Success. We all say we want it. But do we even know what it means? To succeed in our common language means to reach a certain goal, but the root of the word actually means to continue or to move forward with something. So we creatives need to take a hard look at how we've formed a mindset around success - because we might be aiming at something we were never meant to aim for. In this creative checkup episode, you'll hear a new perspective on success that will help you maintain the right perspect...
Feb 20, 2023•9 min•Ep. 221
A #1 hit on the Billboard charts. Recognition by peers and industry leaders. A bevy of new opportunities. Does that equal success? Not exactly, if you ask Grammy nominated, Stellar and Dove Award winning producer, songwriter and musician Dontaniel J. Kimbrough. Having reached great heights as the co-writer of the gospel hit "Your Great Name", this humble and talented creative has dedicated his life to focusing on the right things even as his career and influence grew from small beginnings, major...
Feb 13, 2023•58 min•Ep. 220
Wouldn't it be amazing if you had a community of super-fans? People who were die-hard members of your tribe - who stuck together, supported everything you shared, and helped you spread the word? Brands like Apple, Nike, Starbucks and others have that incredible brand loyalty, but it's about more than marketing - it's a belief system. That's the premise of the famous marketing book Primalbranding by Patrick Hanlon, and we're showing you in this episode how to apply this powerful method to your ow...
Feb 06, 2023•16 min•Ep. 219
Can a conversation start a change...that starts a transformation? From surviving the gang-violence-plagued streets of South Dallas, to becoming one of the most influential life coaches in America, thought-leader, speaker, author and coach BJ Thompson has lived out an incredible transformation - and he's sharing how you can do the same in this episode. BJ helped launch one of the largest faith movements in recent history – the “116 Movement” with Grammy award winning artist Lecrae, and has worked...
Jan 30, 2023•48 min•Ep. 218
Those two letters - A.I. - have created an incredible groundswell of interest, excitement and concern in the creative community. For some, these rapidly evolving tools - including ChatGPT and other apps - represent the next great technological breakthrough. For others, these tools represent a threat to human creativity and thought because of their potential to mimic and replace real artists, writers and others in the entertainment and educational space. In this episode, we'll take on those fears...
Jan 23, 2023•15 min•Ep. 217
What do you do when your passion leads you to a dead end? When you hit seemingly impossible obstacles on your path, it can feel like your entrepreneurial and creative dreams will simply vanish into thin air. That's what podcaster Priscilla Shumba faced, as she left her native country of Zimbabwe to pursue her education, only to return to her country with no hope of using her skills. Her faith persisted, however, and not only led to her earning her MBA, but later to her to becoming a leading voic...
Jan 16, 2023•49 min•Ep. 216
"The War of Art" isn't just a best-selling book by Steven Pressfield...it's a daily battle every artist faces. As a faith-focused, Christ-centered creative in the mainstream arts and music world, you've got some additional weapons available to you. But what should you be fighting, when you feel like you might be your own worst enemy? And how do you deal with the external obstacles that are out of your control? In this Creative Checkup Episode we'll expose and identify the two enemies every creat...
Jan 09, 2023•16 min•Ep. 215
Just how far can trusting God take you as a creative and musician? In this episode, you'll learn how faith, hard work and perseverance can lead to incredible experiences that only God could orchestrate - through the example of our guest, bassist, band leader and vocalist Téja Veal in this encore interview. A world-renowned artist in her own right, Téja Veal has worked with top jazz, pop and R&B artists for years and has graced many of the biggest stages in the world. Starting as a teen playi...
Jan 02, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 214
2022 was not a normal year, and we're not ending it with a normal podcast. I (Allen) just wanted to share my heartfelt gratitude for you, as a listener and family member of the God and Gigs community. While we have some amazing things planned for the future, we can't go forward without looking back and giving thanks for what we've already received. We'll be back to regular episodes in a couple of weeks, but until then, have a wonderful beginning to 2023! Tap to send us a text! Support the show J...
Dec 26, 2022•6 min
What do you do when something knocks the joy out of you? As musicians and artists, we are often asked to use our gifts to comfort the brokenhearted. But what happens when we feel the same pain? Those of us that love God must have a resource beyond our creativity alone. There are three places we can run to - the Cross, the Church and Our Creative Community. In this creative checkup episode you'll discover why these three areas are essential to maintaining a healthy spiritual life as a Christian c...
Dec 19, 2022•16 min•Ep. 213
How do you avoid giving in to the emotional rollercoaster of being an actor? All creatives have intense emotional inner-lives, but actors have an especially difficult time handling the ups and downs of an intensely competitive industry. If you've found yourself battling feelings of unworthiness, post-show blues, or insecurity as a creative, the tips you'll hear in this episode with award winning actress, producer and coach Andrea Osvart will help you find wholeness and a path to better emotional...
Dec 12, 2022•54 min•Ep. 212
You know podcasting works - but is it working in your favor? Should YOU be the one spreading your message, creating influence and building an audience through a podcast of your own? If you've wondered how that could really work, or you've been fearful of the commitment and investment, this episode with author and podcaster Sarah St. John will help erase the barriers and put you on the path to a profitable, fulfilling and impactful podcast career! Sarah St. John is an entrepreneur, podcaster, aut...
Dec 05, 2022•45 min•Ep. 211
Do you struggle to find balance between working in church and promoting your own music or art? How do you shift from serving faithfully in a congregation's worship and arts ministry, to sharing your music and creativity as an individual artist? We explore these topics with someone who deeply understands the role of creativity in worship - songwriter, worship leader and recording artist Andrea Sandefur. As a dedicated worship minister in her home state of Alaska, Andrea has found fulfillment and ...
Nov 28, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 210
Showing gratitude to the creatives in your life pays off in incredible ways - ways that bless your community and impacts your life as well! In this creative checkup episode, you'll discover the simple but powerful effect that gratitude has on your creative process, your ability to stay inspired, and your collaborative efforts in your niche or creative circle. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love 6 Major Reasons to Give Thanks for your Creative Career Find it by tapping the link or by searchi...
Nov 21, 2022•10 min•Ep. 209
What do you think when you hear the letters N.F.T? These 3 letters have created a whole new world in our economy - and for many creatives, a lot of confusion. Some hail this technology as the new revolution, others think it's a fad. But what should creatives actually do in the wake of this new wave of digital ownership, and more importantly - can it help you? To unlock the mystery behind this intimidating subject, we talk to marketing coach, author and podcast host Vince Warnock. He is an expert...
Nov 14, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 208
Do you dream of having engaged, loyal fans who connect with everything you share online, but feel like the odds are stacked against you? Do you feel that discovery platforms like Spotify are just too hard to figure out? If so Chris Greenwood, founder of Smart Music Business, is here on the podcast for a second time to help you break down those walls and finally build an audience that buys from you, supports you and that sticks with you. Chris Greenwood, also known by his stage name Manafest, is ...
Nov 07, 2022•47 min•Ep. 207
Are you constantly struggling to find the time to pursue what you’re passionate about? As a busy creative, you may feel constant tension between your true passions and the need to earn a living and maintain your business. In this powerful episode, Canva expert, YouTuber and tech educator Lashonda Brown reveals the secret she’s uncovered that allows her to do high quality work in just half the time - which freed her up to pursue her God-given passions. Through her YouTube channel, Bootstrap Biz A...
Oct 31, 2022•54 min•Ep. 206
Has your creative life ever grown stale - and you desperately wanted to break out of it? If so, you probably felt the urge to change something - anything - and add something new to your business or workflow. It's what we call "shiny object syndrome" and it can totally derail your focus on the things that actually matter to your creative output. In this Creative Checkup, we'll show you the dangers of Shiny Object Syndrome and how to avoid it by sticking with the tried and true methods of sharing ...
Oct 24, 2022•12 min•Ep. 205
Are your thoughts actually keeping you from achieving all God has for you...because you're believing something that's not really true? On this episode, author, pastor, worship leader and speaker Chris Alessi will show how you can take control of your most powerful (and vulnerable) asset - your mind. Chris Alessi serves as a campus pastor at Metro Life Church in Miami, FL, under his parents Pastors Steve and Mary Alessi. As the author of two books, "Up Next" and "Clickbait: Win the War for Your M...
Oct 17, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 204
Today 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 different strategies we'll share that will help you create a daily, doable promotion habit. STOP DOING CREATIVE LIFE ALONE! Want to become a highly mot...
Sep 06, 2022•13 min•Ep. 203
Ever wonder how you could get a chance to work with the most incredible artists in the world - people like Beyonce and Kanye West? Here's an even better question - how do you work with them over and over again? Our guest, vocalist, songwriter and actor Naarai has had the honor of sharing the stage with incredible performers like Kirk Franklin, David Foster and the aformentioned Beyonce and Kanye. Yet she is most proud of the fact that she is trusted to return to work with these A-List performers...
Sep 02, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 202
It's a feeling every creative knows - the discouragement of not having a big idea to motivate us. When this happens, all of your momentum can come to a screeching halt. It's beyond important that you have a big idea to keep you moving toward your God-given purpose as a creative or artist, but without that big idea, you can remain stuck. Thankfully, there is a way to prevent creative discouragement from robbing you of the joy of your creative goals - and the answer is to intentionally seek out co...
Aug 30, 2022•16 min•Ep. 201
Wow! We've made it to 200 episodes...and it's only the grace of God and your consistent support that has made this possible. And on this major milestone, I (Allen) am taking a moment to celebrate a major reason we made it this far...you! Because you keep showing up as a creative who is dedicated to keeping the faith and making excellent art, I want to keep showing up to help you make that possible. That's why our 200th episode is all about you - your consistency, perseverance and patience - and ...
Aug 26, 2022•10 min•Ep. 200
Answer: Throw up your hands in frustration. Question: What's your response to a question you constantly have to answer? As a creative, you are often asked to respond to the obvious. So to help you handle these not-so-creative questions from your audience or clientele, we've recorded 19 straightforward answers to the questions you're likely asked over and over. Want to read the original blog article? Click HERE to access the post on our website Remember to leave a review and let us know how this ...
Aug 23, 2022•12 min•Ep. 199
What do you do when you've a part of almost EVERY major gospel and R&B project for decades, won every award, and seen the heights of success - but something's still missing? Our amazing guest on this Best Of episode will show you how to learn from both failure AND success in your creative life - so that you will be fulfilled and happy even when you reinvent your career. Daniel Weatherspoon is a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning producer, composer, musician and musical director. This dyn...
Aug 19, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 198
Are you frustrated every time you try to reach your audience via social media? There's truly a better way - and we're sharing why you MUST start using it if you haven't already. While it's getting harder and harder to handle all the social media apps and hacks, email is still the best way to connect with the people God wants you to reach online. In this episode we explore three reasons why you may not have started an email list and why each of them prevents you from taking advantage of huge oppo...
Aug 16, 2022•17 min•Ep. 197
Would you love to have an engaged audience that supports both you - and each other? If so, you'll need to transform your online experiences - social media, livestreams, etc. into real-life connections that happen outside and beyond the screen - so that your fans and followers have a reason to stay connected to you as they evolve into a vibrant, supported community. In this episode, we map out how personal attention, specific targeting strategies and concierge level service can turn your online f...
Aug 12, 2022•27 min•Ep. 196
If you want to be well-known and in-demand as a creative, you need to stand out. But often, it's not your creative skill, talent or unique abilities that help you become a highly successful creative. Instead, it's the skills you have that have nothing to do with your art or creative passion. In this creative checkup episode, you'll discover why your most marketable traits might be your relationship skills, emotional intelligence and ability to work with others. In a crowded marketplace, the arti...
Aug 09, 2022•8 min•Ep. 195
When you go through the darkest moments of your life - how do you bounce back? Even if you have a strong faith in God, life can hit us with circumstances that rock us to our core. When this happens, we need both practical and spiritual support- and that's what our guest, author, life coach and musician Julz Muya has dedicated her life to providing to those who desperately need her help and guidance. Julz Muya is a certified Trauma Healing Coach, musician, author, speaker and owner of Make Music ...
Aug 05, 2022•48 min•Ep. 194
In areas like Los Angeles and New York, it's becoming increasingly harder to work in the entertainment field as a person of faith. Whether it's economics, cultural shifts, or just the overall look of the industry, many creatives are finding themselves facing a tough question - stay in the major entertainment hubs, or look elsewhere for a place to build their careers? Our friend Rev. Joel Pelsue of Arts and Entertainment Ministries recently asked that question, and we added some of our perspectiv...
Aug 02, 2022•12 min•Ep. 193
