Part 1 of 2: Discover the untold story behind one of Christian music’s biggest voices. In his most in‑depth interview ever, Michael Passons, founding member of the GRAMMY‑nominated group Avalon, sits down with Patrick Custer to share the highs, lows and hidden battles that shaped his journey. From singing hymns as a toddler in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to being discovered by Sparrow Records and launching Avalon in 1995, Michael takes you behind the scenes of the group’s meteoric rise. Hear how hits like “Testify to Love,” now considered a gospel classic, nearly didn’t make the cut, and why the band’s ABBA‑inspired sound stood out in the CCM world.

This rare conversation explores themes of mental health, faith and resilience without shying away from the pressure of fame, imposter syndrome and the weight of carrying a secret. Michael reflects on his connection to his mother, the power of music as therapy, and what it felt like to juggle creative success with personal turmoil. If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, wondered what happens backstage, or simply need encouragement on your own healing journey, this episode is for you.

And the story isn’t over - Part 1 ends just before a life‑changing revelation that will forever alter Michael’s path. In Part 2 we’ll dive into that revelation, the fallout that forced him out of Avalon, and how he rebuilt his life and faith while preparing to return to music after nearly twenty years away from the spotlight. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.

Takeaways:

• In the podcast, we dive into how Avalon went from being unknown to winning an American Music Award, which was a total game changer for us!
• Michael Passons shares his journey of stepping into the spotlight, facing challenges, and navigating the complexities of fame in Christian music.
• We discuss the evolution of Avalon's sound and how our management played a crucial role in shaping our success during the 90s music scene.
• The episode highlights the importance of being true to oneself while managing public expectations, especially in the Christian music industry.
• We explore the rollercoaster of emotions that come with fame, including the struggle with imposter syndrome and the pressure to maintain a certain image.
• Michael's heartfelt stories remind us that behind every successful artist, there are personal battles and moments of vulnerability that shape their journey.

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Are you ready to heal and grow? Start your journey with me by signing up at thepatrickcustershow.com 👈 for exclusive updates, resources and behind‑the‑scenes insights from each episode. It’s your invitation to experience “entertainment that heals,” where vulnerability becomes strength and hope is contagious.

Please click Follow on this page so you never miss an episode (and help us continue to change lives) — I appreciate every single one of you for joining this community.

Whether you’re here for your own growth or because someone you love shared this conversation, I’m grateful you’re listening and want to welcome you to The Patrick Custer Show family. Please pass this episode along to friends, family and anyone who might need a lift. When we open up about our struggles and triumphs, we remind each other that we’re not broken, we’re becoming.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for video versions of the show 👉 here.

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Ever been told you’ll never get better? In this powerful debut episode, Patrick Custer and California Cowgirl Annie Bosko unpack her journey; from singing at her great‑grandmother’s funeral at five to fighting for her physical voice again after a devastating vocal injury and her inner voice for the power to fight back when business betrayal in the music industry machine tried to take her power and agency from her. You’ll hear how she hid her California roots in Nashville, fought perfectionism and depression, and learned to ask for help when everything fell apart.

They dive into therapy, faith, and the gritty reality of being a woman in country music—and why Annie believes every “no” is just a “not yet.” If you’re struggling with anxiety, procrastination, rejection or feeling stuck, this episode will give you hope and practical tools!

• Early performing roots: turning household surfaces into stages; singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at her great‑grandmother’s funeral at five.
• Breakthrough moments: landing The Little Mermaid II soundtrack at 13; singing jingles and studio work; moving from California to Nashville.
• Country‑music identity: hiding her California background to fit in; eventually embracing her “California Cowgirl” roots.
• Voice loss & recovery: discovering a vascular lesion during a Broadway gig; enduring surgery, rehab and the pandemic.
• Therapy & mental health: learning to ask for help, dealing with perfectionism, and letting go of people‑pleasing.
• Rejection, patience & persistence: every “no” becomes a “not yet”—including later collaborations with Dwight Yoakam, Darius Rucker, Vince Gill and Dolly Parton.
• Boundaries & relationships: applying her grandmother’s “80% rule,” standing firm on family and faith values, and learning not to compromise her core beliefs.

Are you ready to heal and grow? Start your journey with me by signing up at thepatrickcustershow.com 👈 for exclusive updates, resources and behind‑the‑scenes insights from each episode. It’s your invitation to experience “entertainment that heals,” where vulnerability becomes strength and hope is contagious.

Please click Follow on this page so you never miss an episode (and help us continue to change lives) — I appreciate every single one of you for joining this community.

Whether you’re here for your own growth or because someone you love shared this conversation, I’m grateful you’re listening and want to welcome you to The Patrick Custer Show family. Please pass this episode along to friends, family and anyone who might need a lift. When we open up about our struggles and triumphs, we remind each other that we’re not broken, we’re becoming.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for video versions of the show 👉 here.

Follow me on

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Follow Annie Bosco on

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