Richard Thurmond | A Story of Discovery - Ep. 100
On Life and Meaning
Richard Thurmond is a community and economic development executive for a place-making organization. In this episode we explore basketball, editing and publishing a city magazine, staying and leaving, and the values of curiosity and humility.
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Claude Alexander, Jr.| The Park Church - Ep. 99
On Life and Meaning
Claude Alexander, Jr. is bishop and senior pastor of a Baptist church. In this episode we explore the mission of the church, racism, misogyny and homophobia, segregation on Sunday mornings, the death of a brother, a crisis of faith, living with mystery, and the love of God.
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Jess George | Hope and Optimism - Ep. 98
On Life and Meaning
Jess George is a government and community affairs manager for a fiber optic company. In this episode we explore the digital divide, confronting bullies, being an ally to immigrants, and dropping keys to beautiful rowdy prisoners.
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Sonya Pfeiffer | A Life in Full - Ep. 97
On Life and Meaning
Sonya Pfeiffer is an art gallery owner and criminal defense attorney. In this episode we explore story-telling, standing up to the power of the state, unconventional paths, the Owl theory, the practice of Ahimsa, and the one chance we have in this life.
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Beatriz Friedmann | Conscious Evolution - Ep. 96
On Life and Meaning
Beatriz Friedmann is a school counselor and information technology consultant. In this episode we explore emigrating from Brazil to North America, a corporate career, a summer of loss and pain, finding new purpose, and becoming present one step at a time.
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Ken Lambla | Interdisciplinary Design - Ep. 95
On Life and Meaning
Ken Lambla is founding dean of a college of arts + architecture. In this episode we explore returning from Patagonia, merging fields of study, interdisciplinary design, stewardship, community, and how arts inform a life
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Clarence Armbrister | A Nurturing Place - Ep. 94
On Life and Meaning
Clarence ‘Clay’ Armbrister is president of a historically black college and university. In this episode we explore strategic goals, the benefits and challenges of HBCUs, a family story of defiance, the power of education, public service, and the value of relationships.
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Liz Clasen-Kelly | The Sacredness of Human Life - Ep. 93
On Life and Meaning
Liz Clasen-Kelly leads an agency serving men experiencing homelessness. In this episode we explore helping people needing shelter, working to end homelessness, abundant love, and encountering Christ in the in-between.
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Natalie Frazier Allen | Art Empowered - Ep. 92
On Life and Meaning
Natalie Frazier Allen leads an organization that connects youth to the arts. In this episode we explore adverse childhood experiences, the power of the arts to heal trauma, telling the truth, Spelman College, and reflections on career, family and faith.
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Tom Warshauer | Neighborhood Development - Ep. 91
On Life and Meaning
Tom Warshauer leads a municipal community engagement team. In this episode we explore neighborhood development, Wilmington and New Orleans, home restoration, planting ideas, and enjoying diverse and authentic lives.
info_outlineMatt Cosper is founder and artistic director of XOXO, an experimental theater ensemble in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has created eight original works for the stage since 2009, winning Charlotte Magazine’s Best of the Best Award for theater twice. His professional theater credits include acting and directing with the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, the Oregon Children's Theatre, Actors Theatre of Charlotte, Carolina Actors Studio Theatre and Theatre Charlotte. In addition to his work as a theater maker, he is a member of the Goodyear Arts collective, curating exhibitions and artist residencies in Charlotte. Matt is a member of the Network of Ensemble Theatres and the American Association for Theatre and Education. He is also Director of Theatre Arts at Charlotte Latin School, an independent day school. He earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Performance from Greensboro College.
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in theater making, the fractal nature of existence, Zen koans, magical realism and accessing the sublime.
IN THIS EPISODE
- Matt explains the term ‘theater maker.’
- He discusses theater as an art form and the role of the audience in witnessing theater.
- He describes his original work as a playwright and director.
- He talks about the presence of clowns and the absurd in his work.
- Matt discusses inviting people into a liminal space of reality and accessing the sublime.
- He connects the appeal of theater to the sacredness of the present.
- He shares what he asks of the audience in theater making.
- He answers whether he thinks of himself as a
- Matt talks about reconciling faith with skepticism in his work.
- He addresses the fractal nature of existence and eternal return.
- He responds to whether his work is similar to Zen koans.
- He answers whether he feels an obligation to entertain.
- Matt discusses the influence of David Lynch, Magical Realists and the Romantics.
- He talks about being born in California, his ancestry and his genetic predispositions.
- He reflects on having a ‘Lucifer complex’ and the guilt he carries.
- He recalls the biography that led him to read Symbolist poetry.
- Matt identifies the book that has everything that he can ask for in a work of art.
- He considers whether his plays are chapters from the same book.
- He talks about his spiritual teacher and mentor.
- He reveals the people who haunt his work and what his work is really about.
- Matt addresses what is beyond the veil.
plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Powers and Principalities
To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning