aijcast: Recent Episodes
Marthame Sanders
aijcast is a podcast featuring conversations and performances at the intersection of art, inspiration, and justice.
Marthame shares his sung version of the Lord's Prayer in Arabic as a reminder of the unity of faith beyond language and boundary.
Marthame and Fahed Abu-Akel preached on Sunday, May 11, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Atlanta on God's surprising hope, even in the most desperate of times.
Marthame recently appeared on the Ministry Collaborative's podcast with their Program Director Adam Borneman and Terrence Smith (Kill Pride Club), where we got a chance to talk about our current perspective as "lay people", the need to move away from seeing ministry through the lens of "return on investment", and why traditional and non-traditional ministries need each other.
Marthame recently appeared on the Ministry Collaborative's podcast with their Program Director Adam Borneman and Terrence Smith (Kill Pride Club), where we got a chance to talk about our transition from congregational pastors to alternative forms of ministry, the connection between intuition and disruption, and how the institutional church cannot contain the fullness of the gospel.
Marthame shares a reflection on navigating Israeli checkpoints in Palestine. This was recorded on the most recent Atlanta Pilgrimage for Palestine.
Following Dr. Mansour's message at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, the congregation followed up with some questions to dig deeper. We close out the episode with Dr. Fahed Abu-Akel's prayer.
Watch Dr. Mansour's message and the Q&A
Watch the full worship service
Dr. Lamma Mansour preached at North Decatur Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 16, 2025. On this episode, we share her reflection on the Biblical character Rizpah and how it connects to the world we live in today.
As Advent approaches, Marthame shares a reflection written on Christmas Eve in 2001, with a hope that we might not follow the scripts written for us.
Read the original reflection here.
An extended remix of the song “Gaza (Under the Rubble)” which blends together both the original song and the hip hop version by A+.
In the wake of the American election, Marthame shares a reflection from 2005 that sheds some light on what it’s like to prioritize justice and peace when it puts you out of step with the prevailing winds of society.
Read the original reflection here.
Our friend A+ (scholar/pastor/emcee Albert Russell) was inspired by our song “Gaza (Under the Rubble)” to write his own bars. Marthame produced them into this track.
- Albert’s 2021 conversations - part one - part two
- Albert’s books
- Albert’s music
Zoughbi al-Zoughbi is the founder and director of Wi'am, The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Center. He recently traveled the US as a PC(USA) International Peacemaker. This episode is an excerpt from his presentation at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, just outside Atlanta.
Watch the full talk on the Joining Hands for Justice YouTube channel.
Marthame preached at Oakhurst Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 5. His sermon focused on the story of the healing of ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19) and the town of Burqin, Palestine, that marks the miracle to this day.
Watch the full worship service streamed here.
As we approach October 7, Marthame shares last year's reflection about the Hamas surprise attack and Israeli reprisals, noting how little has changed apart from the scale of the bloodshed.
Marthame shares a reflection after we put down roots in Atlanta, noting the disconnect between our own celebrations and the terror of violence in the Middle East.
Read the original reflection here.
Marthame shares our reflection we wrote as we prepared to move back to the States in 2003, lifting up messages from Palestinian Christians for their fellow American Christians.
You can read the original reflection here.
The Rev. Alex Awad is a pastor, scholar, and author. He recently traveled to Atlanta, where he spoke on the topic of Christian Zionism. This episode is an excerpt from that talk.
You can watch the full livestream on Facebook here.
As we continue our vigil with Gaza, Marthame shares a reflection from 2002 on the time-honored tradition of fleeing to Egypt for safety and respite.
You can read the original reflection here.
Marthame shares a reflection written during Holy Week of 2005, as we - then - looked back on our recent departure from Palestine and what the rhythms of the liturgical calendar can teach us about despair and hope.
Marthame reflects on the current American context of a chaotic presidential campaign and our tendency to become insulated at such moments; and how it parallels with his experiences in Palestine in the early 2000s.
Read the two reflections here:
- Prayers from Palestine
- Two Paths
Marthame recently co-preached again with the Rev. Dr. Fahed Abu-Akel at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Atlanta, looking at the text of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-28).
You can watch the live stream of worship here.
The Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac (Christmas Lutheran Church; Bethlehem Bible College) recently stopped in Atlanta on a short speaking tour of the US. In part two, we share the Q&A portion of the event.
The Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac (Christmas Lutheran Church; Bethlehem Bible College) recently stopped in Atlanta on a short speaking tour of the US.
Marthame continues his recollections of his friend Fahed Abu-Akel by reflecting back to his first visit to Palestine back in 1993 - a trip that planted important seeds.
As Marthame prepares to co-preach again with his friend Fahed Abu-Akel, he recalls a visit the two of them took to Gaza as part of a Presbyterian delegation back in 2002.
Read the reflection here.
As we move into summertime, Marthame reflects on the summer of 2003 and the disparity of access to freedom of movement.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame reflects on this week’s marking of Israeli Independence Day and the Palestinian Nakbe (Catastrophe), remembering a visit to the former Arab town of Ein Kerem.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame reflects on the current hunger crisis in Gaza and the meaning of fasting with a reflection from late 2001.
Read the reflection here.
With the celebration of Orthodox Easter this year, Marthame recalls a particularly memorable story of the ritual of Holy Saturday in 2003.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame shares a reflection written after our time in Palestine, getting a window on the situation there through internet chats.
With Iran now drawn into the international spotlight, Marthame revisits a reflection written there in 2007 while visiting the beautiful city of Isfahan.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame revisits a reflection on the eve of the American invasion of Iraq, and how it parallels with the world we live in now.
Read the reflection here.
Visit some of our blog from 2000-2003 (and a little from 2005) here.
Marthame reflects on the current deterioration of the situation in Gaza and its parallels with episodes from his time in Palestine.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame reflects on the fractured and ecumenical nature of Easter celebrations in Palestine, and what resurrection might mean in a context of death.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame reflects on the recent Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage in Atlanta as he shares a reflection on one final Easter Season in Palestine.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame shares a reflection from his time in Palestine, grappling with the meaning of resurrection among so much death and despair.
Read the reflection here.
As we continue to keep vigil with Gaza, we offer an original song written and recorded by our own Marthame Sanders (guitar/vocals) and our friend Alonzo Johnson (bass/drums). Called “Gaza (Under the Rubble)” and released under the band name Marred Fame, the song is available anywhere you stream music.
- Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage
- Past aijcast Episodes with Alonzo Johnson
- Stream “Gaza (Under the Rubble)” on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and more
Marthame shares a cherished memory from his time in Palestine, crossing all kinds of boundaries.
Read the reflection here.
Watch Fr. Firas’ segment from Salt of the Earth here.
Marthame shares first-hand experiences of Palestinian life under curfew and the universal desire for safety and security.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame reflects back on their tough decision to leave Zababdeh temporarily amidst escalating threats of Israeli military violence back in 2002.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame shares a first-hand account from 2002 about an Israeli military incursion into their sleepy little village of Zababdeh.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame reflects on how our recent episodes continue aijcast’s core mission, while also looking back to the art of writing amidst Occupation and suffering.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame Sanders and Fahed Abu-Akel co-preached at North Decatur Presbyterian Church on the situation in Gaza; and the past, present, and future of Palestine and Israel.
Marthame reflects on the meaning of hope in a hopeless time, whether that time is twenty years ago in Bethlehem, or right now in Gaza.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame reflects on the present situation in Gaza and shares a reflection on the meaning of home in a land full of uprootedness.
Read the original reflection here.
Marthame shares a reflection on our moral double standard in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the strategy of non-violent resistance.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame reflects on the sense of Christian solidarity that brought him and Elizabeth to Palestine in the first place, and what that solidarity means to our sisters and brothers in Christ there.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame shares a reflection from Christmas Eve, 2000, when he and Elizabeth made the pilgrimage to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.
Read the reflection here.
Marthame shares a story from 2001 that, for him, illustrates the arbitrary cruelty of the Israeli Occupation, while wondering what role hope might play at this moment.
Read the reflection here.
With the ever-alarming death toll among children in Gaza continuing to rise, this particular reflection on the grief surrounding the death of a child seems all too fitting.
Read the reflection here.
With Christian leaders in the Holy Land announcing the cancellation of major Christmas celebrations, Marthame shares this timely reflection written in 2000 about the upheaval Palestinians regularly face.
Marthame looks back at time spent in the olive harvest, a fitting reflection for Thanksgiving week here in the U.S.
Looking back - again - at his time in Palestine, Marthame shares a reflection on the daily challenge of being in such close proximity to suffering.
- Read the reflection
- Watch the Salt of the Earth film series
With our attention turned to the Middle East, we continue sharing reflections from Marthame’s time lived in the Northern West Bank. In this essay, Palestinian friends share what they want Americans to hear from them.
- Read the reflection
- Watch the Salt of the Earth film series
We continue releasing content from when Marthame and his wife lived in the Northern West Bank (2000-2003). In this reflection, they comment on the world’s duplicity when comparing the Serbian and Palestinian uprisings of 2000.
You can read this reflection here.
Watch Exile from Salt of the Earth.
As the crisis in Israel and Palestine - especially in Gaza - continues to unfold, we here at aijcast are partnering with Marthame’s production company to release content from when he and his wife lived in the Northern West Bank, 2000-2003.
You can read this reflection here.
We revisit our 2017 conversation with songwriter-speaker-author David LaMotte where he speaks about his musical influences, being drawn to meditation, and how his art intersects with his peace work. Plus he plays his song “Wake Up My Love” for us.
Host of aijcast, Marthame Sanders, offers his own reflections on the anger and heartbreak that come with loving Palestine and Israel.
We revisit part of 2021 conversation with chef-artist-synesthete Taria Camerino, speaking about synesthesia, collaborating with cellist Okorie Johnson, and what the 1812 Overture tastes like.
We revisit our 2019 conversation with musician-producer-theologian-pastor Tracy Howe, where we talk about how she got started in music, her journey to singer-songwiter, and her then newfound openness to co-writing.
We revisit our 2021 conversation with members of indie folk/gospel group The Many in celebration of their release We Are Enough.
We revisit our 2017 conversation with Atlanta cellist/composer Okorie Johnson, speaking about the power of improvisation, how the cello has found its way into his life, and even been a source of healing. Plus he plays a couple of songs for us!
We revisit our 2017 conversation with Lisle Gwynn Garrity and Sarah Are Speed of A Sanctified Art, as we talk about weaving together their calls to ministry and the creative arts, their collaborative approach, and the sacred experience of visio divina.
We revisit our 2017 conversation with Lisle Gwynn Garrity and Sarah Are Speed of A Sanctified Art, as we talk about weaving together their calls to ministry and the creative arts, their collaborative approach, and the sacred experience of visio divina.
We bring you an episode from our friends over at the Ministry Collaborative Podcast. Pilgrimage Formation Curator Ryan Bonfiglio talks with the Rev. Dr. Terrence Autry (Christ Community, Richardson, TX) and the Revs. Susan Rogers (The Well, Jacksonville, FL) and Marthame Sanders (Mudeif Productions) about their Holy Land immersion experience; connecting the Biblical stories with the sacred sites; the importance of dislocated exegesis; and the enduring, faithful witness of Palestinian Christians.
We revisit more of 2021’s Wild Goose Festival, including our conversation with Jake Haber (Aldea Spiritual Community, Tucson), some of his live musical performance (as Jacob Roland), and the recent chart-topping drag performer Flamy Grant!
We revisit the 2021 conversation between singer/songwriter Semler and our friend artist/pastor Shawna Bowman (Friendship Presbyterian Church, Chicago) recorded live at Wild Goose Festival about honesty in songwriting, the encouragement to release Preacher’s Kid, and we hear a couple of their songs recorded live at the Festival.
We revisit our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson (Georgia Resiliency Program) and Carlton Johnson (Presbyterian Mission Agency) as we create the song We Are One. Listen in on our creative process as this song of inclusion and welcome comes to life!
We revisit our collaboration with Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist, Art in the Image), which led to Weelaunee (Soft Forest Bed), a protest song about Atlanta’s proposed Cop City development and the forest defenders who oppose it.
We revisit our collaboration with Amina McIntyre, where we created a meditative play experience together - both virtually and IRL - including Lego blocks, Jenga, and the nostalgia of animal crackers in cardboard boxes.
We revisit our collaboration with Ari Brazier and photographer Eley as we make sights and sounds inspired by space and authenticity. Additional Sonification on this episode from SYSTEM Sounds (M. Russo, A. Santaguida).
You can watch the full video here.
We revisit our collaboration with pastor-poet Jeremy Green in which we work together on creating a poster for our imagined horror movie One.
We are revisiting our recent collaborations, kicking off with our friend filmmaker Weston Manders (Loud South Productions), with whom we created a short film called Kudzu.
We wrap up our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson (Georgia Resiliency Program) and Carlton Johnson (Presbyterian Mission Agency) reflecting on our song We Are One, the complexity (and simplicity) of music in church, and what fills us.
We revisit part of our 2020 conversation with songstress Naima Shalhoub, speaking about her work as a teacher and advocate, the importance of her Lebanese heritage, and her latest album SIPHR.
The song We Are One is the result of our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson (Georgia Resiliency Program) and Carlton Johnson (Presbyterian Mission Agency). Listen in on our creative process as this song of inclusion and welcome comes to life!
In celebration of the June release of his third book All God’s Children, we revisit our 2017 conversation with minister, community activist, speaker Terence Lester, where he recalls his earliest experiences with unhoused people, the founding of Love Beyond Walls, and how his work and advocacy are ways of incarnating God’s love.
We continue our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson (Georgia Resiliency Program) and Carlton Johnson (Presbyterian Mission Agency) imagining a song about hospitality, sources of inspiration, and about the importance of self-acceptance.
In a conversation recorded backstage at Wild Goose Festival in 2021, musical duo HuDost (Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines) talk about musical collaboration, lyrics that deepen beyond their intended meaning, and moving beyond compartmentalization. Plus, we share a couple of their songs from the Wild Goose main stage!
We begin our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson (Georgia Resiliency Program) and Carlton Johnson (Presbyterian Mission Agency) talking about our cultural empathy gap, the mixed bag of technology, and the importance of music to the two of them.
Other Links:
- Vital Congregations Initiative
- Matthew 25 Initiative
We wrap up our process with visual artist and pastor Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist Church, Art in the Image) speaking about our song, the importance of taking artistic risks, and the life-giving act of collaboration.
As a bonus, we have also released two versions of our song, Weelaunee (Soft Forest Bed):
- Official Version
- Pop Punk Version
Are you inspired to record your own verse/s? We’ve also made an instrumental version available here.
In sacred memory of Tortuguita, we present the official version of Weelaunee (Soft Forest Bed), our protest song written in collaboration with Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist Church, Art in the Image).
As a bonus episode, we share a version of our protest song with Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist, Art in the Image) reimagined as a pop punk anthem.
Our collaboration with Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist, Art in the Image) has led to Weelaunee (Soft Forest Bed), a protest song about Atlanta’s proposed Cop City development and the forest defenders who oppose it.
We revisit our 2018 conversation with Drew Wilmesherr (UKirk Atlanta) to celebrate his recent ordination to ministry! We talk about the parallels between music and preaching, wade into the weeds of songwriting, and making Christian music with “rock solid theology”. Plus he plays one of his songs for us!
We revisit our 2017 conversation with Katie-Archibald Woodward to celebrate her soon-to-come ordination to ministry. We talk about the sacred in photography, the importance of travel, and how it all connects to trusting God.
Park Avenue Baptist Church’s Easter message featured co-pastors Darci Jaret and Henra Chennault, the Rev. Dr. LaToya Major-McIntosh, and aijcast host Marthame Sanders.
We are releasing a bonus episode of our collaboration with Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist Church, Art in the Image) simultaneous with our conversation. Due to scheduling challenges, this bonus episode features our conversation with Darci and their delightful son Luis!
We continue our collaborative process with visual artist and pastor Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist Church, Art in the Image) speaking about Atlanta’s Stop Cop City movement, why art matters, and the wisdom of Howard Thurman.
Host Marthame Sanders shares a reflection for Holy Week, his journey with hope, and how aijcast becomes community.
As artist/printmaker Jamaal Barber appears on MTV’s The Exhibit: Finding the Next Great Artist, we are revisiting part of our 2018 conversation on his route to self-taught artist, unlearning color theory, and Afrofuturism.
We begin our collaborative process with visual artist and pastor Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist Church, Art in the Image) speaking about the practice of Trauma-Informed resiliency, how the call for justice can feel overwhelming, and the wisdom of Mr. Rogers.
The podcast tables turned as Marthame Sanders was the guest on MaryAnn McKibben Dana’s podcast The Blue Room. MaryAnn is a pastor, author, and improviser. Her latest book is Hope: A User’s Manual.
We wrap up our collaboration with Amina McIntyre, reflecting on our play meditation, the wonderful openness of those who participated, and what it might look like to have leisure goals.
Grab some toys and/or random objects and listen along with our guided Meditative Play with Amina McIntyre, as we remember the importance of play in our lives.
Our collaboration with Amina McIntyre continues as we create a meditative play experience together - both virtually and IRL - including Lego blocks, Jenga, and the nostalgia of animal crackers in cardboard boxes.
We continue our collaborative process with playwright-pastor-scholar Amina McIntyre as we imagine what it would look like to create a playdate for grown-ups together.
We begin our collaboration process with playwright-pastor-scholar Amina McIntyre, talking about imagining, reorientation, risk, and what we have learned - and seemingly already forgotten - from COVID.
We wrap up our collaboration with photographer Eley by looking back on our co-creation of reweaving/unraveling, the give and take of notes, and Marthame’s promotion to honorary photo assistant.
Ari Brazier joins our collaboration with photographer Eley as we make sights and sounds inspired by space and authenticity. Additional Sonification on this episode from SYSTEM Sounds (M. Russo, A. Santaguida).
We revisit another episode from our archives with photographer Joshua Rashaad McFadden, who talks about the power of image, his Southern experiences, and why his work is political.
As we catch up on our production schedule, we revisit a few episodes from the archives, including this conversation with sensory artist Siana Altiise, who discusses how teaching in China led her to music, what it's like living with synesthesia, and how she makes music. Plus she performs a couple of songs for us.
Our collaborative process with photographer Eley continues as we brainstorm ideas, reminisce over old science textbooks, and remember that we are all just stardust.
We are celebrating actor/writer/teacher Garrett Turner’s role as Ike Turner in Broadway’s Tina (The Tina Turner Musical) as the hit show hits the road. We revisit part of our 2019 conversation with Garrett, speaking about his late introduction to acting, his history on stage and television, and the difference between writing and acting.
Host Marthame Sanders shares some thoughts on the deeper meaning of Christmas and the challenge and hope it brings.
We begin our collaboration process with photographer Eley, talking about outer space, inner space, and the possibility of being changed through relationship.
We wrap up our collaboration process with pastor/poet Jeremy Green, reflecting back making the poster for our imagined horror movie One, making art in an increasingly fractured pop culture landscape, and how people are more complicated than we give them credit for being.
In part three of our collaboration with pastor-poet Jeremy Green, we work together on creating a poster for our imagined horror movie One.
We continue our collaboration with pastor/poet Jeremy Green, talking about the connection between fear and love, what terrifies us, and what our horror movie
We begin our collaboration process with pastor/poet Jeremy Green, talking about the power of horror films, how “family” is being redefined in health ways, and bell hooks’ All About Love.
As we wrap up our collaboration process with filmmaker Weston Manders (Loud South Productions) and look back at the creation of our short film Kudzu, we talk about parallel play, perfection and fear, and finding God at work in it all.
We revisit part of our 2018 conversation with Tricia Hersey (AKA the Nap Bishop) to celebrate the publication of her book Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto. She discusses the importance of poetry, her performance art alter-ego Lady Terror, and what she learned from Pentecostal preaching at the liquor store.
In part three of our collaboration with filmmaker Weston Manders (Loud South Productions), we work together on creating a short film called Kudzu.
In part two of our collaboration with filmmaker Weston Manders (Loud South Productions), we talk about the invisible forces at work in the world, wonder what Japanese spiders have to do with the South, and dream about plastic beaches.
As we start Season 21 of aijcast, we are launching our collaborating/co-creating process with filmmaker Weston Manders (Loud South Productions). Weston shares how he is finding inspiration in his marriage and why there’s a boldness is asking for help.
Host Marthame Sanders announces our next phase at aijcast, a collaborative process of co-creation!
Host Marthame Sanders offers some thoughts on where we have come from at aijcast in anticipation of what is to come.
We revisit part of our 2017 with scholar-pastor-artist Gregory C. Ellison II (Candler School of Theology, Fearless Dialogues) reflects on the the artwork of pastoral care, the importance of being seen, and the birth of Fearless Dialogues.
We revisit part of our 2017 with scholar-pastor-artist Gregory C. Ellison II (Candler School of Theology, Fearless Dialogues) reflects on the the artwork of pastoral care, the importance of being seen, and the birth of Fearless Dialogues.
We revisit our conversation from earlier this year with advocate-educator-artist Noor Abbady, who speaks with us about the connections between her Islamic faith and artistic expression, our intrinsic ability to recognize beauty, and how justice is a truly beautiful thing.
We revisit our conversation from earlier this year with advocate-educator-artist Noor Abbady, who speaks with us about the connections between her Islamic faith and artistic expression, our intrinsic ability to recognize beauty, and how justice is a truly beautiful thing.
We revisit part of our 2021 conversation with actor-playwright-improviser Avery Sharpe, where we talk about theater, acting, faith, and the metaphor of the Russian nesting dolls.
Writer-speaker-coach and free-range pastor MaryAnn McKibben Dana talks about Sabbath, Improv, and the art of writing.
The Rev. Dr. Maisha Handy (Rize Community Church, Interdenominational Theological Center) talks about the power of dance, music, and culture, and how all three come together at Rize Community Church.
We go back to season one and our conversation with musician and minister Carlton Johnson (Vital Congregations), who discusses his story of hearing loss and gain, the false dividing line of sacred and secular music, and the physicality of his faith.
We revisit part of our 2019 conversation with illustrator Rachel Eleanor about her expanding view of love and inclusion, the difference between persuaders and protestors, and the role of illustrators as storytellers.
We revisit part of our 2020 conversation with graphic designer, painter, ordained pastor Lauren Wright Pittman (Lewp Studio, A Sanctified Art), about the difference between graphic design and visual art, the importance - and challenge - of representation, and the story behind the aijcast logo (which appears on our amazing swag).
We revisit our 2017 conversation with journalist/filmmaker Civia Tamarkin about her documentary Birthright: A War Story, which focuses on women who have become collateral damage in the legal battle over reproductive health.
We revisit our 2019 conversation with pastor/poet Jeremy Green (St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Orlando) as he talks about his musical influences, his call to ministry, and why poetry is his medium of choice.
Celebrating our 20th season, we revisit part of our 2017 conversation with pastor-artist Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist Church, Art in the Image), who sees art as pastoral care, an avenue to healing and discovery.
It’s our 20th season, and we’re digging into the archives again with part of our 2017 conversation with photographer Eley, discussing the importance of empathy as she builds a relational approach to photography.
We go way back to our first season and revisit part of our conversation with artist-pastor Shawna Bowman (Friendship Presbyterian, Friendship Community Place, Creation Lab) about art, ministry, and the importance of imperfection in both.
In celebration of season 20, we revisit part of our 2020 conversation with artist and filmmaker Weston Manders (Loud South Productions) about storytelling, growing up in Blackshear, Georgia, and his shift from actor to filmmaker.
As we continue to celebrate our 20th season, we revisit part of our 2018 conversation with writer-teacher-artist-preacher Amina McIntyre on the importance of embodied faith and learning.
In celebration of season 20, we revisit part of our 2020 conversation with Alonzo Johnson (Self-Development of People) about his surprising call to ministry, the gangster and the biker, and traditional African drumming. Plus, we share our playlist featuring a taste of Alonzo’s encyclopedic music knowledge.
In celebration of season 20, we revisit part of our 2018 conversation with Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, on her music and her call to cross-cultural ministry.
We revisit our 2020 conversation with multi-instrumentalist and chaplain Sam Yenn-Batah about the role that blues, swing, and improv play in music and life.
Our original conversation with Sam:
- Listen to part one
- Listen to part two
Other Links:
- Listen to our accompanying Sam Yenn-Batah playlist
- Watch the performance video of our collaboration with Sam, Aisha Brooks-Johnson, and Amantha Barbee
Host Marthame Sanders returns from a recent trip to Israel/Palestine with reflections on the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh.
A collaborative song and reflection inspired by Jesus on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24).
- Marthame Sanders - lead vocals, guitar
- Amantha Barbee and Aisha Brooks-Johnson - backing vocals
- Samuel Yenn-Batah - saxophone
Click here to watch a performance video!
Learn more about the New Church Development Commission.
In part two of our conversation, Moving in the Spirit’s Dr. Charne Furcron, Dana Lupton, and Abby Richards talk about how they see students as artistic collaborators, the need to adapt and improvise, and their upcoming performance: Journey on the A-Train: A Human Canvas.
In part one of our conversation, Moving in the Spirit’s Dr. Charne Furcron, Dana Lupton, and Abby Richards talk about how the award-winning creative youth development organization use the art of dance to encourage children and teens to realize their highest potential.
In part two of our conversation, designer-facilitator-consultant-author Ben Garrett speaks asset-based community development, the University of Chicago, and his work at The Hatchery at Emory.
In part one of our conversation, designer-facilitator-consultant Ben Garrett speaks about his book What Remains, evangelicalism and formation, and faith-based community development.
This week, we present an episode from our friends over at The Ministry Collaborative podcast as they feature our own Marthame Sanders on the topics of improv, adversity, and the fraudulent line between sacred and secular.
In part two of our conversation, preacher-teacher-author Jennifer Watley Maxell speaks about The Breakthrough Fellowship, The Ellipsis Experience, the process of publishing her book. Plus, she reads us a poem from her recently published poetry collection Ellipsis.
In part one of our conversation, teacher-preacher-author Jennifer Watley Maxell speaks about her call to preaching, The Breakthrough Fellowship, and what it means to be incarnational in virtual spaces. Plus, she reads from her newly published collection of poetry Ellipsis.
We are revisiting our 2020 conversation with coach-creative-community leader YaNi Davis as she faces a health crisis. It has been more than three years since YaNi received a kidney transplant.
From YaNi’s GoFundMe Campaign:
On February, 18th 2022, my brother rushed me to the hospital after I became extremely unwell, out of the blue. Since that day, I have been hospitalized receiving round the clock treatments to stop my body, immune system, antibodies and cells from rejecting the most beautiful gift I have ever received…a life-saving and sustaining third kidney! I am facing both a chronic and acute kidney injury, that doctors are working around the clock to reverse and I am beyond grateful for the wisdom of these professionals and the move of God that will see me to my next season in life.
- Click here to support YaNi’s GoFundMe Campaign.
- Click here to visit YaNi’s website.
- Listen to our original 2020 conversation with YaNi:
- Part One
- Part Two
In part two of our conversation, pastor-musician Amantha Barbee talks about Jesus, learning - and unlearning - how to sing, and the lessons of the guitar string. She also sings live for us in the AIJCast studio!
In part one of our conversation, pastor-musician Amantha Barbee talks about making deals with God, how justice is intertwined with her call, and the importance of seeing people. Plus, she sings live in the AIJCast studio!
In part two of our conversation, scholar-activist-creative Taurean Webb (Twitter-Instagram) talks about theological imagination, how violence goes uninterrogated, and how he sees himself as curatorial but not a curator.
- Inherit the Earth Exhibition
In part one of our conversation, scholar-activist-creative Taurean Webb (Twitter-Instagram) talks about Black Transnationalism, Israel/Palestine, and why he does not see institutions as the best vehicles for liberation.
- Inherit the Earth Exhibition
We are revisiting our 2020 conversation with scholar-musician-author Dr. Daniel Omotosho Black to celebrate the publication of his new novel Don't Cry for Me. In this excerpt, we spoke about church music as well as his books Perfect Peace and The Coming.
In part two of our conversation with poet-activist-minister Analysis, we talk about the craft of writing and performing poetry, the breadth of topics his poems address, and what "on earth as it is in heaven" means. Plus, he performs a couple of his poems live for us. Analysis' debut album, A Couple Thousand Years Later, is now available on Bandcamp.
Listen to part one
In part one of our conversation with poet-activist-minister Analysis, we talk about his slipping into right wing evangelicalism, his transformational experience in Lesotho, how he first got hooked by poetry, and what the church can learn from the spoken word scene. His debut album, A Couple Thousand Years Later, is now available on Bandcamp.
In part two of our conversation, advocate-educator-artist Noor Abbady speaks with us about the connections between her Islamic faith and artistic expression, our intrinsic ability to recognize beauty, and how justice is a truly beautiful thing.
In part one of our conversation, advocate-educator-artist Noor Abbady speaks with us about her self-taught woodworking skills, how her Islamic faith roots her, and how her experience as an immigrant led her toward equity work.
Part two of our conversation with pastor-author-poet Adam Mixon about the sacred and the profane, our shared complicity, and betting on yourself. Plus, he reads us a couple of his poems.
Part one of our conversation with pastor-author-poet Adam Mixon about finding your voice, getting past the caricatures, and living an undivided life.
Anticipating the upcoming ABC series "Women of the Movement", we are revisiting our 2019 conversation with actor Sekou Laidlow.
In our last Wild Goose Festival episode this year, songwriter/artist Jacob Roland speaks about his songs, his work at Mission Gathering Issaquah, and what it means to create deconstructed worship music; plus some of his live performance on the Cafe Stage! And a bonus: Heathen Podcast performing on the Festival's Main Stage!
Listen/purchase/stream Jacob's music on Amazon, Apple, Bandcamp, Spotify, and YouTube.
Musician/writer/producer Erin McKeown spoke with us at Wild Goose Festival about the polished gems of the singer-songwriter, her musical Miss You Like Hell, and her chance encounter with Sting. Plus, some of her live performance at the Festival!
Musical duo The World in Lights is Dani Rocca and Joel Herbert. We caught them backstage at Wild Goose Festival, where we talked about their musical smorgasbord, how their influences shape their music, and we get a chance to hear some of their live performance at the Festival!
In a conversation recorded backstage at Wild Goose Festival, folk-rocker Debra Lynn Rodriguez spoke about what she loves about being a multi-instrumentalist, learning to speak her truth, and how important it is to break through our polarization whenever possible. Plus, we share a couple of her songs from the Wild Goose cafe stage!
In a conversation recorded backstage at Wild Goose Festival, musical duo HuDost (Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines) talk about musical collaboration, lyrics that deepen beyond their intended meaning, and moving beyond compartmentalization. Plus, we share a couple of their songs from the Wild Goose main stage!
A double-header episode from Wild Goose Festival featuring conversations with the Revs. Ron Bonner and Jennifer Butler. Ron Bonner is Associate Pastor for Community Engagement at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. He speaks with us about the criminality of racism, and how understanding racism as "sin" has allowed white Christians to avoid confronting it. Jennifer Butler is CEO of Faith in Public Life and the author of Who Stole My Bible? She speaks with us about reclaiming scripture as a handbook for resisting tyranny.
In part two of our conversation with musician/composer Paul Vasile, we speak about his work with Music That Makes Community, the wisdom of Bobby McFerrin, and what keeps us tender.
- Paul’s Website
- Paul’s Soundcloud
- Music That Makes Community
- Listen to Part One
In part one of our conversation with musician/composer Paul Vasile, we speak about how desire connects with faith, his entry into composing, and the childhood tension he experienced between classical music and pentecostal faith.
- Paul’s Website
- Paul’s Soundcloud
- Music That Makes Community
Recorded live at Wild Goose Festival 2021, singer/songwriter Semler talks with our friend Shawna Bowman about honesty in songwriting, the encouragement to release Preacher’s Kid, and their brand new EP, Late Bloomer, out today! Plus, a couple of songs recorded live at the Festival.
- Semler’s Music
- Shawna Bowman and Creation Lab
- Wild Goose Festival
A double-header of conversations recorded at Wild Goose Festival in September! Jo Luehmann is the founder of the Living Room and DoBetterChurch, movements to decolonize faith and spirituality and to dismantle oppression and toxic theology. Dr. Robyn is a Transqueer Activist, Latinx Scholar, and Public Theologian.
- Jo Luehmann on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
- Dr. Robyn
- Wild Goose Festival
In part two of our conversation with musician/composer/activist Tracy Woodard, we speak about her work with the Mad Housers, why harm reduction matters, and the importance of knowing your neighbors.
In part one of our conversation with musician/composer/activist Tracy Woodard, we speak about MARTA busking, her compositions inspired by conversations with her homeless clients, and her upcoming project with composer Frank Horvat.
Musician and social worker Neal Stephens talks mental health, music in and out of church, and jumping into the Wild Goose Festival’s “deep end”. We also listen in on some of his Cafe Stage performance.
Listen to part two of our conversation with Codi Norred. Codi is the Executive Director of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, and also a drummer. He speaks of his international peacemaking work, the power of story, why GIPL’s policy work is so important at this moment, and the intimacy of playing music with others.
Listen to part one of our conversation with Codi Norred. Codi is the Executive Director of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, and also a drummer. He shares with us a Biblical vision for ecology, the best way to do interfaith work, and the challenge and importance of doing environmental justice work in Georgia.
Musician Emily Musolino in live conversation and performance at Wild Goose Festival in 2019.
Our friend and frequent collaborator Amina McIntyre co-preached with Marthame Sanders at Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta.
Part two of our conversation with Darren Calhoun, Leslie Michelle, and Hannah Rand from indie folk/gospel group The Many.
Part one of our conversation with Darren Calhoun, Leslie Michelle, and Hannah Rand from indie folk/gospel group The Many.
We are revisiting part of our 2017 conversation with singer/songwriter Derek Webb as he works on his forthcoming album The Jesus Hypothesis.
Part two of our conversation with Sarah and Colin Comstock of the band Found Wandering.
Part one of our conversation with Sarah and Colin Comstock of the band Found Wandering.
We are celebrating Xavier Washington's presence on the most recent season of American Idol by revisiting our conversation with him and other members of the Ivy League a cappella group Shades of Yale recorded back in 2018.
As we get ready for Season 16, we are sharing an episode from the archives! We celebrate with singer/songwriter Amythyst Kiah and the release of her new single and video for "Black Myself" by revisiting our 2019 conversation with her recorded live at Wild Goose Festival.
Part two of our conversation with Out of Hand Theater's Founder and Artistic Director Ariel Fristoe.
Part one of our conversation with Out of Hand Theater's Founder and Artistic Director Ariel Fristoe.
Part two of our conversation with educator and visual artist Dr. Yohana Junker about embodied-artistic-theological education and her research on decolonization.
Part one of our conversation with educator and visual artist Dr. Yohana Junker about embodied-artistic-theological education and her practice of breathing-being-praying meditation.
Part two of our conversation with chef/artist/synesthete Taria Camerino about food justice, communion, and her relationship with chocolate.
Part one of our conversation with chef/artist/synesthete Taria Camerino about synesthesia, collaborating with cellist Okorie Johnson, and what the 1812 Overture tastes like.
Part two of our conversation with Kids in the Spotlight co-founder and Executive Director Tige Charity.
Part one of our conversation with Kids in the Spotlight co-founder and Executive Director Tige Charity.
Part two of our conversation with author, poet, and Black Mermaids founder Julia Mallory.
Part one of our conversation with author, poet, and Black Mermaids founder Julia Mallory.
Part two of our conversation with New York Times bestselling author Aisha Saeed about Wonder Woman, #weneeddiversebooks, and how hope weaves through her stories.
Part one of our conversation with New York Times bestselling author Aisha Saeed about the importance of authentic storytelling and the need for broader literary representation.
Way back in 2017, we recorded a “cabin fever” episode with host Marthame Sanders and his family being stuck at home for a whole weekend! As we close in on the end of 2020 and continue to quarantine, this seems like a fitting time to revisit that episode.
Scholar/writer J. Kameron Carter and practical theologian/writer Shan Overton join in part two of our round table conversation on Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's new Doctor of Ministry cohort.
Scholar/writer J. Kameron Carter and practical theologian/writer Shan Overton join in part one of our round table conversation on Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's new Doctor of Ministry cohort.
The power is out in Atlanta, meaning we cannot release our regularly scheduled episode. Host Marthame Sanders takes the opportunity to encourage you to vote!
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the Ministry Collaborative’s new Risking Faithfully cohort is the subject of the second half of our conversation with Leanna Fuller, Jennifer Watley Maxell, and Ben Johnston-Krase.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the Ministry Collaborative’s new Risking Faithfully cohort is the subject of the first half of our conversation with Leanna Fuller, Jennifer Watley Maxell, and Ben Johnston-Krase.
Two music nerd pastors take an in-depth dive into the 1988 Public Enemy album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. Alonzo Johnson (coordinator, Self-Development of People) and Marthame Sanders (host, aijcast) explore together.
Two music nerd pastors take an in-depth dive into the 1988 Public Enemy album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. Alonzo Johnson (coordinator, Self-Development of People) and Marthame Sanders (host, aijcast) explore together.
In this special episode, host Marthame Sanders reflects on what the Book of Esther might teach us about speaking - and acting - out in truth.
Part two of our conversation with graphic designer, painter, ordained pastor Lauren Wright Pittman, about the importance of understanding her art as ministry - and vice versa.
Part one of our conversation with graphic designer, painter, ordained pastor Lauren Wright Pittman, about the difference between graphic design and visual art, the importance - and challenge - of representation, and the story behind the aijcast logo.
Part two of our conversation with performance artist and ordained pastor Sally Ann McKinsey.
Part one of our conversation with performance artist and ordained pastor Sally Ann McKinsey.
We share an episode of our sister podcast, The Ministry Collaborative podcast, which Marthame Sanders produces. In a conversation recorded back in March, TMC’s Content Curator Adam Mixon speaks with Katie Nakamura Rengers, Vicar/Founder of The Abbey and Officer for Church Planting Infrastructure in the Episcopal Church, about growing up Japanese-American in the predominantly white Episcopal Church, ministering with those experiencing homelessness in a gentrifying neighborhood, and the importance of letting go of power and privilege.
Part two of our conversation with Lily Jurskis on James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and the Stations of the Cross.
Part one of our conversation with visual artist Lily Jurskis on the countercultural, contemplative, and punk world of Mr. Rogers.
In a special episode, host Marthame Sanders addresses the current context of renewed protests against white supremacy and police brutality.
Part two of our conversation with Alonzo Johnson on the intersection of revolutionary music and neo-orthodox theology, and the work of Self-Development of People.
Part one of our conversation with Alonzo Johnson on his surprising call to ministry, the gangster and the biker, and traditional African drumming.
Part one of our conversation with pastor, activist, and hip-hop artists Yani Davis about her music, peace activism, and a successful kidney transplant.
Part one of our conversation with pastor, activist, and hip-hop artists Yani Davis about ministry, diversity and inclusion, and hip-hop.
Dr. Daniel Omotosho Black on homelessness, rites of passage, and what we are learning from COVID-19.
This Is Who We Are is a musical reflection inspired by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Vision 2020 process.
Season ten wraps up with a special episode featuring Sister Helen Holy in conversation at Wild Goose Festival. Sister Helen is a satirical character played by actor Paul J. Williams. Our conversation took place in character at Wild Goose Festival.