Art, Purpose, and Doing Good with Musician and Recording Artist Michael Gott

In this episode, host CJ Miller welcomes Rev. Michael Gott, Senior Minister at Unity of Houston, to explore the deep connections between creativity, spirituality, and surrender. As they discuss Michael's latest album Be Revealed, CJ asks profound questions about God, faith, and letting go of the ego. 

Raised in a fundamentalist, Bible-based tradition, Michael shares his journey of rediscovery, from growing up in a strict faith to rewriting his relationship with God through recovery from alcoholism. He opens up about the pivotal moments in his life, including his experiences in the New Thought tradition over the past 30 years and his evolving understanding of a "Higher Power." 

Michael reflects on his creative process and how surrendering to something greater than himself has become central to his art, spiritual practice, and daily life. The conversation touches on the themes of intention, faith, and transformation, with Michael sharing insights from his personal recovery journey and his ongoing work on a memoir. 

Key moments in the discussion include Michael's thoughts on the word "God" as a blanket we throw over the mystery of life, allowing people to find their own understanding of the divine. He also delves into the role of surrender in creativity and how imperfections, or "defects of character," can be used for good when we align with the creative energy that flows through us all. 

The episode concludes with Michael offering his wisdom: "You are good enough. Do what you're here to do. Don’t let the critic stop you from expressing." 

For more on Rev. Michael Gott and his music, visit www.unityhouston.org.