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Worship Bass Coffee

Worship, Bass, Coffee is the podcast for worship musicians, bass players, and creatives who serve the Church and love a great cup of coffee.

Hosted by a Nashville-based worship bassist Jay Szalay, this show features real conversations about worship music, bass gear, playing techniques, faith, creativity, and serving in ministry.

Hear from special guests—both well-known and behind-the-scenes—as we talk tone, gear, grooves, and what it means to lead with humility and heart.

Whether you’re on stage every Sunday or just love the worship music world, this podcast is brewed just for you.

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21 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 46 min
English

Episodes 21

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S2 · E9
November 2 · 1 hr 29 min
Worship Songs that Changed the Way We Play Bass & Worship
What worship songs have shaped the way you play bass, approach worship, and even think about your faith? In this episode, Jay and Josh take a look back at some of the songs that have influenced them over the years, from learning when to add a little extra spice to a bass line to knowing when the best thing you can do is simply play the song as it was written. They share stories behind songs like Good Good Father, Hosanna, Cornerstone, and Lion and the Lamb, talk about the spiritual impact of worship music, and reflect on how certain songs and experiences have shaped their approach to serving on a worship team. Along the way, there's plenty of bass talk, gear inspiration, and a few personal stories that remind us why we love doing what we do. So grab your coffee, grab your bass, and let’s get into it!
S2 · E8
October 19 · 1 hr 15 min
$1,000 Worship Bass Rig Challenge
In this episode of the Worship, Bass, Coffee Podcast, Jay is joined by Scott Beavers to tackle a fun challenge: building a complete bass rig from scratch with just $1,000. They each put together different setups, exploring basses, DIs, pedals, and digital versus analog gear while sharing their favorite tones and ways to get the most out of a budget. Along the way, they talk about what a worship bassist really needs, where to invest your money, and why you don’t have to spend a fortune to build a solid rig for Sunday mornings. So grab your coffee, grab your bass, and let’s get into it!
S2 · E7
October 5 · 1 hr 34 min
Kevin Eaton — Learning to Love and Connect with People
In this episode of the Worship, Bass, Coffee Podcast, Jay sits down with his friend and fellow Bridge Church bassist Kevin Eaton. Kevin shares his journey from playing punk, emo, and metalcore in his younger years to finding his place serving on worship teams, including the lessons he learned along the way about the Nashville Number System, preparing for a Sunday, listening well, and leading from the back with the bass and drums. We also get into gear, basses, pedals, strings, coffee, and plenty of stories from Kevin’s years of playing—including a few unexpected moments when church didn’t quite go according to plan. Most importantly, Kevin talks about what God has been teaching him about slowing down, listening to people, and learning to love and connect with others. So grab your coffee, grab your bass, and let’s get into it!
S2 · E6
September 21 · 1 hr 43 min
Finding Your Sound with Brandon Moore
In this episode, Jay and Josh sit down with Brandon Moore to hear his story of going from barely knowing what a bass was to serving regularly on a worship team just six years later. Brandon shares how God met him during a difficult season of life, how he found his way into worship bass, and the lessons he’s learned along the way about preparation, developing your ear, playing without charts, finding your own style, and handling mistakes on Sunday morning. They also talk about the role of the bass in leading worship, working with your sound engineer, building relationships with your worship team, Brandon’s gear and pedalboard, his love for Sade bassist Paul Denman, and plenty of other bass nerd topics along the way. It’s a conversation about music, worship, growth, and remembering that the gift of playing bass is ultimately about something much bigger than getting every note right. So grab your coffee, grab your bass, and let’s get into it!
S2 · E5
September 7 · 1 hr 50 min
What Makes a Great Worship Bassist
What makes a great worship bassist? In this episode, Jay and Josh step away from the normal interview format and sit down to talk about what really makes a great worship bass player. They talk about skill and preparation, serving the song, listening to the band and the room, being reliable and flexible, checking your ego, and knowing when to play—and when not to. But more importantly, they dig into the heart behind serving and what it means to use the gifts God has given us to serve others and ultimately glorify Him. There’s plenty of practical advice, a few good laughs, and some honest conversation about what it really means to serve well as a worship musician. So grab your coffee, grab your bass, and let’s get into it!
S2 · E4
August 24 · 2 hr 15 min
Keep Going, Keep Trusting with Raul Alfonso of Big Daddy Weave
This week on Worship, Bass, Coffee, Jay sits down with Raul “Rowdy” Alfonso, bassist for Big Daddy Weave. Raul shares his journey from growing up playing music in church to working in Nashville, touring, recording, and eventually joining Big Daddy Weave. We talk about the unexpected way God opened that door, the impact J-Dog had on his life, and what it looks like to keep Jesus at the center while navigating life on the road. Raul also opens up about perfectionism, learning to give yourself grace, the importance of community and family, and saying yes when God puts an opportunity in front of you. And, of course, we get into basses, tone, gear, and life on the road. So grab your coffee, grab your bass, and let’s get into it!
S2 · E3
August 10 · 1 hr 56 min
Why Community Makes Us Better with Matt Reynolds
In Season 2, Episode 3 of the Worship, Bass, Coffee Podcast, Jay and Josh sit down with good friend and fellow worship bassist Matt Reynolds to hear his story and talk all things worship, bass, gear, and community. Matt shares how he first fell in love with the bass, his early influences, playing in a large church in front of thousands of people as a teenager, and why he eventually stepped away from the stage to run sound. He opens up about learning the difference between pursuing excellence and pursuing Jesus, and how those experiences shaped the way he approaches worship and serving today. We also dive deep into the importance of relationships and community within a worship team, the gear and tones that have influenced Matt over the years, his love for John Entwistle, and plenty of bass-geek conversation along the way. It’s a fun and honest conversation about music, faith, serving, and remembering what really matters when we step onto the stage. So grab your coffee, turn it up, and enjoy another conversation from Worship Bass Coffee Podcast.
S2 · E2
July 27 · 2 hr 31 min
David Puleo: A Story of Relationships, Serving & Faithfulness
In this episode of the Worship Bass Coffee Podcast, Jay sits down with David Puleo, founder of Puleo Guitars, to hear the incredible story behind his journey from serving in local churches to becoming a trusted guitar builder and tech and guitarist for artists like Bethel Music and Josh Baldwin. David shares how a willingness to serve, invest in relationships, and faithfully steward every opportunity opened doors he never could have planned for. We talk about everything from moving across the country to Redding, California, joining the worship team at Bethel, touring with Bethel Music, and eventually building a thriving guitar business. Along the way, David shares valuable insights on tone, gear, building guitars, serving the song, and why treating people well has been one of the greatest keys to his success. Whether you're a bassist, guitarist, worship leader, or simply someone looking to grow in your craft while keeping the right perspective, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical takeaways. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for another great conversation on the Worship Bass Coffee Podcast.
S2 · E1
July 13 · 2 hr 18 min
A Conversation with Ian Martin Allison
Josh and Jay sit down with Ian Martin Allison to kick off Season 2 with a conversation about creativity, worship, bass, and life. Ian shares stories from his journey through church ministry, Scott's Bass Lessons, and touring with Ben Rector, along with the lessons he's learned about balancing family, creativity, and a career in music. The guys also dive into worship bass, tone, gear, the value of restraint, and how some of Ian's signature sounds were developed while serving in the local church. Ian has been an inspiration to countless musicians—including Jay, whose decision to finally start the Worship, Bass, Coffee podcast was sparked by one of Ian's messages years ago. We hope you enjoy this conversation. So sit back, grab your favorite cup of joe, and enjoy!
S1 · E26
June 29 · 2 hr 25 min
Season One Finale - Looking Back & Looking Ahead
In the Season One finale of the Worship Bass Coffee Podcast, Jay is joined by Josh for a special episode that flips the script, with Josh stepping into the host's chair to interview Jay. Together they reflect on the journey of the podcast over the past year, discussing how what started as a way to encourage and equip worship bass players unexpectedly grew into a worldwide community of musicians connected by faith, music, and shared experiences. Jay shares stories about his background, his career outside of music, how he first picked up the bass, serving in church, playing in a Beatles tribute band, balancing family, work, and ministry, and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation is filled with laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and gratitude as they celebrate the end of an incredible first season while looking ahead to an exciting Season Two—including a big surprise guest to kick things off. So grab your favorite cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for this fun and heartfelt look back at Season One of the Worship Bass Coffee Podcast.
S1 · E25
June 15 · 2 hr 3 min
Ministry & Bass with Ryan Owens of Trickfish Amps
Josh & Jay sit down with Ryan Owens of Trickfish Amplification, one of the most respected bass gear companies in the industry, for a conversation covering worship ministry, touring, bass gear, and everything in between. Ryan shares stories from his years playing alongside Robbie Seay, serving in church plants, and balancing family life while pursuing a career in music and the gear industry. The guys discuss the importance of preparation, flexibility, and handling mistakes on stage, while also diving into bass tone, favorite gear, the origins of Trickfish, and what goes into designing equipment for working bass players. Whether you're a worship bassist, gear enthusiast, or simply love hearing the stories behind the music, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, encouragement, and plenty of laughs. Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation.
S1 · E24
June 1 · 1 hr 31 min
Worship Over Perfection with Megan Pennacchio
In Episode 24 of The Worship Bass Coffee podcast, Jay and Josh sit down with Megan Pennacchio to talk about her journey from growing up on Long Island to serving in worship ministry, attending Liberty University, and finding her place in Nashville’s music scene. From learning bass at a young age and navigating worship ministry, to overcoming perfectionism, preparing for Sundays without charts, studio work, and gear talk, this episode is packed with encouragement and insight for musicians and worship leaders alike. Megan’s honesty, humility, and heart for worship shine throughout the conversation and make this one you won’t want to miss. So grab your favorite cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy Episode 24 of The Worship Bass Coffee podcast.
S1 · E23
May 18 · 1 hr 52 min
The Overdrive Episode with Scott Beavers
In Episode 23 of the Worship, Bass, Coffee podcast, Jay and Josh are joined by Scott Beavers for a full-on conversation all about overdrive. From first pedals and favorite tones to the philosophy behind using drive in a worship setting, the guys dive deep into the sounds, stories, and experimentation that shape a bassist’s tone. They talk through the history of overdrive, pedals they loved and regretted selling, why some drives disappear in a live mix, and the difference between an “always on” tone and a drive that creates a big musical moment. The conversation also covers working with front-of-house engineers, retaining low end in a mix, and why overdrive is often more about creating a feeling than simply adding an effect. Along the way, there is plenty of pedal nerding featuring favorites from Darkglass Electronics, JHS Pedals, Electro-Harmonix, and more. Whether you are brand new to overdrive or have spent years chasing the perfect bass tone, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and practical insight for bass players looking to better understand how drive can shape their sound. So grab your favorite coffee and hang out with us for another episode of the Worship Bass Coffee podcast.
S1 · E22
May 4 · 1 hr 26 min
A Conversation with Jordan Ray Landers (Backburner Noise) – Part 2
Josh and Jay continue their conversation with Jordan Ray Landers of Backburner Noise in Part 2 of this two-part series. In this episode, Jordan dives deeper into his approach to preparing for worship—focusing on intentional listening, understanding the heart behind the lyrics, and grounding everything in Scripture. Rather than relying on charts, he shares how internalizing songs and connecting them to the message transforms not just how you play, but how you lead. The conversation also explores life on the road, from unforgettable venues like Red Rocks to the reality that sometimes the most meaningful moments happen offstage. Jordan opens up about mindset, handling mistakes, and why preparation—both spiritually and practically—changes everything. To wrap it up, Jordan gives a full breakdown of his basses, pedalboard, and the story behind Backburner Noise, including the creation of Big Booty Judy and what’s coming next. It’s a deep dive into tone, creativity, and building tools that actually serve bass players in real-world settings. Whether you’re a worship bassist, gear enthusiast, or just love honest conversations about music and calling, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Now grab your favorite cup of coffee and come hang with us.
S1 · E21
April 20 · 1 hr 17 min
A Conversation with Jordan Ray Landers (Backburner Noise) – Part 1
Josh and Jay sit down with Jordan Ray Landers of Backburner Noise for Part 1 of this special two-part conversation. In this episode, Jordan shares his journey from growing up in Dallas to life on the road as a touring bassist, giving an inside look at the realities of the “weekend warrior” touring schedule and how he balances music, marriage, and calling. The conversation dives deep into his early musical influences—from Christian rock to heavy bands—and how those shaped his unique approach to bass playing today. Jordan also unpacks his philosophy on worship bass, emphasizing intentionality, listening, and creativity without distraction. From building tones and crafting parts to knowing when to hold back, this episode is packed with practical insight for bassists looking to grow musically while serving the bigger picture of worship. This is just Part 1—stay tuned for Part 2. In the meantime, grab your favorite cup of coffee and hang with us.
S1 · E20
April 6 · 1 hr 21 min
Faithfully Serving Your Family and Church - Miguel Jimenez
In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, Jay sits down with Miguel Jimenez—a faithful member of the community and a full-time tile installer from Wisconsin—to talk about balancing work, family, and serving on a worship team. Miguel shares his journey into music starting with orchestra and eventually finding his place on bass through his church, along with the influence of early worship music like Hillsong United. The conversation dives into real-life rhythms of being a husband and father (including raising children with special needs), the importance of communication at home, and how that directly impacts serving well on Sundays. Miguel also talks through his approach to preparing for services, learning songs, handling mistakes, and understanding the role of bass in supporting both rhythm and melody. From practical tips to heartfelt moments, this episode is a great reminder that we’re not there to serve ourselves, but to serve others and create space for God to move—so grab your favorite cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy the conversation.
S1 · E19
March 23 · 1 hr 59 min
Leaving Home, Finding Purpose with Jordan Lavagnino
In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, Jay sits down with his friend and guitarist Jordan Lavagnino to talk through his journey from growing up in a church plant in California to touring as a professional musician and eventually transitioning into full-time videography in Nashville. Jordan shares how early exposure to worship music and instruments shaped his love for guitar, his experience building a touring career (including playing alongside artists and working behind the scenes with major acts), and the lessons he learned about preparation, adaptability, and musicianship at a high level. The conversation dives into the realities of life on the road, the importance of being “bulletproof” with gear and preparation, and how those experiences now translate into serving on a worship team each week. Jordan also reflects on the balance between excellence and humility, the role of dynamics and listening in a band setting, and how ultimately, no matter the preparation, God can move beyond anything the team brings musically—so grab a cup of your favorite coffee and enjoy the conversation.
S1 · E18
March 9 · 1 hr 47 min
The Road to Music Director with Nate Sousa
In Episode 18 of Worship, Bass, Coffee, Jay sits down with his friend and fellow musician Nate Sousa (aka “The Sooze”), the Music Director at The Bridge Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Nate shares his journey from growing up in a musical family to becoming a multi-instrumentalist and seasoned worship music director. The conversation covers Nate’s early years playing drums, teaching himself guitar, and eventually discovering his passion for music directing while in college. He also talks about his time working alongside worship leader Aaron Blanton, the move from California to Tennessee, and how those experiences shaped his approach to worship ministry and music production. Jay and Nate dive into topics like preparing for Sundays, the role of an MD in supporting the worship leader and band, how musicians can serve the song rather than themselves, and the importance of dynamics and listening in a worship setting. They also discuss gear, tone, bass and guitar perspectives in worship music, and Nate’s work with Tone Junkie creating guitar presets. Along the way, the episode includes plenty of funny stories, gear talk, and practical advice for musicians who serve on worship teams—whether they play bass, guitar, or lead bands from the MD chair. It’s a relaxed, insightful conversation between friends about worship, musicianship, and the joy of serving together in church music. So grab your favorite cup of coffee, kick back, and enjoy the conversation.
S1 · E17
February 23 · 1 hr 40 min
It’s the NAMM Gear Show! – with Josh Summers
Josh Summers is back in the Worship Bass Coffee Studio—and this time we’re doing a full NAMM 2026 gear roundup with honest takes, practical worship context, and plenty of laughs. We kick things off with the Walrus Audio Mantle, why the price shocked us at first, and why it makes more sense when you think of it as studio-grade gear you can throw on a pedalboard. From there we get into DI/preamp options like the Fodera x Trickfish preamp, the Laney Digbeth Nathan East preamp (with its clever dual-input switching and IR features), and talk about how some “practice/recording-ready” pieces are blurring the lines between studio and live rigs. We also hit newer releases like the JHS Morning Glory Clean, what it solves for bass players, and why hearing pedals in a mix matters more than solo demos. We wrap with Aguilar’s NAMM releases (including the new octave and compressor updates and the Tone Hammer 2x10 combo design), a look at Tech 21’s Geddy Lee chorus, the new programmable SansAmp Bass Driver, and some honorable mentions like tiny tuners, no-tangle IEM cables, Spector’s new NS-inspired models, and Ibanez’s Mode series. If you love gear, tone, and worship bass practicality—this episode is a blast.
S1 · E16
February 9 · 1 hr 44 min
Behind the Bass: Samuel Rady on Maverick City and More
Episode 16 of Worship Bass Coffee features session and touring bassist Samuel Rady, a longtime “Insta-friend” of Jay’s whose playing you’ve probably heard even if you didn’t realize it. Sam shares his story of getting started on bass, landing early opportunities with Housefires, and how that path led into the rise of Maverick City Music—including what it was really like going from church gigs to arenas and huge stages. They talk about the reality of touring (the good, the hard, and the unexpected), the importance of the people you’re surrounded by, and what it takes to stay grounded as opportunities grow. Of course, they also go deep on the gear: Sam walks through his bass lineup (including a PJ Custom Shop, a ‘92 Thunderbird with Lollar pickups, a G3, a Mustang, a Coronado, and more), his live setup with the Quad Cortex, and his “absolute unit” studio board—plus why the Noble DI is still the one piece he can’t live without. The episode wraps with rapid fire favorites, coffee talk, and practical advice for worship bassists and aspiring touring musicians who want to grow the right way. Grab your favorite cup of coffee and listen.

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