1 Degree of Andy

Andy sits down with the Love Song founding member to revisit the remarkable beginnings of Christian rock, the creation of Maranatha! Music's groundbreaking Praise albums, and the unexpected turns that shaped his journey.

From conducting 80-piece orchestras for Disney to creating unforgettable arrangements for Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant, David Hamilton has spent decades helping bring some of music’s biggest moments to life.

Shelley, Denise and Leigh return to the podcast to talk about their favorite female vocalists and the impact music has had on their lives.

Andrew joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, music, perseverance, and the unexpected ways a creative life can unfold. We'll talk about the impact Rich Mullins had on his career, and how he found a community of singer-songwriters committed to making meaningful art regardless of radio success.

Jason and Rhonda Halbert’s story is one of the most remarkable journeys through Christian music—from two teenagers who married young and moved to Nashville, to Jason becoming a keyboardist for DC Talk, helping birth Sonic Flood, and eventually spending nearly 25 years working with Kelly Clarkson. But behind the career success was a marriage and family repeatedly tested by the demands of life on the road.

From his early days learning guitar and leading worship, through his unexpected rise during the birth of what became known as modern worship, to the personal struggles that nearly derailed his life and ministry, Darrell opens up candidly about addiction, divorce, financial hardship, losing his platform, and the long, difficult journey toward healing and restoration.

My buddy Travis joins me again - this time to construct our Mount Rushmore of golden era CCM albums. Even if you disagree with us, which I'm pretty sure you'll do, I have a feeling you'll find an album or two that you forgot about or missed entirely. I guarantee, though, you'll have a great time!

Todd shares the stories behind “Grace Like Rain” and “My Jesus,” the surprising way his first record deal came together, and why some of his most powerful songs were born out of wrestling with faith rather than having all the answers.

The brief recording career of my Benson lablemate Brian Becker led him to success as a pioneering internet entrepreneur, software executive, and mentor—proving that God's calling doesn't end when the spotlight fades. This is a conversation about purpose, reinvention, faithfulness, and the many ways a life can leave a legacy.

Bubba Smith may not be a household name, but his fingerprints are on some of the most influential Christian music of the last five decades. In this fascinating conversation, Bubba takes Andy behind the scenes of the Christian music industry—from driving buses with The Spurlows and Bridge to becoming one of Nashville's most respected A&R executives, producers, and music publishers.

Marty joins me for an honest conversation about family, faith, songwriting, and the unexpected turns life takes after decades in music. He’ll share stories from his upbringing in south Louisiana, his early years leading worship, life on the road with 4Him, and how God continues to shape his ministry through teaching, mentoring, and creating new music.

For nearly a decade, Mike "Q" Quistad was the man who kept one of Christian music's biggest touring bands moving. As 4Him's tour manager, he handled everything from budgets and logistics to impossible travel schedules, backstage crises, demanding promoters, and the daily challenge of keeping four artists focused on what they did best. This is a tribute to friendship, servant leadership, and the people behind the scenes who rarely get the applause—but deserve so much of it.

With humor, vulnerability, and theological insight, Crowder reflects on the importance of asking hard questions, holding plans loosely, and trusting God through unexpected turns. This is a conversation filled with laughter, wisdom, nostalgia, and the kind of honesty that has defined Crowder's career.

My friend Travis Cottrell joins me as we attempt to construct our Mount Rushmore of CCM male vocalists, and of course we're gonna get it wrong! Join us for the chaos and laughs, and maybe be reminded of a few great artists you forgot about...

In this unique episode, Andy turns the microphone around and welcomes longtime listener Neil Leach, whose thoughtful messages and deep knowledge of Christian music have made him a familiar friend behind the scenes. Together, they take a heartfelt journey through the golden age of Christian music, reminiscing about Petra, The Imperials, Phil Keaggy, Russ Taff, Mylon LeFevre, The Beatles, and the artists who shaped their lives.

My friend and one of the great mix engineers of all time, Bill Deaton, offers a rare look into the craft of recording, mixing, and mastering. Along the way, we'll reminisce about Nashville's golden era of Christian music, discuss the importance of real musicianship in an age of technology, and celebrate the producers, engineers, and artists who shaped an entire generation of music.

What do a broken-down Gremlin, a chicken coop library, the Museum of the Bible, and a homeless teenager have in common? Jerry Pattengale joins Andy to tell a remarkable story of faith, purpose, books, and God's unexpected plans. This conversation may leave you reaching for your Bible—and your reading list.

Join me as we trace Rick's path from playing bass in Big Tent Revival to becoming the lead singer of SonicFlood, one of the pioneering bands of the modern worship movement. Along the way, we reflect on the evolution of worship music, the highs and lows of Christian music careers, the importance of authentic faith, and how God uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes.

Former U.S. Marshal Johnny Hughes shares stories from serving under multiple U.S. presidents, protecting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960s, surviving life-threatening encounters in the line of duty, and leading with integrity through decades of political and cultural change. From stories of divine encounters to reflections on hope, faith, and the future of America, Johnny offers wisdom that is both timely and timeless.

Dave Shore joins Andy for a deep conversation about friendship, faith, sports, broadcasting, and the cost of chasing excellence. From covering the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers to traveling with some of the biggest names in sports media, Dave shares unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories from his years at ESPN and beyond.