Artists of the Way

In this episode Jon and Nate have a conversation with Zach Tolan, a local music teacher and researcher, about previously undiscovered symbolism in the works of Bach and Beethoven, which uncovers hidden layers of emotional and spiritual depth to their works.Find additional resources referenced in the video here: https://www.exact-notes.com/podcasts

Happy Thanksgiving from Artists of the Way! In this episode Jon and Nate discuss how art has helped them to slow down and appreciate the blessings of this life, as well as some of the pieces of art they are grateful for in 2025.

In this episode Jon and Nate speak with Joshua Adam Risner. He is a professional painter and the artist in residence at the Michigan State Capitol. Together they discuss the pursuit of excellence and beauty in art, the struggles of balancing that pursuit with our dependence on God, and the importance of play and joy in art.Check out Josh's art: https://www.joshuaadamart.com/​Check out Josh's Studio: https://www.rabbithillartstudio.com/​

In this episode Nate takes the reins and interviews Jon about his relationship to art, his experience of God's presence in art, the story behind how Artists of the Way came to be, and the upcoming Cultivate conference!

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss a recent shift in what our culture's art focuses on, and unpack how goodness and hope can be found in stories from the last decade, both dark and hopeful.

In this episode Jon and Nate invite Brad Garnaat on the podcast. Brad is the founder and Executive Director of Homeschool Performing Arts. He shares his story of being led to the arts by God, and reflects on the importance of diligence and seeking to glorify God through your service! Brad is on the leadership team for Cultivate '25, and will be leading a workshop on vocal technique! Register today!

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss what it looks like to balance art and a family. How do your priorities shift? How do you make it part of your family, and what about art makes it worth doing, even when it's hard.

In this episode Jon and Nate have an honest (and slightly chaotic) discussion about the complexities of a relationship with God, and provide an update about what's next for Artists of the Way!

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss various popular Christ-Figures in storytelling, and the concept of the "Christ-Figure" itself and the merits of such a character. What is it that makes a Christ-Figure a Christ-Figure? Can any character live up to that title? Or are we meant to catch these glimpses of Christ in many characters?

In this episode Jon and Nate chat with Alexis De Weese about the relationship between artists and the digital world, and how we can pursue hospitality and health in an age that increasingly seeks to dehumanize us.Alexis De Weese has created marketing strategies for million-book bestsellers and even NBA All-Star champions for the past decade within the publishing industry. Lex works as the senior marketing manager with Zondervan Reflective, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. She researches the intersection of algorithm ethics and digital hospitality as a continuation of her dissertation work at the Institute of Theology, Imagination, and the Arts at the University of St. Andrews. When she is not planning her next trip back to Scotland or drinking too much tea, she writes fiction and hosts dinner parties for her community in western Michigan. You can keep up with her latest essays on How to Be on the Internet on Substack at lexdeweese.substack.com or on her social media @LexDeWeese

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss works of art and artists whose art rings with the Kingdom of God. They read excerpts, discuss how they resonate with them, and how we as Christians and artists can keep the Kingdom of God present in our art. *Unfortunately our video recording was corrupted, so this is an audio only episode.

In this episode Jon and Nate chat with Dawn Day. Dawn has been a mime for 40 years, and involved in performing arts for most of her life. We discuss her experience getting into mime, why it matters, and what it takes to pursue that art form. Dawn has trained with the Betsy Herskind School of Ballet, Mimeistry International, Push Physical Theatre, and was mentored by Pris McDonald, and has worked Silent Light Mime Ministry, and her own solo Mime Ministry.

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss the value of simplicity in our faith and art, and how that intersects with humility and being present with God and with those around us.

In this episode Jon and Nate invite Christine Hall back to the podcast. They discuss how theatre affects our mental health, and Alive Theatre's next production, Pride & Prejudice, performing June 20th - 28th. To find out more about Alive Theatre and Christine's work you can follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss Jon's favorite film of 2024, Conclave, and how it depicts the church, approaches faith, doubt, and mystery, and how we can be discerning in the art we intake.

In this episode Jon welcomes a new co-host, his friend Nate Knobloch. In this episode they begin a discussion around their favorite films from 2024, beginning with The Wild Robot, it's depiction of parenthood, and what is says about our relationship with God's creation.

In this episode Jon invites his friend Walt Williams onto the podcast to discuss his recent return to theatre and God's provision for Master Arts Theatre in  the last year.

In this episode Jon invites his friend Nate Knobloch back onto the podcast to discuss myths, fantasy, and fairy tales, and how this unique genre allows us to engage with mystery, beauty, and deep truth in a distinct way.

In this episode I invite my friend Nate Knobloch back on to the podcast to chat with me about what gratitude means to us as Christians and as artists.

In this episode I discuss the importance of servanthood in the Christian faith, as demonstrated by Christ, and how the idea of serving revolutionizes our approach to our art and others, regardless of the medium we work in.