Christian Music Maker
Sam Hart & Worship Leader Media 18 episodes Jun 4, 2026
Christian Music Maker is a podcast for Christian artists, songwriters, producers, and ministry leaders who want to build a lasting legacy. Hosted by Sam Hart, it explores the tension between faith, calling, creativity, and the realities of the music industry. Through long-form conversations with experienced artists and industry voices, the show discusses ministry, career, and the inner life. Its goal is to help Christian music makers pursue lasting success without losing their soul.
Episodes
Ep. 17 — 4 Myths I Had to Unlearn to Make a Living in Music
For nearly 30 years, I've been getting paid to make music, and for the last 20 years, it's been my full-time work.
In this solo episode, I share four myths I had to unlearn along the way—from creativity and productivity, to faith, identity, platform-building, and staying focused on mission when the methods keep changing.
If you're an artist, songwriter, producer, worship leader, or creative trying
Ep. 16 — Worship Doesn’t Have to Sound the Same (with Steele Croswhite & Caleb Yetton)
In this episode of Christian Music Maker, Sam sits down with Steele Croswhite and Caleb Yetton from The Rock Music in Utah for a conversation about worship culture, authenticity, theology, creativity, and why so many churches unintentionally end up sounding exactly the same.
Steele shares his journey from rock-and-roll frontman to pastor and worship leader after addiction, loss, and a radical enco
Ep. 15 — How to Book Your Own Shows Before the Big Breakthrough with Connor Flanagan
Christian hip hop artist Connor Flanagan joins Sam Hart for a practical and honest conversation about what it really looks like to build an artist career before the “big breakthrough.”
Connor is a full-time indie artist, husband, dad of five, songwriter, performer, and self-described artistpreneur who has learned how to book his own shows, route tours, build a live experience, sell merch, and keep
Ep. 14 – You Never Know Who's Listening (The Song That's Discipling Perez Hilton)
What happens when a former skeptic and mocker of Christianity has a radical encounter with God in a hospital bed — and Christian music becomes part of his redemption story?
In this solo episode (the first since Episode 0!), Sam reflects on a viral post from celebrity influencer Perez Hilton, who recently shared how a song by Rend Collective and Jervis Campbell moved him to tears on the way to scho
Ep. 13 – Jamie Jamgochian: God Told Me "You're Gonna Sing Again"
What do you do when the calling you were certain about… goes quiet?
In this episode, Jamie Jamgochian shares the real story behind a career that looked like it was over—Lyme disease, years of silence, and the wrestle of wondering if God was finished.
We talk about surrender, identity, waiting seasons, and what it actually means to trust God when nothing is moving. If you’re an artist, songwriter,
Ep. 12 – Todd Smith (Selah) on People-Pleasing, Calling, and the Tour That Almost Made Him Quit
Todd Smith (Selah) shares the story behind his life, faith, and career—from growing up in the Congo to almost quitting music just two weeks into his first tour.
We talk about people-pleasing, burnout, calling vs career, and what it really means to walk with God instead of performing for Him.
If you’re an artist trying to make it—and stay grounded—this one’s for you.
🔗 LINKS
💻 Website: https://ww
Ep. 11 – Yancy walked away from a record deal—and it turned out sweeter than the dream
Yancy turned down a London record deal at 16, won a GMA competition right before a label said no, and accidentally became one of Christian music's most beloved artists — all without ever signing to a major label. In this conversation, she traces the thread of obedience that runs through every unexpected turn, and what it felt like to finally win a Dove Award on her own terms. For anyone who makes
Ep. 10 – You Are Not Your Music: A Conversation on Identity, Worth, and Belonging (with Bill Yuhasz)
What if your identity has slowly become tied to your success?
For many Christian artists, songwriters, and producers — music becomes more than just a calling. It becomes a place to find belonging, approval, and worth. But what happens when success doesn’t come… or when it does and still doesn’t satisfy?
In this conversation, Sam Hart sits down with Bill Yuhasz from Known Legacy to talk about ident
Ep. 9 – How to Stay Unjaded After 25 Years in Christian Music (with Stacey Willbur)
Stacey Willbur is a Nashville publishing veteran who has spent over 25 years championing artists and songwriters across both Christian and country music — with credits spanning Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, Mandisa, Chris Stapleton, John Paul White of the Civil Wars, and many more. Now serving as Head of Publishing at TIM Publishing alongside Chris Tomlin and Jason Ingram, she's still as passionate abo
Ep. 8 – Thomas Toner: Jelly Roll's Producer on Money, AI, and His Return to Christian Music
Thomas Toner is a Nashville-based producer and songwriter best known for his decade-long collaboration with Jelly Roll. In this conversation, Thomas gets honest about the business side of producing, how AI is reshaping his workflow, and why he walked away from a thriving career to return to Christian music.
In This Episode
The artist-producer relationship: chemistry, trust, and knowing your role
Ep. 7 - Aaron Shust on the Difference Between a Dream and a Calling
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
Ep. 6 - Tony Wood: Why Success Never Satisfies (Even After 30 #1 Songs)
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 reall
Ep. 5 – Meredith Andrews on Emotional Healing & Staying Whole in Christian Music
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 men
Ep. 4 – Christian Music Marketing in 2026: Why Email, Text & YouTube Matter More Than Streams
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 en
Ep. 3 – David Smallbone on the Countercultural Principles Behind for KING & COUNTRY
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
Ep. 2 — John Waller Waited 15 Years for Success — and Almost Quit
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 faithfu
Ep. 1 – Mike Weaver (Big Daddy Weave) on Success, Grief, and Finding God Again
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 su
Ep. 0 — Why This Podcast Exists (and Who It’s For)
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 int
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