What happens when a martial artist and cheerleader with no visible musical talent gets tapped by a youth pastor to lead worship? You get the wild, unexpected, and deeply inspiring story of Jordan Marcotte.

In this episode, host Chris August sits down with Jordan—a former worship leader turned entrepreneur—to trace his untraditional path into ministry and his powerful transition out of it. Together, they unpack the hard reality of facing burnout, the struggle of discovering your identity outside of a stage title, and the deep emotional weight of wrestling to let go of ministerial leadership.

Chris and Jordan get honest about the hidden wounds leaders carry into ministry, how to navigate team dynamics while honoring your own humanity, and the critical disconnects (and conflict management gaps) happening between worship leaders and pastors today.It’s not all heavy, though! The two share a few laughs over Jordan’s funniest on-platform worship mishaps, then dive into a candid discussion on the current state of worship and the church. After they face off in the famous game of One Has to Go.

Finally, Jordan reveals his personal "Worship Afterism" and gives us a sneak peek at what he’s un to next.

Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!

Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!

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In this powerful episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with Marlin Hatcher Jr., a local worship leader at City of Truth Church right here in Kansas City.

Marlin opens up about his foundational roots in worship and what it truly means to step back, re-center, and refocus on the core purpose of leading God’s people. Together, Chris and Marlin explore what God has been placing on Marlin’s heart recently, including his personal journey navigating social anxiety while serving in such a visible ministry role.

Marlin also candidly shares the unique challenge of coming from a well-known Kansas City family and the process of carving out his own identity and path in the music scene. The two dive deep into the creative's dilemma—navigating the delicate tension of choosing between worlds as an artist in the church—before lightening the mood with some hilarious, real-life moments on stage and an insightful conversation about what it actually takes to shift the atmosphere during congregational worship.

Plus, stick around to watch Marlin take on our signature game, "Good Save," where we put him to the test on the exact lyrics worship leaders always seem to forget on Sunday mornings!

Finally, Marlin shares a deeply vulnerable account of his 2015 suicide attempt and the breathtaking way God transformed his darkest moment into a story of hope and redemption. He closes out the episode by dropping his personal "Afterism" and giving us a sneak peek at what’s next for him.

Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!

Connect with Worship Afterisms:

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In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with local pastor and worship leader Pastor Lamar Cherry for a candid, insightful conversation anchored in Lamar’s roots in worship ministry.Inside the episode Pastor Cherry shares his personal journey into worship leadership and offers practical, heart-centered advice on navigating and healing from church hurt. He and the host will move on to a thoughtful discussion on how the sonic landscape of modern worship has shifted over the years and what it means for today's church. While including the conversation of building intentional room for God during pre-service planning while remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s movement live on stage. Later in the conversation Lamar opens up about some of his absolute funniest moment while leading worship over the years.Plus, stick around as Chris puts Lamar in the hot seat for a round of "One Has to Go," forcing him to make tough (and hilarious) calls on iconic church culture traditions. To wrap it all up, Lamar shares his personal "Worship Afterism"—that core piece of wisdom left behind after the music stops—and gives an exclusive sneak peek at what’s next for his ministry.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @lamarcherry Sponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsiders Social Club Partner Recognition:Xavier Gayden Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with worship leader Kami Woodard to unpack her personal worship story, starting from her earliest memories with music to the lessons that define her ministry today.Kami opens up about the essential role of community, the subtle battle worship leaders face to remain genuinely personable, and why learning the power of "NO" is a crucial line of defense for your calling. She candidly shares a personal turning point that taught her how to discern God's voice before walking away from a season prematurely, while issuing a powerful challenge against the "Green Room mentality" in favor of true, present community involvement. Together, Chris and Kami dive deep into what she sees as the single biggest enemy facing the Church and worship leaders today.However, It’s not all heavy reflection, though! Kami shares some of her most hilarious on-stage moments and reminds us all why it’s vital not to take ourselves too seriously. Plus, stay tuned to see how she fares under pressure in our signature segment, "Good Save"—where we put her memory to the test on those tricky, easy-to-forget Sunday morning lyrics. Will she find the bridge, or will she need a "Good Save" of her own?To close out the conversation, Kami shares her official Worship Afterisms wisdom that you won't want to miss.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Would you like me to draft some YouTube title options or a set of SEO-friendly hashtags for this specific episode?Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worship-afterisms/id1812537843🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWawQZWMRgiQGLBstr?si=_AhWa0Q1Rn-2B7O9LmPiMQMake sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @Kami.WoodardSponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsider Social Club Partner Recognition:Defy-n-ytionXavier Gayden @ Boxhead ArtsHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship-afterisms--merch-shop/Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafterisms?fbclid=PAdGRleANiFDNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp38RRuUPx2ATgyFuf1Y1MxTbkd6PWP6qMBIbYL7xnLb3k7vaN9DpRQh6fe0P_aem_oFlw-K5OSD6ve0qI8eD3MwAmazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2CWHN166JH2S5?ref_=wl_share

In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with the incredibly talented, rising gospel group Soul Therapy. Four years into their journey, the group opens up about their early beginnings in ministry and music, sharing the beautiful, providential way their independent paths ultimately led them to each other.Chris and Soul Therapy dive deep into the raw, unvarnished reality of gospel music and modern worship ministry, discussing: The Fight Against Perfectionism and how they broke free from the trap of performance and embraced authentic ministry. The group also reflects on the challenges they’ve conquered over the last four years and reveal the true anchor that keeps them together. Also they look back at the moments that didn't go as planned, and the invaluable lessons they learned along the way. Deeper in the conversation each of them get vulnerable about their own personal seasons that tempted them to give up, and how those exact moments bonded them tighter as a collective. They also give us a behind-the-scenes reflection on the highs and lows of their first Stellar Awards appearance, and how it shaped the way they want the world to view their heart and artistry.The conversation doesn't stop there. Stick around for our famous game, Good Save! We flex a little vocal muscle and challenge Soul Therapy to remember the infamous lyrics that worship leaders always seem to forget on Sunday mornings. Finally, the group shares their official Worship Afterism and gives us an exclusive, inside look at what’s coming next on their horizon.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @soultherapy.st3@just_jeremyj@ranlives_music@thekeyoftSponsors and Partners Recognition:Hat House Kansas City LLC Partner Recognition:Warren Harvey Art Defy-n-ytionCrissi B. Rice

In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with local worship leader and songwriter Naunie Harris for a beautifully raw conversation about the unexpected ways God shapes a leader's heart.

Naunie opens up about the profound kindness of God in her journey, sharing how He slowly and intentionally positioned her for leadership. But true preparation often happens in the dark. In a deeply personal, raw moment, Naunie shares her battle with a chronic illness—a painful season that God used to reveal hidden heart issues and catalyze a deeper, radical level of faith. Chris and Naunie dive into how she was truly built in the suffering, and how that fiery trial completely reshaped her faith walk today.

But wait … we don’t stay serious the whole time!

Things get loud, competitive, and highly entertaining when Chris challenges Naunie to our signature game, "Good Save!" Watch as they do a little singing and test her memory on the exact lyrics worship leaders are notorious for forgetting on Sunday mornings. Can she pull off the ultimate recovery?

To wrap it all up, Naunie shares her personal "Worship Afterism"—the hard-earned wisdom left over after the music fades—and gives us a quick sneak peek into what’s next for her ministry and music.

Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!

Connect with Worship Afterisms:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!

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Make sure to Follow Us 

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@_Naunie

Sponsors and Partners Recognition:

Outsiders Social Club 

Partner Recognition: 

Defy-n-ytion

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In this profoundly moving episode of Worship Afterisms, host Chris August sits down with local worship leader Geohn Huggins for an intimate conversation about the reality of faith when life hits hardest. Geohn shares his journey from his early beginnings in ministry to stepping into his now role at Church of the Harvest setting the stage for a beautifully transparent look at what it truly means to lead others when your own heart is breaking.

The core of this episode dives into a space of immense vulnerability as Geohn opens up about the devastating loss of his son to bone cancer. He shares with absolute honesty how this ultimate trial impacted his heart, challenged his faith, and reshaped his entire perspective on what it means to choose worship after loss.

Chris and Geohn with explore how your relationship with Christ changes when tragedy strikes, and how to find an authentic song in the midst of deep personal pain. They also discuss the inspiration behind Geohn's movement, Act 2, and how it serves as a beacon to help other find a space of authentic worship. Geohn’s heart for gathering people and his creative involvement is also shown through his involvement in Sunday S’mores Co. at the end Geohn delivers his definitive "Worship Afterism"—the core truth he has carried away from his years in ministry and life's hardest seasons.

While the conversation goes deep, the joy of the platform is never far behind. The energy shifts as Geohn and Chris dive into the show's signature game, "Good Save." We put Geohn to the test with a little singing, challenging him to rescue those elusive, crucial lyrics that worship leaders famously forget on Sunday mornings.

We close out the episode with a celebratory look at what is on the horizon for Geohn and where his ministry is heading next.

Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!

Connect with Worship Afterisms:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!

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Make sure to Follow Us 

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Follow Our Guest 

@geohnsworld

Sponsors and Partners Recognition:

Outsiders Social Club 

Partner Recognition: 

Defy-n-ytion

Here are ways to Donate:

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Join us for an honest, deep-dive conversation with Steven Green—a local creative entrepreneur, consultant, and well-known model who serves as a worship leader at Vive Culture Church. As a self-proclaimed "PK" (Pastor's Kid), Steven knows firsthand the weight of expectations and the complexity of growing up under the public eye of the church.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the tension between spiritual heritage and personal identity. Steven opens up about the significant opposition he faced from within the church when he stepped into the fashion industry, and how he navigated the difficult transition of following what he felt was God’s leading for his life versus the conflicting voices of family and religious leadership.In this episode, we’ll explore how Steven manages the fast-paced, high-profile world of professional modeling alongside his commitment to worship leadership. We further discuss his raw discovery of what God truly desires from a life of worship beyond the stage. The we’ll jump back in to a transparent look at what the relationship between a worship leader and their pastor should look like when professional life and ministry collide. We also talk with Steven about what a lifestyle of worship looks like for Steven in the everyday, mundane moments of 2026.Whether you are a creative, a person of faith, or someone trying to reconcile your passions with your purpose, this conversation is for you. It’s time to redefine what it means to live a life of worship in a world that wants to put you in a box.Tune in for an unfiltered look at faith, calling, and the courage it takes to walk your own path. Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest ‪@theofficialsteveng‬

In this episode of Worship Afterisms, host Chris August sits down with local artist, worship leader, and pastor Troy Jones for a conversation that is as vulnerable as it is insightful. Troy opens up about the intersection of ministry and real-life trauma, specifically walking us through the terrifying experience of the premature birth of his son and the looming fear of losing both his child and his wife.

This is a masterclass in "worshiping through the wait" and finding God’s faithfulness when the melody feels out of reach.In This Episode, We Explore we will explore how leaders can protect themselves from slipping into the performative heart and maintaining their focus on service and surrender. We also discuss finding the line between artistic freedom on platform and over-embellishment that hinders the focus of the congregation. Troy will also importance of leaders having versatility in their singing style. Now we don't keep things heavy the whole time! Chris puts Troy in the hot seat for our favorite game, Good Save. Watch (well, listen) as Troy tries to navigate those high-pressure moments where the lyrics vanish and the "worship leader hum" takes over. Can he save the song, or will he succumb to the dreaded "lost-verse" silence? If you stick around Troy will give us a sneak peek into his upcoming projects and where he feels the Spirit is leading his ministry in the coming season. Whether you're a worship leader, a musician, or someone walking through a hard season, this episode is a reminder that our greatest songs often come from our deepest valleys.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @troyjones30_Sponsors and Partners Recognition:Hat House Kansas City LLC Partner Recognition:Warren Harvey Art Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

In this soul-baring episode of Worship Afterisms, host Chris August sits down with local artist and seasoned worship leader Audri Page for a conversation that peels back the layers of life behind the microphone. Audri opens up with incredible transparency about her early days in ministry and the joys of marriage, before navigating us through the storms that followed.

We dive deep into the complexities of leading a congregation while walking through the private pain of an unexpected divorce and the isolation of an abusive relationship. Audri discusses how these heavy seasons led to a disconnect in her personal walk with Christ and her difficult decision to resign from worship leadership to find her footing again.

But it’s not all heavy lifting! Audri keeps it real by sharing some of her most cringe-worthy, embarrassing moments on the platform. Plus, don't miss our signature game, "Good Save," where we put Audri on the spot to see if she can rescue the lyrics that worship leaders almost always forget on Sunday mornings.

We wrap up the hour with a look at what the future holds for Audri Page and where her heart is leading her next.

Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!

Connect with Worship Afterisms:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!

🎧 Listen on Apple 

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Make sure to Follow Us 

Instagram: @worshipafterisms 

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Follow Our Guest 

@_audripage

Sponsors and Partners Recognition:

Hat House Kansas City LLC 

Made Mobb KC

Partner Recognition:

Warren Harvey Art 

Defy-n-ytion

Here are ways to Donate:

Merch shop

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