Songwriter Ruston Kelly joins Ben Higgins for a raw, honest conversation on “If You Can Hear Me.” Ruston shares his creative process, spiritual journey, and how making sense of pain fuels his music. The episode explores his struggles with addiction, faith, and the transformative power of gratitude, culminating in his experience with the divine and the impact of love in his life. Discover how Ruston’s latest album, “Pale Through the Window,” became a testament to healing and connection. If you’ve ever felt alone, this episode offers comfort, insight, and a powerful reminder that fulfillment comes not from chasing success, but from community and authenticity.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Mission Behind Ruston’s Music
00:00 Spiritual Paralysis and Finding God
00:48 Ben Higgins Welcomes Ruston Kelly
01:18 Music’s Impact on the Soul
02:27 What Connection Really Means
03:54 Aloneness, Community, and Healing
05:55 Addiction, Suffering, and Fulfillment
07:17 Career Versus Meaning
08:20 Temptation to Shift for Success
09:58 Balancing Art and Commerce
12:05 Competing and Comparing in Industry
14:44 Longing, Despair, and Worship
16:34 Idols and False Selves
18:20 Encounter With the Divine
22:09 Gratitude and Spiritual Awakening
28:07 Doubt After Spiritual Experience
30:42 Trials and Building Back
36:03 Creating “Pale Through the Window”
38:43 Trusting the Creative Process
45:19 Joy, Simplicity, and Vulnerability
47:18 Meeting Tia and True Love
51:21 God’s Timing in Relationships