Stay ConnectedIn every episode, we explore the instrumental moments that made each guest who they are today.
I hope these conversations inspire you to embrace every beautiful second of this incredible and unpredictable life, because the truth is none of us knows which moment will be the one that changes everything.
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If you listen to my music, there's a good chance the first song you heard was produced by Ben Shive. The music he creates is undeniably beautiful, but the WHY behind it is perhaps even more stunning. If you need to be reminded of the purpose behind what you do, this episode is for you. Ben had so many wise insights that Dave and I literally wanted to cheer at several different points in this interview.
Get out a pen, because you’re probably gonna want to take some notes! 📝
www.jjheller.com/podcast
You know those people who just make you feel like everything is gonna be okay? Like a big ol’ hug for your soul? Our guest this week is one of those. Al Andrews is the kind of person who somehow validates who you are as a person while simultaneously challenging you to step into the potential of who you could be. He’s the founder of a counseling service for touring artists here in Nashville called Porter’s Call.
His story is surprising, emotional, and powerful, and we think it’s going to be really difficult to not fall in love with Al Andrews after you hear what he has to share. If you need a reminder today of God’s miraculous ability to bring restoration and redemption, this episode is for you.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
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I’ve been listening to Sara’s music since 2004 and she’s been a HUGE influence on my own songwriting. She offers incredible insights about God and humanity in a way that’s disarming, beautiful and poignant. This is one of those episodes I want to listen to over and over again. www.saragroves.com www.jjheller.com/podcastBrad is the kind of person who makes you feel special just as you are while simultaneously making you want to be a better human. How does he do this?! 🤷🏻♀️ He is the genius behind Kid President, the writer of a delightful book called Becoming Better Grownups, and a source of inspiration and hope for millions. His comics are consistently featured in Magnolia magazine and he’s one of my absolute favorite instagram accounts to follow.
Talking to Brad reminded me let go of cynicism and look for the good in the world. He’s on a mission to create stories that cultivate empathy and imagination in kids and former kids. If you’re looking for a Mr. Rogers-style breath of fresh air, this episode is for you.
www.montagueworkshop.com www.jjheller.com/podcast
Andrew Peterson has not only built an incredible career as a singer, songwriter and author, but he’s also cultivated an entire community of writers, artists and deep-thinkers through the Rabbit Room forum. Make sure to tell Siri or Alexa to play his album "Behold the Lamb of God" this month.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
Ian Morgan Cron is a champion of the Enneagram, awakener of people, and bestselling author of the popular Enneagram book, The Road Back to You. As a pioneer in the contemporary Enneagram movement, Ian is a highly sought-after speaker for large conferences and corporate boardrooms alike.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
I met Max in 2016 when he took the photos for my Christmas album, Unto Us. He is one of the most intentional people I’ve ever met and he thinks deeply about the way he creates and invests his time. He helped create and produce the band Superchick before pivoting into a career as a photographer and filmmaker.
www.jjheller.com/podcastJustin is a gifted communicator, author, and songwriter. He’s one of my favorite accounts to follow on Instagram because of his insightful reflections and thought provoking questions. In addition to writing and speaking, he hosts The @Sea Podcast with special guests like yours truly! www.justinmcroberts.com www.jjheller.com/podcast
Jenny is a designer, writer and passionate advocate for community transformation, family preservation and orphan care around the globe. She and her husband are also the hosts of an HGTV show called Fixer to Fabulous. We know you're going to love hearing her story!
www.jjheller.com/podcast
Dave and I have known Jason Gray for over 15 years, and we're so grateful for his vulnerability as he shares his journey of faith. Known in the CCM community for his ability to craft thoughtful lyrics with rhythmic pop melodies, he has been providing listeners with inspiring and uplifting music throughout his award-winning career.
www.jasongraymusic.com
www.jjheller.com/podcast
We discovered Junlei Li when we watched the Mr Rogers documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.” The clips featuring him were so insightful and encouraging that we just knew we had to hear his story. Junlei serves the co-chair of the Human Development and Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His research and practice focuses on understanding and supporting the work of helpers — those who serve children and families on the frontlines of education and social services.
https://www.simpleinteractions.org/
www.jjheller.com/podcast
Amy Grant was highly influential in our lives as we fell in love with music. She became the first artist in Christian music to have a platinum record, and she’s earned six Grammy Awards, in addition to achieving 10 Top 40 pop singles over the course of her career. We’re so grateful that she took the time to share some stories with us!
www.amygrant.com www.jjheller.com/podcastWith over 15 million books in print, it's safe to say Philip Yancey is a widely read Christian author. Best known for books like What's So Amazing About Grace, and The Jesus I Never Knew, Yancey's books often address the complex feelings we face when approaching the Christianity.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
Kate Bowler, PhD is a New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and a professor at Duke University. I stumbled across her Instagram feed several months ago, and I found so much comfort in the words she shares about suffering. At age 35, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, causing her to think in different terms about the research and beliefs she had been studying. I hope her perspective will bless you as much as it's blessed me.
Ellie recorded and toured full-time with her husband’s band, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, for eight years before stepping off the road when her first child was born. She has released three full length albums, and two children’s books. She’s consistently writing, touring and performing while raising three kids with Drew in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.
Steve Taylor is a filmmaker, writer, producer and recording artist who earned his “Renaissance Man” stripes (Prism Magazine) from a body of work that’s garnered him multiple Grammy, Billboard, Telly, Addy and Dove awards and nominations.
He's a masterful storyteller, and I know you'll love this episode!
Holly Christine Hayes was rescued out of a life of trafficking, violence and addiction more than twenty years ago and knows the path to recovery can be long and rocky. She is now an author, speaker, and the founder of Sanctuary Project.
Holly’s mission is to bring healing and restoration and to help women everywhere to become the beautiful, inspiring individuals they were each created to be.
Brad is the kind of person who makes you feel special just as you are while simultaneously making you want to be a better human. How does he do this?! 🤷🏻♀️ He is the genius behind Kid President, the writer of a delightful book called Becoming Better Grownups, and a source of inspiration and hope for millions. His comics are consistently featured in Magnolia magazine and he’s one of my absolute favorite instagram accounts to follow.
Talking to Brad reminded me let go of cynicism and look for the good in the world. He’s on a mission to create stories that cultivate empathy and imagination in kids and former kids. If you’re looking for a Mr. Rogers-style breath of fresh air, this episode is for you.
Kelli Kelley is the founder of Hand To Hold. A non-profit in Austin, TX working with hospitals to provide premie parents with education, resources and perhaps most importantly, support and empathy. Being a premie mama herself, Kelli has a huge heart for parents who are facing the unique challenges and heartaches of caring for a baby in the NICU. Hear how she was able to use her own experience to give other parents the resources she wished she had during those difficult weeks and months in the hospital, and the months after that. If you had a premie baby or know someone who has, this episode is for you! www.handtohold.org www.jjheller.com/podcast
Ginny Owens was a very influential voice in my life as I was just beginning to fall in love with singing and songwriting back in college. I even learned to sing and play her song "Own Me" for my senior recital. When Dave and I got the chance to write a song with her a few years ago, I was thrilled! Not only is she a brilliant singer/songwriter, but she has a disarming sense of humor and is one of the kindest hearts I know. Listen to this episode and be inspired by Ginny’s relentless faith, perseverance and positivity. I know I was!
Aaron has crafted some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wordless children's books I've ever come across. Our conversation with him explores how he landed a job working on animated films and how he eventually found his voice as a children's book author.
I loved leafing through the pages of Aaron's books before my girls could read because they could still tell me what was going on in the story. If you haven't seen his work, definitely check it out and start with his first book, Journey.
Dave and I met Derri Smith 12 years ago in our church small group in Nashville. We had no idea then how one woman would make our state, our country and potentially the whole world a safer place for women.
Hear how her own tragic story eventually led her to become the founder of End Slavery TN, the organization responsible for making Tennessee one of the toughest states in prosecuting human trafficking violations.
God’s hand of redemption and favor is ALL over Derri’s story and I promise you will come away feeling inspired.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
Because she’s the host of the incredibly successful podcast “The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey,” Jamie is used to being the one asking the questions. It was such a treat to flip the narrative a bit and hear pieces of her story.
Listen to find out which instrumental moments led her to become the thoughtful, empathetic listener she is today.
If you've never seen Joy Prouty's photos or read her writing, go follow her on social media RIGHT NOW. I’m not kidding. Your soul will thank you. Her words and images bring so much hope and beauty into the world.
Interviewing Joy for this episode of Instrumental was a true delight. Hear her funny story involving an eye-patch and find out the unexpected place where her love of photography was born. Don’t miss this one!
If you are not familiar with Dave Barnes, he is an absolute delight. He’s a songwriter, artist and comedian and had us in stitches basically the whole time.
He tells us the incredible and unlikely story of how Blake Shelton came to record his song, “God Gave Me You.” Our conversation was such a great reminder to me of what success REALLY is and how to find joy in the work set before us.
If you could use some laughter in your life right now (and don’t we all?), you must find some time to listen to this episode.
Leigh Nash began her music career as the lead singer for Sixpence None The Richer when she was a teenager in the early 90's. Our conversation with her explores the moments and people in her life who helped her find her own voice as a songwriter apart from the band.
www.leighnash.net
www.jjheller.com/podcast
After an alarming cancer diagnosis in 2017, Katy turned for solace to her first language... poetry. This episode is an honest exploration of her journey fighting and processing cancer, while making room for her family and art.
Dave met Megan in the late 90s when they were both seniors in high school. Even then, she had developed a passion for the harp and dedicated years of her life to the mastery of the instrument. Little did she know how significantly her relationship with the harp would shape her life and family.
Season 3 of Instrumental starts today! Dave and I interviewed so many wonderful people last year whose narratives didn’t really fit into our backward-story-telling format. It would have been a tragedy to let these stories go untold, so we’re changing things up for season 3 and we’ve decided to tell the story forward (like normal people). Our first guest is a nurse practitioner, mother, wife and a very dear friend of mine. I met Lyndee Johnson around 10 years ago when I lived in Phoenix, Arizona and I was dumbfounded when I heard her story for the first time. You will NOT believe how many plot twists happen in her life! In fact, you’ll probably lose count of how many times you gasp in surprise. If you need to be reminded of God’s unrelenting faithfulness and redemption, this episode is for you. www.jjheller.com/podcast
Al Andrews is the kind of person who somehow validates who you are as a person while simultaneously challenging you to step into the potential of who you could be. Al is the founder of a counseling service called Porter’s Call, a counseling service that exclusively helps traveling artists in Nashville. For nearly 20 years, Al, and his friends at Porters Call, have been that safe place for thousands of artists (myself included).
Scott Erickson has a unique way of looking at his faith that is simultaneously challenging and inspiring. As a touring painter, performance speaker, and creative curate, he mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. His works have appeared on CNN, National Geographic, and various magazines, newspaper outlets, and book covers.
In 2008 Emily took her love for monograms, stationery and organization and courageously launched a business. Over the last 12 years, her business has exploded and her Simplified planner has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of women around the world.
The joy and positivity Emily exudes is contagious and her insights about being a working mom are spot-on. And to think, it all started with a taco salad.
Have you ever tried for forgive someone and wondered if you'd actually done it right? Our guest for this special episode is the Director of the Stanford Forgiveness Project, Dr. Fred Luskin. His book, Forgive For Good, changed JJ's husband's life when he read it in 2011. We hope our conversation provides you with tools and skills you can use for the rest of your life.
Our guest this week is an absolute delight and is full of humility even though his list of accomplishments is a mile long. Make sure to listen until the end to catch the surprising personal turn in his story!
Wayne is a multi-award winning songwriter, producer, playwright, and musician. Highlights include “Every Heartbeat”, recorded by Amy Grant, “Place In This World” by Michael W. Smith “Wrapped Up In You” by Garth Brooks, and GRAMMY award winning Song of the Year “Change the World,” (1997) by Eric Clapton.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
There are only nine master penman in the world to date. Jake Weidmann is the youngest. His devotion to his craft is only outpaced by his devotion to his faith and family. Of course, his journey was anything but a straight line to success. I know you will love hearing his story.
Alisa is one of the most passionate people I know. She's a speaker, and author, and founder of Revelation Wellness (a non-profit ministry dedicated to educating and inspiring people to live healthy and whole lives in Christ).
Read Alisa's blog about having her breast implants removed at: https://www.revelationwellness.org/2015/06/why-i-had-my-breast-implants-removed/
Find out more at www.revelationwellness.org
www.jjheller.com/podcast
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work as a writer on a TV show or blockbuster movie? Our guest this week will give you a window into what it’s like to work in Hollywood. Allan Heinberg is such a thoughtful and insightful guest, and I know you’re going to enjoy hearing his story.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
When his marriage fell apart several years ago, Jeremy's life was thrust into chaos. In this episode, Jeremy shares his journey to restoration with honesty and vulnerability. He had to be flexible in letting go of what he thought his life would look like in order to embrace a new season.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
I've spent hours and hours with Beth Barcus, but I haven't heard much of her story until now because I was busy talking about my own life. She's a counselor at Porter's Call, a safe place where artists to talk about the unique challenges that come with a career in the spotlight.
www.porterscall.com
www.jjheller.com/podcast
He came to the USA as an 18 year old with just $50 in his pocket, and he now leads the largest non governmental humanitarian aid and relief organization in the world, World Vision. There's a good chance Edgar's influence has touched your life without you even knowing it.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
Over 18 million. That's how many times people have streamed the songs I've written with Ross King - Braver Still, Paving The Runway, and Suitcase, to name a few. The life of a professional songwriter can be very rewarding, but also very challenging. I love Ross' perspective on the craft, and the story of his journey into a career of songwriting.
Make sure you have some tissues on hand for this one! Becca Stevens is passionate, tenacious, and is so inspiring in so many ways. She’s a speaker, leader, and the president of Thistle Farms (a sanctuary for women survivors of prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Her story is heartbreaking and beautiful.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
It’s not everyday that Dave and I get to sit down and have a conversation with a magician who has literally performed all over the world, so it was a privilege to talk to Harris III.
Even though Harris is clearly gifted at what he does, he knew he wanted his life’s work to be about something more than magic. Listen in to find out what he’s built and how he got there.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
Heather Avis is an author and an advocate for the Downs Syndrome and adoptive communities. I fell in love with her story when I read her book, “The Lucky Few,” a couple years ago. I literally had goosebumps for most of our conversation with her. It’s a good one!
Listen in as Jonny Diaz tells us about playing on a major league baseball field, helping his wife build her dream AND how every time he thought his career was winding down, God did something incredible.
Instrumental is a show about the big and small moments that shape our lives. In every episode, my guest and I start near the end of their story and work our way back to the beginning.
www.jonnydiaz.com www.jjheller.com/podcast
The music Ben Shive creates is undeniably beautiful, but the WHY behind it is perhaps even more stunning. If you need to be reminded of the purpose behind what you do, this episode is for you. Ben had so many wise insights that Dave and I literally wanted to cheer at several different points in this interview.
Instrumental is a show about the big and small moments that shape our lives. In every episode, my guest and I start near the end of their story and work our way back to the beginning. I hope these conversations inspire you to embrace every beautiful second of this incredible and unpredictable life, because the truth is none of us knows which moment will be the one that changes everything.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
Brandon Heath is a friend, singer/songwriter and is head over heels in LOVE with his family. In fact, the day we interviewed him he was wearing a hat that said, “girl dad.” You probably know he’s had a successful music career, but you may not know about the unusual way it began. Something tells me you might recognize the surprising friend who invested in him way back at the beginning, giving him the kickstart he needed.
Instrumental is a show about the big and small moments that shape our lives. In every episode, my guest and I start near the end of their story and work our way back to the beginning. I hope these conversations inspire you to embrace every beautiful second of this incredible and unpredictable life, because the truth is none of us knows which moment will be the one that changes everything.
www.brandonheathmusic.com
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If you hear cello on my songs, there's a pretty good chance you're listening to Cara. She spoke to us with extreme vulnerability, and I'm sure you will be moved when you hear Act 1 of her story.
Instrumental is a show about the big and small moments that shape our lives. In every episode, my guest and I start near the end of their story and work our way back to the beginning. I hope these conversations inspire you to embrace every beautiful second of this incredible and unpredictable life, because the truth is none of us knows which moment will be the one that changes everything.
Subscribe now for updates.
It’s hard to describe this week’s episode. Don Chaffer’s story is filled with some incredibly heavy subject matter, and yet somehow he manages to balance it with humor and hope. Buckle up because this episode is an epic journey!
Instrumental is a show about the big and small moments that shape our lives. In every episode, my guest and I start near the end of their story and work our way back to the beginning. I hope these conversations inspire you to embrace every beautiful second of this incredible and unpredictable life, because the truth is none of us knows which moment will be the one that changes everything.
www.donchaffer.com
Subscribe now for updates.
Andrew Peterson has not only built an incredible career as a singer, songwriter and author, but he’s also cultivated an entire community of writers, artists and deep-thinkers through the Rabbit Room forum. I’m HUGE fan of his new book, Adorning the Dark, and I’m of the opinion that it should be required reading for anyone pursuing a career in the arts.
www.andrew-peterson.com www.jjheller.com/podcast
I’ve been listening to Sara’s music since 2004 and she’s been a HUGE influence on my own songwriting. She offers incredible insights about God and humanity in a way that’s disarming, beautiful and poignant. This is one of those episodes I want to listen to over and over again.
www.jjheller.com/podcast
For 20 years, Matt was the lead singer band Sanctus Real. After departing the band, he began speaking and sharing music at marriage and men’s conferences across the US, often with Kirk Cameron for Kirk’s “Living Room Reset” events. His book, “Lead Me,” shares stories from his life on the road and at home.
Ryan has five number one radio singles to his name, but as you'll hear, his journey wasn't without its share of unexpected twists and turns along the way. Even though he always knew he was called to be a musician, yet it took years of career changes, failed label contracts, and leaps of faith for him to achieve his dream.
www.ryanstevensonmusic.com www.jjheller.com/podcast
Andrew Osenga is one of the first people I met in Nashville back in the Fall of 2005. He's a 20-year music industry veteran. From artist to producer, major label A&R to session player, he's contributed in almost every area of the music business. It's his passion to help artists make great music, wise decisions, and to build a healthy business foundation.
Michael W. Smith has created an incredible legacy and it was a joy (and a little bit surreal) to sit down with him a couple weeks ago and have a conversation about where he’s headed and where he’s been. I had no idea how instrumental his wife Debbie was in launching his career… and the way he talks about her is the sweetest!
He's a multi-Platinum artist, best-selling author and acclaimed actor who continues to live out his dream; he releases new music regularly and performs around the world to sold-out crowds of loyal and inspired fans.
Mitch Dane is a Grammy Award winning producer in Nashville. He produced my first five albums, and he's one of the kindest people I know. Mitch has an amazing story that I know you'll find incredibly inspiring, so get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor.
Even though he's sold over two million records to date, and has had ten No. 1 singles, when I think of Mark Schultz, I just think of my friend. He's a wonderful songwriter, entertainer, and communicator, and I know you're going to love his story.
Welcome to the first episode of Instrumental with JJ Heller! Before I begin interviewing guests, I wanted to share my story with you. I hope this conversation inspires you to embrace every beautiful second of this incredible and unpredictable life, because the truth is none of knows which moment will be the one that changes everything.
Instrumental is a show about the big and small moments that shape our lives. In every episode, my guest and I start near the end of their story and work our way back to the beginning.
I hope these conversations inspire you to embrace every beautiful second of this incredible and unpredictable life, because the truth is none of us knows which moment will be the one that changes everything.
Subscribe now for updates.
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