Enhance Don't Distract

In this episode, the speaker sits down with industry veteran Gary Zman (a seasoned technical director, integrator, and current co-host of the ProSoundWeb Church Sound Podcast) to explore the critical role of culture and relationship in house of worship audio. They move beyond typical gear talk to discuss why tech teams often struggle with internal conflict, how to foster a healthy relationship bet...

Are you upgrading your church tech because you need to—or because you’re chasing what the church down the street has? In this episode of Enhance Don’t Distract, I sit down with Spencer DeYoung (MXU) to talk leadership, stewardship, and how to make wise AVL decisions that actually serve your church. We dig into the real purpose of live production in church, why gear isn’t the enemy (but our motives...

Immersive audio is one of the most talked-about trends in church sound—but what does it actually mean? In this conversation, Justin and Luke Vogel unpack immersive audio in practical terms, breaking down the two core technologies behind it: object-based mixing (spatial audio) and active/virtual acoustics. We explain how immersive systems differ from traditional stereo and LCR PA designs, why they...

What is an immersive audio system—and why is everyone talking about it in the House of Worship world? In this episode, Justin sits down with Luke Vogel (Fulcrum Acoustic) to break down immersive audio in plain English: what it is, how it works, and what it actually changes in real rooms. We cover the two big pieces of “immersive” that often get mixed together—object-based mixing (spatial audio) an...

Why does YouTube still flag your worship stream even with a CCLI license? Justin Edmonds breaks down how copyright, Content ID, and church streaming licenses really work. Learn the difference between flags and strikes, why CCLI isn’t integrated with YouTube, and how to protect your church livestream legally. Email: Justin@enhanceavl.comjordan@enhanceavl.comhttps://www.enhanceavl.com/

Join us for a deep dive into a topic that many churches grapple with: when to start compensating your tech volunteers. In this episode, we discuss the signs that it's time to move from volunteer to paid roles, touching on expectations, role descriptions, and responsibilities. We also explore how to effectively manage and involve your tech team in decision-making processes, especially when it c...

Justin and Jordan sit down with  @RylandRussell  — Worship & Media Arts Pastor at Central Baptist Church in Owasso, OK — to talk about doing church tech on a budget, the line between DIY and hiring an integrator, and what it’s really like walking through a multi-million dollar remodel project. They unpack how to make smart decisions with limited budgets, what gear is worth investing in, how to...

Todd Elliott, founder of FILO (First In Last Out), joins us to share how he went from a high school production enthusiast to leading tech teams at Kensington Community Church and Willow Creek. We explore the essential role of trust, excellence, and the art of technical production in church settings—plus the lessons learned from failure and what it takes to build strong team dynamics. Todd also ope...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Sandstrom — co-founder of MXU and veteran church sound engineer — to talk all things church audio, live production, and team development. Jeff shares his journey from studying music at the University of Michigan to mixing for major worship tours like Chris Tomlin and Passion Conferences. Discover why having a clear sonic vision is critical for your church sou...

In this Enhanced Don't Distract episode, Justin and Sean delve into the intricacies of camera shots, angles, and techniques essential for creating compelling church live streams. They discuss the importance of eye placement, the rule of thirds, and achieving motion in shots to keep viewers engaged. Through detailed analysis, including examples from Elevation Church, they demonstrate how even t...

In this video, we dive into the Sennheiser EWD (Evolution Wireless Digital) microphone system. From unboxing to setup and testing, I cover its features, ease of use, and performance. Whether you're upgrading your audio gear or curious about wireless solutions for live events or recording, this review highlights why the EWD might be the perfect fit for your needs. Let me know your thoughts in t...

In this episode of the Enhance Don't Distract Podcast, host Justin Edmonds and Co-Host Jordan Horas interview Chad Vegas from Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, formerly of Bethel Church. Chad is a pioneer of cinematic live video and a passionate storyteller with incredible insights into video production, live streaming, and team culture. 🎥 Topics Covered: - Chad’s journey from Hawaii to B...

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Lee Fields about his remarkable journey from a church kid in Tennessee to becoming a leader in the pro audio world. Lee shares his story of playing music in church, dropping out of college, touring with Disciple, and ultimately shaping the world of church production through innovation and leadership. We dive into topics like: - His humble beginnings and earl...

In episode 55 of the 'Enhance on Distract' podcast, hosts dive deep into conversations with guest Kevan Grinwis on the nuanced relationship between church leadership and technology. Kevan, a pastor with over 20 years of experience and a senior leader of Downtown Christian Church since its founding in 2012, shares insights from his multifaceted roles in ministry, business consulting, and the tech i...

In this episode of 'Enhanced: Don't Distract,' hosts Justin and Jordan transition from remote to in-person podcasting. They address listener questions and comments, emphasize the importance of intentional purchasing and rigging safety, and share personal anecdotes related to audio mixing challenges. They also discuss various audio topics, including setting gain structure for PA systems, best pract...

In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked issue of anxiety in church tech teams. Whether you're a seasoned tech director or a volunteer running slides for the first time, the pressure to deliver a seamless service can be overwhelming. Join us as we discuss real stories, common stressors, and practical strategies for managing anxiety in high-pressure environments. We'll explore how to...

Creating a top-notch sound system goes beyond just speakers—it's about having the right combination of high-quality microphones, sound boards, and peripherals to support and enhance your audio experience. In this video, we break down the key components that make a sound system truly shine. Whether you're setting up for a live event, a recording session, or a house of worship, learn how the...

In this episode, we focus on a crucial aspect of church production: designing the perfect sound system. Join us as we explore the five best practices for optimizing audio in your worship space. From understanding acoustic principles to selecting the right equipment, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure crystal-clear sound that enhances your services. Whether you’re a tech volunteer, a...

In this episode, Justin and Jordan dive into the importance of a holistic approach to AV design. They discuss why considering the entire audio-visual ecosystem—rather than just individual components—leads to more effective and immersive experiences. From understanding client needs to integrating various technologies seamlessly, they cover how a well-rounded strategy can enhance the functionality a...

In this episode, Justin and Jordan dive into a thought-provoking video by Pro Church Tools that tackles a pressing question: Is online church killing in-person church? Join us as we react to their insights, share our perspectives, and explore the impact of digital ministry on traditional church gatherings. Whether you're a church leader, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the future of w...

Is Google going To sue us? In this episode, Justin, Jordan, Chuck, and Anthony dive into the world of email platforms. They discuss whether your email provider could sue you or kick you off their service, and which email platforms are the best to use—and why. The conversation doesn't stop there; they also explore what workstations you should use to maximize productivity. Whether choosing a new...

Justin and Jordan dive into the essentials of church IT in this enlightening two-part series. In Part 1, special guests Chuck and Anthony bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, discussing foundational IT principles and best practices tailored for churches. From managing digital infrastructure to ensuring seamless online services, this episode is packed with practical insights...

Welcome to another episode of Enhance Don't Distract! In this episode, host Justin sits down with Jon Ackerman from Mankin Media Systems to dive deep into the importance of cultivating strong relationships with AVL integrators. 🚀 Episode Highlights: - Discover key strategies for effective collaboration with AVL integrators. - Learn how to ensure seamless integration of audio, video, and light...

In this episode of the Enhance Don't Distract podcast, hosts Justin and Sean tackle a key decision many churches face: Should you buy an LED wall or a projector? Join Justin and Sean as they break down the pros and cons of both options, considering factors like cost, image quality, maintenance, and suitability for different worship environments. They provide expert insights and real-world exam...

In this episode of the Enhance Don't Distract podcast, hosts Justin and Jordan explore the decision-making process between using a manned camera and a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera. Join Justin and Jordan as they discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option, considering aspects such as control, flexibility, cost, and the level of expertise required. They provide in-depth comparisons, practic...