In part 2 of this 2-part season finale, Steven Curtis Chapman talks about the struggles he faced as he began to rise in popularity within the CCM industry. Plus, he discusses his and wife, Mary Beth's passion for adoption and all they are doing to help children in need find loving homes. Of course, we also take a look back at a few favorite hits, a…

He is a legend in the CCM world. His lyrics and music have touched millions. He has won multiple Grammy's Dove awards, GMA's and list keeps growing. But this icon of the industry is a self-proclaimed "Kentucky boy" at heart and he sits sits down with us in part one of this 2 part season finale to talk about his life and incredible career. He is the…

Idle Cure was unapologetic in their Christian Rock message during the late 80's and into the 90's. the sound was unmistakable and many had them labeled as the next Petra. But, despite their popularity, they never had a formal U.S. tour, nor did they ever quit their day jobs. In this episode, co-founders of the group, Steve Shannon (Lead Vocals) and…

In Part 2 of our interview with Rex Carrol, lead guitarist for Whitecross, Rex gives insight into things God was working on inside him during the prime era of the band. He also gets very honest about what drove he and lead vocalist Scott Wenzel apart. Plus, we preview two new tracks from Whitecross' new project, "Fear No Evil"! Support this show! M…

He is one of the most iconic and prolific guitarists known to Christian metal music! Rex Carrol joins us as our guest in part one of this two-part episode about his faith, life and career. In this episode, he discusses with us his early life, how he knew this was his calling and how Whitecross, as we know it, came to be! Support this show! Music in…

Lisa Bevill was a powerhouse Christina artist in the 90's and early 2000's. Her poppy, and also sensitive, touch made her music unique and endearing. In addition, she was the only female artists involved int he "True Love Waits" movement that was very popular at the time, but coming under some criticism now. In this episode, we talk to Lisa about h…

In this mid-season finale, we conclude our conversation with Mark and Brynn Gersmehl. They talk about the break-ups of their respective bands and the new music they are up to creating now! Plus, we get to preview a previously unreleased track from Mark and Brynn's collective effort called, "Soulbreather"! To support this podcast please click HERE! …

Mark Gersmehl was one of the founding members of Whiteheart, as well as one of only two members to with the band from start to finish. Brynn Gersmehl served as the keyboardist for the all-female Christian rock group, Rachel Rachel. While on tour together, they found love. In this episode, they talk about their difficult roads to the faith, their re…

Lary Dean is the front man for the progressive metal band, Trytan. Although he considered himself a believer from a young age, it took the tragic death of a friend to get him to commit his life to Christ. Now, as both a pastor and musician, Lary is reaching the lost like never before. In this episode, we talk to Lary about his faith, career and his…

On September 19, 1997, the world said goodbye to one of the most prolific and, sometimes controversial, Christian artists of his day, Rich Mullins. Mullins' soared to CCM stardom with hits like "Awesome God" and "Sometimes by Step", but his deep convictions and poetic mind prevented him from relishing in his fame. Like Keith Green before him, he wa…

Russ Lee wasn't raised in a Christian home. In fact, by the time he was 17, he was already dealing drugs. But he knew there was something more and he was missing out. One night, with his drugs still in the trunk of his car, he attended a church service that changed his life. That began a path that would take him to fronting one of the most iconic C…

His raspy blues voice defined Guardian's distinct sound for over a decade. In our season premier, Jamie Rowe sat down with us to talk about his faith, career and what he's up to these days. In this episode, we learn the stories behind some of Guardian's most popular songs and how John Elefante and Steve Taylor helped to make them such a huge succes…

In this final episode of season 2, our interview with the great Randy Stonehill picks up right where it left off, as Randy tells what it was like when he got the news of Keith Green's death. As Stonehill takes us through his solo career, we talk about his unique songwriting style, as well as preview some tracks from his brand new project, Lost Art …

Known as one of the pioneers of Contemporary Christian Music, Randy Stonehill paved the way for future artists and set the standard for writing solid Christian Music. But his journey was not an easy one and it was his friendship with the late Larry Norman that ultimately led him to Christ. In this episode, Randy talks about his incredible journey t…

As the bassist for the powerhouse CCM group, The Newsboys, and also as a solo artist, Phil Joel has enjoyed a successful career in the CCM industry. But it hasn't come without its trial or difficult choices. In this episode, Joel talks about how ha cane to join the Newsboys, the hard decision to leave and how God has used his solo career to make a …

Paul Roraback was the drummer for the Christian grunge band, Grammatrain, back in the early 90's. In this episode, he talks about his faith and how his love of music served as the catalyst to forming the band. However, after only putting out two albums, they stopped playing together when the lead vocalist recanted his faith. The experience, as well…

How many people do you know who would: - Fly across the Pacific Ocean to train against Olympians in Europe, aged 17? - Work overnight security shifts, to earn money to fight during the day? - Do 1000 pushups as punishment for being late to training, because the bumper of their car kept falling off on the drive there? I only know one, and his name i…

Kim Boyce came in to Christian Contemporary Music in an era when artists like Tiffany and Debbie Gibson were all the rage. She quickly became a Christian Pop icon with two number one singles off her debut album! In this episode, she talks about her career, balancing her music and family, and the Strongs tests of faith she endured after her music ca…

Danny Mariano founded, and sang lead vocals for, what could have been one of the greatest Christian Metal bands ever. Instead, the band quickly folded shortly after their one and only album was released. Since then, that project has reached cult-like status in the Christian metal world, and has been a source of rumors and conjecture as to why the b…

John Schlitt was the lead vocalist for Head East in the 70's and early 80's. But his Rock & Roll lifestyle soon landed him a swamp of drugs and alcohol he couldn't seem to escape. Then, on the cusp of deciding to take his own life, a visit to his wife's pastor changed John's life forever. Soon thereafter, he would give up his vices and would go on …

Rick Florian was the lead vocalist for one of the hottest Christian Rock Groups from the late 80's and 90's, White Heart. Starting as a roadie and then landing the gig as lead singer, Florian's power vocals took the band to new heights. This week, we talk to Rick about his days with the band, how he got there and what he's doing now. Plus, he answe…

He is one of the most revered CCM musicians and producers in the industry. John Elefante has gone from lead singer of the legendary rock group, Kansas, to a super producer of mega-artists like Petra, Guardian and Carman, as well as a successful solo artist in his own right. This week, he sits down with us to talk about his life, faith and incredibl…

Bryan Duncan has lead an incredible career, first as a member of Sweet Comfort band, and then as a successful solo artist in the 80's and 90's. This week, we have a very candid conversation with Bryan about his life, music and struggles. Plus, we'll look back at some his unique music that always seemed to have his own unique hook, and he plays some…

As a member of the power duo, DeGarmo & Key, Eddie Degarmo helped to set the standard for CCM artists of his day. This week, he sits down with us to discuss his life, how he and Dana Key came to know Christ, as well as some stories behind some of their songs and their storied career. he also tell us about his new book, and how he dealt with the dea…

To say that Daniel Kelly has an impressive fighting CV is an understatement. 4 Olympic Games as a judoka, 1 Olympic Games as a national coach, 1 Commonwealth Games for wrestling, appearances on The Ultimate Fighter, and live-streamed on pay-per-view television fighting in the UFC. So how did he reach the heights of the sport of judo - and beyond? H…

As frontman for Stryper and a solo artist, Michael Sweet is an icon of Christian metal. Having paved the way for other bands behind them, Stryper took a lot of the heat from both the Church and secular world, as they continued to dominate charts during the 80's and 90's. Now, in a new era, the band finds itself still producing music, but without or…

Tinka Easton and Aoife Coughlan from the Australian Judo Team jump on the show to chat about their first competition back since the COVID lockdowns. In quarantine after competing at the Doha Masters, we talk about their competition results, Olympic qualifications and potential plans to become D-list celebrities. Here’s their quarantine workout, “De…

James Austin is known as the voice behind The Original Judo Podcast, and the next in line to the judo commentary throne after Neil Adams. But before that, James earned his place on the world judo scene by becoming British champion across 3 weight categories, winning a world cup in Minsk in 2012, and representing Great Britain at the London Olympic …

Who would have thought that Travis Stevens would be the one to share some of the most hard-hitting philosophical insights on life? And yet - here he is to talk you through some of his most challenging life experiences; and how he used the hardest of times to his advantage, to ultimately set the stage for his biggest victories. In the second half (3…

In the first 10-15 seconds, he threw a closed fisted grip, and it hit me right in the eye and split it. That kind of set the tempo for the match. And from then on out, it was less of a judo match than an “I’m going to break your will”... It was the Olympic games so neither of us was going to give an inch. With an Olympic silver medal at 81kgs, ther…

In this season finale episode, we talk to Dan McCabe, front man for the 80's Christian Rock group, Daniel Band. Dan talks about his childhood growing up in a church that didn't believe in musical instruments, how Daniel Band came to be, as well as what he's doing now and if there is a plan to get Daniel Band back together. Plus, we'll highlight som…

Jennifer York founded the all-female Christian Rock band, Rachel Rachel in the early 1990's. Together, they broke glass ceilings for women in the industry during their short existence, despite only releasing two albums. In this episode, Jennifer talks about what her vision for the group and what it was like to be an all-female group in, largely, an…

Scott Allen was the rhythm guitarist for one of Christian Music biggest bands, Mylon & Broken Heart for many years. In this episode, Scott talks about his life, career, time with the band and what led to the unexpected breakup. Plus we'll take a listen to some more MB&H hits. Quick Trivia: Can you name the only song Scott Allen sang lead vocals for…

David Payton played and sang for several Christian bands throughout his career, but the stint he is most well-known for was his time as lead guitarist for one of the biggest bands of the 80's and early 90's, Mylon & Broken Heart. On this week's episode, David talks about his life, career and why his time with Broken Heart was so short-lived, despit…

In this episode, we continue our very real conversation with Russ Taff about how his life spiraled out of control due to his alcoholism, but also how God brought him back to a place of redemption. Plus, we'll talk about Russ and wife, Tori's, upcoming Bell Buckle Weekend taking place at their home this November! Russ Taff music used in this episode…

Russ Taff is a Christian Music legend. He has won Grammy's and Dove Awards, among countless others. He sold millions of records. But, unbeknownst to most people, Russ was facing his own battle of alcoholism for many years. Over the next two episodes, Russ tells us his incredible story of how he went from self-loathing to accepting the love of the F…

This week, we continue our discussion with Christian Rock legend, Glenn Kaiser, as he shares more from his testimony and what he thinks we can be doing better, as the Church. Plus, we'll thrown in a few more samples of Rez hits as well! If you'd like to catch up with what Glenn is doing, visit www.glennkaiser.com! To Support This Show, Please Visit…

Glenn Kaiser, along with his wife, Wendi, headed up one of the most influential and foundational Christian Rock Bands for almost 30 years. Resurrection Band quickly became the bar against what all other Christian rock bans were measured. However, unlike some artists, it was never about the music or the fame. To them, it was all about the ministry o…

Age of Faith burst on to the CCM scene in the late 80's and quickly began to make a name for themselves, even bumping DC Talk off the #1 slot on the chart (if only for a couple weeks) at one time. But, as quickly as they hit stardom, the band faded into obscurity within a few years. The rollercoaster of the industry, coupled with an injury, led lea…

Sabrina’s first shot at qualifying for the Olympics was Sydney, 2000. She is now aiming to qualify for the Tokyo 2020(one) games. It’s fair to say that less than 0.0001% of the world’s population has invested 21+ years chasing an Olympic medal. Listen in to hear about how Sabrina learned to deal with winning and losing; what goes through her mind o…

The Altar Boys were pioneers in the CCM Punk Rock world. When they came on the scene in 1981, their music was like nothing people had heard. In this episode, lead singer, Mike Stand, reflects back on his journey with the Altar Boys and also plays some of his hits from the day. We'll also take a look at some cuts from their 2018 release, No Substitu…

Before Michael O'Brien took the job to become lead singer for the CCM iconic group, Newsong, he was a songwriter and back up musician for several artists. Now, he is a solo artist, with a brand new album and a powerful story of God's grace in his life. Join us as we talk with Michael about his life, career, struggles and how God has brought him thr…

Dale Thompson, most widely known for being the frontman of the Christian metal group, Bride, is our guest in this premier episode. From his home in New Zealand, we have a very real conversation with Dale about his music, his thoughts on the Christian Music industry and his very controversial theology. You've never heard CCM artists interviewed like…

While judo is on pause, Hannah Martin is back to share the light hearted, strange and downright absurd moments of being a judoka. If you've ever wanted to know about trophies (does size matter?), being stuck in a Russian Airport, or the experience of meeting your husband across the stands of a sports stadium, then you are in the right place. Just p…

What does it take to be ranked World Number One? In collaboration with UNSW Judo Club, you will get the chance to listen to the mindset and training methods of Rok Draksic. Rok is a triple Olympian, European Champion and the first male from Slovenia to reach the world number 1 ranking. For one year straight, Rok brought home a medal from every sing…

When we sat down to record this interview, gyms in Australia had just been closed down and David had just lost his main income stream. Having spent over a decade developing his mental toughness in international judo competitions, David was faced with the challenge: Could he transfer everything he had curated on the tatami and apply it during an int…

"Failure itself is not important. It`s what happens immediately after that counts – the inner feelings, the turmoil and selfdoubt – and how you deal with it. Whether it`s in Judo, on a mountain or in life..." We're on a video call with Sabrina Filzmoser, three time Olympian on her way to a fourth. She’s nearing forty but has more energy than those …

Part1: Olympic Highs and Lows Elite judo is a rollercoaster, just ask Matt D’aquino. A Beijing Olympian, Matt was reduced back to “green-belt level judo” after the 2010 rule changes forced him to re-invent his fighting style to make a run for the 2012 Games. In Part 1, Matt shares the process of breaking comfort zones to reach goals, and how he dea…

She started judo to prove a point to her dad. She won her first international medal by independently registering herself into the competition. She was a pioneer in social media marketing. Hannah Martin’s story is one of unrelenting optimism and creating her own opportunities where there were seemingly none. Hear it first hand on Spotify, iTunes or …

Oren Janiv has studied and competed in Judo for over 19 years, where he became an Australian representative en-route to qualify for the Rio Olympics. Through this tenacious goal, Oren travelled the world in search of the best in the sport – whether it be in search of bettering his own Judo techniques from world class coaches; to developing his figh…