What happens when your dream doesn’t come true overnight—and instead, it takes decades of sweat, sacrifice, and countless setbacks? Do you keep pushing when you’re playing to empty rooms, living off couches, and watching peers give up one by one? In a world that glorifies instant success, Christian McAlhaney’s story is a powerful reminder that real growth takes time. If you’ve ever felt the pull between chasing your passion and being responsible for your family, or questioned whether the grind is worth it, this episode will hit home. What if the secret to making it isn’t talent—but staying in the game longer than anyone else?
Christian is a guitarist for Anberlin, co-founder of Loose Talk, and a longtime member of Acceptance—three massively influential bands with loyal followings. But beyond the music, Christian is a grounded husband, father, and creative entrepreneur who’s walked the long road with integrity and grit. He opens up about building a life in music before the internet, navigating fatherhood on tour, and the faith and values that anchor him through it all. Christian’s passion for creating without compromise—and his deep commitment to being a good man first and foremost—make him uniquely equipped to guide any artist or leader wrestling with purpose, perseverance, and priorities.
Quotes:
• "It's about really honing that skill and learning the ropes of the business and growing and trying new things and failing, and pushing through adversity." - Christian McAlhaney
• "In the beginning, it's a lot more failing than succeeding, but it's still seeing where you want to go and truly believing in yourself." - Christian McAlhaney
• "We've always carried ourselves more about our actions than words anyway." - Christian McAlhaney
Takeaways:
• Longevity beats hype. Christian’s career proves that success isn’t always about a viral moment—it’s about showing up, staying committed, and evolving with intention over decades.
• Family and passion can coexist—with boundaries. Touring life isn’t easy with a family, but Christian and his wife make it work through clear communication, mutual respect, and realistic expectations.
• Don’t hand over your business blindly. Early in his career, Christian let others handle the business side. Now, he emphasizes the importance of artists being deeply involved in their own operations—from budgeting to marketing—to protect their vision and profits.
• Faith doesn’t need a label. Rather than boxing his music into a category, Christian lets his values speak through how he lives, treats people, and creates. His message: be a good human first, and let the rest follow naturally.
Conclusion:
Christian McAlhaney’s journey is a testament to grit, growth, and grace. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a dedicated parent, or someone simply trying to stay true to your values while chasing a dream, his story reminds us that success isn't about shortcuts—it's about showing up with integrity, again and again. Through every season of life, Christian has chosen to lead with character, prioritize family, and keep creating on his own terms. This episode is a powerful encouragement to slow down, stay the course, and build a life that lasts.