On this episode of Next Rung Radio, we shine a light on the magnetic duo Beck and Call. Becca Bradley and Chris Call each walked through the fires of solo artistry, carrying both the scars and the lessons of going it alone. But when they came together, something electric sparked — haunting cello lines intertwined with soulful vocals, pop sensibilities fusing with blues grit, and lyrics that live in the tension between faith, love, and life’s gray areas. Their story isn’t just about music; it’s about trust, vulnerability, and rediscovering your voice through collaboration.

This episode is about the power of creative chemistry — how two artists with different backgrounds and styles came together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. We dive into their unique songwriting process, the freedom that comes from dropping ego, the courage to take risks, and their mission to write songs that make listeners feel seen in their own struggles and triumphs. It’s a conversation about honesty, healing, and the magic that happens when music becomes a mirror for the human story.

To learn more on Beck and Call visit:

https://www.beckandcallmusic.com

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On this rung of Next Rung Radio, we welcome Ryan Weaver, U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot turned country music firebrand. After losing his brother (KIA) and later his brother-in-law in combat, Ryan chose purpose over paralysis, turning grief into fuel. From karaoke contests and writing songs in the desert to standing center stage at Madison Square Garden, the Grand Ole Opry with Charlie Daniels, and headlining PBR arena shows as their patriotic voice, his story is equal parts sacrifice, grit, and mission. Whether he’s honoring the fallen, building brands, or ripping through “Burn,” Ryan shows what it looks like to dig the ditches, do the work, and live a life worthy of those we’ve lost.

This episode is about transforming pain into purpose. Ryan walks us through the mindset shifts that carried him from the cockpit to the spotlight: choose a purpose bigger than yourself, set non-negotiables, build the back-office grind, and keep showing up...especially when it’s hard. His message is simple and fierce: honor your heroes by how you live, not just what you say. If you feel stuck on a low rung, this conversation hands you the next grip—faith, discipline, and relentless follow-through.

To learn more about Ryan Visit:

https://ryanweaver.net

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On this rung of Next Rung Radio, we spotlight a visionary who stepped into the music industry not as an artist, but as the strategist who could see what was broken and dared to fix it. Mike Castronovo built his career in wealth management and international markets, mastering numbers the way musicians master notes. But when his daughter pursued music at Belmont, he quickly realized just how flawed and unfair the system was for creators. What started as frustration turned into revelation—and from that revelation, CrowdMusic was born. Alongside David Browning, Mike has been pioneering a new model that places fairness, faith, and community back at the center of music. His story is one of bold imagination, integrity, and the belief that business can be both ethical and transformative.

This episode isn’t just about music, it’s about redefining the rules of the game. Mike shares how faith, vision, and business acumen combined to create a platform designed to uplift artists and fans alike. He proves that when you remove greed, build with integrity, and follow God’s timing, you can create something that not only disrupts an industry but sets a new standard for generations to come.

To learn more about Mike visit:

https://www.cmghomeloans.com/mysite/Mike-Castronovo

https://www.instagram.com/musiccitymortgagecoach/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecastronovo/

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On this rung of Next Rung Radio, we sit down with powerhouse vocalist, hit songwriter, author, and two-time cancer survivor David Staton. From singing on gospel stages at the age of six to penning Grammy-nominated songs for some of the biggest names in the genre, David’s life has been defined not just by music but by resilience, faith, and a relentless pursuit of truth. He’s filled in for gospel royalty, shared stages from Branson to national television, and written the book When God Says No. But his greatest testimony is found in how he faced the industry’s highs and lows and cancer, twice...and came out stronger, wiser, and more faith-driven than ever.

This episode is a masterclass in faith under fire. David shares how prayer, scripture, and the power of the tongue reshaped his perspective on identity, purpose, and legacy. He reminds us that fate is 50/50, but faith is 100%. His story challenges us to step beyond what we see, to believe in what God has promised, and to live with a vision that inspires others long after the music fades.

To learn more about David visit:

https://www.davidstaton.com

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On this rung of Next Rung Radio, we welcome a man whose fingerprints are all over some of the biggest names in music. David Browning has spent more than 30 years as a producer, performer, and songwriter, working alongside artists like Katy Perry, Natalie Grant, and C.C. Winans. But his story goes far beyond studio walls and stages. He’s walked hand in hand with his wife through cancer, navigated personal battles, endured legal storms, and found himself tested in every direction and yet still he rises with humility, faith, and purpose. Now as co-founder of CrowdMusic, David is helping to rewrite the rules of the industry, creating a platform that puts artists and fans first. His testimony is one of grit, vision, and grace in action.

This conversation is about more than music. It’s about what it means to live with resilience when life hits harder than you can imagine. David opens up about faith that withstands the storms, relationships that outlast accolades, and the power of generosity and humility in an industry often driven by ego. His story reminds us that legacy isn’t built on awards or numbers, but on the lives we touch, the love we give, and the faith that carries us rung by rung.

To learn More about David visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-browning-544a774/

https://www.instagram.com/david_browning_producer/

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Welcome to the very first official episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, where every rung on the ladder is another step toward purpose, power, and resilience. To kick off this journey, we’re joined by country artist and survivor Cayden Gillard — a man who embodies what it means to rise through adversity. From a leukemia diagnosis at just 14, to picking up a guitar in a hospital room, to chasing rodeo dreams, breaking bones, and eventually breaking through in the music industry — Cayden’s story is one of grit, grace, and God’s guiding hand. He’s opened for superstars, racked up millions of streams, and stood in the spotlight, but what truly sets him apart is how he continues to show up stronger, more grounded, and more faithful, one rung at a time.

This episode is about more than survival, it’s about transformation. Cayden’s testimony reminds us that challenges aren’t roadblocks, they’re stepping stones. Through faith, resilience, and a relentless will to keep climbing, he’s turned hardship into harmony and setbacks into setups for success. His journey proves that no matter where you’re starting from, there’s always another rung waiting — and with faith, you’ll find the strength to reach it.

To learn more about Cayden visit https://www.cadengillard.com/

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