What Else? With Corey Mann

STRYPER launched in Orange County, California in 1983. Michael Sweet, (and his brother Robert), met Jesus thru the TV when a Televangelist led them to the Lord. But after a faulty start with ROXX REGIME, they changed their name, adopted the yellow and black colors for stage clothes and production, and the rest is head banging history. Somewhere around 10 million albums sold worldwide, STRYPER still makes the trek across America with classic songs and newer heading banger favorites too. We play a round of ‘Show and Share’, how does the band continue longevity, other musical partnerships with surprising names, and a possible ‘inspirational’ album on its way before 2024.

the last 25 years, Matt Redman’s songs have been sewn into my open personal faith soundtrack. Singing along on a mission trip bus to “Better is One Day”, cleaning up at church camp with “Blessed Be Your Name”, around a campfire with “Heart of Worship”, or singing with thousands to “10,000 Reasons”.Matt is a singer-songwriter, author, teacher, husband and father of five. We talk upbringing, origins, inspirations, how much he actually doesn’t know about actual music writing, or string changing, and what it is about this Jesus that fuels Matt’s pencil and paper.

Benjamin William Hastings is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter. His dad wrote hymns for the Salvation Army, he almost attempted professional Rugby as a career, but the songwriting started to flow. He jumped over to Australia for a decade, and not finds himself, along with his wife and children, in Los Angeles. His debut album is a lengthy (almost) 90 minutes of music, but it’s a creative musical story that unfolds.

The man from “Down Under” accelerates the conversation with so much energy. Hear the story of coming to America, (that is right now being made into a movie) managing not only his daughter, Rebecca St. James, in her career, but now helping guide FOR KING AND COUNTRY (his sons Joel and Luke) as they make numerous treks across America. Dave lost it all financially, but has rebuilt the Smallbone name and ministry.

SWITCHFOOT’s album “The Beautiful Letdown” turns 20 this year. I chat with lead singer Jon Foreman about this career defining project and what they have for the anniversary celebration.

The west coast is the best coast with this popular singer, songwriter, worship leader. Whether it’s a church of 500, an arena of 10,000, or a stadium outreach with 70,000, Phil Wickham believes he is called to create and sing songs for the church.In this episode, how Phil balances tour life / family life, when creativity strikes, his new book, “On Our Knees”, and 3 things he’s excited about right now.SPOTIFY ‘WHAT ELSE’ MUSIC PLAYLIST (FEATURING ARTISTS / GUESTS)Did you get your free gift? Dowdnload my book "Stuffed: Bear Minimum"

It doesn’t get much bigger than Lauren Daigle right now, but this giant voice in a 5’2” frame is a kind soul. Her last album was in 2018, and after a successful tour, COVID, and a few more awards on her mantle, it’s finally time for a new album, “Lauren Daigle” on May 12th. We chat origins, friendships, New Orleans, and of course the new album. Lauren’s new music, as well as other artists who have appeared on this podcast, can be heard on this Spotify playlist.

This singer-songwriter-leader of Cochren & Co. has released his 2nd studio album on Gotee Records. Kicking the ‘sophomore slump’ to the curb, “Running Home” is a great next step, and we chat about the musical direction, as well as golf addiction, and how awesome his wife is.Want to hear songs from these artists? Check out the “What Else? Podcast Music Playlist

The former front man of Tenth Avenue North has released his second book, “Grace in the Gray: A more loving way to disagree” (available now.)We chat about his new writings, new music on the horizon, life under the roof with a family of 4 daughters. What Else? Podcast Music (hear songs from the artists I chat with) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/734koE7KzmEpHZpxE7jnvx?si=bb7c6014807e4ad7 Mike’s latest book releasehttps://www.amazon.com/Grace-Gray-More-Loving-Disagree/dp/0593194187/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1PAW2CUJVLFMC&keywords=Mike+Donehey+book&qid=1678295223&sprefix=mike+donehey+book%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-2Did you get your free gift? Dowdnload my book "Stuffed: Bear Minimum"

Dante Bowe, who has a remarkable raspy and tranquil voice, has recently earned five Grammys nominations for 2022 and won the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album category for OLD CHURCH BASEMENT by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music. Additionally, he was awarded a Dove in 2021 for his single “Joyful”. Dante is now ecstatic to announce his own label after departing from Maverick City Music, along with the launch of a new album and a reorganization of his life!Dante Spotify PlaylistDid you get your free gift? Dowdnload my book "Stuffed: Bear Minimum"

For 12 years, Rick Florian fronted the Christian group, “Whiteheart”. In my teen years, this was the band that I gravitated towards, so speaking with Rick was an honor. From his early beginnings in an Indiana cornfield, joining the Columbia House Album club, getting a taste of music at Taylor University, learning the ropes of touring as a stage hand, which ultimately led to tryouts for the lead singer position.In case you have no idea who Whiteheart is, I created a “Whiteheart Spotify Playlist” just for you! Did you get your free gift? Dowdnload my book "Stuffed: Bear Minimum"

Tucked away in the Bridal Suite of the location where my daughter got married, the former Third Day singer and I sit down for a nice chat about now being a solo artist, the psychology of not having your name on top of the concert roster, not spending tyour time concerned about chart positions, and what God has been working on in Mac's heart.If you want to hear music from the guests on this podcast, enjoy the "What Else?" Podcast Music Spotfy Playlist. Did you get your free gift? Dowdnload my book "Stuffed: Bear Minimum"

I will say it out loud, I put Chris Cron in my current Top 5 Voices in Christian Music today! Whether performing with All Creatures, unleashing his romantic side with songs like “Unbreakable”, or even when your playing a video game, you’ll hear Chris sing while you are playing a gangster in “Empire of Sin”. But life was not always in perfect pitch, Chris had a few off-key moments that might have put his life out of tune, but these days this songbird is back to work with a plethora of projects.Did you get your free gift?

This artist oozes joy! He’s living his best life with a new book out now called, “Walking Free: Taking Small Steps to a Big God”, he’s about to go on tour with MercyMe, he has new music in the weeks to come, and oh yeah….he’s lost 115 lbs. with 12 lbs. to go!We chat music, faith, writing, youth groups, weight loss, and how to buy a good hat.Did you get your free gift? Download my book "Stuffed: Bear Minimum"

It’s a big opening weekend for “Jesus Revolution”, and I chat with Co-Director Brent McCorkle about this new film starring actor Kelsey Grammer, (Frasier).Did you get your free gift? Download my book "Stuffed: Bear Minimum"

So much in common between these two friends, both pastor’s kids, sports nuts, singer-songwriters, and a love of golf. Both fans of each other’s work, now working together and bringing a song to Christian radio called ‘Every Hour”. Getting these two together in the same room was a fun conversation.Did you get your free gift? Download my book "Stuffed: Bear Minimum" Highlights in this episode:1:41 David’s first band was called what?2:46 What do you like about working with David?4:09 Time for impressions6:32 “Hey Bud”8:12 What will you never say NO to?10:21 Best TV show, go.14:21 When was the last time you were a less-than-stellar friend?16:19 Worst Job Ever18:13 Best advice from each other23:24 Top 3 Musician Career Mistakes to Avoid

Christian Music Broadcasters needed a new leader, and Michelle Younkman was just standing around throwing life vests off the Music Boat. She knew she wanted to be in the ‘biz’, and had a dream, but along comes God with a different pathway.2:56 – Michelle knew she wanted to be involved in the Christian Music Industry…6:54 – If you owned your own radio station….8:38 – Your very first music business paycheck13:30 – Opportunity comes knocking17:17 – A word for a first timer, and a word for the veteran broadcastersFor more info on Momentum, visit www.cmbonline.orgMentioned in this episode: 198 Kristian StanfillProud to be a part of the Brave Podcast Network

If you listen to Christian music at all, there’s a good chance you have sang along to a Mitch Wong lyric or two. He’s worked with so many artists,(Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, CeCe Winans, Rhett Walker, Leeland, Brandon Lake, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, and many more).This Grammy Awarding winning artist chats about origins, law school, gymnastics, hobbits, and advice for an aspiring songwriter.00:36 - Mitch Wong song resume’2:49 - Grammy win = green cards6:58 - Mitch’s Jesus Story9:53 - Exactly how big of a Hobbit fan?11:50 - 8 pack abs13:33 - Wait a minute, you studied law?18:17 - The Finished Product22:54 - Advice for aspiring songwriters

I vividly remember hearing the debut album from LEELAND “Sound of Melodies” in 2006 and was instantly hooked. How do these big songs come out of a 16 year old kid? Leeland Mooring is all grown up now, has a few awards on the shelf, a beautiful family, and a new album coming out in March 2023. We talk origins, traveling evangelists, adoption, new music, what ‘success’ looks like in the Kingdom of God, and much more in this longer-than-usual episode. Did I mention I was a huge fan of this guy? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Wrapping up another year of chatting with CCM artists, this episode gives you slices of those chats with some familiar names, and some up-and-comers as well. You’ll hear from Steven Curtis Chapman, Blessing Offor, Taya, Katy Nichole, Ben Fuller, Newsboys, Anne Wilson, Tasha Layton, Bo Rinehart, and Kristian Stanfill. Thanks for listening, check out archived episodes, leave a comment, share an episode with a friend, and make good choices.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy