These episodes are so epic, it spills into two parts.  Story is a powerful tool, and usually causes one to lean into something or someone.  These in-depth stories behind the songs help us engage more thoughtfully with the art and get to know the hearts of the artists.  No other podcast or radio show has this amount of valuable access to high-caliber independent musicians!  Kudos to Kristian Black for the extra efforts it took as …Read More »
Episode Artists:
JJ Heller, Aaron Stumpel, Chris & Jenna, Randy Stonehill, Nick Flora, Matt Brouwer, Jessi McNeal, Jeremy Casella, Tim Coons

Take a ride down memory lane and listen to when UTR was just a 3-month-old newborn radio show!  It's fun to see how things have changed ... and how things haven't.  Even 7 years ago you can hear that we were passionate about connecting listeners to well-crafted music.  It's also in Episode #16 that we play the music of Jeremy Casella for the first time!  ((Dave))
Episode Artists:
The Afters, Caedmon’s Call, Jon Foreman, Fernando Ortega, JJ Heller, Jeremy Casella, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brooke Fraser, Richie Furay , Andy Gullahorn, Matt Nightingale, Sara Groves

We keep our UTR Critics Panel working hard as they helped to compile a list of over 50 songs that really WOW'ed their ears in 2015.  In this hour we pass along some of that WOW to you, as we feature the first half of a 2-part series featuring the Top Gourmet Songs of 2015.  If you're looking for an hour where the best of the best is featured... look no further.  And I love …Read More »
Episode Artists:
MUTEMATH, Timbre, Arthur Alligood, LEVV, Ben Rector, JJ Heller, Vocal Few, Ben Pasley, Cindy Morgan, Brent Bourgeois, Sara Groves

Ever since getting a pre-release copy of the new JJ Heller album "Sound Of A Living Heart," I have been enjoying the sonic landscape and spiritually centered lyrics.  As CCM Magazine recently said, "Heller’s new batch skillfully encourages" the listener with honest and catchy songs.  I have been a fan of JJ's music for many years, but I can honestly say that I believe "SOALH" is her career best effort to date.  I was thrilled …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Jon Foreman, JJ Heller, Ben Rector, JJ Heller, Cindy Morgan, JJ Heller, Justin McRoberts, JJ Heller, Gungor, PFR, JJ Heller

We've been playing Josh's music before it was "cool" to play Josh's music.  In fact, a lot of people have told us that UTR was the place they discovered Josh Garrels.  We're grateful for that because we believe in the art he creates.  We were honored to have Josh in the UTR Studios right at the point when his popularity sky-rocketed.  He's a gracious person that has a unique, honest perspective... one that has helped …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Ocean Blue, Josh Garrels, JJ Heller, Josh Garrels, Jill Philips, Josh Garrels , Pierce Pettis, Josh Garrels, Myla Smith, Future of Forestry , Josh Garrels

Sometimes when thinking about a musical ode to dads, folks have a hard time thinking beyond "Butterfly Kisses" or some other tear-jerker.  But we wanted to add our "gourmet music" voice into the celebration.  Besides great music from Brandon Heath, Julie Lee, Balla Dear, and JJ Heller (among others), we also hear about personal reflections on the value of fatherhood from singer-songwriters Christopher Williams and Ben Shive.  Hope this adds a nice soundtrack to your holiday weekend!  (Dave)
Episode Artists:
Battle Victorious, Julie Lee, Christopher Williams, Balla Dear, Madison Cunningham, Dave Barnes, Randall Goodgame, JJ Heller, Ben Shive, Jessi McNeal, Brandon Heath, Lauren Mann & Fairly Odd Folk, Phil Keaggy

In this third week of Interview Month, I'm happy to have Matt Brouwer join us - not just as a guest, but as our co-host of the show.  Matt has been in the music biz for about 15 years, and continues to be one of the more layered and interesting songwriter in the acoustic-pop world.  But his mission this week is to handle UTR's playlist - which he did a stellar job - including songs …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Matt Brouwer, JJ Heller, Mat Kearney, Robbie Seay Band, Jars of Clay, Brooke Fraser, Jill Paquette, Quimi Alaniz, Brandon Heath, Matt Brouwer

Episode Artists:
Jason Upton & The Goodland Band, JJ Heller, Christa Wells, Mindy Smith, The Oh Hellos, Andrew Greer, Emmylou Harris, Carolina Story, Andrew Peterson, Keith & Kristyn Getty & Moya Brennan, Randall Goodgame

Episode Artists:
Chelsea Moon & The Franz Brothers, Stacy Lantz, Jon Troast, JJ Heller, The Gray Havens, Jon Troast, Shel, Jon Troast, Burlap to Cashmere, Jon Troast

Episode Artists:
Brooke Waggoner, Daniel Amos, Over the Rhine, JJ Heller, The Lone Bellow, All-Star United, The Civil Wars, Christa Wells, Jars of Clay, Derek Webb, Andy Gullahorn, Audrey Assad

Episode Artists:
Phil Wickham, Johnny Cash, Sufjan Stevens, Page CXVI, Smalltown Poets, Alathea, Jenny & Tyler, Jill Phillips & Andy Gullahorn, Downhere, Mindy Smith, Robbie Seay Band, Jason Gray, JJ Heller

Episode Artists:
Brooke Waggoner, Daniel Amos, Over The Rhine, JJ Heller, The Lone Bellow, All-Star United, The Civil Wars, Christa Wells, Jars of Clay, Derek Webb, Andy Gullahorn, Audrey Assad

Episode Artists:
Matthew Perryman Jones, Commonfolk, Christa Wells, Neulore, Josh Garrels, Audrey Assad, Waterdeep, Caroline Cobb, Caleb, JJ Heller, Gungor

Episode Artists:
JJ Heller, Hannah Miller, Judah & The Lion, Daniel Bashta, Sara Beth Go, Sandra McCracken, K.S. Rhoads, Tal & Acacia, The Gray Havens, Sherry Muchira, The Waiting, More Than Rubies

Episode Artists:
Griffin House, Breanna Paletta, JJ Heller, Sufjan Stevens, JJ Heller, Burlap To Cashmere, JJ Heller, Jon Troast, JJ Heller, Bebo Norman, Randy Stonehill, JJ Heller

Episode Artists:
The Ocean Blue, Josh Garrels, Josh Garrels, JJ Heller, Josh Garrels, Jill Phillips, Josh Garrels, Pierce Pettis, Myla Smith, Future of Forestry, Josh Garrels

Episode Artists:
Burlap to Cashmere, Andrew Belle, JJ Heller, Sufjan Stevens, Griffin House, Hark the Herons, Andrew Osenga, Josh Wilson, Brooke Fraser, Eric Peters, Pierce Pettis, Jon Troast, Amanda Falk

Episode Artists:
Gungor, Jason Gray, So Elated, Jenny & Tyler, According to John, Nick Flora, Shawn McDonald, JJ Heller, Andrew Greer, Randall Goodgame

Episode Artists:
Sojourn, JJ Heller, Sufjan Stevens, Mindy Smith, Kevin Max, Seabird, Randall Goodgame, Relient K, Sara Groves, Chris August, Over the Rhine, Future of Forestry

Episode Artists:
Josh Garrels, Talain Rayne, Andrew Peterson, Cindy Morgan, Tommy Sims, The Lost Dogs, JJ Heller, Sufjan Stevens, Gungor, Jenny & Tyler, Eric Peters, Switchfoot