Christian Music Maker

Ep. 7 - Aaron Shust on the Difference Between a Dream and a Calling

Many artists grow up believing their dream is their calling.But what if those two things aren’t the same?
In this conversation with Aaron Shust, we talk about the difference between dreams, calling, and assignment—and how confusing them can lead to frustration, burnout, or chasing the wrong thing.
Aaron shares openly about his journey as a songwriter and artist, including imposter syndrome after 20+ years, learning to develop his craft, and what it looks like to stay grounded spiritually in the middle of a music career.
We also get into songwriting, journaling, Sabbath, and the importance of being faithful with the people and opportunities right in front of you.
If you’re a Christian artist, worship leader, songwriter, or producer trying to figure out your path, this conversation will help you think more clearly about where you are—and what actually matters.

Ep. 6 - Tony Wood: Why Success Never Satisfies (Even After 30 #1 Songs)

What does success actually feel like after 30+ #1 songs in Christian music?
In this episode of the Christian Music Maker Podcast, legendary Nashville songwriter Tony Wood opens up about the hidden struggles behind a decades-long songwriting career.
Tony shares honestly about feeling like an imposter even after massive success, the devastating moment he realized how good Nashville songwriters really are, and why comparison can quietly destroy a songwriter’s soul.
This is a rare, vulnerable conversation about faith, identity, and the long road of songwriting in the Christian music industry.
If you’re a Christian artist, songwriter, producer, or worship leader, this episode will resonate deeply.
In this conversation, we discuss:
• Feeling like an imposter—even after writing 30+ #1 songs• The moment Tony realized how high the bar is in Nashville• Why comparison can destroy a songwriter’s soul• Faithfulness vs. chasing success in the music industry• The tension between calling, creativity, and providing for your family• What Tony would tell his younger self starting out in songwriting
About Tony Wood
Tony Wood is one of the most respected lyricists in Christian music, with 30+ #1 songs recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman, Danny Gokey, and many others.
Listen / Watch / Connect
🌐 Websitehttps://www.christianmusicmaker.com
📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker
🎙 Hosted by Sam Harthttps://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic

Ep. 5 – Meredith Andrews on Emotional Healing & Staying Whole in Christian Music

In this conversation, worship leader Meredith Andrews shares her journey from a small-town church in North Carolina to becoming a prominent figure in the Christian music industry. She discusses her early influences, the importance of healing and personal growth, and the challenges of navigating the music industry while maintaining her identity in Christ. Meredith emphasizes the significance of mentoring younger worship leaders and the need for emotional health in ministry. The conversation culminates in her latest album, 'Heaven's Frequency,' which aims to capture the sound of heaven and create space for God's presence.
 
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:53 Meredith's Early Journey in Worship05:58 Defining Moments in Music and Surrender08:46 Influences and Inspirations in Worship11:55 Travel and Cultural Experiences in Worship14:52 The Evolution of Worship Meaning17:48 Healing and Personal Growth Journey20:44 The Depths of Worship and Suffering34:58 Navigating Sadness to Find Joy36:52 The Connection Between Trauma and Healing39:09 Holistic Healing: Body, Mind, and Spirit40:42 Leading Through Personal Struggles46:55 Mothering the Younger Self and Others50:46 Wisdom for Young Christian Artists59:13 Navigating the Music Industry with Integrity01:04:28 Capturing Heaven's Frequency in Music01:09:08 Navigating Worship and the Music Industry01:09:38 Healing and Trusting God Through Trauma
 
Stay In Touch With Meredith: https://meredithandrews.com
Stay in the loop: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com✅ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker✅ Sam Hart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic✅ Sam Hart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhartlife

Ep. 4 – Christian Music Marketing in 2026: Why Email, Text & YouTube Matter More Than Streams

In this conversation, Sam Hart and Matt Mundt explore the intricacies of digital marketing within the Christian music industry. They discuss the importance of balancing personal effort with divine guidance in content creation, the evolution of digital strategies, and the nostalgic shift in music consumption. Matt shares his journey in the music industry, emphasizing the significance of audience engagement through email and text messaging, as well as monetization opportunities for artists. They delve into the role of social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, and the impact of AI on music creation, advocating for authenticity and personal connection in content.
 
Matt's website:
https://www.mattmundt.com
GodMade Podcast on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@GodMadePod
The Salty Christians YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSaltyChristians
 
 

Ep. 3 – David Smallbone on the Countercultural Principles Behind for KING & COUNTRY

In this engaging conversation, David Smallbone shares his journey in Christian music, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, faith, and family support. He discusses the challenges and decisions that shaped his career, the role of women in music, and the significance of cultivating creativity in children. The dialogue also touches on balancing fatherhood with a demanding career, the necessity of prayer and accountability, and the evolving landscape of Christian music. David offers valuable advice for aspiring artists, encouraging them to find their mission and stay true to their calling.
 
for KING + COUNTRY'S WEBSITE: https://www.forkingandcountry.com
for KING + COUNTRY on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/forkingandcountrytv
Unsung Hero Movie Official Website: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/unsung-hero
Helen Smallbone's Book "Behind The Lights": https://a.co/d/gh0ktpR
Stay in the loop: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com
 
✅ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.music.maker
✅ Sam Hart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhartmusic
✅ Sam Hart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhartlife

Ep. 2 — John Waller Waited 15 Years for Success — and Almost Quit

John Waller waited 15 years for success in Christian music — and when it finally came, he almost quit.
In this episode of Christian Music Maker, John Waller shares the untold story behind “While I’m Waiting,” his journey through obscurity, signing a record deal, touring with Casting Crowns, battling panic attacks, and nearly walking away from it all.
This conversation dives into:
Staying faithful while waiting on God
The emotional cost of success
Ministry vs. the music industry
Identity, comparison, and performance pressure
Why legacy starts at home
How artists can prepare for independence
If you’re a Christian artist, songwriter, producer, or worship leader wrestling with timing, calling, or platform pressure — this episode is for you.
🎵 Listen to John’s new single “All You’ve Ever Done”: https://lnk.to/AllYouveEverDoneSong🌐 Connect with John: https://johnwallerofficial.com🎙 Subscribe to Christian Music Maker: https://www.christianmusicmaker.com

Ep. 1 – Mike Weaver (Big Daddy Weave) on Success, Grief, and Finding God Again

In this engaging conversation, Mike Weaver, the lead singer of Big Daddy Weave, shares his journey through music, ministry, and personal loss. He reflects on the evolution of his band, the challenges of navigating grief after losing loved ones, and the importance of viewing music as a ministry rather than just entertainment. Mike emphasizes the significance of obedience to God in achieving true success and encourages the next generation to seek fulfillment in their relationship with Jesus. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of Christian music and the hope it brings.
 
Big Daddy Weave's Website: https://www.bigdaddyweave.com
Big Daddy Weave on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigdaddyweave
Big Daddy Weave on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdwmusic
Big Daddy Weave on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BDWmusic
 
https://www.christianmusicmaker.com/

Ep. 0 — Why This Podcast Exists (and Who It’s For)

In this FIRST episode of the Christian Music Maker podcast, host Sam Hart shares his vision for the show, emphasizing the importance of Christian music in today's world. He discusses the calling of artists, the balance between ministry and industry, and the significance of nurturing one's inner life as a creator. Sam aims to empower listeners to pursue their musical calling with confidence and integrity, while also addressing the challenges and realities of the music industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Christian Music Maker Podcast02:49 The Purpose and Impact of Christian Music06:10 Navigating the Tension Between Ministry and Industry09:01 The Inner Life of the Artist09:59 Defining Real Success in Music
https://www.christianmusicmaker.com/
Christian Music Maker on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianmusicmakerpodcast