Living What We Preach (feat. Matthew West)

Summary

Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley: "Living What We Preach" (ft. Matthew West)

PodcastOne | March 3, 2026

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Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode of Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley features Grammy-nominated Christian singer-songwriter Matthew West. Together, Savannah and Matthew dive deeply into what it means to authentically "live what we preach"—living faith not just as a public performance but as a genuine part of daily life, especially in family, parenting, adversity, and personal growth. The conversation is rich with vulnerability, humor, faith, and actionable insights about spirituality, forgiveness, raising children, breaking generational cycles, and pursuing purpose even when life gets difficult.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Embracing Vulnerability and Laughter (00:26–03:20)

• Savannah and Matthew kick off with playful banter about Savannah’s appearance on The Masked Singer as the “Afghan Hound,” poking fun at her own lack of musical skills.
  • Quote: "I have no musical ability, so sitting beside someone who's just a musical genius and then you have me." —Savannah (00:53)
  • Matthew praises Savannah’s fearlessness, drawing a comparison to his wife’s bold karaoke attempts, underlining the importance of enjoying life's lighter, silly moments.
  • Quote: "When someone puts themselves out there, it, like, pulls everybody else along and makes everybody else more comfortable." —Matthew (03:12)

2. Growing Up as a Preacher’s Kid and Living Under Pressure (04:43–07:40)

• Matthew discusses his childhood as a preacher’s kid and the pressure it created to "always be on."
  • Quote: "It always felt like all eyes were on me... that's one of the dangers of growing up as a preacher's kid." —Matthew (05:32)
• Savannah relates, sharing her mother's similar upbringing.
• They discuss the challenges of dual identities: public faith leader versus private family member.
  • Quote: "You don’t want to be one way on stage and in front of people, and then another way backstage." —Matthew (07:00)

3. Authenticity and Avoiding a "Performative" Faith (07:41–11:19)

• Matthew opens up about the temptation for faith leaders (and Christians in the spotlight) to be “performative” and the struggle to align public persona with private reality.
  • Quote: "The danger is being... performative. You don't want to have these two versions of you." —Matthew (07:00)
• He shares a powerful lesson from his father about focusing on a personal relationship with God, not people.
  • Quote: "Humans are going to disappoint you and let you down... keep your eyes on Him." —Matthew (07:59)
• Savannah’s mother’s advice: “You may be the only Bible that someone reads.” (08:43)

4. The Difficulty of Forgiveness and Accepting Grace (13:58–19:18)

• They discuss the countercultural, sometimes troubling idea of God's grace being freely available to all—even the gravest offenders if they ask for forgiveness.
  • Quote: "Accepting a gift you know you don’t deserve is always hard, and that's what God's grace is." —Matthew (16:47)
• The power and challenge of forgiveness—not only of others but of oneself.
  • Quote: "The enemy tries to work in our lives to let shame overshadow the power of God's grace." —Matthew (18:04)

5. Faith Amid Adversity: “Where Is God in the Hard?” (19:18–21:57)

• Savannah and Matthew relate to people facing hardship, highlighting public figures like Savannah Guthrie holding to faith through personal crisis.
• Matthew recounts a personal health crisis that threatened his music career and how such moments can clarify what truly grounds you.
  • Quote: "It's those trials we wish we didn't have that wind up making you who you are." —Matthew (21:18)

6. Role Modeling Faith and Humility in Parenting (29:19–35:00)

• Matthew emphasizes living faith at home by example, not just by lecture for his daughters.
  • Quote: "Do our kids see in us...what it looks like to be compassionate towards others?" —Matthew (31:23)
• He praises his wife’s fierce determination to break generational cycles of dysfunction.
  • Quote: "Whatever dysfunction you grew up in doesn't dictate what kind of parent you're going to become." —Matthew (33:47)
• The importance of humility: apologizing to children when parents “blow it.”
  • Quote: "Some of the most special moments with my kids have been like when dad blew it but was humble enough to go knock on my daughter's bedroom door and be like, 'Hey, I apologize.'" —Matthew (34:19)

7. Marriage, Commitment, and the Power of Example (39:18–44:31)

• Both reflect on entering marriage with a determination to never choose divorce as an option, celebrating the idea (and song!) that "we wrote it down in pen."
  • Quote: "The world writes it down in pencil, but we wrote it down in pen. They say when love gets hard, take back your heart and start again. But you and me dare to believe in a love that has no end." —Matthew (40:15)
• Savannah discusses the value of healthy marital and family structures, referencing her therapist's "totem pole" for priorities: God, marriage, children, then career.

8. Purpose, Service, and Redemption – Sharing Stories & Prison Ministry (46:15–56:06)

• Matthew describes his nonprofit and the “story songs” project—how everyone’s story matters, even the broken parts.
• They discuss working with prisons, the transformative nature of music and faith for the incarcerated.
  • Quote: "Some of the most special concerts I've ever done were not at Bridgestone arena...they were behind bars." —Matthew (52:01)
• Powerful stories about prison, restoration, and the impact one person (like his late friend Cindy, who served women prisoners) can have in breaking cycles and bringing hope.

9. Why Grace Still Shocks Us & The Thief on the Cross (56:06–57:29)

• Matthew shares the story that inspired his song "The Man on the Middle Cross," highlighting that entry to heaven is about grace, not earned merit.
  • Quote: "I'm here because the man on the middle cross said I could come." —Matthew (57:21)

10. Final Reflections: Hope for the Hopeless & Upcoming Projects (57:38–61:39)

• Matthew encourages those who feel God is “done with them” with Jeremiah 29:11.
  • Quote: "Pay attention to the present tense in that scripture. I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...They're still right here in this moment." —Matthew (59:49)
• He announces his new book Don’t Stop Praying, a 40-day devotional, and new music releases. (57:38)
• Savannah teases his soothing audiobook narration.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Humans are going to disappoint you and let you down... keep your eyes on Him." —Matthew (07:59)
• "You may be the only Bible that someone reads." —Savannah’s mother (08:43)
• "Accepting a gift you know you don’t deserve is always hard, and that's what God's grace is." —Matthew (16:47)
• "Some of the most special moments with my kids have been like when dad blew it but was humble enough to go knock on my daughter's bedroom door and be like, 'Hey, I apologize.'" —Matthew (34:19)
• "I'm here because the man on the middle cross said I could come." —Matthew (57:21)
• "Pay attention to the present tense in that scripture...He still has plans for you. Even if you think you've screwed up every plan you've ever had." —Matthew (59:49)
• Lighthearted moment: "You could sing it with me on the Masked Singer." —Matthew to Savannah (40:44)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:26 – Savannah’s Masked Singer story & lesson on fearlessness
• 07:00 – Dangers of “performative” Christianity
• 11:02 – The critical importance of being the same person at home and on stage
• 14:29 – How to start a journey with God, and faith as God’s pursuit not our works
• 21:18 – Faith and perseverance in the middle of trials
• 29:19 – Faith-based parenting and leading by example
• 34:19 – The transformational power of parental humility
• 40:15 – Commitment in marriage: "We wrote it down in pen"
• 46:15 – The power of telling your story & prison ministry
• 52:01 – Most meaningful concerts are “behind bars”
• 56:06 – The shock and beauty of grace, inspired by the thief on the cross
• 59:49 – Encouragement for those who feel hopeless: Jeremiah 29:11

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Resources & Calls to Action

• Matthew West’s Book: Don’t Stop Praying (available on Amazon and as audiobook)
• New Music: Songs inspired by faith and authenticity, including an unreleased song about marital commitment
• Matthew West Website: matthewwest.com
• Prison Ministry: Opportunities for getting involved, leveraging music, and the importance of second chances

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Episode Tone & Final Takeaways

This episode is both deeply spiritual and down-to-earth, full of honest admissions, laughter, and encouragement, making faith approachable and real. Both Savannah and Matthew press listeners to make faith more than a public act—it’s a call to authenticity, humility, and service, reminding all that no one is beyond hope or redemption.

"That's why your listeners love you. They're like, hey, she ain't scared, so why should we?" —Matthew (61:01)

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Transcript

[Podcast Host]

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[Matthew West]

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[Podcast Host]

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[Matthew West]

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[Podcast Host]

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[Matthew West]

with Progressive between October 2022 and September 2023.

[Podcast Host]

Potential savings will vary. Welcome back to this week's episode of Unlocked. I have Matthew west on and yes, we're already laughing. We're laughing actually at me and with me. Because I just showed him my Masked Singer video.

[Matthew West]

I gotta say, like, I was a big fan before, but after seeing this clip, I don't know how I missed this on primetime television. But it was you on the Masked Singer.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

That might be the best thing I've seen all year.

[Podcast Host]

It was, it was definitely an interesting thing. I mean, I have no musical ability, so sitting beside someone who's like just a musical genius and then you have me.

[Matthew West]

Well, I. Don't sell yourself short. That was impressive. I didn't. I thought it was a. Like they had you dressed up as a Afghan hound, which I didn't even know.

[Podcast Host]

I didn't even know was a thing.

[Matthew West]

But that was amazing. And you're singing in the jungle.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. And the craziest part of the whole thing is when you're on these. Once they pick like what your character is gonna be and you're on these calls leading up to it and emails, they will never refer to you by your name.

[Matthew West]

You are.

[Podcast Host]

They'll be like, good morning, Afghan Hound. And it is hilarious.

[Matthew West]

Try to get you into some sort of care.

[Podcast Host]

Well, just because they don't ever want it to come out. Who is underneath the mask? So they just refer to you as your character.

[Matthew West]

So did you practice the song a bunch before you went out and sang it?

[Podcast Host]

So the funny part is, is they put me with like a musical coach and I'm like, guys, this is wasted. Like, that's like a coaches for someone who has some ability and just needs to like hone it in.

[Matthew West]

Did you ever sing as a kid growing up?

[Podcast Host]

No.

[Matthew West]

Okay. So music was never.

[Podcast Host]

No, it was never my thing.

[Matthew West]

So why not just go on national television and sing?

[Podcast Host]

Exactly. It's fine.

[Matthew West]

You're fearless.

[Podcast Host]

I think that's part of it is like trying to live in the moment.

[Matthew West]

I love.

[Podcast Host]

Embarrass yourself, laugh at yourself. Don't take life too serious.

[Matthew West]

That's a great lesson. I want my daughters to live like that, with that kind of fears that reminds me of. And she'll be mad at me when I say this, but when my wife sings karaoke, Stop. Like, she approaches the mic with the same fearlessness of that Afghan Hound.

[Podcast Host]

And is she. Does she have a voice?

[Matthew West]

I. She. Well, she's. She's courageous. Let's just say she puts it out there because her. Her Go to song is always Whitney Houston's I will always love you, which is. Which is hard to sing.

[Podcast Host]

That's like, no one should ever really attempt that. That.

[Matthew West]

Oh, but she does. And she just goes. It's amazing. And she almost hits the note. That's the best part is, like, it's

[Podcast Host]

not quite, but it's almost there.

[Matthew West]

I'm sorry if my wife's listening.

[Podcast Host]

It's okay. It's okay. That was. You said it with so much love, and you're like, all right. I'm not going to say she's bad. I'm just. I'm going to turn to a positive.

[Matthew West]

Well, and when someone. But when someone puts themselves out there, it, like, pulls everybody else along and makes everybody else more comfortable.

[Podcast Host]

Without a doubt.

[Matthew West]

I like to think that the Afghan Hound. You dress as an Afghan Hound. You just made everybody else go, okay, I can do this.

[Podcast Host]

Thank you.

[Matthew West]

Filled everybody else with courage.

[Podcast Host]

And of course, I'm the one that's got my phone not on. Actually, I do, but it's my mother calling.

[Matthew West]

Do you need to take.

[Podcast Host]

It's okay. Will you just text her? Thank you. You know, when you put it on silent, but you have, like, all your

[Matthew West]

favorite contacts, I guarantee you my parents are calling me on my phone, too.

[Podcast Host]

See, but. And that's the thing, though. It's. You look at it and have you seen that thing on social media to where it's like, when a call from your mother comes through and people post it and they're like, I hope this name never, like, doesn't pop up on my phone, you know?

[Matthew West]

So maybe you should answer that.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. Aaron, I know she tried to FaceTime.

[Matthew West]

It was something just got all serious and emotional, you know? So, funny story about my dad. His. He has my songs as his ringtone, so stop now.

[Podcast Host]

How old's your dad?

[Matthew West]

He's 75.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Matthew West]

But, like, literally every time I'm with him, if his phone rings, it's my song. He's like, oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. And I'm like, dad, and I didn't even know you could still have people's songs. I feel like that was a thing you used to.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, that you used to. When it was cool to buy it for, like, 99, like, on a flip

[Matthew West]

phone kind of thing. So I think. I don't know how he's done it, but he's technologically challenged, right? Obviously.

[Podcast Host]

Well, yeah.

[Matthew West]

75, but somebody put my songs on as his ringtone.

[Podcast Host]

That is the sweetest thing. Oh, my gosh. So when it comes to your music, have you always, like, since you were a kid, been, like, new music was what you wanted to do?

[Matthew West]

Well, no, I always wanted to be a baseball player. I was a. I grew up a preacher's kid, and, like, music was always okay.

[Podcast Host]

A preacher's kid?

[Matthew West]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

What? So my mom is the daughter of

[Matthew West]

a Southern Baptist minister, so she's a pk, too. Yeah, we call them pk.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

Or if your parents were missionary, you're an mk.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Matthew West]

Missionary kid. But. Yeah. So. So, okay. Preacher's kids. So I would have a lot in common then.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

We'd have a lot of stories to share.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, yeah. Because my mom was like. I feel like she kind of hit, like, a little rebellious stage because, you know, when you're a preacher's kid, it's like, did you ever feel like you were always. Like you were just being thumped on the head with a Bible?

[Matthew West]

Well, I always felt like I had to be on. Do you know what I mean? Because it always felt like all eyes were on me.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

You know what I mean?

[Podcast Host]

Well, that adds so much pressure.

[Matthew West]

Yes.

[Podcast Host]

It's like you see preachers in today's day and age and the amount of pressure that's on them.

[Matthew West]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And you're like, hey, they're human, too.

[Matthew West]

Right.

[Podcast Host]

And they make mistakes, but society doesn't see it that way.

[Matthew West]

And that pressure funnels down or trickles down to the whole family. Right. So the kids. Like, I had two younger brothers, and so there's just. My parents always did a good job of not putting too much pressure on us, but it's more like just the role and the church itself where. Because you're in the front row every Sunday, you got to sit in the

[Podcast Host]

front row, and you can't not come. Right.

[Matthew West]

And you feel like every eye is watching you. And so I think you kind of. I think that's one of the dangers of growing up as, like, a preacher's kid is like, I wouldn't change my upbringing for the world, but some of every. No matter how blessed you are as a kid, like, there's always an upside and a downside.

[Podcast Host]

Well, you Also are kind of still in that same situation now with your career. You speak about that, like, publicly being. I mean, arguably, like, the largest Christian artist of all time. But the. You speak about, you know, your music and how, you know it's inspirational, and you're basically preaching through music. But then you also have a home life, too.

[Matthew West]

Well, that's the danger of, like, when you're. When your faith is something that you're living out in a public spotlight, often it can become. The danger is being. Becoming performative. Right. Where it's like, you don't. You don't want to have these two versions of you. You don't want to be one way on stage and in front of people, and then another way backstage and offstage. And when you're in your home, it's like. I think about that a lot with my kids, too, because. Okay, in a weird way, they've kind of grown up. I'm not a preacher, but, like, through music. Yeah. And so they have some of the similar pressures, but I don't ever want them to say, you know, dad was one way on stage, but we saw the real him, and you wouldn't want to know that guy. You know what I mean? So that's something that, like, haunts me in a good way.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

And I'm thankful that my mom and my dad, they set a good example. Like, they were like, they always. And they knew the pressure we were under. You know what I mean? And I remember just at times growing up as a high schooler even, I was so, like, angry at the way people in our church would maybe treat our family. That I was. There were points where I was like, if this is what being a Christian is like, I don't know if I want it. And my dad one time, he said to me, though, he's like, listen, you're going to look for God and other people, and sometimes you're going to see glimpses. But ultimately, humans are going to disappoint you and let you down, and you're going to disappoint them and let you down. And so he was always very quick to remind me that, like, your relationship with God needs to be less about other people. Yeah. Trying to see it in other people and more, just keep your eyes on him, because people are going to let you down and you're going to let them down. And so I really think, like, there were some key moments where my mom and my dad spoke truth into my life that kept me from, like, running away or going off the deep end. Do you know what I mean? Where my heart stayed soft towards, like, faith.

[Podcast Host]

Well, my mom would always say, you may be the only Bible that someone reads.

[Matthew West]

Yes. Have you heard that song by Warren Ziders?

[Podcast Host]

Yes. Yes.

[Matthew West]

And he put that quote in a song.

[Podcast Host]

It is so, so good. Good. And that. But when she said that, it really hit me because that is. It really causes you to question maybe what you do or how you live your life or how you approach people.

[Matthew West]

Right.

[Podcast Host]

And so now with your. With your music or with your career, was there ever a point in time to where you felt like you maybe weren't living the life that your music was portraying?

[Matthew West]

Yeah, I mean, I think for me, it's. It's that kind of. One of the reasons why I've been talking a lot lately about prayer is, like, learning. This was kind of hard for me to admit, but I was sort of taking inventory of my own life of going, I think I've gotten better at talking about Jesus than talking to him. And like, that, like, hit me hard because it was like, whoa. I'm spending all this time on stage encouraging other people, but then maybe in my daily life, I'm neglecting the most important conversation I need to have every single day, which is what I. With my creator. Like, am I really living what I'm encouraging other people to live? And I think that's one of the hard parts is almost because your faith is also mixed in with, like, your mission and job in life. It's like there's a temptation to sort of punch a clock and go, oh, yeah, well, I did my good thing for God during my show for that hour on stage.

[Podcast Host]

Now I'm good.

[Matthew West]

Yeah. But then I'll feel this tap on my shoulder as if God's saying, like, hey, there's 23 more hours of your day. It's like, your faith isn't something. It's not a job that you, like, punch in and punch out. It's okay. How am I going to treat the people when I'm off stage? How am I going to act? What kind of dad am I going to be? What kind of husband am I going to be? And that's been a big part from my life, just from day one of, like, having kids. Like, changes a lot of things for you, too, because it's like, I refuse to build a successful music career but be a failure as a dad. Like, I.

[Podcast Host]

That. That.

[Matthew West]

That gets me every single day.

[Podcast Host]

I feel like that would be, like, my biggest fear, like you said, of your kids saying, yeah, he was super. Successful and he changed so many people's lives. But when it comes to my life, he wasn't the same.

[Matthew West]

Yeah, I didn't have much of a relationship with him or whatever. You know what I mean? Like that's to me is like the definition of a failure in life is if you've built some successful thing and then that's not that. Success is not replicated inside your own home.

[Podcast Host]

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[Matthew West]

America's number one motorcycle insurer.

[Podcast Host]

Did you know Riders who switch and

[Matthew West]

save with Progressive save nearly $180 per year. That's a whole new pair of riding gloves and more.

[Podcast Host]

Quote today Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates national average 12 month savings of $178 by new customers surveyed who saved

[Matthew West]

with Progressive between October 2022 and September 2023.

[Podcast Host]

Potential savings will vary. Support for this podcast comes from progressive America's 1 motorcycle insurer. Did you know?

[Matthew West]

Riders who switch and save with Progressive save nearly $180 per year. That's a whole new pair of riding gloves and more.

[Podcast Host]

Quote today, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates national average 12 month savings of $178 by new customers surveyed who saved

[Matthew West]

with Progressive between October 2022 and September 2023.

[Podcast Host]

Potential savings will vary. What would you say for people listening that don't really know where to start with God?

[Matthew West]

Man, that's a great question. I think the starting point is the realization that he's not as far away, that the journey to him is not as far as you might think, Right. And so when I read my Bible, the thing that blows me away, among many things, is really the entire message of the Bible is the story of pursuit. And it's God's pursuit of us. And I think a lot of times we get twisted that it's our pursuit. We think we got to work our way to him. And my whole life, what's crazy is my whole life I've been this, like, I've had this work ethic ever since I was a kid. I think you have it too. Like, you don't. You have to have a work ethic. Oh, you have to go on the Masked Singer. But to do all the things that you do, like you get after it like you're motivated, right? Whether it's personal, family, endeavors or your work, I mean, you, you're not lazy. I've always been the same way where I and that has served me well. Like when I was in high school, sports, I wasn't the most talented and I knew it, but I was going to outwork the other guys.

[Podcast Host]

And that makes a difference.

[Matthew West]

That makes a difference. And then in music, that skill set has served me well too. Or I looked around, I was like, I am not the most talented person on music Grow, but I'm going to outwork. But what happens is that can spill over into your spiritual life too. And think like, I got to work my way to be a good Christian. And so for somebody who's just getting started, I think the first thing I would say is like, God loves you so much that he came all the way for you. And the distance back to him is not a million miles. It's literally one breath, one prayer, one step.

[Podcast Host]

I think too, where we're at in the world is people are taught to feel so much shame. And when you look at God and shame. You don't think those two things go together?

[Matthew West]

Right?

[Podcast Host]

And even I know, for me, something that I struggled with so much was like, all right, well, now I know what the Bible says. Right? Like, I know basically every sin is equal. You ask God for forgiveness. Like, you have that forgiveness, but it's so hard to accept that when you look at people who have really wronged you. Right. Whether it's. You see someone who goes out here, whether it's, you know, sexual abuse or, you know, murder, whatever it may be, and you're like, wait, so if they ask God for forgiveness.

[Matthew West]

Right.

[Podcast Host]

They're forgiven, too.

[Matthew West]

Yeah. I think the accepting a gift, you know, you don't deserve is. Is always hard. And that's what God's grace is. It's a gift we know we don't deserve. And I. And what you're talking about, like, when. When people harm you, like, you know how hard it is to forgive them. But it's also. I just think that's been a big struggle in my faith of going, like, I don't. I don't feel worthy of God's grace. Well, that's the point. The Bible, like in Romans, just lays it all out. Paul, what Paul wrote in Romans will just wreck you in the best way. About the message of God's grace. When he talks about. He's like, I love the Scripture. In Romans, where Paul is resting, he's like, I do the things I don't understand. I do the things I don't want to do. I don't do the things that I know I should do. Like, he's. And I was like, if there's ever a sentence in the Bible that, like, sums up the human condition, how I feel is, like, I set out to be perfect. I'm always far from it. I keep doing the things I know I don't want to do. But then it's like, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That means all, every single one of us, and all of us need to be made right by God's grace. And then it says, which is a free gift. Right. So, like, the playing field, like, the ground is level.

[Podcast Host]

Used to having to work so hard for things.

[Matthew West]

Yes.

[Podcast Host]

Whether work hard for a relationship or someone's acceptance or love. So when something's given, you're like, wait, what's the catch?

[Matthew West]

What's the catch?

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

And that's what I love is, like, I mean, you think about, like, I'm sure you've signed a few contracts every Day. And I'm sure there's been some fine print that you and your. You or your attorney, like, wish you would have read or had to make sure you checked. And I feel like sometimes when it comes to matters of faith, like, were tempted to go, like, what's the catch? Where's the fine print here? But, like, not to sound cheesy, but the fine print is. It's words in red that are like Jesus saying, no, this. There is no catch. It's that you are deeply and endlessly loved, and there's nothing you could ever do that would remove you too far from grace. But the enemy loves to use shame in our lives, without a doubt. I mean, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday, but you better believe I can remember the very mistake that I made in high school. Like, I mean, literally, my mind, I can keep. Like, the scripture tells us that love keeps no record of wrong. But, like, we can keep quite a list of all the things we've ever done wrong. And I think that's how the enemy tries to work in our lives, to let shame overshadow the power of God's grace. Yeah, I know that's what he's tried to do in my life, too.

[Podcast Host]

So when you're. I. When you say those things, what I think of is, you know, what's also so hard for people is when it seems like everything in your life is going wrong, um, and you still choose to believe that that's part of God's plan. I think what's going on in the world today, where I've seen it, is, you know, Savannah Guthrie, what she's going through with her mother still on day nine, 10. Doesn't know where she's at, but she's still choosing to believe in God. I feel like it's so easy for people on the outside to look at that and be like, oh, she's so full of it. How can you believe that this is part of a greater plan? And you've kind of. You've had things in your life that have kind of gone along with that message. How do you. How do you still stand firm in something when everything's going wrong?

[Matthew West]

Well, first, I would say, like, to be totally honest with you and I, I think what you're getting at and, like, what's even happening in our world right now and what's happened, I feel like, over the last five years, like, just.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

I mean, anybody, no matter how much faith you have in your life, like, the foundation has been tested. Right. Like, I Think there's been so many moments, even recently, I'm just like, what is happening right now? Like, and asking, like, God, where are you? Like, so I think that's a very real part of, like, our journeys in life and journey of faith is, like, we may not always understand it. All I know is where would I be without faith? Like, if I've had moments, like, I remember, you know, I had throat surgery, and I was. It rocked my world. Like, I was getting ready to see my music career take off.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

And just like, hitting moments where it's like, okay, the dream that I've worked for may not come true after all. Like, what. What am I really going to stand on here? And really finding. It wasn't about me finding the faith to make my way through that. I felt like God found me and restored my faith. And honestly, the craziest thing about our lives is, like, it's those trials we wish we didn't have that wind up,

[Podcast Host]

like, making you who you are. Yes, that's what I say.

[Matthew West]

And I wouldn't want to go through it again. But, yeah, I wouldn't be who I am without that.

[Podcast Host]

Honestly, though, it's like, one of my favorite verses is Romans 8:28. Through every hardship and adversity you go through, basically, I'll turn around. Use it to your advantage.

[Matthew West]

That's right.

[Podcast Host]

And it's so hard to see it in the moment, but I look through traumatic experiences as a kid that I went through, and I'm like, you know what? If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have had the strength to deal with the past two and a half, three years. So you know what, God? Like, I see you, but it took 10 years.

[Matthew West]

Yeah. You might not see them. Yeah, that's awesome to see the purpose.

[Podcast Host]

It's the waiting to where it's hard to believe that everything happens for a reason and then after the fact. But I also think it takes a lot of strength and courage to be able to look at the hard things and say, but you know what, God? I know you're going to turn around and use this. I don't know how, but I know you will. All right, ladies and gentlemen, I know this next statement is going to cause you to be like, whoa, wait, what? Who is this girl? But these days, I am all about quality over quantity. I know I just said it. Quality over quantity. Especially in my closet, if it's not well made and versatile, it's. It's just not worth it to me at this point. That's honestly why I Love Quince the fabrics feel elevated, the cuts are thoughtful and the pricing actually makes sense. Quince makes high quality wardrobe staples using premium fabrics like 100% European linen, 100% silk and organic cotton poplin. Lightweight cotton cashmere sweaters perfect for the changing seasons and you can't miss the seasonal colors and prints for spring. Versatile, well made pieces that make getting dressed dressed simple. I love the quince cotton cashmere sweater. It has truly become my go to. It's light enough for layering but still feels lux and it didn't cost what I thought quality cashmere would. I also am obsessed for the spring and summer with the quint linen pants. They don't wrinkle like every other linen that I've owned. They truly look put together without, you know, trying too hard. So stop waiting to build the wardrobe you actually want. You don't need a closet full of options. You need pieces that actually work right now. Go to quince.comunlocked for free shipping and 365 day returns. That's a full year to wear it and love it. And I promise you you will now available in Canada too. Don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to Quence Q U I n c e.com unlocked for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quence.com unlocked for anyone that has walked into my home, it literally looks like Lola blankets just threw up everywhere and I am obsessed with not only their blankets but their pillows as well. My couch looks so comfy and cozy and warm and honestly, it just brings my energy. Like very zen. Okay. Lola is the world's number one blanket. Crafted with ultra soft luxury faux fur and a signature four way stretch. The kind of quality that instantly feels gift worthy. Since I already have like a gazillion Lola blankets, I am constantly looking at their website to see the newest colors and styles and now I just buy them for all the people that I love because I know how these blankets make me feel and I want to give that feeling to everyone that I know. The colors and textures make it an easy an easy foolproof gift. It fits effortlessly into any home aesthetic. Lola has over 20,000 five star reviews. Thousands of people gifting it, loving it and talking about it. I mean, let's face it, there's a reason it's called the world's number one blanket. It's the gift people don't stop raving about. For a limited time, our listeners can get 40% off select Lola Blankets products with code unlocked at checkout just head to lola blankets.com and use code unlocked. After you purchase, they'll ask where you heard about them. Please support our show and let them know that we sent you. Wrap yourself in luxury with Lola Blankets.

[Matthew West]

Well, and haven't you been inspired? When you see somebody who's going through the fight of their life and they show or they exhibit, like a. Just a strength or a faith or. I mean. I mean, I've seen people who are battling cancer and they're checking in on how their family's doing.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

And it's like, where does that come from? And it's like these trials and things that we go through in our life, they give us an opportunity to let God shine through us, like, through the broken parts of our lives. And like you said, I mean, I love that scripture in Romans. Again. Romans, Right. The promise that God can work all things for the good of those. And it says, who love him and are called according to his purpose. And so I got to go. Okay. Am I. Do I qualify for that scripture? Okay. Do I love him? Yes, I love him. Do I believe I'm called according to his purpose? Yeah, I believe he's got a calling on my life. Well, that means then even this is something he can use.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

And I've been inspired by people who've gone through the fire and the faith they've exhibited through that. And so I want to be that way, too, when I go through the fire. But it's not without questions. It's not without fear or concern.

[Podcast Host]

I like to say it's okay to question God. There's a difference between questioning and doubting his existence, two totally different things. So I can question why is this happening, but to doubt that he's even there, that's a different. That's a different message.

[Matthew West]

Well, like, I started this year, every year I go, okay, I'm going to read the whole Bible. And I started reading, like, do you do the. Is it the you version?

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

Bible plan. Like, they have all these different plans, but there's this girl, Tara Lee Cobble, who does. What's it called? It's. She has this plan where she kind of walks you through the Bible. I had her on my podcast. Now, I can't remember the name of her. Tara Lee Cobble is her name.

[Podcast Host]

But it's crazy, the whole reading of the Bible, and it's so crazy. You mentioned that. I was just in D.C. yesterday, and there is a guy who's very politically involved, and he has a group to where he and like, members of Congress they rented out the bible museum in D.C. and they're gonna have like, that museum, everything that is there in the next month and they're gonna read the entire Bible within that time.

[Matthew West]

That's incredible.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

Have you been to the museum?

[Podcast Host]

I have not.

[Matthew West]

It's so cool.

[Podcast Host]

I know. I wanna go.

[Matthew West]

During the pandemic, I filmed a documentary for them inside the museum, but it was all closed. It felt like night at the museum.

[Podcast Host]

Wow.

[Matthew West]

But it was crazy. But so I started this year reading through the Bible and the first book. It's in chronological order, but they had me. I'm reading through Job in January and February. And like, that is a really story.

[Podcast Host]

That's a hard.

[Matthew West]

But that's a guy who was like, riddled with trials and obstacles and illnesses and tragedy and grief and questions why. And it talks a lot about the. He's asking God, you know, he's trying to figure out what. What did I do to bring this upon myself? And then God steps in and reminds him he's in control, who he is. And. But that's a hard book to start.

[Podcast Host]

I'm like, start off with Genesis.

[Matthew West]

I was like, lord, are you trying to tell me, like, am I about to go into something? You know what I mean? But whatever it is, I know I'm never going to be fully ready. But I also know that God's going to bring me through it and I know he's going to grow me in. In the process. You know what I mean?

[Podcast Host]

How important do you think it is to, as a father, to raise your children in a household that is structured around faith?

[Matthew West]

Yeah, I mean, it's everything. I think it's when we talk about, like a foundation being tested, like, you have to, like, there's no other way I know to raise my kids other than to know that, hey, this world is going to come after you, but there is one who fights for you and there is no more important. I mean, I remember my parents saying to me, like, I don't care. Like, we don't care what you do for a job. I mean, obviously we care about all of your dreams and passions, but our most important desire for you is to see you growing up with a personal relationship with your creator and to know that he is your best friend and to know that he has a plan for your life. And I remember that like, that that's my parents, like, greatest desire for me as a kid. I'm like, you want me to be successful and all these other things, but now that I'm a dad and it's like my oldest daughter just turned 20 and my youngest daughter is just turning 17. And it's like, guess what? My desire for them is like, I find myself saying the exact same thing to them. I don't, I don't care. Like, you want to do music for a living, you want to. I don't care. All I know is that God has a plan for you. And my biggest prayer for each of my daughters is that they'll stay step into the center of God's will for their life. Because I've tried my own way in my own life and I've come back time and time again to rediscover that there is no better place for me than in the center of God's will. And so that's a parent's heart. You know, my wife and I, that's our heart for our daughters.

[Podcast Host]

Well, I feel like that we live in a time right now to where unfortunately there is a lot of selfishness in our society. And I have noticed, like, you know, the closer I get to wanting kids, I see these parents who unfortunately are very consumed with their own lives, that they're not starting on that structure.

[Matthew West]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And what would you say, like, when you had your kids, what were the first steps to like introducing your kids to a life of Christ?

[Matthew West]

Yeah, well, I mean like everything else in life and you know, this, it's like we could say one thing. Maybe this is a theme of what we're talking about today too. Like, you know, we can say one thing, but our actions speak way louder. And so like leading by example in our home of like, do our kids see in us? Like, okay, if we're trying to teach our kids to be others minded and generous, like, are we living a generous life? Like not just saying it, but are we showing them what it looks like to be compassionate towards others and you know what I mean? And so I think exhibiting it and honestly, I look at, I look at the way my wife lives her life and it's like, man, like I'm the one on stage in front of people, but like, I'm inspired by how much her, the way she lives her life lines up with. Well, that she says she, I mean,

[Podcast Host]

I see the quote all the time. The most important decision you will ever make is who you choose to spend the rest of your life with and how that can like make or break it.

[Matthew West]

Oh man. And I hit the jackpot with, with my wife. Like, it's, she's unbelievable. And she's, and she rose above a really difficult childhood and I. In fact, I remember selfishly thinking, like, my parents stayed married, and I had a great, you know, childhood and upbringing. And I remember thinking, because she came from divorced parents, really difficult, estranged relationships with. With her parents. And I thought, like, as we got married, it's like, okay, well, it's going to be up to me to, like, show her, like, And I'm not proud of the thought that I had, but it was like, I'm going to be able to show her what an intact family looks like. And I couldn't have been more wrong because it was out of her, out of what she didn't have as a child. She has approached parenthood and our marriage with a fierceness and a determination to not re. Like, to break chains of dysfunction that she grew up in. Like I'm telling you. And that's. That's a message for anybody listening to this. It's like, it doesn't matter, like, how you began. Obviously, it's helped shaped you. It's affected you. Whatever. Whatever dysfunction you grew up in doesn't dictate what kind of parent you're going to become. I can't tell you how many people I've.

[Podcast Host]

You know, I remember, I hear people that say, like, no, dear God, I don't want kids. I don't want to repeat the cycle. And so therefore, they miss out on the greatest gift of life.

[Matthew West]

That's it.

[Podcast Host]

Because they're afraid of repeating the.

[Matthew West]

The cycle, when the reality is, is that's the power of God in our lives, is that he can use just one to break the chains of generations of dysfunction. And it's like. And I see that in my wife. And so, like, the. The way that my kids have been raised by her specifically, and hopefully I've had an impact as well. But, like, that's really where it starts. And then the other thing, as a parent, like you were saying, what would you say to parents who are just starting out with kids? It's like, you know, the goal, like, everything in life, like, I always, like, I want to be perfect. I want to be a perfect Christian. Is that possible?

[Podcast Host]

No.

[Matthew West]

No. I fall short every single day. And the same is true as a parent and as a husband and as a spouse of going, man, I try to be the perfect husband. Is that possible? No. I keep screwing up as a dad. Am I gonna. Am I gonna knock it out of the park 100% of the time? No. But, like, let me be the first one who's like. Like, some of the most special moments with my kids have been like when dad blew it but was humble enough to go knock on my daughter's bedroom door and be like, hey, I apologize for losing my temper. I should have handled that situation different. Or hey, I apologize for the way you just heard me talk to your mom. I I that I didn't handle that right. And I want you to know that's not how it should look.

[Podcast Host]

If you have been listening to my podcast, then you know what my saying is, and that is it is okay to not be okay. I know for me, I have gone through so much trauma in my life and I was so against therapy at first and then I tried it and it was such a game changer for me. It absolutely changed my life. It gave me a new perspective. It helped me to kind of understand my feelings more and why I felt the way that I felt. And for the first time in forever, I felt like I could finally breathe. And trust me, I know finding a therapist is hard enough, but finding one that actually takes your insurance? That's where most online therapy platforms fall short. Many don't work with insurance at all, which means you're stuck paying the full cost out of pocket or paying for an expensive monthly subscription. But Rula does things differently. They partner with over 100 insurance plans, making the average copay just $15 per session. That's real therapy from licensed professionals at a price that actually makes sense. With Rula, you can find the right therapist for you. Rula partners with a network of over 15,000 therapists and psychiatrists nationwide, enabling you to find your personalized solution and the right therapist for you based on your needs, preferences and state requirements. Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high quality therapy that's actually covered by Insurance. Visit rula to.comunlocked to get started. After you sign up, they'll ask you how you heard about them. Please, please, please support our show and let them know that we sent you. That's r u l a.com unlocked. You deserve mental health care that works with you and not against your budget. Visit Good Girl rx.com and use code unlocked 15 to get 15% off at checkout. Medical care is provided by licensed physicians. Not all patients qual qualify. Good Girl RX is a female focused health and wellness company built around the belief that women deserve better access to care and better conversations about their health. Through our telehealth platform, women connect with licensed medical providers from the comfort of their own home. During your virtual appointment, a doctor reviews your health history and goals and if clinically appropriate, may Discuss prescription treatment options as part of a personalized plan. Those Options can include GLP1 medications like tirzepatide, as well as wellness therapies such as nad. Depending on what your provider determines is right for you. Every treatment plan is individualized, medically guided and based on your specific needs, not trends or one size fits all solutions. I'm the founder of Good Girl Rx and this is my personal experience. For me, the biggest shift wasn't just physical. It was finally feeling heard, supported and honestly cared for without shame. Everyone's journey is different, results vary and not everyone qualifies. But access to real medical guidance can be life changing. Visit goodgirlrx.com and use code UNLOCKED15 to get 15 off at checkout. Medical care is provided by licensed physicians. Not all patients qualify. That is something that is so important because even in like the household that I grew up in, my father, first off today, he's totally different than he was like growing up. And that's after a lot of therapy and self reflection but being able. If I, I personally feel like if your children see you fall apart or lose your cool or then they also need to see you make it right as well. And it's that first time you hear them say a parent say to their, you know, your mother or your father, hey, I'm really sorry for doing that. I should have never done that. That you're like, oh, wow. Like you remember that moment of the full circle making it right.

[Matthew West]

It's a display of humility.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

That like is rare to be found but like it has an impact when you, when you see that happen and then hopefully it leads them to live that same way.

[Podcast Host]

And when you got married to your wife, was there a time to wear? Because I know in my own personal life, you know, due to past traumas and other people that when I'm in relationship with someone and I'm like constantly just waiting for the other shoe to fall. Right. And so it's, it tooks, it's taken some time to get to a place where it's like, okay, your actions have shown me that this is not going to be a repeat of the past. Would you say that you guys went through a phase of that or no?

[Matthew West]

Well, yeah. I mean what's crazy is I think again like her, her determine like we did, we decided early on and obviously it's easier said than done, but we were like, failure is not an option. Like we're not even gonna. The word divorce is not gonna enter

[Podcast Host]

our relationship in today's day. And age. I feel like it's just people get married to then get divorced. It's so easy to say, yes, divorce. Divorce.

[Matthew West]

There's a line in a song I never released, but I wrote it down. I was like, the world writes it down in pencil, but we wrote it down in pen. They say when life. When love gets hard Take back your heart and start again. But you and me dare to believe in a love that has no end the world writes it down in pencil but we wrote it down in pen. I should release that song.

[Podcast Host]

You need to release that. That is especially where we're at in today's day and age. I feel like a song like that, even though I'm not musically inclined at all.

[Matthew West]

You could sing it with me on the Masked Singer.

[Podcast Host]

Right? My entire life, I've always looked to music really, to save my heart and where I was at that time.

[Matthew West]

Okay, tell me a song that, like. Okay. Because, I mean, I know what you and your family have been through. Like, has there been a song like. Or maybe more than one? What's a song that comes to mind even when I asked you that question of, like, okay, this song helped me in a moment when I. Was it an old hymn or.

[Podcast Host]

I honestly. I love. You know, Alan Jackson did that gospel.

[Matthew West]

I thought you're gonna say Chattahoochee, right? No.

[Podcast Host]

Right. But he did that gospel album at one time.

[Matthew West]

Yes.

[Podcast Host]

And it was the most gorgeous produced album. I feel like listening to things like that and songs that have purpose and just like, you know, God, I can't see you, I can't see you. And then you still have faith, I think. But it's like hearing the song you haven't released yet, I immediately think at how many marriages that song could save.

[Matthew West]

I'm telling you, Like, I mean, but there is. Obviously, there's that fear when you're starting any relationship. It's like, how do you know? Like, And. And it's. But I just remember. So my wife and I, we dated for three months. We met at my record label that I was auditioning for. And. Right on. Music grow. Not far from where we're recording this. In fact, I was. I was driving down Music Row. I was. I pointed to the. Like, that's the studio where I met her. And I met her on the day that I was auditioning and we started dating. We dated three months. But three months into our. Not. Not even three months into our dating relationship, I suffered a major injury to my arm. I won't show you the thought.

[Podcast Host]

You were never.

[Matthew West]

I Thought I wasn't going to play guitar again. And everything changed. But she was by my side through this mass. Like, I was in and out of the hospital. Major complications. I couldn't tie my own shoe for several months, and she was there, like, tying my shoe and helping me. And it was like. Like, I put a ring on her finger so fast. Like, my family was like, what's going. But. But when you go through a fire together early, it's like, it sped up our timeline.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

And. And then I will say, too, like, out of what she experienced as a kid and, like, knowing what it was like to go back and forth between divorced parents, like, the determination that she's had towards our marriage has been something that's been so inspiring to me. Like, she comes at it from this place of, like, I'm not gonna have my kids experience what I did. Like, she's breaking those chains. So we're going on 23 years of marriage, and she's my best friend, and, like, just. It's unbelievable. So when you find that person, I think it's finding that person who has the same fierce determination that you will to say, hey, failure's not an option here. We're not gonna be perfect, but we're gonna be quick to forgive each other, and we're gonna keep moving forward together. Like, what is that? What if there was a new revival of that type of determination and that in our relationships?

[Podcast Host]

Exactly. That would be that and marriage and to teach kids, hey, it's cool to be married. It's cool to make wrongs. Right?

[Matthew West]

Yeah. Now, obviously, if somebody, you know, there are situations that can only be fixed. Yeah. Somebody, you know, there needs to be boundaries. Right. Like, obviously, if somebody's a victim of abuse or like, these. The Bible talks about infidelity and things like that. Right. So I'm not saying that, like, you should endure a lifetime of hurt and trauma, hurt and trauma and abuse. Like, that's got to be dealt with as well. But, like, when you find. And that's all the more reason why God needs to be at the center. I mean, I'm gonna sound like a preacher here, but it's like, because a husband and wife on their own, they don't have the strength to stay together.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

But, like, if you have a firm foundation saying, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. God gives us the strength that we need, gives us the grace for each other that we need on our worst days.

[Podcast Host]

Well, it's literally like. I mean, I am a huge advocate for therapy I'm like, oh, something's wrong in your life. Go to therapy. But it's like, you talk about, like, your totem pole. Like, if that's all out of whack,

[Matthew West]

like, okay, tell me the totem pole, what's that?

[Podcast Host]

God, Your marriage, your children, your career. And if that is out of whack, everything underneath it is gonna be out of whack. So if your children are first, your marriage is gonna suffer. And it's. When I remember going through that, and I was like, this is so true. Like, if God's not at the top, how is my marriage gonna be healthy and successful? How are my children then gonna suffer from my marriage? That's not healthy. How is my job gonna then suffer from my family life? That's not healthy. And it really stuck with me. When you see it, it's like, all right, it has to be in that order.

[Matthew West]

And you can point to times in your life when you know that order was out of order.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

And see the direct results of that. And sometimes it's good intentions. Like, I want to work hard to provide for my family.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

How many. How many husbands or spouses get into that mode of like, okay, yeah, but dad was never around when I was a kid.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

Oh, but I was building a life for you. I was, you know, but that totem pole, I never thought about it as a. Yeah. Is that a result of therapy?

[Podcast Host]

Yes, it's a result of therapy. You know, look it up. It stuck with me. And you said you with your career, you have a nonprofit. What is. What is your passion of helping people?

[Matthew West]

So a big part of my career has been steeped in, like, the power of story. And as a songwriter, that's really what I'm about, is I'm telling a story three, you know, one three minute song at a time. But I really went deeper in that several years ago where I did a whole record inspired by other people's stories. And I just gave people an opportunity on social media to share their story with me. And I received thousands of stories. And then I made a whole album called the Story of youf Life. And every song was inspired by somebody else's story. And it was, you know, there's a song called Two Houses inspired by a kid who wrote to me about, you know, mom and dad breaking up and having to go back and forth. There's a story called Broken Girl that was inspired by the. I collected over 10,000 stories, and one out of every five dealt with the topic of sexual abuse. And I was like, man, I don't want to write a song about that, but these are telling me that I'm supposed to. And so I wrote a song like, you don't have to stay the broken girl. And just on and on. Right. Story of cancer survivors. And it was just such a powerful experience. But one thing I learned was, like, everybody has a story, but not everybody's been told that their story matters. And so a big part of, like, the nonprofit work that we do is we help.

[Podcast Host]

Help.

[Matthew West]

We want to help walk people through the journey of learning how to craft, share, and ultimately live tell the story of their lives. A more meaningful story. And to find value in the parts that they think are valueless.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

Right. Like to find power in the parts that they think are too broken to be redeemed. And so we do that in a. In a lot of different ways. I send out a weekly devotional inspired by my own quiet time. We show. We have a bunch of videos of. It's not unlike the stories of I am second.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

Which I know we have some common friends. My friend Angie, I love her. So it's very much got the heartbeat of, like, hey, what's your story? Your story matters. We do this really cool thing.

[Podcast Host]

I would love to get that in the Bureau of Prisons.

[Matthew West]

Oh, my gosh. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

That would be life changing.

[Matthew West]

So one of the things our ministry does is we. We send books of mine into prisons at different times. And like, anytime we get the opportunity, if the. If the prison library will allow us to do it, to give all the inmates books. In fact, I went and performed at a prison in Pennsylvania, and they. We had shipped them. I think my book at the time was called the God who Stays. And the inmates were coming up to me in the chapel, and they had their book and they had notes written out, and they were telling me about, hey, I love this story you shared. I'm like, oh, my gosh. So I have a real heart for, like, men and women who are incarcerated.

[Podcast Host]

The Bureau of Prisons right now under the new director and deputy director. They're amazing, and they're.

[Matthew West]

Are you doing a lot of work?

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, so I'm doing a lot of work with them. They just allowed my dad to go into a prison and completely shake it all down. Really just tell them what was wrong with it, where, like, how the conditions needed to improve. Yeah. They let him access every single part and say, like, these men are being abused. This is what's happening. You need to correct it. And the deputy director actually was in prison. He was a big meth Dealer.

[Matthew West]

And now he's.

[Podcast Host]

And now he is, like, rehabilitating director. And he was. Started up a business, was very successful in his personal life, and then the president appointed him as the deputy director.

[Matthew West]

That's incredible.

[Podcast Host]

And to hear his story and transformation, and it's all about God and how God transformed my life. And so they're doing a lot of rehabilitation things and allowing things that have never happened before, allowing people to come in these prisons and teach classes or. I personally think there needs to be a musical element. I mean, the amount of lives that have been changed just through music alone is huge.

[Matthew West]

One of my best friends in Nashville, her name was Cindy, and she was the first person who opened the doors for me to enter into the music industry. Like, she was the. She was the first person going up and down Music Row saying, have you heard Matthew West? And like, I'll never forget, she took one of my songs to Rascal Flats producers when I was just getting started. And she's like, you have to have Rascal Flats record this. And they did. It was like my first big opportunity.

[Podcast Host]

What was it?

[Matthew West]

It was a song called the Day before you. It was on the record that had God blessed.

[Podcast Host]

It's so funny. We're really good friends with Jay. Are you, like, my dad's best friend? My dad was actually at the opera last night watching Dylan perform.

[Matthew West]

Yeah. Jay and his son.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

That's crazy. So they're like, a big part of, like, that was a big moment in my life.

[Podcast Host]

Wow.

[Matthew West]

Cindy. What people didn't know about her is every Sunday she went to the women's prison in Tennessee.

[Podcast Host]

Wow.

[Matthew West]

And led a Bible study. And the reason I tell you this story is because at 50 years old, Cindy lost her battle with cancer. But the pallbearers at her funeral were all the women who she administered to in that prison that had gotten out of prison and rehabilitated their lives, and they came to pay their respects. And. And so around every corner of her casket, I'll never forget it, like, walking out of that church, there were all these women who had otherwise been cast aside by society and were behind bars. And this lady was leaving her house every Sunday. You knew that you couldn't get a hold of her on a Sunday night because that's where she was. And what a legacy to leave behind. Like, looking out for the least of these. Like, that's pretty special. So that's great that you're doing that.

[Podcast Host]

We'll have to connect because I think there's so many awesome things. And now in the federal system, they're all getting tablets. And now we can control what goes on these tablets and how people receive information. And I think it would be life changing.

[Matthew West]

Yeah. I mean, any chance to get, like, devotional content and, like. And some of the most special concerts I've ever done were not at Bridgestone arena in Nashville. They were behind bars seeing, like, there's a program called Men of Valor.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Matthew West]

Have you familiar with that?

[Podcast Host]

Men of Valor. Governor Abbott's huge behind that.

[Matthew West]

And I got to sing inside the walls. And I'll never forget, one time I was at the Tennessee prison, and they. The chaplain came up to me. He's like, I got great news. The warden never allows this, but he's decided to allow you into the solitary confinement unit today. And he was so excited. And I was like, oh,

[Podcast Host]

that's great.

[Matthew West]

But I'm gonna tell you what. Like, they walked me in to this room, or, I mean, not this room, but this division of the prison. And it was. All I stood in front of was there were staircases on each side, and there were two stories of solitary confinement units, and I couldn't see any faces. And they said, said, all right, sing. And I'm telling you, I stood there and I couldn't remember a single word to a single song I had written. I just got. I just froze. And so I started singing, and I. I was like, lord, give me any words right now would be helpful, like, anything. And I started singing Amazing Grace. And. And I started to see, like, faces appear in the little.

[Podcast Host]

I would be in the little window.

[Matthew West]

And it was, like, the most special moment that I've ever had. Like, it rocked my world.

[Podcast Host]

I say, it's a story that I've told before. And I talk about going to visit my dad in prison for the first time and how nervous I was. I've heard you feel what to expect. And I said, when I walked in that room, I just started crying because I never have felt the presence of Jesus more than I did in that room. Watching people reunite with their fathers or meet their kid for the first time or whatever it may be. And it's those situations that you don't realize how it changes the rest of your life.

[Matthew West]

Yeah. I remember in that solitary confinement unit being struck by the thought that, like, this is where God goes. Like, there is nowhere he won't light up. There's no darkness that he won't be. You know what I mean? It just.

[Podcast Host]

God is amazing.

[Matthew West]

And I was like, thank you, Lord, for loving me that much. And thank you for giving me this and then give me. That's the other thing is, it's like not just being absolutely overwhelmed by God's grace in pursuit of us, but then saying, lord, okay, break my heart for the things that break your heart. So, like, when you walked in that prison and you saw that it wasn't. It wasn't enough for you just to go, oh, that was a moment that impacted me. It's like, no. Now I'm going to work with the Department of the. The Bureau of Prisons now. I'm going to help the condition of inmates. Like, it's like, what do you do with that?

[Podcast Host]

You have to.

[Matthew West]

To who much is given.

[Podcast Host]

It's wasted if you don't. Yeah, it's wasted if you don't. Wow, that is amazing that you did that. I can just.

[Matthew West]

It was unbelievable. It was unbelievable. And now when I go on tour, depending on the city, like I did a festival in Michigan, and they said, hey, would you come by the prison earlier in the day? Absolutely. Because I start to realize. So the festival that night, I get to sing in front of 15, 000 people in Michigan. But that day I'm in the courtyard for 200 inmates and it's like crappy sound system. And you know what I mean?

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

You're just. And you're. And it's a little scary, you know what I'm saying? It's more than a little scary.

[Podcast Host]

It is, because you just don't. Unfortunately, there are people in there who are, you know, drug dealers and gang members and people who have committed murder. And yeah, it's. But it's people like you who are willing to go in those places, and you're going in here, and people are in solitary confinement. They needed to hear your message more than anything else. And you. I mean, I've seen people on death row who have given their life to Jesus and it. It's. They still die, but I believe they're going to heaven.

[Matthew West]

Yeah, I think we're going to be surprised. You know, our judgmental. Yeah, our. Our judgmental nature might tend to, like, decide for God who should and shouldn't be in heaven, but I think we'll be surprised.

[Podcast Host]

That's amazing. I love how I came into this too, with all these questions. And we have just like every. The conversations just happen so naturally.

[Matthew West]

One. One other thing I was thinking of is there's this pastor named Alex Alistair Bag, I think is. But he told this story. It inspired. I wrote a song called the man on the Middle Cross for an artist named RHETT Walker. But he tells this story about like, he's like, imagine the moment that the thief on the cross shows up at heaven's gates and they're all looking through their list and they're like, what. What are you doing here? Like, and, and he's, and he's asking him all these questions like, what? You know, and they go talk with St. Peter and he builds this whole story up and he's like, what's. What does the thief on the cross say? And he just looks at him, he says, I'm here because the man on the middle cross said I could come. Wow. And that story has always wrecked me, is like, that's going to be all of our ticket into heaven. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

We're all going to be looking be like, what are you doing here?

[Matthew West]

I have no record strong enough to justify my place in eternity. Eternity. But the man on the middle cross said I could come.

[Podcast Host]

I was like, I. That's amazing. I love that. So what, on a lighter note, what fun projects do you have?

[Matthew West]

Oh my God.

[Podcast Host]

Coming up?

[Matthew West]

Well, I just released a brand new book called Don't Stop Praying and it's a 40 day devotional.

[Podcast Host]

That's a message everyone needs, especially in

[Matthew West]

our world right now. But if you're wanting, if you've ever thought, man, I wish I had like a better prayer life, you know? And hopefully if you're not thinking that no matter how deep you are into your relationship with the Lord, there's always a deeper level he's calling us to. So. And I'm super excited about that new book. So it just came out and it's available everywhere. And then I'm releasing a bunch of new music. So I just released a new song called Good and it's, it actually talks a lot about what we talked about, about just like the idea of working our way to heaven versus realizing the work has been done for us. So I'm releasing a lot of new music this year and I'm going to be on tour. I'm on a tour right now called Winter Jam that yes. Is going to. I swear we're going to every cold city in America.

[Podcast Host]

Like, I'm just God testing.

[Matthew West]

Honestly, these lights in your studio are just like giving me more vitamin D, I think, than I've had all winter. But I love. But yeah. So lots of exciting things going on. But the, the new book and the new music, it's like, it's exciting.

[Podcast Host]

And where can people purchase your book?

[Matthew West]

Everywhere. Most people buy books at Amazon.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Matthew West]

I think, I think they said like, 60% of all books are on Amazon.

[Podcast Host]

And do you have an audiobook?

[Matthew West]

Yes, I recorded it.

[Podcast Host]

That's. Your voice is so soothing.

[Matthew West]

Oh, come on.

[Podcast Host]

To, like, be able to listen to it. An audiobook is a game changer.

[Matthew West]

Oh, you tell my wife that, right?

[Podcast Host]

She'll be like, what are you talking?

[Matthew West]

She's like, I can't get him to shut up. But, yeah, the audiobook's available. Or you can go to matthew west.com and. But it's. I'm so proud of it. It's years ago. I was just writing songs, and my mom said to me. She's like, I feel like God's gifted you to. To write books, too. And I laughed at her because I was like. I told her what my grade point. I was like, you remember my grade point average, right? And she's like, no, I think it's gonna happen. So I've learned, like, never to doubt my mom.

[Podcast Host]

Never doubt your mother.

[Matthew West]

Your mother knows every time I finish a book, I'm like, she was right. She saw something in me when I couldn't.

[Podcast Host]

That's amazing. All right, well, before we wrap up, I do want to ask you one question. If someone listening today feels like God is done with them, what would you want them to know?

[Matthew West]

Oh, my gosh. The very first thing that popped into my head is Jeremiah 29:11. It says, For I know the plans I have for you, not had. We need to pay attention to the present. The power of the present tense in that scripture. I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. And just one verse later, in 2913, it says, and you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. And so, to anybody who's out there thinking that God has done with you, pay attention to the present tense and that he still has plans for you. Even if you think you've screwed up every plan you've ever had or he's had for you, they're still right here in this moment. He's looking at you and going, no, I have a plan for your life. And if you'll seek me with all of your heart, I'll show you what it is.

[Podcast Host]

I love that. Well, thank you so much for just spending the time with me. And I'm glad we could start off with a masked singer.

[Matthew West]

And then, yeah, I was gonna ask you, can you send us out by singing a little in the jungle?

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Matthew West]

So we're not gonna be recording a duet anytime soon, you know.

[Podcast Host]

Unfortunately not.

[Matthew West]

I wish but thank you for showing us what it looks like to be fearless. That's why you're. That's why your listeners love you. They're like, hey, she ain't scared no. So why should we?

[Podcast Host]

That's one thing I am not.

[Matthew West]

Why should we?

[Podcast Host]

Well, thank you so much. We'll link all of Matthew's info in this video so you can find his social media website where to purchase his book, listen to music all the good

[Matthew West]

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[Podcast Host]

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[Matthew West]

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