If you want to start your creative journey in 2025, what should you do differently than someone who started 20 years ago? In this episode, we explore what it takes to build a sustainable, profitable, and fulfilling creative career in 2025. Whether you’re just starting, stuck in a rut, or seeking reinvention, this episode provides the clarity and direction you need. Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our 360 Membership, you get focused encouragement, guidance, ...
Nov 25, 2024•13 min•Ep. 311
Is this the year you should walk away from doing gigs to support your creative career? In this episode we'll discuss what gigs you should quit doing and which ones actually help you move forward as a Christian creator / musician. 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 thrive as a faith-focused creative. Joining gives you access to our exclusive app, workshops and community conversa...
Nov 18, 2024•15 min•Ep. 310
Is your God-given talent being hidden by an ineffective and unattractive online presence? No matter how gifted you are, or how good your art is, if you don't have a strong online brand presence, you're in danger of going unnoticed, or even worse, misunderstood by those who would want to support you. In this episode we share the TOP three mistakes that are preventing you from creating a online creative brand presence that you can be secure in and proud to share. Tap to send us a text! Support the...
Nov 11, 2024•11 min•Ep. 309
If you have a creative business or side hustle, you need to make sure you can get your hard-earned money when you need it. As we've opened and tried a LOT of different banks, we've put together this list of 3 bank accounts to help you keep your money accessible and flowing so you can use it when you need it, using the Profit First method! For more about our experience with Profit First, check out episode 149. To check out all of these recommended resources, go to godandgigs.com/toolkit. Tap to s...
Nov 04, 2024•19 min•Ep. 308
Have you thrown up your hands in frustration over your YouTube channel? It seems many creatives know that the platform can help us reach more people, but solving the struggle of growth takes way too much time and energy. In this episode we share 3 major shifts that helped us get unstuck and moving positively toward growth, to get our God and Gigs channel to over 1000 subscribers. These growth mindsets can help you not only in YouTube, but any platform where you have to rethink your approach in o...
Oct 28, 2024•12 min•Ep. 307
Have you gotten weary of trying to be authentic in a world full of cookie-cutter creativity, while also trying to play the social media game? If so, you're not alone, and one animation director is fighting to change that with a unique battle plan - a jazz-playing cow. John Lumgair, an award winning animation director out of London, has worked on many projects with major studios, but his passion is sharing his love of art and music through his animation work. But even he struggles with the battle...
Oct 21, 2024•41 min•Ep. 306
Are you potentially sacrificing your health in your search for success? You may be one of many creatives, artists and entrepreneurs who are chasing dreams but cutting corners when it comes to their health - and the impact on your life could be devastating. In this powerful and transparent talk, you'll hear from a peak performance wellness coach on the reasons you MUST prioritize your health, and you'll learn how missing the mark in these areas can cost you much more than you want to pay. Our gue...
Oct 14, 2024•43 min•Ep. 305
Quick question: Are you successful yet? And if you're not sure... how can you know when you'll reach true creative success? In this excerpt from our Creative Checkup livestream on Fridays at 1pm on YouTube and other social media sites, we shared some personal reflections on what success actually looks like in 2025 and beyond. Listen, lean in and learn what you might need to do to redefine your success in the coming year. so you don't get stuck trying to reach goals that ultimately will not satis...
Oct 07, 2024•12 min•Ep. 304
In this episode, world-renowned musician, music director and recording artist West Byrd reveals the secrets on how to find your own sound from his experience as a top musician in R&B, jazz and other genres. From his early years as a reluctant musician, West shares how he had to struggle with insecurity from his unique musical background for years before he finally got comfortable with his sound, all while working with some of the brightest stars in the music industry. You'll discover in this...
Sep 30, 2024•56 min
It's a musical exodus, but why is it happening? A lot of church musicians are quitting playing on Sundays. They don't see the benefit, or they are frustrated and burned out by the battles and internal struggles of ministry. However, some church musicians have THRIVED while playing every Sunday. What's the difference? In this Creative Checkup excerpt, I (Allen) will share why I remain a church musician while others have decided to step away. We'll examine a video by our good friend John Mike on w...
Sep 23, 2024•27 min•Ep. 302
Are you sick and tired of living the "starving artist" lifestyle? If so, especially if you're a seasoned musician, it's way past time to break out of that mindset. And our guest has just the inspiring and informational message needed to transform your starving artist mindset into a confident creative mindset. New York native Lennis Sabatino is a vocalist, vocal coach, and music business mentor who is relentless in her positivity and radiant joy. After working with some of the most iconic artists...
Sep 16, 2024•58 min•Ep. 301
We never saw this coming...but here we are. 300 episodes later, after starting this podcast on a pool table in our parents' garage, we're commemorating 7 years of podcasting and growing an amazing community. Our 'guest' is the person who knows better than anyone what's it's been like to see all of this come to pass - my (Allen's) wife Lia Paul. While Lia has appeared a few times over the years, she really opens up about her own struggles both as a creative in her own right, and as a support to t...
Sep 09, 2024•54 min•Ep. 300
The Bible says "don't despise small beginnings." Well, this episode is an example of why every small beginning can have a big ending. As God and Gigs approaches its 7th anniversary and our 300th episode, we're sharing some of our most impactful episodes that still bring truth and inspiration to our community. Back in 2017, when the podcast had just started, we had the opportunity to interview Warren Brown, a dynamic gospel musician and content creator who was riding high with his "Yank Nation" c...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 299
Wish you could get help to accomplish everything on your creative to-do list, but feel like you can't afford good help, or find people to stick with you? Learn how we've figured out 3 ways to finally get the solid help you need without breaking the bank! We shared this info on our creative checkup livestream on YouTube which airs every Friday at 1pm Eastern! If this is something you'd like to check out, join us here! Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our 360 ...
Aug 19, 2024•27 min•Ep. 298
Please don't listen to this episode. We know, that's a strange thing to say. But for the first time, we prefer that you check out the video format of this topic because we couldn't do it justice in an audio format. On August 9th, we shared a livestream workshop about the rash of untimely deaths suffered in the musician community, and the wake-up call that it is generating in our God and Gigs family. To watch the livestream on Why Creatives Struggle to Stay Healthy, click here In this brief summa...
Aug 12, 2024•9 min•Ep. 297
If you don't have a community as a creative in 2024, you're in DANGER. In this excerpt from our Creative Checkup livestreams held every Friday on YouTube, you'll discover why your creative project depends on you building connections and community - and you'll be introduced to the steps you need to take right away. 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 thrive as a faith-focused cre...
Aug 05, 2024•43 min•Ep. 296
What does it take to truly master your God-given creative gift? In this encore presentation of one of our most popular interviews ever, you'll learn the answer. From his roots as a music minister in Miami, to becoming the driving force behind a vast catalog of Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning albums and songs, Trent Phillips has established himself as one of the leading Producers, Musical Directors and Keyboardists of our generation. Far from resting on his accomplishments in music, which...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 295
Feeling torn every time you head to your 9-to-5 job, as if you're cheating on your creative side hustle? And vice-versa? You shouldn't feel dissatisfied with either role you play as a creative, because like most artists, you may never make your full-time income from art alone. There's 4 key mindsets and strategies that you can implement that will help end the struggle between your traditional full-time job and your creative passion - and we shared them in this Creative Checkup livestream excerpt...
Jul 22, 2024•17 min•Ep. 294
What do you do when your creative dream seems to be dying in front of you? Do you have the ability to keep it alive when things are going wrong? Our guest on the God and Gigs Show, entrepreneur, TV host and author Victory Lyric has seen the best and worst of the creative journey, and she's got the answers to that question. From cooking for the iconic Julia Child, to opening several businesses and appearing on the Food Network, Fox, CBS and NBC, Victory has earned the respect and admiration of cr...
Jul 15, 2024•49 min•Ep. 293
How do you know you're following God's timing for your creative life, and not your own? It can be incredibly scary and frustrating for a faith-focused creative to feel uncertain about God's will and timing - but there are clues that can help you determine when it's the right season to make a big move. In this Creative Checkup episode, host Allen C. Paul shares his own experience of looking to God for the right timing and explains how those lessons can apply to your own life - especially when it'...
Jul 08, 2024•8 min•Ep. 292
Have you ever felt like the world just doesn't hear your voice? Struggling to shake a nagging sense of insignificance? In this uplifting conversation, Grammy-winning music educator and motivational speaker Mickey Smith Jr. shares his powerful insights and practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, developing resilience, and consistently taking purposeful action towards your dreams. Through candid personal stories and a faith-based perspective, he'll reignite your passion for pursuing a life...
Jul 01, 2024•42 min•Ep. 291
Are you tempted to compromise your artistic vision and values for the "riches" of influence? In this Creative Checkup discussion, you'll be introduced to 7 compelling reasons why you should resist the temptation to become an influencer as an artist. We're pointing out, with no holds barred, that the thought that these two paths are interchangeable is actually dangerous to your creative life. This episode, taken from our LIVE Creative Checkup that happens every Friday at 1pm, will demonstrate: Ho...
Jun 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 290
What's the TRUE cost of being a top creative? And what untold struggles are you going to face as you achieve your God-given dreams? In this episode, renowned drummer and educator David Chiverton returns to The God and Gigs Show to share why being a successful musician is sometimes overrated, and why he prioritizes family and personal growth more than major musical opportunities. With honesty and transparency, this top drummer who has worked with Sheila E., Leslie Odom, Jr. , Jon Secada, Maxwell ...
Jun 17, 2024•55 min•Ep. 289
Do you struggle to do the ONE thing that would make the BIGGEST impact on your creative life? It seems faith-focused creatives can do everything well except the one thing that could change everything, and we procrastinate on the thing that should get our full attention. In this Creative Checkup, you'll learn a key principle that keeps you in the cycle of procrastination, and how to fix it so that it never keeps you from finishing your God-ordained creative project. Tap to send us a text! Support...
Jun 09, 2024•10 min•Ep. 288
In a world of copycat creatives, can you become indispensable and unmistakable to those in your field? In this candid conversation, Haitian-American creative force Phinees "Phinestro" Robert shares his inspiring journey of curiosity, obedience, and using his gifts to serve humanity - so that you too can find your niche in a crowded creative marketplace. You'll be captivated by his harrowing leaps of faith - like the time he scored a Spider-Man promo for Marvel with zero prior experience. With re...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 287
Have you found yourself staring at an empty bank account, questioning your creative calling? Before you let doubt creep in, pause and consider this: a financial dry spell could be the catalyst you need to unlock new levels of abundance. What if this temporary setback is actually a divine invitation to realign your mindset and strategies? To separate the essentials from the excess and refocus on what truly fuels your creative fire? In this creative checkup, we'll help you take a fresh perspective...
May 27, 2024•9 min•Ep. 286
Could you be just 3 months away from a breakthrough? Most of us have grand ambitions that seem impossibly far off - dreams we've locked away because "someday" feels lightyears away. But there's a way to turn your creative future in reality much, much faster. Sandra Barker McIntosh, host of the 90 Day Wins podcast and affectionately known as Coach Sandy B. has developed a systematic plan that turns your dreams into reality 90 days at a time. Through inspiring stories and a simple yet powerful fra...
May 20, 2024•44 min•Ep. 285
Is "beef" bad for your creative health? We're not talking about steak or any other kind of food - this is about 'beef' or animosity between artists. What happens to creativity when artists engage in rivalry and competition? Does it elevate our artistry or distract from it? This intriguing discussion dives into famous rap beefs, award show politics, and whether a rival can actually drive you to new levels of excellence as a creator. We explore the implications of the recent explosion of Drake and...
May 13, 2024•25 min•Ep. 284
Have you ever felt the anguish of being torn between expanding your creative reach and staying grounded in your local community? Stephanie Muiña, worship leader, songwriter and one-half of the mother daughter duo behind Metro Life Worship, has had to navigate that road - struggling to balance her call to ministry through song while furthering her career. Raised in ministry by an iconic worship leader, she now holds the worship mantle at her family's church. But with opportunities around the coun...
May 06, 2024•43 min•Ep. 283
Do you ever feel like a fraud in your creative calling, even though you've put in long hours mastering your craft? You're not alone. Imposter syndrome plagues even the most gifted creatives, and the shocking truth is that self-doubt often grows in tandem with artistic skill. In this episode, you'll learn the surprising science behind the reason that less talented people tend to push forward with bravado, while true experts like you are far more hesitant and insecure in certain situations. Here's...
Apr 29, 2024•39 min•Ep. 282
