Reverse Podcast

In this week's #WeekinReverse Episode, Brenton and Bryant discuss the importance of playing to your strengths. As creatives, we all have strengths and weaknesses. Often times, it's easier to focus on what we're not good at than it is to identify the areas that we excel in and are good at. If we learn to play to our strengths, we can identify our stronger areas and spend more time thriving than we do wishing we were better in certain areas. Learn to play to your strengths and bring the right people around you that excel in your weakest areas ⏪

J. Warner Wallace is a cold-case homicide detective, adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University, Christian case maker and author. J. Warner was a conscientious and vocal atheist through his undergraduate and graduate work in Design and Architecture (CSULB and UCLA); he always considered himself to be an “evidentialist”. His experience in law enforcement only served to strengthen his conviction that truth is tied directly to evidence. But at the age of thirty-five, J. Warner took a serious and expansive look at the evidence for the Christian Worldview and determined that Christianity was demonstrably true. After becoming a Christ follower in 1996, Jim continued to take an evidential approach to truth as he examined the Christian worldview. He eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. J. Warner served as a Youth Pastor for several years, then planted a church in 2006. Along the way, he created and built the Cold-Case Christianity website,

In Episode 29, Brenton and Bryant unpack the Art of Storytelling. We all tell stories. Whether we thin so or not, our lives are a story and how you tell that story is completely up to you. Some of us utilize the art of storytelling in the art that we create everyday. If you learn to master this art, you will be able to create things that connect with people on a deeper level. The power of a good story can communicate our message in the strongest way possible ⏪

In Episode 28, we sit down with our good friend Ellie Schmidly. Ellie is a singer/songwriter based in Nashville, TN and has been a great friend of ours for years. She has brings a unique perspective on creativity and what that looks like in the context of songwriting. Ellie is a fantastic performer, vocalist, and we believe that her best days are ahead. She is currently working with Nashville producer Charlie Peacock on several projects. She is involved in commercial songwriting as well as her own personal songs that will be available on her first record later this year. Ellie understands what it means to learn from other people and has a heart of gold. She has been involved in several international missions projects with multiple organizations and hopes to, one day, merge her music career with her passion for helping people all over the world. ⏪ To keep up with what's going on with Ellie, connect with her on social media - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

This week, Bryant and Brenton discuss the importance of team work. Often times, creatives hit a wall when trying to create in isolation. Thus the importance of a team! Putting great people around you and collaborating on ideas not only make great products, but also refresh your individual ability to create.  Brenton talks about writing songs with other band guys and how that influences certain sounds, styles, and lyrics... where other times, an individual approach is just as important.  Teamwork makes the dream work. Dream big. Surround yourself with great people. Never stop creating. ⏪ Please leave #ReversePodcast an iTunes review! 

In Episode 26, we dive into the creative process with Nate Griffin. Nate’s professional career began in Nashville TN as a PA working for one of the nations’s premier event planning firms, Hospitality Consultant’s LLC. Within a couple of years Nate had stepped out on his own and launched Grateful Inconvenience Inc., a boutique creative and logistics agency providing creative & production services for both live and film or photography. Nate has designed and produced sets for artists such as Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Lionel Richie and Keith Urban. His live production team has produced VIP experiences for CMT, The Academy and the CMAs. When Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and his bride to be Kristin Cavallari approached him about designing their wedding he and his team jumped at the chance. Images from that particular celebrity nuptial wound up gracing the cover of People Magazine. Never one to sit still, Nate’s projects have taken him around the world. He has produced and directed film and photography

Have you ever come up against a wall that feels impossible to get over? Have you ever been the host of a semi-successful podcast and lost your voice? This week's #weekinreverse episode unpacks the importance of persevering through tough times. ⏪

Jesiah Dzwonek is most known for his chart topping single "Cool Kids" performed by Echosmith. He is a songwriter, artist, producer, and recording engineer based in Burbank, CA and has a lot to say about creativity, pop music, and how to be honest with yourself and your music.   In this episode, Reverse Podcast sits down to ask Jesiah what inspires him to create his songs, what sparked the idea of "Cool Kids", and how making it into mainstream music has spawn new ideas for his music and lyrics.  More information and to check out his new music, visit http://www.jesiah.com.

In this week's "Week In Reverse", Brenton & Bryant discuss the idea of dreams being the foundation of future dreams. If you want to leave a legacy, you have to start with completely jumping into your dream. They unpack their journey with Reverse Podcast, The Sunday Morning Drive, and Cor Captis being only the beginning stages of what they feel will last longer than the initial dreams.   Join the conversation using #ReversePodcast on Twitter! Don't ever stop dreaming. ⏪

In episode 22, Brenton and Bryant sit down with Actor/Director, Olan Freaking Rogers. Olan has been a part of the youtube and online video community for years making hilarious videos with his college buddies in the early days to now, owning businesses and making a career out of being a creative. In this episode, Olan talks about everything from how he got his start, to where he's at now, and everything in between. If you know Olan from the Balloon Shop days then you have a pretty great understanding of just how funny this guy really is. He has announced that he is continuing his comedy career with some possible stand-up in the future, as well as animation and more hilarious videos. He is also the owner of the Soda Parlor in Nashville, TN and Olan Rogers Supply, a custom apparel and t-shirt printing company that he started several years ago.  For more information about Olan, follow him on Facebook, twitter, instagram under @olanrogers and also check out www.olanrogers.com and www.olanrogerssupply.com ⏪

In Episode 21, Bryant and Brenton unpack the idea of the power within. When you realize that your success doesn't rely on everyone around you, rather it's up to you and the work that you put in, you can tap into a confidence that you won't find anywhere else. Confidence is different than arrogance. It's not about doing everything on your own and not taking advice from anyone else. It's about being comfortable enough in your own skin to realize your strengths and weaknesses to help put you over the top. ⏪

In Episode 20, we sit down with Duncan Phillips. Duncan is a professional drummer, recent actor, and member of the same band, Newsboys, for over 20 years. That is quite the accomplishment by itself, but Duncan is still accomplishing amazing things in the music industry and recently starred in the hit movie "God's Not Dead". We sat down with Duncan at his home right before he left for tour and we got to talk all things drums, creativity, acting, faith, and life. If you've had the chance to see Newsboys live, you've seen Duncan spinning around on a flying drum platform as well as his loud personality and the sheer joy and passion he exudes from the stage. Duncan and his band played a huge role in the sequel "God's Not Dead 2" that is playing in Theaters April 1st all around the country. For more information about Duncan, follow him on Twitter for updates and also visit www.newsboys.com

In Episode 19, Brenton and Bryant talk about the art of originality. Sometimes being original means completely disconnecting from what other people might think. Other times, it might mean collaborating with people you've never created with before. Regardless, the art of originality starts with thinking outside the box and conveying an emotion with the very first brush stroke, guitar chord, or snapshot. Don't just copy someone else for the sake of success... be original. For more information and updates in your inbox, subscribe to our mailing list at www.reversepodcast.com ⏪

In Episode 18, we had the chance to sit down with professional guitarist, James Duke. James is known for his signature sounds that he creates using combinations of effect pedals, guitars, amps, and anything else that would make a guitar sound unique and different. We're able to dive in with James and get straight to the heart of why he creates and how he continues to gain success as a creative person. James has played for such musicians as John Mark McMillan, Matt Redman, Steven Curtis Chapman, Elevation Worship, and many others. He is also a writer in his band "All the Bright Lights" which consists of James, Jon Duke, and Jacob Arnold. James emphasizes the importance of being able to make music with other people and the emotion behind the music. James has been a huge inspiration to us as musicians, and we hope that you're inspired by our conversation  Here are some ways to connect with James. He conducts online Guitar Consulting sessions on his website where you can learn some of his techniques and theories

In Episode 17, Brenton and Bryant talk about unlocking the power of the words "I Don't Know". It can be such a hard thing to admin, but it's a crucial ability as a creative person to have the capability to admit that you don't know. That's not a reason to give up or stop trying, rather it should fuel the motivation to find the answer. One of the greatest achievements in life is to be a life-long learner. It's our job to never stop learning, and to take in the world and people around us allowing that to fuel our creativity. For more information and updates in your inbox, subscribe to our mailing list at www.reversepodcast.com ⏪

In Episode 16, we dive into the creative process with David Dobson. David is a close friend of ours and a fantastic photographer that has been all over the world in search of the perfect shot. His life is a testimony of someone that has followed their dreams and never looked back. He has been to over 100 different countries and has done sessions with industry leaders in music, fashion, and more. Now, he is working a project to share his stories with kids in a new, creative way using technology and the art of story telling. Find out more at www.daviddobsonphoto.com ⏪

In Episode 15, Bryant and Brenton unpack the idea that "Done is better than Perfect." As creatives, we tend to wait until everything is perfect before we take the leap to release our work out into the world. It's a difficult balance of striving for perfection while also, keeping an open mind and an open hand around our work. When we get caught up in perfection it can paralyze our ability to create from a true and authentic place. Release yourself of the lie that everything has to be perfect before anyone can experience what you create. ⏪

In Episode 14, we sit down with Steve Goold. Steve is a professional drummer that has toured the world with some of biggest names in the industry. Here's a snippet from Steve's Bio: I play drums professionally: Live, in studios, and at clinics. I currently work a lot for Sara Bareilles and Ben Rector, and occasionally with Paul Baloche and Sara Groves. In the past I've worked for Owl City, Joel Hanson, the Honeydogs, Go Fish, the Blenders, and a whole bunch of others. I'm also the Head Musical Director at Christ's Church of the Valley in Phoenix AZ, where I live with my wife and daughters. This Drumhead Magazine article explains a little bit about my music career, and this video accurately captures how I feel about my life. As a musician I currently endorse Risen Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Remo Percussion, Canopus snare drums, Alclair Audio, and Mono Cases. As a human being I endorse foosball, disc golf, reading the Bible, reading books generally, single malt scotch, being kind and/or positive,

In Episode 13, we bring you another #weekinreverse episode. This time, Brenton shares a brief version of his story as it relates to creativity and his musical background. Brenton was on a tour bus at a young age with his Father, who sang in a Southern Gospel quartet all throughout Brenton's younger years. His Dad, also a drummer, inspired him to pursue music and he became an accomplished drummer. Through high school he began playing in different bands and getting into recording and producing his own music and also spending his afternoons at a local radio station working as a DJ. Soon after, he was on staff at a church as a Worship Leader and, from there, went on to write worship songs and travel as a singer/songwriter. Now, he's the frontman of Cor Captis, host of the Sunday Morning Drive, and the Reverse Podcast. For more information check out www.brentonmiles.com and www.corcaptis.com

In episode 12, we are thrilled to bring you a reverse look into the life of Kevin Max. This has been one of our favorites so far, and Kevin was kind enough to invite us into his home to talk all things creativity. Kevin Max (born August 17, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, and poet. He is best known for being a member of the Christian pop group dc Talk. As a solo artist following the 2001 dissolution of dc Talk, he has recorded six full-length studio albums, one Christmas album, and four EPs. From 2012 until 2014, he was the lead singer of the band Audio Adrenaline. Kevin shares about what it takes to stay creative in an ever-changing world while staying true to yourself and who you are as an artist. Through the best and hardest times, Kevin has managed to keep his creativity operating at a high level and inspire many through his various musical endeavors. He is excited about his new album which comes out April 2016 and we can't wait to see where that will take him! For more information about Kevin Ma