The Upload with Brooke Taylor

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with rising country artist Ashley Anne for an honest conversation about faith, identity, family, and what it means to chase a God-sized dream without letting that dream become your god. At just 22 years old, Ashley Anne has already experienced her share of heartbreak, hardship, and success. The Virginia Beach native moved to Nashville at 18 to pursue country music, turning the difficult experiences of her childhood into deeply personal songs. Her latest project, Generational Heartbreak, explores how our past shapes us, the patterns we inherit, and the possibility of breaking cycles to create something better for the next generation. Ashley opens up about growing up in a rocky home environment alongside her two sisters and how those early experiences shaped the woman she's become. She shares why songwriting became her outlet at just 11 years old—a way to process emotions, make sense of painful experiences, and eventually recognize how God was working through her story. The conversation also explores the pressure young women face to fit a certain image, especially in the music industry. Ashley gets candid about the temptation to become the "cool and edgy girl," the constant comparison that comes with pursuing a career in entertainment, and why she's determined not to let fame, success, or other people's opinions determine her worth. For Ashley, her identity isn't found in the numbers, the opportunities, or the recognition—it's rooted in something much bigger. Ashley also shares how her relationship with Jesus has evolved over the years. Although she grew up around faith, she admits there was a season in high school when she struggled with what she believed. Looking back, she recognizes that those difficult seasons helped strengthen her relationship with God. As she puts it, "The test is part of your testimony." Brooke, Mark, and Ashley unpack what it means to pursue success without making it an idol. Ashley admits that even after playing incredible shows, meeting influential people, and reaching career milestones, there's always another goal waiting around the corner. She's learning that there may never be a moment when she's finally "made it"—and that real joy and fulfillment can't come from the next achievement. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Ashley shares her perspective on representing Jesus in country music. Performing for thousands of people, she sometimes wrestles with whether she should speak more openly about her faith from the stage. But having experienced her own season of doubt, she understands that not everyone is ready to hear that message in the same way. Rather than making people feel excluded, Ashley wants to live a life that makes people curious about Jesus. She believes that showing genuine love, meeting people where they are, and treating everyone with kindness can sometimes speak louder than anything said into a microphone. They also discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, guarding your heart, recognizing God-given wisdom, and using your gifts to serve others rather than simply elevate yourself. As the episode comes to a close, Ashley shares what she's praying for in this season of her life: that God would continue to protect her heart and keep her motivations in the right place as her career grows. 🎧 If you've ever struggled with comparison, questioned your worth, or wondered how to pursue big dreams while keeping God at the center, Ashley's story is a reminder that your past doesn't have to define your future, your success doesn't determine your value, and the greatest impact you can make may be through the way you love others. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Country artist Drew Baldridge is back on The Upload—making him Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans’ first-ever returning guest. And a lot has changed since his first conversation with Brooke. After years of navigating the music industry independently, Drew now has a major-label deal, a No. 1 song with “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” two young boys at home, and a new album that might be his most personal yet: Farm Faith Family. Drew shares how the three pillars behind the album—farm, faith and family—tell the story of where he came from and who he wants to be. Growing up on a farm in Southern Illinois taught him that a music career isn’t all that different from farming: you plant seeds, endure droughts, weather the storms and trust that something will eventually grow. He gets emotional remembering the season when he was struggling to pay rent in Nashville and his grandfather quietly sold a load of wheat to help keep his dream alive. The conversation turns to what it means to be a godly man in a culture that often celebrates something very different. Drew shares the story behind “A Man Don’t,” a song inspired by learning that someone he knew had been unfaithful in his marriage. Now raising two boys of his own, Drew says he wants them to grow up knowing what a biblical man looks like: someone who stays, leads, takes responsibility, loves his family and is willing to be called higher when he gets it wrong. Drew also gets honest about the tension of making message-driven country music in an industry where those songs don’t always fit neatly into the mold. He shares the discouragement of being told by a major country platform that his music didn’t fit its messaging—and the questions that can creep in when choosing songs about faith, commitment and family instead of simply chasing what seems most commercially successful. For Drew, the answer keeps coming back to the same thing: stay rooted in truth and keep using the gift God gave him. That perspective inspired another song on the album, “Maker’s Mark.” After the success of “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” Drew found himself wondering what any of the accomplishments would actually mean when he one day stands before God. A No. 1 song, money and career success won't be what matters. The question he wants to be able to answer is: Where did I leave my Maker’s mark? Brooke, Mark and Drew unpack what it means to steward whatever gift God has given you—whether that gift puts you on a stage or simply allows you to show up for someone who needs help. They talk about surrounding yourself with people who will sharpen you, opening up when you’re struggling, saying no to the things culture tells you are normal, and viewing your everyday work as an act of worship. And in one of the most personal moments of the episode, Drew talks about the tension he feels between a career he believes is a ministry and the family he desperately wants to be present for. Now that his oldest son understands when Daddy is leaving for the road, those goodbyes hit differently. When Brooke asks what he hopes his boys will one day say mattered most to their dad, Drew’s answer is simple: “He tried to walk like Jesus did.” 🎧 If you’ve ever wrestled with ambition, comparison, family, or how to stay faithful to who God called you to be when the world is pulling you somewhere else, this conversation is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you accomplish—it’s about what you do with what God gave you. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with Hannah Love Mooney—wife of Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney, mom of four boys, former Miss Arkansas USA, and host of the Unexpected with Hannah Lovepodcast—for an honest conversation about motherhood, faith, spiritual warfare, and raising children to know Jesus for themselves.  Hannah opens up about the responsibility she feels raising four boys in a world dominated by screens, comparison, fear, and competing messages. She shares the prayers she has spoken over her sons since they were born, why she prays for their future wives already, and the philosophy she and Shay try to live by: “Our ceiling is their floor.” The more healing, growth, and spiritual work they do now, the stronger the foundation their children have to build upon.  The conversation goes deeper into spiritual warfare and discernment as Hannah shares how her understanding of the Holy Spirit changed after marrying Shay and how experiences with prayer, dreams, and discernment made her faith more personal. She explains why she sees herself as the “gatekeeper” of her home and why she believes parents need to equip their children spiritually rather than simply trying to shield them from everything difficult in the world. Hannah also gets vulnerable about walking through painful and frightening seasons with faith. She recalls a terrifying accident involving one of their sons that required him to be flown to the hospital, as well as losing a pregnancy last December. In the midst of that loss, Hannah says her response wasn't to ask God, “How could You do this to me?” but to thank Him—something she says only makes sense through the supernatural grace of God.  Brooke, Mark, and Hannah also unpack what it means to walk in the authority believers have through Jesus, choose faith instead of fear, put God's Word before the countless other demands of life, and speak truth even when the world may not understand it. Hannah closes by sharing the very real mental load she's carrying in her current season: homeschooling, raising four boys, building their forever home near family in Arkansas, preparing for Shay to head back on tour, and trying to trust that God has already gone before them in every transition.  It's a candid conversation about imperfect parenting, bold faith, surrender, and trusting that we don't have to control everything when we know Who does. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor sits down with rising country trio DEK of Hearts—Dylan John, Emily Clapp, and Colin Bailey—for a conversation about faith, friendship, music, and following God's calling even when it doesn't fit neatly into the box others expect. The three met while studying music at Trevecca Nazarene University, where their individual backgrounds in worship, country, pop, and bluegrass eventually came together. What started with singing on worship teams and grinding through shows in Nashville bars has quickly turned into a whirlwind journey that includes a four-chair turn on The Voice, touring with Carly Pearce, and stepping into the Grand Ole Opry circle for the first time. Through it all, they say they've seen God entrust them with “a little bit, and then a little bit more”—teaching them to be faithful with every season along the way. DEK of Hearts also opens up about an early industry meeting where they were told they didn't quite fit the mold and were encouraged to consider becoming a Christian or worship group. But the trio felt strongly that wasn't where God was calling them. Instead, they believe their ministry is happening right where they are—in country music, bars, festivals, and rooms filled with people who may never walk through the doors of a church. As Emily puts it, sometimes people encounter the Holy Spirit through a song that doesn't even mention Jesus' name. The trio also gets vulnerable about the stories behind their music. Colin shares how his mother's struggle with alcoholism inspired their song “Dear Old Whiskey”—written not to condemn the person battling addiction, but from the perspective of a little boy wishing he could speak directly to the substance hurting his family. It's an example of the difficult, honest stories they hope to tell through their music, from addiction and divorce to grief and loss. And while their career is moving quickly, DEK of Hearts is intentional about keeping each other grounded. They share why they went to counseling together before The Voice, how they call each other out when pride creeps in, and why being a trio has become less like simply being bandmates and more like doing life together. For them, the relationships—and the spiritual growth that comes from knowing each other's flaws and choosing to walk alongside one another anyway—have become an even greater blessing than the music itself. From playing for quesadillas and traveling in a disastrous RV to standing on the Opry stage, this conversation is a reminder not to become so focused on the destination that you miss what God is doing along the way. DEK of Hearts may have big dreams for what's next, but their goal is simple: steward what's in front of them, stay faithful to their calling, and let Jesus shine through wherever the music takes them. 🎧 If you've ever felt like your calling didn't fit the expected mold, this episode is an encouragement to trust where God has placed you—and remember that ministry can happen anywhere. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with singer-songwriter and The Voice finalist Morgan Myles for a raw conversation about heartbreak, resilience, surrender, and trusting God when life doesn't go according to plan. Morgan opens up about one of the biggest decisions of her life: calling off her wedding just months before she was supposed to walk down the aisle. After she and her fiancé bought a house together, Morgan says things began to change and incompatibilities she could no longer ignore—including differences in their faith—became clear. Despite the invitations being sent and plans already in motion, Morgan knew she couldn't move forward simply because she was afraid of embarrassment or disappointing other people. Her biggest lesson from walking away? Never settle. In an incredible twist, Morgan had a show just 30 minutes after ending the engagement. Rather than canceling, she walked onstage with her guitar, told the crowd what had just happened, and performed. Looking back, she describes the decision not with regret, but with relief—and a belief that God had different plans for her life. Morgan also shares how years of rejection, loss, and navigating the music industry have deepened her relationship with God. She gets candid about the pressure to measure success through streams, followers, likes, and career milestones—and why she's trying to trade control for surrender. Instead of asking how far her career can take her, Morgan says her prayer has become: “Lord, make me a better vessel.” The conversation explores knowing when it's time to leave a relationship, listening to the convictions God places on your heart, finding peace in letting go, and refusing to allow another person to dim the light and purpose God has given you. Morgan also explains why her concerts have evolved into something deeper than performances—creating spaces where fans share their own stories of heartbreak, abuse, loss, and healing and find connection through music. And through it all, Morgan reflects on the importance of perspective. After losing a close friend to cancer at just 36, she shares how grief has reminded her how quickly life can change and how little so many of the things we stress about actually matter. From a broken engagement to career rejection, grief, anxiety, and learning to loosen her grip on the future, Morgan's story is a reminder that sometimes there's peace in the leaving—and God's plan requires the courage to let go. 🎧 If you've ever wondered whether you should stay, struggled to surrender control, or felt like your worth was tied to someone else's approval or your own success, this conversation is an encouragement to trust God, know your worth, and never settle. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor sits down with American Idol runner-up Jordan McCullough for an inspiring conversation about rejection, surrender, worship, and discovering that God's delays are often His greatest preparation. Before captivating millions of viewers on American Idol and making his Grand Ole Opry debut, Jordan experienced a crushing disappointment that almost made him give up on music altogether. After auditioning for The Voice and receiving no chair turns, he wrestled with shame, disappointment, and wondering why God had allowed him to fail so publicly. But looking back now, Jordan sees that season differently—not as rejection, but as God's loving preparation for something far greater. Jordan shares how fully surrendering his dreams to God in 2019 transformed everything. Instead of chasing success, he began pursuing a genuine relationship with Christ, stepping into full-time ministry as a worship leader before God unexpectedly opened the door to American Idol. This time, his identity wasn't rooted in the outcome—it was rooted in Jesus. Together, they discuss: Why God's "wait" is often preparation, not denial Recovering after public rejection and disappointment Living boldly for Christ in the entertainment industry The difference between being a "church kid" and a Christ follower Why worship is about your heart—not your performance Laying down pride and surrendering every success back to God Navigating sudden success with humility and grace Trusting God's identity for your life over the world's expectations One of the most encouraging moments of the conversation comes as Jordan reflects on the years between The Voice and American Idol. What once felt like failure became the very season God used to refine his character, deepen his faith, and prepare him for the platform he has today. As Jordan puts it, if success had come earlier, he wouldn't have been ready to steward it well. Brooke and Jordan also dive into the beauty of authentic worship, reminding listeners that there isn't one "right" way to worship God. Whether your hands are raised high or you're quietly reflecting in your seat, God is after your heart—not your performance. Honest, uplifting, and full of wisdom, this episode is a reminder that God's timing is never late, His preparation always has purpose, and the greatest success you'll ever find is becoming who He created you to be. 🎧 If you've ever faced rejection, questioned God's timing, or wondered whether your season of waiting has a purpose, this conversation will encourage you to keep trusting—even when you can't yet see what God is preparing you for. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with singer-songwriter Franni Cash for one of the most vulnerable conversations yet. Known to many as the former frontwoman of We The Kingdom, Franni opens up about the painful reality of growing up in a controlling religious cult, the long road to healing, and how she ultimately discovered the true heart of Jesus. Franni shares how her family's involvement with a manipulative spiritual leader distorted her view of God from a young age. After the group's abuse and deception were publicly exposed, she found herself wrestling with church hurt, forgiveness, and one life-changing question: Who is Jesus, really? Rather than walking away from faith, Franni dove into Scripture for herself. Through reading the Gospels, she encountered a Savior who wasn't controlling or condemning, but gentle, compassionate, and deeply personal. She reflects on how learning to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit transformed her understanding of God's character—and gave her the confidence to follow Him instead of relying on the opinions of others. Together, they discuss: Escaping spiritual abuse and rebuilding faith The difference between religion and a relationship with Jesus Why church hurt doesn't have to be the end of your story Learning to hear God's voice for yourself The role of pastors, discernment, and spiritual authority Forgiveness, healing, and finding freedom after trauma Why authentic storytelling matters in Christian music Franni also shares what led her to step away from We The Kingdom and launch her solo career. She opens up about writing deeply personal songs—including Raised by Wolves—and why she felt God calling her to tell the difficult parts of her story in hopes that others would find healing, freedom, and the courage to believe they aren't alone. This episode is an honest reminder that even when people misrepresent God, Jesus remains the same. He isn't afraid of your questions, your doubts, or your pain—and He is still in the business of redeeming broken stories. 🎧 If you've experienced church hurt, questioned your faith, or longed to hear God's voice for yourself, this conversation offers hope that healing is possible—and that the real Jesus is far kinder than you may have imagined. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with award-winning Christian artist, author, and songwriter Matthew West for a powerful conversation about authenticity, prayer, parenting, marriage, and what it truly means to walk with God. As a preacher's kid who has spent more than two decades in the spotlight, Matthew reflects on the pressure of always looking like he had it all together—and why he's spent much of his faith journey learning to "shed the performer." He shares how losing his voice early in his career forced him into a season of silence and solitude, where God began teaching him that his identity was never meant to be found in success or performance, but in simply being His child. The conversation dives into Matthew's latest message of Don't Stop Praying, inspired by years of praying for a loved one battling addiction. He encourages anyone who's growing weary in prayer to keep believing, reminding listeners that even when God's answers don't come on our timeline, He is always working. Brooke also vulnerably shares her own journey through miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, and praying, "Lord, I believe—help my unbelief." Together, they discuss: Why authenticity is more powerful than perfection Learning to pray without ceasing in everyday life The difference between talking about Jesus and talking to Him Navigating marriage through humility, forgiveness, and grace Parenting daughters with gentleness, honesty, and intentionality The importance of silence, solitude, and hearing God's voice Why following God's plan is better than asking Him to bless your own One of the most memorable moments of the episode comes as Matthew recounts a father-daughter exercise where his blindfolded daughter had to navigate a trail by remembering three simple truths: "I'll never leave you. You can ask me anything. Only listen for the sound of my voice." What unfolded became a profound picture of God's relationship with His children—and a reminder that even when we find ourselves in life's ditches, our Heavenly Father is still there, waiting for us to call out to Him. Honest, funny, and deeply encouraging, this episode is filled with practical wisdom for anyone longing to deepen their prayer life, pursue authentic faith, and trust God's voice above every other.  🎧 If you've ever struggled with unanswered prayers, performance, parenting, or simply slowing down long enough to hear God speak, this conversation will encourage you to keep walking—and keep praying. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor sits down with Bri McNees from Love Is Blind for an honest and vulnerable conversation about faith, identity, community, and what happens when your life suddenly becomes public overnight. While millions of viewers watched Bri's journey unfold on screen, this conversation goes far beyond reality television. Bri opens up about the challenges of navigating criticism, judgment, and online scrutiny while remaining grounded in her faith. She shares why being a Christian was always one of her biggest non-negotiables in dating, how her faith shaped her experience on the show, and why she ultimately decided to publicly declare her identity in Christ after the cameras stopped rolling. Bri reflects on the difference between perception and reality, explaining how much of her faith journey never made it to air. She shares powerful stories about finding community in unexpected places, bringing Bible verses into the pods, and leaning on prayer and Scripture when the pressures of public attention became overwhelming. Together, Brooke and Bri discuss: Finding your identity in Christ instead of public opinion Navigating criticism, hate, and social media negativity Why community is essential to surviving life's hardest seasons The power of accountability and surrounding yourself with the right people Learning to trust God when doors close unexpectedly How to discern God's direction during seasons of uncertainty Why faith is more than a Sunday morning routine One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes as Bri shares how her church community and prayer warriors carried her through the emotional aftermath of reality television. She explains how God used one of the most challenging seasons of her life to strengthen her faith, deepen her identity, and remind her that her worth is not found in followers, public perception, or approval from others—but in Christ alone. From conversations about spiritual warfare and putting on the "armor of God" to practical wisdom about relationships, community, and surrender, this episode is filled with encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the noise of the world.  🎧 If you've ever struggled with criticism, questioned your identity, or wondered how to stay rooted in your faith when life feels uncertain, this conversation will remind you where true confidence is found. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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🎥 TikTok — @theuploadlife🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Upload, host Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans sit down with country artist and songwriter Jackie Lee for one of the most raw, honest conversations yet.What starts as a lighthearted catch-up quickly turns into a powerful discussion about faith, loss, and what it really looks like to trust God when life doesn’t go the way you planned. Jackie opens up about walking through unimaginable hardship — from losing his mom to battling cancer — and how those seasons reshaped his perspective on purpose, pain, and what truly matters.They dive into the tension between ambition and surrender, the struggle of navigating broken relationships without bitterness, and the fine line between judgment and discernment. Jackie shares what he’s learning in real time about letting go of control, trusting God’s timing, and believing that even the hardest seasons might be working for you, not against you. From chasing dreams in a “10-year town” like Nashville to wrestling with identity, calling, and success, this episode is a reminder that faith isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about staying open, moldable, and willing to say, “not my will, but Yours.”If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or in the middle of a story that doesn’t make sense yet… this conversation is for you. Follow The Upload:📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The UploadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.