen C. Paul opens up about his own mental health journey and suggests three key steps we can take as creatives to begin the process of healing while removing the stigma surrounding this issue - especially within the faith community.

True creative success only comes to the most talented, right? Wrong. Here's why your individuality is the key to reaching your creative potential.

Are you promoting with purpose? This simple but powerful concept will help you book more gigs, gain more followers, and reach your ideal audience.