WJTL Praise & Worship Podcast

YWAM's Circuit Riders are in Lancaster this week! They’re on their Jesus People Tour: serving the community with local nonprofits, sharing the Gospel on the streets, and gathering for worship at Petra Church in New Holland. Check out the latest episode of the Praise & Worship podcast for an interview with Lancaster County's own Corey Heck and worship leader Lucas McCloud! They share good news testimonies and stories behind the songs on the new Circuit Rider Music album JESUS PEOPLE!

My latest guest on the Praise & Worship Podcast is Kristen Brewer, writer and producer for Sight & Sound’s production of Queen Esther! She is also heading up SEEN Collective, using original music to tell the stories of women in the Bible and the God who saw them. Kristen joined me to talk about the heart behind SEEN Collective, and shared about the characters and songs they’ve inspired. I hope you're encouraged (like I am) by these insights! Be sure to listen to the end for information on how you can interact or get involved. (Plus, Kristen played the tambourine for a live performance of Tamar's song "Roadside", and I had a few questions about that experience!)

I caught up with a bunch of the team that makes up LCBC Worship! These guys are Zoom pros with lots of experience connecting virtually from their various locations around central PA. It's always exciting to hear about fresh local worship songs, and their new RISE EP is out now! They shared stories behind every track on the EP, which has themes of resurrection and victory, awesome bridges, lyrics from hymns -- and striking live video of the songs recorded live.

My latest guest on the Praise & Worship Podcast is Matt Greiner! He’s a founding member and drummer for metalcore band August Burns Red, and is starting up a new worship band in Lancaster called Clay Collective. Matt joined me to talk about the heart of this group and share stories behind the songs of their debut album “Living Stones” (out April 4th!)

My latest guest is Pat Barrett! He's a smiley worship leader known for writing church favorites like "Good Good Father" and "Build My Life". Pat just released a whopping 17-track project called "Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly". It's creatively crafted with bits and pieces of hymns, Bible verses, colors, tones, and musical genres that span decades. It has praise songs, fun songs, slow songs, songs for family, songs for society and even a love song! You'll also hear special guests like Chris Tomlin, Harrolddd and Franni from We The Kingdom. Catch this convo to hear Pat tell the stories behind these new songs!

Elevation Rhythm's Tiffany and Davide are my latest guests! They were so fun-sharing their hearts on collaborating as a team, songwriting for youth, processing the past year and telling stories behind their latest singles “Quiet”, “IYKYK” and “Walk On Water”. Plus, Davide shares tips you can use to up your dance moves and even broke out into song several times in the interview!

This convo with Brian & Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music is packed with all the latest details: on their song "God Of Revival" , Jenn's forthcoming book "All Things Lovely" , their encouragement to worship leaders these days and most recent finds, foods, hunts and more! Plus, track Jenn's brilliant strategy for keeping the kids happy during a Zoom interview.

WJTL DJ Kristi Leigh caught up with Centricity Music singer/songwriter Chris Renzema on Groundhog Day: the perfect occasion for a conversation about seasons and learning how God works as we observe nature's process! In 2020, he released the album "Let The Ground Rest"--and in 2021, the "Let The Ground Rest B-sides" EP! Chris' latest music is rich with lyrics encouraging listening hearts to hold on for the harvest. Chris talked about the standouts: "Springtime", "Not Finished Yet", "Tear My House Down" and the title track. He shared stories behind the songs, what he's gotten out of his own music after its release and the thing that makes him feel like he's having a good gig.

Episode 13 features special guest, Kim Walker-Smith! She’s a powerhouse vocalist, and a total natural at sharing her heart from the deep topics like music and Jesus to lighter material like coffee and camping! She joined me to talk about her brand new LIVE worship album, Wild Heart, due out August 14. There are interesting stories about the recording of this project (and the many LIVE plants involved on stage!) She also shares about the timing of this release and meaningful songs from the record. I also really enjoyed hearing about the photo shoot for the album artwork, and how that ties into her other projects and childhood. As a mom, I loved hearing about Kim’s kids (and seeing her daughter here and there on screen during the interview!)

Episode 12 features special guest, Lauren Lee of North Point Worship! She has released a couple new songs with the group in 2020, which is a year she hoped would have "less polish and more authenticity". We talked about this season and worship leaders she's appreciating lately. Plus, the story behind "Light Breaking Through", which came out of her experience with postpartum depression. We also discussed our middles names, her obsession with punctuality and much more!

Episode 11 features special guest, Kirby Kaple of Housefires! I’m truly thrilled to bring you our conversation. Housefires is releasing brand new singles these days, with a very special new studio version of “I’ll Give Thanks”. Kirby co-wrote and sung it while on a 7-year infertility journey, and now is talking about it from the other side. IVF is part of her story, so listen for details on her process. There are also keys here for worship leaders, leading through their own very difficult seasons. And, as Kirby and I are both quarantined at home for this interview, spoiler alert, our kids and dogs adorably interrupt!

Episode 10 features special guest, Matt Maher! The conversation is centered on his latest project: "Alive & Breathing", with a definite theme of singing through difficult and uncertain circumstances. Listen for the special story behind the compelling album artwork. And, Matt talks abut how he and his wife are helping kids process life in quarantine. (Bonus content, courtesy of his daughter Rowan!)

Episode 9 features special guest Cody Carnes! I've been streaming his latest album, "Run To The Father" a lot the past few weeks. He has a way of bringing hope and vision to our perspective in his lyrics. So, I was thrilled for him to share the stories behind some of my favorite songs on the record. Plus, all about "The Blessing", a he wrote with his wife (Kari Jobe) and Elevation Worship that has become a staple of worship set lists these days. He & Kari also have content churches can use for free in their streamed services. Cody also shares tips for songwriting collaborations, leading worship over screens, and keeping little kids happy during quarantine.

Episode 8 features Rend Collective drummer, Gareth Gilkeson! He shares how his family is doing during the quarantine, and how his band is still on a mission to give people a reason to celebrate. Their new record, "Choose To Worship", is jam-packed with songs to help you stand and sing through painful seasons. Keep your ears peeled for Gareth's tips on leading worship through a screen, and what Rend Collective is creating for churches.

Episode 7 is a special double episode with worship leader Jared Anderson and VidAngel CEO Neal Harmon. Both are family men, responding to the Corona Virus with offerings that helps those stuck at home. Jared and his family go live on social media each evening for Nights of Song at his piano from his home in Colorado. Neal's company is giving free access to their content when you agree to social distancing, including their series, "The Chosen". (Geek out alert!) Conversations in this episode center on how the virus is affecting their work and home.

Episode 6 features special guest Tiffany Hammer of Elevation Worship. I caught up with her over FaceTime while she was at The Batch Maker, her go-to coffee shop in Charlotte, NC. Hear what she orders. Plus, we talk about her musical family, how she got involved at Elevation Church, the writing process of the song “Never Lost”, what songs she and her congregation are into lately, her role in the process of launching Elevation Rhythm and what she’d splurge on if someone gave her some spending money!

Episode 5 features special guest, Cory Asbury! After a bold halt to his career after the success of "Reckless Love", Cory is back with a new book and new music: 3 singles so far, with a full album on the way. Hear him describe his Year of Surrender and how his family came to that decision. Plus, coming back to social media, the songs he is singing and leading now and more. Cory's experience is a reminder of how God is with us through the seasons of life, and is always after our heart.

Episode 4 features special guest, Nathan Horst of Life Center Worship and Attic Studios in Harrisburg, PA. Formerly of SisterBrother, Nathan is a singer/songwriter, worship leader and producer who generates a seemingly unlimited supply of creative projects and ideas. We talk studio gear, and hear the story of a guitar that hasn't seen the light of day for years (but now is a favorite). There's a lot of songwriting tips to pickup in this conversation in addition to motivational ideas to get your kids to practice that instrument you rented. Plus, tempo, espresso and what's next for Life Center Worship.

Episode 3 features special guest, David Leonard! Singer/Songwriter, Worship Leader, Producer--he's a Dove Award winning unstoppable generating force of creativity. We talk about filming a music video with his dad, corporate versus individual worship songs, and breaking away from the keyboard on MercyMe's 2020 tour. Plus, miscarriage from a man's perspective: how it feels and what helps.

Episode 2 features special guest, Matt Goss, Worship & Arts Pastor at LCBC in Lancaster County. He and his wife, Kim, are singer/songwriter worshippers who lead live and record together. Hear what he's learned about the creative process as a couple, how to introduce a complicated song to the congregation and where his family (of 7) hangs out together. Matt is a natural story teller, so enjoy lots of good stories--including how he ended up with Paul Baloche's "funky chair"!

Episode 1 features special guest, Paul Baloche! The highly acclaimed multiple award-winning singer, songwriter, worship leader and world traveler joins WJTL DJ Kristi Leigh. They talk about his new single "Behold Him" and taking it around the globe with a new worship team at each stop. Plus, his unusual spot to meet with God and sing his heart out. He shares what keeps his career going strong, shares some of his favorite restaurants in Lititz PA, a glimpse into his new record out next month and encouragement for the season. (Bonus: he breaks into song multiple times! Even in French!)