Make Belief with Calvin Nowell is a podcast for creative entrepreneurs who are tired of waiting for permission to build their dreams. Calvin Nowell as he shares 25 years of music industry experience, real strategies, and honest conversations about turning belief into reality- starting with the Artist Series.
In this episode of Calvin's Favorite Creatives, I’m showing love to some of my favorite artists, visionaries, and entrepreneurs whose work constantly inspires me.
From their bold ideas to their dedication to the craft, each of these individuals brings something truly special to the table. Join me as I highlight who they are, why I admire what they do, and the creative spark their work brings to anyone chasing their passion.
28 Sept 2026
Leading With Intention
Most leaders are reactive — something happens, then they respond. In this episode, Calvin breaks down a different way to lead: asking one question before you ever walk into a room — "who else, besides me, needs this to go well?"
Calvin gets into what it actually looks like to lead with intention instead of just managing whatever comes up. He talks through preparing versus repairing, a real moment leading worship where he had to stop and read the room instead of just powering through, and the honest, sometimes uncomfortable line between being intentional and just people-pleasing.
This one goes deeper into faith than usual — Calvin unpacks how Jesus led with more intentionality than anyone who ever lived, including the story of the woman at the well in John 4, and ties it to a modern moment that wrecked him this past week watching a stranger's random act of kindness change someone's life.
If you lead anything — a team, a stage, a room, a family — this episode will change how you walk into it.
In this episode:
Why most leadership is reactive, not intentional
The John Maxwell line that reframes preparing vs. repairing
A real story from leading worship on Isaiah 6
Telling the difference between intentionality and people-pleasing
How Jesus led with intention — the woman at the well, John 4
A modern-day echo of that same heart, caught on camera
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#MakeBelief #LeadingWithIntention #IntentionalLeadership #Podcast
21 Sept 2026
Releasing Your Potential
In this episode, I'm getting personal about the years I knew I had something real in me and still didn't let it out — from background vocals and artist management, to the moment CeCe Winans asked me a question that changed everything: "Are you waiting to turn eighty to release your music?"
I'm walking through the whole arc: the grief that made me hide, the inner work that turned pain into purpose, why I believe every artist needs to think like a media company, a true story about a billion-dollar Powerball jackpot that taught me something bigger than money — and why I started the Make Belief Mastermind to help other people unlock what's already in them.
If you've been sitting on your gift, waiting for permission — this one's for you.
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