Philippa Hanna
Philippa Hanna grew up singing in social clubs across Yorkshire, England, raised in a family where music was everything. She was pursuing a professional music career by her early twenties, but something was missing. Then at 21, she walked into a small church and a fearless, unpolished worship leader named Godfrey Birtle changed everything.
Not because he was impressive. Because he was free.
In this episode of the Worship Online Podcast, Philippa shares what that moment taught her about what worship leaders actually carry, why fearlessness matters more than polish, and why she believes her job is not done until the congregation is singing. Not watching. Not nodding. Singing.
She also talks about her new album Magnificent, co-written and recorded with Israel Houghton, and what she has learned leading worship across cultures, generations and continents.
This conversation will challenge the way you think about your role on Sunday.
Listen now.
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Mentioned in the Episode
About Philippa Hanna
Philippa grew up around award-winning and internationally acclaimed musicians. Brother Stuart Zender was a founding member of Platinum selling Acid-Jazz/Pop act Jamiroquai, whilst first cousins Danny & Richard Macnamara enjoyed huge success as half of UK rock band Embrace. Country music was a huge influence on Philippa thanks to Irish entertainer father Pat Hanna, and Country star cousin Sandy Kelly, whose recording credits include the late Johnny Cash.
At concerts, Philippa openly shares her teenage battle with anxiety and depression which eventually forced her out of full-time education. ‘That was the darkest time imaginable.’ Says Philippa, ‘I thought I’d never live a normal life.’ Thanks to a cathartic spiritual encounter at a Godfrey Birtill concert in 2004, Philippa found what she describes as her ‘life-changing faith’ and set about sharing her journey in both literary and music form. Philippa is now an internationally published author with over 1500 live shows, two books and five studio albums to her credit.
For those who see Philippa and husband Joel in concert, a ‘down-to-earth’ fusion of candid storytelling and catchy songs makes for an unforgettable evening. Having toured with the likes of Lionel Richie, Leona Lewis, Wet Wet Wet, Little Mix and many more, Philippa also has an established presence in the Christian music world, racking up collaborations with Kevin Max of D.C Talk fame, Graham Kendrick, and Christian hit writer Chris Eaton. Churchgoers often realise mid-concert how well they already know the music, thanks to Philippa’s regular features on TBNUKs ‘Praise The Lord’ and BBC ‘Songs of Praise’. Her songs are played daily on Christian radio with popular hits like Raggedy Doll, The Daffodil Song, Arrow and Off The Wagon getting regular spins. Her Country influences have also earned her plays on BBC Radio 2’s Country show with Bob Harris and Good Morning Sunday.
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The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.
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