Hitmakers Podcast

Trey Campbell: A Masterclass In Vulnerability

In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode, we sit down with the lovable Trey Campbell as he takes us through his inspiring journey, from Southern roots to Grammy-winning success. From singing in church, to joining an iconic a cappella group, to even performing on a cruise liner, we learn how these early experiences laid the groundwork for the soulful, emotionally rich songwriting style he's known for today. We dive deep into Trey’s personal story, including the powerful influence of his mother. He opens up about the nurturing values she instilled in him and how embracing vulnerability has become not just a personal philosophy, but a creative superpower.  Never one to gloss over the hard parts, Trey shares the unvarnished reality of the music industry, including the dark sides of publishing, his first deal, and the constant fight to financially sustain yourself as a songwriter in today’s climate, even while writing singles for A-list artists. We hear how working with Banks changed the industry's perception of him as a writer, and how his 2020 Grammy success—nominated in multiple categories and winning with John Legend—solidified his role as the common denominator behind the magic.  Trey Campbell is not just a songwriter. He’s a profound empath, truth-teller, and an open heart—sharing his wounds to serve and inspire others. Whether he’s crafting an artist’s single or showing up unscripted for season one of a reality show, Trey Campbell proves that strength might open doors—but it’s vulnerability that keeps them wide open.

Ferras: A Star Is Born

In this episode, we sit down with a hitmaker whose story is as powerful as his talent—a writer who seems to carry magic with him wherever he goes: Ferras. Born in Jordan and raised between cultures, Ferras shares how early childhood turbulence shaped his fearless approach to life and music. Escaping into his imagination, he built a world of his own—one where a star was born. From cold-calling record execs and confronting industry giants to rising above bullying tied to his identity, Ferras turned every hardship into art. He opens up about the transformative friendship with Katy Perry that changed the course of his career, the chosen musical family he’s built in the industry, and the deep spiritual grit that fuels his creativity. With a sense of humor that can read any room, Ferras reminds us that a true creative’s superpower is staying rooted in their truth. He’s not just a songwriter—he’s a full-spectrum experience of emotion, authenticity, and uncharted artistry. This episode is a raw, inspiring look at a one-of-a-kind creator who doesn’t just enter a room—he lights it up.

Ben Johnson: The Biggest

In this episode, we sit down with our co-host, Ben Johnson—one of today’s most dominant pens in country music and a standout cross-genre songwriter. A small-town guy with big ambition, Ben shares the courageous journey that led him to Nashville, following the advice of his first mentor, Rivers Rutherford, in search of where great ideas come from. We dive into how years of grinding in Music City shaped his relentless work ethic and ignited the competitive edge that fuels his success today. In some hilarious and insightful recaps, Ben reveals how humility—on the basketball court and in asking just to be heard—opened the door to a life-changing connection with country music legend Ashley Gorley. Now a multi-genre hitmaker with 11 #1 songs across diverse charts, Ben is more than a songwriter—he’s a modern renaissance man. We explore how his journey through Hitmakers, including some tough moments, refined him not just as a creator, but as a human being. Ben is a testament to fearlessness, preparation, and the fire it takes to win. Whether you’re in music, sports, or just trying to make your own mark, Ben’s story proves that with unconditional heart and hustle, you really can become the biggest.

Harv: The Confidence Code

From church pews to global stages, HARV’s story is all about supernatural musicianship, unbounded confidence, and purpose. He shares how the environments he was raised in shaped his confidence as a man and creator—whether being the point guard on his basketball team or part of the most prestigious frat on campus. In this episode, we thread the needle from him laying down the bassline on Gucci Mane’s Lemonade to touring the world with Justin Bieber and producing one of his biggest hits, Peaches. HARV talks about what it feels like to create music when you hear in color, and how being a family man keeps him grounded in the industry. If confidence is the fuel that makes the machine go, HARV’s got a full tank. This Hitmaker is living proof that if you believe you can, you probably will.

Whitney Phillips: Earned, Not Given

She’s not just our cohost—she’s a creative and intellectual force. In this episode, we sit down with Whitney Phillips to explore how grit and tenacity turned a series of bold leaps of faith into a career paved with platinum. From waiting tables to Lil Wayne, to accidentally hanging up on Christina Aguilera’s manager as an intern before earning her first Grammy nomination alongside the icon herself, Whitney’s story is one of resilience and relentless drive. Whether it was being the odd man out at an A-list writing camp and coming out the other side with a Celine Dion placement—or flipping quarantine on its head by scoring her first #1 record entirely over Zoom—she proves that every stripe of hers was earned, not given. Truly a woman who paved her own path, Whitney is a testament to how far you can go if you have the courage to keep going.