Fresh Aesthetic with Stephen Garton
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© Stephen Garton
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Welcome to Fresh Aesthetic, where host Stephen Garton explores the human experience through the lens of creativity, authenticity, science, and spirituality. This space is about the quest for healing and wholeness, while celebrating the life-giving joy of creating shit. Join in for the sometimes serious and often silly escapade, while we all spin around the celestial canvas on this giant space rock we call home.
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Today’s episode features Benjamin Faye and is a celebration of black history in music.Benji shares his musical expertise and breaks down a timeline of music history from the blues right through to hip-hop and its resulting influences on modern music. You'll hear all about how modern music as we know it today has been shaped and molded by the blues, and that the majority of popular styles of music have come from the creativity and innovation of black people. As there is such a plethora of artists and music referenced in this episode, I have taken the time to compile an accompanying Spotify playlist meant to be enjoyed in tandem with the episode.You can find it here - Black History Month Accompaniment PlaylistFor more of Benji’s work, be sure to check him out on Instagram @heytherebenji, and on BlueSky.
In this episode we take a look at the highlights from Season 4 of Fresh Aesthetic, all conveniently clipped and collated for your listening pleasure.
There were some amazing guests that came on last year and I think it was the best season of FA content yet! This episode is a little late as January is basically over, but it is still a good representation of the amazing guests from last season.
If you really enjoy any of the snippets you listen to and want more, then you can of course go back and listen to, or relisten to, the original episode.
As I was listening back I was getting inspired by lots of the things that were said, and was challenged all over again to be a better human.
The episode contains original music from Dylan Chambers, Nyree Huyser and Ian Turner. These songs have all been used with permission, and copyright belongs to the respective artists.
Today’s episode is my conversation with Pat Brittenden
Pat is an award-winning podcaster, YouTuber, and seasoned talkback radio host. With years of experience in podcasts and radio shows, he now dedicates his efforts to his primary project, Big Hairy News. This show offers long-form commentary on mainstream news, creating space to do justice to its guests and the stories it explores.
You can tune into Big Hairy News live on weekdays at 10pm New Zealand time at youtube.com/DOCNZstudios.
In this episode, we delve into some of the most troubling policies from the past political year and examine the human tendency to idolise politicians, mirroring celebrity culture. Pat also gives his perspective on moving beyond the dualism of the left-versus-right, focusing instead on the collective growth of humanity.
There are a few important clips and resources mentioned in the episode that I will leave links for in the show notes.
Some of the resources mentioned in the episode are:
Is Every Civilization Doomed to Fail? - Gregory Aldrete
"Christianity is in Crisis": Russel Moore's interview on NPR
Reel about loving your enemies by Janie Lagata
BHN Interview with Chloe Swarbrick
Mountain Tui on YouTube
Audio versions of Pat's podcasts can be found here:
#BHN Big Hairy News
First episode of the NZ Leftist Collective
The Department of Conversation with Pat Brittenden (currently on hiatus)
Today’s episode is my conversation with Andrew Killick.
Andrew is a photographer, writer, poet, editor, and more, publishing his creative work under the moniker Safe Little World. Andrew’s work stems from the paradox and merging of physical and spiritual experiences.
Andrew describes one of his core values using a quote from Evelyn Underhill, which says, “The double movement of Transcendent Love, drawing inwards to unity and fruition, and rushing out again to creative acts…" This quote is also part of what it means to live a contemplative life, another key aspect of Andrew’s story.
For more of Andrew’s work, be sure to check out his website, www.safelittleworld.com, or you can find him on Facebook and Instagram @safelittleworld.
Andrew's work explores the idea of Safe Little Worlds, which he describes as loving and essential sanctuaries. At the same time, he explores ambiguity, often critiquing these spaces for their potential limitations and reflecting on moments of stepping beyond them into the expansive freedom of the wild world.
The author referenced at the end of the episode is Dr. Claire Weekes. Though the material cited is dated, her quote and work at large still aligns with the newer minfulness-based modality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Andrew's publishing company mentioned during an audio glitch at the end of the episode is shadowpress.co.nz
sacramentofbreathing.wordpress.com is a collection of writings from Andrew about the contemplative life.
Today’s episode is my conversation with Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski.
Brendan is a researcher, speaker, consultant, and educator focused on the social-emotional development and wellbeing of boys and men, particularly in relation to the wellbeing of those around them.
His interdisciplinary work bridges psychology, sociology, and education. Brendan completed his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Edinburgh in 2023, researching emotions, masculinities, and school experiences among Canadian teenage boys.
This interview was such a blast and brings so much clarity to the importance of emotional regulation and doing the work of sitting with yourself and processing your pain and trauma.
For further study I would highly recommend diving into the therapeutic modality of IFS or Internal Family Systems. IFS was developed by Richard Schwartz in the 80s. Psychology Today describes it as “an approach to psychotherapy that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person's mental system.”
If you would like to check out more of Brendan’s work, you can find his website at remasculine.com
You can also find him on Instagram @re.masculine
Today’s episode is my conversation with Sam Sellers
Sam is a registered therapist and a clinical supervisor, specialising in religious trauma. Sam is queer and talks about her experiences navigating the intersection of queerness and spirituality.
Sam describes being a queer person within a faith community as potentially painful and hard and how it can involve an immense amount of cognitive dissonance and suppression.
As a content warning, this episode contains references to trauma, religious trauma and the repression of identity as a queer person. If you are struggling, please reach out to helplines, such as OutLine Aotearoa.
Sam’s message and practice as a therapist centres around practicing self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and speaking our truth. Sam describes therapy as a safe space to explore vulnerability, build connection, and reclaim your voice. Healing is a process, but you don’t have to do it alone.
If you would like to check out Sam’s services, make sure to visit anchoredcounsellingservices. Also be sure to check out her podcast, Beyond the Surface.
Today’s episode is my conversation with the one and only Janice Lagata.
Janice is a writer, a podcaster, a musician, and an incredibly intelligent thinker and speaker. Her work is thoughtful, carefully considered, intelligent, and most importantly, challenging.
This conversation is a 2 hour deep dive into capitalism, platform culture, the undervalued nature of the arts, decolonisation, white saviourism and much more.
Be sure to check out more of Janice’s work:
janicelagata.com
God Has Not Given on Instagram
Scratch Paper on Substack
Second Stories Writer's Room Workshop
Scratch Paper on Soundcloud
Patreon
See her Linktree for more: Link
Today’s episode is my conversation with Brady Rather.
Brady is a musician and host of the podcast Love Like A Heretic.
This episode covers a range of topics around themes of authenticity and being true to who you are, not who others want you to be. Brady talks about why it’s so important to be committed to intentional presence on a daily basis.
He also discusses 3 unavoidable constants of life: pain, uncertainty and constant work, and just how important it is to change your relationship to these things.
Brady also talks about how authenticity and honesty with yourself are keys to building a peaceful life - that is your inner landscape, and the essence you bring to those around you.
One of the many takeaways from this episode is the importance of surrounding yourself with people that exemplify the qualities that are important to you. You can never get rid of pain, uncertainty and constant work, but at least you can make the journey along the way more hopeful and full of peace and contentment.
Another takeaway is to keep coming back to the simile of your life being like the sky, and every cloud that comes along and blocks the sun belongs. It all belongs. Welcoming those clouds and thanking them for being there are important steps to understanding what they are and what they are trying to tell you.
Our attachment to all kinds of things, like emotions, material possessions and other people’s perceptions of us are what lead to suffering.
Today’s episode is my interview with Cameron Bishop.
Cameron works for Impact Lives - a centre for transformation, cultural competence, and social innovation. Cameron works specifically to guide communities to places of inclusion and belonging in order to influence equity and freedom.
Our conversation is rich with ideas for expanding worldviews to include more space for otherness. Cameron also discusses what it means to create lasting positive transformation within your own life and within the communities you are apart of.
For more of the work that Cameron is part of, be sure to check out impactlives.org. If you have any questions for Cameron, or want to check out the ebook referenced in the episode, send him a DM on Instagram @cameronlbishop.
You can find a copy of the eBook referenced in this episode here - I Am Unique - A Human-Centric Blueprint for Developing an Actionable Definition of Yourself.
Today’s episode is my interview with Ian Turner. Ian is a writer, musician, and producer. Ian also has a podcast called Garden of Sound where he interviews a range of artists and highlights New Zealand music.
For more of Ian's work, be sure to check out gardenofsound.nz
All music used in this episode is written, recorded and produced by Ian Turner and used with permission. The songs are performed live by The Jack Street MPs. They are not out yet, so these are sneak peak snippets, exclusive for this episode.
Be sure to follow Ian's work to be up to date when these songs are officially released.
1Today’s episode is my interview with Michael Wright.
Michael is a writer, most well known for his weekly letter on art and spirit called Still Life. Michael is a thoughtful, contemplative person with a passion for art and spirituality.
You can find his writing at mrmichaelwright.substack.com
This episode is rich in reflections on the trappings of a modern society that prioritises productivity and profit above all else. Michael and I discuss the balance between doing work and bringing collective good in the world, and living a contemplative and peaceful life unburdened by the weight of expectations.
Today’s episode is my interview with Nyree Huyser.
Nyree is a singer songwriter who competed in the Voice Australia in 2023. She has just released her debut album, called Fixing Heads and Chasing Tails, which you can find on all major streaming platforms. It is a powerful blend of originals and covers, all with her signature soulful vocals with an eclectic blend of musical styles.
You can support Nyree’s work by buying tickets to her upcoming Celine Dion show at The Piano in September. You can also find her official merch on her Spotify shop.
Make sure you stick around to the end of the episode to hear Nyree give a live rendition of her song By The River.
Today’s episode is my interview with Jackie G. Jackie is an author, YouTuber, public speaker and podcaster.
In this episode Jackie dives deep into her journey through numerous challenges and hard times. She discusses what it was like coming to terms with her sexuality, battling an eating disorder, alcoholism and being constantly compared to her sister.
Ultimately, she poses the question: what would it be like to live as your truest self, without a mask?
For more of Jackie's work, be sure to check out her podcast, The Unity Project. You can find her YouTube channel @JackieGTV. Her book, Finding Home, can be found on Amazon, and her website is jackiegronlund.com.
Content warning: Eating disorders, alcoholism, depression.
If you are struggling with these things or anything else, please reach out for help and don't try to overcome it alone.
If you are in New Zealand, you can:
- Contact EDANZ
- Contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline
- Get help with depression
If you are overseas, the relevant help centres in your area are just a Google search away.
Today’s episode is my interview with podcaster and author Meghan Tschanz
Meghan discusses what faith means to her today, and her extensive journey with social justice work.
Meghan is the author of the book, Women Rising: Learn to Listen, Reclaiming Our Voice. She also hosts a really great podcast called Faith and Feminism, and is a keynote speaker who is dedicated to reclaiming intersectional feminism for the Christian church.
Meghan is also a wife and a mother, and is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity and ordination in the United Methodist Church.
For more information about Meghan and her work, be sure to check out her website, meghantschanz.com.
Today’s episode is my interview with Tara Teng.
Our conversation covers a whole range of topics around sexuality, including: embodiment. doing the work of decolonisation, comprehensive and enthusiastic consent, having a healthy sexual ethic, and much more.
Content warning: This conversation covers rape culture, human trafficking and exploitation of marginalised bodies.
Tara is a somatic practitioner, and seeks to offer her clients embodied Sexuality after Trauma. She is also the author of the incredible book, Your Body Is a Revolution: Healing Our Relationships with Our Bodies, Each Other, and the Earth
For more of her work, or to book a one to one coaching session, be sure to check out her website, tarateng.com.
She also has a TedX talk called Jesus Made Me A Feminist, and a great article written about her on The Peak all about breaking out of purity culture.
In today’s episode, the wonderful Katie Brookfield returns to the show to share more of her expansive expertise on sexual ethics, purity culture, patriarchy, women’s rights and a whole lot more.
We unpacked a wide range of ideas around what it means to have a healthy sexuality for yourself and how that might interact with the ethics of others.
Katie's first episode is called Navigating Identity Through the Intersection of Theology, Faith and the Lived Experience and I would highly recommend checking it out before listening to this episode to hear her backstory and experiences with Soul Survivor and a whole lot more.
Content warning: There are multiple references to sexual abuse in the episode.
Since recording this episode, Matt Redman released a documentary about the sexual abuse and other harm done at Soul Survivor, and you can find it here
Today’s guest is the exceptionally talented musician and songwriter, Dylan Chambers. We dive into Dylan’s backstory and explore how his journey led him through some dark times of loneliness and how he channels those feelings into positivity in his music.
Dylan’s new single, “I can Never Get Enough” is out on April 10th, and is from his upcoming EP called For Your Listening Pleasure! Which is out on May 17th. Be sure to show your support and stream it when it’s out!
All the music in this episode is copyrighted to Dylan Chambers and used with permission.
A celestial meditation inspired by the iconic photo taken during the Voyager 1 mission in 1990. The photo was taken from a distance of 6 billion kilometres in deep space where Earth appears as a tiny, "pale blue dot" suspended in a beam of sunlight.
Some of the words in the meditation are direct or slightly altered versions of astrophysicist Carl Sagan's quote, “Consider again that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us […] a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.” This quote comes from his iconic book, Pale Blue Dot.
Original music composed by Stephen Garton, featuring Maddie De'Ath on electric guitar. You can find the instrumental version of the piece here - https://soundcloud.com/stephengarton/spacebound
Today's episode is my interview with David Hayward, more commonly known as the Naked Pastor. This episode hones in on what it means to be vulnerable and open-hearted to the entirety of the human experience. David shares about what vulnerability means to him, and also what it means to evolve and grow as a creative artist and as a person.
A recurring theme in this episode is what it really means to be your authentic self and how that privilege should be available to everyone.
It was so inspiring to see someone as honest and open as David share what vulnerability means to him and how he is challenging himself to incorporate that sense of authenticity into his art and what he shares online.
The video referenced in the interview about how David got started in drawing cartoons can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXwXsSpJSoI
To see more of David’s work, be sure to check out his website nakedpastor.com. You can also find him on Instagram at @davidhayward_art and @nakedpastor
Today's episode is an interview with writer, podcaster, life coach, teacher, LGBTQ+ advocate and queer theology enthusiast, Mike Maeshiro. Mike is also the founder of Numa, an organisation that supports people recovering from religious toxicity.
Mike has a powerful quote that summarises what he stands for: “HUMANS MATTER MORE THAN THEOLOGY.” The ethos behind that quote comes across loud and clear in this conversation as we take a deep dive into the human experience of being gay.
We also discuss other things over the course of the conversation, such as Mike’s writing, how he stays emotionally regulated in the midst of horrendous bullying and backlash, why he currently uses the word pastor in his bio, and a look into his journey into self-acceptance and embracing every aspect of who he is.
For more of Mike’s work, be sure to check out his podcast, Confessions of a Reformer, which can be found on all the platforms where you get your podcasts. You can also check out his website, mikemaeshiro.com. He is also active on Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok and YouTube.
This podcast is edited and produced by Stephen Garton. All the music is original work composed for the show by Stephen Garton.
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