Shows
Christian Music GuysThe Drop: Christian Music Buzz w/ Kevin McNeese from NewReleaseTodayGet ready for an exciting new segment on the Christian Music Guys —The Drop: Christian Music Buzz! In this debut edition, we're thrilled to welcome a special guest, Kevin McNeese, the visionary behind NewReleaseToday, the go-to hub for all things Christian music.Kevin joins us to share the latest industry news, hot releases, and exclusive insights from the world of Christian music. From chart-topping hits to emerging artists you need to know, we cover it all! Plus, Kevin gives us a behind-the-scenes look at NewReleaseToday and We Love Christian Music Awards!Don’t miss...
2025-03-1421 minChristian Music GuysEpisode 209 | Kevin McNeese | NewReleaseTodayIn this episode, we sit down with Kevin McNeese, the founder of NewReleaseToday (NRT), to dive into the incredible journey of the platform and its impact on Christian music. Kevin shares how NRT started, its evolution over the years, and the heart behind celebrating faith-driven artists.We also talk about the 13th Annual We Love Christian Music Awards, what makes them unique, and why fan-driven recognition is so important in the industry. Plus, we cover exciting behind-the-scenes stories, the future of Christian music, and so much more!Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the...
2025-02-0554 min
NRT Now Podcast137 - Healing After The Heartbreak (Blanca)Sometimes life hits us hard and in the ways we least expect it... and it can surface wounds we forgot that we had. When this happens, we can either sit in the hurt and the pain, or we can run to our God that can heal us. Blanca shares about her journey of healing coming out of some of the toughest seasons of her life.
Blanca also chats with us about her Latin heritage that is infused in her music and her ministry. Part of her healing was discovering who Blanca really is, which included a trip...
2023-03-1529 min
NRT Now Podcast136 - Big Stages with a Bigger Message (Cochren & Co.)Tobymac Hits Deep Tour. Newsboys Stand Together Tour. K-Love Live at Red Rocks. Along with quite a few festivals and other shows, Cochren & Co. has had a busy year. Michael Cochren shares his journey from a regional opening artist to taking the stage of some of biggest tours. Podcast host Jake had the chance to attend a few of these shows, Michael and Jake reminisce about some of these incredible nights.
Somewhere in the middle of this busy season, Cochren & Co. found the time to write and record a new album. Michael shares about the life and...
2023-03-0127 min
NRT Now Podcast135 - The CoJo Now Show (Coby James and Joseph O’Brien)The CoJo Show has taken the Internet by storm with videos like "K-Love Dads" and "The Steven Curtis Chapman Song", a video that led to a huge surprise while in the K-Love studios. Coby James and Joseph O'Brien sang that they wanted to write a banger like Steven Curtis Chapman... they got the chance to just a short while later! Coby and Joseph talk about the experience of the whirlwind experience.
In a CoJo Now Show challenge, Coby gets the chance to redeem his loss to Joseph in Way Nation's Best of 2022 Song Battle. The duo also...
2023-02-1532 min
NRT Now Podcast134 - Next Big Thing, Part 13 (CLINE)In this installment of the Next Big Thing series, we would like to introduce you to CLINE. The group is comprised of the siblings Darrick, Garrett, and Jacquelyn Cline. Garrett and Darrick are brothers, Jacquelyn is Garrett's wife and I'm sure they would all say she's there to make them sound and look good.
While they are relatively new to the CCM and worship space, they are no strangers to the music industry. Jacquelyn has been in and out of studios, and Garrett and Darrick have been in the mainstream Country space as a part of Dylan...
2023-02-0145 min
NRT Now Podcast133 - Brand New Me (Ben Fuller)Ben Fuller's song "Who I Am" has made an impact on so many of us... as evidenced by how long it dominated the charts at #1 and recently earning an NRT We Love Awards nomination. Behind that song is a man who has fought through addictions in a primarily unchurched part of the country. After moving to Nashville, Ben had an encounter with Jesus that broke the chains of addiction.
Ben chats with us about the peace he found once he surrendered his life to Christ. Through his relatively short time as a Christian, he has s...
2023-01-1829 min
NRT Now Podcast132 - No Rest on this Mission (Selah)The term Selah traditionally refers to a rest, most often in a musical context. This is ironic as the group Selah has done everything but rest this past year. They've released 3 full albums, spent time on the road, and celebrated their 25th anniversary.
Selah member Todd Smith shares Selah history and stories from their 25 years. One of the albums released this year was their third volume of hymns... but why hymns? He talks about the heart behind their love of hymns and why they are intentional about sharing them with this next generation. Todd also gives us...
2022-12-0741 min
NRT Now Podcast131 - A Season of Joy (Tasha Layton)A lot has happened since we chatted with Tasha Layton about this time last year: she released her debut album, there were #1 songs, the tours... and then on top of all that, she released a second album for Christmas. While she's found success and received the accolades, she is more focused on following the call that God has on her life. Plaques fade and a career could be gone in an instant, but loving her family and sharing Jesus lasts long after the lights go down.
Tasha shares some of the moments that this year has brought...
2022-11-3022 min
NRT Now Podcast130 - A Movement for the Next Generation (Zauntee)The magic formula for how to reach the next generation seems to be the most elusive item in the modern church. Every youth group and students ministry has had to struggle with how to best reach students. In modern times, it seems even more of a struggle as social media is ingrained in culture and there are so many voices and ideologies tugging at our young crowd.
At 23 years old, Zauntee is working hard to reach his generation for Jesus. He shares his heart for reaching Gen Z and what makes this generation tick. Zauntee talks about...
2022-11-1642 min
NRT Now Podcast129 - Sometimes the Choir Needs The Preaching (MercyMe)In a recent interview, Bart Millard of MercyMe was asked if he felt like he was preaching to the choir sometimes. His response was that now he absolutely is preaching to the choir because it's divided and splintered. With their time on stage, their hope is that maybe the few thousand people there can agree on something for an hour and a half when it seems impossible to agree on anything. Although we'll still have our own opinions and viewpoints, the heart of MercyMe is to guide the Church to unity on the foundation of Jesus. This theme is w...
2022-10-1927 min
NRT Now Podcast128 - Next Big Thing, part 12 (Todd Rukes)In this installment of the Next Big Thing series, we are introduced to Todd Rukes. Todd is a Worship Pastor turned HR Director turned Recruiter turned Recording Artist. From his unique vantage point as a recruiter, Todd shares some wisdom for both churches and potential worship pastors as they search for the match for their ministries. Todd also talks about his journey and why he has chosen now to release his debut album after years as a worship pastor in churches. In the process of recording this album, he has had a team behind him that has pushed him...
2022-10-1232 min
NRT Now Podcast127- Happy Raps and... Bathroom Interviews? (Peabod)Since his debut in 2018, Peabod has become known for his unique, poppy brand of hip hop. While Peabod didn't start out in hip hop, he has found freedom in the genre to explore new ways to create. Just as his career in music was starting to take off, he got thrown a curveball when the pandemic took hold. As a newlywed, there was a silver lining since he was given a season to spend with his wife before being on the road as a full time musician.
In this episode, Peabod shares about his start in music...
2022-10-0529 min
NRT Now Podcast126 - A Legacy Remembered (Andrew Greer)Andrew Greer offers the thought that in our efforts to become more diverse, maybe we have become homogenized than we intend. We must speak, act, think the same in order to be heard, and humans are not designed for this. We are created to have relationships and exchange thoughts in a manner that is enriching to one another... but do we have the habit of putting God in a box that looks strangely more like our own opinions and judge people from that standard? What doors would open and who would we meet if we pursued God for how...
2022-09-2840 min
NRT Now Podcast125 - NRT Now Podcast:The TrailerWhat is the NRT Now Podcast? In each episode, we spend some time with your favorite Christian Artists (or introduce you to an artist... maybe your new favorite artist?) and share stories. Whether it's a story from their journey or the music itself... we share a laugh, encouragement, and deepen our faith one conversation at a time.
2022-09-2105 min
NRT Now Podcast124 - The Simple Truth (Cody Carnes)A couple years after releasing one of the biggest songs of 2020 with his wife Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes is set to release a live album declaring this truth: God Is Good. In a time where everything seems so complicated, there is power in the simplicity of that truth. There are so many depths of that truth to explore, but it is truly that simple. Cody talks about his heart behind sharing that message through this live album.
Cody shares his journey that started at Gateway Church in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex (TX).
2022-09-1433 min
NRT Now Podcast123 - The Non-Traditional Path (Hope Darst)When Hope Darst introduces a new song as part of her church, she can gauge how the song is impacting and how people connect with it. When Hope released her debut solo album in 2020, not only was she stepping out in faith in becoming a solo artist, she released the songs in a period where she couldn't be in the room to see the connection. As she is starting to get out on the road, she's discovering what she was missing as she hears people singing her songs and sharing stories about how her songs have impacted people across...
2022-09-0743 min
NRT Now Podcast122 - A Light in the Dark (Fearless BND)After several years of meeting in nightclubs around LA, Fearless Church finally found a building and was getting ready to move in at the beginning of 2020. Though the pandemic delayed their move into the new building for services, Pastor Jeremy Johnson shares how they used their building and the area around it to serve their community faithfully so that the city even took note and partnered with them to help distribute food. In a period where so many issues tried to darken their area, they chose to be a light and build their foundation on Jesus. Jeremy shares these...
2022-08-3134 min
NRT Now Podcast121 - A Twenty Year Legacy (Kutless)It's hard to believe that it's been 20 years since Kutless released their debut album. To celebrate the album's 20th anniversary, Kutless re-recorded 3 songs from the album and added a 'Kutless in 2022' flavor to them. As we continue the 20th anniversary celebration, Jon Micah Sumrall and James Mead join us to share some stories.
Whether it's near death experiences or epic tour pranks, there has been a lot of life lived since Kutless released that first album. Jon Micah and James talk about the history of the band and the members who have left a mark on...
2022-07-2750 min
NRT Now Podcast120 - Next Big Thing, Part 11 (Sean BE)In this installment of the Next Big Thing series, we are introduced to Sean BE. Sean invites us to step into his story as he talks about his journey from Next Gen pastor to recording artist. Sean shares with us about the leaps of faith it took to get to this season, as well as some of the challenges he faced growing up as a pastor's grandkid.
2022-07-1328 min
NRT Now Podcast119 - The Chosen - Feeding the 5kThe hit series The Chosen is filming season 3 in North Texas. One of the episodes in Season 3 is the miracle of the Feeding of the 5,000. Back in August of 2021, The Chosen announced that they would be opening up the opportunity to be an extra in the episode. Over the course of 2 days, over 12,000 people descended on Midlothian, TX to be a part of this episode.
As we went behind the scenes, we had the opportunity to chat with some of the people behind the production:
Derral Eves, Executive Producer and The Chosen CEO
Amber S...
2022-07-0629 min
NRT Now Podcast118 - Present In The Right Season (River Valley Worship)When we last caught up with Ryan Williams from River Valley Worship in the summer of 2020, River Valley Church was on the front end of a season full of challenges. Between a pandemic, their city being at the center of our news cycles, and division surrounding them, RVC had a lot to navigate. As we chat with Ryan at the release of their album 'Faith in Our Time,' he shares about the journey that RVC has walked through and how their church has grown in the process.
2022-06-2928 min
NRT Now Podcast117 - Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix - The Good, The Bad, The UglyKevin Olusola was a pre-med student and training in classical music on the cello. Donovan Donnell was a male exotic dancer. Both Kevin and Donovan stepped out onto the path God had for them and found that it led toward reaching their dreams. Donovan is an author, life coach, and speaker, among many other things.
Kevin is now a member of the wildly successful band Pentatonix. They have come together to bring us the Imagine Faith Talk podcast, unpacking biblical principles for optimizing performance and finding success through a partnership with God. Through their respective journeys, each...
2022-06-1530 min
NRT Now Podcast116 - Going High Tech to Keep the Oldies Alive (Mark Lowry)Mark Lowry's career has spanned a few decades and he has cemented his legacy in not only the Southern Gospel community, but also the Christian Comedian community. Or is that the other way around? Maybe it was his song "Mary, Did You Know?" Either way, he has impacted many lives and shared the Gospel all over the world as part of the Gaither Vocal Band and as part of the Gaither Homecoming series. In Episode 108, Jeff Allen shared his story about meeting Mark and his encouragement while Jeff was doing some shows with the Gaither's.
I...
2022-06-0815 min
NRT Now Podcast115 - Defining the Next Era (Elevation Rhythm)As Josh Holiday from Elevation Rhythm reminds us, so many periods of time are marked by the art and music that emerge from them. You can see and feel what's happening as you listen to music or gaze at a painting from that period. Josh and fellow Elevation Rhythm member Davide Mutendji share about this period in Elevation Church's Youth ministry that has been captured in their latest release, Growing Pains. Davide and Josh also talk about the path that Elevation Rhythm has been on and their relationship with Elevation Worship.
2022-05-0426 min
NRT Now Podcast114 - Worship Is An Emotional Connection to God (Honor & Glory)The idea for Honor & Glory was started by conversations in the back of Disciple's tour bus. As they were chatting about their weekends, the realization hit them that worship was important enough that they were all playing in church on their days off. Since they were all worshipping separately at their respective churches, why not do it together... right? As Kevin Young tells us, they're all best friends who are wanting to share the message of Christ through music. Every opportunity to share Christ is important, and the Honor & Glory project opens different doors for them to do so.
2022-04-2727 min
NRT Now Podcast113 - When The Songs Become Your Stories (for KING & COUNTRY)Over the last few years, for KING & COUNTRY has become one of the biggest names in Christian music. Despite having their faces featured on billboards and touring semi-trucks, features in major publications and TV programming, and all the accolades... their mission remains the same as it was when they started: connecting to people and connecting people to God. Luke Smallbone shares that while they write songs that mean a lot to them, there is power when those songs become part of people's stories.
Also in this episode, Luke shares stories from their current tour, writing the What...
2022-04-2023 min
NRT Now Podcast112 - River Valley: The Next Generation (River Valley Ages)River Valley Worship released Altars in the late spring of 2020 while the world was still trying to figure out what was happening and right before their hometown of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN was thrust into the center of national conversations. Even though all this was swirling around, something was bubbling in the Youth ministry at River Valley Church. Ages leader Wes Schrock shares how AGES was birthed to add fuel to a fire that was burning in student worship leaders as they were bringing in their own songs to the church. Wes also shares what has been happening in t...
2022-04-1321 min
NRT Now Podcast111 - Next Big Thing, Part 10 (Abby Robertson)We Love Awards nominated artist Abby Robertson joined the ranks of artists like Sarah Reeves, for KING & COUNTRY, Sidewalk Prophets... Not only have all these artists been nominated for We Love Awards, but they have all been Pre-Jam artists on past WinterJam tours. On the last stop of WinterJam 2022, Abby talks about her time on tour and how she has grown. She tells us about her journey as an artist and performing for the We Love Awards show.
2022-03-3015 min
NRT Now Podcast110 - Through the Fire (Jordan St.Cyr)It's crazy how conversations we have or songs we write wind up ministering to us just as much as anyone else. When Jordan St. Cyr wrote the hit song Fires a few years ago, he wrote it about a man who was on the verge of losing everything. When Jordan was faced with his own fires when his youngest daughter was diagnosed with health concerns, God used his own song to minister to him.
Jordan shares his journey with this album and Fires. He also shares about sharing tours with some of the artists that have shaped hi...
2022-03-2324 min
NRT Now Podcast109 - The Human Connection (Branan Murphy)Life comes at us hard and at times it feels like we're alone in what we're going through. 10th Annual We Love Awards Host Branan Murphy shares about his heartbeat for connecting with people and walking alongside them. He tells us that even though the last couple years have been tough for him, he wouldn't trade the lessons he's learned or how it's deepened his faith. Branan is hoping that the music that comes from this past season encourages those listening and speaks the universal truth that they are not alone; they are known, seen, and loved by God.
2022-03-1623 min
NRT Now Podcast108 - The Best Medicine (Jeff Allen)The Bible tells us that there will be trials in this life, but it also tells us that a joyful heart is good medicine. If Comedian Jeff Allen has made you laugh till your sides hurt and made you forget about everything else for a while, he's accomplished his mission. Though Jeff has been in the comedy game for many years, his brand of humor changed after he encountered Jesus. In this episode, Jeff shares his powerful testimony and how that has influenced what you see on YouTube and network TV today. We also talk marriage tips and how...
2022-03-0928 min
NRT Now Podcast107 - Paradox of the Lion and the Lamb (Elevation Worship)Just like so many artists, Elevation Worship was set to take Elevation Nights on the road before the whole world shut down. During the season that followed, Elevation Worship released 'Graves Into Gardens' and 'Old Church Basement.' Worship Leader Chris Brown shares about the move that happened in their church and their worship team that came from that season/albums and how that's led into the upcoming album 'Lion.' Collaborations with other worship leaders have unlocked a whole new perspective and how they write, along with the hunger that came from being separated. Chris also shares with...
2022-03-0225 min
NRT Now Podcast106 - Revealing Ministry Opportunities (Planetboom)When life changes on a dime, it's easy to long for what life was like before and where we were comfortable. In these moments, however, things are revealed that we weren't able to see before. Planetboom, the youth expression of Planetshakers church, is located in Melbourne, Australia where Pastor Noah and Pastor Aimee describe as one of the most locked-down locations during the pandemic. Although Boom nights looked radically different, they discovered new areas to disciple and minister the youth that attended.
2022-02-2325 min
NRT Now Podcast105 - Lean On Me (Seventh Day Slumber)When life gets tough, it's easy to say all the Christian things out loud while being in pain quietly. Joseph Rojas of Seventh Day Slumber shares with us how Christian Rock tends to live in the space of expressing the emotion that is under the surface. As we chat about how music impacts us, Joseph shares a story of a CCM Artist friend who helped him get through one of the toughest parts of his life. We also discuss what it means to come alongside each other when it gets tough.
2022-02-1628 min
NRT Now Podcast104 - Coming Together Again (Kristian Stanfill/Passion)Passion Conference's website says this about their mission: "We are calling this generation, with different voices, but one song, different backgrounds, but one Father, different nationalities, but one eternal home. When we come together for the name of Jesus, we are changed, personally and collectively." Worship Leader Kristian Stanfill shares about the most welcome return of the conference in 2022 after the world shut down. He shares his favorite moments from the conference... from the power in group sessions to the voices that contributed to the music that emerged from Conference. Kristian talks about his journey from solo artist through...
2022-02-0923 min
NRT Now Podcast103 - New Beginnings (Adam Agee)After about a decade and 5 albums, life caught up with the members of the Dove Award-winning band Stellar Kart and they decided it was time for a change of seasons. Frontman Adam Agee has continued his career in music as a member of Audio Adrenaline and with his solo projects. As he's releasing his first solo album, he shares his journey from the Stellar Kart days and why he continues to be passionate about Christian music. He also shares why partnering with missions organizations is so important to why he's sets out on the road.
2022-02-0222 min
NRT Now Podcast102 - Look Ma, I Made It! (Coby James)Music has always been a part of Coby James's life. While he may not have been releasing chart-topping hits at 15, he was laying the groundwork for a ministry he knew God was calling him to. Coby's story includes health issues as a kid and moving to a new place as the world was shutting down, but he has remained faithful to his ministry and has weaved those experiences into his music. He shares some of these stories and talks about the community he's found in this episode, along with celebrating his nomination in the 10th annual We Love Awards.
2022-01-2626 min
NRT Now Podcast101 - 10th Annual We Love AwardsAs we close out this amazing year in Christian music, we brought in a panel to discuss our 10th annual We Love Christian Music Awards. NRT President, Founder, and all-around good guy Kevin McNeese joins host Jake Frederick and Visible Music College/Madison Line Records' own Crystal Bergman. The panel chats about the music that came out in 2021, the awards, and the partnership between NRT and Visible Music College.
2021-12-2943 min
NRT Now Podcast100 - The Birthday Episode (Mac Powell)You may know Mac Powell's distinctive voice from the iconic band Third Day. Although the season of Third Day has come to a close, Mac has not slowed down at all. He has pursued his solo Country work with Mac Powell and the Family Reunion and has recently released his debut solo CCM project. In this Christmas episode, Mac shares about his family Christmas traditions, which include him sharing a birthday with Jesus. We also take a moment to celebrate Waffle House and his Tunie award.
2021-12-2220 min
NRT Now Podcast99 - The Next Generation (Maddie Rey)Author and Artist Maddie Rey has been a part of her family's youth-focused ministry since she was about 12 years old. Maddie has continued that passion for youth ministry into books and music. In this episode, Maddie shares about speaking biblical truth into this next generation.
2021-12-1535 min
NRT Now Podcast98 - As Iron Sharpens Iron (Mōriah)There is power when you're open and raw with your story. When Mōriah Smallbone and her husband Joel Smallbone (for KING & COUNTRY) started their cinematic podcast BECOMING:us, being open with their story was a priority. In this episode, Mōriah shares about their podcast and about her new EP. Part of the story of her EP is the diverse group of friends that contributed to the project, and she shares her heart behind it.
2021-12-0814 min
NRT Now Podcast97 - Keep the Candle Burning (Point of Grace)We're starting our 2021 Christmas episodes with a hint of an #NRTwenty theme. We catch up with Shelley from Point of Grace to chat about their music from the albums in the '90s to their brand new Christmas album. We talk about books from Girls of Grace to their recent book How You Live: Lessons Learned. Shelley shares some of their journey over the last twenty years and shares some of her family's Christmas traditions.
2021-12-0122 min
NRT Now Podcast96 - Being Thankful (Tasha Layton)We first caught up with Tasha in 2019 for Episode 17 as she shared her testimony. She shared about her faith journey and the miracles that she and her husband Keith Everett Smith have witnessed. We catch back up with Tasha for another Thanksgiving episode and to hear what God has done in their lives over the past couple of years. From their second miracle baby being born to a move that has planted them in a new season, God has definitely still been on the move.
2021-11-2423 min
NRT Now Podcast95 - Looking Toward December (Matthew West)Christmas is the season for joy, generosity, and good cheer. By the time Christmas rolls around, there has been a lot of life lived since the beginning of the year. After the last couple of years that we've walked through, we could definitely use some Christmas. Matthew West has released an album aptly named 'We Need Christmas' and we discuss some events of this past year.
2021-11-1726 min
NRT Now Podcast94 - Finding the Balance (Chasen)It's not common for an artist to follow up several #1 hits with a hiatus. Shortly after Chasen released their 'That Was Then, This Is Now' album that had 2 of their #1's, Chasen Callahan hit pause and joined the staff at his church in South Carolina. Chasen shares about the season in between where he has found the balance between ministry and being present for his family. It's been over 10 years since 'That Was Then, This Is Now'... Chasen has released a new album with renewed vision.
2021-11-0330 min
NRT Now Podcast93 - A Call For Revival (Rebecca St. James)A prerequisite for revival is desperation... a desperation for God that is new and fresh. Have you heard the phrase God won't give you anything that you can't handle? Rebecca St. James discusses that one piece to this Biblical concept that can get overlooked is that we find ourselves in situations that we cannot handle by ourselves, but we can with Jesus. In a time where it seems like so many are desperate, we need revival and we need the hope that is found in Jesus.
2021-10-2725 min
NRT Now Podcast92 - The Power of Together (Stephen McWhirter/Jason Clayborn)Gospel artist Jason Clayborn and CCM worship leader Stephen McWhirter first connected while Jason's group performed on a Louisville, KY TV show called "The Sound." The instant friendship has led to a series of collaborations celebrating both artists' musical cultures. If Heaven is going to be filled with people of every tongue and every nation, we can only imagine what Heaven will sound like. Although we won't know what that sounds like until we get there, Stephen and Jason are pursuing a creative process that produces music that brings different voices together here on Earth.
2021-10-2028 min
NRT Now Podcast91 - Let Your Love Shine (Danny Gokey)Love is a powerful force, it can do things without even saying things. Danny Gokey shares with he wishes that was something he learned when he was younger, and how something as simple as loving your kids can make an impact on someone without you ever noticing. Danny also talks about his new album Jesus People and the heart of compassion that went into writing this album.
2021-10-1323 min
NRT Now Podcast90 - The Gift of Time (Newsboys)The Newsboys have been given the gift of time, both in the longevity of the band and in this recent season. In this episode, we chat about the Newsboys' legacy and the seasons that have gone into this legacy. We also discuss the time that went into crafting the new album, Stand. The Newsboys share their heart behind the album and the songs.
2021-10-0629 min
NRT Now Podcast89 - Changing Seasons (Mike Donehey)It's inevitable that the seasons in life will change, but sometimes the challenge is moving between seasons when God calls you. As Mike Donehey changes season from Tenth Avenue North to a solo career, we chat about the transition between these seasons and how that has impacted his family time and songwriting. We also chat about loving people through the changes in their seasons.
2021-09-0822 min
NRT Now Podcast88 - Finding Your Mission (Boiling Point)Boiling Point released a YouTube mini-series named Hope Lives Here that explores their mission work in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Frontman Eric Bjorklund talks about the journey of releasing this project and his heart for this mission. We discuss finding what we're passionate about and finding our mission.
2021-09-0127 min
NRT Now Podcast87 - Take Me to a Rock Show (The Protest)Who knew that listening to KISS albums could lead to a career in ministry? The Protest's frontman Josh Bramlett chats with us about how listening to old rock albums started him down the path to starting the band. We talk about discernment in the music we listen to and missing the rock shows that are now starting to come back.
2021-08-2526 min
NRT Now Podcast86 - Shoot for the Stars (Anne Wilson)After visiting NASA, Anne Wilson was all set to shoot for the stars... literally! When tragedy struck her family, she heard God speak and set her on a new path. A video of her singing "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong turned some heads and started her journey as an artist.
2021-08-1822 min
NRT Now Podcast85 - In Short, Jesus Happened (Baylor Wilson)Baylor Wilson has been described as a cheerleader, a reality game show contestant, and a country music artist. While her path hasn't been what she had pictured it growing up, it has taken her on some unique and exciting turns. Baylor had an experience that caused her to pivot again... she describes it in two words: Jesus happened.
2021-08-1127 min
NRT Now Podcast84 - What You Prioritize is the Loudest Voice (Wande)There are so many voices that shout for our attention. In this episode, Wande talks about making God a priority and spending time with him and with people who pursue him. This makes God's voice louder than social media or the other voices that compete for our attention. She also talks about the worship in the Nigerian church she grew up in and cultural differences.
2021-07-2123 min
NRT Now Podcast83 - A Not So Hostile Takeover (Big Daddy Weave)In this episode, our fearless leader, president, founder, and all-around good guy Kevin McNeese takes over the podcast. Kevin caught up with Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave in person (gasp!) before they played a 4th of July festival in Boise. They chatted about having 20 years in the business, family, and cancel culture. Mike also talks through changing seasons and working through the tough times that can bring.
2021-07-0724 min
NRT Now Podcast82 - Nothing Says Romance Like a Pickle Parade (Crowder)Do you have a brand that's unique to your area? There is a brand of pickles that is unique to North Texas that Crowder is a huge fan of. It just so happens that our host lives nearby the pickle factory and we talk about how the town throws a pickle parade every year. Is this an idea for the next Crowder anniversary getaway? We also talk about Crowder's new album and the amazing songs in the middle of the album.
2021-06-2325 min
NRT Now Podcast81 - A River Runs Through (Ellie Holcomb)In this episode, Ellie Holcomb shares the inspiration behind her new album, Canyons. In the middle of a scorching desert, the river at the bottom of the canyon was cool and steady. Ellie says this about the heart behind the album: We all know what it is for our hearts to be broken, split wide open by the pain and loss and sorrow we encounter here. We know brokenness. We know division, but there in the middle of all the chaos, in the places where the pain cuts a canyon into our very hearts, there is a river running t...
2021-06-0927 min
NRT Now Podcast80 - Focusing our Worship (Anna Golden)When we place our worship in anything other than God... whether it is a celebrity, a pastor, our job... it will always let us down. We were created to worship, and only God is capable of handling the full weight of our worship. Anna Golden shares how she stepped out of mainstream music so she could focus on being a worship leader, not being the target of worship. She caught the attention of Tasha Cobbs Leonard and became the first artist signed to Tasha's label imprint.
2021-06-0228 min
NRT Now Podcast79 - Not 'Till the S'Mores (Rhett Walker)Whether it's jabbing each other over bad lunch choices or forgetting the members of our favorite bands, there is nothing more real-life than a conversation between a couple of dudes living the mid-30's dad life. We reminisce about the daytime TV shows we used to watch when we were kids and the terrible shows we used to love, some of the things that our kids will never experience. Somewhere in between the reminiscing, we chat about Rhett's new EP and music videos. Rhett tells about how the concept of the Gospel Song music video included no music until...
2021-05-2634 min
NRT Now Podcast78 - The Wild Ones (Rachael Lampa)This episode is part 3 of our series about the Faithful Project. All throughout the Bible, God uses people that are imperfect to do big things. Rachel Lampa has spent time in women's prison ministries telling people who are imperfect that they are still loved by God. In this episode, we talk about her time with this ministry and about the women in the Bible that would be considered 'the wild ones'.
2021-05-1928 min
NRT Now Podcast77 - Next Big Thing, Part 9 (Taylor Leonhardt)In this installment of our Next Big Thing series, we chat with Taylor Leonhardt. Taylor is one half of the group Mission House and is part of the Faithful project. Taylor shares stories about the impact of her time writing and performing with the Faithful project. A few weeks before the Faithful project released, she released a new version of her song I Don't Have Much that Mission House recorded with Josh Baldwin.
2021-05-1228 min
NRT Now Podcast76 - Joy In The Darkness (Ginny Owens)We are starting a small series focused on the Faithful project: a book and an album inspired by stories of the women of the bible. In this first Faithful episode, we talk with Ginny Owens, who also released a book and an album at the same time as the Faithful Project. We reminisce about sampler CDs and talk about finding joy and praising God when we walk through dark times.
2021-05-0535 min
NRT Now Podcast75 - Guitars and Perfect Love (Lincoln Brewster)Lincoln Brewster has been a premier guitarist since the early '90s. Throughout the years, his gear choices have changed, but his favorite guitar model has not. In this episode, we chat about Lincoln's current gear choices and some of the stories that led him to primarily use digital gear. We also chat briefly about his time with Steve Perry, his story, and his new album.
2021-04-2835 min
NRT Now Podcast74 - The Culture We Make (Propaganda)I've grown up hearing the phrase "In the world, but not of it." Does that mean that we're a part of our culture or do we separate ourselves from it? In his latest EP, Propaganda talks about the concept that we are a part of our culture, but we also have the choice to change our culture. We discuss this and how Daniel was a great example of this in the Bible.
2021-04-2130 min
NRT Now Podcast73 - Next Big Thing, Part 8 (Alex Henry Foster)It feels weird to put this episode in the Next Big Thing series because Alex Henry Foster is so accomplished. His mainstream band Your Favorite Enemies was nominated for a Juno (Canadian music award) and his solo project hit #1 on the Billboard Canadian Albums list several times. His performance at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2019 is considered one of the best in festival history and is also the subject of his upcoming film. With all this mainstream success, his faith as remained at the center for him. In this episode, we talk about the artistry of this album and...
2021-04-1436 min
NRT Now Podcast72 - Being Present (Pat Barrett)It's been said that that the best gift that you can give someone is your presence. It's so easy to get distracted and give our attention away freely. What would happen if we were intentional about giving our presence to those around us? What would happen if we were intentional about giving God our presence? One thing about worship is that we have the opportunity to give our full attention to God as we come into his presence.
2021-03-2430 min
NRT Now Podcast71 - Sibling Rivalry... Or Not. (CAIN)When you grow up with siblings, you know exactly what buttons to push to make each other go crazy... unwanted hugging and stolen drinks just to name a couple. On the other hand, you can also become each other's biggest cheerleaders. The harmonies that the siblings in the band CAIN have developed as they've grown up extend past the stage. They share that it's very rare that all three of them are down at the same time, making it hard to stay down for very long.
2021-03-1732 min
NRT Now Podcast70- The Lessons We Learned (for KING & COUNTRY)The phrase "the new normal" can come with a dark cloud and bring a fear that everything we don't like will last forever. However, a new normal can also mean that we take the lessons we learn to help shape a healthier future. This last season has had no shortage of lessons to teach us... what would it look like if we took the lessons to heart instead of being so quick to get back to the normal we knew before? Luke Smallbone talks about what he has learned through this season and writing music that comes from real...
2021-03-1020 min
NRT Now Podcast69 - Be Kind and Don't Worry (Sidewalk Prophets)What would it look like if we truly took the time to pray for our enemies? What would it look like if we were kind to others the way that Jesus was? What would it look like if we stopped worrying about everything all at once? What would it look like if we stopped feeding the negativity in the comment sections? Dave Frey of Sidewalk Prophets about these questions and their new album 'The Things That Got Us Here,' which is what got them a We Love Awards nomination.
2021-03-0334 min
NRT Now Podcast68 - Championing Others (We Are Messengers)In this episode, We Love Awards nominated artist We Are Messengers talk about championing others. They have produced a video for 2 consecutive Together We Love shows that champion the music of other artists. We talk about championing others, both in the Christian Music space and around our spaces.
2021-02-1721 min
NRT Now Podcast67 - Embracing What We Don't Understand (Jason Gray)Often times, we find ourselves comfortable in the order of what we understand and believe. When we allow ourselves to explore the disorder of what we don't know and have conversations with others with different viewpoints, God can reorder our hearts to be closer to his. Jason Gray talks about this as he discusses his newest album.
2021-02-1037 min
NRT Now Podcast66 - Clearing the Clutter (Phil Joel)It's so easy for us to get too busy and to allow too many voices to divide our attention. As we allow more of this clutter, it becomes more difficult to focus on what is important. It is harder to allow God to play the role in our lives that he is meant to. Phil Joel wrote the song Sailing Speed talking about slowing down, clearing the clutter, and making room for our relationship with God. Phil also shares about creating this EP on his own, a challenge he had yet to take on, and his heart behind this p...
2021-01-2730 min
NRT Now Podcast65 - Next Big Thing, Part 7 (Grace Graber)We talk quite a bit about how music can have a massive impact on our lives, but it's still mind-blowing when we hear that music has saved someone's life. The words "Can you hear me?/Does anyone around me feel the way that I feel now" from Hawk Nelson's 'Take Me' brought Grace Graber out of a depression and onto a path of becoming a Christian artist herself. We talk about her story and we reminisce about early 2000's bands that had a major impact on us.
2021-01-2032 min
NRT Now Podcast64 - From Our Corners To The Middle (Legin)One of the things that Jesus is known for is that he had conversations with people who were in opposite corners of society from him. Although it may be contrary to our human nature, there is power when we do the same. This is a message that Legin has preaching through his music, spoken word, and relationships in his community.
2021-01-1331 min
NRT Now Podcast63 - Even In 2020, There Was Jesus (Zach Williams)For about 20 years, Zach Williams missed moments that Jesus was there and moving in his life. Zach wrote the song 'There Was Jesus' as he looks back on those moments he overlooked. As we turn the page on 2020, it's easy to focus on all the negative that happened, but Jesus was still here and moving in 2020. Zach talks about his collaboration with Dolly Parton, Williams Family Christmas, and what he's looking forward to in 2021.
2020-12-3026 min
NRT Now Podcast62 - A Christmas To Behold (Francesca Battistelli)This episode is all about This Christmas... the holiday, yes, but also Francesca Battistelli's new Christmas album. The song 'Behold Him' was written the year previous, but Francesca felt it wasn't the right time to release it. Little did she know, God had better timing for the release of this song. We chat about the album, this song, and talk about Christmas fun.
2020-12-2324 min
NRT Now Podcast61 - Identity In The Giver, Not The Gifts (Joel Vaughn)It's so easy to find your identity in the gifts and talents you're given, and worship leaders are not immune from this. Being a worship leader can also provide a buffer to hide anything that's happening underneath the surface. Joel Vaughn had given up music to work through placing his identity in the creator of his gifts and to allow himself to be healthy spiritually. While he thought he might pick up music again as a small-time worship leader, he didn't expect a full-blown music career including Billboard chart hits. We chat about his journey, parenting, and his new...
2020-12-1635 min
NRT Now Podcast60 - 9th Annual We Love Christian Music AwardsIt's that time of year where we here at NRT start the celebration of the past year in Christian music. We do some things differently than other awards, starting with our emphasis on celebrating the nominations just as much as the winners. While we may pare down our nominations based on several data points, it's the fans that choose our winners. Over the last few years, Visible Music College has become an invaluable partner in putting this celebration together. It's only fitting that we here at NRT catch up with VMC and talk about this year's awards. We also...
2020-12-0952 min
NRT Now Podcast59 - A House Built On The Rock (John Cooper)In 2019, Skillet's frontman John Cooper started a journey of sharing truth in today's culture through a series of social media posts. While he was initially unsure if anyone wanted to hear this from him, the response he received answered that question with a resounding yes. He is taking his journey of speaking about truth a step further with a book that is set to release at the end of 2020. In this episode, we flashback to episode 12 where John talks about the social media posts and then hear from John about his new book.
2020-12-0231 min
NRT Now Podcast58 - It's Not Christmas Yet, Bro! (Jordan Feliz)This Thanksgiving episode features Dove Award-winning artist Jordan Feliz. Jordan's eyes were not focused on the top of the charts when he wrote his latest album, his task was to put out the best work he could. Nevertheless, the single "Glorify" has landed at the top of the charts. Jordan discusses the process of the album and the heart behind a pair of the leading songs. Jordan shares how he and his family go hard for Christmas, and why he is not likely to release a Christmas album.
2020-11-2541 min
NRT Now Podcast57 - Next Big Thing, Part 6 (Him + Her Worship)In this installment of the Next Big Thing episodes, we are introduced to Seth and Jenna of Him + Her Worship. Their latest album was finished as they were stuck on the road during lockdowns. We get to know this new artist and their journey around the country in their 13ft trailer.
2020-11-1834 min
NRT Now Podcast56 - Being Real With God And Others (Matt Hammitt)In 2010, Sanctus Real released a song called 'Lead Me' which took CCM by storm. The heart of the song is a wife asking her husband to lead her and the family, which is part of a real experience from the band's frontman at the time, Matt Hammitt. The message of the song landed deep on Matt's heart, so much so that he left the band to live out the song. In 2020, he released a book co-written by his wife that is open and raw with all the experiences around that song. He also talks about the story of Bowen's...
2020-11-1132 min
NRT Now Podcast55 - Our Soul Is A Home (Citizens)Before we had any idea as to what season was ahead of us, Citizens had the idea to record songs with nothing more than their phones and acoustic instruments. Fast forward, these phone demos would become a picture of what many churches were facing. We chat about the full album 'The Joy of Being' along with some fun anecdotes from small hometowns.
2020-11-0433 min
NRT Now Podcast54 - Talking About Whatever We Want (Manic Drive)In a season that's hit these brothers hard, Shawn and Michael from Manic Drive have released two songs that talk about being grateful for the life they have and coming back strong from setbacks. 'Thank God I'm Alive' and 'Champion' are two singles from their upcoming EP set to release at the end of the year. We chat about the album, life in this season, and share some memories.
2020-10-2831 min
NRT Now Podcast53 - It's Got No Hold On Me (Matty Mullins)In a season where it seems like everything is a breeding ground for depression and anxiety, Matty Mullins shares his journey in overcoming these obstacles in his life. Although it was actually written years ago, his new single 'No Hold On Me' is a timely statement that only God frees us from any holds. We also chat about his life with Memphis May Fire and his On Point Pomade company.
2020-10-2139 min
NRT Now Podcast52 - Whatever May Come, Worship (Jeremy and Adrienne Camp)Jeremy Camp's highly-anticipated biopic I Still Believe was set to hit theaters in late March of 2020 until the pandemic derailed those plans. In the middle of a season where all plans were changed, Jeremy and his wife Adrienne debuted a new worship song over Instagram and YouTube live. That song sparked a worship EP. In this episode, we talk about this EP and worship, along with memories of shows past.
2020-10-1425 min
NRT Now Podcast51 - Next Big Thing, Part 5 (Skye Reedy)As a part of this Next Big Thing episode, we have an exclusive premiere of a new song from up and coming artist Skye Reedy! After years on the road as background vocals for Mandisa and Michael W. Smith, Skye is following God's path into becoming a solo artist. Skye talks about her story before we premiere the song, which includes lessons learned from her time with Mandisa and her time leading worship at diverse inner-city churches in Florida. This time has also led her to a heart for diversity and unity.
2020-10-0737 min
NRT Now Podcast50 - Not Just For Today (Natalie Grant)In yet another example of how God can use anything to further his kingdom, an episode of Law and Order: SVU planted the seed for Natalie Grant to begin what has become an international organization to fight child trafficking that has saved many thousands of children. In this episode, Natalie talks about Hope for Justice International and the work they're doing across the globe. She also talks about praising through the storms of life and shares about the making of her latest album, No Stranger.
Natalie Grant's Lifeway Interview
2020-09-3029 min
NRT Now Podcast49 - League For A Cause (Audio Adrenaline, Adam Agee, Sidewalk Prophets)In 2004, Audio Adrenaline (Audio A) established the Hands and Feet Project. The name of the organization comes from one of their hit songs from the 1999 album 'Underdog' that talks about being the hands and feet of Jesus. Although the band is dormant these days, Hands and Feet Project is still going strong and still working in Haiti. To support the cause, two fans started a fantasy football league to raise funds for missions trips. In addition to original Audio A members, Adam Agee (Stellar Kart, Audio Adrenaline, Solo) and Dave Frey (Sidewalk Prophets) have joined in the league, along...
2020-09-1647 min
NRT Now Podcast48 - Yes, But Not Right Now (Hope Darst)Hope Darst wrote the song 'Peace Be Still' in 2016 and while it was Lauren Daigle's voice that released the song into the worship community in 2017, it is her own voice that released her song to radio in 2020. In this episode, we chat with Hope about her journey that led to releasing her debut album at a non-traditional age on a non-traditional path. We talk about the lessons she learned along the way and how being obedient to God may seem like the death of a dream, but can actually be the birth of something much better.
2020-09-0955 min
NRT Now Podcast47 - Tiaras and Teacups (Mandisa)In this episode, we are joined by a very special co-host along with our guest Mandisa. We chat about children's book ideas, princess tea parties, and babies. We also talk about thunderstorms, prophecy, and the prophet Elijah. We also chat a bit about her new series 'What If I Were Real?"
2020-09-0232 min
NRT Now Podcast46 - Next Big Thing, Part 4 (Nate Parrish)Episode 40 made mention of previous Worth Dying For and current Kutless band member Nate Parrish. It just so happens that Nate just released his solo project 'I'm a Wreck' that has got the attention of the Christian rock scene. Join us for this punk rock episode where we discuss his time in Worth Dying For and Kutless and the differences of worship in those two groups. We also talk about his album and the reasons why he wrote the songs that fit square in the no filter punk rock category.
2020-08-2644 min
NRT Now Podcast45 - Your Story Matters (Matthew West)In this episode, we catch up with Matthew West, who just released The Matthew West Podcast. We talk baseball, having his dad as his road pastor, and how his new music video for the song 'Truth Be Told' talks about the freedom that comes from being honest about what you're going through. As we talk about his new podcast, we discuss how everybody's story matters and how your story can help someone else.
2020-08-1936 min
NRT Now Podcast44 - Where I Wanna Be (Caves/Josh McCabe)In this episode, we talk with Josh McCabe of Caves. We talk about growing up in Canada, his connection to The Belonging Co, and how Caves got started. We also chat about some behind-the-scenes of his podcast (Overflow Beyond the Music), as well as this podcast. We have a first for this podcast, we have an exclusive debut for Caves's new song!
2020-08-1230 min
NRT Now Podcast43 - Revival at School (SEU Worship)In this episode, we catch up with Dan Rivera of SEU Worship. We chat about the trends of incoming students and the challenges that Southeastern University has faced in the current environment. We also talk about the history of SEU, which is rooted in worship and revival. Somewhere in here, we talk about dad things and how one of us is all for the minivan life.
2020-08-0544 min
NRT Now Podcast42 - Be Revolutionary (Josh Wilson)In this episode, we chat with Josh Wilson about his new song 'Revolutionary' and what that means in today's landscape. We also talk about fighting depression in this season and the importance of continuing to be together. We also chat about his journey in music and what he has learned along the way.
2020-07-2951 min
NRT Now Podcast41 - Live Fearless, Part 2 (Fearless BND)This is the second part of our conversation with Jeremy Johnson of Fearless BND. This episode dives deeper into the theme of Fearless/Fear Not and how it applies to our climate today. We chat about applying biblical perspectives to the events that unfold around us.
2020-07-2244 min
NRT Now Podcast40 - Live Fearless, Part 1 (Fearless BND)Episode 40 starts a 2-part episode with Jeremy Johnson of Fearless BND. In the first part, Jeremy talks about the history of Fearless Church in LA. We talk about his youth band called Worth Dying For and how it evolved into Fearless BND. Jeremy talks about being a church that's a light in a dark place, which has a lot to do with the early venues that Fearless held services at.
2020-07-1544 min