Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and author Matt Hammitt (founding member of Sanctus Real) joins the GOA Speakers Podcast to share his powerful story of music, marriage, and choosing life in the middle of heartbreak.

From starting Sanctus Real in a high-school basement to stepping away at the height of success, Matt opens up about the cost of calling, the conversation with his wife that birthed the song Lead Me, and their journey with their son Bowen’s congenital heart disease. He also shares how God led him into pro-life advocacy, fatherhood resources, and a new season of songwriting and speaking.

Listen in for an honest look at what it means to lead your family well, cherish the days God gives, and fight for your marriage, your children, and your faith.

Timed highlights:

0:00 – Intro: Welcome to the GOA Speakers Podcast

0:30 – Meet Matt Hammitt: Grammy-nominated artist, author, and speaker

1:00 – Starting Sanctus Real at 16 in a basement in Toledo

2:40 – Life on the road: 150–200 dates a year and a growing family at home

4:20 – The tension: Band dream vs. family dream

6:00 – Stepping away from Sanctus Real in 2016 to prioritize family

7:28 – The story behind Lead Me: “We need to talk”

9:00 – Sarah’s words: “I need you to lead me” and the first draft of the song

10:10 – Why good intentions are worthless until they become action

11:36 – Lead Me’s success and the irony of being gone more than ever

12:27 – Bowen’s birth, diagnosis, and first open-heart surgery

13:40 – Number one song on radio and a son fighting for his life

14:51 – Walking with other families who left the hospital empty-handed

16:02 – Bowen today: third surgery, thriving at 15, and living day by day

18:05 – Pressure to end Bowen’s life and choosing to fight for him

19:20 – Becoming an advocate for life and partnering with pregnancy centers

21:57 – Dare To Be A Dad: practical curriculum for fathers in crisis

23:00 – Parenting teens and staying present in a new season

24:10 – Intentional trips with each child and staying connected on the road

25:58 – Days God Gave: the heart behind Matt’s new single

27:00 – Fans’ real-life family videos and the power of legacy

29:01 – Signing with Gotee Records and a new songwriting season

29:40 – Writing for other artists, including the song Testimony

31:20 – Matt’s heart to serve ministries, pro-life events, and men’s conferences

31:50 – 30 years of Sanctus Real and a new song with both lead singers

33:02 – Closing thoughts and how to book Matt Hammitt

Follow Matt: https://goaspeakers.com/speakers/matt-hammitt-booking-agency/

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