What if the Christian music industry's biggest wins come from breaking its own rules? Songwriter Ross King reveals the hidden game behind CCM success and why authentic failure beats polished perfection.

Ross has spent 30 years writing for major artists while building his own indie label. He shares why his biggest songs came when he stopped trying to please the industry, how critique became his greatest teacher, and why vulnerability trumps performance in worship.

Key insights: The "home run derby" problem plaguing CCM, finding your creative tribe, and why mega churches might be the wrong size.

For creatives feeling trapped between excellence and authenticity, this conversation offers a different path forward.

What if the pursuit of rest isn't about doing less, but about discovering who you are when the doing stops?

Cle Adore, songwriter and former worship pastor, explores the profound difference between taking a break and finding true rest. From ministry burnout to creative awakening, from constant doing to simply being, this conversation uncovers rest as something far more complex than we've been taught.

After over a decade in full-time ministry, Cle shares the story of stepping away for the first time, only to discover that rest isn't found in the absence of activity. It lives in the presence of safety, in relationships made right, and in the uncomfortable space where you finally ask: "Can I be okay with just me?"

For worship leaders and creatives who've built their identity around constant service, this conversation offers something deeper than productivity tips or self-care advice. It's an invitation to consider rest as a practice of resistance against the machinery that keeps us moving when we should be still.

What happens when the Holy Spirit asks you to untrain everything you think you know about how He works?

James Galbraith opens up about leaving a thriving church leadership position to pursue what he calls "a God adventure." From shepherding non-traditional creatives (the novelists, painters, and city planners often overlooked in church ministry) to learning the difference between formulaic prayer and actual relationship with God, James shares hard-won wisdom about recognizing divine voice in the noise of everyday life.

This isn't about quick spiritual fixes or three-step formulas. It's an honest exploration of what intimacy with God actually looks like when you're willing to sit in the uncomfortable space between hearing His voice and taking the leap to follow it. James unpacks his journey from leading Creative Nights for artists seeking divine strategy to stepping into the unknown territory of complete trust.

For worship leaders, creative directors, and artists who've ever wondered about the distance between spiritual theory and lived faith, or questioned whether they truly know God's voice for their own calling, this conversation offers both challenge and comfort. Sometimes the most profound spiritual growth happens not in the sanctuary, but in the willingness to venture beyond what feels safe.

In this thoughtful episode, we sit down with Michael Walter as he reflects on the complexities of diversity within the local church. With an open heart and mind, Michael gently asks the questions many leaders may avoid: What does it truly take to cultivate a genuinely diverse community? He reflects on the personal and structural costs of fostering inclusivity, pondering why so many speak of diversity but hesitate when it comes to making the changes required to bring it to life.

For those who lead, aspire to lead, or are deeply passionate about cultivating diversity and growth in faith communities, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, humility, and the often-overlooked costs of building a diverse church. Tune in for an engaging and reflective dialogue on what it really means to lead with integrity, authenticity, and a heart for true diversity.

"In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Caleb as he opens up about his journey of discovering God for himself amidst the chaos of life and the whirlwind of religion. Caleb shares how his personal experiences of brokenness led him on a transformative path—one that took him on a year-long exploration of the profound word 'Wonder.'

Through the highs and lows, Caleb reflects on the beauty and healing found in the rubble, diving into the importance of community, humility, and how spiritual growth can emerge even when everything around you feels shattered. He delves into the deeper meaning of faith and self-discovery, offering personal insights on navigating life's most challenging moments with grace and resilience.

Beyond his spiritual journey, Caleb shares his experience as a working musician in Nashville, offering practical tips on staying true to yourself and finding purpose in the music industry. If you're a musician looking to stay grounded or someone seeking clarity in your spiritual journey, this episode has something for you.

Tune in to hear Caleb’s story of lessons learned and growth in artistry, friendship, and his spiritual walk, all powered by the guiding light of 'Wonder.'"

"If we're going to be seen, let us shine as an example" with John-Paul Gentile.

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with John-Paul Gentile to dive into the complexities of growth and personal development. From navigating the stages of growth to uncovering the hidden costs of momentum, we explore how the drive to move forward at a fast pace can sometimes come at a steep price. Plus, we discuss the power of living unoffended—how to stay grounded and true to yourself, even when challenges arise. If you're ready to rethink how you approach growth and momentum, this conversation is for you!

Here’s a link to the previous podcast with John-Paul Gentile, titled ⁠"You Belong Now"⁠. If you haven’t listened yet, be sure to check it out to hear more of John-Paul’s unique perspective on life and ministry!

Follow Hymnal Records on socials:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hymnalrecords/

Website - https://www.hymnalrecords.com

I couldn't be more excited to kick off this brand new season of our show with "The Journey of the Builder."

Also, here's a link to the song we previewed during today's episode called "Purified (Let it Be)" by Hymnal Records, featuring Josiah Palmer.

https://youtu.be/64ZfUORVaLk?si=WcsKuYaHXYO-OfOV

Rich di Castiglione is a worship pastor & songwriter based in London. On today's episode, he shares stories about the journey of leaning into the heart of God as a collective church body.

It's hard to put into just a few words all that wisdom that James shared during our conversation. Each time I listen through I still seem to pick up nuggets of wisdom that apply to my current stage in life. More than anything James shares how the leading hand of God has continually guided him through every season even the season of grief he experienced after losing his father.

Robbie Seay is a Houston, TX based artist and pastor, with many years of experience touring with his band. His insights range from wisdom around writing honest worship songs to how his band's songs were pitched to national TV shows and then featured on American Idol.