Episode Details

Petra didn’t just make songs, they helped shape a whole lane of Christian rock that met kids in the real world and still pointed them to Jesus. We’re joined by Petra founder Bob Hartman and iconic lead singer John Schlitt for a conversation that blends faith, music, culture, and the practical grit it takes to keep a mission alive for decades. If you grew up on Petra Praise, Beyond Belief, or wore out a cassette of Back to the Street, you’ll feel this one immediately. 

We also talk about the new Beyond Belief movie, a faith-based film that spotlights an 80s-era Christian youth story and features Petra’s music throughout. Bob and John share why they backed the project, what makes the concept different from typical Christian entertainment, and how a great soundtrack can carry a message of hope without preaching past people. You’ll hear how the band thinks about impact, how they’ve navigated criticism, and why they believe music can reach people who might never step into a church first. 

Then we go behind the curtain: running a band as a real business, treating vendors well as part of your testimony, making tough financial calls, and discerning when God is opening the next door. John breaks down how he’s protected his voice over time, and we close with the songs fans still demand and what Petra is doing now, including their album Hope and ongoing touring. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs some hope, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

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