Rewrite

“I thought I had to clean myself up to be loved. Jesus flipped that upside down.” — Austin French

Austin French joins Jonathan Unthank on this episode of Rewrite to talk about the real behind the music—how the songs we sing often come from the scars we carry. From moments of doubt to declarations of faith, Austin opens up about the journey God’s taken him on, including the battles with identity, the lies that almost won, and the truth that set him free. You’ll walk away not just inspired—but reminded that God really does use all things for His glory.

3 Takeaways:

1. God’s love isn’t performance-based. Even when Austin felt unworthy, he found Jesus standing steady, calling him beloved.

2. Music can be a weapon of truth. Writing songs became Austin’s way of fighting back against shame, fear, and lies.

3. Your past doesn’t disqualify you. If anything, it might be the very place where God writes your greatest testimony.

When Jamie MacDonald showed up at church camp as a teenager, broken and carrying more than her fair share of pain, she never imagined how far Jesus would take her. In this episode of Rewrite, Jamie sits down with Jonathan Unthank to share her story—from singing being banned in her home, to a battle with addiction, and ultimately, to topping the charts with her debut single “Desperate.”

Through raw honesty and heartfelt moments, Jamie opens up about being pursued by God even in her darkest places, discovering her purpose in prison ministry, and writing songs that come straight from her healing journey. This is more than a story about music—this is about redemption, purpose, and the faithfulness of Jesus who never let go.

3 Takeaways from Jamie’s Story:

1. God's love pursues us—even in rock bottom moments. Jamie shares how the same voice she heard at camp followed her through addiction and back to life.

2. Healing often comes before the breakthrough. Her songwriting didn’t truly begin until she embraced the slow, hard work of healing her heart.

3. Real ministry looks like prison walls and quiet obedience. Jamie’s work inside women’s prisons fuels the purpose behind every lyric she writes.

“When doubt creeps in, one of the most powerful things you can do is look back and remember what God has already done.” - Matthew West

Matthew West joins Jonathan Unthank on this episode of Rewrite for a powerful conversation about faith that becomes personal—and the God who keeps showing up. From growing up as a pastor’s kid to watching a Billy Graham crusade that changed everything, Matthew shares the story of how Jesus first captured his heart and how that moment continues to shape his life, his parenting, and his music. You’ll hear about the “blue couch” where it all started, the joy of baptizing his own daughter, and why he says God’s dreams are always better than our own.

3 Takeaways:

1. Faith has to become personal – growing up in a Christian home is a gift, but salvation happens when you choose Jesus.
2. God’s plans > ours – even as a dreamer, Matthew has seen that God’s vision for his life is always bigger and better than his own.
3. Look back to move forward – remembering the moments when God showed up gives us strength to trust Him again.

"God didn’t ask me to understand. He asked me to trust Him anyway." - Jeremy Camp

What do you do when the story of your life doesn’t go how you thought it would? Jeremy Camp has lived that question—through loss, grief, massive success, and unwavering faith. In this conversation with Jonathan Unthank, Jeremy gets real about surrendering control, finding peace in God's presence, and why he’s still singing songs of hope.

Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for years or you're in a season of struggle, this episode will remind you: God's not done with your story.

3 Takeaways from the Episode

1. You don’t have to understand everything to trust God.
   Jeremy shares how surrendering the "why" opened the door for healing and deeper faith.

2. Worship is a weapon in the middle of the battle.
   He explains how leading people in worship—even when he didn’t feel strong—helped him stay grounded.

3. Pain doesn’t disqualify you from purpose.
   God can redeem even your hardest chapters and use them to bring hope to someone else.

Life doesn’t always look like a big, mountaintop moment—and faith doesn’t either. In this episode of Rewrite, Jonathan Unthank sits down with Rachael Lampa as she shares the simple, powerful ways Jesus showed up for her: not with fireworks, but as a faithful friend. From youth conference memories to motherhood lessons learned on the kitchen floor, Rachael’s story reminds us that Jesus meets us in the everyday moments—and sometimes, the most beautiful thing we can do is slow down and butter the toast.

Whether you’ve felt like your faith story isn't "impressive enough" or you’re struggling to find God in the little things, this conversation will encourage you to remember: He is with you, and He is your friend.

• Friendship with Jesus is foundational. Rachael shares how knowing Jesus as a friend first changed her faith forever—and still shapes how she shows up for her kids, her music, and her ministry today.

• God meets us in the small moments. From parking lot prayers to cleaning up breakfast messes, Rachael reminds us that no moment is too ordinary for God's presence.

• Slowing down reveals God's goodness. In a world rushing past us, Rachael encourages us to slow down, savor simple moments, and notice the ways Jesus is sitting right beside us.

“God’s not a helicopter parent. He doesn’t always stop the fall, but He’s there to pick us up every single time.” - Matt Fuqua, The Afters 

Josh and Matt from The Afters open up like never before—sharing the faith stories behind their music, the pain they’ve walked through, and how they’ve experienced the nearness of Jesus even when life didn’t make sense. From childhood faith to adult heartbreak, this episode is a powerful reminder that God's presence isn’t just for the mountaintops— He shows up in the valleys too.

They talk about what it means to truly know Jesus, not just know about Him. You’ll hear stories of healing, hard questions, miracles in motion, and a powerful testimony of a prodigal coming home. If you’ve ever wondered where God is in your pain, this one’s for you.

✨ 3 Takeaways

1. Faith isn’t inherited—it has to become your own. Josh shares how apologetics helped him move from borrowed belief to a personal, grounded relationship with Jesus.
2. God’s presence doesn’t prevent pain—but He’s there in the middle of it. Matt opens up about suffering, childhood trauma, and walking with his wife through illness, loss, and grief.
3. Never stop praying for your prodigal. Josh tells the incredible story of his sister’s return to Jesus—sparked by dreams, a dusty Bible, and their father’s legacy of faith.

Worship artist and author Laura Story sits down with Jonathan Unthank for a deep and beautiful conversation about faith, surrender, and the grace of God that shows up when we have nothing else to hold on to. Laura opens up about her college season of wandering, a broken arm that rerouted her summer plans, and a life-changing missions trip to Mongolia that God used to rewrite everything.

She also shares how music became a surprising ministry, why she’s praying to return to her first love in Christ, and how being a mom is teaching her about the heart of God in new ways.

• When Jesus is all you have, you discover He’s all you need.
  Laura’s faith became real during a season where everything else was stripped away—her relationship, her scholarship, and even her car. God used it all to bring her back to Himself.

• God can use your gifts when you stop trying to use them for yourself.
  Music wasn’t originally Laura’s ministry plan. But as she gave her life fully to Jesus, songwriting turned into worship and a way to share the gospel with others.

• Even mature faith needs renewal.
  Laura shares honestly about asking God to bring her back to that first-love passion—proof that being “all in” with Jesus is a lifelong journey, not a one-time moment.

“The world’s snacks are numbing my hunger for God. I want to hunger and thirst for righteousness again.” — Laura Story

In this episode of Rewrite, Jonathan Unthank catches up with singer-songwriter Dan Bremnes. It’s not just a conversation about music; it’s about what happens when your faith hits real life. Dan opens up about growing up as a pastor’s kid, struggling to make his faith personal, and the season when everything felt like it was falling apart… until Jesus met him in the middle of the mess.

They talk about how faith isn’t a finish line—it’s a walk. And sometimes, that walk feels more like a tightrope. But in it all, Jesus is steady. Whether Dan’s leading worship, writing songs, or just trying to be a good dad, he’s learning to keep calling on the name of Jesus, again and again.

3 Takeaways:

1. Faith is a journey, not a destination—and Jesus is with us every step.

2. Worship flows out of real life—even the messy parts.

3. God is our refuge—not just in theory, but in the moments we feel like we’re falling apart.

In this episode, Jonathan Unthank, Music Director at The Light FM, sits down with Chandler Moore from Maverick City Music and Riley Clemmons to discuss their unique paths to a deeper relationship with Jesus.

"Knowing Jesus has been an ongoing process...I've had to move beyond a hand-me-down faith to truly believe with my whole being." Riley Clemmons

Key Takeaways:

1. The Journey of Faith Is Personal and Evolving: Both Chandler and Riley shared how their upbringing in church was just the starting point of their faith journeys. They emphasize that a personal and evolving relationship with Jesus is crucial, moving beyond inherited beliefs to a faith that is deeply personal and continually growing.

2. Seeing Jesus Clearly Requires More Than One Encounter: Chandler Moore used the metaphor of the blind man healed by Jesus to describe his faith journey. He points out that our first encounter with Jesus might not immediately clear our spiritual vision; sometimes, it takes multiple encounters to truly see Him clearly.

3. Jesus as a Friend and Empathizer: Our relationship with Jesus can be deeply empathetic and friendly. Riley highlighted Jesus' empathy by recalling that Jesus wept, showing His deep connection to how we feel - He feels it, too! Chandler talked about feeling the friendship of Jesus - He sees us and He knows us!

In this episode of "Rewrite" from The Light FM, we're joined by Kristian Stanfill and Chidima, diving into the powerful themes of divine presence and steadfast faithfulness. It’s not just about spiritual talk; it’s about bringing these big ideas into our everyday lives. 

Kristian opens up about how tuning into God's presence in every moment can really change how we see the world, while Chidima shares how keeping faith can be our rock through tough times. 

Their stories and insights offer a reassuring reminder that we’re never alone—there’s always guidance and support through faith in Jesus!

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing Presence: Learn how to cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in everyday activities and challenges, as discussed by Kristian.

2. Celebrating Faithfulness: Gain insight from Chidima on how maintaining faithfulness can guide us through difficult times and lead to personal growth and resilience.

Who has Jesus been to you?

On this episode of "Rewrite," Jonathan Unthank sits down with Christian music artists Ryan Stevenson, Terrian, Stephen Stanley, and Lizzie Morgan for a chat about faith and who Jesus is to them. They get real about their spiritual highs and lows, and those pivotal moments that have shaped their faith and their tunes.

Dive into their personal stories, from grappling with childhood beliefs to transformative encounters that redefined their connection with God. Each artist brings a unique perspective on how their spiritual journeys influence their daily lives.

Whether you're deep into your faith or just faith-curious, this episode offers a fresh take on what it means to live and grow spiritually in today's world. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation that explores the intersection of music, faith, and personal growth. 

• Lizzie Morgan - Faith Becomes Real:
  Lizzie's journey took a pivotal turn at 13 when her parents divorced. Raised in a devout Christian home, it was this personal heartbreak that truly brought God close, changing Him from a concept she grew up with to a real and comforting presence in her toughest time.

• Terrian - Finding Freedom from Fear:
  Growing up as a pastor's kid, Terrian struggled with fear and guilt. A recent re-baptism on tour became a landmark in her faith, helping her to embrace her true identity in Jesus and quiet the voices of doubt and condemnation.

• Stephen Stanley - A Turn from Doubt to Faith:
  At a youth camp, amid deep skepticism about his faith, Stephen experienced a transformative moment. A pastor prayed over him during a worship session, sparking a profound personal revelation of Jesus that shifted his faith from uncertainty to a personal, undeniable connection with God.

Join us for an uplifting chat with Andrew Ripp, packed with real talk about the challenges and triumphs of aligning with Jesus. This episode is for anyone eager to see how faith can not only rewrite your story but can also anchor you through the storms and celebrate with you in the victories.

Andrew doesn't hold back as he talks about the early chaos at home and how it set him on a quest for something—someone—greater. He shares pivotal moments when mentors like Mike and Kim Singletary stepped into his life, showing him the transformative power of living a life centered on Christ.

Throughout the episode, Andrew opens up about the ups and downs of his faith journey, revealing how Jesus has been his constant guide, even when the path seemed unclear. From his wild early days in the music scene to heartfelt revelations that reshaped his life, Andrew’s story is all about the redemption and hope found in following Jesus.

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at how his faith influences his music, turning personal trials into songs that resonate with anyone searching for truth and light in a sometimes dark world.

Key Takeaways from Andrew:

1. Faith in the Darkness: Andrew dives into how his relationship with Jesus has turned his darkest moments into periods of growth and inspiration.
2. Guidance of Mentors: Highlighting the role of spiritual mentors, he shares how their Christ-centered guidance helped navigate his path to true purpose.
3. Living the Gospel: Andrew emphasizes the importance of truly living out one's faith, showing how a genuine walk with Christ influences every aspect of life, from family to the studio.

Have you ever had a moment where you felt like God was nudging you in a direction you never expected? That’s exactly what happened to Emerson Day. She was on track for a dream career in federal law enforcement—she even got the job offer. But something deep inside wouldn’t let her say yes. Instead, she walked away from everything she thought she wanted… and into a future she never saw coming.

We’ll hear how she spent years grinding it out in music without knowing where it was leading, how God kept stirring something in her heart, and how a quiet moment on a church stage finally made everything click. If you’ve ever struggled with waiting on God or wondered if you’re hearing Him clearly, Emerson’s journey will hit home.

Emerson Day is a new voice in Christian music, but her heart for worship and storytelling makes her one to watch. Her music isn’t just about catchy melodies—it’s about meeting people where they are and reminding them that God is always leading, even when we can’t see it.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Sometimes God’s direction isn’t loud—it’s just a persistent feeling you can’t shake. Emerson knew in her gut that her dream job wasn’t the right path, even though it didn’t make sense at the time.
2. Waiting seasons aren’t wasted seasons. She spent years playing gigs in unexpected places, growing her craft before realizing God was setting her up for something bigger.
3. Surrendering to God is a daily decision, not a one-time moment. Even after saying “yes” to music, Emerson has to keep trusting that He’s leading her every step of the way.

“Sometimes you have to remind yourself why you started—why you said yes to God in the first place.” - Josh Baldwin

Ever wonder how God’s plan for your life unfolds—even when it doesn’t look like what you expected? In this episode of Rewrite, Jonathan Unthank sits down with worship leader and songwriter Josh Baldwin to talk about his faith journey, the role of music in his life, and what it means to trust God in every season.

Josh shares his story of growing up as a pastor’s kid, discovering his own personal faith, and how his journey led him to songwriting, worship leading, and a life of ministry through music. He also talks about fatherhood, the importance of staying connected to the local church, and what God is teaching him right now—on and off the stage.

✅ Your faith must become personal—it’s not just about what your family believes.
✅ Seasons of waiting and uncertainty can be the best places for God to grow your trust in Him.
✅ Worship isn’t just about singing—it’s about how you live every day, in every situation.

In this episode of Rewrite, host Jonathan Unthank sits down with Christian recording artist Leanna Crawford for an honest and encouraging conversation about faith, music, and finding purpose. Leanna, known for songs like Truth I'm Standing On and Still Waters (Psalm 23), shares her journey as a singer-songwriter, the lessons she’s learned in her 20s, and how she stays grounded in God’s calling—especially in the unpredictable world of music.

If you're navigating seasons of uncertainty, chasing a dream, or just need a reminder of God’s faithfulness, this episode is for you!

🎧 3 Takeaways from This Episode:

1️⃣ God’s plans are bigger than your doubts – Even when things don’t go as expected, God is still working. Leanna opens up about trusting His timing in her career and personal life.

2️⃣ Faith and creativity go hand in hand – Whether it’s songwriting or any other passion, using your gifts for God’s glory brings deeper purpose and joy.

3️⃣ You don’t have to have it all figured out – Life can feel overwhelming, but it’s okay to take it one step at a time. God is faithful in every season.

Ever felt like you were checking all the Christian boxes but still missing something?

In this episode of Rewrite, Hope Darst shares her raw and powerful journey of faith—from growing up in church, struggling with identity, and chasing success, to finally surrendering everything to Jesus at 19. She talks about wrestling with faith, walking through deep personal struggles, and learning what it really means to trust God when life doesn’t make sense.

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re truly following Jesus or just going through the motions, this conversation is for you.

“God is in the boat. I don’t always see Him, I don’t always understand why He’s quiet, but I know He’s the only one who can calm the storm.” Hope Darst

Welcome to the very first episode of Rewrite, a brand-new podcast from The Light FM, where we explore stories of transformation, second chances, and how God rewrites our lives for His glory. In this episode, host Jonathan Unthank sits down with Dove Award-winning artist Jordan Feliz to discuss faith, identity, and the power of surrendering our plans to God. Jordan shares how his personal journey—from struggling with doubt to experiencing God’s faithfulness—has shaped his music and ministry.