Renew the Arts Podcast

Three Rules of Thumb to Avoid the Abuses of AI (with Chase Tremaine)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:15:13 +0000

Michael is joined for the second part of his conversation with Chase Tremaine about AI. This time they delve into some of the tendencies of over-reliance on technology, and the ways that affects and disrupts human creation. They then explore Chase’s three rules of thumb for using (or not using) AI, especially as it relates to artistic creation.

Chase also mentions his upcoming single, “More Changed than Changing” in this episode. It would mean a lot to us if you would pre-save it (https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chasetremaine1/more-changed-than-changing) and check it out when it releases.

LINKS

Porchlight Festival RSVP (https://porchlight.art/festival/)

Transhumanism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism)

On the Technology of the Book (Episode 75) (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/rich-kid-syndrome-and-the-decadent-empire-of-ai/)

OpenAI’s Evolution from Non-Profit to For-Profit (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/28/openai-for-profit-restructuring)

Second-Screen Media Shifts at Netflix (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jan/17/not-second-screen-enough-is-netflix-deliberately-dumbing-down-tv-so-people-can-watch-while-scrolling)

Suno Liability Waiver Terms of Service Analysis (https://blog.startupstash.com/suno-terms-of-service-analysis-protecting-copyrights-amid-ai-music-innovation-3fb8b590a1d0)

Streaming/iTunes vs. Actual Popularity (https://joelgouveia.substack.com/p/1-million-monthly-listeners-12-tickets)

Scottish Psalter (1564) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Psalter_(1564))

How AI Affects Everything (with Chase Tremaine)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:24:33 +0000

Chase Tremaine joins Michael to discuss recent developments in AI news, as LLMs and Machine Learning have begun to touch on most every aspect of our lives. Is AI inevitable, or is its bubble ready to burst?

LINKS

AI IPOs and the Bubble (https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/ai-led-boom-ipos-raises-123807445.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANwQNnbJSMoZDbbgAzNPNKE_HKntMTw5TGFcEMS7ijOVUOFX9jAAcwhaUJ7zKL69NugKldqXCmKJEFnj97IptE8FkjSJ3ksniPnTkKU0SG73ww8r-2Aqa56ViYIMfypqw_T9UAUIJBif2Tjr6lddQGze3G10UguJd18EB0fRBLZX)

Debt Margin at Record High (https://www.advisorperspectives.com/dshort/updates/2026/07/20/margin-debt-finra-june-2026)

Difference Between LLMs and Machine Learning (https://www.neuralconcept.com/post/ml-vs-llm-key-differences-applications-engineering-impact)

Suicides Aided by Chatbots (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaths_linked_to_chatbots)

ROI on AI Implementation (https://www.fullstack.com/labs/resources/blog/generative-ai-roi-why-80-of-companies-see-no-results)

Data Center Watch (https://www.datacenterwatch.org/)

Anthropic Resists Using AI for Surveillance and War (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg3vlzzkqeo)

AI and Government Surveillance (https://www.meritalk.com/articles/fbi-counting-on-ai-to-find-the-needle-in-the-haystack/)

AI Psychosis and Addiction (https://www.npr.org/2026/01/20/nx-s1-5591473/ai-delusions-spiral-support-group-chatgpt)

MIT Study on Cognitive Impact of Using ChatGPT (https://www.brainonllm.com/)

Impact of Hyper-Scaling Data Centers on Water (https://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/drained-by-data-the-cumulative-impact-of-data-centers-on-regional-water-stress?utm_source=google-ad-grant&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=ceres_evergreen_keywords&utm_term=googleadgrant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15876522884&gbraid=0AAAAADlebsJSBsWOsRL_L_07fU6bpx8No&gclid=Cj0KCQjw94bTBhDQARIsAN3vv0wUwIvQtxaX6qGX7MkQi0aFC-auDlduBQEi6dibmbHHEay118LMEy8aAtX_EALw_wcB)

Were Poor Quinoa Consumers in Areas Who Grow It Worse Off? (https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/03/31/472453674/your-quinoa-habit-really-did-help-perus-poor-but-theres-trouble-ahead)

OpenAI Financial Leak (https://www.wheresyoured.at/exclusive-openai-financials/)

OpenAI ChatGPT Device (https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/14/openais-first-hardware-device-is-reportedly-a-screenless-speaker-that-can-move/)

“Mind Demons” in AI (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-digital-self/202403/quantum-weirdness-and-the-mind-demons-of-ai)

Meta Employee Keystroke Surveillance (https://www.wired.com/story/meta-accidentally-let-employees-access-each-others-keystroke-data/)

Deezer (https://www.deezer.com/us/)

South Korea’s Chip Stock Drop (https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/korea-focused-koru-etf-dips-on-kospi-drag-samsung-sk-hynix-extend-selloff-into-us-big-tech-earnings-week/cZZLrtnR7Mr)

Australia’s New AI Laws (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jul/23/openai-anthropic-australia-ai-regulation)

On the Craft of Songwriting and Authentic Pop (with Aryn Michelle)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:30:49 +0000

Michael is joined by songwriter and songwriting teacher Aryn Michelle to discuss both her new songwriting textbook, Play Shape Create, and her new album, Bloodline, set to release in July.

Stay tuned at the end to hear Aryn Michelle’s “Upper Hand (Tamar) (https://open.spotify.com/track/21g5jFPgHyfKOcgLqNcv3B?si=128de0d5973a4f13)” from Bloodline.

LINKS

Play Shape Create: The Joyful Art of Songwriting (https://www.amazon.com/Play-Shape-Create-Joyful-Songwriting/dp/1967262225), by Aryn Michelle Calhoun

Aryn Michelle discography (https://www.arynmichelle.com/music/)

Bless Your Limitations: A Talk About AI with Rusty Hein

Renew the Arts — Fri, 29 May 2026 18:56:01 +0000

Michael is joined by long-time friend and Renew the Arts Creative Director, Rusty Hein, for a different take on AI and related topics.

LINKS

Chatbot Thinks Upside-Down Cup is Prank (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3fYiLXVfPa4)

Steve McDonald (artist who collaborates with AI) (https://www.instagram.com/stevedmcdonald)

Elon Musk on AI surgeons (https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1916573094367625556)

Audiofeed Music Festival 2026 (https://audiofeedfestival.com/)

Porchlight Festival Save the Date! (https://porchlight.art/festival)

How Art Bots and AI Slop Will Rehumanize the Arts

Renew the Arts — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:02:57 +0000

Michael continues his exploration of AI and its impact on the arts, discussing why he has hope the AI revolution will produce positive unintended consequences for artists of integrity and discipline.

LINKS

Iain McGilChrist, The Master and His Emissary (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Master_and_His_Emissary)

Chatbot Thinks Upside-Down Cup is Prank (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3fYiLXVfPa4)

Ep 69 on Exploited Art (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/exploited-art-propaganda-pornography-pomp-and-product/)

“Has God Really Called You to be an Artist? (https://renewthearts.org/has-god-really-called-you-to-be-an-artist/)”

The Guardian, “How Hollywood writers triumphed over AI” (https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/oct/01/hollywood-writers-strike-artificial-intelligence)

On Franchise Fatigue (https://medium.com/@chiliflake/nostalgia-bait-and-franchise-fatigue-how-hollywood-manufactures-longing-dbb643a7bdf1)

Six-Song Country Mashup (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY8SwIvxj8o)

Christianity Today, “The Current No. 1 Christian Artist Has No Soul” (https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/solomon-ray-ai-christian-music-soul-singer/)

87% of Music Producers Use AI (https://www.landr.com/ai)

75% of Film Production Executives Cut Costs with AI (https://wifitalents.com/ai-in-the-movie-industry-statistics/)

Audiofeed Music Festival 2026 (https://audiofeedfestival.com/)

Porchlight Festival Save the Date! (https://porchlight.art/festival)

Rich Kid Syndrome and the Decadent Empire of AI

Renew the Arts — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:06:03 +0000

Michael begins the 2026 season of the Renew the Arts podcast with an exploration of the benefits and costs of technology, the history of the book, and how the adoption of AI will force humanity into a crisis of meaning and discipline.

LINKS

Neil Postman, Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology (https://www.amazon.com/Technopoly-Surrender-Technology-Neil-Postman/dp/0679745408)

The Homeric Question (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeric_Question)

dactylic hexameter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dactylic_hexameter)

oral tradition (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_tradition)

John Milton, Paradise Lost (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradise_Lost)

Cara Bergeron, “Medieval Memory” (https://classicaldifference.com/medieval-memory/)

WCF, Shorter Catechism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Shorter_Catechism)

peruse (https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/peruse-usage) as contronym

Joshua Foer, Moonwalking with Einstein (https://www.amazon.com/Moonwalking-Einstein-Science-Remembering-Everything/dp/0143120530)

Warbler, “America!” music video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuPWZch9fGo)

Principle of Least Effort (“Rich Kid Syndrome”) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle_of_least_effort)

Second Law of Thermodynamics (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_law_of_thermodynamics)

Malcolm Gladwell, David and Goliath (https://www.amazon.com/David-Goliath-Underdogs-Misfits-Battling/dp/0316204374/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=185689537145&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CPqHFx9A1Kp06D78bcDWde1LMvga5sa-8YEAjBUoN5aeOhFiqabp-49z8ULqbIB8HaOTah2U1SP8JKVjdrNFIl-1zfPGvKw80zc6v9JAUK3UcqKtzHZV6jRHhsWDpxFNCzSo8lDQWAArAikElhexLReCwGWzt1InO499XSVqvx1bhGbnPxtBb6IoULNMOwz2ywsP8ztFS8WXgmAABMwQhmEHpaKPiA_tF_Z_6Wsp0rg.DgRtMuhrw3XZznKNIcZatYd8X-bYFV0mMqrbz6iRbec&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779621993755&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9052933&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=13497645768722275385--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13497645768722275385&hvtargid=kwd-49103790031&hydadcr=15555_13842827_8870&keywords=malcolm+gladwell+david+and+goliath&mcid=0e341c02df7038d7a249032da3544a7e&qid=1774522574&sr=8-1)

“Silk Slippers of History” (https://igcpublishing.com/2022/12/20/silk-slippers-of-history/)

“Hard Times Hard Men” quote (https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/8751435-hard-times-create-strong-men-strong-men-create-good-times)

Andrew Chow, “ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study” (https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-google-learning-school/) (TIME)

Pope Leo XIV, “Preserving Human Voices and Faces” (https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/messages/communications/documents/20260124-messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html)

Matt Shumer, “Something Big is Happening” (https://shumer.dev/something-big-is-happening)

Civilized Creature, “Think I’m Ready” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSC3ZDDwGlg&list=OLAK5uy_k5p6ecXgr3IqByjZAJSnoWwY3KYtFCa6M&index=1)

2025 Mailbag Full of Explicit Content, What Makes Art Good, and Unstrange Fire

Renew the Arts — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:31:24 +0000

Michael answers an international mailbag full of great questions to close out 2025 on the Renew the Arts podcast, including discussions of how Christians should approach non-family-friendly biblical content, what makes art good, baking and cooking as an art, the Holy Spirit’s role in improvisational art as a prayer offering, and much more. Stay tuned at the end for “Spirit Move (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/track/spirit-move),” by Civilized Creature, featuring Isaac Wheadon, from the 2024 album Whose House (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/album/whose-house).

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

LINKS

26k for 2026 Renew the Arts Fundraiser (https://renewthearts.donorsupport.co/page/26Kby2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawOxMWZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeKZ1jlpj-WSNq7z9la6PwtXqJh_ApufObto-MHc7aVvjXGJO2VtXLNDzh3KI_aem_KxWnG6e_TNIrVv9wYqSv0g)

Sex ’n Hip-Hop with Sho Baraka (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/sex-n-hip-hop-with-sho-baraka/)

Hosea, by Rachel Wilhelm (https://rachelwilhelm1.bandcamp.com/album/hosea)

1:07 — Go Bleep Yourself (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/007-go-bleep-yourself/)

The Nothing Human Podcast (first fifteen episodes on Three Powers of the Human Spirit) (https://michaelminkoff.com/nothing-human-podcast/)

Sight (2024 Angel Studios Movie) (https://www.angel.com/movies/sight)

The Martyr Made Podcast (Daryl Cooper) (https://www.martyrmade.com/)

Julianna Schlager (Ballet 5:8) (https://app.porchlight.art/artists/ballet-58)

“Fellowship with the Worms,” by Lindsey Priest (https://www.ekstasismagazine.com/poetry/2023/fellowship-with-the-worms)

“Forever Overhead,” by David Foster Wallace (https://welcometotheloonybin.wordpress.com/2008/09/17/forever-overhead/)

Photay (https://pho-tay.com/)

J. Lind, Rotations (https://jlindmusic.bandcamp.com/album/rotations)

Kevin Schlereth, Settle In (https://kevinschlereth.bandcamp.com/album/settle-in)

Brother James, Be Alive (https://justinjamessinclair.bandcamp.com/album/be-alive)

Zane Vickery, “All Things New” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLCrsiJkJAI)

Warbler, “America!” [Official Music Video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuPWZch9fGo&list=RDZuPWZch9fGo&start_radio=1)

Prayerbook, by Mike Roelofs (https://mikeroelofs.bandcamp.com/album/prayerbook)

Top 5 Things Churches Should Communicate to Their Artists

Renew the Arts — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:50:08 +0000

Michael collects together the top five things he thinks churches should communicate to their artists, based on his decades of work in the Christian arts space. One thing you might realize after listening to this episode: these five things should be communicated to pretty much every member of a church. Nonetheless, Michael discusses why artists typically don’t hear or feel these things communicated in most churches.

LINKS

Two Biggest Lies Christians Believe about the Arts (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/episode-1-two-biggest-lies-christians-believe-arts/)

Why Are So Many Christian Artists At Odds With the Church? (https://renewthearts.org/why-are-so-many-christian-artists-at-odds-with-the-church/)

Incarnational Evangelism: Preaching the Word to a Words-Weary World (https://michaelminkoff.com/incarnational-evangelism/)

The Use and Abuse of Fiction

Renew the Arts — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:07:18 +0000

Michael explains the popular dismissal of fiction and the imagination, and explores the edifying uses of fiction for overcoming the limitations of one’s own lived experience and to bypass our natural resistance to the truth.

LINKS

“Are Sermons Enough to Preach the Whole Counsel of God?” (Part 1 (https://renewthearts.org/are-sermons-enough-to-preach-the-whole-counsel-of-god-part-1-of-2/) and Part 2 (https://renewthearts.org/are-sermons-enough-to-preach-the-whole-counsel-of-god-part-2-of-2/))

“If You Don’t Get Poetry, You Don’t Get the Bible”

Ep. 58: Art and the Evangelical Imagination (with Karen Swallow Prior) (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/art-and-the-evangelical-imagination-with-karen-swallow-prior/)

The Red Badge of Courage (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Badge_of_Courage), by Stephen Crane

“Sonny’s Blues,” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny%27s_Blues) by James Baldwin

Crime and Punishment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_and_Punishment), by Fyodor Dostoevsky

1984 and Brave New World Compared (https://kudzureviewfsu.com/2024/04/25/fiction-in-tandem-why-1984-and-brave-new-world-should-always-be-read-together/)

Demons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demons_(Dostoevsky_novel)), by Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Little Things are the Great Things

Renew the Arts — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:00:22 +0000

Michael compares and contrasts the great way that seeks first worldly prominence with the little way of the cross, defending and explaining the priority that Renew the Arts has placed on the little things that actually accord with obedience to God.

Stay tuned at the end to hear “Love Everybody (https://justinjamessinclair.bandcamp.com/track/love-everybody-2),” a track from Be Alive (https://justinjamessinclair.bandcamp.com/album/be-alive), the just-released new record from Porchlight artist Brother James (https://app.porchlight.art/artists/brother-james).

LINKS

The Screwtape Letters, Chapter 6 (https://www.thespiritlife.net/81-warfare/warfare-publications/1881-chapter-6-the-screwtape-letters-cs-lewis), by C. S. Lewis

Father Zosima on “Active Love (https://www.simchafisher.com/2017/04/18/fr-zosima-on-active-love/),” from The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Edict of Milan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Milan)

Source of Paul Weyrich quote, “The Real Origins of the Religious Right (https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/05/religious-right-real-origins-107133/),” by Randall Balmer

The Anti-Christ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Antichrist_(book)), by Friedrich Nietzsche

Ep. 68: “Porchlight at Audiofeed 2025: Mini-Conference on Hospitality” (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/porchlight-at-audiofeed-2025-mini-conference-on-hospitality/) (Renew the Arts Podcast)

The Hague School (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hague_School)

Exploited Art: Propaganda, Pornography, Pomp, and Product

Renew the Arts — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:59:05 +0000

Michael goes solo to talk about exploited art in its four forms: propaganda, pornography, pomp, and product. He discusses why subjecting art to an agenda undermines the powerful purpose of art, and why the church should be the place artists feel most free and empowered to pursue their callings with integrity.

LINKS

Why Are So Many Christian Artists at Odds with the Church? (article (https://renewthearts.org/why-are-so-many-christian-artists-at-odds-with-the-church/) and podcast (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/008-why-so-many-christian-artists-are-at-odds-with-the-church/))

12 Years a Slave: History vs. Hollywood (https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/12-years-a-slave.php)

Art and the Evangelical Imagination (with Karen Swallow Prior) (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/art-and-the-evangelical-imagination-with-karen-swallow-prior/)

“The Sentimentality Trap (https://firstthings.com/the-sentimentality-trap/),” by Benjamin Myers

Young People are Having Less Casual Sex … (https://www.businessinsider.com/teens-less-casual-sex-generation-parents-did-2021-3#:~:text=Data%20from%20the%202019%20General,sex%20is%20going%20to%20happen.%22)

Frank Zappa Interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZazEM8cgt0)

The Artist and the Problem of Fame (Part 1) (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/the-artist-and-the-problem-of-fame/)

Patrons and the Problem of Fame (Part 2) (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/patrons-and-the-problem-of-fame/)

Why Art, Like the Gospel, is not a Commodity (https://renewthearts.org/why-art-like-the-gospel-is-not-a-commodity/)

On Aquinas and the Four Idols (https://www.sahilbloom.com/newsletter/the-four-idols-money-power-pleasure-fame)

Porchlight at Audiofeed 2025: Mini-Conference on Hospitality

Renew the Arts — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:15:10 +0000

Join us for a generous sampling of the “Porchlight Mini-Conference on Hospitality” we held on July 6, 2025 at Audiofeed Music Festival (https://audiofeedfestival.com/) in Urbana, Illinois. Featuring presentations from Cary Brege and Michael Minkoff, a host panel on art hosting and hospitality, and a selection from Porchlight artists who performed to close out the day, we hope this episode inspires you to pursue a deeper involvement with the beautiful work of art hospitality.

03:45 — Cary Brege (https://renewthearts.org/behind-the-porchlight-havenwood-hosts-embrace-creativity/), “Hospitality and the Kingdom of God”

30:30 — Michael Minkoff (http://michaelminkoff.com), “Artists: The Church’s Unwanted Gift”

58:19 — Porchlight Host Panel Q&A

1:54:03 — Porchlight Artists

Chase Tremaine (https://chasetremaine.com/) / “Carseat (https://chasetremaine.bandcamp.com/track/carseat)” Trailand Eltzroth (https://www.trailandeltzroth.com/) / “Sophia (https://trailandeltzroth.bandcamp.com/track/sophia)” The Local Hang-Ups (https://oldbearrecords.com/project/localhangups/) / “Love Somebody (https://localhangups.bandcamp.com/track/love-somebody-2)” Zane Vickery (https://www.zanevickery.com/) / “Interloper (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLunQxgMN9I)” Make Sure (https://www.instagram.com/makesure.music?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) / “Nuisance (https://vimeo.com/1101730380)” John Van Deusen (https://johnvandeusen.com/) / “Jesus of Nazareth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5Ax8f1gQsQ)”

LINKS

A Kingdom of Tea and Strangers (https://www.labridocumentary.com/watch), full documentary

RTA Ep. 66: On “A Kingdom of Tea and Strangers” (with Houston Coley) (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/on-a-kingdom-of-tea-and-strangers-with-houston-coley/)

Connecting Science and Art (with Ciara Reyes-Ton)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Michael talks with Ciara Reyes-Ton (https://www.mountcarmell.com/founder) about science, art, and faith. Ciara is a cellular and molecular biologist, singer-songwriter, and founder of Mt. Carmell Worship Collective (https://www.mountcarmell.com/). In this conversation, Ciara talks about her history as a scientist and an artist, and how both science and art interact in the Christian’s spiritual life.

Stay tuned to the end to hear “To Become Human (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B5qd7RSqP4),” the first song Ciara wrote at the intersection of faith and science.

On “A Kingdom of Tea and Strangers” (with Houston Coley)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 08 May 2025 09:00:43 +0000

Michael is joined by film-maker and YouTuber Houston Coley (https://www.youtube.com/@houston-coley) to discuss Coley’s feature documentary, A Kingdom of Tea and Strangers (https://www.labridocumentary.com/), which follows five strangers as they spend a summer together at English L’Abri. They discuss the film and touch on community, communal art, hospitality, imagination, Christian art, and more.

A Kingdom of Tea and Strangers will be available to watch on YouTube on the Art Within channel (https://www.youtube.com/@artwithinofficial) May 10, 2025.

Stay tuned to the end to hear “Living Room Song (https://open.spotify.com/track/2BaDq71ev9qSBolFpFvUiL?si=a6391990a2484052),” by Evan Wegner and Áron Szlávik from the documentary soundtrack, Songs from the Shelter (https://www.labridocumentary.com/concept-album).

One Anothering in An Othering Age (with Chase Tremaine)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:02:33 +0000

Michael welcomes Chase Tremaine (https://chasetremaine.com/) to the Renew the Arts podcast to discuss the impact of technology on the way we make and receive art. Just a few generations ago, all art was received communally, with live performances and in-person reception the only possibility. Now, recording technology and internet connectedness has completely transformed the arts. Chase and Michael discuss what this massive shift has meant for us. Technology has certainly benefitted the arts, making it more accessible and attainable, and potentially more democratic. But at the same time, this shift has radically increased the depersonalization and individualism of the arts, both for artist and audience. What have we gained and what have we lost in this almost invisible shift, and what can we do to counteract the inherent obstacles in our advancements? How do we go about one anothering in an age that has made all of us individually feel other?

Stay tuned at the end to hear “Sing for Me,” by Chase Tremaine, a track available for download exclusively on Chase Tremaine’s Friend’s Club (https://friends.chasetremaine.com/).

Three Word-Pictures for Patrons and Artists

Renew the Arts — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:37:19 +0000

Michael returns for the 2025 RTA podcast season with an offering of three word-pictures for patrons and artists. First, “Space Station Christianity” seeks to answer the question, “Are the arts and beauty actually essential?” Second, “Antibiotic vs. Probiotic Culture” seeks to show the distinction between Culture War and Culture Care. Finally, “Miniature for Scale” frames some advice for making art about larger-than-life realities. We hope these word-pictures help to clarify your relationship to the arts as we delve this season into “flourishing” with the arts.

Stay tuned until the end to hear “Brother Please,” (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/track/brother-please) from the single America! (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/album/america), by Warbler. Many thanks again to Ryan Lane of Civilized Creature for providing our theme music for the season, in this case an instrumental version of his track “Spirit Move” (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/track/spirit-move) from the album Whose House (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/album/whose-house).

LINKS

Kevin Kelly, Out of Control (https://kk.org/mt-files/books-mt/ooc-mf.pdf), pdf

Biosphere (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosphere_2)

“Are Sermons Enough to Preach the Whole Counsel of God?” (Part 1 of 2) (https://renewthearts.org/are-sermons-enough-to-preach-the-whole-counsel-of-god-part-1-of-2/), by Michael Minkoff, Jr.

“Are Sermons Enough to Preach the Whole Counsel of God?” (Part 2 of 2) (https://renewthearts.org/are-sermons-enough-to-preach-the-whole-counsel-of-god-part-2-of-2/), by Michael Minkoff, Jr.

Noella Marcellino (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noella_Marcellino)

“Miniatures Add Grand Scale,” (https://theasc.com/magazine/jan04/sub2/index.html) by Simon Gray

Mystery and Manners (https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Manners-Occasional-Prose-Classics/dp/0374508046), Flannery O’Connor

Mailbag: 1,000 True Fans, Earned Gifts, Magic, and Christmas!

Renew the Arts — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:00:44 +0000

For the final episode of this year, join Michael to discuss your questions for a Christmas mailbag episode. Michael answers questions about Kevin Kelly’s “1,000 True Fans Principle,” the difference between pride concerning earned skills and narcissism concerning gifts, how Christians should approach magic in fantasy books and/or movies, what fiction Michael has been reading and why he cares about fiction, and whether or not Christians should buy cheap, plastic Nativity scenes for their yard.

Stay tuned at the end for the album version of Civilized Creature’s “Humble and Lowly (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/track/humble-lowly),” off his excellent record Earthen Vessel (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/album/earthen-vessel), released in 2023.

LINKS

The Technium: 1,000 True Fans, by Kevin Kelly (https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/)

Out of Control, by Kevin Kelly (https://www.amazon.com/Out-Control-Biology-Machines-Economic/dp/0201483408)

Three Stages of Learning: How to Become a Master (https://renewthearts.org/three-stages-of-learning-how-to-become-a-master/), by Michael Minkoff, Jr.

Harry Potter: Natural Law or Supernatural Sorcery? (https://renewthearts.org/harry-potter-natural-law-or-supernatural-sorcery/), by Michael Minkoff, Jr.

Sufjan Stevens – Silver & Gold (https://renewthearts.org/sufjan-stevens-silver-and-gold/), review by Justus Stout

Here at Last is Love (https://www.amazon.com/Here-Last-Love-Selected-Thompson/dp/1498218105), by Dunstan Thompson

3:10 — Mailbag Season 3 (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/310-mailbag-season-3/) (Go to ~7:15 for discussion of “Piss Christ”)

“Bethlehem,” by Annie Dillard (https://thevalueofsparrows.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/advent-meditation-bethlehem-by-annie-dillard/)

Narcissism and the Gifted Artist

Renew the Arts — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:40:06 +0000

Michael discusses narcissism, why it seems so prevalent among artists, and how to address it. Using an excellent podcast from Martyr Made’s Darryl Cooper called “The Underground Spirit (https://www.martyrmade.com/featured-podcasts/the-underground-spirit) (https://www.martyrmade.com/featured-podcasts/the-underground-spirit)” as his jumping-off point, Michael explores Dostoevsky and Nietzsche, the meaning of narcissism, the nature of giftedness, the struggle of prodigies, the isolation of the artist, and the resentment and pride of communities, recommending tools for addressing narcissism and pride in both gifted artists and the communities that include them. Stay tuned at the end for “I Cannot Forget (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/track/i-cannot-forget),” a track from Warbler off of the record Wrestling (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/album/wrestling).

LINKS

The Underground Spirit (https://www.martyrmade.com/featured-podcasts/the-underground-spirit) (https://www.martyrmade.com/featured-podcasts/the-underground-spirit), on the Martyr Made podcast, by Darryl Cooper

The Prodigy, by Amy Wallace (https://www.amazon.com/Prodigy-Biography-William-Americas-Greatest/dp/0525244042)

The Nothing Human Podcast (https://michaelminkoff.com/nothing-human-podcast/), by Michael Minkoff, Jr.

Atlas Didn’t Shrug and Neither Should We (https://michaelminkoff.com/ricky-bobbys-eternal-christmas-atlas-shouldnt-shrug/), by Michael Minkoff, Jr.

Missions and the Power of Storytelling (with Roy Sneed)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:37:30 +0000

Michael interviews Roy Sneed, a missions specialist who trains cross-cultural workers in the four uses of storytelling for missions and evangelism. With seasoned wisdom and disarming humor, Roy explains his storytelling approach, telling a few of his stories along the way.

Stay tuned until the end to hear a track from Physick, “In the Whirlwind,” from the unreleased EP Shoal Creek Valley.

Resources:

Missions and Oral Preference Learning (from Mission to the World) (https://www.mtw.org/stories/details/ministering-to-oral-cultures-in-the-21st-century)

Art and Incarnational Evangelism (https://michaelminkoff.com/incarnational-evangelism/)

Are Sermons Enough to Preach the Whole Counsel of God? (Part 1 (https://renewthearts.org/are-sermons-enough-to-preach-the-whole-counsel-of-god-part-1-of-2/) and Part 2 (https://renewthearts.org/are-sermons-enough-to-preach-the-whole-counsel-of-god-part-2-of-2/))

Patrons and the Problem of Fame

Renew the Arts — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:06:50 +0000

In this promised second part of our podcast on the problem of fame, Michael discusses how an uneven distribution of support in the arts harms patrons, patronage, and communities. He then explores some ways artists and patrons can solve this problem. Stay tuned at the end of the episode to hear “5 Year Town (https://open.spotify.com/track/187FbdIb75wMKG0i0HK5ld?si=be44670777a143a8)” by Jacob Davis Martin (https://open.spotify.com/artist/7C6G03p2coJ5rTYvq2ohE5?si=f4658db757a74d27), from his record Ain’t It All Just Golden (https://open.spotify.com/album/0luWTHb7q1RxJvwmTRgMYS?si=T4fFoewhR3i4iZ4vXo98UQ).

You can listen to the first part of this podcast, The Artist and the Problem of Fame (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/the-artist-and-the-problem-of-fame/), here on our website.

Jack Conte SXSW 2023 Keynote Address (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zUndMfMInc) (Thanks to Carly Taich for recommending this to me!)

The Artist and the Problem of Fame

Renew the Arts — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:34:22 +0000

In this first part of two, Michael explores the problem of fame as it relates to artists. What is the problem of fame? How does it negatively affect both successful and unsuccessful artists? Stay tuned until the end to hear “I’ve Found Love in Mississippi” by Porchlight artist Trailand Eltzroth (https://app.porchlight.art/artists/trailand-eltzroth) from his record For My Friends and Family (https://trailandeltzroth.bandcamp.com/album/for-my-friends-and-family).

Articles on Inequality of Popularity Among Artists

“How Much Money Do Visual or Contemporary Artists Make?” (https://www.contemporaryartissue.com/how-much-money-do-visual-or-contemporary-artists-make/#:~:text=Circa%2085%25%20of%20the%20artists,000%2Fyear.)

“Data Shows 90 Percent of Streams Go to the Top 1 Percent of Artists” (https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/news/top-1-percent-streaming-1055005/)

“(Almost) 100% of the Top 25 Worship Songs are associated with just a handful of Megachurches” (https://worshipleaderresearch.com/100-of-the-top-25-worship-songs-are-associated-with-just-a-handful-of-megachurches/)

Articles on the Matthew Effect

The Matthew Effect (Wikipedia) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_effect)

“Experimental Study of Inequality and Unpredictability in an Artificial Cultural Market” (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1121066)

“The Benefits of Social Influence in Optimized Cultural Markets” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4382093/)

Art and the Evangelical Imagination (with Karen Swallow Prior)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:32:09 +0000

Reader, Author, Thinker, and Teacher Karen Swallow Prior (http://karenswallowprior.com) joins Michael for a discussion of her book, The Evangelical Imagination (https://www.amazon.com/Evangelical-Imagination-Stories-Metaphors-Created/dp/1587435756), and particularly, how the ideas of that book apply to the arts. In their wide-ranging conversation, they touch on metaphor, language, fact and fiction, redemption stories, the connection between sentimentality and power, and much more. Stay tuned at the end of the episode to listen to “Don’t I Know?” by Physick, from their record, All the Days (https://physick.bandcamp.com/album/all-the-days).

Show Notes:

Metaphors We Live By (https://www.amazon.com/Metaphors-We-Live-George-Lakoff/dp/0226468011), by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson

The Tree of Life (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tree_of_Life_(film)), dir. by Terence Malick

“The Answer Man,” from You Like it Darker (https://www.amazon.com/You-Like-Darker-Stephen-King/dp/1668037718), by Stephen King

A Good Man is Hard to Find, (https://www.amazon.com/Good-Hard-Find-Other-Stories/dp/0156364654) by Flannery O’Connor

Charles Taylor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Taylor_(philosopher)), philosopher

“Christian Nationalism is a Failure of Imagination” (https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/dispatch-faith/karen-swallow-prior-christian-nationalisms-failure-of-imagination/), by Karen Swallow Prior

Politics is Downstream from Culture (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/004-politics-is-downstream-from-culture/), Season 1, Episode 4 of the Renew the Arts Podcast

An Experiment in Criticism (https://www.amazon.com/Experiment-Criticism-Canto-Classics/dp/1107604729), by C. S. Lewis

On cultivating emotions toward virtue: On Reading Well (https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Well-Finding-through-Great/dp/1587433966), by Karen Swallow Prior

On sentimentality and obscenity: “The Nature and Aim of Fiction” from Mystery and Manners (https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Manners-Occasional-Prose-Classics/dp/0374508046), by Flannery O’Connor

“The Sentimentality Trap” (https://www.firstthings.com/article/2016/11/the-sentimentality-trap), by Benjamin Myers

Connecting with Karen Swallow Prior:

karenswallowprior.com (http://karenswallowprior.com)

On X: @KSPrior (https://x.com/KSPrior)

Sub stack: The Priory (https://substack.com/@karenswallowprior?utm_source=user-menu)

What is Poetry Good For? (with Paul J. Pastor)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:03:28 +0000

Poet, Author, and Editor Paul J. Pastor (https://www.pauljpastor.com/) joins Michael for a conversation on poetry. From a more general discussion of the uses and benefits of poetry to a more specific exploration of some of Pastor’s favorite poetry, get inspired to explore poetry more deeply.

Check out Paul’s work at his website (https://www.pauljpastor.com/).

Read the article we referenced (https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2024/may-web-only/pastor-apple-ipad-ad-apology-crush-reality.html) that Paul wrote for Christianity Today about the crushing Apple advertisement.

You can also read our article on Biblical Poetry (https://renewthearts.org/if-you-dont-get-poetry-you-dont-get-the-bible/) if you’re interested in digging deeper.

Stay tuned at the end of the episode to hear “That’s Why” from the record Insomnie, by Moon Bride (https://themoonbride.com/insomnie) (formerly Carly Taich).

Also, if you’re interested in starting a monthly donation, we have a $10,000 matching grant that will double your impact. Find out about that here. (https://renewthearts.donorsupport.co/page/DoubleImpact_2024)

Looking for the Life of the World to Come (with Brian Brown)

Renew the Arts — Thu, 16 May 2024 12:00:38 +0000

For this episode, Michael is joined by Brian Brown (https://www.anselmsociety.org/people-1/2019/6/9/brian-brown), founder and executive director of the Anselm Society (https://www.anselmsociety.org/), about the importance of the arts in the practice of communal meaning-making. Along the way, they discuss the work and vision of the Anselm Society, the difference between communal and individual experiences of the arts, why art is not gratuitous to human flourishing, what each of us can do to participate in our communities through the arts, and much more.

Stay tuned at the end to hear the studio version of our new theme song, “Humble & Lowly,” by Civilized Creature (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/), off of the recently released LP, Earthen Vessel (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/album/earthen-vessel).

You can connect with the Anselm Society through their website:

https://www.anselmsociety.org/ (https://www.anselmsociety.org/)

And be sure to listen to their podcasts:

Imagination Redeemed (https://www.anselmsociety.org/redeemedimagination)

Believe to See (https://www.anselmsociety.org/believetosee)

Why You Need Better Taste and How to Get It

Renew the Arts — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:24:54 +0000

In the episode, Michael goes solo to discuss why Christians should develop better taste. Then he goes on to discuss some practical ways that can be achieved. This episode was inspired by an insightful comment from Lisa Hood on episode 49 (“Do Poor People Make Poor Patrons?” (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/do-poor-people-make-poor-patrons/)). Stay tuned at the end for “Infinite Rail (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p56N42z_3Gg),” the first single off of Make Sure’s recently released June (https://ffm.to/makesurejune), available through Tooth & Nail Records and used with permission.

You might also be interested in reading “We Sin Because We Have Bad Taste (https://renewthearts.org/we-sin-because-we-have-bad-taste/),” which explores the connection between moral judgment and material discernment.

Looking Forward Looking Back

Renew the Arts — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:00:48 +0000

Michael is looking forward and looking back with Renew the Arts’ former president and current chairman of the board Justus Stout and current president Katy Martin to talk about Justus’ ten-year tenure as president and the challenges and opportunities awaiting Katy in the next season of renewing the arts and liberating Christian creativity. Arts organizations seem to be in a crisis of support. How will Renew the Arts fare differently?

Stay tuned at the end of the episode to hear a previously unreleased track from Physick, “The Ballad of the Steady Man,” which celebrates the consistent faithfulness of those who “move mountains one quiet shovel at a time.”

Note: Shortly after this podcast went live, Image Journal announced (https://imagejournal.org/2024-image-announcement-good-news/) that, due to a great show of support, Image would not be closing down its operations after all! We’re thankful for this development, and we pray Image continues to widen and deepen its support and its faithfulness in this work.

Fruitful Worship with Ryanne Molinari

Renew the Arts — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:26:42 +0000

Worship director and organist Ryanne Molinari joins Michael to discuss her forthcoming book on the relationship between the worship arts (particularly congregational singing) and the fruit of the Spirit. Ryanne discusses how the fruit of the Spirit operates as both the goal and the criteria for “effective” worship. Stay tuned at the end of the episode to hear “Joyful Noise” by Mary Vanhoozer, from her album Jubilate (https://maryvanhoozer.bandcamp.com/album/jubilate).

You can follow Ryanne Molinari on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ryanne_jm/) or on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Ryanne_JM) at this handle: @Ryanne_JM.

You can also read her musings (and follow the progress on her book) at her website A Bookish Charm (https://abookishcharm.com/).

Is Art a Ministry, a Hobby, or a Profession?

Renew the Arts — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 23:29:05 +0000

Michael invites singer-songwriter Carly Taich and producer Jimmy Smith on to the podcast to discuss what it looks like for Christians to pursue art (in this case, music) within the church as a ministry, a hobby, or a profession. They share personal anecdotes about their various struggles in the professional-ministry space in the church, discuss tent-making and other means of support for artists, and give a clear charge to both artists and non-artists about how to move forward in a market-dominated field.

Stay tuned at the end of the episode to hear a rough-mix sneak peak of Carly Taich’s new single, “Prove Me Wrong,” produced by Jimmy Smith and Michael Minkoff. It’s the first single off Carly’s forthcoming record Insomnie, which she is raising money to make.

Please check out and support her Kickstarter by clicking here. (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carlytaich/insomnie)

Every bit of support makes a difference. If she doesn’t reach her goal by December 1, 2022, she doesn’t get any of it.

For Further Reading:

On Distinction of Amateur/Professional (https://renewthearts.org/why-todays-best-artists-are-all-amateur/)

On Art as a (Non) Commodity (https://renewthearts.org/why-art-like-the-gospel-is-not-a-commodity/)

Deconstruction and the Arts

Renew the Arts — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 18:20:48 +0000

Abbey and Michael get together to discuss how deconstruction within the church is both fed and addressed by the arts. What exactly do we mean by deconstruction? Why is it so prevalent right now? What does it have to do with the arts?

Stay tuned at the end to hear “Oh, Sweetest Name” by John Van Deusen from his record, (I Am) Origami Pt. 4 — Marathon Daze (https://iamjohnvandeusen.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-origami-pt-4-marathon-daze).

You might also be interested in checking out “Why Are So Many Artists at Odds with the Church?”, both the blog (https://renewthearts.org/why-are-so-many-christian-artists-at-odds-with-the-church/) and the podcast (https://renewthearts.org/podcast/008-why-so-many-christian-artists-are-at-odds-with-the-church/) episode.

Deep Dive: Wrestling by Warbler

Renew the Arts — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:35:21 +0000

This is the first of a new series for the Renew the Arts podcast, Deep Dive, where we pay very close attention to an entire album or song in all of its parts, from composition to production. In this first of the series, Michael interviews Sean Sullivan, the creative force behind the music of Warbler, about his forthcoming third album, Wrestling.

In this double-stuffed episode, they introduce the album, listen through it in its entirety, then talk about it track by track. It’s in-depth and detailed, and we hope it helps you understand a little more all that goes in to the process of making an album like this happen. If you want to get right in to listening to the record, it starts at exactly 19 minutes in to the podcast (right after general introduction to the album).

If you’d like to support Sean by purchasing Wrestling by Warbler, it’s currently available on his bandcamp (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/album/wrestling) a couple months before it becomes available worldwide on streaming services. Check that out here (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/album/wrestling).

Do Poor People Make Poor Patrons?

Renew the Arts — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 11:15:12 +0000

Abbey Sitterley interviews Michael Minkoff about the historical development and downfall of patronage. What does it mean for Porchlight and Renew the Arts to resurrect the idea of patronage now when its history seems so tied up in elitism? How do we avoid making the mistakes of the past?

Stay tuned at the end for a sneak peak at “The Sixth,” a track from the forthcoming record Wrestling, by Warbler.

What Can We Learn from Intentional Communities?

Renew the Arts — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 17:08:17 +0000

Michael interviews co-host Abbey Sitterley (Chief Storyteller for Porchlight) about three intentional communities (L’Abri, Bruderhof, and L’Arche) to glean some of what we can learn from their successes and failures.

Stay tuned at the end to hear “Naturally,” by Physick, from their album All the Days (https://physick.bandcamp.com/album/all-the-days).

The Spirit of the Porchlight Network

Renew the Arts — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 06:23:45 +0000

Justus and Michael discuss the motivations and reasoning behind launching the Porchlight Art and Hospitality Network. They then explain the qualities and virtues they hope to draw together and further cultivate in the network. Stay tuned at the end to hear a live rendition of “Face to Face,” by the Local Hang-Ups.

An Artistic Antidote to Division

Renew the Arts — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 17:47:40 +0000

Justus and Michael finish up their conversation on politics and culture with a few days left for election 2020.

Stay tuned at the end for “Worry,” off of Warbler’s self-titled record (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/album/warbler-2).

Weep with Those Who Weep with Wendell Kimbrough

Renew the Arts — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 01:53:31 +0000

Justus sat down with singer-songwriter Wendell Kimbrough to discuss how the psalms encourage the church to empathy, why we don’t sing them like we used to, and why we need to sing them again.

Stay tuned at the end for “The Hand of God (Psalm 82)” from Wendell’s album Come to Me (https://wendellk.bandcamp.com/album/come-to-me).

Art and Recovery with Cynthia Giles and Alexia Jones

Renew the Arts — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 21:31:38 +0000

Justus and Cynthia talk with Alexia Jones, founder of Rise Theater (https://r2isetheatre.org/), about how art made in community can help heal brokenness in pursuit of recovery.

Stay tuned at the end for “Dance Hi’s and Lo’s” by Civilized Creature (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/), from the record Steadfast.

Art and Trauma with Cynthia Giles and Chi T. Mathias

Renew the Arts — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 14:34:07 +0000

Justus and Cynthia interview Chi T. Mathias (https://www.chitmathias.com/), a vocalist, author, speaker, and teacher, who tells her incredible story of overcoming trauma in and through creative expression.

Stay tuned at the end for Chi’s single, “Forgiveness.” (https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=wdhTjzgDPuQ&list=RDAMVMwdhTjzgDPuQ)

Art and Mental Hygiene with Cynthia Giles and Lydia Jones

Renew the Arts — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 18:14:43 +0000

Justus and guest co-host Cynthia Giles (http://creativeactivation.org (http://creativeactivation.org) and http://cynthiasinspirations.com (http://cynthiasinspirations.com)) talk to medical student and aspiring psychiatrist Lydia Jones about making art and staying mentally healthy during the pandemic and after.

Stay tuned after the episode to hear “Still,” a new single by Civilized Creature (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/).

Ditching DC for Music City with Erik Løkkesmoe

Renew the Arts — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 19:37:20 +0000

Justus sits down with Erik Løkkesmoe, a former DC press secretary and speechwriter who now produces films from his home-base in Nashville, to discuss politics and patronage and how we can contribute to cultural transformation without feeling like we as individuals need to (or even could) move the whole world.

Stay tuned at the end for “When There’s a Mountain” by Anthony Quails (https://anthonyquails.bandcamp.com/), from his record Before the Bright Lights.

Collaborative Community with Hallowell’s Joseph Pensak

Renew the Arts — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 17:25:55 +0000

Justus Stout talks on the phone with Joseph Pensak, main songwriter for the band Hallowell, about his most recent record, his approach to making music, and running a community art gallery.

Stay tuned at the end for “Another World” from Hallowell’s self-titled record (https://hallowellmusic.bandcamp.com/).

Why the Arts Matter More than the Election

Renew the Arts — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:52:09 +0000

Your hosts, Justus and Michael, return to launch into this year’s theme at Renew the Arts: Politics and the Arts. In our politics-obsessed climate, cultivating culture can seem like a most ineffective way to affect the future of our polarized nation. Michael and Justus explore the ways that culture precedes and predicts politics.

Stay tuned at the end for “Be the Beast,” from Warbler’s Sea of Glass (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/album/sea-of-glass).

David Hamilton of RYFO on Keys to Healing the Artist-Church Divide

Renew the Arts — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 16:26:27 +0000

Justus talked with David Hamilton of RYFO to discuss what David sees as some key ways to heal the apparent divide between artists and the church through better community practices.

Stay tuned at the end for “Living Water” by Fuel Music off their EP “The Life.”

Sex ’n Hip-Hop with Sho Baraka

Renew the Arts — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 19:29:26 +0000

Justus and Michael sat down with hip-hop artist Sho Baraka to discuss his work, his latest collaborative album with Vanessa Hill, and why he thinks the Christian community is so squeamish to discuss sex.

Stay tuned at the end for the track “Nasty,” from So Many Feelings, by Sho Baraka and Vanessa Hill.

John Van Deusen: A Different Kind of “Hymn”

Renew the Arts — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 05:23:05 +0000

Justus chats on the phone with singer-songwriter John Van Deusen (http://johnvandeusen.com/) to discuss his life as a signed artist with Tooth & Nail Records, his testimony, and expanding the boundaries of what Christians are willing to call hymns.

Stay tuned at the end to hear two tracks from John Van Deusen: “All Shall Be Well” from Every Power Wide Awake (https://iamjohnvandeusen.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-origami-pt-2-every-power-wide-awake), and “You Don’t Know What You’re Asking” from A Catacomb Hymn (https://open.spotify.com/album/601b2dRqWuGBNLQUxWkhDI?si=l3gSg3p7ShmnhAXj4hgk9A).

How to Solve a Puzzle Like Marty Sampson

Renew the Arts — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 21:18:26 +0000

Your hosts Michael and Rusty get you up to date on the back-and-forth that has ensued from former Hillsong singer Marty Sampson’s announcement that he’s losing his faith. Along the way, they discuss John Cooper (of Skillet) and his viral rebuke, truth and feelings, psalms of doubt and lament, and the important role the local community plays in an artist’s spiritual health.

Stay tuned until the end to hear “Valley” (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/track/valley-2) by Civilized Creature (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/) off of The Way Back Home.

Interview with Michael Wright

Renew the Arts — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 02:49:44 +0000

Justus and Michael talk on the phone with Michael Wright about engaging the arts as a Christian guest in “secular” cultural spaces. As a culture curator who helps develop curriculum resources for Fuller Seminary’s Brehm Center for the Arts, Michael Wright is well-suited to assist newly awakening patrons to develop fruitful practices of appreciation.

Stay tuned at the end for “Riverwide (Bendblock Remix)” by Lolo Meares. (mateoandlo.squarespace.com (https://mateoandlo.squarespace.com)) (mattlumpkin.com (https://mattlumpkin.com/))

Things mentioned in the episode:

Interview with George Grant

Renew the Arts — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 05:00:11 +0000

Justus and Michael meet with author and pastor George Grant in his home in Franklin, Tennessee to discuss the relationship between the Reformed church and the arts. If the Reformed church has very good theological reasons for supporting the arts, why does it seem like there is so much resistance to the arts and artists in Reformed communities?

Interview with Anthony Quails

Renew the Arts — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 06:49:15 +0000

Your host Justus sits down with singer-songwriter Anthony Quails who shares stories of becoming a sponsored artist, knowing God’s grace through shortcomings, evangelizing in music, and his new album of his most personal songs yet.

Stay tuned to the end for the demo of “I Wish That I Was Him” from Anthony’s forthcoming EP The Man I Thought I’d Never Be. Check out his Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/anthonyquails/the-man-i-thought-id-never-be-an-ep) before it ends Saturday, June 29!

Interview with Derek Webb

Renew the Arts — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 03:46:47 +0000

Justus sat down with singer-songwriter Derek Webb to discuss his experience in the Christian music industry and how it may have contributed to his loss of faith. Stay tuned at the end for “Wedding Dress” from Webb’s 2003 record She Must and Shall Go Free.

We also want to thank Ryan Lane of Civilized Creature (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com) for permission to use “Unexpected Gifts” from his forthcoming record The Way Back Home.

3:10 — Mailbag Season 3

Renew the Arts — Thu, 02 May 2019 15:17:48 +0000

Allison and Michael field your questions about art history, tackling some new material to close out the season.

Stay tuned at the end to hear the full version of “Eyes Closed Dance Party (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/track/eyes-closed-dance-party)” off of Permission to Feel by Civilized Creature (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/). Thank you all for writing in!

“Immersion (Piss Christ)”Andres Serrano1987

3:09 — Art History Now!

Renew the Arts — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 14:43:14 +0000

In a fully-loaded episode, Allison and Michael discuss the art historical trends and challenges of today, with a discussion of digital, indie, and multi-media art. Then they present a flyby of how the various movements covered in this season might apply to or inform artists and patrons now.

Stay tuned at the end for “Before the Silver Tether Breaks,” composed and arranged by Phil Hodges, from Death is Their Shepherd, by Physick.

“Girl with Balloon” / “Love is in the Bin”Banksy2018

3:08 — Pop Goes the Easel

Renew the Arts — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 06:32:01 +0000

Allison and Michael discuss the Pop Art movement, the divide between “high brow/low brow” art, and the prominence of celebrity and popular culture.

Stay tuned at the end for Phil Hodges’ classical guitar arrangement of Neil Young’s “Old Man.”

“32 Campbell’s Soup Cans”Andy Warhol1962

“Whaam!”Roy Lichtenstein1963

3:07 — Existentialism

Renew the Arts — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 02:06:05 +0000

Allison and Michael unpack the hopelessness of existentialism, and they discuss why despair concerning merely human attempts at meaning provide fruitful ground for the Gospel.

Stay tuned at the end for a John Cage piece performed on the classical guitar by Phil Hodges.

“The Walking Man I”Alberto Giacometti1961

3:06 — Ceci N’est Pas Une Podcast

Renew the Arts — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 19:02:49 +0000

Your hosts Allison and Michael discuss some reasons to appreciate Modern Art, bringing up some of the most famous of the nearly 70 movements comprised by it. With all of its snark, modern art has a lot to say about honesty in the face of the brutal realities of human existence, and Christians can learn something from it about how to make “ugly” art the right way.

Stay tuned at the end for a classical guitar piece by Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos, performed again by Phil Hodges.

“Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2”Marcel Duchamp1912

“Fountain”Marcel Duchamp1917

“The Treachery of Images”René Magritte1929

3:05 — Keepin’ It Realism … and Impressionism

Renew the Arts — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 04:56:30 +0000

Allison and Michael discuss some of the features of realism and impressionism, and how these movements represent the first murmurings of “modern” art. Additionally, they address how and why female artists began to enjoy greater representation in the mid to late 1800s.

Special thanks to Dr. Sachs for his contributions, and stay tuned at the end for another classical guitar piece from Philip Hodges.

“The Boating Party”Mary Cassatt1893

3:04 — Isn’t It Romanticism?

Renew the Arts — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 02:34:52 +0000

Allison and Michael discuss the important transition from the Baroque to the Romantic era. Why did Nature vs. Civilization become such a central theme of Romantic artists, and why does it still matter?

Special thanks to Dr. Sachs from Kennesaw State University for his contributions on the relationship between the Neo-Classical and Romantic movements. And stay tuned at the end to hear Philip Hodges play the first movement of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” arranged for classical guitar.

“The Savage State”The Course of EmpireThomas Cole1834

“The Arcadian or Pastoral State”The Course of EmpireThomas Cole1834

“The Consummation of Empire”The Course of EmpireThomas Cole1836

“Destruction”The Course of EmpireThomas Cole1836

“Desolation”The Course of EmpireThomas Cole1836

3:03 — Well, If it Ain’t Baroque…

Renew the Arts — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 17:06:58 +0000

Your hosts Allison and Michael unpack the transition from Renaissance into Baroque art with an emphasis on the impact the Reformation had on culture in its time (and beyond).

Stay tuned at the end for a Bach Cello Prelude played on classical guitar by Phil Hodges.

“Entombment of Christ”Caravaggio circa 1602-1603

3:02 — What Does Classical Mean Anyway?

Renew the Arts — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 23:59:11 +0000

Your hosts Michael and Allison discuss the birth and rebirth of Greek and Roman values in ancient and Renaissance art, discussing the history and impact of Platonism on culture and the church.

Stay tuned at the end for a Renaissance lute piece arranged for the classical guitar played by Phil Hodges. Special thanks to Dr. Sachs from Kennesaw State University for his helpful contributions.

“Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer)Polykleitos440 BCE

“Madonna and Child”Berlinghiero1230s

3:01 — Why is Art History Important for Christians?

Renew the Arts — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 07:04:45 +0000

Is art history important for anyone but museum managers? Michael and co-host Allison Knight talk about the substance and importance of our season 3 theme for everyone—artists, consumers, leaders, and taste-makers. How does art history differ from just plain history? How does it direct you and your culture even if you remain ignorant of it?

Listen to the end to hear sponsored artist and classical guitarist Philip Hodges play Opus 35, No. 13, by Fernando Sor.

Thanks to Ryan Lane of Civilized Creature (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/) for letting us use “Eyes Closed Dance Party” from Permission to Feel for the season 3 theme.

“Sacrifice of Isaac” by Caravaggio

2:10 — Mailbag for Season Two

Renew the Arts — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 19:05:33 +0000

Join your hosts, Justus and Michael, as they field your questions and discuss your comments from two seasons of the Renew the Arts podcast. What was our most controversial episode? What’s so great about raw milk? Were we wrong about Tolkien? Stay tuned through the end to hear the lyrics-included version of the Season 2 theme song, “Sounding Brass,” by Civilized Creature (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/) from Of the Uncaused Cause.

2:09 — What Do You Do with Good Art Made by Unbelievers?

Renew the Arts — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 14:41:46 +0000

Clearly, artists within the church need greater support from Christians, but what about artists outside the church? Should Christians support or receive art from unbelievers? And if so, how? Special thanks to Bryan John Appleby (http://www.bryanjohnappleby.com/) for allowing us to close this episode with “Noah’s Nameless Wife” from his record Fire on the Vine.

2:08 — Are You Called to be an Artist?

Renew the Arts — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 06:15:37 +0000

Given the degree to which Renew the Arts supports art and artists, it might surprise you to hear Justus and Michael talking about how some aspiring artists should be discouraged from pursuing their dreams. In this episode, they pitch some practical ideas on how you can determine if God has really called you to the arts, and what that might look like. Wait until the end to hear “Songs for Friends” from Physick’s (https://physick.bandcamp.com/) Songs for Friends.

2:07 — The Art of Prophecy

Renew the Arts — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 04:54:41 +0000

What do prophets have to do with art? Throughout the Scriptures, the prophetic calling is closely associated with the arts, especially with music, poetry, and prophetic theater. In this episode, Justus and Michael explore the way in which this close association persists today, closely following the discussion of this in Steve Turner’s excellent book, Imagine. Special thanks to singer-songwriter Drakeford Lanier (https://www.drakefordmusic.com/) for permission to end this episode with the song “Whitewash” from his record, The Venture.

2:06 — What Do Church Buildings Say About the Church?

Renew the Arts — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 06:03:14 +0000

Does church architecture matter? Does it do anything more than house people and programs at the lowest possible cost with the potential side goal of attracting new members? Or should we be aiming higher and deeper? Justus and Michael discuss what our architecture says about our priorities and why we should be giving greater leadership to visionary artists in this crucial area. Stay tuned at the end for another excellent track from Warbler (http://warblefolk.com/) off of Sea of Glass called “Zombocalypse.”

2:05 — Art as Hospitality

Renew the Arts — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 06:37:56 +0000

Why devote any time to craft? If the information being communicated is all that matters, wouldn’t the quickest, cheapest, most direct form of communication be best? In this episode, Justus and Michael are joined again by Rusty Hein to discuss why good craft makes art hospitable and why that’s so important. Stay tuned at the end for “Testimony” by Warbler (http://warblefolk.com/) off of Sea of Glass.

2:04 — Art and Evangelical Gnosticism

Renew the Arts — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 04:45:11 +0000

Why does it seem like the same churches that dismiss the arts also tend to marginalize the material world and the other profound implications of the Incarnation? Is it possible the evangelical church has become overrun with Platonism and its rationalist offspring Gnosticism? Justus and Michael point to some signs of this growing problem and discuss how art can be part of the solution. Stay tuned at the end to listen to “Utah,” by Brock’s Folly (https://brocksfolly.bandcamp.com/), from The Great Commoner.

2:03 — How Will Unbelievers Meet God?

Renew the Arts — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 05:18:33 +0000

Most unbelievers will not go to church, so it seems pretty obvious that the church needs to go to unbelievers. But is this done only through street preaching, personal evangelism, and apologetics? In this episode, Justus and Michael explore what we can learn from the Court of the Gentiles and the parables of Jesus about how to introduce unbelievers to God. Stay tuned until the end to hear “People Change” from I Have Seen the End by Brock’s Folly (https://brocksfolly.bandcamp.com/).

2:02 — Collective Repentance and the Arts with Jesse Murray

Renew the Arts — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 05:04:28 +0000

Singer-songwriter Jesse Murray (https://jessejackmurray.bandcamp.com/album/trail-of-tears) joins Michael and Justus to discuss his upcoming EP “Trail of Tears,” a collection of songs written concerning the historical and present relationship between Native Americans and the United States. Along the way, they discuss the idea of collective repentance—is it possible for children to repent of the sins of their forefathers? And what good can it do? Also, Jesse plays two tracks from the forthcoming album live—the title track “Trail of Tears” and “Snow Blindness.”

2:01 — What is Art?

Renew the Arts — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 06:23:07 +0000

Never ones to back down from a challenge, your intrepid hosts Justus and Michael open up season 2 by tackling the age-old thorny question, “What is Art?” They are joined by Renew the Arts Creative Director Rusty Hein for this all-too-brief, but we hope productive, discussion. Stay tuned at the end for “Man Walked Out,” by Micah Stout (https://micahstout.bandcamp.com/album/without-reservations) from his record Without Reservations. A special thanks to Douglas and Siri Gregory for sponsoring this episode and to Ryan Lane (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/) for supplying us with the instrumental version of “Sounding Brass” for this season’s theme song.

1:10 — Are We Overstating The Importance Of The Arts?

Renew the Arts — Sat, 19 May 2018 23:05:20 +0000

Are the arts as trivial and inconsequential in and for the church as their place in the Protestant church would seem to indicate? Being an arts organization, perhaps Renew the Arts has overestimated the crucial value of the arts in the church out of some unwittingly self-serving desire to think of ourselves and our work more highly than we ought. We’re certainly willing to explore this possibility and examine again why we’re so dedicated to this cause. Toward that end, in this our season 1 finale, Justus and Michael ask themselves the question, “Are we overstating the importance of the arts?”

Stay tuned at the end to hear “For Senses” by Civilized Creature (https://civilizedcreature.bandcamp.com/) off the record Of the Uncaused Cause. We think the song addresses the crucial importance of receiving Jesus in every way He has presented Himself to us—sensory and non-sensory. Washingtonian Ryan Lane heads up Civilized Creature, and he has been gracious enough to let us use his track “Refiner’s Fire” as our theme song for this season. We’re so thankful for his generosity, and we hope you all check out his prolific output of edifying music.

1:09 — Shouldn’t Christians Be Better At Telling Redemption Stories?

Renew the Arts — Fri, 11 May 2018 06:14:27 +0000

Even though a redemption story composes the heart of every Christian’s personal history, so many quite talented Christian artists have found such stories sometimes impossibly difficult to tackle in fiction. In this episode, Justus and Michael discuss why redemption stories are so difficult to tell naturally and believably, bringing in a few literary examples along the way.

Stay tuned at the end for a song off of Warbler’s (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/) Sea of Glass called “The Idiot,” a personal testimony of how the fantasy of unbelief is disassembled by “the beauty of reality.”

1:08 — Why So Many Christian Artists Are At Odds With The Church

Renew the Arts — Fri, 04 May 2018 23:03:51 +0000

Why does the contemporary church tend to reject its artists, and why do so many artists reject the church? Can we do anything about it? In the episode, Justus and Michael explore some of the bones of contention and roots of bitterness which keep so many artist Christians on the fringes of the church, and they explain how reconciling the church and her artists would be of inestimable benefit to both.

Stay tuned at the end for “In the False Church,” from Songs for Friends by Physick (https://physick.bandcamp.com/), a raw denunciation of the lukewarmness of contemporary Protestantism, styled in the language of the Old and New Testament prophets.

1:07 — Go Bleep Yourself

Renew the Arts — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 07:36:14 +0000

If the church removed non-biblical restrictions on art, would that create too much freedom? How far is too far? Michael and Justus discuss how censoring yourself, as an artist and as a consumer, is a necessary component in ensuring that artistic liberty remains constructive and encourages discernment. Freedom should never be license for sin. Stay tuned at the end for “Father Song” by Brock’s Folly (https://brocksfolly.bandcamp.com/) off of I Have Seen the End.

1:06 — Unified Does Not Mean Uniform

Renew the Arts — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 04:36:47 +0000

Along with our first-ever guest, visual artist Joe Goode (https://eikonik.deviantart.com/), Justus and Michael discuss the crucial difference between seeking unity and seeking uniformity in the church. One crushes diversity, while the other necessitates it. How could the arts play a part in this? Stay tuned at the end for “Primary Issues,” by Brock’s Folly (https://brocksfolly.bandcamp.com/) from their sophomore effort The Great Commoner, a song borne from the hope that there can be unity in the essentials of Christ’s Spirit.

1:05 — Why Unbelievers Hate Christian Art

Renew the Arts — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 04:25:47 +0000

Why do most professional critics and unbelievers hate “Christian art”? Is it because they’re prejudiced against the Gospel? Should their opinions matter to Christian artists or Christians in general? On this episode of the Renew the Arts Podcast, Michael and Justus talk about the God’s Not Dead movie franchise, the dubious label “Christian art,” and why Christians need to listen carefully to what unbelievers think and feel about the creative work the church creates and endorses.

Stay tuned at the end for “Steeples,” (https://fierycrash.bandcamp.com/track/steeples) by Fiery Crash, from his album In Clover, which we think exemplifies a nuanced and compelling approach to making persuasive artistic appeals to those who are at odds with God and the church.

1:04 — Politics is Downstream From Culture

Renew the Arts — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 05:22:09 +0000

The story most American Christians have believed concerning the national abortion epidemic is that, with Roe v. Wade, with a stroke of a pen, activist Supreme Court justices loosened the nation’s morals when they loosened the nation’s law. But the statistics tell a different story, a story which confirms that politics are downstream from culture. Join Justus and Michael as they explore this timely and surprising topic.

And listen until the end to hear Warbler’s “Kool-Aid,” (https://warblermusic.bandcamp.com/track/koolaid) from his most recent record, Sea of Glass—a stunning, faith-filled denunciation of contemporary politics in the form of a folk rock protest record.

1:03 — Why the Church Should Make More Ugly Art

Renew the Arts — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 07:53:53 +0000

On this episode of the Renew the Arts podcast, your hosts Justus and Michael will take you on a bracing conversational journey into what might seem at first like a strange topic—why the church should make more ugly art. What exactly do they mean by “ugly art”? And why is it so crucial to the church’s witness and ministry to unbelievers and believers alike?

Ezekiel 23 is the very ugly passage Michael quoted. You can read several translations here: http://biblehub.com/ezekiel/23.html (https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/23.htm)

The end of the episode features “Baseball Diamond,” (https://thenormalknees.bandcamp.com/track/baseball-diamond) by The Normal Knees (https://thenormalknees.bandcamp.com/), a journal-like artistic entry into the ugliness and destructive consequences of our self-justifying sin nature.

1:02 — Who Will Replace Billy Graham?

Renew the Arts — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 05:56:21 +0000

With the passing of Billy Graham, who is going to reach the next generation with the Gospel? It’s probably not who you think. In fact, it might not even be one person at all. In this episode of the Renew the Arts podcast, Justus leads the way in a discussion of the changing landscape of Gospel missions in this media-saturated age. Stay tuned at the end for “Who Will Speak?,” (https://brocksfolly.bandcamp.com/track/who-will-speak) a song by Brock’s Folly (https://brocksfolly.bandcamp.com/) from their album, “The Great Commoner.” (https://renewthearts.org/projects/#post-807)

1:01 — Two Biggest Lies Christians Believe About The Arts

Renew the Arts — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 20:25:40 +0000

Can art preach? Should it?

For their first episode, Michael and Justus discuss the two biggest lies Christians believe about the arts: First, that all art by Christians must present the gospel. Secondly, that no art can present the gospel.

Included at the end of this podcast is the song “Back Where You Belong,” (https://anthonyquails.bandcamp.com/track/back-where-you-belong) from the album “Before the Bright Lights” (https://anthonyquails.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-bright-lights) by Anthony Quails. This is an album that we sponsored and funded (https://renewthearts.org/projects/#post-840), and we think it illustrates the ability of music to present the truth. Being about the story of Hosea, it’s a song about a person acting out a picture of the church. So we thought it appropriate for this subject.