#94 - Steven Curtis Chapman: I Wasn't Gonna Survive This Darkness

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What does it cost to keep singing about hope when your heart is shattered, success feels hollow, and grief follows you onto the biggest stages in the world?

Steven Curtis Chapman, the most awarded artist in Christian music history, five time Grammy winner, and the first contemporary Christian artist inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, joins Tim and Troy Green for a rare and unguarded conversation. This is not a highlight reel. It is the story of self doubt behind success, of nearly walking away from music, of adoption born from grace, and of worship sung in the shadow of unimaginable loss.

Steven reflects on the fleeting highs of acclaim, the quiet weight of family and marriage, and how songs like “Cinderella” emerged from pain rather than polish. Together, they explore faith under pressure, hope forged through suffering, and why the most enduring music often comes from the darkest valleys.

If you have ever questioned whether faith can survive profound loss, or whether calling and family can coexist under unbearable strain, this episode speaks directly to that place.

RESOURCES & LINKS

Show Hope – Steven and Mary Beth’s adoption ministry caring for orphans worldwide Visit: https://showhope.org

Steven Curtis Chapman – Music, tour dates, and more Visit: https://stevencurtischapman.com

Colony House – Music from Steven’s sons Caleb and Will Chapman Visit: https://colonyhousemusic.com

CHAPTERS 00:00 Trailer 00:59 Intro 01:35 Introducing Steven Curtis Chapman 03:13 The Journey to Success 05:25 Struggles and Triumphs 09:09 The Calling and Craft of Songwriting 13:46 Breakthrough Moments and Personal Reflections 20:27 The Great Adventure and Unexpected Challenges 42:11 Reflecting on Self Doubt and Support 46:52 Grief, Faith, and God’s Faithfulness 52:06 Writing Songs Through Pain and Healing 01:01:56 The Impact of Adoption on Faith and Family 01:25:23 The Evolution of Music and Personal Growth 01:27:45 The One Song That Sums It All Up 01:29:40 Staying Humble Amidst Success 01:32:18 A Full Circle Moment at the Grand Ole Opry 01:33:47 Unreleased Songs and Mental Health 01:37:47 Beauty from Ashes: Show Hope and Maria’s Big House of Hope 01:41:14 The Grand Ole Opry Induction and Family Legacy 01:46:40 The Steve Saint Story: A Tale of Forgiveness 01:51:56 Faith Through Adversity 01:58:18 Family and Legacy 02:03:55 Final Reflections and Gratitude

SPONSORS ElevenLabs: Thanks to ElevenLabs for supporting this episode and powering Tim’s voice.
https://elevenlabs.io

SOCIAL Website: https://nlupod.com X: https://x.com/nlutimgreen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NLUpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nlupod

LISTEN ON OTHER PLATFORMS Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nothing-left-unsaid/id1734094890 Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Nothing-Left-Unsaid/B0CWTCRKGZ Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6405921?country=us Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1734094890 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-nothing-left-unsaid-155769998/

PERSONAL Tackle ALS: https://www.tackleals.com Tim Green Books: https://authortimgreen.com Tim’s New Book, Rocket Arm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062796895/

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