What's harder: getting a great gig as a musician - or keeping it? In a competitive and often cut-throat music industry, some musicians feel that it's impossible to find well-paying, quality musical opportunities. But Chris Snowden, bassist and musical director who has played for such stars as Brian McKnight, Ruben Studdard, Kelly Price, Dave Koz, and a host of high-level acts, has the answers to this riddle. With years of experience working his way into the 'first-call' territory as a musical di...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 281
Where do you go when your heart feels like a brick and your spirit is darkened? As a Christian creative, it can be tough to navigate the darkness and find hope within the struggles. The pressure to show up with a smile while dealing with deep pain is a heavy burden to bear. In this episode, we are here to help you: Discover a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration as a Christian creative. Strengthen your faith to navigate creative challenges and find spiritual fulfillment. Accessing valuable r...
Apr 15, 2024•41 min•Ep. 280
How can you be sure if a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity is all that it promises to be? It's tough to navigate major career decisions, especially when it feels like time-sensitive opportunities are slipping away. Plus, making creative leaps while staying true to your personal values can be a daunting challenge, leaving you uncertain about which path to take. Balancing risk and reward in these pivotal moments can leave you feeling stuck and unsure about the best way forward. In this Creative Che...
Apr 08, 2024•14 min•Ep. 279
Want to learn how to avoid the mistakes that could be costing you time, money, and peace of mind in your creative business? In this excerpt from a LIVE Creative Checkup Call, you'll discover the solutions so you can achieve improved financial stability and sustainable creative business. We'll dive into the five most costly mistakes Allen (your host) made as a musician and entrepreneur, and how you can steer clear of them. Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our...
Apr 01, 2024•41 min•Ep. 278
Are your creative struggles actually the KEY to your future success? If you're a Christian artist facing challenges, you're not alone. But it might be the method God uses to build your faith AND your creative career to a new level. You're about to dive into a powerful story that will show you how to overcome obstacles and thrive in your creative journey, just like our guest Morgan McCarver did. In this episode, you will learn how to: Overcome physical challenges as an artist: Learn how to conque...
Mar 25, 2024•36 min•Ep. 277
Are you called to influence the influencers of the world through your art? If so, are you ready to step into that calling even when you're scared or feeling like you don't have the resources? In this episode, you will be learn how to:. Take a leap of faith and discover your untapped potential to share your unique message with the world. Build influence in unexpected areas and expand your reach in ways you never thought possible. Our special guest: Ny aka CallMeKoffee Ny, also known as CallMeKoff...
Mar 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 276
Could being lazy be the key to being successful? It sounds far-fetched, but this episode will show you why you should consider this thoughtfully. You've probably been told to "do more, work harder, and grind it out," only to find yourself feeling burnt out, stressed, and not seeing the success you expected. Thats what CEO, serial entrepreneur and business founder Deirdre Tshien experienced, even after successful stints in corporate and personal business. But a major roadblock required a major sh...
Mar 11, 2024•47 min•Ep. 275
How much faith do you need to take a leap of faith? Some say that it's about taking blind leaps, while others believe it's all about strategy and information. But have you ever considered that God has already shown you how to take the leaps that He's guiding you toward? In this powerful and radically unorthodox interview, you'll learn about 5 specific leaps that can propel you into your next season from author, Bible teacher and speaker Rachel G. Scott. Her fascinating story is a parallel to the...
Mar 04, 2024•39 min•Ep. 274
Was Jesus really a carpenter? Is Bitcoin really a brand new way to build wealth? And what do those two things have to do with building your creative dream? You won't believe the surprising insights shared in this episode that will revolutionize the way you approach your creative pursuits. We're revealing new, innovative and powerful strategies and practical tips that will help you thrive as a Kingdom-minded creative, all rooted in the concept of building a strong foundation for your dreams. Are ...
Feb 26, 2024•18 min•Ep. 273
If you and God had a conversation about the one missing piece in your creative life, what would He suggest? There's a really good chance He'll talk about why doubt and fear have stopped you in your tracks just when you were about to make a creative breakthrough. Most creatives, whether you're a hobbyist, semi-pro or experienced professional, still struggle with doubt and lack of confidence. In this Creative Checkup episode, we'll hear from Established Creative Expert Kellianne Rae Jordan, as she...
Feb 19, 2024•9 min•Ep. 272
Ever wished you could turn your artistic dreams into reality without struggling to sell, or bootstrapping yourself into oblivion? Well, one of God and Gigs' Established Creative Experts, writing coach and entrepreneur Yoshika Green, dropped a powerful tip last year that could easily revolutionize your approach to generating support for your creative career - and most artists neglect this abundant resource. Yoshika is the dynamic CEO of the YGC, a communications agency. Known for her creative gen...
Feb 12, 2024•9 min•Ep. 271
Are you 100% confident in your creative process? Is it both effective and fulfilling for you, or are you finding yourself drained? If you, like many creatives, find it hard to define what you actually DO to get from idea to income, this strategy session with author, musician and creative coach Rich Kirkpatrick will help you define and maintain a creative process that works for any niche and discipline - and that will keep you fulfilled and thriving. Rich is the author of MINDBLOWN: Unlock Your C...
Feb 05, 2024•15 min•Ep. 270
In this encore Creative Checkup episode, we're helping you tackle a topic many creatives dread - promotion! Promotion can seem like either a spiritually draining exercise in ego, or a never-ending quest for attention. But neither has to be the case. With the right perspective and process, promoting your work can become a natural and fun part of your creative life! Listen in for 10 effective strategies we'll share that will help you create a daily, doable promotion habit. Tap to send us a text! S...
Jan 29, 2024•14 min•Ep. 269
In a world where traditional professions often take precedence, one woman's journey took an unexpected turn. Ebi Oginni, a pediatrician, found herself at a crossroads when a divine calling led her to embrace a career in music. How did she manage to balance her demanding medical profession with her newfound passion for music? The answer lies in her resilience, willingness to take a risk, and unwavering faith. By following Ebi's example, you can learn to do seemingly impossible things in your crea...
Jan 22, 2024•50 min•Ep. 268
Have you heard these myths about increasing productivity in creative pursuits as a person of faith? Myth 1: Creativity is a natural talent and cannot be improved. Myth 2: Faith and art are separate and cannot be integrated. Myth 3: Productivity in creative pursuits is dependent on inspiration. Marlita Hill will share the truth about these myths and how to increase productivity in creative pursuits with a faith-centered approach. Join us as we uncover the secrets to boosting your creative product...
Jan 15, 2024•12 min•Ep. 267
Creative: are you feeling tension between where you are vs. where God might be taking you? Our guest, renowned worship leader, songwriter and vocal coach Jalisa Faye understands that struggle, but she found a way to honor where she was while being open to where she was going. In this episode, she shares the real deal on how being faithful to your current assignment could lead to amazing new levels and life-changing relationships. Jalisa Faye is a proud native of Fort Lauderdale, FL and an accomp...
Jan 08, 2024•49 min•Ep. 266
It's a new year - but are you dreading hearing the same old song when it comes to your creative life? The constant hustle without seeing tangible results can be disheartening and draining, leaving you feeling stuck and unfulfilled. But what if there's a different approach that could lead to both spiritual and creative growth, allowing you to thrive as a respected and financially independent creative professional? In this opening episode of 2024, you'll discover a radically different approach to ...
Jan 01, 2024•17 min•Ep. 265
Looking for significant growth in your creative career in 2024? It won't happen by just hoping. If you want to become the creative God created you to be, you're going to have to make some sacrifices and invest into yourself. The question is, what areas should you focus on that will change a 'so-so' career into a "wow" experience? In this episode, you will learn why it's essential to: Build genuine relationships to advance your career and personal life. Focus on specific talents to maximize your ...
Dec 18, 2023•12 min•Ep. 264
True or False? Visualization is a New Age practice that Christian creators should avoid. Join us as we explore the controversial topic and its potential for creative believers in their pursuit of God's vision. How can you use this practice effectively, and what happens when your visualization conflicts with God's vision? In this episode, you will discover: Why the right kind of visualizing for creative believers unlocks divine inspiration and innovation. How to navigate visualization with faith ...
Dec 11, 2023•13 min•Ep. 263
Are you neglecting your greatest creative superpower? Probably -and if you don't learn to harness it, you won't experience all the success possible for you in the coming year. In this creative checkup, you'll discover the transformative power of integrity as host Allen C. Paul challenges creatives to break free from comparison, embrace their true selves, and unleash their authentic impact in a world longing for genuine voices. In this episode, you will learn to: Embrace the pivotal role of integ...
Dec 04, 2023•13 min•Ep. 262
Do you find yourself constantly spread thin, struggling to make progress in your creative career? Have you been told to simply work harder, yet still feel like you're spinning your wheels? If this sounds familiar, it's time to break free from the ineffective action of blindly hustling without clear priorities. Stop the pain of feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled by shifting your focus toward the things that matter to you - which will unlock your creative success in the coming year. In this episo...
Nov 27, 2023•11 min•Ep. 261
Is there a guaranteed pathway to creative success in 2024? Yes...but it means recommitting to some inconvenient truths that some creatives reject. As the God and Gigs community prepares for a new year, we're investigating the seven steps of the Confident Creative Blueprint so you can be set up for your best year ever. In this episode, we explore Step 1 of the Blueprint by unearthing the importance of staying connected to God, family, and a local church. In this episode, you will learn to: Discov...
Nov 20, 2023•14 min•Ep. 260
Black Friday - the biggest holiday shopping day - is just for big retailers, right? Maybe not! As an independent creative with a unique connection to your audience, Black Friday / Cyber Monday is a prime opportunity for you to tap into the holiday season's buying mindset and make a substantial impact. In this behind the scenes look at a God and Gigs 360 membership training, you'll learn embrace Black Friday, authentically engage with your audience, and enjoy the benefits of increased sales and p...
Nov 13, 2023•15 min•Ep. 259
The struggle is real. You're trying to promote with artistic integrity, while still actually getting the attention your art deserves. But it's not easy. Not easy at all. To share your true creative vision without conforming to unrealistic expectations is a battle that can leaving you questioning if the effort is even worth it. That struggle is where brand strategist, musician, and artist activist Charmaine Nokuri of Allegiance Branding steps in. Through a deeply personal and unconventional journ...
Nov 06, 2023•50 min•Ep. 258
Are your tools changing the way you work for the better - or for the worse? If you're feeling overwhelmed with the wave of various tech tools, A.I. apps, and social media platforms that promise to help you reach more people and save time, you're not alone! Many entrepreneurs and artists struggle to design a cohesive and productive workflow with their tools. You invest time, effort, and money into different apps, but instead of experiencing alignment, you get lost in a sea of inconsistency and co...
Oct 30, 2023•12 min•Ep. 257
Are you a frustrated "used-to-be" creative? Did someone once tell you you should just get a real job or focus on something more practical? You're not alone, but this interview with vocalist, singing coach and podcast Estelle Avbuere will show you how to break free from the doubt that has held you back and confidently reclaim your artistic journey. In this episode, you will learn to: Embrace your passion for artistic expression even if you have other priorities and career responsibilities. Build ...
Oct 23, 2023•41 min•Ep. 256
Is this you? You love your audience - but you're sick of the content hamster wheel, making content over and over again. "Repurpose" is the word everyone tells you, but you're frustrated by actually trying to do it effectively, and you're stretched thin trying to show up everywhere on social media. There's just one change needed to rethink the entire way you approach your content repurposing, and it will help simplify things and make it easier for you - but you have to buy in wholly to this conce...
Oct 16, 2023•12 min•Ep. 255
Do you have a unique creative gift, but you're overcome with crippling anxiety whenever you're called to use it? And how to you respond when you're not sure if your gift is even meant for the place that you're in? You're not alone, and our guest on The God and Gigs Show has walked that road and will tell you how she's left insecurity behind. Jazz-soul vocalist, vocal / artist coach and recording artist Chantae Cann (India.Aire, Snarky Puppy, PJ Morton) experienced the struggle of finding her voi...
Oct 09, 2023•47 min•Ep. 254
Imagine you could sit down with 100 top Christian creatives and ask them each one question: "What did you do to become successful?" Now imagine - what if they all gave the exact same answer? In this episode of The God and Gigs Show, host Allen C. Paul shares the five key elements, practices, and habits that he has discovered through hundreds of conversations with successful Christian creative entrepreneurs. By listening to this episode, you will gain valuable insights and practical advice on how...
Oct 02, 2023•16 min•Ep. 253
How do you find your thing when everyone is expecting something else from you? If you've felt boxed in by comparisons to other artists, cookie-cutter industry expectations, or the spiritual sandtrap of inauthentic ministry, you need to hear this story of an artist who dared to break free and find her own voice. Songwriter, worship leader and recording artist Keisha McFarland's journey from Chicago, to Europe and Asia, and finally to South Florida was filled with twists and turns. As she faced re...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 252