Artists of the Way

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss the value of "low art", and the influence it so often has on great artists. What's the value in something that's less deep, less majestic, and more fun and entertaining?

In this episode Jon and Nate give you a special look at the Artists of the Way Book Club! Check out their initial thoughts on Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis, and join the discussion on Patreon, and hear the rest of our book club episodes for only $3-$5 a month!

John Taylor is an associate pastor with Kings Church on Walker, MI, and has a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Together he and Jon discuss how art was used in the medieval church for instruction and worship, how things changed with the reformation, and how we can reclaim some of those virtues today.

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss the role of comedy for Christians, what it's benefits are, and examine the question, is comedy art? Or is it something else entirely?

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss the process of writing and producing original musicals with Aaron Alsmeyer, looking especially at his most recent musical Leviathan, based on the story of St. George and the Dragon.

In this episode Jon and Nate debate the question, does tragedy belong in Christian art? They weigh what good we may get from a story with such darkness, or if the risks and results of such things aren't worth it for a follower of Christ.

In this episode Jon speaks with Audrey DeBoer about the process of writing and publishing her debut novel. She shares about the importance of collaborating with a team to help her get the book where she wanted it to be, and what she's been learning about her faith through the process of writing.Find out more about Audrey at her website https://audreyddeboer.com/

In this episode Jon and Nate chat about art's role in the kingdom of heaven, and how your creativity is a divine gift from God, and something he rejoices in! They also chat about Marvel's Wonder Man, Jon's recent non-fiction theology kick, and Jon's least favorite letter of the alphabet!

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss how artists can navigate the growth of AI, if we need to be afraid of AI taking over our artistic fields, and what an ethical, Christian perspective on AI would be.

In this episode Jon and Nate invite their wives Shaye and Ellie onto the podcast! They dive deep into what it means to support each other in the artistic journey. From theater to novel writing, Jon, Nate, Shaye, and Ellie explore how to lift each other up creatively.

Jon and Nate read an excerpt from G.K Chesterton's Orthodoxy highlighting the beautiful paradoxes within the Christian faith. They discuss what it means to hold a holy tension between the things we're called to as Christian people.

In this episode, Jon and Nate chat with Dr. Mark Sooy, a theologian, about his perspectives on worship. They making daily life an act of worship, the role of relationships in worship, and how artists can worship through their work.

Jon and Nate discuss what it means to make art as an offering to God, trusting Him with how it can glorify Him, as well as how you can trust Him to be involved in the process!

In this episode Jon and Nate share the artists and theologians who have made the largest impact on them, and how their lives and work has informed their faith and art.Support our Fill The Stage Campaign today https://artistsoftheway.com/fill-the-stage/

In this episode Jon and Nate chat about the importance of local art, and how it benefits us and those around us to be involved in creating in our local community.

In this episode Jon and Nate review their favorite parts of 2025, and look at what Artists of the Way is doing in 2026! What was your favorite part of 2025? And what do you hope for Artists of the Way in 2026?

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.

In this episode I speak with Yohan Daza, a local artist and mental health activist. Yohan has a degree from Kendall College, and worked with Wedgewood Christian Services working with struggling youth. Since then Yohan has had a deep passion for mental health, which has played an active role in his artistic process, where art is closely tied to healing, and space to breathe.

In this episode I speak with Erin McDonald about her work with the Salvation Army in the Creative Arts Ministry, some of the unique work they are doing in the arts world, and what her experience has been working with Muskegon Civic Theatre to create theatre that is accessible for actors with mental or physical disabilities.  Erin has a degree in theatre and works with Salvation Army's Creative Arts Ministry, and as a Scenic Designer for Muskegon Civic Theatre.

In this episode I speak with Spencer Davis Milford, the actor portraying Frodo in the newly revived Lord of the Rings the Musical. We discuss the kinds of art he finds engaging and likes to produce, what some of his favorite projects have been, and the experience of playing Frodo in Lord of the Rings.

In this episode I discuss art that is gentle, simple, and has helped keep me grounded this year! Often we pay attention to those works of art that are challenging, important, or groundbreaking, but sometimes we just need something simple and restful that helps us reconnect with our humanity.Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html

In this episode I speak with the creative team for Godspell, our assistant director Anna Eaton, music director Abigail Pletcher, and choreographer Ellie Knobloch, as we discuss our hearts behind this production, some of our goals artistically, and what the process of putting this show together has been like.Godspell opens this Thursday, July 18, at the Gezon Auditorium! Get your tickets today at https://artistsoftheway.ludus.com/index.phpSign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html

In this episode Jon, Nate, and Jordan continue their discussion about playing Jesus, how it impacted their spiritual life, and chat a bit about their experience with Godspell!Godspell runs from July 18-27. Get your tickets today at https://artistsoftheway.ludus.com/index.phpSign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html

In this episode I have a discussion with my friends Nate Knobloch and Jordan Awe. Both are in Godspell, and have played (or are playing) Jesus. The three of us unpack our experiences playing Jesus, what that meant to our faith, and how we view Jesus after having explored Him in such an intimate way.Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html

In this episode I celebrate our one year anniversary, and unpack some thoughts I've been having about the importance of loving God as Christians. Why do we love God, how do we love God, and what does it matter or do for us?If you want to share ways you try to love God in your life or in your art, visit our contact form at www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlSign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html

In this episode I speak with Mike Boers, Timothy Bright, Ron Hurd, and Tripp Hurst about their experience in community theatre, and the show they're opening this week, Twelve Angry Men.​Twelve Angry Men runs from June 6 to June 22 at Master Arts Theatre, and was directed by Lorna Torres.Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html

In this episode I speak with Pastor Craig Apel about the culture within the church, how we as the church and members can do better in handling church hurt, and how the church and his pastoral calling relates to art and artists.Craig is an alumni of Grace Bible College and Moody Bible Institute, and is currently a retired pastor after many years as the senior pastor of Berean Church in Muskegon, MI.Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html

In this episode I speak with Sophia Medawar, a good friend of mine who lives and works in Chicago, IL. We discuss her relationship with God, her relationship with the church, what she's seeing in the lives of her artistic community and how they view the church. We also discuss the role of Christians in Evangelism, and how the standard model for churches in America can be unhelpful for fostering healthy Christianity, healthy church communities, and caring for the felt needs of the world, particularly artists.Sophia works at Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago, and has worked as a teaching artist and director at Chicago Children's Theatre, and a Studio Coordinator at May I Have This Dance.Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html

In this episode I speak with my priest, Fr. Kris Rolls about the relationship between the church at artists, his own views on how the church should engage with art, and the importance of how the church does what it does, and what that communicates to the world.Fr. Kris Rolls is the Rector of Christ Church Anglican in Grand Rapids, MI, where he has served for the last three years.Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html

In this episode I speak with my friend Nate Knobloch. We discuss his work as a graphic designer, his recent work in illustration, and how we honor God through excellence, and are invited by Him to joyfully play with the gifts He's given us as artists and followers of Christ.Nate works for as a Graphic Designer for Boileau & Co., and his designs can be seen at he and his wife's Etsy shop Engrained.Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html

In this episode I invite my friend John Taylor back on the podcast. We speak about the topic of video games. Are they art? If so, what makes them distinctive as an art form? And how do we engage with them in a redemptive way?John is an associate pastor with Crosswinds Church, and is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Cornerstone University.Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.htmlFind out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html