You dream of the day that God opens a huge door of opportunity for you....but do you know what to do after it opens? Brian Nhira, vocalist, performer and creative, knew exactly what to do - and it's helped him to maximize his impact and share his music with more people, so that he can create more major moments throughout his career. In this episode, you'll learn how Brian explored and developed his singing gift through his early years in a ministry family, to eventually sing on national televisi...
Sep 23, 2021•44 min•Ep. 132
Is growth always good for the creative? It depends on the reason you want to grow. In this episode, we take a look at the mindset behind growing our reach and trying to make the biggest impact possible with our art and our creative gifts. By taking a close look behind the 'why' of our desire to grow, we can make sure that our motives are pure and that we honor our faith and calling even while expanding our vision. For full show notes, check out godandgigs.com/podcast . Tap to send us a text! Sup...
Sep 16, 2021•21 min•Ep. 131
There's only two ways to learn...via education...or experience. In this episode as we mark the 4th 'podaversary' of The God and Gigs Show, host Allen C. Paul shares five big mistakes he made as a creative and entrepreneur beginning a new project. Many of us make these same assumptions as faith-focused creatives and artists, but they can set you back financially and emotionally - and you'll want to watch out for the warning signs. For full show notes, check out godandgigs.com/podcast. Tap to send...
Sep 09, 2021•23 min•Ep. 130
In this special anniversary episode, host Allen C. Paul welcomes his wife Lia to the microphone to share their journey of entrepreneurship, with all its ups and downs - so that you can learn from their mistakes and remain motivated as you pursue your purpose. Find the full show notes and more resources for creatives at godandgigs.com/129! Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our 360 Membership, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thri...
Sep 02, 2021•36 min•Ep. 129
As a faith-focused creative, there are people that you are called to reach. But if you are not using the right methods, those people could slip right through your fingers. In this episode, taken from one of our God and Gigs 360 Member Calls, we explore how your approach to email marketing and social media can work together to create a powerful audience building strategy - one that helps you build a personal connection with those you are called to inspire, entertain and educate. Links Mentioned i...
Aug 26, 2021•15 min•Ep. 128
Before you can become a fully confident creative, you have to let other creatives pour into you. That's what happened with the God and Gigs book - which helped form the platform that now serves hundreds of creatives worldwide. Allen C. Paul, host and author of God and Gigs, shares three of the most impactful books that he read before writing his book - and explain how the takeaways from reading these classic books for creatives can still help you today. Books mentioned in this episode: The War o...
Aug 19, 2021•21 min•Ep. 127
How do you shift from simply trying to 'make it' in the music industry, to truly building a sustainable, lasting legacy as a creative and entrepreneur? Jazz musician, educator, author and creative entrepreneur Ulysses Owens, Jr. has found the key, and he's sharing it in this powerful interview, as well as in his book, "The Musician's Career Guide: Turning your Talent into Sustained Success." A native of Jacksonville, FL, Ulysses spent his formative years playing in church and local gigs, but qui...
Aug 12, 2021•59 min•Ep. 126
Are you tired of feeling like the copycats always win? From music to fashion and everywhere in between, it seems that imitation is more than flattery - it's good business. But it's bad for the artist, right? In this episode we explore the tension between imitating our mentors, teachers and iconic master artists, and becoming innovative and original artists in our own right. By carefully exploring each step between imitation and innovation, we can find the right balance where we can always remain...
Aug 05, 2021•18 min•Ep. 125
Are you considering joining the "Great Resignation" of 2021? In this post-pandemic world, workers from all types of professions are deciding not to go back to business as usual. Instead, they are quitting their jobs and looking for better positions, more flexibility and more control over their time. Perhaps many of these workers could be pursuing creative dreams and goals, but are letting fears and the threat of another worldwide crisis stop them. In this episode I point out the question that is...
Jul 29, 2021•10 min•Ep. 124
When you're building your creative or musical career, every connection matters - because the people you surround yourself with can either help you grow, or hold you back. As the God and Gigs community heads into its 6th year, we're taking the time to highlight the stories and experiences of our talented and inspiring members, who have embraced the vision and God-centered principles we've practiced and preached. One such individual is Tobias Tankard, Jr., a drummer, producer and songwriter based ...
Jul 22, 2021•38 min•Ep. 123
For the creative, church membership can be either an incredible blessing, or a tremendous frustration. While many creatives struggle to find a place that promotes both spiritual and creative growth, we can make the process easier if we identify the key characteristics that make a church a good fit for the creative lifestyle. In this episode we break down the 3 key elements that should be present in your church home if you want to grow both spiritually and creatively. Find more info and full show...
Jul 15, 2021•18 min•Ep. 122
In this perspective-shifting discussion, accountant, business strategist and author Samantha Mabry reveals how our attitudes toward money and tax planning deeply influence our ability to grow our businesses and to make a greater impact in our families and communities. With passion and a commitment to education, she unlocks the key strategies you’ll need to end the vicious cycle of poor planning and missed opportunities to benefit from tax laws designed to help you succeed. In this episode you’ll...
Jul 08, 2021•46 min•Ep. 121
Is it possible for a music artist to overcome multiple childhood tragedies, build a massively successful music career AND reach a goal of financial freedom - all while never compromising their faith and calling? If you follow the example of Manafest, the answer is yes. Chris Greenwood, known in the music world by his stage name Manafest, is an award-winning Canadian Christian rock artist who has reached the pinnacle of success as a performer, songwriter, music industry coach, online entrepreneur...
Jun 24, 2021•58 min•Ep. 120
There's nothing new under the sun...and that goes especially for musicians' often rocky relationships with their pastors and spiritual leaders. Thanks to a recently released video that went viral, debate is raging among musicians and leaders in many gospel churches about the professionalism and spiritual maturity of church musicians. We have a different response than those who point fingers at either late musicians or overly critical pastors. We draw insights from our previous episode guest Greg...
Jun 17, 2021•11 min•Ep. 119
Many of us set up big goals at the beginning of a year or a season. But usually, sometime in the middle, we lose our focus and our motivation dries up. The thing is, before you can make choices on how to move forward, you have to remind yourself why you want what you want. But if you found yourself getting off-track from your goals, it’s not because your goals weren’t admirable or worthy. It’s because you lost touch with the emotional decision those goals represent. In this episode we reveal a s...
Jun 10, 2021•16 min•Ep. 118
It’s one thing to be a creative who has a connection to God. It’s another to know why. If there’s any musician who is serious about knowing what you believe as a Christian, it’s Greg Johnson. With years of experience in music ministry, he has a passion for helping musicians and creatives to embrace an authentic relationship with God. Greg’s understanding of theology and ministry was a key element in landing his current role as the director of Music Ministry at Northview Christian Church under th...
Jun 03, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 117
If you're a creative, you need an audience. However, in a noisy world where everyone seems to have a product and a platform, it's getting harder and harder to rise above the masses to reach those that want to hear from you. The answer? Creatives have to own the connection with their audiences, and the only tried and true way to control that connection is through an email list. Unfortunately, many artists get stuck at the very first mention of email marketing...so this training will provide the e...
May 27, 2021•18 min•Ep. 116
From a life surrounded by the arts, to being in the center of the entertainment world, and then finding her calling as a highly-trained and successful mental health professional - this is the journey experienced by psychotherapist, counselor and mental health advocate Dr. April Andelle. Having experienced the highs and lows of working in the creative industry, she now helps people to achieve better mental health through her practice, podcast and community resources. Dr. Aprile Andelle is a licen...
May 20, 2021•52 min•Ep. 115
The word "crazy" is no longer considered acceptable by most...but it seems to fit the way many creatives view themselves. At what point, however, does our creativity actually conceal serious issues that we should be addressing? Let's talk seriously about mental health and how we creatives sometimes cover it up with our 'personalities'. Links Related to this Podcast Episode: Suicide Prevention Hotline - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ MusiCares Mental Health Awareness Resources - The Gramm...
May 13, 2021•22 min•Ep. 114
It’s easy to get excited about sharing your latest project, performance or product. But what do you share with your followers when there’s nothing to promote? In other words, what do you say day-to-day? Whether it’s via social media, your email list, or any other connection medium, we creatives have to consistently share moments and messages with those we want to impact - and not just when there’s something to sell. In this episode, you’ll learn why it’s so important to create a dialogue with yo...
May 06, 2021•26 min•Ep. 113
Imagine you have been working with the most popular artists in the R&B music industry...and only to be led by a radical faith experience to shift entirely into the gospel music world - a world that doesn’t really know how to deal with your ‘unchurchy’ background. What would you do? This was the situation facing Hope Sheree, an award-winning singer / songwriter, blogger, actress, motivational speaker and radio show host. After years of working with some of the most popular artists in the worl...
Apr 29, 2021•42 min•Ep. 112
Does your audience really know WHO you are? While social media seems to encourage people to share a lot of personal details, that seldom leads to the kind of authentic connection that results in long-term commitment to your platform or creative business. The fact is, a lot of us don’t really tell the whole story of our creative lives well. If we show up to our audiences: Only when we’re selling something Only sporadically Only in social media ...Then we’re making a big mistake and missing the ch...
Apr 22, 2021•27 min•Ep. 111
Are you stressed every time tax deadlines roll around? For many artists, financial management and tax planning is a "set it and forget it" process. That's a dangerous game to play with your creative business, as host Allen C. Paul discovered when his tax situation changed, but his planning did not adjust, resulting in some major financial struggles. Thankfully, taking ownership of his situation radically changed his financial standing and built new-found confidence in his ability to manage his b...
Apr 15, 2021•26 min•Ep. 110
Imagine you are a creative professional, working your way up the ladder in a huge media corporation, and achieving the highest honor in your career - only to be fired less than a week later. What would you do? This was the situation facing Melissa Vargas, an Emmy and Promax Award-winning producer, multimedia journalist, writer and brand strategist. In the midst of an unexpected pivotal moment in her career, she discovered the keys to pursuing her God-given creative purpose, even when her career ...
Apr 08, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 109
There are glimmers of hope beyond the horizon for the music industry and live events. But what can you do now as a musician or creative while everything is sorted out? Peter Moore, a industry veteran with over 30 years in the music business, has several key insights for anyone trying to figure out their next step in the music and art industry. He's been instrumental in dozens of music, film and and licensing agreements, and essentially helps to bridge the gap between artists, their audiences the...
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 108
As hope appears on the horizon for a return to normalcy in a post-pandemic world, a serious question remains: Is 'going back to normal" a good thing? Like the majority of professions, musicians and creatives like you experienced extreme hardships during the heart of the pandemic. However, we also learned major lessons, grew tremendously in our ability to pivot and reinvent ourselves, and even became possibly more marketable and savvy in our businesses. With all of those positive effects, maybe y...
Mar 27, 2021•17 min•Ep. 107
Being a parent is already a tough enough job. Late nights. Unpredictable schedules. Having to always be available for emotional support and providing love and care to those who need you most. Now add on the role of being a creative professional with the responsibility of managing a family. What do you do when you have the privilege of being both a creative and a parent? How can creatives practically balance the passion to perform with the passion needed to be totally engaged with their children?...
Mar 18, 2021•22 min•Ep. 106
They say family is everything... ....which means they can be one of our greatest assets as creatives, or possibly, one of our greatest struggles. When your family supports and celebrates your creative work, it can be one of the most rewarding feelings you can have. However, it can be equally devastating when those closest to you throw water on the fire of your dreams. In this episode, we point out three key strategies to help maintain your family relationships while simultaneously pursuing your ...
Mar 11, 2021•13 min•Ep. 105
You've got SO MUCH to do, creative. But have you neglected one thing that could make everything easier? In other words, have you started your podcast? If you haven’t, you’re missing a golden opportunity. Despite the surge of podcast popularity, most creatives still are not particularly excited about creating their own podcasts. They’ve heard it’s hard, or that the market is saturated, or that it won’t really add anything to their careers. All of those reasons are simply misconceptions and excuse...
Mar 04, 2021•13 min•Ep. 104
Every artist has to have a vision in order to create. But those creatives who make films and movies have a special ability to see beyond the screen, to envision what the audience will eventually feel . Director, producer and writer Christina Faith has a vision that is much broader than simply creating cinematic experiences. This bold creative has taken on dozens of projects in all areas of creative life without hesitation - all while maintaining a deep and powerful foundation of Christian belief...
Feb 26, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 103
