You've heard it over and over - "take the leap of faith"..."pursue your passion"... ...and all of the voices seem to say that being a creator is all or nothing. If you have a 'backup' or traditional 9-to-5 job, somehow, you're not doing it right. In an age where so many options are available to creators to help them monetize and grow careers, the pressure is on many faith-focused, well-meaning Christian creative people to leave their jobs and try to earn their living strictly from their creative...
Jun 23, 2025•10 min•Ep. 341
Are you ready to take your creative passion from hobby to a thriving business? In this episode of God and Gigs, we broke down the six (and a half) essential components every creator business needs to succeed—way beyond just talent. We’re talking about having your own website, a real business structure, solid financial management, easy design tools, a system for client communication, and an email list to truly own your audience. And the bonus? Tune in and hear for yourself. Tap to send us a text!...
Jun 16, 2025•27 min•Ep. 340
There’s a massive shift coming in the creator economy - but are you ready for it? The industry built around the intersection of content creators, brands and communities - commonly referred to as the 'creator economy' - is shifting faster and faster into brand new territories, and you might feel like you're hopelessly behind. Don’t stress...prepare. There's hope and priceless information shared in this episode. In this powerful interview, leading Youtuber, creator educator and author Roberto Blak...
Jun 09, 2025•49 min•Ep. 339
It's unavoidable. You know you need to post on social media to promote your creative projects —but the process is just.... exhausting. For podcasters, musicians, writers, dancers, and creatives like you who wear every hat, producing consistent content - especially video - is like getting on a never ending hamster wheel. Whether you're a solo podcaster trying to grow your show on YouTube Shorts, or a singer promoting your latest single with behind-the-scenes clips, one thing is clear: you’re expe...
Jun 02, 2025•13 min•Ep. 338
Summer is supposed to be all fun and games - but not for those of us in the creator economy. You’ve likely felt the tension: summer arrives, everything slows down… and suddenly, your rhythm and momentum seem to disappear. But what if this season could actually refresh your creativity — instead of draining it? In this episode, we’re sharing 4 key steps that will help you approach the summer months with clarity, purpose, and peace. Whether you’re facing fewer gigs, a quieter schedule, or just feel...
May 26, 2025•19 min•Ep. 337
Think LinkedIn is just for job seekers or corporate professionals? That perspective might be costing you daily, every time you don't show up there. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on why LinkedIn is quickly becoming one of the most powerful platforms available to creators — musicians, podcasters, writers, and artists alike. While the majority of creators are chasing trends on Instagram or TikTok, LinkedIn offers a fresh way to build meaningful relationships, connect with decision...
May 19, 2025•10 min•Ep. 336
Feeling like your creative work NEVER cooperates with your calendar? You're not alone — but there's a way to shift from chaos to clarity. In this episode, we explore a simple yet powerful approach to building habits that actually stick, helping you stay consistent and energized in your creative process. You’ll learn how to make your schedule work for you, not against you — without burning out or overloading your to-do list. If you’re ready to create more without the stress, this is the practical...
May 12, 2025•18 min•Ep. 335
Do you feel torn between making an income...and making an impact? If you struggle to reconcile your desire to be an authentic faith-focused creative who has a mission to impact the world - and the need to pay the bills and create income, this episode is for you. During this discussion from our Creative Checkup livestream, we share the important distinction you must draw between pursuing your mission (which we define in this episode) and making adequate income to thrive as a creative entrepreneur...
May 05, 2025•12 min•Ep. 334
If you grew up with Walkmans and landlines instead of TikTok and A.I, you may have asked this question as a creative.... "Am I too old to start now?" If you've asked that, let's explore why your age and life experience are actually your secret weapons in the creator economy. Here's what you'll discover: • Why the creator economy values authenticity over age • How your life experiences give you a unique edge • The power of starting exactly where you are If you've been hesitating to pursue your cr...
Apr 28, 2025•10 min•Ep. 333
Do you know WHY you are here? That's a BIG question that deserves a powerful answer - especially as a faith-focused creative. God gave you a special gift and you should embrace the purpose you've born to fulfill. The biggest question? How can you actually live in a way that will achieve your God-given purpose? To help you discover and embrace your God-given purpose, we're joined by Josefa Benjamin, founder of the Born on Purpose Project. Josefa's journey from a 30-year career in law enforcement ...
Apr 21, 2025•49 min•Ep. 332
Is it possible to discover God's "why" in the creation story? It may seem impossible to be able to figure out God's mindset and purposes when He is all-knowing and we are not...but it's an essential question to ask if we want to truly be fulfilled as creatives. As artists, musicians, and freelancers, we often focus on the "how" of our craft, but beyond the "how" is a "why." And there's a profound connection between understanding God's creative purpose and unlocking our own creative potential. As...
Apr 14, 2025•11 min•Ep. 331
Are you neglecting the ONE thing that makes your creative life possible? If you're wondering what that 'thing' is, it's your health. If you lose that, your ability to create could be compromised or even worse, lost forever. Unfortunately, artists like us often struggle to prioritize fitness with all the things on our creative to-do lists. That's why we sat down with Trea Cotton, also known as "Trea the Fit Artist," to discuss the crucial intersection of fitness and creativity. Trea, a musician-t...
Apr 07, 2025•55 min•Ep. 330
Do you have a God-given message or creative project - but can't find people to help you share it? In this episode, we're diving into the world of faith-driven collaborations with our special guest, Misty Phillip - a podcaster, author, and entrepreneur who has mastered the art of Kingdom connections. This episode features highlights from our March 2025 monthly workshop, including: • The fundamental difference between Kingdom partnerships and purely business relationships • How to overcome obstacl...
Mar 31, 2025•15 min•Ep. 329
Have you ever wondered why some creative communities thrive while others fizzle out? In this episode, you'll learn two essential qualities that the most vibrant and engaged creative groups always exhibit. Applying these strategies are the key to building creative communities that energize their members, boost impact, and amplify the leader's message. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: The two crucial qualities shared by all thriving creative communities How to shift from building an "audi...
Mar 24, 2025•12 min•Ep. 328
Have you ever missed out on a golden opportunity because of an oversight that could have easily been avoided? As creatives, we often focus on honing our craft, but sometimes it's the simple acts of professionalism that can make or break our careers. In this episode, your host (Allen) recorded on site at a recent gig, sharing a valuable lesson about the importance of diligence and responsiveness in the music industry. It's a tale of (almost) missed opportunities, second chances, and the power of ...
Mar 17, 2025•6 min•Ep. 327
Everyone says you should 'build an audience", so you try. But as you struggle to get attention, you feel more and more isolated from the people you want to share your God-given creative gifts with. Is it possible that audience building is the problem, not the solution? Focusing solely on audience building can be the fastest way to burnout, disconnection, and an unsustainable creative business. Here’s why: It Creates a "Product Mindset" Instead of a People Mindset. It Leads to Premature Burnout. ...
Mar 10, 2025•24 min•Ep. 326
Could you possibly achieve ALL your financial goals and yet be out-of-step with God's plan? Many creatives struggle with money - either feeling like they don't have enough, or feeling guilty for wanting more of it. In both cases, the inability to manage money wisely and make sound financial decisions can drain your creativity - and create a wedge between you and God. But if you can pursue the right goals with your money by seeking His will, everything could change. And that's what our guest will...
Mar 03, 2025•58 min•Ep. 325
Have you ever had customers who didn’t pay you on time - or at all? It's the WORST. Doing your best work for a client - only to be left waiting for payment that never arrives. It's a frustrating experience that can leave you feeling undervalued and discouraged. But let's be honest - are you setting yourself up to be taken advantage of? In this episode, we tackle the thorny issue of non-paying clients head-on. As creatives, we often shy away from discussing money matters, but it's time to change ...
Feb 24, 2025•22 min•Ep. 324
Are you an aspiring actor, writer or creative yearning to break into the film industry, but you're stuck wondering how to start and whether you'll fit in? In this episode, we sit down with Tuesday Lewis-Harris, a seasoned media producer and entertainment entrepreneur, who shares invaluable insights on how to thrive as a creative working in major TV and film productions. Tuesday's journey from small-town performances to Hollywood productions offers a wealth of wisdom for actors, writers, or suppo...
Feb 17, 2025•54 min•Ep. 323
Are you willing to follow God through unfamiliar paths to achieve the kind of creative success He wants for you? In this inspiring encore episode, we sat down with Carlin Muccular, a Grammy-winning drummer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Shedtracks. Carlin shared his incredible journey, from touring with R&B star Ledisi at an early age, to becoming a renowned drummer at a mega-church, to working with Israel Houghton and launching a successful tech startup that has become a prized tool for thousand...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 322
What do you do when life is standing between you and your creative dream? In this powerful interview, we sit down with Melissa Vargas, a multi-talented communicator, strategist, writer, and poet, who shares her inspiring journey of faith, resilience, and creative growth. Melissa is a repeat guest, who opens up about her recent move to Colombia, the loss of her father, and the unexpected twists in her career path. Through her candid reflections, we explore: How embracing our God-given identity ca...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 321
Just HOW should Christian creatives share their personal lives on social media? Is there a pre-set boundary we should never cross? Or is being authentic more important than worrying about upsetting people's sensibilities? In this in-depth and honest discussion, we talk about gospel artist Kierra Sheard Kelly and the controversy surrounding her recent post. We explore big questions like: Should faith-based creators set limits on what they share? Is it okay to show authentic joy, even if it’s unco...
Jan 27, 2025•15 min•Ep. 320
In this encore episode, author Marlita Hill shows us how to distinguish God's direction while making major career decisions. Choreographer, author and educator Marlita Hill has travelled that road, and she has learned some valuable lessons that she now shares with artists, creatives and fellow believers. Marlita has served God as a choreographer and dance educator in the church and marketplace for over twenty years. Her work includes providing master classes and residencies for colleges, leading...
Jan 20, 2025•58 min•Ep. 319
Imagine waking up one day to find your entire creative platform has vanished into thin air. What would you do? For many creators, this nightmare scenario is becoming a frightening reality with the looming TikTok ban in the US. This situation is making one truth abundantly clear - your creative career shouldn't hinge on a single platform or algorithm. It's time to take control of your content and build a resilient foundation for your creative business. In this hard-hitting and timely episode, we'...
Jan 13, 2025•15 min
Have you ever felt the pressure to present a polished, perfect version of yourself as a creative? Is that what God really wants? In this raw and candid episode, I (Allen) strip away the façade and share an unexpected start to my 2025. I open up about the struggle to measure up to self-imposed standards and the realization that God desires something entirely different from us. Key Insights: The misconception of needing to be a "perfect performer" for God Why authenticity matters more than outward...
Jan 06, 2025•9 min•Ep. 317
What if you could map out your best creative year ever—one month at a time—starting today? In this episode, we’re diving into 12 key themes designed to guide faith-focused creatives like you through 2025 with clarity, purpose, and consistency. Starting with January’s “Spiritual Alignment” and ending with December’s “Reflection and Renewal,” you’ll discover how to focus your energy each month to build momentum and align your work with your values. Packed with practical tips and faith-filled inspi...
Dec 30, 2024•14 min•Ep. 316
What does a young musician and creative need to do to ACTUALLY begin a successful music career? In this episode, you'll learn the practical but often unspoken advice that most young musicians never get on building a sustainable musical and creative career from the beginning. This discussion was inspired by a question to our textline! If you want to ask your question or leave a comment, tap the "send me a text" link! Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our 360 M...
Dec 23, 2024•10 min•Ep. 315
Concerned about the future of your creative career? Whether you’re a creative veteran or just getting started, the road to success in 2025 is paved with challenges – but also huge opportunities. In this episode, we’re sharing 25 essential tips to help you thrive as a faith-focused creative in 2025. From mindset shifts to practical hacks, these strategies will save you time, money, and headaches while aligning your work with your purpose. You’ll discover tips like: ✔️ A little-known email hack to...
Dec 16, 2024•34 min•Ep. 314
In this episode, you will learn how to craft meaningful, achievable creative goals for 2025 that align with your values and creative vision. You’ll learn simple strategies to stay focused, avoid burnout, and keep your momentum all year long. Whether you're aiming to grow your audience, land bigger projects, or finally finish that dream project, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take action! Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our...
Dec 09, 2024•16 min•Ep. 313
Have you ever felt stuck between asking for help, giving too much, and feeling unworthy to receive? As faith-focused creatives, we often face these challenges in our work and lives. In today’s episode, we’re tackling why it’s so hard to ask for support, how to give without burning out, and why receiving can feel so uncomfortable—even when it’s God’s blessing for us. If you’ve ever wrestled with balancing generosity, humility, and your creative calling, this conversation will help you find clarit...
Dec 02, 2024•13 min•Ep. 312
