In this episode of Rock in a Hard Place, we are joined by singer Tommy Green from the band Holy Name. Tommy talks with Jon Micah and James about years of touring with his previous band, legendary Christian metal band Sleeping Giant, and the genesis of his new musical project, Holy Name. From a few songs recorded during the pandemic, then being approached by Facedown Records to make an album, the duo has released an epic heavy metal worship album. The guys discuss experiencing changes in relationship to the Church in general, and within a closer personal community after dealing with church hurt, moral failures in leadership, and other disappointments. Tommy talks about dealing with a deeply painful season of profound loss, after miscarriages and grieving the deaths of several family members, and how to give that sorrow to Jesus. We discuss feeling used, the power of lyrics, being patient with God, after feeling brokenhearted. Dealing with trauma, clinical depression, and anxiety while trying to figure out how to draw close to God again. When competition and growth for the sake of growth equals cancer for the Church. The next great step forward towards unity in the Church. Tommy describes his journey growing close to God again through the Orthodox Church.

James and Jon Micah welcome Dave Luetkenhoelter, former bass player of Kutless, to the show! On this episode of Rock In a Hard Place, we catch up with our good friend, and hear about his life with his family down in Texas! Dave tells us about his work in student ministry, and encouraging students to have healthy spiritual disciplines in their life. We talk about some of our favorite touring and recording memories from his time in the band, epic prank wars, recording at Abbey Road Studios, and we even get his point of view on some “fan-favorite” prank stories. Be warned, we also discuss one of the most bizarre and traumatic experiences of our career. How God used a young fan named Gabby to galvanize within our group a deep passion for preaching the Gospel and helping people find faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - a story that impacted us deeply, and how it all got wrapped up in lies and deception. An almost book. Healing after manipulation based trauma. What God showed us even amidst all the confusion. Join us, and our friend’s very squeaky chair for a very inspiring conversation. Thanks Lucky!

On this episode of Rock in a Hard Place, James and Jon Micah talk about AI and try to figure out if it’s going to take over the world! From how it’s affecting students in schools, to the impact AI is having on art and music. Chat GPT writes an action movie plot about the band fighting off an international group of terrorists, called ‘Kutless: Unshaken.’ Other prompts include, ‘The Unfunny King’ and a story about Tom Brady coming out of retirement from the NFL again to drive Formula 1 for team Red Bull. Jon Micah and James remember the Hearts of the Innocent era and making the music video for their song ‘Shut Me Out’ with a full Hollywood crew, on location at an abandoned warehouse in Los Angeles, and share some BTS stories. The story behind the song "Smile". Going on the Hearts of the Innocent Tour, sponsored by Suzuki. How do you talk to people that don’t believe the same as you? Why does the Church get wrapped up in “do’s and don’t s,” or being “right,” but misses people entirely? How do we create durability in discipleship? Jon Micah talks about the challenge in his life to be more relational, more loving, and more focused on the individual. James talks about how to have more compassion and empathy for the world around you.