Brett Sheroky: Heart Surgery, Surrender & Finding Joy in God's Plan

Brett Sheroky: Heart Surgery, Surrender & Finding Joy in God's Plan

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with country singer-songwriter Brett Sherokyfor a deeply moving conversation about faith, suffering, surrender, and discovering that God’s plans are often far better than our own. A respected songwriter with cuts from artists like Blake Shelton, Tucker Wetmore, Jake Owen, and Matt Stell, Brett opens up about a journey that has been shaped as much by hardship as success. From losing his father as a teenager to battling seasons of depression, pursuing a music career for more than a decade before signing his first deal, and undergoing open-heart surgery for a congenital heart condition, Brett shares how some of the hardest chapters of his life ultimately drew him closer to God. Brett reflects on a pivotal moment during COVID when an unexpected feeling of overwhelming joy while playing barefoot in the backyard with his wife and children sparked a deeper hunger for a genuine relationship with Jesus. What began as simply attending church evolved into opening his Bible, seeking God for himself, and discovering a faith that was no longer about checking a box—but about transformation from the inside out. Together, they discuss: * Why God often meets us at the end of ourselves * Learning to surrender control and trust a good Father * How suffering can become a gift in hindsight * The difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him * Why success, money, and fame aren't always the blessings we think they are * Raising children with faith in a culture obsessed with self * Finding joy that isn't dependent on circumstances * How God uses pain to shape purpose One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Brett shares a realization that changed his perspective forever: many of the things he once begged God to remove from his life were the very things God used to bring him closer to Him. What once felt like punishment eventually revealed itself as grace. Honest, wise, and full of encouragement, this conversation is a reminder that God isn't always giving us what we want—but He is always giving us what we need. 🎧 If you've ever wrestled with unanswered prayers, difficult seasons, or trusting God's timing, this episode will challenge you to see your story through a different lens. Follow The Upload: 📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife [https://instagram.com/theuploadlife] 🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@theuploadlife] 🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-upload-304486499/?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Adam Sanders: Surrendering Success, Trusting God's Timing & Finding Purpose Beyond the Dream

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with country singer-songwriter Adam Sanders for a candid conversation about faith, ambition, and what happens when you finally stop trying to control the outcome. Fresh off winning CBS's The Road and after spending 15 years building his career in Nashville, Adam reflects on the journey from dreaming about country music as a child to becoming one of Music Row's most respected songwriters and artists. But behind the recent success is a deeper story—one of learning to surrender his plans and trust God's timing. Adam shares how years of striving, hustling, and trying to "manifest" success left him exhausted, and why everything changed when he finally told God, "You draw the plays, and I'll run them." Soon after, unexpected opportunities began appearing—from The Road to major festival stages and career-defining moments. The conversation also dives into: * Why success can become an idol * The difference between faith and manifestation * Growing up in a Pentecostal church and wrestling with church culture * Finding a relationship with God beyond religious routines * Why so many people are hungry for deeper biblical teaching * Learning to hear God's voice without overcomplicating faith * How God often speaks through people, experiences, and everyday moments Adam also opens up about seasons of uncertainty between publishing deals, financial stress, and how those moments taught him to trust God as a provider. Through it all, he's discovered that true success isn't measured by awards, chart positions, or sold-out crowds—it's found in obedience, purpose, and becoming a light for others. Whether you're chasing a dream, navigating uncertainty, or wrestling with questions about faith, this episode offers a powerful reminder that God's plan is often better than the one we write for ourselves. 🎧 If you've ever struggled to let go of control, questioned God's timing, or wondered what success really looks like, this conversation will encourage and challenge you. Follow The Upload: 📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife [https://instagram.com/theuploadlife] 🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@theuploadlife] 🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-upload-304486499/?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

MŌRIAH: Identity, Bible Breath & Expanding Beyond Fear

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with Mexican-American recording artist, actress, and producer MŌRIAH for a deeply thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose, faith, and refusing to conform to the expectations of the world. Known for her powerful storytelling and genre-bending artistry, MŌRIAH opens up about navigating the music industry while staying grounded in the values that shaped her—from family and faith to discipline, humility, and intentional living. The conversation begins with an honest reflection on giving up gossip for Lent—what she thought would be an “easy” sacrifice quickly revealed how deeply gossip can become a form of connection and comfort. From there, the discussion unfolds into a rich conversation about words, identity, and the power of guarding your heart and mind. MŌRIAH also shares a vulnerable story from a recent songwriting session where she was challenged to fit into a stereotypical version of what a Latina artist “should” be. Instead, she chose authenticity—honoring the sacrifices, values, and legacy of her Mexican family rather than conforming to industry expectations. Together, they dive into: * The pressure to fit into cultural and industry “boxes” * Why stillness and intentional “blinders” matter in a noisy world * Practicing “one small humiliation a day” to cultivate humility * The importance of Scripture, prayer, and “Bible breath” * How God speaks through discomfort, stretching, and uncertainty * What it means to live as a modern-day missionary through music and storytelling One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when MŌRIAH shares that during prayer she felt God speak the word “missionary” over her life—a word that initially surprised her, but became clearer throughout the conversation as Brooke and Mark reflected on how her music and storytelling are already reaching people across cultures with truth, beauty, and hope. Honest, funny, emotional, and full of wisdom, this episode is a reminder that God’s calling often unfolds outside our comfort zone—and that true peace comes from knowing who you are in Him, not who the world says you should be. 🎧 If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, purpose, pressure, or learning how to follow God without conforming to the world around you, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. Follow The Upload: 📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife [https://instagram.com/theuploadlife] 🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@theuploadlife] 🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-upload-304486499/?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Kara Lewis: Leaving the Influencer World, Finding Identity in Christ & Using Social Media for Good

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with digital creator Kara Lewis for an honest conversation about walking away from the emptiness of influencer culture, rediscovering her faith, and using social media to bring light into dark places. Kara shares how she grew up in a Christian household, but at 18 years old rebelled against her faith and moved to Los Angeles, where she quickly found herself immersed in influencer houses, partying, celebrity culture, and eventually working behind the scenes shooting content for OnlyFans creators. While her life looked glamorous online, she reveals the deep loneliness, anxiety, and lack of fulfillment she experienced behind closed doors. Everything changed during a photoshoot in Florida when Kara had a conviction-filled moment that made her realize: “This is not who I am.” She walked away from the lifestyle, moved back home, rededicated her life to Christ, and was baptized again as a public declaration of her renewed faith. Now, Kara uses her platform to tell meaningful stories that point people back to hope, kindness, and ultimately Jesus. She opens up about wanting her content to feel different in a world full of noise and negativity—creating videos that leave people feeling lighter instead of emptier. The conversation also dives into: * The hidden darkness behind influencer culture * The dangers of seeking validation online * Raising kids in a digital world * Learning to trust God’s timing and practice patience * Why social media can either drain you—or become a tool for good * Following the Holy Spirit’s prompting in everyday life Plus, Kara shares a powerful story about meeting a homeless man living in his car with his mother for eight years—and how a simple act of obedience led to thousands of dollars being raised to help change their lives. This episode is a reminder that no one is too far gone, no testimony is wasted, and God can redeem every season for His purpose. 🎧 If you’ve ever struggled with identity, comparison, temptation, or feeling lost in the noise of social media, this conversation will encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on what truly matters. Follow The Upload: 📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife [https://instagram.com/theuploadlife] 🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@theuploadlife] 🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-upload-304486499/?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Brad Warren: Staying Faithful After The Loss of a Child

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with singer-songwriter Brad Warren for a deeply honest conversation about faith, addiction, grief, and the grace of God. Brad opens up about growing up in a fear-based church environment, battling alcoholism and addiction, and how recovery introduced him to a God who wasn’t waiting to punish him—but love him. He shares how his faith evolved from “I hope it’s true” to “I know it’s true,” and why his relationship with Jesus has become a daily necessity. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Brad vulnerably shares the heartbreaking loss of his 21-year-old son to fentanyl and how that tragedy transformed his life, deepened his faith, and led him to create spaces for grieving fathers to heal together. Together, they dive into some of life’s hardest questions: What happens when your faith is tested by tragedy? Can grace exist without fear? How do you keep trusting God when life doesn’t make sense? And what does it really mean to have a relationship with Jesus right where you are? Brad also shares why he believes testimony is one of the greatest weapons we have, how grief can strengthen rather than destroy us, and why God wants relationship—not perfection. This episode is raw, emotional, hope-filled, and a reminder that even in the middle of pain, addiction, loss, and doubt… God still meets us with grace. If you’ve ever wrestled with faith, questioned God in suffering, or needed hope in the middle of grief… this conversation is for you. Follow The Upload: 📸 Instagram — @theuploadlife [https://instagram.com/theuploadlife] 🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@theuploadlife] 🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-upload-304486499/?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.