The God and Gigs Show | A Podcast for Christian Creators

Can you get mad without going mad? In the proper context, anger can motivate us to react, to change things, to move in new directions. As creatives, our emotions are often the main catalyst behind our inspiration .  But what about unhealthy anger? Can creatives harness this feeling and express it without harming ourselves emotionally? In this passionate discussion, we pinpoint the delicate balance...

Can God use the darkest moments of an artist’s life to guide him toward the path to true creative freedom and success?  R&B artist Nate Setto, a rising young independent performer hailing from Detroit, has learned that letting God direct his career choices is the best route to finding his place in the vast entertainment industry.  As a Michigan native, he grew up with a passion for music. He b...

With a career that has spanned over 30 years working with the greatest entertainers and musicians in every genre, legendary musician and producer Kern Brantley is a walking and talking musical history lesson.  From stepping into a studio with the legendary Aretha Franklin, to touring with iconic gospel legends such as the Winans family and Thomas Whitfield, to working with the most influential voi...

Got 99 problems?  We won’t finish that sentence...but we think there’s one problem that plagues every creative. It’s the artist in the mirror.  In this passionate discussion from one of our Creative Checkups, we dig deep into the mindset shift that can bring external problems into perspective - by making ourselves the focus of our problem-solving process.  No matter how the industry changes, or ho...

How does an independent artist go from finding her way in a new city, to performing with not one, but TWO of the biggest stars in the world?  Singer, actor and songwriter Naärai Jacobs’ incredible story reveals the possibilities when you maintain your faith in God, prioritize your goals and work hard to pursue your dreams as a creative.  Born into a musical family in Sarasota, FL, Naärai grew up s...

As they say, the only constant in life is change. And for the artist and musician, change is something we’re experiencing more every single day. The big issue for most musicians, artists and creatives is the fear of how to handle the transitions that show up on our doorstep. Sometimes we feel the need to shift jobs, change creative approaches, or start new relationships. Other times, that choice i...

Is it possible to maintain a healthy self-image and your artistic integrity in the entertainment business – and still make a living doing what you love? In an industry that often feels stacked against the independent artist, singer, songwriter and creative entrepreneur Maria Z has proven that you don’t have to sacrifice your authenticity or your emotional health in order to have a successful caree...

Can you become a respected leader in your field without sacrificing your closest relationships? As the world grows smaller, and each of us as creatives are granted more and more influence, the answer to that question becomes more and more important.  Some would argue that that to be truly exceptional, you must push yourself - and others - regardless of  feelings or emotions. This “win-at-all-costs...

If anyone has both the heart and skill that perfectly personifies a supremely successful musician and Christian creative entrepreneur, it’s Trent Phillips.  From his roots as a music minister in Miami, to becoming the driving force behind  a vast catalog of Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning albums and songs, Trent Phillips has established himself as one of the leading Producers, Musical Dire...

How do you move to the front of the stage when you’ve spent a lifetime being in the background?  This is the question many talented musicians and vocalists are asking. As the entire world continues to struggle to recover from the impact of COVID-19, singers and background musicians are no longer able to work consistently behind touring artists. This has forced many of us to rethink how to use our...

Is it possible to sing on big stages with legendary artists like The Clark Sisters - yet have equal respect for the work that very few people will see? Worship leader, minister, vocalist and author Kelli Kinney Brownlee would say the answer is yes - and she has proven it by navigating her roles as a background vocalist and a leader in ministry with equal passion and dedication. Starting from her e...

This discussion could get us in trouble.  As the Covid-19 situation has enveloped our cultural and social world, philanthropy and charitable giving have become a huge part of the response . Scores of artists and creatives have been forced to rely on the goodwill of others to survive.  Don't be mistaken - we’re all thankful for the generosity of those who give willingly to help artists.  But.....

In an industry that often seems to reward ‘overnight success’, is it worth it to perfect your craft,  maintain professional principles, and learn from the best mentors you can find? According to creative entrepreneur, background vocalist and vocal producer Rachel James of Bridge Hooks & Stuff Entertainment, it's more than worth it -  it’s the most valuable thing you could do to ensure you...

Is it really possible to protect your hard earned creative income.. ... to confidently run and maintain an artistically focused business… ... and keep accurate financial records all year around… ...all while remaining compliant and current with ever-changing tax laws? You might say that’s impossible - because you've seen so many prominent artist careers destroyed due to financial mismanagemen...

How do you keep your career together when the world seems to be falling apart? This is the question so many musicians, creatives and artists are asking as we endure one of the most unbelievable situations in modern history. While there have been many other crises that have rocked the arts and entertainment industries,  it’s safe to say there has never been a situation quite like what happened in M...

What would it feel like to wake up every day, knowing you would spend your day doing the work you were created to do - and doing it at an exceptional level? Almost every creative dreams of finding ultimate fulfillment and personal satisfaction as they pursue their goals - only to find themselves stuck in the mud of indecision, mediocrity, and confusion when it comes to mastering their craft. This...

Name any major gospel or R&B project in the past 25 years - whether from Janet Jackson, ‪Beyoncé‬, ‪Paula Abdul‬, Donald Lawrence, Karen Clark-Sheard, Carl Thomas, the Winans, Fred Hammond, the list goes on and on - and there's a good chance Daniel Weatherspoon was a major player in bringing it to pass.   Daniel Weatherspoon is a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning producer, composer,...

If there is one artist whose story perfectly sums up what God can do with an artist with a heart for Him, it’s Teja Veal. From her first days of discovering the bass, to playing in the White House and meeting President Obama, this uber-talented bass player, vocalist, songwriter and musical director has radiated joy and humility in every opportunity she’s been given as a musician, songwriter and cr...

Do you hide under the bushes when someone mentions the word “lawyers”?  The music and entertainment business has always been a treacherous place for artists who don’t know the legal side of being a creative. Many of us are frightened by the terminology and confused by the legalities, not to mention the financial cost of legal assistance.  That’s why we talked to an attorney with a heart for artist...

If there’s one thing we creatives all have in common - it’s the struggle to be consistent.  It’s not that we don’t know what to do - it’s making sure we keep doing it. That’s as true for a podcast host and creative coach as it is for you.  In this episode we’re sharing three powerful productivity hacks that can drastically reduce the chances of creative burnout, ensure you maintain your motivation...

It’s our 50th episode...but the celebration takes second chair to the important challenge we are posing to every creative in our community.  Here’s the question for you - are you doing what you were created to do? And are you doing it with excellence - meaning God’s standard and not yours?  Two things have helped to clarify the importance of this message - one is a new book on finding and focusing...

Is it possible to be a thriving Christian creative in the arts and entertainment industry - even in the midst of the rough and tumble world of Hollywood? And...how does one avoid being crushed by the pressures of the artistic lifestyle - the hyper-competitive battles to gain work, self-esteem issues, and outside negative influences  - as you work to be the best you can be and reach your God-given...

New Year, New Decade...New you?  At the start of a year, it seems the entire world is bursting with optimism.  But it's important that we take stock of what we need to leave behind in the last decade so we can have our most successful year as musicians, creatives and artists. In our last Creative Checkup of 2019 in our God and Gigs Facebook group, we shared 3 negative habits that we need to l...

How does a drummer with a dream, who began playing drums in his family's church at only seven years old, rise to become a highly successful musician working with some of the biggest stars in music? According to Jamal J. Moore, drummer, producer, songwriter and clinician, it takes an unshakable belief in God, a 'laser-eye focus' on your goals, and an unquenchable desire to get better...

In this exclusive behind the scenes episode, we share a coaching call with an aspiring vocalist and influencer as she works through the issues every creative faces. Send us a message! Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community!  In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator.  Joining gives you a...