Hybrid Publishing, Eternal Friendships, and Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion

What Seeds Know

Join us on Make It. Share It. as we sit down with Donna Stuart, worship leader, songwriter, illustrator, and author from the Washington DC area, for a conversation that will change how you think about your creative delays, your hidden seasons, and the projects that won’t let you go. Donna has been making and sharing things for decades: touring with a band, leading worship, co-leading a church with her husband Ben, and quietly working on a poetry project called Growing [https://www.donnastuartcreative.com/products-featured-single-product-1] for the last ten years. Growing explores seven seasons of the soul, told in verse, from the darkness of a buried seed to the rise above the ground, through pruning, storms, death, and everything in between. And it finally landed. In this episode, Donna walks us through the creative odyssey behind Growing—from its origin in the idea that Dr. Seuss’s “useless” waiting place was actually anything but, to the five iterations it took before it could finally be held in someone’s hands. She shares why it became a coloring flip book (because publishers didn’t get it and self-printing cost $10,000), how QR codes saved the project, and why she now believes the decade of waiting wasn’t delay; it was formation. “Everything I create is out of the overflow of the love that I’ve received. And when my reception of love was broken — my creativity was broken too.” 🔑 Three Key Takeaways The Waiting Place Is Not Useless. Donna rejected Dr. Seuss’s characterization of the waiting place as useless, then spent a decade proving it wrong. Every chapter of Growing required her to actually live through the season she was writing about. The hidden years were the content. Misplaced Love Stifles Creativity. During COVID, Donna experienced a personal revival centered on one realization: she was receiving love from people who didn’t have the capacity to give it. Reorienting her loves: putting God first and right-sizing everything else gave her a new capacity to create. Your Market May Not Exist Yet. Create Anyway. From QR codes that didn’t exist when she first imagined Growing to Canva, which made her book possible years later, Donna’s story is a reminder that technology and audience often catch up. Your job is to keep making. Something Unexpected Donna wrote a Hallmark movie song in 40 minutes in a parking lot, while waiting to pick up her son from boxing. She had just prayed over her journal, asking God to let her take a swing at something she’d always dreamed of. The song went to the top of Hallmark’s list, and it was eventually performed by two Broadway stars: the actress who played Glinda and the actor who played Fiyero in Wicked. Listen to the Full Episode For: * The full story of Growing — ten years, five iterations, one coloring flip book * Why Donna called out The Giving Tree for codependency * What resilience actually looks like in the creative “cave” — and why she’s grateful for it * The Mercy Me bus story — self-promotion, humility, and the lesson she learned the hard way Resources * Growing by Donna Stuart — on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjuP-QvZyTc&t=32s] * Growing [https://www.donnastuartcreative.com/products-featured-single-product-1] Book [https://www.donnastuartcreative.com/products-featured-single-product-1] * Donna Stuart Creative [https://www.donnastuartcreative.com/] * Instagram: @donnastuart * Anonymous: Jesus in His Hidden Years by Alicia Britt Cholé * Books by David Benner [https://www.amazon.com/stores/David-G.-Benner/author/B001KIAI0S?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1775488851&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=db32fbd2-1dfd-47ee-9cdf-eaa649b67d24] * The Critical Journey [https://a.co/d/0bnBpm2C] by Janet O. Hagberg & Robert A. Guelich Chapters 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Donna Stuart's creative journey00:20 - Donna’s nostalgic story about "A Smoky Mountain Christmas" and childhood influences01:45 - The significance of seasons and waiting in creative growth02:58 - Personal revival during COVID and the impact on her understanding of love and creativity07:14 - The power of naming emotions and key turning points in spiritual and artistic journeys09:19 - Reflection on long-term projects, patience, and trusting the process13:09 - Donna’s latest project: a 10-year journey and the metaphor of seeds in darkness15:34 - Insights from children’s books and the importance of waiting on the “Useless Place”17:00 - The poetic process of her upcoming book about the underground seasons of growth18:29 - The story of creating a song for a Hallmark movie and trusting divine timing21:22 - The surprise of God's orchestration in unexpected collaborations and opportunities23:00 - The analogy of building Cowboy Stadium and technological breakthroughs in creative work26:34 - Embracing the cave as a place of renewal and deepening faith during difficulty29:58 - The journey of songwriting and the mystery of creative catch and release31:53 - The story of a chance connection leading to a meaningful project and unexpected moments of blessing40:16 - Finding resilience in the cave, understanding the seasons of life, and divine patience44:03 - Elijah, Ahab, and the small whisper—trusting God in the cave's quiet moments45:52 - The metaphor of underground roots and the rise of creative potential47:52 - The art of sharing: natural, organic, and rooted in love—overcoming the discomfort of self-promotion51:15 - Personal stories of youthful ambition, mistakes, and growth toward humility55:33 - The beauty of divine stories in our creative journey—trusting God's storytelling from seed to harvest58:44 - The modern realities of music industry and trusting divine timing59:44 - The importance of just saying “yes” and embracing the open unknowns60:53 - How to follow Donna’s work and stay connected through Instagram and her website61:24 - Closing thoughts—keep making, keep sharing, and trusting in the seasons of your creative story Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Too Broke To Drive Home

What does it look like when a gifted musician graduates with a piano performance degree, has his car repossessed, gets evicted, and can’t land a job? In this episode of Make It. Share It. Kent and Cooper sit down with Dr. Oscar Williams, Jr., entrepreneur, producer, artist, teacher, and Associate Pastor at The Potter’s House, for a rich conversation about divine timing, creative seasons, and the kinds of conversations the creative community desperately needs to start having. From being too broke to drive home to St. Louis, to turning down a full fellowship at NYU’s Tisch School of Arts, to hearing Bishop T.D. Jakes unknowingly preach the perfect sermon on his first day as a new hire, Dr. Oscar’s journey is a masterclass in trusting the process, especially when the process is painful. He also shares what he’s making right now: a new podcast called Are You Okay?, a Good Friday musical theater production called Tell the Story coming to the Irving Arts Center on April 3rd, 2026, new music releasing under Oscar Williams & the Band of Life, and a creative consulting firm called Speak Life 3C. 🔑 Three Key Takeaways * Being ‘too broke to go back’ can be God’s most precise positioning. Sometimes he holds you in the hard place long enough for the breakthrough to actually stick. * The creative community is not talking enough about physical, mental, and financial wellbeing and that silence is costing us a generation of artists. * The relationships and skills you build while serving someone else’s vision are never wasted. They become the infrastructure for your own dreams. ✨ Something Unexpected Dr. Oscar was accepted into NYU’s Tisch School of Arts with a full fellowship, one of only two offered to 300 applicants from around the world, and turned it down. Find out why, and why he still keeps the acceptance letter. 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode For: * The full story of Dr. Oscar’s worst year in Dallas — including a repossessed car, eviction, and the single conversation with God that changed everything. * Why he was fired from a church in Atlanta on New Year’s Eve, and how that led directly to his role at The Potter’s House under Bishop T.D. Jakes. * A behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming Good Friday musical theater production, Tell the Story, retelling the resurrection through the eyes of four women who encountered Jesus. * His honest reflections on grief, overspiritualizing illness, and the financial patterns that keep creative people from building wealth. * Why creatives need to make a budget and how coming in under budget can earn you an investor for life. * When it’s time to stop building someone else’s dream and start betting on your own. 👤 About Dr. Oscar Williams, Jr. Dr. Oscar Williams, Jr. is a pastor, entrepreneur, producer, artist, teacher, and leadership developer based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He serves as Associate Pastor of Music and Creative Arts at The Potter’s House under Bishop T.D. Jakes and leads Speak Life LLC, a creative coaching and consulting firm helping individuals and organizations build stronger teams and realize their biggest creative visions. His music is released under the name Oscar Williams & the Band of Life. He is also the creator of the forthcoming podcast Are You Okay?, dedicated to the physical, mental, and financial well-being of creatives. 🎨 What Dr. Oscar Is Making Right Now * Are You Okay? Podcast — candid conversations with creatives about mental, physical, and financial health * Tell the Story — a Good Friday musical theater production at the Irving Arts Center, April 3, 2026 (1 PM & 8 PM) * New Music — upcoming single “Me and an Angel” releasing under Oscar Williams & the Band of Life * Speak Life 3C — creative coaching and consulting for individuals, leaders, and organizations 🔗 Resources & Links Follow Dr. Oscar Williams: oscarworldwide.com [https://oscarworldwide.com] speaklifellc.com [https://speaklifellc.com] Social media handle (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn): @OscarWorldwide Music on Spotify & Apple Music: search Oscar Williams and the Band of Life ⏱ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction & Welcome 01:14 — The Most Interesting Thing Dr. Oscar Has Learned Recently (Darkness, Light, and Ephesians) 03:33 — Turning Point: Moving to Dallas After His Father’s Death 07:00 — Rock Bottom in Dallas — Eviction, Repossession, and Rejected by Walmart 09:00 — The Church Audition That Was Already Closed (And How He Got the Job Anyway) 10:40 — When God Keeps You Too Broke to Go Home 13:38 — His Musical Background: Piano, Composition, and “Communicating” Through Song 15:30 — Part Two: The Atlanta Church, the NYU Fellowship, and Another Unexpected Turn 18:00 — Getting Accepted to NYU Tisch (Full Fellowship, One of Two) — and Saying No 20:00 — Getting Let Go on New Year’s Eve and What Bishop Jakes Preached His First Sunday 25:30 — What Dr. Oscar Is Making Now 27:00 — The Are You Okay? Podcast: Wellbeing for Creatives Nobody’s Talking About 29:00 — Tell the Story: A Good Friday Musical Theater Production (Irving Arts Center, April 3, 2026) 31:30 — Oscar Williams & the Band of Life + Speak Life 3C Consulting 33:00 — Grief, Over-Spiritualizing Illness, and Financial Stewardship for Creatives 39:00 — Knowing Your Identity Isn’t Based on What You Make 40:00 — The “Curse of the Creative” — From ‘This is the Best Thing I’ve Made’ to ‘Is This Even Good?’ in 48 Hours 43:00 — Retelling the Resurrection: Reimagining Judas, the Samaritan Woman, and Pastor J 46:00 — Building Community Before You Need It (And Discovering Who Wants to See You Win) 50:00 — Betting on Yourself vs. Faithfully Building Someone Else’s Dream 54:00 — Legacy Thinking: The Next 10-15 Years and Getting to That Beach 56:00 — Why Creatives Should Always Bring a Budget Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Stranger Things and Why This Teen Actor Wants a Day Job

Join Kent and Coop as they sit down with 15-year-old actor, musician, and songwriter Graham Harvey in this inspiring conversation about navigating the entertainment industry while staying grounded. From his new role in STRANGER THINGS to appearances in NIGHT AGENT, RABBIT HOLE, and CHICAGO PD, Graham shares candid insights about the creative life, the importance of staying connected to reality, and his journey as both an actor and musician. This episode is a must-listen for young creatives, parents of aspiring artists, and anyone interested in the intersection of multiple creative pursuits. 🔑 THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS Stay Grounded in Reality - Even at the height of success, maintaining "normal life experiences" keeps your creative work authentic and prevents life from feeling fake. Embrace Multiple Creative Outlets - Pursuing both music and acting isn't a distraction—it's a way to feed different parts of your creative soul and bring fresh perspective to each discipline. Trust the Process - From auditioning for STRANGER THINGS to landing roles in major productions, persistence and consistency matter more than instant success. SOMETHING UNEXPECTED Discover how Graham's experience on the set of Night Agent, combined with advice from the lead actor Gabriel Basso about working a "normal job" (he's a welder!), completely changed his perspective on balancing the extraordinary life of an actor with the importance of everyday experiences. LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE FOR: Graham's incredible story of booking STRANGER THINGS and the nerve-wracking wait to see if he made the final cut Behind-the-scenes insights from working on major productions like NIGHT AGENT, RABBIT HOLE, and CHICAGO PD The wild "HOME ALONE moment" of racing through O'Hare Airport to get home in time to watch his Chicago PD episode air How Cooper's songwriting class helped Graham develop his musical voice Why 90s grunge (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam) resonates with a Gen Z artist How Graham navigates rejection in the entertainment industry and keeps moving forward RESOURCES & LINKS Follow Graham Harvey: Instagram: @instagrahamharvey [https://www.instagram.com/instagrahamharvey/] Graham's Projects Mentioned: Stranger Things (Netflix) - Watch on Netflix [https://www.netflix.com/title/80057281] The Night Agent (Netflix) - Watch on Netflix [https://www.netflix.com/title/81287960] Rabbit Hole (Paramount+) - Watch on Paramount+ [https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/rabbit-hole/] Chicago PD (NBC) - Watch on Peacock [https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/chicago-pd] CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction & Congrats to Lauren on Storied Provisions launch 01:32 - Introducing Graham Harvey 02:00 - The 90s Music Question: Nirvana & Smashing Pumpkins 03:20 - Cooper's Backstage Nirvana Discovery Story 04:39 - Graham's Turning Point: Advice from Night Agent's Gabriel Basso 06:24 - Staying Grounded While Famous: The Counting Crows Documentary Story 08:06 - Starting with Movies: Graham's Recent Projects 09:18 - Landing the Stranger Things Role & The Audition Process 12:52 - The Nerve-Wracking Wait: Did He Make the Final Cut?15:45 - What It's Like to Be on the Stranger Things Set 20:10 - Comparing Different Production Experiences 23:30 - Balancing School and Acting Career 26:45 - The Creative Connection Between Music and Acting 30:15 - Cooper's Songwriting Class & Musical Development 35:20 - Writing Original Music: Influences and Process 38:50 - Handling Rejection in the Entertainment Industry 42:15 - Working on Night Agent with Gabriel Basso 46:31 - The Sharing Side: Release Day Nerves 46:51 - The Chicago PD "Home Alone" Airport Race Story 49:05 - The Baylor Connection: Derek Haas & Michael Brandt 50:48 - Closing Thoughts & How to Follow Graham 51:54 - Wrap-Up Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Five Years, One Salsa, and Why Creative Dreams Can't Be Rushed

Kent, Cooper, and Lauren pull back the curtain on their own creative journeys in this one. From the five-year evolution of a coffee shop dream to navigating the harsh realities of independent filmmaking, this episode is a tribute to persistence, faith, and the messy beauty of bringing creative visions to life. Discover how a fun conversation over homemade salsa became a thriving business partnership, why George Harrison of The Beatles financed a Monty Python film, and what it really takes to keep creating when the path forward isn’t clear. 🔑 Three Key Takeaways Dreams have their own timeline. Surrender control but don’t stop believing. Lauren’s journey with Storied Provisions shows how a dream that didn’t come true in 2021 or 2023 finally came alive in 2024, when the timing was right and the right people appeared. Share your work before it’s finished because other creatives are your greatest allies. From Monty Python getting funded by musician friends to indie filmmakers supporting each other, the episode reveals why bringing fellow creators into the process early is essential to getting things made. The hardest part isn’t the creating. It’s the business of making it sustainable. The real challenge is navigating the practical realities while protecting your creative vision. Something Unexpected Find out how Monty Python couldn’t get funding in America for decades, and how George Harrison casually wrote a check for over $300,000 just because he “wanted to see the movie” after reading the script for Life of Brian the night before. Plus, discover why Hollywood comedies became less funny in the 2000s (hint: it has everything to do with the international market). Listen to the full episode for: The complete story of how Storied Provisions went from a Pinterest board and a back-pocket dream to a real coffee shop, bakery, and mercantile, including the divine appointments and speed bumps along the way. Kent’s insights on the indie film journey for “One Night in a Thousand Years,” including the reality of applying for grants, self-funding, and why he’s choosing the independent route over studio deals. Cooper’s revelations from seeing John Cleese live, including why movies stopped being funny and valuable lessons about creative persistence from comedy legends who couldn’t break into their market. The importance of “Story Scripting” and defining your why before your where—a process that helped Lauren and her team stay focused on their original vision when new ideas and partners pulled them in different directions. Practical encouragement for anyone in the middle of a long creative journey who’s wondering if they should keep going. Resources Storied Provisions Instagram: @storiedprovisionstx [https://www.instagram.com/storiedprovisionstx/] (Follow along as Lauren and Sarah bring this dream to life!) Story Script Process: Connect with Kent Rabalais by replying to this email for guidance on clarifying your creative vision and staying on track with your dream project. Chapters 00:00 Introduction - Catching Up on What We’re Making 00:49 Lauren’s Story: The Genesis of Storied Provisions 03:33 The Bridgeport Birthday and Finding Inspiration at the Table 06:23 Meeting with Sparrow Collective and Learning to Let Go 08:56 The Homemade Salsa That Changed Everything 10:01 Why Story Script Matters—Staying Centered on Your Vision 16:35 What Storied Provisions Actually Is (and Isn’t) 20:30 Learning to Trust Your Gut and Say No to Good Ideas 24:45 The Challenge of Making It Sustainable 28:20 Kent’s Update on “One Night in a Thousand Years” 35:15 The Reality of Independent Filmmaking 42:30 Cooper’s Night with John Cleese 47:00 Why Monty Python Couldn’t Break America 57:46 George Harrison and the Power of Creative Friendship 59:01 Why Movies Stopped Being Funny in the 2000s 01:01:05 Final Thoughts: Keep Fighting the Good Fight If you’re in the middle of a creative dream that feels hard, impossible, or just unclear, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Make It. Share It. wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we learn what it really takes to make and share the things we’re called to create. Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Hybrid Publishing, Eternal Friendships, and Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion

On this episode of Make It. Share It. we sit down with author Brooke Ledbetter [https://brookeledbetter.substack.com/] to discuss her new book Closer Than a Brother [https://www.amazon.com/Closer-Than-Brother-Invitation-Friendships/dp/B0DVF4T9NM/ref=asc_df_B0DVF4T9NM?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=79989662335374&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=89973&hvtargid=pla-4583589133425941&psc=1&msclkid=59a67211a602172de94d1acf5d6033fd]—an invitation to move from isolation into authentic, life-giving community. Brooke opens up about the unexpected journey that led her to write about friendship, from a last-minute pitch pivot to discovering that friendships aren’t just for this life – they’re eternal. She shares candidly about: * The turning point: A 2019 moment when obedience to God brought healing from severe depression * Finding your creative calling: How writing became her path after acting dreams faded * The hybrid publishing experience: Why Hope Books [https://hopebooks.com/] offered the perfect middle ground between traditional and self-publishing * Overcoming the insecurity of self-promotion: Reframing how we share what we create * Jesus as an actual friend: Using sanctified imagination to develop real friendship with Christ * Why friendship matters eternally: Investing in relationships that transcend this life Plus: Cooper goes off on platform culture, we discuss Pearl Jam’s “Yellow Ledbetter,” and somehow Sinbad’s McDonald’s bit makes an appearance. If you’re a creative struggling with the courage to share your work, or someone longing for deeper community – this conversation is for you. Resources * Book: Closer Than a Brother [https://www.amazon.com/Closer-Than-Brother-Invitation-Friendships/dp/B0DVF4T9NM/ref=asc_df_B0DVF4T9NM?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=79989662335374&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=89973&hvtargid=pla-4583589133425941&psc=1&msclkid=59a67211a602172de94d1acf5d6033fd] by Brooke Ledbetter (foreword by Lauren Chandler) * Connect with Brooke: Instagram @brooke.e.ledbetter [https://www.instagram.com/brooke.e.ledbetter/?hl=en] * Brooke’s Substack: Fox & Swallow [https://brookeledbetter.substack.com/] Chapters 03:33 The Pearl Jam “Yellow Ledbetter” connection 05:04 Brooke’s turning point: giving up something she loved and experiencing healing 08:19 The night-before-the-pitch moment when the book idea crystallized 16:38 Why having an editor is like having a music producer 22:20 The struggle with feeling like hybrid publishing was “cheating” 28:28 Dreams and Community Support 31:34 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Sharing Ideas 32:37 Taking the Leap: From Idea to Pitch 35:26 Discovering a Passion for Writing 38:35 The Importance of Trying New Things 45:07 Navigating Self-Promotion and Sharing Work 46:22 The main insight: friendship with Jesus as practice, not just theology Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]