Mike Mack is back on the Rooted in Christ Podcast, and this conversation goes deep.

From celebrating 10 years of the Elevation Conference to breaking down the real challenges of building faith-based events, Mike shares wisdom on Christian hip-hop, artist development, and what it truly means to create for the Kingdom.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The evolution of the Elevation Conference—from a church basement to a full-scale festival
• Why Christian events often feel “safe” and how to break the mold
• The importance of cultural diversity in worship and creative spaces
• Real talk on booking artists, building events, and avoiding costly mistakes
• Behind-the-scenes insight into the Christian hip-hop industry
• How to start your own faith-based event the right way
• The heart posture needed to build for impact—not profit

Mike also shares powerful insight on resistance in faith-based work, the reality of funding challenges, and why obedience matters more than popularity.

If you're an artist, creative, promoter, or someone passionate about faith and culture—this episode is for you.

Plus: A look at this year’s Elevation Festival lineup, artist development opportunities, and what’s next for the movement.

The episode closes with a powerful prayer for vision, provision, and salvation.

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Cassian Bellino to talk about faith, doubt, and the journey of discovering God in a deeper way. Cassian shares her honest story—from growing up in the church but feeling disconnected from Scripture, to launching a Christian podcast where she asks the questions many believers are afraid to ask.

Together they explore what it means to pursue biblical understanding, wrestle with spiritual warfare, and stay rooted in Christ while navigating life’s challenges. Cassian opens up about her time living overseas, the moments that reshaped her faith, and how God led her to create a platform where scholars, pastors, and everyday believers can unpack difficult biblical topics in a way that’s accessible and real.

Eric and Cassian also discuss the importance of prayer, accountability, and staying connected to God in the midst of ministry, work, and everyday life. Whether you're new to faith, struggling with biblical literacy, or looking for encouragement in your walk with Christ, this conversation is filled with honest reflections and practical insights.

In this episode:

• Cassian’s journey from church kid to Christian podcaster
• Why biblical literacy matters more than ever
• Spiritual warfare and staying faithful in difficult seasons
• The power of fasting, prayer, and accountability
• How asking honest questions can deepen your faith

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fully understand Scripture—or wondered how to grow closer to God—this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Christian artist Mike Teezy for an honest conversation about faith, purpose, and staying grounded in God while navigating the music industry.

Mike opens up about his upcoming album “Chameleon,” explaining how his versatility across multiple genres—Christian hip hop, R&B, Afrobeat, pop, and more—has shaped his journey as an artist. Rather than chasing trends or industry approval, Mike shares how he’s learning to embrace who God created him to be, even if that means not fitting into a single box.

The conversation goes deeper as Mike discusses the pressures artists face, the distractions of social media success, and how keeping “the main thing the main thing”—a life centered on Christ—helps him stay focused on his calling.

Mike also shares an incredible personal testimony, revealing how he was paralyzed twice in his life and miraculously healed, experiences that continue to fuel his passion for ministry through music and performance.

Throughout the episode, Eric and Mike talk about:

• Remaining faithful in an industry driven by numbers and trends
• The importance of testimony in music and ministry
• The realities of working independently as a Christian artist
• Finding identity in Christ instead of public approval
• Trusting God’s timing—even when doors don’t open right away

This episode is a powerful reminder that your gifts are meant to glorify God, and that faith, perseverance, and obedience can lead to incredible purpose.