Imagine, in a flash of pain and fear, that the skills and gifts that define you are suddenly GONE. What would you do next?

Former professional violist Janet Gesme shares how a tragic car accident radically changed her career and led her on a healing journey - one that revealed a brand new calling as a literary translator. Janet opens up about letting go of her music career, wrestling with identity in christ, and learning to trust God's plan one step at a time.

If you're asking how to find your purpose after loss, transition, or trauma, this conversation will help you see how God can redirect your creativity for good.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How to let go of a creative identity without losing your faith
• What to do when injury or burnout forces a career change
• How to find purpose in pain and bless others with your next chapter

This is for every Christian creative navigating change, calling, and creativity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Visit Janet Gesme's Website

https://www.janetgesme.com/

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community!

In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator.

Joining gives you access to our app, workshops and community conversations, so you can stop being isolated and frustrated and start enjoying creative confidence! Join today!

GodandGigs.com/membership

Support the show

COACHING AND COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN CREATIVES
https://godandgigs.com/membership

RECOMMENDED APPS AND TOOLS FOR CREATORS
http://godandgigs.com/toolkit

FREE 7-Day Devotional
https://godandgigs.com/prayer

OUR RECOMMENDED PODCASTING EQUIPMENT
https://amzn.to/4bQm89b

Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?

Send us a message on Podmatch!

Go to https://godandgigs.com/be-a-guest

ABOUT THE GOD AND GIGS SHOW

The God and Gigs Show is a Christian podcast for Christian creators who want to build a fulfilling, purpose-driven creative life without compromising their faith. Hosted by Allen C. Paul, we explore faith and creativity with weekly strategies, inspiration and practical tools to help you become the creator God created you to be. As a Christian creative, you'll hear honest conversations on God and creativity, faith and marketing alignment, mindset and spiritual growth, shared in interviews with Christian artists and Christian content creators living out their faith.

© 2026 Paul Creative Solutions

In this interview, sheriff’s lieutenant and novelist Rodney Carpentier shares how he wrote his first book while working full time in law enforcement, and what it takes to keep a creative dream moving during long shifts and busy family seasons.

If you are trying to create while holding down a demanding job, you'll discover how to find time and keep your motivation from fading. Rodney talks about writing in the hours before a shift, drafting during a stretch of sick leave, and why a 500-word day still counts toward the finished book.

Whether you are just starting a manuscript or picking one back up later in life, Rodney’s story will encourage you to take the next small step. So press play and enjoy the conversation!

Rodney Carpentier is a sheriff’s lieutenant with 18 years of experience in law enforcement and a native New Yorker from the Albany area. He is the author of a murder mystery trilogy that begins with Our Lady of the Overlook, a story built around a rookie officer and a decades-old cold case. He writes while balancing his career, his family, and the everyday demands of public service.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

https://www.rlcarpentierwriter.com/

00:00 Introduction to Rodney Carpentier
00:35 The Quiet Shift: A Deputy's Inspiration
00:48 From Law Enforcement to Author: Rodney's Journey
00:57 The Quiet Shift: A Deputy's Inspiration
00:57 From Law Enforcement to Author: Rodney's Journey
01:13 Rodney's Journey: From New York to Writing
01:13 The Influence of Environment on Writing
01:27 Law Enforcement Career: A Path to Writing
02:41 The Evolution of a Writer's Journey
04:01 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life
05:56 Balancing Law Enforcement and Writing
08:52 The Complexity of Human Nature in Writing
10:40 The Creative Process: From Idea to Novel
11:44 Developing Characters and Storylines
15:01 Writing Techniques and Strategies
17:39 The Editing Process and Overcoming Doubts
22:44 Navigating the Publishing Process
22:44 The Importance of Feedback and Editing
23:32 Finding Time to Write Amidst Life's Demands
29:02 Balancing Real Life and Fiction
36:50 Themes of Redemption and Human Complexity
42:08 Encouragement for Aspiring Creators

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community!

In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator.

Joining gives you access to our app, workshops and community conversations, so you can stop being isolated and frustrated and start enjoying creative confidence! Join today!

GodandGigs.com/membership

Support the show

COACHING AND COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN CREATIVES
https://godandgigs.com/membership

RECOMMENDED APPS AND TOOLS FOR CREATORS
http://godandgigs.com/toolkit

FREE 7-Day Devotional
https://godandgigs.com/prayer

OUR RECOMMENDED PODCASTING EQUIPMENT
https://amzn.to/4bQm89b

Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?

Send us a message on Podmatch!

Go to https://godandgigs.com/be-a-guest

ABOUT THE GOD AND GIGS SHOW

The God and Gigs Show is a Christian podcast for Christian creators who want to build a fulfilling, purpose-driven creative life without compromising their faith. Hosted by Allen C. Paul, we explore faith and creativity with weekly strategies, inspiration and practical tools to help you become the creator God created you to be. As a Christian creative, you'll hear honest conversations on God and creativity, faith and marketing alignment, mindset and spiritual growth, shared in interviews with Christian artists and Christian content creators living out their faith.

© 2026 Paul Creative Solutions

When God presents you with a new door, opportunity or potential circle of friends, do you step in confidently - or freeze?

Are you hesitant to embrace new challenges - all because you're afraid of being rejected by the people who are already in the room?

If you've battled self-doubt and fear about the way people will respond to you as a creative entering new areas, this episode is for you.

We sat down with Emmy-nominated choreographer, speaker and author Bradley Rapier for a deep conversation on getting into the groove as a Christian creative. Bradley's incredible journey took him from learning street dance in Canada, to choreographing for top music artists and TV shows, working with the producers of Jersey Boys and Hamilton, and founding the legendary dance crew the Groovaloos.

With passion and humor, Bradley shows you how he continuously found the courage to step into new challenges and environments on his way to success - and how you can do the same.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What "groove" really means (it's not what you think)
• Why trying to prove yourself is the worst way to build a creative career
• How to maintain your passion while trying to make it as an artist
• How to trust the Creator of your art instead of forcing your agenda
• The instant antidote for insecurity and comparison

Whether you're a dancer, musician, filmmaker or multi-passionate Christian artist learning how to thrive as a Christian artist, this conversation will help you step into the circle and embrace your creative purpose.

0:00 Introduction
2:03 Who Bradley Rapier is
3:47 Growing up the only one who looked like him
5:10 His parents' divorce
7:09 The line vs. the circle
14:09 Canada to the Super Bowl
19:57 Sleeping in his car at 7am spandex classes
24:10 The rooftop gathering that became the Groovaloos
35:00 Curiosity: the antidote to insecurity
39:47 What "groove" really means
46:31 "You're never going to dance for Janet"
51:03 Trust your art

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Read Bradley Rapier's latest book
https://www.bradleyrapier.com/stepinthecircle

Visit Bradley Rapier's Website

https://www.bradleyrapier.com

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community!

In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator.

Joining gives you access to our app, workshops and community conversations, so you can stop being isolated and frustrated and start enjoying creative confidence! Join today!

GodandGigs.com/membership

Support the show

COACHING AND COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN CREATIVES
https://godandgigs.com/membership

RECOMMENDED APPS AND TOOLS FOR CREATORS
http://godandgigs.com/toolkit

FREE 7-Day Devotional
https://godandgigs.com/prayer

OUR RECOMMENDED PODCASTING EQUIPMENT
https://amzn.to/4bQm89b

Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?

Send us a message on Podmatch!

Go to https://godandgigs.com/be-a-guest

ABOUT THE GOD AND GIGS SHOW

The God and Gigs Show is a Christian podcast for Christian creators who want to build a fulfilling, purpose-driven creative life without compromising their faith. Hosted by Allen C. Paul, we explore faith and creativity with weekly strategies, inspiration and practical tools to help you become the creator God created you to be. As a Christian creative, you'll hear honest conversations on God and creativity, faith and marketing alignment, mindset and spiritual growth, shared in interviews with Christian artists and Christian content creators living out their faith.

© 2026 Paul Creative Solutions

Have you opened your Bible hoping for inspiration, revelation, or direction for your creative life - only to find yourself a little lost?

If so, I want to know what you're feel that you're missing, so I can help with the solution.

In this quick update episode, I (Allen) am sharing from on-site at the YouVersion Partner Summit in Oklahoma City, as I'm receiving some of the best content training possible from the people who built the world's most popular Bible app ( over a billion installs)

It's because of creators like you that I want to improve our current Bible plans and create new ones that will encourage and inspire you - and I need your input.

Comment on this app, or email me at allen@godandgigs.com to let me know what you wish you could learn more about from the Bible re: your creative and spiritual growth.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Read our Bible Plans on the YouVersion Bible app

Interview With Jackie Bledsoe (7 Keys to Marriage, Family Life)

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Support the show

COACHING AND COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN CREATIVES
https://godandgigs.com/membership

RECOMMENDED APPS AND TOOLS FOR CREATORS
http://godandgigs.com/toolkit

FREE 7-Day Devotional
https://godandgigs.com/prayer

OUR PODCAST GEAR
https://amzn.to/4bQm89b

Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?

Send us a message on Podmatch!

Go to https://godandgigs.com/be-a-guest

ABOUT THE GOD AND GIGS SHOW

The God and Gigs Show is a podcast for Christian creators — musicians, podcasters, writers, speakers, and artists — who want to build a sustainable, purpose-aligned creative business without compromising their faith. Hosted by Allen C. Paul, a South Florida-based podcaster, musician, and author with over 30 years of experience in podcasting, community curation and Christian ministry, the show equips faith-led creators with practical tools and spiritual inspiration so listeners can thrive in faith, family, business, and creativity.

© 2026 Paul Creative Solutions

Feel like it's impossible to chase a creative dream when marriage, kids, and full-time careers are already filling your life and schedule? While it's hard, it is possible - and one couple is proving it while creating a world of their own.

In this conversation, nuclear engineer and veteran Lucas Fischhaber and his wife and co-author Shauna share how they maintain a multi-book writing project while carrying the load of raising a family and maintaining traditional jobs.

You'll discover how a bedtime story became an epic fantasy series that they now are co-writing. You'll hear an honest and open conversation about doubt, how their creative work has changed their relationship, dealing with comparison, and how to choose a God-given creative calling over the easier road of settling for normal.

Press play to discover how to manage the challenge of building a marriage and family while simultaneously building a creative legacy that will outlast you.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Lucas Fischhaber is the author of Gathering Storms, the first book in the epic fantasy series Age of Wonder. As a Christian husband, father, Army veteran, and nuclear engineer, Lucas brings a unique perspective to storytelling, blending imaginative worldbuilding with themes of wonder, mercy, courage, and hope.

Together with his wife, Shauna, Lucas has built the world of Age of Wonder as a husband-and-wife creative team. Their work explores how faith can shape imagination, how stories can awaken wonder, and how fantasy can point readers toward beauty, truth, and goodness.

TO LEARN MORE

https://lucasfischhaber.com

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community!

In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator.

Joining gives you access to our app, workshops and community conversations, so you can stop being isolated and frustrated and start enjoying creative confidence! Join today!

GodandGigs.com/membership

Support the show

COACHING AND COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN CREATIVES
https://godandgigs.com/membership

RECOMMENDED APPS AND TOOLS FOR CREATORS
http://godandgigs.com/toolkit

FREE 7-Day Devotional
https://godandgigs.com/prayer

OUR PODCAST GEAR
https://amzn.to/4bQm89b

Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?

Send us a message on Podmatch!

Go to https://godandgigs.com/be-a-guest

ABOUT THE GOD AND GIGS SHOW

The God and Gigs Show is a podcast for Christian creators — musicians, podcasters, writers, speakers, and artists — who want to build a sustainable, purpose-aligned creative business without compromising their faith. Hosted by Allen C. Paul, a South Florida-based podcaster, musician, and author with over 30 years of experience in podcasting, community curation and Christian ministry, the show equips faith-led creators with practical tools and spiritual inspiration so listeners can thrive in faith, family, business, and creativity.

© 2026 Paul Creative Solutions

Reluctant to step forward and share your message? You may be cheating yourself and delaying God's blessings and opportunities. In this episode, you see how accepting God's call to create - no matter how scary - leads to favor and purpose in your life.

Mark Osborne, host of The Valiant Forge podcast, had many issues to overcome in his life - a marriage on the brink, a health scare that challenged his discipline - but the biggest challenge was stepping into a role he thought was too much for him. Here he reveals what fear and insecurity nearly kept him from experiencing - and why you should be willing to take the big leap when God calls for obedience.

Press play and be inspired and motivated - no matter how unqualified you feel. Mark's story will prove that you can have a bigger impact than you realize.

Send Allen a Text!

Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community!

In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator.

Joining gives you access to our app, workshops and community conversations, so you can stop being isolated and frustrated and start enjoying creative confidence! Join today!

GodandGigs.com/membership

Support the show

Download our FREE 7 Day Prayer Devotional for Creators

https://godandgigs.com/prayer

FOLLOW US!
Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?

Send us a message on PodMatch!

© 2026 Paul Creative Solutions

Many creatives - maybe even you - sometimes think that being talented is enough to carry a person from struggle into purpose. Unfortunately, time after time, we discover that talent can not be your foundation.

Grammy-nominated arranger and jazz trumpet veteran Fletch Wiley joins me to share how God radically changed his life and delivered him from drug addiction in just twelve hours — and how that transformation set him on a path straight into the band of gospel legend Andrae Crouch and a myriad of new opportunities.

Hit play and let's dive in.

To learn more about Fletch Wiley and his book, tap here.

Send Allen a Text!

Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community!

In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator.

Joining gives you access to our app, workshops and community conversations, so you can stop being isolated and frustrated and start enjoying creative confidence! Join today!

GodandGigs.com/membership

Support the show

Download our FREE 7 Day Prayer Devotional for Creators

https://godandgigs.com/prayer

FOLLOW US!
Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?

Send us a message on PodMatch!

© 2026 Paul Creative Solutions

If you've been told you can't succeed in the arts and content creation space without niching down...this episode explains why you should ignore that advice.

Multi-Passionate Christian creatives often struggle to find a space where they can feel comfortable exploring multiple areas of their gifting, and that was the place that I (Allen) found myself years ago as I began writing God and Gigs - the book that launched this platform.

Now, 10 years later, I've been voted in to speak at a major podcast conference.

How did these passions intersect between writing, ministry, music and podcasting - and how can you find an equally unique path to creative success?

In this episode I offer three strategic mindset shifts that can help you find your way even if you've been struggling to see a path that feels right for you. Press play and see what 10 years of balancing multiple creative interests can teach you.

Tap HERE to read our blog on Being an Integrated Creative

Send Allen a Text!

Support the show

Download our FREE 7 Day Prayer Devotional for Creators

https://godandgigs.com/prayer

FOLLOW US!
Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?

Send us a message on PodMatch!

© 2026 Paul Creative Solutions