Art & Faith Conversations

A podcast for the spiritually curious to explore creativity, culture and spiritual identity through the integration of art and faith. Discover how we are innately designed for creative expression through deep conversations on art and spiritual practice with guests that include musicians, dancers, painters, poets, authors, and theologians.

Season 9 EP6: The Artist & Burnout w/ Andrew Nemr 04/19/2024

Season 9 EP6: The Artist & Burnout w/ Andrew Nemr Andrew Nemr is an international tap artist, TED Fellow, speaker, mentor, and writer. Andrew started tapping at the age of 3 being mentored by Gregory Hines starting at a very young age. He’s a solo artist in dance, visual art and music but also travels the world as a speaker, mentor, and coach in a variety of settings and has had his life story featured in an independent film by Windrider called Identity. We discuss a significant moment in his life when he hit a wall and experienced burnout throughout his whole body, mind, and spirit in a visceral way. Andrew shares vulnerably what that expereince was like, how he got through it, and offers insight to artists who may be close to experiencing burnout themselves. Andrew regularly offers a 4 week spiritual formation course you can find more about and connect with him at: /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/30906233

Season 9 EP 5: Embodied Preaching w/ Jaclyn Williams 03/01/2024

Season 9 EP 5: Embodied Preaching w/ Jaclyn Williams Jaclyn Williams is a preacher, chaplain, educator, and performing artist. She is an assistant professor of the practice of preaching and chaplaincy at Fuller Seminary. She joins the podcast to talk about embodied preaching and the unique style she has of integrating her performing art skills to enhance her pedagogical practice with students. As well as her MDiv and PhD in theological studies, she also holds an MFA in theater and has a background in dance. We discuss the connections between the process of craft as an artist and the process of spiritual formation and how artists can be significant contributors to teaching formational practices. Instagram @artandfaithpodcast Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/30188613

Season 9 EP 4: Embodying the Pace of God w/ Mark Buchanan 01/26/2024

Season 9 EP 4: Embodying the Pace of God w/ Mark Buchanan Mark Buchanan is a professor of pastoral theology at Ambrose University. He has authored several book on spiritual formation and rhythms of the soul. He joins the podcast to talk about his book, God Walk-Moving at the Speed of Our Soul. We discuss the spiritual practice of physically walking and how formative it is for our faith when we slow down enough to keep pace with a 3mph God. We talk about how walking affects our memory and our attention spans and rehumanizes us in an increasingly digital world. Instagram @artandfaithpodcast Email /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/29658033

Season 9 EP 3: The Embodied Language of Dance w/ Julianna Rubio Slager 01/12/2024

Season 9 EP 3: The Embodied Language of Dance w/ Julianna Rubio Slager Julianna Rubio Slager is the artistic director and co-founder of Ballet 5:8 dance company out of Chicago. She returns for the second time to the podcast to talk about the powerful language of the body through dance and how it can speak in ways words cannot. We discuss misconcenptions about the body and dance among church culture and the importance of making peace with our bodies in surrender to God's work in our lives. Julianna is known for her unique ability to engage audiences in discussions of life and faith through her choreography. She has created over 50 works for the Company and School during her tenure at Ballet 5:8. In 2023 she was awarded the coveted position of National Visiting Fellow at the School of American Ballet. Instagram @artandfaithpodcast /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/29455343

Season 9 EP 2: Embodiment & the Brain w/ Dr. Curt Thompson 12/15/2023

Season 9 EP 2: Embodiment & the Brain w/ Dr. Curt Thompson Dr. Curt Thompson is a leading psychiatrist in the field of interpersonal neurobiology and spiritual formation. We discuss why art and artists are invaluable to understanding what it means to be human and to live a purposeful life. Curt specializes in helping others seek and discover the intrinsic desire we all have to feel known, loved, and connected and shares how beauty and creativity play a crucial role in that pursuit. He is the author of several books such as Anatomy of the Soul, The Soul of Shame, and his most recent book on suffering, The Deepest Place. Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/29097158

Season 9 EP 1: Embodied Art & Worship w/ David Taylor 11/17/2023

Season 9 EP 1: Embodied Art & Worship w/ David Taylor David Taylor returns to the podcast to talk about his latest book, A Body of Praise-Understanding the Role of our Physical Bodies in Worship. We discuss our five senses as the way we experience God's closeness and grace and how artists give us language and portals to engage our senses more fully in worship and life. David aruges that the body is not merely a neutral spectator or something to overcome but that God has an essential purpose for good for our bodies in worship. David Taylor is a theologian, author, speaker, priest, and director of initiatives in art and faith. A professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, he has lectured widely on the arts, from Thailand to South Africa. He has written for The Washington Post, Image Journal, Theology Today, Worship, Religion News Service, Christianity Today, and Books & Culture, among others. He lives in Austin with his wife Phaedra, a visual artist and gardener, and his daughter Blythe and son Sebastian. Music for the podcast provided by Contact Libby John: Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/28696303

Season 8 EP 9: Art Led by Listening w/ Jane Boutwell 06/21/2023

Season 8 EP 9: Art Led by Listening w/ Jane Boutwell Jane Boutwell is an artist who describes herself as having an inquisitive mind, a heart connected to nature and a soul yearning towards God…a child of dirt and dance…a beauty bringing blessing writer… a poetic painter and potter. Her creative work includes tactile, intuitive, and deeply-in-touch-with-nature ways of being in the world. She finds her passion in a variety of creative mediums and expressions which include gardening, quilting, writing, painting, sketching, ceramics, dancing, creative coaching, podcasting, and family life with her husband and four children in the Atlanta Georgia area. We take a deep dive into a mini series she featured on her podacst, , about living a life of listening and how vital it is as a practice for our creative and spiritual lives. Visit Jane's work at: Connect with the Podcast: IG: @artandfaithpodcast Donate to the production of new episodes: Or Text ARTANDFAITHPODCAST to 53-555 and follow the link for more info /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/27230274

Season 8 EP 8: Sacred Strides w/ Justin McRoberts 06/12/2023

Season 8 EP 8: Sacred Strides w/ Justin McRoberts Justin McRoberts returns to the podcast to talk about his newest book, Sacred Strides: The Journey to Belovedness in Work and Rest. In this episode we discuss the myth of finding balancing but rather discovering the tensions and rhythms in different seasons of life. We also talk about the significance of practicing a day of Sabbath and the pitfalls of focuisng on utitliy in our creative and spiritual lives. Jusitn is a speaker, author, mentor, and musician. Some of his previous books include It Is What You Make of It and the books of prayer collaboration project with Scott Erickson. Donate to the production of new episodes: Or Text ARTANDFAITHPODCAST to 53-555 and follow the link for more info /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/27116481

Lent Meditation Series Week 5 03/29/2023

Lent Meditation Series Week 5 Week 5 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent. Each Lent episode is an exceprt of a more in-depth writtten series that includes movement prayer and visual art as well as poetry and scripture. Visit to go deeper Music provided by Journal Prompt Questions: What are some ways you can slow down and be cared for in this season? How might you need to re-position yourself to see beauty? Email: Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/26373894

Lent Meditation Series Week 4 03/22/2023

Lent Meditation Series Week 4 Week 4 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent. Each Lent episode is an exceprt of a more in-depth writtten series that includes movement prayer and visual art as well. Visit to go deeper Music provided by Journal Prompt Questions: What are some things that make you feel securely planted? What kind of a season do you sense you are becoming ready for? Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast @vividartistryco /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/26302308

Lent Meditation Series Week 3 03/15/2023

Lent Meditation Series Week 3 Week 3 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent. Each Lent episode is an exceprt of a more in-depth writtten series that includes movement prayer and visual art as well. Visit to go deeper Music provided by Journal Prompt Questions: What are the main daily influences on your imagination and your senses? Take inventory for a couple of days and write down the things you devote attention to. What are some tangible daily rhythms you could work in that would cultivate beauty in your life? Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast @vividartistryco /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/26235303

Lent Meditation Series Week 2 03/08/2023

Lent Meditation Series Week 2 Week 2 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent with poetry, an embodied prayer practice and journal prompts. The audio recordings are an excrept of an in-depth written Lent series that also includes movment prayer and visual art. Visit to participate. Music provided by Email: Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/26161203

Lent Meditation Series Week 1 03/01/2023

Lent Meditation Series Week 1 Week 1 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent. The audio recordings are an exceprt of a more in-depth written Lent series that includes movment prayer and visual art. Visit to participate Music provided by Email: Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/26089932

Season 8 EP 7: Re-emergence of the Arts w/ Melanie Penn 01/05/2023

Season 8 EP 7: Re-emergence of the Arts w/ Melanie Penn Melanie Penn returns to the podcast to talk about some of her latest music and how creative work is needed now more than ever. She describes beauty as an act of defiance against the dark times of the world and how artists play a significant role in healing from the events since 2020. We discuss the many changes and new norms we've all experienced including some big changes and loss that happened in her own life. Melanie has a backgournd in classical voice training before becoming an independent recording artist. During a career touring in Broadway musicals, she felt compelled to write her own songs and recorded her first album in 2010 which received critical acclaim. She has since released several albums including her Immanuel project in 2017 which rose to #1 on Amazon's Christian worship and holiday charts. Her most recent albums, More Alive Vol 1 and Vol 2, she released from 2020-2022. Clips featured in this episode are from Vol 2. She first appeared on the podcast in Aug. 2020 on Season 5 Episode 16 titled, "Creative Clarity" which can be found on all streaming platforms. /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/25512174

Season 8 EP 6: Art in Advent Bette Dickinson 12/02/2022

Season 8 EP 6: Art in Advent Bette Dickinson Bette Dickinson returns to the podcast to talk about the inspiration for her series of paintings in her new book, Make Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder. Bette appeared as a guest on the podcast in Septemeber to tell us about the book. In this episode we dive deeper into why the Church needs to integrate more art into spiritual practices and how art actually makes room in our lives for God to speak. We discuss right and left brained church and artists as being essential workers in leading others into deeper, more meaningful spiritual lives. The book is available to order anywhere books are sold. At the end of the episode Bette leads a visio divina practice and a breath prayer. To view the painting for the visio divina, text "wonder" to 55444 or click The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions. To support our ongoing efforts you can text "artandfaithpodcast" to (202) 858-1233 Website: Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast @vividartistryco /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/25197384

Season 8 EP 5: Spiritually Formed Through Art w/ Phaedra Jean Taylor 11/22/2022

Season 8 EP 5: Spiritually Formed Through Art w/ Phaedra Jean Taylor Phaedra Jean Taylor is a visual artist exploring the disciplines of encaustic painting and watercolor. She is inspired by ideas of play, journey, memory, and belonging which we discuss as being healing concepts in her spiritual journey after being raised in a thrid generation Jehovah's Witness family. Her art making is hard to describe without hearing her incredible conversion story when she met the real Jesus for the first time while studying art in college. Raised on the rocky shores of northern Scotland til she wast thirteen, her family then transplanted to Texas, where she learned to love open spaces and quiet landscapes. She completed her BFA in sculpture at the University of North Texas, where she was also awarded the Most Outstanding Student in the Visual Arts award. She interned at the Chinati Foundation, in Marfa Texas, shortly thereafter where she was profoundly influenced by spending hours in the company of the works in the collection. Phaedra and her husband, Anglican priest and theologian, David Taylor, have been collaborating reecently to make for families and others that pair images and prayers to meditate on. Support the podcast with a financial gift The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions. Visit our website Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/25101669

Season 8 EP 4: Liturgies to Light the Way 11/15/2022

Season 8 EP 4: Liturgies to Light the Way Co-authors, Audrey Elledge and Elizabeth Moore, recently released their first book, Liturgies for Hope-Sixty Prayers for the Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between. Hear the story of how the prayers orginated as anchors of hope for their church in NYC in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to becoming a published book. The liturgies include everything from the ordinary moments of life to the dark days of the pandemic and act as guardrails to beauty as the authors descirbe it. Hear the origin story of their friendship and collaboration, the doubts and struggles they've had in their own prayer lives and don't miss the Liturgy read at the end. Audrey Elledge lives in New York, where she works at SparkNotes and serves at Church of the City New York. Audrey is the recipient of the Academy of American Poets Prize and the Virginia Beall Ball Prize. Born and raised in Louisiana, Elizabeth Moore now lives in New York, where she works at Penguin Random House and serves with the Church of the City New York creative team. To order the book: The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions. Website: Follow us on Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast @vividartistryco /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/25014060

Season 8 EP 3: The Invitation to Create w/ Rachel Marie Kang 10/07/2022

Season 8 EP 3: The Invitation to Create w/ Rachel Marie Kang Rachel Marie Kang is an author and poet releasing her frist book, Let There Be Art: The Pleasure and Purpose of Unleashing the Creativity within You. The book serves as an invitation to create right where you are and dispels the myths that art is reserved for only an elite few. She explores the ordinary acitivities of life such as cooking, play, silence, and laughter and invites readers to discover the creativity within all of us and encourages us to create right where we are with what we have. Rachel is a NY native and founder of The Fallow House. She has a degree in English with Creative Writing from Nyack College and has contributed to Chrisitianity Today, Provers 31 Ministries and (in)Courage. Let There Be Art is avaialbe for pre-order with bonuses and a release day of Oct. 11. See link for details Support the podcast with a financial gift The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions. Visit our website /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/24620061

Season 8 EP 2: Art & Spiritual Warfare 09/30/2022

Season 8 EP 2: Art & Spiritual Warfare Mike Yeager, executive pastor, producer, and songwriter at Awaken Chruch in San Diego talks about thier newest project, Move of Heaven. Mike received his PHD in structural engineering and spent time in Florence, Italy studying cultural heritage and structural assessments of buildings and monuments. We discuss how his heart was drawn back to the church and then to music when the church wanted to respond to the tumultous, cultural times with writing songs. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning Stephen Blake Kanicka(Kanye West, for KING & COUNTRY) and mixed by David Cook(Chris Tomlin, Shawn Mendes), Move Of Heaven pushes the artistic envelope with a modern pop, sonic landscape mixed with spiritual warfare anthems, leaning deeply on faith to drive action. Find Awaken Music: Give a gift to support more podcast episodes: Follow the podcast: /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/24541377

Bonus Episode: My 9/11 Story 09/11/2022

Bonus Episode: My 9/11 Story On 9/11 I was flying home to the United States from Switzerland when the pilot came on the intercom and said we'd be landing in Newfoundland due to attacks on the U.S. I share my story every year in written from so decided to put it in audio form on the podcast. It is one of hope and mercy on one of the darkest days in history. Please consider a dontation to the podcast to help continue the production of these episodes and continue to share our stories with one antoher. Follow the podcast To read or share the written version of the story visit: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/24337395

Season 8 EP 1: Making Room for the New 09/02/2022

Season 8 EP 1: Making Room for the New Bette Dickinson is a prophetic artist, writer, and speaker who invites audiences to connect with God through visual parables of the spiritual journey. Bette earned her MDiv through Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and has worked with ministries like InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, World Vision, Infinitum, and Kensington Church to awaken the soul through beauty and wonder. She tells about her new book, Making Room in Advent-25 devotions for a season of wonder. Each devotion features an original painting to draw you in and fill you with wonder through a fresh telling of the Advent story from the gospel book of Luke. The book is available for pre-order til Sept. 13 which includes bonuses and a 30%off discount for the Art & Faith podcast listeners. Enter the code ARTFAITH at check out for the discount! Order the book: Links for Bette: Support the podcast with a financial gift of your choice: or text artandfaithpodcast to (202) 858-1233 Follow /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/24251589

Season 7 Finale: An Honest Talk & Benediction 08/31/2022

Season 7 Finale: An Honest Talk & Benediction A short seaon finale wrap up episode with host, Libby John, who shares some of the honest truths about keeping a podcast going. She also gives a commission to artists to be confident in their role as "border-stalkers" who don't ever feel like they quite fit in like artist, Mako Fujimura, talks about in his book Culture Care. Don't miss the special benediction blessing she shares at the end. To support the podcast and help continue the production of these episodes please visit to make a donation! Your support is much appreciated! OR you can text artandfaithpodcast to: 202-858-1233 to donate /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/24232374

Season 7 EP 6: How God Sees Us 08/26/2022

Season 7 EP 6: How God Sees Us Gregory Andrus is a photographer, author and speaker who has a powerful story of overcoming alcoholism and homelessness. After a near death expereince, he found he'd been given a second chance at living. This became a catalyst to him discovering his artistic gifts and callings to highlight the diginity of others through sharing the portraits and stories of total strangers he meets along the coast. This project became known as Portraits of the Jersey Shore which Gregory compiled and released in a book. He just released a second book of beautiful photography called Sand, Sea & Rescue which features the brave, young lifeguards of the Jersey beaches. Gregory wanted to bring attention to the stories of those who run towards danger to help rescue others to give them a second chance at life as well. To find Gregory's work visit: Follow the podcast on IG and please leave a kind review where you listen! /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/24178059

Season 7 EP 5: The Artist/Pastor 06/01/2022

Season 7 EP 5: The Artist/Pastor Michael Gatlin, along with his wife, have served as senior pastors of the Vineyard Church in Duluth, MN since 1997. Michael is also a member of the National Board of the Vineyard movement and has helped plant many churches over the years. Before his full time career in pastoral ministry, Michael worked as a designer and also had a thriving vocation as a watercolor artist. He has walked through many highs and lows in his art and faith journey and shares a unique perspective as a pastor and an artist who continues to pursue beauty and joy in everything no matter how challenging life can be. To connect more with him: We reference the Brehm Residency, to find out more visit: The podcast and more: /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/23289545

Season 7: EP 4 Found in Beauty's Path 04/27/2022

Season 7: EP 4 Found in Beauty's Path Allison Davis is a writer and photographer who chose to embark on an adventure of photographing the west coast of the United States in 30 days. It was the height of the pandemic, her calendar of doing wedding photography was wiped clean and she was ready to take a risk. Fueled by passion and faith, she set out to capture all that she could with her camera in a 30 day trip along the west coast. Not knowing what each day would hold, she found herself bearing wtiness to unfathomable beauty all along the way. She encourtered endless wildfire smoke, high winds on the edge of cliffs, sun breaking through the darkness and countless other captivating moments. She's compiled them all into a book called, Revealed at the Edge, which is available to pre-order and includes prayerful meditations as a compantion to the stunning landscape images. To find more out more visit: To connect with the greater work of the podcast visit: /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/22925660

Season 7: EP 3 A Cynic's Rehab 04/19/2022

Season 7: EP 3 A Cynic's Rehab Ryan Diaz is a writer, a poet and a theologian from Queens, NY. He talks about the deep well of cynicism he had found himself in even though he had been active in the church most of his life. It was his return to reading and writing poetry that revivied him and awakened him to the awe and wonder of God all around him. Ryan is an award winning writer, poet, and theologian from Queens, NY. He holds a BA in History from St. Johns University and is completing a MA in Biblical Studies. His writing has appeared in publications such as Transcendentals, Dappled Things, Ekstasis, and Premier Christianity. His first poetry book, For Those Wandering Along the Way, debuted in 2021. You can find his book at To connect with the greater work of the podcast visit: Follow us on social media /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/22834895

Season 7: EP 2 A Few of Our Favorite Things 12/22/2021

Season 7: EP 2 A Few of Our Favorite Things Hosts, Joy Ike and Libby John, wrap up 2021 with reflections on the year and how things have gone. They then each share a few of their favorite things they've been enjoying recently which range from a favorite album or podcast to a favorite food or spiritual practice. Links to favorite things shared in the episode: The Podcast: Music Provided by Dear Gravity: /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/21570494

Season 7: Advent Meditation "Into the Darkness" 12/14/2021

Season 7: Advent Meditation "Into the Darkness" An audio contemplative meditation on Advent with scripture reading, reflection and poetry. "Into the Darkness" reflects on the dark or desert places we find ourselves in, waiting for God to answer our prayers. Through this Advent meditation, we are reminded that we are witnesses to the light and the darkness has not overcome it. Poetry by Madeline L'Engle "Into the Darkest Hour" Music provided by Dear Gravity Join our mailing list to stay connected to the podcast /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/21484463

S7 EP 1: The Prophetic Artist 10/20/2021

S7 EP 1: The Prophetic Artist Matt Tommey is an author, mentor and woven sculpture artist based in N. Carolina. He teaches and leads visual artists through his mentorship program, The Thriving Christian Artist, where they gain skills in their craft and business but also in co-creating with the Holy Spirit. in his new book, "Prophetic Art", he talks about what prophetic art is, some misconceptions about it and simple ways to invite the Holy Spirit into the creative process. /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/20876327

Season 6 EP 17: Hope & Hyperrealism 08/28/2021

Season 6 EP 17: Hope & Hyperrealism Josh Tiessen is a visual artist based in Ontario Canada. He has coined his style as narrative hyperrealism and often juxtaposes animals in abandoned remnants of human civilization to highlight irony and parody, the hallmarks of postmodern art. As a teenager, ranked among the world’s foremost realist artists, Tiessen was juried in as the youngest member of International Guild of Realism, Artists for Conservation and Society of Animal Artists, elite groups of the top nature and wildlife artists worldwide. As a young adult, Art Renewal Center designated him “Associate Living Master,” and New York based gallery Jonathan LeVine Projects awarded him First Place from 2000 artists in their international competition Search for the Next Great Artist. LeVine presented the emerging artist’s debut international solo exhibition in May of 2019. His thematic body of work titled, "Streams in the Wasteland" exhibited in 2019 and is now available in its entirety in a hardcover monograph book. Each painting has an original score of music composed by his brother, Zac Tiessen, and is included with the book or available to listen on Spotify and Apple Music. Support the podcast and learn more at /episode/index/show/artandfaithconversations/id/20292773

Art & Faith Conversations

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