Bear Rinehart (NEEDTOBREATHE): Art Over Algorithms, Sobriety, Therapy, Faith, and Leading a Band 20+ Years

Today, Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE sits down with me for an honest, unguarded conversation. No talking points. Just heart.

We get into:

• Writing alone vs. co-writing — why some songs need one voice, one story.
• Art over algorithms — keeping the human edge in an AI world.
• Faith, therapy, and healing old wounds — rebuilding identity, naming core beliefs, and choosing surrender daily.
• Sobriety on tour — boredom, balance, and why the show is the easy part.
• Fatherhood & leadership — raising boys, leading a band, and staying grounded when everyone’s watching.
• The new era — gospel-leaning songs, working fast with Dave Cobb, and chasing truth over format.
• Longevity — what keeps NEEDTOBREATHE fans coming back after five No.1 albums and sold-out tours.

We also talk Red Clay Strays, John Mayer, why imperfect recordings can hit harder, and the story behind “Mama Loves Me.” Bear shares how morning writes changed his process, how demos shaped the band, and why the goal isn’t to “top the old stuff”—it’s to tell the truth now.

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

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