Rock That Doesn't Roll: The Story of Christian Music

Andrew Gill and Leah Payne

Rock That Doesn't Roll: The Story of Christian Music

Rock That Doesn’t Roll looks at how Christian music shaped the world we're living in now by telling individual stories from the peak era of the contemporary Christian …

Latest Episode
The Supertones' Progressive Neighbor (ft. Jewly Hight)
Latest Episode

The Supertones' Progressive Neighbor (ft. Jewly Hight)

June 10, 2026 • 1:17:18 • S4E8

Jewly Hight is a noted music journalist best known for her work with NPR Music, Nashville Public Radio, The Bitter Southerner and more. She's also a friend of Leah's from their days together in grad school at Vanderbilt Divinity School. …

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What Listeners Say

5.0 from 5 reviews

What a find!

This podcast is SUCH a gem for anyone who grew up in evangelical culture and is now unpacking that experience. Music was a huge part of what drew my traumatized parent to church in the first place and then it became a huge part of how my sister and I were indoctrinated. The historical, political and social context the hosts and guests add is wonderful.

DreaG Apple Podcasts

Compassionate and cathartic

I cannot say enough good things about this podcast. I also grew up in the Christian rock sub culture, and was deeply affected by it in many negative and positive ways. I really appreciate that the hosts of this podcast are simultaneously critical and affectionate toward the subculture they are exploring. The interviews are fantastic, and I feel like I get to make friends with the artists that formed me. If I’d known how many Christian artists were grappling with the same questions I was, I might have felt less alone as a teen. Thankfully I can now, with this pod accompanying me.

Kristofer_D Apple Podcasts

I don’t care if I’m punk or ska or hardcore

What a great podcast! Now I feel like I’m not alone. There are dozens of us!!! Seriously though, I have really enjoyed revisiting Christian bookstore days and the evangelical bubble. I’m surprised to hear so many voices with similar experiences. This podcast explores the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all and the profound ways that it shaped us. If you grew up in a household (and church culture) that cautiously endorsed Christian music and tried to protect your teenage years from the evils of secular rock, this a podcast for you!

Father Olachea Apple Podcasts

This podcast fulfills a niche void

As an elder millennial that grew up only allowed to listen to CCM, this really fills a void I didn’t know I had, and is very nostalgic and educational! If I hadn’t already been a fan of Kevin James Thornton I wouldn’t have stumbled upon this. I hope they are able to someday interview many of the Christian Rock/Pop stars I had posters of in my room and read about in the Focus on the Family teen magazines, like Audio Adrenaline, Rebecca St. James, and Jennifer Knapp.

Jomarie123 Apple Podcasts

Such a great listen

I love this podcast! It’s very niche, for those of us who grew up in the ccm community (cult?) of the 90s and 2000s, but it’s both nostalgic and healing in many ways.

BotharMe Apple Podcasts