C. J. Murray Podcast

Episode #36For me, this conversation felt extremely informative and gave me more than enough to think about. I want to strive to educate my conscience to what honors God. Thank you so much for listening, and I hope you enjoy listening to Matt and I'd conversation! CHAPTERS0:00-Intro / mutual history1:00-Background2:40-What a music philosophy isn't / separating music and worship8:45-Revering God10:00-Worship affecting lifestyle / pride14:50-Everything comes back to the cross16:50-Separating sacred and secular / honoring God or not20:10-Association debate / appealing to the conscience24:20-Going back to the source25:50-To reach a healthy music philosophy... (recovering extremist)28:02-Personal testimony of music philosophy evolution30:00-Educate your conscience (referee illustration)35:00-On a sered conscience36:55-Fear in educating the conscience41:40-Putting the Bible first43:20-Jesus is our example for giving things up47:00-Tangled cord illustration for debates and conflict50:27-People listen to respond, not understand / Jesus asking questions54:30-God's children are free57:40-The hardest conversations to have58:40-What music is and how it operates1:03:40-Our music fitting into the body of Christ / sanctification1:06:38-On Owl City1:10:08-Outro

Episode #35Joy is the lead singer for Catapult City, an Indie band based in Central Virginia. Hearing how the band came together and her role in it was such an honor to hear directly from her, and I'm so glad it could be captured in this conversation. I'm also thankful to her for the opportunity to be able to share pieces of my own story and share pieces of wisdom I've learned on my own journey. Check out their website at this link: https://catapultcity.framer.website or look them up on Instagram! Thank you!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro1:22-Balancing day-job and music / getting into the band3:50-Collaborative spirit / branding on band name6:33-Meeting / doing something about your dreams10:25-On live performing and improvement12:50-Highlight moments performing15:16-Experience, skill, and assumed assets16:20-Growth in musicianship18:08-Not giving credence to some feedback / band vs. solo21:23-Bragging on the band30:49-Prepping for tour35:30-I've always known I'd do music / my story38:36-The heartbreaking journey of business school40:48-First memory of wanting to be on stage42:20-Goal of podcast42:50-My first live show44:35-Enjoying the process47:18-We're in the good ol' days / Echosmith / Hey Ocean49:30-Industry trends in engineering details51:40-Engineering rant55:45-Benefits of being the lead singer1:01:00-Fitting in as the right piece of the puzzle1:03:30-Band branding1:07:00-Outro / final thoughts

Episode #34Hey! Check out created.creators on Instagram! This was an awesome conversation with Christina on starting new ventures we known we're called to. I hope it was as much a blessing to you as much as it was to me.CHAPTERS0:00-Intro / her podcast3:50-Her intro to art8:15-Specializing vs. dreaming / God's plan13:30-Critical commentators / know your lane15:30-Why she started her podcast / ideas19:10-Overcoming fear in doing something new22:10-Failing to succeed26:30-Being a creative control freak28:06-Class project leading to the podcast38:00-Christians online43:40-On podcasts / building a legacy46:50-Iron Man 1 as an example of failing to succeed50:00-This podcast as an example of failing to succeed52:50-People who give up too fast54:00-Accumulation of skills (an example)57:40-Mark Baral and the Creative Community Podcast1:02:00-What I've known about my potential (burdens / regrets)1:07:00-Music as an escape1:08:50-Enjoying your craft (handling the burden)1:11:00-Long term thinking1:16:45-To my future kids / of my dad1:21:00-My brother's encouragement1:22:20-What people said to her on her future1:26:30-Putting God in a box / the fear of man1:29:25-How I feel about my future / Abraham1:31:50-Prioritize God / reading the Bible / no filter1:36:33-Scripture on investing1:38:20-Do what you want, after...1:40:00-On making the wrong decision1:43:00-How God will speak to us and use our decisions 1:44:50-God's ultimate control and providence1:47:43-Outro / final thoughts / encouragement to younger self

Episode #33Daniel is a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist composer and it was a fantastic episode of him giving valuable tips and advice to music students looking to network and market their music. I hope you enjoy this episode!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro / tips / networking5:00-Relationships leading to opportunities6:15-To students figuring out their niche/brand10:40-Networking well16:00-Premiering music27:30-Passion for music/instruments29:24-Expressing yourself / Jacob Collier34:50-Go-to instruments37:50-Jeff Henderson shoutout39:50-Simplicity, branding, individuality46:00-Charles Cornell48:42-Fulfilling your purpose50:20-A story of humility before God with music55:00-Biblical examples of God's power and plan1:02:45-Continued tips for networking for music students1:13:55-Outro / final thoughts

Episode #32Alyssa's story of trusting God with her shoulder and carrying on with violin is absolutely incredible, and I hope you're as inspired as I was. Also I go into a rare condition I have, which I've never shared publicly. Please enjoy this episode!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro0:43-Getting into music3:33-Violin over piano4:13-Career trajectory6:20-Challenges with violin9:10-Performing variations12:00-Group performance dynamic15:00-Shoulder injury/story22:50-Discussing spiritual nuances throughout26:27-Big picture thinking / Job as an example28:16-My medical condition / Lymphangiomatosis34:30-Spiritual application / dealing with the fallout36:52-Her music goals42:00-Outro

Episode #31Thank you so much for listening to this episode with Keith! I've enjoyed mixing his music, and I hope that you can glean some good insights out of this episode. Thanks!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro / his testimony7:10-Involvement of Scripture8:15-My personal salvation testimony11:42-How he got into music15:02-"Flirting" with Christianity16:40-Summer at Ellerslie18:50-My Grandpa Murray's testimony21:35-Parable of the workers / Prodigal son24:35-AI in electronic music / tipping point27:35-Humanity driven by narratives30:40-The Christian life under the blood35:15-Trusting God's plan / relating to Peter39:00-We can all fall to pride41:00-Derek Prince44:00-Outro / final thoughts

Episode #30Mark is an amazing friend and musician, and connecting with him over electronic music has been nothing but a blessing. Especially in the second half of this video, we wrangle with the tension between the possibilities of EDM and the tradition of Conservative Christian music philosophy. I've felt the tension of the debate and I hope that this episode is yet another step in the right direction.CHAPTERS0:00-Intro1:13-Story of growth in God and music4:45-Taking initiative / intro to electronic music8:50-Curation of family music standards15:40-Functionality of electronic music20:35-Stigma of electronic music being oversimplified23:43-The potential of the DAW / AI in the DAW28:50-The place for AI / human attention span / Epic39:50-Human need for stories / God's image in us / Ecclesiastes46:20-Electronic music vs. conservative Christian values (an intro)50:15-Romans 14 / association / loving your fellow Christian55:20-On separating worldly and unworldly / defining worldly1:05:12-James 3 / music relating to contexts of Scripture1:11:30-Music is like food1:14:11-Every genre has strengths and weaknesses / EDM / CCM1:18:20-"Beats are wrong" "The beat is too loud"1:23:35-In context of worship in the church1:28:44-Releasing music / philosophy / my approach to electronic music 1:33:50-On other people's conscience and offending others1:37:15-Theological bottom line1:42:00-Outro / podcast goal / debate bottom line

Episode #28Isaiah is a young, powerhouse, prolific violinist and composer who has high standards and deep thoughts. This was a lengthy episode, so for your context, the first hour breaks down his work, and the second hour dives into some broader philosophy, so you can do with that what you will. Please enjoy!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro1:23-Since the last episode (concerts/opportunities)2:33-Composer symposium in Austin, TX9:40-"I don't like most of what I do" / writing peaks13:10-Writing music using expectations / prolificacy17:55-Reminiscence / Evening With the Composers1:00:40-Book of Job / love / brokenness / sacrifice1:05:45-On Job's friends / spiritual warfare1:09:10-Connecting Job's story to music1:14:00-God using opportunities / outcomes / motivations1:20:00-God's omniscience / The Gospel1:28:20-Connection to musicianship / modern music industry / prayer1:33:45-Writing "new" music / conveying beauty / contrast1:37:40-True beauty / interestingness1:44:27-No one will say your message like you1:49:25-A rebuttal of only beautiful music matters1:54:40-Truth, beauty, "good music", benefits of genres1:58:33-Isaiah's example2:03:33-Outro

Episode #27Megan's passion for singing and acting is contagious. She's got a ton of life and joy in what she does and this conversation talking through Sound of Music, Sight and Sound, and her story as a whole was so enjoyable to have. I hope you enjoy as well! Thank you for listening!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro0:45-Sound of Music (story of getting into music)6:22-Receiving confidence from others8:00-Working on Sound of Music9:55-Style/tone shift of Maria's character12:36-Growth as a musician (stamina)15:35-Final thoughts on Sound of Music (don't give up)18:00-Chasing your dreams19:27-On the "Plan B route"21:45-Out of body acting experience23:27-Support systems25:08-Adoption story29:00-Music's impact / Broadway / Sight and Sound39:33-Sight and Sound culture / connections42:28-Hiring advice 46:08-Graduation, masters, and beyond50:10-Outro

Episode #26Paul is a phenomenal operatic singer who came to America when he was 12. His thoughts of the genre as a whole and his transition between styles was a fascinating conversation and I hope you enjoy it as well!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro0:30-How we met / acting3:28-His story13:40-Embassy to America17:30-Getting serious about music25:10-Transition from pop/emo/rap to classical27:45-Listening to operatic / Gospel music in the gym32:14-Progression of old music to future styles of sacred / music taste standards38:50-Musical style equals attitude42:10-Operatic genre and its progression46:40-AI isn't eternal / souls are52:02-Story Behind "It Is Well" and its continued impact53:55-Doctorate and beyond / hindsight56:28-Outro

Episode #25The controversy of this topic can be felt among many circles regardless of which side you land on. I felt this conversation was an immense blessing with a fantastic end goal of how the church can still rally around the Gospel and Jesus Christ. I couldn't have spoken with anyone better than Serge as a friend, as a musician, and as a representative of certain lines of thought. I hope you enjoy this episode and walk away with some solid takeaways!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro1:10-Serge, his music, and philosophy intro7:55-Mutual history8:35-“Nothing New”12:45-Writing process / variety of subject matter17:05-Being labeled / categorizing / exploring19:35-The divide between sacred and secular23:03-Branding25:15-Secular to sacred and vice versa28:28-Artists leaving the faith31:25-Sacred and secular (an intro)36:52-Redemption of certain contexts40:10-History of Christian Hip-Hop44:00-Common grace / universal innovation49:00-Association / separation debate57:20-Conscience and music59:45-Denomination hot-take1:02:35-Unification within the church1:06:20-Energy of non-traditional music1:08:50-Music is like food1:10:35-Concern for fellow Christians1:11:30-Outro / final thoughts / music plug

Episode #24I loved digging into Josiah's experience and getting to know his perspective on vocal technique. I hope you enjoy this episode!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro0:34-Story of getting into music7:48-Switching major nuances9:40-Growing in music / singing technique14:05-The value of specializing17:20-Becoming a tenor19:20-Nitty gritty of singing technique21:03-Singers are athletes (in a sense)23:00-Handling practicing lows24:30-Recording behind a mic vs. singing live30:00-Pros of classical vocal technique32:15-Venturing into other genres’ vocal styles35:50-Open throat in a breathy singing style38:40-Technique of singing “forward”39:50-The work that goes into effective expression41:00-"Budgeting” vocal health47:20-Emotional effect of singing in various genres56:30-The different feel of different genres58:50-Editing vocals1:01:40-Outro

Episode #23Ethan is one of my best friends and this conversation was a long time coming. In this episode, there are many memories and points I hope to never forget, and I'm grateful our words can be immortalized here. :) Thank you, and enjoy!CHAPTERS0:00-Intro0:20-Ethan’s story seeking God8:15-Music philosophy connections10:50-Shared history14:40-Prayer memory16:55-Other memories18:55-Ramifications of seeking God21:15-Heartache and comfort from God24:40-Doubts about trusting God (story)26:50-Assurance through answered prayers28:20-Two keys to our spiritual growth29:40-Illustration of a Gospel life perspective32:20-The buildup of the discipline of prayer34:40-Waking up early to be with God37:45-Ethan’s focus spending time with God42:40-How God receives the most glory44:00-Failed attempt to end the conversation44:50-Music philosophy and social media48:15-Outro

Episode #22Enjoy this conversation with Estevão Gonçalves! 10/10 convo. His perspective on growth in skill and having a correct mindset toward God is incredible and I hope it is a blessing to you.CHAPTERS0:00-Intro0:15-The level it takes to be happy with an instrument1:15-Getting serious about singing4:50-Fulfillment in doing music10:07-Music style distinctions in church services14:45-On the vocal style, "crooning"16:33-The context of the body of Christ22:55-Worship between generations29:07-Individuality related to the gift of music33:10-Brazilian who lost his singing voice34:50-God gave us all we have36:20-Motivation in glorifying God43:05-An example of leveled motivation47:00-Being relaxed during performance52:30-The work behind musicianship53:00-Obsessing over your craft58:00-Prioritizing God1:04:40-God’s gifts to His children1:06:45-Outro

Episode #21Christian and I talk about how he got into music, using our gifts for God, and his health journey. I hope you enjoy this episode, and if you're a musician and want to come on this podcast to share your story, feel free to email me at [email protected]:00-Intro0:22-Getting into music3:10-Going into speech therapy10:35-Peak music moments14:35-On opening gifts from God15:40-Intentionality in church services19:10-All Christians under the blood21:12-To those needing to commit to their gifts23:30-Health journey34:00-Options on the future36:30-Potential of being young37:40-Cryptocurrency tangent and investing39:25-Compound interest of investing in people44:12-Faithful are the wounds of a friend45:00-Future process of this podcast47:40-Outro

Episode #20Ben Everson is an evangelist/musician whose purpose is to encourage God's people via music and preaching. This conversation felt very real, genuine, and insightful into another way of looking at music as a whole and our approach to it. I'm very grateful he was willing to be a guest on this podcast and I look forward to having him on again in the future.LINKSPlease check out his website and music at https://beneverson.com

Episode #19Marshall Teague has an extremely diverse portfolio in his acting career from Roadhouse, to Walker Texas Ranger, to other familiar action movies, as well sci-fi and meaningful dramas. It was a privilege to dive into his mind and experiences to glean from his wealth of knowledge.CHAPTERS0:00 - Intro0:37 - History4:23 - Becoming characters and going home8:06 - Actors as co-workers and inspirational actors9:36 - On Denzel Washington10:41 - On actors going viral for anger on set12:13 - Improvements in the craft13:42 - Don't act — become16:53 - On actors portraying real people and true stories18:51 - Most challenging character to become22:09 - Acting in film versus stage plays24:04 - Acting for television26:48 - On sustainably being in acting for so long29:02 - Pushback on being an actor32:17 - Screen acting versus voice acting35:41 - Original Roadhouse versus Amazon Prime's43:04 - On saying no to people44:00 - Faith in the music industry46:16 - On being hit by a helicopter47:52 - Most interesting locations52:40 - Marriage advice to newly weds56:12 - Outro

Episode #18Dave Russell is the lead graphic at OtterBox and has served exclusive graphics to clients such as Target, AT&T, Verizon, Real Tree, NFL, Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Lucas Film. He also has a passion project on YouTube and Instagram as a custom toy creator. This was an inspiring conversation and the bottom line is to know your gifts and calling from God, work really hard at them, and don't give up on what you're passionate about. Just show up and do what you do best.TOPICSGraphic design, creativity, work ethic, and following God's callingLINKShttps://www.youtube.com/@UCC9D_x_vTIaWrtO6Nb07ARwhttps://www.instagram.com/dr._toys/

Episode #17Rachel Williams is a film/video game composer who loves the Lord, and I hope this episode encourages you to keep seeking Him as you pursue your dreams!

Episode #16An incredible testimony! Please check out her music by looking up Eliana Shannon.CHAPTERS0:00 - Intro1:00 - OCD vs. misconceptions, having OCD as a Christian7:20 - When God’s answer is no10:03 - Overcoming through music14:23 - Letting friends in on the struggle17:10 - Spiritual warfare while creating music19:30 - Commentary on her release music23:00 - The only solution is the Word of God, King David24:50 - God’s grace, eternal security, salvation28:18 - Works based salvation vs. works based favor31:10 - King Hezekiah illustration of God’s power / faith34:10 - EP music connecting first two songs37:18 - Jesus gentle and lowly / prayer closet story41:10 - Jordan Peterson on potential, God’s eternal presence45:00 - Level deeper on the Gospel45:43 - EP to full album49:40 - Potential of Eliana’s testimony51:16 - OCD during school53:22 - Questions about the future56:35 - The joy of collaboration58:57 - Final encouragement1:00:50 - Outro

Episode #15Jonathan Ivey is a man of many hats that spins many plates, but deeper than that he is a man that wants to serve God and serve others. As he grows he helps others to grow with him. We talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, writing Biblical music, and ultimately, help answer the question, "How do we maximize our effectiveness in serving God?"LINKShttps://www.instagram.com/jonathanivey/https://www.instagram.com/pureaudiorecordingstudio/https://www.instagram.com/easthillmusic/https://www.instagram.com/drinkpensacolaofficial/https://www.easthillmusic.comhttps://www.easthillmusic.com/pure-audio-recording-studiohttps://www.instagram.com/christianmensnetworking/https://open.spotify.com/show/6OWBwAmJ08WPfjFXPnFCpu?si=fb5af3a303c94431 (PODCAST)CHAPTERS0:00 Intro0:50 Resume / building drive / diversifying6:10 Growth in leadership10:10 Microhabits / routines15:23 God and organization / multitasking20:40 Community help / moving on27:25 Church functionality / unity and division31:01 The Ellerslie experiment / denominations35:00 Biblical songwriting / touring39:21 Distinct music purposes42:00 Music industry transition / investing in people44:27 Being people of conviction50:22 Final word / pushing limits / investing in God’s kingdom52:28 Outro

Episode #14Olivia and I met when during college I heard her performing a song she wrote called, "The Love of Christ." I found her afterwards and mentioned I'd love to produce that song! It's now out on Spotify under Olivia Wentworth. This conversation was such a blessing as it felt relatable personally, as well as encouraging for anyone who does music as a hobby but hopes to eventually turn it into something more. Cheers to the long game of slowly but surely!Her Links:@wentworth.music/@wentworth9247Topics: Music as a profession vs. music as a hobby, songwriting, specific prayerCHAPTERS0:00 - Intro1:00 - Life update2:30 - Music during life transition3:45 - Songwriting process6:39 - Beauty of music as a hobby9:05 - Disciplines of music as a hobby10:22 - Appeal of music as a profession12:41 - Fame vs. obscurity16:28 - Praying specifically19:15 - Time spent on skill vs. social media21:08 - Prayer for contentment and influence22:21 - Pros of delegation23:33 - Prayer for opportunities and beyond26:51 - Music vs. people27:44 - Prayer for skills34:30 - Outro

Episode #13Anna Overton is an incredible singer with a really fun personality, and in this conversation we cover from music philosophy to worship and serving God with our gifts. There's so many gold nuggets in this episode and I'm excited to share it with you guys!Topics: Worship, Music Origins, CCM Industry, Serving Using God's GiftsA few clarifications:Selmer - *24:40* - as of the release of this video is *lesbian, not transgender.Somewhere I mentioned the Psalms - they are not "all prayer" - there's variety, haha.CHAPTERS0:00 - Intro0:40 - Superpower (ministry singing)5:18 - Journey of learning genuineness8:00 - Investing in friends10:10 - Investment in the music community15:20 - Origins of music 17:50 - Contrast in art and music19:30 - Satan and music and music variation22:44 - Christian Music Industry and association30:40 - Nature of worship (if we let it be selfish)37:00 - Anxiety40:45 - Unity and group singing and control45:40 - Psalms, prayer, consequences, Christian music leaders48:30 - Knowing Biblical truths and obeying56:15 - Faith and prayer connected to direction58:50 - Spiritual life before music, service instead of judging1:02:00 - Older brother basketball illustration (humility and service)1:05:30 - Outro

Episode #1210,000 hours is what it’s said it takes to master any skill. My dad did it. After documenting a six year commitment at the age of 55, he executed and reached his life cumulative total goal of practicing guitar 10,000 hours. In this episode we explore the story, the challenges, and the results of setting out to achieve this goal, and I could not be more humbled by the example my dad has set of discipline and perseverance.minnesotaguitar.com⁠ - Please feel free to reach out to him for guitar repair or refurbishing, as well as guitar lessons!CHAPTERS0:00 - Intro0:41 - My mom's take on the goal2:29 - Connections between my dad and I4:01 - My dad and his story6:19 - Documentation of the goal9:46 - Document details15:58 - The reason / motivation17:00 - Overcoming off days18:07 - Creating his practice studio20:25 - Support from family23:27 - Challenges since covid26:13 - Stories/value behind playing guitar/piano33:22 - Chat GPT on guitar35:33 - Fresh start37:11 - French polish guitar journey/business41:40 - For anyone starting or continuing an instrument43:58 - Outro / episode goal

Episode #11Thomas Molina is a high school band teacher who absolutely loves his students, and one of the best ways to summarize this episode is with his band room creed: We encourage, we laugh, we pray, we edify, we're a family. Music is about connection and I admire people like Thomas that use it to invest in people and to love them.Topics: Teaching high-school band, loving through music, investing in othersCHAPTERS0:00 - Intro1:00 - Emotional value of music2:46 - The value of the negative4:36 - Music journey7:27 - God’s calling10:25 - Moments showing Christ’s love13:38 - Fulfillment in conducting vs. performing17:30 - Vulnerability and commitment20:00 - Recent improvement21:33 - Failure and lessons learned25:29 - CJ’s piano teacher and inspiration30:00 - Career looking forward33:46 - Answered prayer35:58 - Value of learning music41:10 - Band family43:20 - Outro

Episode #10Megan Murray is my lovely wife who is currently senior in college studying studio art, looking to get her masters, and working towards building a brand based off a neurological phenomenon she experiences known as synesthesia. It combines music, art, and people, and in this episode she breaks down all kinds of nuances in experiencing this. Whether you are involved in the creative crafts or you enjoy interesting people, I guarantee you that you'll get some interesting things off of this episode.CHAPTERS1:20 - Intro 9:22 - Nature images vs. non-nature images 10:46 - Music of Interstellar 13:28 - Variations of synesthesia 15:56 - Each person has two colors 21:30 - A-fantasia 25:50 - Synesthesia general correlations 29:41 - MFA thesis 30:37 - General correlations continued 32:59 - Monochromatic synesthesia (acapella) 35:09 - Colors and pitch 39:59 - CJ in synesthesia 44:26 - Asking about colors 46:08 - Branding synesthesia 49:51 - Competing With AI 53:10 - Synesthesia painting internship 57:28 - Learning variations of painting synesthesia 1:00:55 - Synesthesia branding using instagram 1:02:50 - Synesthesia and branding paralleling 1:04:51 - Synesthesia compared to common imagination

Episode #9Telondra Reynolds is an incredible songwriter with genuinely humble spirit and a heart to serve others through her music. We discuss her first official release, Dandelion Dreams, followed the EP she is currently working on, her journey with music and God, and the challenging landscape of moving forward as musicians in today’s world.Topics: Dandelion dreams, EP, music journey, ego vs. service driven musicCHAPTERS0:51 - "Dandelion Dreams"4:55 - EP7:51 - Spiritual application10:52 - Music journey12:54 - "He Will Never Let You Go"15:24 - Journey continues22:11 - Quote by Jimi W.28:59 - Moving forward as side-hustle musicians

Episode #8Stephen Roy is a good friend who specializes in singing vocals, but also has a passion for producing electronic music. This was such a fun and enjoyable conversation as we simply carried on our long running discussion over electronic music, favorite song playlists, and most importantly our walks with God.

Episode #7Daniel Gowans is a senior in college studying percussion, who I have the opportunity to interact with on a regular basis. This is part two of a two part episode series, where we dive into Daniel’s thoughts on the morality of music. I love the bottom line of this conversation, which is that our standing before God is the most important element of our lives.

Episode #6Daniel Gowans is a senior in college studying percussion, while composing and being well versed in a variety of instruments. This is part one of a two part episode series where we dive into Daniel’s thoughts on the morality of music. This episode, while not as music driven, is foundational to part two where we fully connect the thoughts.

Episode #5Lucas Marotti is studying for his MBA here in Florida, meanwhile owning a music production tutorial business back in his home country, Brazil.We discuss the Brazilian music, his business, his journey from law school to where he is now, and the meaning behind music. Due to technical difficulties, we lost the last 3rd of the conversation, but we’re thankful for we got.Topics: Brazilian Music, Law School Journey, Business, Meaning Behind Music, AI

Episode #4Michael Reynolds is a live sound engineer who handles multi-million dollar equipment on a daily basis, delivering quality sound to thousands of people. We discuss the differences between his job in live sound and my job in studio recording, and I hope you walk away with a deeper understanding of the audio world as a whole.

Episode #3Coda Owens is an actor who has been in over 20 productions in the past 5 years, as well as a talented vocalist. We discuss the topics of beauty, authenticity in the arts, and doing your absolute best no matter what. I couldn't be more thrilled to see how far his drive takes him, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to capture this conversation at such an early stage in his career. No pun intended.CHAPTERS1:20-"Music should be seen as art, not entertainment."4:25-The purpose of beauty5:20-Process of authentic acting8:10-The work behind music12:40-Putting yourself out there as an actor14:15-Being in a play together / history18:45-Good art is all about contrast24:24-If you're going to fail, fail big / learning26:07-Public perception / vocal familiarity28:00-Creativity liberty during acting33:45-Keyhole method35:10-A key attribute of beauty is inviting39:20-Sacrifice in your craft41:35-The present and drawing from a lot44:50-Whether the words or music came first47:05-How the Gospel affects your craft49:00-How the Soul Surfer movie succeeded in its message50:00-Depending on God with passion and balancing52:00-You are not what your talents are worth53:20-We are called to do our absolute best56:30-Outro

Episode #2Malachi Rafael is a friend that has always thought deeply and asked difficult questions, keeping an open mind and being willing to change. CHAPTERS0:00 - Intro0:39 - History1:30 - Respected music artists (NF)3:09 - Music and how it resonates4:40 - What it means to be vulnerable11:00 - Song writing story13:00 - Confessing sin (as a concept)14:35 - Mental health influencing music17:25 - Being “happy”25:20 - Artist authenticity27:05 - On the Psalms / Ecclesiastes29:57 - Contentment in life (and growth)34:55 - Good mental health37:46 - Identity in Christ affecting music40:52 - Being an intercessor43:58 - Outro / summary

Episode #1Isaiah Richter is an amazing young and driven musician, specializing in violin and I'm thrilled to have him as the first guest on this podcast. I know he will go far in life, and it's a privilege to capture this moment in his journey.CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro0:30 - How we met1:18 - Getting into music5:15 - What practice looks like6:55 - Spiritual involvement11:02 - What a masterpiece is to him15:23 - Outro