Persistence, Patience, and Purpose in Songwriting

Persistence, Patience, and Purpose in Songwriting

Author: Full Circle Music: A Nashville Recording Studio & Online Music Education Academy September 10, 2025 Duration: 47:29
Ben Stennis is a Grammy-winning, multi-week No.1 songwriter behind Cody Johnson’s “’Til You Can’t,” plus cuts with Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Bailey Zimmerman, High Valley, and Jason Aldean. He shares his unlikely path from stuntman dreams to Nashville, the decade-long wait before his first deal, and how faith and biblical wisdom guide everything from co-writes to career decisions. We talk preparation for high-pressure bus runs, the power of writing with your crew (“iron sharpens iron”), guarding your name (Proverbs 22:1), resisting comparison in the scroll era, setting lyrical boundaries, giving generously, and keeping the focus on purpose over hype. If you’re a songwriter, artist, or producer who wants sustainable success without losing your soul, this conversation will light a fire.

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Behind every song on the radio, there's a story of hustle, craft, and sometimes, sheer luck. Made It In Music: Interviews With Artists, Songwriters, And Music Industry Pros pulls back the curtain on those stories, moving past the glamour to find the real work. Hosts Seth Mosley and X O'Connor, from the Full Circle Music studio and academy, sit down with the people who have not only reached the top but have built a lasting place there. Their guests are Grammy-winning artists, hit songwriters, and seasoned executives-the ones who know what it takes to navigate the complexities of a music career over the long haul. In each conversation, you'll hear the unvarnished details: how a breakthrough actually happened, the collaborations that fell apart or soared, and the practical decisions behind sustaining a life in this business. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a deep dive into the specific strategies, creative processes, and personal resilience required. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a behind-the-scenes professional, or simply fascinated by the mechanics of the music world, this podcast offers a rare, grounded perspective from those who've truly been there. Tune in for honest talks that aim to provide a clearer map, helping you understand not just how to get your start, but how to build something that lasts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Made It In Music: Interviews With Artists, Songwriters, And Music Industry Pros
Podcast Episodes
My Story in Music & Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:36
David Smallbone is the father and manager of For King & Country and Rebecca St. James. After a devastating business loss, David desired a fresh start and moved from Australia to the United States with his wife and childr…
My Story in Music & Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:21
David Smallbone is the father and manager of For King & Country and Rebecca St. James. After a devastating business loss, David desired a fresh start and moved from Australia to the United States with his wife and childr…
Mastering Film & TV Songwriting (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:58
Tommee Profitt is a producer, songwriter, and award-winning composer for TV and film. Over the past few years alone, he has achieved tremendous success, earning awards and accolades for his genre-warping production work…
Mastering Film & TV Songwriting (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:51
Tommee Profitt is a producer, songwriter, and award-winning composer for TV and film. Over the past few years alone, he has achieved tremendous success, earning awards and accolades for his genre-warping production work…
Mastering Demo Production: A Beginner's Guide (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:50
In this episode, Riley Taylor sat down with Seth Mosley to discuss “Demo Production for Dummies.” The episode was recorded with our live online audience from our Song Chasers Community. You can learn more about Song Chas…
Mastering Demo Production: A Beginner's Guide (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
In this episode, Riley Taylor sat down with Seth Mosley to discuss “Demo Production for Dummies.” The episode was recorded with our live online audience from our Song Chasers Community. You can learn more about Song Chas…
Fostering Artists' Career Growth (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:39
Damien Wong-Ken is the Marketing Director for Integrity Music and an expert in brand architecture based in Franklin, Tennessee. As a self-proclaimed “Relational Business Guy,” Damien works diligently to build relational…
Fostering Artists' Career Growth (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:20
Damien Wong-Ken is the Marketing Director for Integrity Music and an expert in brand architecture based in Franklin, Tennessee. As a self-proclaimed “Relational Business Guy,” Damien works diligently to build relational…
How to Pitch to Playlists in 2023 (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:42
Lucky Money Entertainment is a Nashville-based company passionate about songs and getting them heard. With a roster of almost 30 artists, Lucky Money uses their industry contacts and their playlisting experience to land…
How to Pitch to Playlists in 2023 (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:18
Lucky Money Entertainment is a Nashville-based company passionate about songs and getting them heard. With a roster of almost 30 artists, Lucky Money uses their industry contacts and their playlisting experience to land…