Coffee with Cory is a weekly blend of faith, music, and life lessons — all brewed with a heart for honest conversation. Hosted by singer-songwriter Cory Jackson, each episode explores the ups, downs, and in-betweens of the journey, with guests who share real stories and encouragement. And along the way, you might just catch a little fly fishing wisdom too — because sometimes in life, you’ve got to trust the cast and embrace the unknown.
Coffee with Cory | S1 Final Episode: “Looking Back & Casting Forward”
Summary
In this final episode of season one, Cory Jackson reflects on the journey of the podcast, expressing gratitude to listeners and guests. He shares key themes from the episodes, emphasizing the importance of faith, music, and personal growth. Looking ahead, Cory teases exciting plans for season two, aiming to bring in more voices and stories while staying true to the podcast's core values.
Takeaways
This podcast has been one of the most meaningful projects.
I wanted to talk about faith, music, and the journey.
Each episode has taught me so much.
It's difficult to summarize each episode because they are so rich.
I appreciate all the listener feedback and support.
I plan to bring in more voices and stories in season two.
The heart of this podcast is grounded in Scripture.
I want to keep the conversations encouraging and uplifting.
Season two will kick off on September 15th.
Thank you for growing alongside me on this journey.
Sound Bites
"Each episode is so rich."
"I truly appreciate this."
"I'm very excited for season two."
Chapters
00:00 Season One Reflection and Gratitude
02:58 Key Themes and Lessons from Guests
05:52 Looking Ahead: Season Two Plans
4 Aug 2025
Coffee with Cory | S1E8: “Knowing When to Pivot - The Art of Change”
Summary
In the season one finale of Coffee with Cory, host Cory Jackson sits down with hit songwriter Steve Dean to discuss the power of persistence, the importance of faith, and the healing potential of music, especially for veterans. They explore Steve's journey in the music industry, the evolution of songwriting, and the impact of AI on the creative process. The conversation also highlights the work of Freedom Sings USA, an organization dedicated to helping veterans share their stories through music, showcasing the transformative power of artistic expression.
🇺🇸 Freedom Sings USA
Freedom Sings USA is a nonprofit organization that pairs professional songwriters with veterans and active-duty military to help them tell their stories through music. Steve Dean is one of their longtime collaborators, helping turn powerful, personal experiences into healing songs.
Learn more, donate, or get involved:
Website: freedomsingsusa.org
Instagram: @freedomsingsusa (https://www.instagram.com/freedomsingsusa)
Facebook: Freedom Sings USA (https://www.facebook.com/freedomsingsusa)
🎙 Follow Steve Dean
Instagram: @stevedeanmusic (https://www.instagram.com/stevedeanmusic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
Facebook: Steve Dean
Website & Booking: http://www.stevedeanmusic.com/
Takeaways
The importance of persistence in pursuing one's dreams.
Support from family can be crucial in times of doubt.
Music can serve as a powerful outlet for emotions.
Collaboration with others can enhance creativity.
Staying grounded in faith can guide decision-making.
The music industry requires treating artistry as a business.
AI is changing the landscape of music production.
Veterans can find healing through storytelling and music.
Personal experiences shape songwriting and artistic expression.
Community support is vital for personal and professional growth.
Sound Bites
"This episode is for you."
"Life goes by in a hurry."
"Carry on my wayward son."
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Persistence
08:06 Faith and Foundation
20:36 Music and the Journey
22:56 Navigating Pivots in the Music Industry
29:39 The Evolution of Identity as a Songwriter
37:36 Surprising Moments in Songwriting
43:38 Casting It Out There: Embracing Change and AI
48:03 The Impact of AI on Music Creation
50:01 Adapting as a Songwriter
52:55 Songs That Inspire and Motivate
56:53 Freedom Sings: Healing Through Music
28 Jul 2025
Coffee with Cory | S1E7: “Moments That Hook Your Heart - Celebrating the People Who Inspire You”
Summary
In this episode of Coffee with Cory, host Cory Jackson welcomes Cliff and Susan, a dynamic country music duo from Arkansas. They discuss the importance of community, mentorship, and the journey of being independent artists. The conversation covers their experiences on the road, the significance of vocal health, and the launch of their Entertainers Academy, which aims to empower aspiring musicians. They share personal stories about the impact of their music, the importance of transparency in the industry, and their upcoming projects, including a crowdfunding campaign for their next album. The episode emphasizes the power of music to connect people and the importance of supporting one another in the creative journey.
👉Join Entertainers Academy
Entertainers Academy Resources: https://linktr.ee/entertainersacademy (https://linktr.ee/entertainersacademy)
🎙️Follow Cliff & Susan
Cliff & Susan Links: https://linktr.ee/cliffandsusan (https://linktr.ee/cliffandsusan)
Takeaways
Community is essential for growth in any field.
Mentorship can significantly impact an artist's journey.
Health and vocal care are crucial for performers.
Transparency about mental health is important in the music industry.
Cover songs can create powerful connections with audiences.
Every artist starts somewhere; it's okay to seek help.
The experience of live music is irreplaceable.
Practice until you can't get it wrong.
The journey of recording can lead to unexpected collaborations.
Crowdfunding can help artists achieve their goals.
Sound Bites
"We all have the life existential questions."
"You never know who that's going to bless."
"Practice until you can't get it wrong."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
03:01 Coffee Conversations and Personal Connections
05:51 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
09:06 The Role of Faith and Foundation in Music
12:00 Building the Entertainers Academy
14:56 Balancing Artistry and Mentorship
18:05 Vocal Health and Performance Preparation
20:49 Finding Purpose in Music
23:50 Staying Grounded and Inspired
27:07 Faith and Vision for the Future
32:28 Embracing the Journey of Growth
33:48 The Impact of Music on Healing
35:39 Creating a Lasting Legacy through Music
42:09 Finding Your Voice as an Artist
44:27 The Importance of Mentorship in Music
49:28 Collaborating with Others for Growth
56:59 Introducing Entertainers Academy
01:01:59 Future Plans and Music Releases
21 Jul 2025
Coffee with Cory | S1E6: “Snags and Setbacks - Turning the Challenges Into Lessons”
Summary
In this episode of Coffee with Cory, host Cory Jackson and guest Gracee Shriver discuss the challenges of setbacks in life and music, emphasizing the importance of faith, resilience, and personal growth. Gracee shares her journey through vocal issues, the impact on her identity, and how she learned to redefine success. They explore the role of God in their struggles, the power of prayer and fasting, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The conversation concludes with Gracee's new music and upcoming projects, encouraging listeners to embrace their journeys.
🎙 Follow Gracee Shriver
Stay connected with Gracee and all she's doing in music and beyond:
Instagram: @graceeshriver (https://www.instagram.com/graceeshriver?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
TikTok: @graceeshriver (https://www.tiktok.com/@graceeshriver?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc)
Facebook: Gracee Shriver (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058244074212#)
YouTube: Gracee Shriver (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmZLECy7KA1EFIDeZSFtucA)
Spotify & Apple Music: Just search Gracee Shriver to stream her latest releases!
📀 Check out her new single “RICH” — now available on all streaming platforms!
📬 Booking & More:
Visit www.graceeshriver.com (http://www.graceeshriver.com) for tour dates, booking inquiries, merch, and more.
Takeaways
Setbacks can be transformative and teach valuable lessons.
Faith plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges.
It's important to redefine success beyond external validation.
Creativity can flourish from personal struggles and experiences.
God's presence can be felt in moments of uncertainty.
Staying true to oneself is essential in the music industry.
Fasting and prayer can deepen one's relationship with God.
Personal growth often comes from facing difficult situations.
Healing and transformation take time and patience.
Embracing the journey is key to personal fulfillment.
Sound Bites
"God meets us in those moments."
"Don't take anything for granted."
"I can fight through things."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Snacks and Setbacks
05:02 Music and the Journey: Overcoming Vocal Challenges
12:50 Faith and Identity: Lessons from Struggles
18:13 Redefining Success: Staying True to Oneself
23:42 Navigating Doubt and Seeking Guidance
25:09 Finding Strength in Faith
26:17 Embracing Opportunities with Gratitude
27:16 Encouragement Through Setbacks
30:33 Building Confidence Through Challenges
33:09 Scriptural Inspirations and Personal Growth
36:03 Celebrating New Music and Personal Milestones
40:11 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations
14 Jul 2025
Coffee with Cory | S1E5: “The Rhythm of the River - Finding Balance in Your Calling”
Summary
In this episode of Coffee with Cory, host Cory Jackson and guest Graeme Gastineau explore the theme of balance in life, discussing Graeme's journey through music and ministry, the importance of silence and solitude, and the value of community and vulnerability. They share insights on navigating life's chaos, finding identity in God's love, and encouraging those who may feel spiritually dry. Graeme emphasizes the significance of being aware of one's struggles and seeking help, whether through friends, therapy, or spiritual direction.
📖 Resources Mentioned
• The Practice of the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence
Available here on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/1614279683)
• New Seeds of Contemplation – Thomas Merton
Available here on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/New-Seeds-Contemplation-Thomas-Merton/dp/0811217248)
👤 Connect with Graeme Gastineau
Follow Graeme on Instagram @graemegastineau (https://www.instagram.com/graemegastineau)
Takeaways
Life can feel like a rushing river, but finding balance is key.
Music became a faithful companion for Graeme, helping him process emotions.
God's calling can lead to unexpected journeys in life.
Silence and solitude can help us hear God's voice more clearly.
Community is essential for support and healing during tough times.
Being vulnerable with others can lead to deeper connections.
Awareness of life's chaos is the first step towards finding balance.
Seeking professional help, like therapy, is a valuable resource.
Spiritual direction can provide guidance during transitions.
Finding joy in the mundane can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Sound Bites
"Life can feel like a rushing river."
"Music became a faithful companion for me."
"Silence and solitude can help us hear God."
Chapters
00:00 Finding Balance in Life
10:02 The Journey of Music and Ministry
20:06 The Experience of a Silent Retreat
30:09 The Impact of Community and Faith
36:46 The Vocation of Marriage and Commitment
40:02 Finding Identity in God's Story
45:07 The Mundane and Ordinary Life
48:56 Developing a Rule of Life
52:55 The Importance of Spiritual Community
58:52 Navigating Spiritual Dryness and Chaos
7 Jul 2025
Coffee with Cory | S1E4: “Casting with Confidence - Trusting Yourself and God”
Host Cory Jackson interviews music business coach Chad Bourquin, who shares his journey in the music industry and emphasizes trusting oneself and embracing faith to overcome fear and achieve goals.
30 Jun 2025
Coffee with Cory | S1E3: “Fishing in Murky Water - Trusting Through Uncertainty”
Host Cory Jackson interviews Kevin Humphrey about the parallels between fly fishing and life, revealing the importance of trust, patience, and presence in navigating uncertainty.
23 Jun 2025
Coffee with Cory | S1E2: “Hooked on the Wrong Things - Letting Go of What Doesn’t Serve You”
Bethany Davis discusses with Cory Jackson the importance of releasing unhealthy habits and embracing authenticity for personal growth, highlighting the role of community support in overcoming fear, in this interview.
16 Jun 2025
Coffee with Cory | S1E1: “Being Still - Trusting in the Pause”
Host Cory Jackson interviews Pastor Chris Harrell about embracing stillness and trusting God during challenging times, highlighting the importance of faith and community.
9 Jun 2025
Coffee with Cory | S1E0: Welcome to the Journey – Season Intro: Fly Fishing & Life Lessons
Host Cory Jackson introduces his podcast, "Coffee with Cory," which blends life lessons, faith, country music, and fly fishing, emphasizing trust and shared journeys through conversations with guests.
Who has been a guest on Coffee with Cory
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Chad Bourquin
Kevin Humphrey
Bethany Davis
Chris Harrell
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Host of Coffee with Cory?
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