In this episode, we sit down with worship leader and songwriter John Marc Kohl, for a vulnerable conversation about the heart of creativity. We talk about what it means to create honest art, the challenge of sharing our gifts, and the tension between inspiration and excellence. John Marc shares how his songwriting journey started with his mom’s choir notes and led to songs that took years to release. Tymarcus opens up about rediscovering his love for hip hop through grief and community. Whether we’re seasoned artists or just trying to steward our creativity, this episode reminds us that good work begins with honesty—and that offering one more “holy” is always worth it.

*One note, Chelsea had technical difficulties. So if you notice her sudden lack of presence...that's why. She'll be back...we think.

In This Episode

02:00 – Getting to know John Marc

03:00 – How songwriting found him: From his mom’s choir class to full-on obsession

05:30 – Tymarcus shares his hip hop roots and the painful season that led him back to creating

09:30 – When we share our work, we share our hearts

12:00 – "The Gap" by Ira Glass: Why doing the work matters even when it’s not great

14:00 – Releasing the song vs. sitting on it: Creating for others, not just ourselves

17:00 – The band years, "Song Boy," and learning to unify our artistic voice

20:00 – The story behind “Still”: Holding onto a song for eight years

24:00 – What makes a song good? We talk honesty, craftsmanship, and collaboration

28:00 – Excellence matters: Giving God our best, not just our effort

33:00 – Growing in our gifts: How being teachable leads to real development

38:00 – Songwriting and mustard plants: Finding inspiration in everyday life

44:00 – Learning to see deeply: How observation makes better art

48:00 – Writing with intention: Offering “one more holy” through our work

52:00 – Final reflections: Create like it matters—because it does

Resources

• A Liturgy Before Writing from Every Moment Holy 
• John Mark Kohl 
• Ty. Rashad 
• Nick Box Music

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]