Transcript

A (0:00)

Welcome back to this week's episode of Unlocked. This next guest I've been wanting to have on my podcast forever, just because her story is so impactful and her music has been very impactful in my own life. So. Ann Wilson, welcome.

B (0:14)

Thank you. I'm so excited to be here.

A (0:16)

I am. So, first off, you're so cute. Like, just. I. Every time I see you, I'm like, oh, my God, she is gorgeous. Thank you so much. I. It was so funny. Your name, like, kept coming at me from all different directions, which I had sent everyone, like, months ago. I was like, I want to have her on my podcast. As I came across a video of yours. And then, like, the podcast company sent me your name. One of the girls that works here. I was like, guys, yes. Like, how many times do I say yes? Like, I want her on my podcast.

B (0:45)

I love it.

A (0:46)

So your story is just insane. How old are you?

B (0:50)

23.

A (0:51)

23. And that's where your song 23 came from.

B (0:54)

Yeah.

A (0:55)

Which I. My parents were listening to it last night and just, like, sobbing. It is absolutely just. I mean, so many people, I feel, like, have a story that resonates with you, and for people that don't know, do you want to kind of. Let's share your musical journey about how you got into music? Because I was shocked to hear that your mom was like, I didn't know you could sing.

B (1:20)

Yes. Yeah. Okay. So grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. I always wanted to work for Nas and be an astronaut. That was my dream.

A (1:30)

That is amazing.

B (1:32)

Was always really passionate about that. And so, like, growing up, I always played piano, but I never sang. My mom made me and my sister and brother take piano lessons. Like, it was a thing where we had to do. And then, like, as I got older and, you know, getting in middle school, early high school, I loved music. I loved listening to music. I just never sang. I never sang at church or in the car with my parents. I do remember, like, singing by myself in my room.

A (1:58)

Okay.

B (1:59)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley"

Episode Title: Pain Into Purpose (feat. Anne Wilson)
Release Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Savannah Chrisley
Guest: Anne Wilson

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode of "Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley" features singer-songwriter Anne Wilson. Savannah sits down with Anne to discuss her remarkable journey through grief, faith, discovering her musical calling, and transforming tragedy into healing and purpose. The conversation delves into Anne's origins, her rise in the music industry, how she copes with loss (especially around holidays), her advocacy for authenticity and vulnerability, struggles with identity, and her mission to support young women through faith-based projects.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Anne Wilson’s Backstory: From Aspiring Astronaut to Singer

Discovering Music Through Tragedy
- Anne grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, with dreams of becoming an astronaut.
- She played piano as a child but never sang publicly; her family had no idea she could sing.
- At 15, Anne’s brother Jacob passed away in a car accident at 23 years old.
  - “It was one of those accidents where, like, you don’t make it to the hospital. It's an immediate death.” (Anne, 02:05)
- Shortly after his passing, while playing piano at home, Anne audibly felt “called by God” to pursue music.
- Her mother overheard Anne singing, marking the first time her family discovered her vocal talent:
  - “Anne, like, she's crying and she's like, I didn't know you could sing!” (Anne, 03:44)
- Anne sang at her brother’s funeral, which changed the course of her life and launched her music journey.

2. The Launch of a Music Career and Viral Success

Anne posted a video of the song she sang at her brother’s funeral on YouTube—her first upload—which quickly went viral.
- “Within 12 hours, it had 9 million views on Facebook.” (Anne, 07:47)
This exposure led to a Nashville manager discovering her, record deals, and her debut single “My Jesus.”
Anne emphasizes the clear, guiding hand of God throughout all these “miraculous” developments.

3. Faith as a Foundation Through Grief

Anne and Savannah dive deep into how faith underpinned Anne’s, and her family’s, ability to process devastating loss.
- “When you go through loss like that, you really have a decision to make... you can trust God and just say, God, I’m going to allow you to lead me and heal my heart. And that’s what he did.” (Anne, 08:41)
Savannah notes, “Especially at a time where you could have taken something so life changing and hard, you could have gone the other way with it.” (Savannah, 08:13)
Anne candidly shares her fears that the grief might split her parents apart but highlights how faith kept the family together.

4. Grieving During the Holidays

Both Anne and Savannah talk about the particular difficulty of the holiday season after loss.
- “The holidays are by far my least favorite time of the year... this is our ninth holiday season without him and it never has gotten any easier.” (Anne, 13:54)
Anne’s advice:
- Take it day by day.
- Create new traditions and allow yourself to do things differently.
- “Don’t try and make Christmas feel like what it used to feel like... it’s really good to make new traditions and to have things to look forward to.” (Anne, 13:54)

5. Vulnerability, Depression, and Normalizing Not Being Okay

Anne admits to going through depression, especially when turning 23 (the age her brother died):
- “February was by far the darkest month for me... Just deep, dark depression. Just felt like I couldn’t get out of bed.” (Anne, 16:20)
Both emphasize the importance of normalizing mental health struggles:
- “I always love to say, it's okay to not be okay.” (Savannah, 19:01)
- Anne: “I’m very vulnerable. I would say that's like, not hard for me...” (Anne, 19:01)

6. Music as Healing and Testimony

Anne’s songwriting directly addresses her experiences—loss, hope, faith, and resilience.
- On her song “23”:
  - “My goal since he passed has just been to become more and more like him every day.” (Anne, 17:32)
Anne’s music has tangibly impacted listeners:
- “It’d be like stories like ‘I was an alcoholic addicted to drugs. I heard your song My Jesus and I checked myself into rehab’... or a little seven year old girl coming up and telling me she got baptized because she heard my song.” (Anne, 20:08)

7. Wrestling with Faith, Anger, and Doubt

Savannah asks how Anne avoided anger at God after tragedy.
- Anne: “I wasn’t angry with God... there were moments of anger about the situation... but I remember early on... it was just this piece of, I’m just gonna trust God.” (Anne, 21:33)
- Anne references Job: “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Anne, 22:51)
Practical advice for non-believers or those questioning faith:
- “Ultimately, God is still good in the midst of everything... He just has a plan.” (Anne, 27:00)

8. Identity, Social Media, and Young Women

Anne explores issues of identity and insecurity, especially for young girls in the social media age:
- “Through middle school for me, in high school, I really struggled with confidence. I felt very insecure... not pretty enough, not worthy...” (Anne, 29:44)
- Savannah laments, “Social media, worst thing in the world for kids.” (Savannah, 30:12)
Anne created “Hey Girl Nation” on Instagram and a 40-day devotional to support young girls spiritually and emotionally.
- Covers topics like bullying, friendship, prayer, and gratitude.

9. Navigating Life as a Public Figure

Anne addresses the pressures of being a role model at only 23:
- “A lot of moms tell me at concerts, ‘you're my daughter's idol or role model’... and that can be pressure... I've learned... I also have to be a 23 year old and live my life.” (Anne, 37:03)
Savannah reflects similarly as someone who grew up in the public eye, noting the expectations vs. personal reality.

10. Behind-the-Scenes: Life on Tour

Anne’s recently released album “Stars” was written and released within months—a rarity in the business.
- “We wrote the record in May, recorded in July, and put it out in October.” (Anne, 39:46)
Touring highlights:
- 85-90 shows in a year.
- Anne’s sister is her stylist; her team is like family.
- Pre-show rituals include Mexican food and sometimes tanning beds (“I eat Mexican food every day of my life.” Anne, 43:13).
- Anne’s best friend travels as her photographer, reinforcing the importance of having loved ones on the road.

11. Community, Friendship, and Dating

Anne tries to make time for friendship and community when off the road.
Honest talk about the struggles of dating in Nashville:
- “There's ten girls for every guy... guys don't know how to ask girls out anymore...” (Anne, 46:45–48:26)
Strong focus on intentionality and “holding your horses” before giving your heart away (see her song “Hold Your Horses”).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On singing for the first time:
- “Anne... she's crying and she's like, I didn't know you could sing!” (Anne, 03:44)
On faith after loss:
- “When you go through loss like that, you have a decision to make. You can either go on your own and fill the void... or you can trust God.” (Anne, 08:41)
On holidays after loss:
- “It's really good to make new traditions and to have things to look forward to... create things that bring you joy during the season.” (Anne, 13:54)
On vulnerability:
- “I always love to say, it's okay to not be okay.” (Savannah, 19:01)
On impact:
- “A little seven year old girl coming up to me and telling me she got baptized because she heard my song.” (Anne, 21:14)
On pressure to be perfect:
- “No human being can live under that kind of pressure.” (Anne, 37:49)
On faith and loss:
- “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Anne quoting Job, 22:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:00–05:40] – Introducing Anne Wilson; her background and first experiences with singing
[05:40–08:08] – Viral success, signing a record deal, and God's intervention
[08:08–09:51] – Coping with grief after loss through faith
[13:51–15:30] – Holidays, new traditions, and healing through change
[15:44–19:53] – Song "23," dealing with depression and making vulnerability public
[20:08–23:52] – How Anne’s music impacts others and conversations about anger/loss and faith
[27:00–29:06] – Talking to non-believers: Why does God allow suffering?
[29:44–33:32] – Identity, insecurity, and the creation of "Hey Girl Nation" and devotional
[37:03–39:10] – Navigating public expectations as a faith-based role model
[39:10–42:19] – New album “Stars”, rapid songwriting and release, life on tour
[43:01–47:12] – Anne’s daily routine on tour, friendship, and community
[46:37–52:16] – Dating struggles in Nashville and advice for young women
[53:03–53:22] – Upcoming tour dates and conclusion

Additional Resources

Anne Wilson’s website: annwilsonofficial.com
Hey Girl Nation on Instagram
"Stars" album – available on streaming platforms
40-day devotional for young women – available on Anne Wilson’s website

Tone and Feel

The episode is deeply authentic, encouraging, and faith-driven with moments of laughter, relatable struggles, and powerful testimony. Savannah’s warmth dovetails with Anne’s vulnerability, making the chat feel like a safe space for processing pain and finding purpose.

This summary was prepared to capture the heart, wisdom, and actionable insights contained in the conversation between Savannah Chrisley and Anne Wilson, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners and non-listeners alike.