PostConsumer Reports Podcast: Recent Episodes
Chris Marchand
The PostConsumer Reports Podcast with Chris Marchand. It's like the blog but with sound: Thoughts on art, faith, and the intersection of the two, all spoken after consumption.
Featuring interviews and conversations with artists and thinkers.
Rachel Wilhelm returns to PostConsumer reports for another "radio special" episode with an in-depth discussion of her new album Hosea. As an Old Testament prophet, Hosea offers us a frame story as a way to portray our betrayal of God through our sin, if only as a means of demonstrating God's love, judgement, faithfulness, and ultimate call for redemption. Building on her previous work of lament songs, a contemporary requiem, and a companion album about the prophet Jeremiah, Hosea shows us the words and story of an ancient prophet are still speaking to us powerfully today about what God is calling for his people.
The album is available wherever you stream music, but can also be purchased in vinyl format (along with her other works) here. You can find out more about Rachel's music and ministry at her website and about United Adoration where she does worship and songwriting workshops.
Candace Kade joins PostConsumer Reports for a series of 2025 episodes to discuss her Hybrid books series, with the third book in her trilogy Augmented having just coming out in September. A speculative sci-fi set in a futuristic dystopia, the series centers on Urban, a young woman striving to find her identity in a world that sees her very existence as a threat (or at the very least, someone to be disposed of!). You can find out all about Candace's work at https://candacekade.com/ (where you can purchase signed copies!) or find her books at all the usual online spaces. This conversation centers primarily on book 1 in the series, Enhanced.
Andrew Montonera joins PostConsumer reports to discuss his new book By Life or By Death: The Life and Legacy of John and Betty Stam. The Stams were missionaries to China and were tragically martyred in 1934, an event which shook people around the world, partly because their infant daughter survived. Andrew has written a new history of their lives and the events surrounding their death, including numerous pictures, personal writings, poems, and accounts not included in previous biographies of the Stams.
If you would like to purchase a signed copy of his book you can order one here.
His publisher's page through Moody can be found here, and you can order through Amazon here.
Peter and Grace Assad make up Poems of Grace, a duo singing songs rooted in Scripture and willing to wrestle through the wilderness journeys of life. Just in time for Advent, this episode features Peter discussing their two releases from the past year Rivers to Eden and Not Here Yet. You can find out more of their story and purchase their albums and artwork at https://www.poemsofgrace.com/.
It's celebration time! For the 100th episode of the podcast Fernando Ortega returns to discus his new album For All the Saints. We also have a thorough discussion about his book Fernando's Birds bird watching in general, what it means to be rooted to a place and home, and how he has learned to grieve loss and embrace the joys of life over the years. It's a wonderful discussion to have for this milestone episode.
Fernando also appeared on episode 52 of the podcast to discuss his previous album The Crucifixion of Jesus, which to this day remains the most listened to episode of the podcast.
PostConsumer Reports as a podcast will be winding down over the coming series of episodes. For anyone who has listened to these discussions surrounding art and faith over the years, thank you so much for taking the time. I hope the conversations have been enlightening and joy-filled and I also hope it has provided a platform for artists to spread the word about their work and life. I'm not exactly sure how many have listened or who continues to listens, so I'll just throw this bottle out into the ocean a few more times and see what happens. Finally, thanks Fernando for answering my questions all those years ago, giving me the encouragement to start this podcast, and being such an amazing guest.
Reverend April McClure Stewart join PostConsumer Reports for the 99th episode, which also happens to be our annual Christmas episode! It's the last show of the year and the last show before we put together something special for the 100th episode. April is a Disciples of Christ pastor and has served in various leadership positions over the years. But what really makes her qualified for this particular topic is all of the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany traditions she celebrates with her family each year. This interview features a number of ideas people should consider implementing into their own annual traditions.
Musician, composer, and professor Wally Brath joins the podcast to discuss his new album Connexion a Jazz Psalter. The album consists of nine compositions which set the words of the Psalms to music and along with Brath features the lead vocals of Nikki Lerner and the bass of John Patitucci. You can stream the album everywhere or purchase it on Bandcamp or at his website www.wallybrathmusic.com.
It's time for another Christmas episode! Dr. Emily Hunter McGowin is here to discuss her new book Christmas: The Season of Life and Light. The conversation ranges from the joy and challenges surrounding the holiday, to reclaiming old traditions even while developing new ones, to a lightning round of Emily's Christmas favorites. Her book is out now through InterVarsity Press wherever you purchase books.
Katherine Briggs joins the podcast to discuss her new novel The Eternity Gate, a fantasy novel about a handmaiden named Seyo who has a key that will unlock the fate of her kingdom. Along with discussing the novel, this conversation goes into Katherine's writing process and her thoughts on the pressure that writers face in today's publishing industry.
Author and professor Austin Freeman joins episode 95 to discuss his book Tolkien Dogmatics, a theological reading of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. Dr. Freeman is a professor at Houston Christian University where he teaches on theology, literature, and apologetics and has also contributed to other books on theological approaches to science fiction and fantasy. He will be a speaker at Urbana Theological Seminary's 2023 Tolkien Conference where Chris Marchand (the guy who runs PostConsumer Reports) will also be a speaker. You can register for it here. With the main speaker being Craig A. Boyd on Friday September 22, Dr. Freeman and Chris will be delivering their talks in the online sessions on Friday, September 23.
Rachel Wilhelm joins the podcast again to discuss her new album Jeremiah, a collection of song adapted from the words of the prophet Jeremiah. Like with previous episodes this interview is also a kind of deep dive "radio special" for the album featuring excerpts of the song and the background behind them. Rachel previously appeared on the podcast discussing her album Requiem and she has even written an article for PostConsumer Reports the blog. Please check out her work on Bandcamp and all the streaming platforms, book her for songwriting retreat through United Adoration, or check out the music she's contributed for other projects through Cardiphonia and Resound Worship.
Caroline Cobb joins episode 93 of PostConsumer Reports to discuss her new album Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer. Our conversation is a deep dive into the music and background behind the songs, her other Scripture-based albums, and her life as a working musician. You can stream her music wherever it is available or discover more of her work at: www.carolinecobb.com or https://carolinecobb.bandcamp.com/.
Songwriter Rick Lee James is on the podcast again to disucss his new single "As I Walk These Halls," a meditation on his experience of training to be a hospital chaplain. You can find out where to stream or download the song here.
Joel Heng Hartse is the author of the new book Dancing About Architecture is a Reasonable Thing To Do: Writing about Music, Meaning, and the Ineffable." He joins Chris on the podcast to discuss how writing about music is similar to dancing about architecture and they ponder their favorite bands and songs all while figuring out how to continue having a critical eye toward art while still allowing others to enjoy the music they love.
You can find Joel's book here and anywhere you purchase books and you can find out more about his writing and work at his website: https://www.joelhenghartse.com/
It's the REAL war on Christmas! It's THE real war on Christmas! It's the real WAR on Christmas! It's the real war on CHRISTMAS! You get what I'm saying? If you're interested in part one of this talk about resting and debauchery at Christmastime, please see the Tent Talks podcast.
Brian Doerksen is a songwriter, church music leader, and teacher who recently wrote "215" a call for lament and repentance from within the Canadian church for the atrocities committed against the Indigenous children at numerous church and state run boarding schools. He joins PostConsumer Reports to discuss his process in writing the song, what it means to write from a place of sorrow, and to reminisce with Chris about his past worship songs (those he still sings and those he's moved on from). You can discover Brian's music at his website as well as find out how to watch his "Christmas at Our House" concert film.
Martin Matthews is the author of four published novels, including The Dream Chasers trilogy and the Pencraft Award-winning The Graveyard Girl and the Boneyard Boy. The final book of his trilogy, Moria Versus the Universe, was just released in November 2021. Our conversation goes into detail about the world building of his trilogy of novels, how it is a meditation on the possible future of humanity, and the process and craft of novel writing.
Rachel Wilhelm is a songwriter and church music leader who has recently released her new album and work Requiem, which draws from ancient and modern texts and musical styles to offer us a meditation on death, grief, and our hope in the resurrection. Our conversation, along with these set of songs, offers us a chance to slow down and contemplate what it means that our days our numbered and how we are to best live in the time we have left. You can find Rachel's music at: https://www.rachelwilhelm.com/
Harmony Smith is the Director of Worship for the Vineyard Movement in the UK & Ireland where she encourages, raises up, and trains worship and music leaders. She also co-pastors Belfast City Church with her husband Andy. She joins PostConsumer Reports to discuss her song "You Have Our Yes," how people in Ireland and America might wrestle with its lyrics differently, and the responsibility that church worship leaders have to not only lead people to God but also challenge them to love their neighbors as themselves.
Adam Whipple is a singer-songwriter from Knoxville, Tennessee who has just released his new EP Basement Apartment, which is available on all streaming platforms (Soundcloud, Apple, Spotify). You can discover more about Adam and his work at his website (https://www.adamwhipple.com/), which includes visual and video art, and read his prose and poetry and Foundling House, a writing community (https://www.foundlinghouse.com/).
Ep 85 features and interview with Rick Lee James, a singer-songwriter, guitarist, recording artist, and music pastor. He joined PostConsumer Reports to discuss his songwriting and recording process, the struggle to lead church music during the time of COVID (when we are not singing together), being able to authentically address people's pain through worship music, and his Mister Rogers podcast "Welcome to the Neighborhood." Rick has a podcast of his own, "Voices in My Head," which has had numerous guests over the years, including an interview with Chris discussing his 12 days of Christmas book. A couple of months ago Rick was a guest on one of Chris's other podcasts "Between the Songs" discussing "Thunder," an early Rich Mullins song he recorded for his album of the same name.
Bomethius is the "alter ego" of Jonathan Hodges, a songwriter, pianist, violinist, guitar player, and vocalist living in Dallas, Texas. This far-ranging conversation features an in-depth look at his new album Seasons of Limbo. You can find his music at: http://www.bomethius.com/
Bomethius is the "alter ego" of Jonathan Hodges, a songwriter, pianist, violinist, guitar player, and vocalist living in Dallas, Texas. This far-ranging conversation features an in-depth look at his new album Seasons of Limbo. You can find his music at: http://www.bomethius.com/
An interview with Nashville musician, keyboardist, and composer Blair Masters. Blair has played on numerous albums over the years, from Newsboys, Amy Grant, Charlie Peacock, Rich Mullins, Margaret Becker, Steven Curtis Chapman and yeah, even Barry Manilow, Andy Williams, and Megadeth. He's also the touring keyboardist for Garth Brooks and has composed and recorded music for a number television shows. Our talk focuses on the span of his career and gives an in-depth look into the music of his band Dogs of Peace.
This episode features info about Chris's new EP of Christmas music "Let Nothing You Dismay" as well as about Lula, a nonprofit in Peoria, Illinois that feeds, clothes, and offers care to those without housing and living on the streets. All proceeds from the EP will go to support Lula. The talk on serving others at Christmas is an excerpt from Tent Theology, another podcast Chris has been helping produce this year.
Episode 82 features a talk given at Living Waters Church in Peoria, Illinois in 2019 about the book Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas. This episode also features an excerpt from Tent Theology, a new podcast Chris is helping to produce that aims to help renew the social and political imagination of Christians by following in the way of Jesus.
Episode 81 features my interview with Flo Paris Oakes and Katy Hutsoon of the children's worship music group Rain For Roots, who are described as "a collective group of musicians and songwriters who write singable Scripture songs for kids and grown ups alike." They released their fourth album All Creatures this spring, which focuses primarily on settings of the Psalms.
Episode 81 features my interview with Flo Paris Oakes and Katy Hutson of the children's worship music group Rain For Roots, who are described as "a collective group of musicians and songwriters who write singable Scripture songs for kids and grown ups alike." They released their fourth album All Creatures this spring, which focuses primarily on settings of the Psalms.
Episode 80 of the podcast features my interview with Dr. Susan K. Roll with her expert and scholarly insights into the origins of December 25 as the date for Christmas. The author of the book Toward the Origins of Christmas, my conversation with Dr. Roll touches on the earliest documents adhering to that date and to how to address the pagan origins and influences on the holiday. As a Catholic lay woman, we also discuss her passions, insights, and ongoing work of being an advocate for women's ordination in the Catholic church.
Episode 79 features an interview with Blair E. Clark about the artwork she did for my book Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas. A native of Michigan, Blair is a Central Illinois artist whose work you can find at: https://blairjeffers.wordpress.com/. In our conversation, Blair talks about her process, some of the imagery embedded in the her work on the book that might not be immediately obvious, and also her approach to making Mary and Joseph people who were not white Europeans and yet still universal figures we can all relate to.
Dr. Michael Ward is a professor at both Oxford University and Houston Baptist University where he teaches on imaginative apologetics. Dr. Ward is perhaps best know as a C.S. Lewis scholar and for his groundbreaking work Planet Narnia. I interviewed Dr. Ward in research for my book Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, and in our interview we discuss Lewis's views on paganism and touch on the famed author's own beliefs and practices surrounding Christmas
Jimmy Abegg is a veteran of both the music and art worlds. Currently Jimmy is in need of financial help to complete the building Blind Jimmy's Lighthouse, an art and music studio he's building behind his home. You can support him through direct donations or simply by buying his art at his website www.jimmyabegg.com. Associated with Rich Mullins's Ragamuffin Band, Charlie Peacock, and the band Vector, our conversation intentionally focuses on his own art and music, especially his plans once his studio gets completed, including recording albums, offering art workshops to the community, finishing his podcast, and writing his memoir.
Tim Barnes is the executive vice president of International Association For Refugees (IAFR) a non-profit that seeks to empower and support refugees and displaced people groups around the world. Our conversation touches on the complexity of the current situation, where there is over 70 displaced people in the world, and offers some insight on what we might be called to do about it.
This episode features an interview with longtime Newsboys keyboardist, programmer, arranger, and even bass player (on synth!) Jeff Frankenstein. He details what it has been like to navigate the changes to the music industry in the past decades as well as changes within Newsboys themselves. He also describes how they've found a balance in being a touring band with families. The episode also discusses the release of Chris's new book on the 12 days of Christmas.
This bonus episode features excerpts from a previous interview where guitarist and author Stu G discusses his Beatitudes project. Stu G has recently released a film and study guide to go along with his musical album and book, all of which can be purchased at: https://www.thebeatitudesproject.com/
Ep 74 features an interview with Charlie Peacock, and artist with four decades of experience in the music as a songwriter and solo artist, but also as a producer of renowned artists like Switchfoot, The Civil Wars, and Marc Martel. Our conversation ranges from his thoughts on fame, the state of the Christian music industry, and the wisdom he's gained from getting debilitatingly sick after years of pushing himself. Check out https://www.charliepeacock.com/
and https://thewriterthehusband.com/ for more on his music, writing, and artwork.
Ep 73 features Phil Joel, notably of the bands Newsboys, Zealand, and also a prolific solo music career, who has just released his first book Redwoods and Whales.
It reads like a bad joke, but this episode features interviews with 2 Anglican bishops and an Eastern Orthodox priest. Bishop Alberto Morales, Bishop Keith Ackerman, and Fr. Andrew Kishler all gave Chris time to talk about an assorted amount of Christmas traditions, both secular and ecclesiastical. They discuss Puerto Rican Christmas traditions, how to do New Years and the Feast of the Holy Name as a church, and what Epiphany/Theophany looks like for Eastern Orthodox Christians. And please consider supporting the Kickstarter campaign Chris has going on right now for his forthcoming book on Christmas: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chrismarchand/book-celebrating-the-12-days-of-christmas
Episode 71 features an interview with Gabi and Petr Michlik about the Christmas traditions they knew growing up in the Czech Republic, traditions with a surprisingly Pagan bent... This conversation is being released to help promote the Kickstarter campaign Chris is putting on to help fund the completion of his new book on the history and traditions of the 12 Days of Christmas. You can find out more info and support the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chrismarchand/book-celebrating-the-12-days-of-christmas
John Van Deusen (interviewed in Ep. 67) has just released his album "With Every Power Wide Awake" on vinyl, so we're taking the opportunity to release an bonus episode of our conversation that didn't make it into the full interview. Also, it's national podcasting day, so enjoy the extra podcasting goodness. You can find Van Deusen's music at: https://iamjohnvandeusen.bandcamp.com/
Ep. 70 features an interview with Glenn Kaiser, a true music legend. His blues and rock and roots music spans 5 decades, from his work in the Resurrection Band to his solo work and the Glenn Kaiser Band. Kaiser is also a pastor and teacher at the Jesus People USA ministry and community (http://jpusa.org/). You can find Kaiser's music at:
https://grrrrecords.com/glenn-kaiser
https://glennkaiser.bandcamp.com/
This episode also features an interview with author Michelle Van Loon, who recently released her book Born To Wander: Recovering the Value of Our Pilgrim Identity. You can discover more of Van Loon's writings at:
http://michellevanloon.com/
https://theperennialgen.com/
Dr. Lynn Wilder is a retired education professor who began the ministry Ex-Mormon Christians United For Jesus with her husband Michael Wilder, which you can read more about at: http://www.unveilingmormonism.com/. Dr. Wilder has written or co-authored a number of books about walking away from the Mormon faith and coming to know the Good News of Jesus as found in the Bible. Our conversation goes into her personal story as well as the history and beliefs of the Mormon religion.
E. Byron Anderson is Professor of Worship at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. His most recent book Common Worship: Tradition, Formation, Mission explores the various tensions of the Church's worship: traditional vs. contemporary, habit vs. freedom, canon vs. creativity, unity vs. diversity, and mission focused worship vs. congregationally focused worship. However, instead of pitting these concepts against each other, he puts them in conversations that cause pastors, worship leaders, and all Christ followers to ask tough questions about the intention behind how their liturgies are formed and how they are forming their people.
Singer-songwriter and musician released his latest album Every Power Wide Awake late last year, and it's slowly been building buzz with people on the look out for great independent music as well as with church worship leaders. We go in-depth about his career in the music industry (he previously fronted the band The Lonely Forest for over a decade) and the stories behind the songs on the new album.
Artist Alec DeJesus was first a guest on the podcast a year ago. Since then he's had some of his highest highs and lowest lows. He found success with an art commission through Broward College in Florida, painting two murals for them, but then progress on the murals wasn't happening and he almost gave up on art altogether. In the end he didn't abandon his art career and he found tremendous success in actually getting the murals done and inspiring a group of young artists at the college.
Gretchen Filz is a writer and communicator with the Catholic Company and an editor at the daily devotional Morning Offering. In our conversation we discuss the work she is doing developing a catechism for the Catholic faith at: www.goodcatholic.com, as well as her personal journey to Catholicism. You can find many of her writings at:
https://www.catholiccompany.com/
Get Fed Blog
Ha Ha Tonka is a band originally from southern Missouri, who've released five albums through Bloodshot Records. Their music is a seamless mixture of American music: classic rock, southern rock, country, folk, and Americana. The important thing is their songs are amazing. Episode 64 features an interview with their lead singer Brian Roberts, who connected over the phone for a conversation with Chris and guest host Ben Mitzelfelt about their early years and the stories behind a number of their songs.
Listen to Ha Ha Tonka's music, look at tour dates and find out more at their website: http://www.hahatonkamusic.com/
Jaci Music paints abstract landscapes filled with symbols open to a surplus of interpretations...but she never really intended to...Jaci's story is one of an artist whose creativity was borne out of her pain. After numerous years of sorrow, frustration, and longsuffering from infertility she began to paint simply for the sake of her own personal health. You can find out more about Jaci at: http://www.capturedandreclaimed.com/
Stephen Backhouse is a theologian and teacher and the author of Kierkegaard: A Single Life, a biography and survey of the work of the iconoclastic Danish writer Soren Kierkegaard. You can find out more about Stephen's Tent Theology teaching program at: https://www.tenttheology.com/ While our conversation is mostly about Kierkegaard and his work, we also discuss the dangers of Christian Nationalism (or Christendom), including a segment on whether or not American Christians should recite the Pledge of Allegiance, the dangers of being an ordained minister within the institution of the Church, and how Arcade Fire's album Reflektor was inspired by Kierkegaard.
Pastor Dan Leman discusses the background and poetry of the book of Lamentations, and how God births art out of tragedy. The music and Rachel Wilhelm, Bifrost Arts, and Nathan Peterson are also mentioned in the intro.
Nathan Peterson returns to the podcast for an in depth discussion of his recent song "Is It a Sin?" It's not so much an interview as it is a conversation about the song and how we respond to art that challenges us and perhaps even offends us. Please check out out www.nathanpeterson.net for Nathan's music and writings.
Jeremy Casella is a singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. He has released four albums over the years and is currently putting on a Kickstarter campaign to fund his fifth album Spirit. Jeremy is an artist I've had the privilege to get to know over the years after meeting him after a Caedmon's Call concert in 2004. Episode 59 features two interviews with him, one from 2014 done right before a house show he did in 2014 after the release of his album Death in Reverse and the other done this past week on the phone as his kids were home from school in a series of perpetual snow days. Finally, this episode also contains a brief interview (and update) with artist Nathan Peterson, who was on the podcast last fall, where I speak to him about the vinyl release of his EP So Am I.
Kevin Wright is the pastor of First Covenant Church in Peoria Illinois and is also author of The Danse trilogy, a series of horror/mystery novels. If you are thinking that is a strange combination you'd be right, but it is also makes Kevin the perfect conversation partner surrounding the issue of what Christians are supposed to do with the holiday of Halloween. Get ready for a complex and "nuanced" (to use a word that came up a few times) discussion on All Hallow's Eve, All Saints Day, Harvest Festival, and Samhain. You can purchase Wright's books or find out more info at:
www.KevinWrightBooks.com
Ep 57 of the PCR Podcast features my conversation with Dave about his re-launch of UTR Media, which has already started with 5 new podcasts and looks to continue with live concerts, videos, interviews, and articles featuring independent music by Christian artists. You can find out more at: http://utrmedia.org/
Andrew Osenga is a veteran musician, artist, and producer. Lead singer and founding member of The Normals, Osenga also had a stint as the lead guitarist and vocalist for Caedmon's Call, and continues to record and tour with Andrew Peterson's band. Lately Osenga has morphed into an artist mentor and consultant, as well as a podcaster with The Pivot, which focuses on interviews with people who find themselves changing direction mid-career and doing something they never expected to be doing. You can discover his music, his podcast, and everything else he does at:
http://www.andrewosenga.com/
An "archive" episode of the podcast, this is part 2 of my 2014 interview with Nathan Peterson. Nathan is a singer-songwriter from Peoria, Illinois who recently got a vinyl release of his new EP So Am I funded on Kickstarter. This part of our interview features a fascinating story about how he lost his voice (which is his livelihood!) and what he chose to do about it. You can find out more of his story, listen to his music, and purchase his book of the same name as the EP here:
http://nathanpeterson.net/
https://nathanpeterson.bandcamp.com/
Nathan Peterson is a singer-songwriter from Peoria, Illinois. Currently he is attempting to get a vinyl release of his new EP So Am I funded on Kickstarter. You can find out more of his story, listen to his music, and purchase his book of the same name as the EP here:
http://nathanpeterson.net/
https://nathanpeterson.bandcamp.com/
Nathan Peterson is a singer-songwriter from Peoria, Illinois. Currently he is attempting to get a vinyl release of his new EP So Am I funded on Kickstarter. You can find out more of his story, listen to his music, and purchase his book of the same name as the EP here:
http://nathanpeterson.net/
https://nathanpeterson.bandcamp.com/
Fr. Greg Lynn is the vicar of Epiphany Church in Peoria, Illinois. He also happens to be my pastor and my friend. On Sunday, August 20 he preached a message that had been weighing on his heart and mind, "What Does the Bible Say About Race?", and I wanted to offer a place for people to hear it. If you go to the PostConsumer Reports website for episode 54 you will find the slides that go along with the sermon.
The Mosley's are Stephen and Rachel Mosley, a husband and wife sing-songwriter duo from Florida. Their music is earthy and reflective and indicative of the Americana folk of the South. Their first full length album Ordinary Time was produced by Phil Madeira and co-produced by Jimmy Abegg. I got to sit down with them for an interview at UTR Media's Escape to the Lake festival. You can read more about The Mosleys and purchase their music at their website: http://www.themosleysmusic.com/
As a bonus to our previous episode with Pastor Dan Leman on worship in the church, Dan this time offers insight and practical steps for how to worship, pray, and read Scripture together as a family.
Episode 52 features an interview with musician and composer Fernando Ortega, who releases his newest album The Crucifixion of Jesus on August 4, 2017. Our talk runs the gamut of topics, from politics in the American church, his love of bird watching, the tension between performing and worship leading, as well as an in depth look at the songs and making of the new album.
Three years ago my long time friend Pastor Dan Leman and I sat down to have a long chat about the Church's worship. Dan is the lead pastor of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Germantown Hills, Illinois (http://faithefree.net/). It's taken a while, but I am finally sharing our conversation. The main point of our talk is "What exactly is the point of us meeting together to worship?" We go in-depth into that subject, while also discussing Dan's context as a rural pastor, and whether or not he gets respect being a "young" pastor. Last winter Dan and I had another podcast episode which you can view here. That time the topic was sex...
Stu G became known as the lead guitarist and songwriter for the revolutionary worship band Delirious? but after years of touring with other artists and logging lots of time as a studio musician, Stu finally decided to take on a passion project long in gestation: a multimedia work based off of The Beatitudes, the opening words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. It started out as a set of songs but then soon grew into a book and a film, all set in Jesus' bold proclamations of blessing on God's people. So, we're celebrating the 50th episode of PostConsumer Reports Podcast with a landmark episode. I talk with Stu G about the scope of his Beatitudes project as well as about his time in Delirious? You can find out more about the project at Stu G's various websites.
http://www.stugworld.com/
www.thebeatitudesproject.com/
http://twitter.com/stugio
http://facebook.com/stugworld
Today's episode features and interview with Doug Chu on multicultural worship, the Asian-American experience, and a segment I like to call "I wish white churches would..." Doug was kind enough to play along. Doug is a musician and worship leader based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a volunteer worship team leader at Madison Square Church's Ford campus. An American-born Chinese, Doug was raised in Singapore. As a worship leader, his interests include multicultural worship for congregations seeking racial reconciliation and the intersection of charismatic and liturgical worship.
Ted Yoder is a recording artist, composer, and hammered dulcimer player. He's released five albums, has another one on the way, and regularly tours the country playing concerts. Ted Gained much acclaimed when his cover version of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" became a Facebook Livestream sensation. I sat down with Ted after his concert at the Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival in Morris, Illinois. The beginning of the episode features a brief interview with Peggy Peryam, one of the organizers of the festival and herself a musician, teacher, and dulcimer player. You can find Ted's music and tour dates at: www.tedyoder.com and you can find info about the dulcimer festival at: http://www.gebharddulcimer.org/
Episode 47 features an interview with Dr. Lester Ruth on the history of contemporary worship in the Church. The research professor Christian worship at Duke Divinity School, Dr. Ruth co-authored his new book Lovin' on Jesus: A Concise History of Contemporary Worship with Dr. Swee Hong Lim, assistant professor of Sacred Music at Emmanuel College in Toronto. Our interview covers numerous topics related to contemporary worship, including differences how "Mainline" and "Pentecostal" churches do contemporary worship, some of the little known figures in the early contemporary movement, and whether or not we have made music into a sacrament in contemporary worship. You can find Dr. Ruth's personal page here: https://divinity.duke.edu/faculty/lester-ruth
You can purchase Lovin on Jesus at Amazon or Cokesbury.
Quinton Thomas is a Peoria, Illinois based artist. His work is a convergence of numerous influences all at once, creating a blossoming artistic vision all his own. Our conversation covers his upcoming show at the gallery Ear in the Envelope, various possible interpretations of his work, and our thoughts on the new TV show Dear White People. You can find images of his work on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Quinton2017/ and on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/Qthomas1990/
Brooks McDaniel is a professor of philosophy and religion, now retired from Illinois Central College. He is also an ordained minister in the Presbyterian church (PCUSA) and a writer and poet. Brooks was actually one of my own teachers in college and we sat down to talk about faith, spiritual experiences, and what he would like written in his obituary.
Natalia Villaneuva Linares and Earl Power-Murphy are the founders of Yaku Peoria, an organization intent on restoring the beautiful Hale Memorial Church of Peoria, Illinois and turning it into a center for arts and culture in the city. You can find out more at their website:
http://www.yakupeoria.org/ and read their magazine at: http://www.ukayzine.org/ Natalia is herself and artist whose work you can view extensively here: http://www.nati.work/ Our interview details their ongoing work on the building and where Natalia draws inspiration for her art.
Jimmy Bridgeman is the owner and operator of Rock Solid Studio, a professional Peoria based recording studio. With his business partner Jeremy Moser, Jimmy offers a space that can take an artist through the whole recording process, from recording, producing, mixing, and mastering. In our talk we cover all our mutual friends and acquaintances as well as our mutual love of the iconic Cornerstone Music Festival. You can find out more or even book some studio time at: https://www.therocksolidstudio.com/studio
Alec DeJesus is a Peoria, Illinois based artist. His works seem to come from another time while also drawing from pop culture. They are familiar and otherworldly, earthy and sacred. In our conversation we covered where he draws inspiration for his works and how he has had to work hard and think creatively in order to make a living as an artist. You can find Alec on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/alecdajesus/
In the latest episode of our Dialogues With Brandon series, I chat with Brandon about all aspects of the fear of missing out or FOMO. There are many layers to this phenomenon from missing out on moments with your friends or missing out on great life experiences. I become a bit manic in the process but Brandon keeps everything on balance and offers us a way out of a tortured life of the FOMO. This episode is notable as being the first dialogue we were able to record in the same room together.
Kagan Masters is an artist from Central Illinois, specializing in painting with coffee. Her light and dark contrasts are accentuated by the deeply dark reddish brown tones from the coffee base and her subjects range from whimsical animals drunk on coffee to pop culture homages. And yes, they all smell good too! You can find her work at: http://redeemedink.com/index.html, or you can visit her workshop at the Sunbeam Building at the Studios on Sheridan in Peoria (http://ciaopeoria.com/studios-on-sheridan/). This Saturday she'll be offering a coffee painting class for those who want to learn her technique (contact her for more info).
Musician Jared is releasing his new album Masters on March 3, 2017. This podcast extra features a few minutes of our previous conversation that didn't make the cut for episode 38. We talk about "hard" music and hearing loss. Visit https://jaredgrabb.bandcamp.com/ to stream and purchase the new album.
In celebration of Valentine's Day, here is my conversation with Pastor Dan Leman about sex, relationships, and overcoming sexual sin. Dan is the pastor Faith Evangelical Free Church in Germantown Hills, Illinois. Our friendship goes all the way back to high school, so needless to say, we've been talking about sex for a long time.
Jared Grabb is a musician and songwriter from Peoria, Illinois. On March 3rd he releases his third full length album Masters, which you can purchase at: https://jaredgrabb.bandcamp.com/. Along with his solo work Grabb is also a member of Angry Gods and formerly a member of Scouts Honor and the Forecast. Our interview gets into the making of the new album and his career as an independent artist.
This archive episode of the podcast features my February 2014 interview with director, actor, and writer David Leo Schultz. We discussed Ragamuffin, the biopic he made about the life of singer-songwriter Rich Mullins. It was officially the 4th episode of the podcast, made back in the unofficial days.
David's been busy since we first talked. Along with directing the Brennan Manning biopic he also starred in a number of online shorts, started the Ragamuffin Retreats ministry, and is even in the development stages of doing a film about St. Francis. You can find out more info here: http://colorgreenfilms.com/
Michael Danner is the Executive Minister of the Illinois Mennonite Conference. Last fall we sat down to talk politics but ended up having a long side conversation about what it means to be a Mennonite in the 21st century and what the state of the Mennonite Church in America is. Whether you are Mennonite or not, if you are interested in how churches work and where church culture is headed, this episode is for you.
My friend Trey Mowder and I spend this episode trying to narrow down The Beatles' White Album onto a single disc (which means we have to cut out songs, as if such a thing were possible!). On top of that, I also give my year end best of lists (music, TV, films, podcasts) and some highlights for PostConsumer Reports from this past year (2016).
Chris released his Christmas album The Hopes and Fears of All the Years last week on his music page, which you can download for $1 throughout the Christmas season at: chrismarchand.bandcamp.com. This episode features excerpts and commentary on the songs and recording process.
This fall filmmaker Ron Howard released a new documentary Eight Days a Week about the touring years of The Beatles. Trey Mowder and I sat down and discussed what we thought of the film. Part commentary, part movie review, part love letter to the Fab Four, consider this the semi-definitive guide to the new film.
Michelle Van Loon is an author who recently released Moments & Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith through Navpress Publishers (click on the link for a free excerpt). A regular contributor for Christianity Today and the Her.meneutics blog, you can find more of her writings on her website: http://michellevanloon.com/ or at her blog: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/pilgrimsroadtrip/. Our interview focuses mainly on the new book, what Christians can learn from the Jewish feast (along with all my many questions about them!), and how we modern people can slow down follow a different order of time.
Pam Destri was on call as a volunteer EMT the night Rich Mullins died and Mitch McVicker got seriously injured. Many fans have wondered for years what happened on that night. While Pam doesn't have all the answers she does offer her experience, what she witnessed on that night, some surprising revelations about that night, and why she thinks God brought her there in those moments. Part of the episode features talks from Chris Marchand and Pastor Mark Schoenhals about Rich Mullins, a talk from Pam, and then an after-talk interview with Pam.
Mitch McVicker is a singer-songwriter and musician who's released 7 full length albums over the span of his career. He won the Dove award for "Song of the Year" for co-writing "My Deliver" with Rich Mullins. In our chat we talked about his latest album The Grey: When black and white fade, about being a do-it-yourself touring musician, and what it was like playing himself in the Ragamuffin film. Find out more at McVicker's website: http://mitchmcvicker.com/
Vicky Matthews is the Executive Director of Choices Women's Clinic in Orlando Florida and the president of Life Steward Ministries (http://www.choiceswomensclinic.com/ & http://www.lifestewardministries.org/). Vicky travels around the country speaking about and raising funds for women's pregnancy centers, while also serving as the director of her own center. In our conversation we discuss the pro-life movement, changes that are being made in pregnancy centers, and the challenge set before the Church to help pregnant women in need and the unborn children in our communities. It's some thought provoking material worthy of consideration.
Dr. Melody Green, Dean of Urbana Theological Seminary, is the organizer of the 5th annual Tolkien Conference. She herself is a literature scholar, having published and researched on the works of Tolkein, C.S. Lewis, and George MacDonald. The 2016 Conference is November 5 at Grace Community Church in Champaign, Illinois. Please visit www.tolkienconference.com for registration info and topics to be presented. This episode's conversation focuses on the conference, the place of Tolkien's work in today's world, and a side chat about Lewis' enigmatic novel Till We Have Faces.
In the latest "Dialogue With Brandon," Brandon and I discuss what it takes to make a great novel. We are both attempting to write a novel and so we hammer out what makes for great plot and great characters. Is it OK to use cliches? Should our characters be composites of real people we know? Should we use brand names of different products and stores? On and on we go in pursuit of the Great American Novel.
Dr. Michael Danner is the Executive Minister of the Illinois Mennonite Conference. I invited him on the podcast to discuss a "liberal Christian" political perspective, but soon realized he was instead offering me an Anabaptist Christian perspective. While discussing pacifism, "socialism", abortion, and free market capitalism, Michael lays out how the Church can declare the coming Kingdom in the political realm by following in the way of Jesus.
Zac Hicks is the author of the newly released book The Worship Pastor. He is Canon for Worship and Liturgy at Cathedral Church of the Advent (Birmingham, AL) and writes regularly at zachicks.com. You can find out more about the book (along with a free excerpt) at: http://www.theworshippastorbook.com/
This episode features rare interviews from Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy taken from the Presidential Profiles record series. In preparation for the 2016 election it is time to start considering politics at a deeper level. These speech excerpts and brief bios offer insights into the actions and lives of our presidents and in so doing act as a somewhat sober counter to our currently manic political culture. Also, there is still time to support the Kickstarter campaign for the book "Why Every President Sucked" (You can listen to my interview with the book's author in the previous episode). Follow these links to find out more:
http://www.whyeverypresidentsucked.com/
or
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1929635985/why-every-president-sucked-hardcover-book
Eric Olsen is the author of Why Every President Sucked, and is putting on a Kickstarter campaign until the end of August in order to get the book published. In our conversation we talk about looking at America's presidents with fresh eyes, even the ones we love the most. The book isn't as negative as it sounds, but is an attempt open us up to the simple idea that our presidents were people too and they all made mistakes. To find out more and to support the Kickstarter campaign please visit: http://www.whyeverypresidentsucked.com/
or
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1929635985/why-every-president-sucked-hardcover-book
Joe Johnson writes reviews on Bible and theology books at https://tabletalktheology.com/ and http://www.theologues.net/. Our conversation focuses on the importance for "normal churchgoers" to read theological texts and scholarly books on the Bible, as well as which books are good entry level texts to start off with.
Blair Jeffers is a Peoria area artist who is having a showing ("Comic Panels and Literals") at The Art Garage for the month of August. You can view some of her work at her blog: https://blairjeffers.wordpress.com/. Blair also juried the "Unseen Voices" exhibit which will be on display at the Foster Gallery of art during August as well. If you live close to Peoria come out to First Friday or find a time this month to visit some of the many galleries in the city (for locations visit: http://ciaopeoria.com/about-us or http://artspartners.net/).
Carol McPherson is the Director of Discipleship and Fine Arts Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Peoria, Illinois. She is also the director of the Foster Gallery for Christianity and the Fine Arts, which runs out of First United. In our interview we talk about how the Church can be a patron for the arts, about what it means to bring true justice and acceptance to people, and about her former life as a country and western singer. Carol also has a PhD. in liturgical studies from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Through the month of August 2016 the exhibit "Unseen Voices" is on display at the Foster Gallery, located at 116 Perry Ave., Peoria.
This podcast episode is different from the norm for PostConsumer Reports. It features a talk Chris Marchand (host and writer for PCR) gave on Classical Education. Chris is the headmaster at Aletheia Christian School in Peoria, Illinois (www.peoriaclassical.org). Chris goes into the philosophy behind Classical Education, how we give our kids the "lost tools of learning", and how we hope to create lifelong lovers of learning. Welcome to the Great Conversation!
Joe Cook is the station manager for three stations in the Western Indian Radio Network (http://www.westernindian.net/) in New Mexico and Arizona. He and his family moved out west a few years ago to do ministry among the Navajo nation and its people. Joe is also the operator of the Ragamuffin Archive, which features numerous Rich Mullins, interviews, live shows, and song rarities (https://www.youtube.com/user/theentrtnr). In our interview we chat about his ministry and the strange story of receiving a box (or boxes) full of all but unheard Rich Mullins material. You can find Joe's family's blog at: https://cookfamilywim.wordpress.com/
Fr. Nathan Carr is our guest today. He is the headmaster at The Academy of Classical Christian studies and vicar of St. James' Episcopal Church, both in Oklahoma City. We discuss the tensions of leadership, building wonder into a preschool program, and how to get 3 year olds to walk in line. We did our interview after a workshop he had just given at the Association of Classical & Christian Schools annual conference.
Douglas Wilson is a pastor, theologian, and proponent of Classical Education. He has authored numerous books on various subjects pertaining to matters of the Christian faith, education, and history. Visit Canon Press for a listing of many of his books or visit his blog, which he updates frequently. I spoke with Wilson last week from the Association of Classical and Christian Schools annual conference.
In our second Dialogue With Brandon we discuss the question "How Big Is Your Soul?" Are you a small-souled person? Most people wouldn't want to think so, but it's a question worth pursuing the answer to. Brandon and I discuss the thoughts of Douglas Hofstadter and his book I Am Strange Loop and I end up getting more confused and frustrated by the end then when I started. Maybe that means I'm small-souled after all.
Our fifteenth episode features Mike Foster who is known mostly for his knowledge of J.R.R. Tolkien and Middle Earth (because of a famed Illinois Central College literature class and numerous essays and interviews on the subject), but who has also been a hardworking writer and journalist for over 50 years. While the questions eventually always wind their way back to hobbits and strange elvish (or is it elven?) names, Mike also has lots to share about teaching, music, and writing a good obituary. Shaped by a lifetime of reading and intensive study Mike speaks with a gentle eloquence always tinged with the wonder of faerie. This is our longest episode yet, but stick around to hear some great stories about the people he has met and dialogued with in the Tolkien Universe.
Radiohead released their new album A Moon Shaped Pool this week. Pastor and author Ryan Hansen joins the podcast to discuss what exactly Radiohead fans expect from Thom Yorke and company every time the iconic and enigmatic band release a new set of songs. We talk about the self-seriousness of Radiohead fans (us included), as well as how their lyrics and music have changed over the years. Do they make protest music or music full of existential despair? We don't exactly get to the answers but it was a fun talk.
Episode 13 of the PostConsumer Reports Podcast features a conversation with Jessica Ball, Peoria area artist and owner of The Art Garage. Jessica shares her journey as an artist and through it I get to ask about her views on abstract art, the monetary value of works of art, and where the art community is headed in Peoria. Check below for examples of her work (which we also discuss in the interview). Make sure to check The Art Garage page for class times and upcoming exhibits: http://art-garage-studio.com/
Every month (or so) I'll be putting up a new dialogue with my friend Brandon Lulay. Instead of an interview it's mutual conversation. Today we talk about my difficulties with the animated show Archer as well as our thoughts on the season 6 finale of The Walking Dead (yeah, THAT one).
Episode 11 of the PostConsumer Reports Podcast features Thom Blair, editor and translator of the Hebrew English Interlinear English Standard Version (ESV) of the Old Testament. Thom also works for Faithlife and Logos Bible Software. His Hebrew-English version of the ESV is quite frankly amazing. Essentially it features a line of the Hebrew text with another line of the exact English words directly underneath. Thom is a friend of mine and I am honored and astonished to know someone who has accomplished a project such as this. Thom has also been developing Bible study courses and video talks from prominent Bible Scholars that correspond with the different seasons of the church calendar.
Director/actor/writer David Leo Schultz is our first repeat guest on the PCR podcast. This time he is talking about his new film Brennan, which is an intimate character study of the author and speaker Brennan Manning (The Ragamuffin Gospel, Ruthless Trust). We get into the frustrations of making films that are not 100% family friendly with American Christian culture, the difficulties of portraying someone as enigmatic as Brennan Manning, and how we are all pretty messed up and desperately in need of God's grace. For more info on Brennan, including show times and places, visit their website: http://www.brennanmanningmovie.com/
When author Caleb Kruse was in college, singer/songwriter Rich Mullins stayed in his house for 3 weeks. Mullins talked with him and his family, gave brief mini-concerts, and even put on a full concert with his touring band. The night that Mullins and fellow artist Mitch Mcvicker left their house, however, was the night he got in a car accident and was killed. Now, nearly twenty years later Kruse decided to write out his experience of those 3 weeks, which he put into the book Meeting Rich.
Jeremiah Gibbs is the Chaplain/Director of the Lanz Center for Christian Vocation and Formation at the University of Indianapolis. In Episode 08 we discuss his book Apologetics After Lindbeck which asks what it means to defend and tell the story of the Christian faith in today's world. We talk about the current state of apologetics and what nebulous words like "post-liberal" and "post-conservative" and "post-foundational" might mean. You can find more of his writings at his website and blog: www.jeremiahgibbs.com.
Pop Quiz: Someone walks into your church on a Sunday morning or even a week day, gives a story about the awful situation they are in, and asks for money to help get them by. What do you do?
Pastor Luke Edwards has the right answer: DON'T GIVE THEM ANYTHING. Tell them God helps those who help themselves and send them on their way.
Actually no. Luke wrote an article called "Churches Should Stop Giving Away Stuff and Do This Instead" which intrigued me so much I had to interview him about it to learn more.
For more info and links to the articles and books Luke mentions visit www.postconsumerreports.com and click on the "episodes" tab.
Mike Condo is the general manager of Superfan Vinyl (www.superfanvinyl.com), an online record store and record label in the making. Along with DC Talk they have also released a number of Relient K albums on vinyl and have plans to do much more in the future. We talk about the 20th anniversary release of DC Talk's Jesus Freak and about the process of first acquiring the rights to an artist's music to getting it pressed on those beautiful black discs.
The PostConsumer Reports Podcast is just getting started. There are many questions to be asked and we will listen to many answers.
Artists, thinkers, pastors, interesting people of all sorts. They already exist. We just need to get them in front of a mike and ask them questions.