Podcast Summary: Marketing Made Simple

Episode: Why That Worked #28: John Mark McMillan—How to Make Promotion a Part of the Creative Process
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host/Author: Powered by StoryBrand
Guest: John Mark McMillan
Duration: 44 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of Marketing Made Simple, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed welcome acclaimed musician John Mark McMillan to discuss the intersection of art and marketing. The conversation delves into how artists can seamlessly integrate promotion into their creative processes, fostering authentic connections with their audience.

John Mark McMillan’s Artistic Journey

Kyle Reed begins by providing a backstory on John Mark McMillan, highlighting his two-decade-long career and extensive discography. [01:24]

John Mark McMillan reflects on his prolific output:

“I have them all up on my wall and it's kind of mind-blowing. And then like, when I'm coming up with a set list, I have to pick from like 120 songs.” [02:19]

Merging Art and Promotion

The discussion shifts to the critical juncture where McMillan realized that art and promotion cannot be separate entities. [04:01]

John Mark McMillan shares a pivotal moment:

“I reached a point where I realized that the two can't be separate, that promoting has to be part of the art itself, has to be an extension of the art itself.” [04:16]

He elaborates on taking control of his business vision after parting ways with his business manager, which led him to discover the StoryBrand podcast. This revelation was transformative, helping him articulate his purpose and vision:

“My vision is I want to curate transcendent moments where human beings can have a conversation with God about their place in the world. I do that through music.” [06:50]

Crafting Authentic Connections through Music

McMillan emphasizes the importance of creating music that resonates on both conscious and subconscious levels. [10:02]

He explains:

“Music is the way we practice not being alone in the world... It makes you feel connected to something.” [10:15]

The hosts discuss how authenticity in messaging fosters meaningful relationships with listeners. McMillan adds:

“If you can help people figure themselves out a little bit, even if they don't know you're doing that, they will share it and they'll support you.” [12:05]

Social Media and Marketing Strategies

Transitioning to the marketing side, McMillan shares his approach to social media as an extension of his music. [20:27]

He outlines his strategy:

“I see the strategy as, like, a frame. The form had to change. But the idea stays the same.” [08:16]

McMillan discusses the balance between creating attention and fostering connection:

“A viral moment is an opportunity, build connection with people.” [21:49]

He highlights the importance of vulnerability in storytelling to engage his audience effectively:

“I'm telling my story in a hopefully somewhat vulnerable way that opens up the door for someone to see themselves in what I'm doing.” [11:01]

Creating and Articulating Musical Feelings

The conversation delves into McMillan’s songwriting process, emphasizing the role of emotions and surrender over control. [37:01]

John Mark McMillan shares his experience:

“The good ones always begin in that little bit of mysterious place of surrender where you're like, what do you want to say?” [42:43]

He recounts a transformative period post-breakup where his most resonant songs emerged from a place of personal vulnerability:

“People connected to those songs because I was writing songs of surrender, as the other songs were songs of control.” [41:55]

Balancing Authenticity and Marketing

McMillan discusses the evolution of his public persona and comfort with fame. Initially resistant to self-promotion, he now views interactions with fans as meaningful connections rather than personal validations:

“When they come up to me, they're not really coming up to me... They want to express that they've had this experience.” [35:20]

He emphasizes creating an environment where listeners can find themselves through his music:

“I'm hoping I'm creating an environment where people can find themselves, you know, partly because I'm kind of finding myself in the music as well.” [33:22]

Conclusion

John Mark McMillan’s insights reveal the intricate balance between maintaining artistic integrity and embracing strategic promotion. By integrating marketing into his creative process, he fosters deep, authentic connections with his audience, ensuring his music resonates and endures.

Key Takeaways:

• Integration of Art and Promotion: Successful artists merge their creative and promotional efforts to maintain authenticity.
• Authentic Storytelling: Vulnerability in messaging fosters meaningful connections with the audience.
• Strategic Use of Social Media: Treating social platforms as extensions of the artistic expression can enhance engagement.
• Emotional Resonance in Music: Creating music that connects on emotional levels ensures long-term listener loyalty.
• Evolving Public Persona: Embracing interactions with fans as connections rather than personal endorsements enhances an artist’s relatability.

Notable Quotes:

• “I want to curate transcendent moments where human beings can have a conversation with God about their place in the world. I do that through music.” — John Mark McMillan [06:50]
• “Music is the way we practice not being alone in the world... It makes you feel connected to something.” — John Mark McMillan [10:15]
• “The good ones always begin in that little bit of mysterious place of surrender where you're like, what do you want to say?” — John Mark McMillan [42:43]

For more insights and actionable marketing strategies, subscribe to the Marketing Made Simple podcast and follow John Mark McMillan on Instagram @johnmarkmcmillen or visit johnmarkmcmillen.com.