In this special episode of The Greater Heritage podcast we talk with singer-songwriter Joanne Hogg.

“Jo” is a Northern Irish singer and songwriter, best known for her work as the lead singer and songwriter with the Celtic Christian progressive rock and pop band Iona. She has also worked on numerous solo projects, including most recently The Map Project Parts 1 & 2, and she is involved in various ministries as well.

Throughout the episode, Jo shares about her early years as a missionary child, her transition from med-school to music and memorable highlights from her inspiring career.

Other topics of interest include candid conversations on the importance of Biblical literacy, apologetics and advice for young musicians.

Specifically, one of the biggest pieces of advice she gives for young artists is that they take responsibility for their choices instead of always trying to figure out what God wants them to do.

As she states: “God is less concerned about which thing you choose. He’s more concerned about how your attitude is to other people and what your mindset is. Don't stress about the details that you think God might want you to do, because you don't have to change the world to validate your existence.”

Throughout Jo also talks about how the recent pandemic caused her to confront what she really believed about Christianity.

For her, this involved moving away from defining truth by emotional experiences, subjective feelings, and extra-Biblical revelations and instead learning truth solely from what God says in his word.

Ultimately, Jo’s story illustrates how Christians need to be equipped to give a reason for the hope they have. (1 Pet. 3:15)

Moreover, her insights encourage us to return to God’s word as the sole authority for our lives.

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You can follow Jo via Bandcamp, email, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and on her website. 

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Intro and outro music provided by Five Minute Plan.

Song excerpts from the album Beyond These Shores (Murlough Bay, Edge of the World, Healing) © Copyright 1993 Word Records. Used with permission. 

Song excerpts from the album Journey Into The Morn (When I Survey) © Copyright 1994 Alliance Music. Used with permission.