PostConsumer Reports Podcast

Andrew Montonera joins PostConsumer reports to discuss his new book By Life or By Death: The Life and Legacy of John and Betty Stam. The Stams were missionaries to China and were tragically martyred in 1934, an event which shook people around the world, partly because their infant daughter survived. Andrew has written a new history of their lives and the events surrounding their death, including numerous pictures, personal writings, poems, and accounts not included in previous biographies of the Stams. If you would like to purchase a signed copy of his book you can order one here. His publisher's page through Moody can be found here, and you can order through Amazon here.

Peter and Grace Assad make up Poems of Grace, a duo singing songs rooted in Scripture and willing to wrestle through the wilderness journeys of life. Just in time for Advent, this episode features Peter discussing their two releases from the past year Rivers to Eden and Not Here Yet. You can find out more of their story and purchase their albums and artwork at https://www.poemsofgrace.com/.

It's celebration time! For the 100th episode of the podcast Fernando Ortega returns to discus his new album For All the Saints. We also have a thorough discussion about his book Fernando's Birds bird watching in general, what it means to be rooted to a place and home, and how he has learned to grieve loss and embrace the joys of life over the years. It's a wonderful discussion to have for this milestone episode. Fernando also appeared on episode 52 of the podcast to discuss his previous album The Crucifixion of Jesus, which to this day remains the most listened to episode of the podcast. PostConsumer Reports as a podcast will be winding down over the coming series of episodes. For anyone who has listened to these discussions surrounding art and faith over the years, thank you so much for taking the time. I hope the conversations have been enlightening and joy-filled and I also hope it has provided a platform for artists to spread the word about their work and life. I'm not exactly sure how many have listened or who continues to listens, so I'll just throw this bottle out into the ocean a few more times and see what happens. Finally, thanks Fernando for answering my questions all those years ago, giving me the encouragement to start this podcast, and being such an amazing guest.

Reverend April McClure Stewart join PostConsumer Reports for the 99th episode, which also happens to be our annual Christmas episode! It's the last show of the year and the last show before we put together something special for the 100th episode. April is a Disciples of Christ pastor and has served in various leadership positions over the years. But what really makes her qualified for this particular topic is all of the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany traditions she celebrates with her family each year. This interview features a number of ideas people should consider implementing into their own annual traditions.

Musician, composer, and professor Wally Brath joins the podcast to discuss his new album Connexion a Jazz Psalter. The album consists of nine compositions which set the words of the Psalms to music and along with Brath features the lead vocals of Nikki Lerner and the bass of John Patitucci. You can stream the album everywhere or purchase it on Bandcamp or at his website www.wallybrathmusic.com.

It's time for another Christmas episode! Dr. Emily Hunter McGowin is here to discuss her new book Christmas: The Season of Life and Light. The conversation ranges from the joy and challenges surrounding the holiday, to reclaiming old traditions even while developing new ones, to a lightning round of Emily's Christmas favorites. Her book is out now through InterVarsity Press wherever you purchase books.

Katherine Briggs joins the podcast to discuss her new novel The Eternity Gate, a fantasy novel about a handmaiden named Seyo who has a key that will unlock the fate of her kingdom. Along with discussing the novel, this conversation goes into Katherine's writing process and her thoughts on the pressure that writers face in today's publishing industry.

 Author and professor Austin Freeman joins episode 95 to discuss his book Tolkien Dogmatics, a theological reading of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. Dr. Freeman is a professor at Houston Christian University where he teaches on theology, literature, and apologetics and has also contributed to other books on theological approaches to science fiction and fantasy. He will be a speaker at Urbana Theological Seminary's 2023 Tolkien Conference where Chris Marchand (the guy who runs PostConsumer Reports) will also be a speaker. You can register for it here. With the main speaker being Craig A. Boyd on Friday September 22, Dr. Freeman and Chris will be delivering their talks in the online sessions on Friday, September 23.

Rachel Wilhelm joins the podcast again to discuss her new album Jeremiah, a collection of song adapted from the words of the prophet Jeremiah. Like with previous episodes this interview is also a kind of deep dive "radio special" for the album featuring excerpts of the song and the background behind them. Rachel previously appeared on the podcast discussing her album Requiem and she has even written an article for PostConsumer Reports the blog. Please check out her work on Bandcamp and all the streaming platforms, book her for songwriting retreat through United Adoration, or check out the music she's contributed for other projects through Cardiphonia and Resound Worship.

Caroline Cobb joins episode 93 of PostConsumer Reports to discuss her new album Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer. Our conversation is a deep dive into the music and background behind the songs,  her other Scripture-based albums, and her life as a working musician. You can stream her music wherever it is available or discover more of her work at: www.carolinecobb.com or https://carolinecobb.bandcamp.com/. 

Songwriter Rick Lee James is on the podcast again to disucss his new single "As I Walk These Halls," a meditation on his experience of training to be a hospital chaplain. You can find out where to stream or download the song here.

Joel Heng Hartse is the author of the new book Dancing About Architecture is a Reasonable Thing To Do: Writing about Music, Meaning, and the Ineffable." He joins Chris on the podcast to discuss how writing about music is similar to dancing about architecture and they ponder their favorite bands and songs all while figuring out how to continue having a critical eye toward art while still allowing others to enjoy the music they love. You can find Joel's book here and anywhere you purchase books and you can find out more about his writing and work at his website: https://www.joelhenghartse.com/

It's the REAL war on Christmas! It's THE real war on Christmas! It's the real WAR on Christmas! It's the real war on CHRISTMAS! You get what I'm saying? If you're interested in part one of this talk about resting and debauchery at Christmastime, please see the Tent Talks podcast.

Brian Doerksen is a songwriter, church music leader, and teacher who recently wrote "215" a call for lament and repentance from within the Canadian church for the atrocities committed against the Indigenous children at numerous church and state run boarding schools. He joins PostConsumer Reports to discuss his process in writing the song, what it means to write from a place of sorrow, and to reminisce with Chris about his past worship songs (those he still sings and those he's moved on from). You can discover Brian's music at his website as well as find out how to watch his "Christmas at Our House" concert film.

Martin Matthews is the author of four published novels, including The Dream Chasers trilogy and the Pencraft Award-winning The Graveyard Girl and the Boneyard Boy. The final book of his trilogy, Moria Versus the Universe, was just released in November 2021.  Our conversation goes into detail about the world building of his trilogy of novels, how it is a meditation on the possible future of humanity, and the process and craft of novel writing.

Rachel Wilhelm is a songwriter and church music leader who has recently released her new album and work Requiem, which draws from ancient and modern texts and musical styles to offer us a meditation on death, grief, and our hope in the resurrection. Our conversation, along with these set of songs, offers us a chance to slow down and contemplate what it means that our days our numbered and how we are to best live in the time we have left. You can find Rachel's music at: https://www.rachelwilhelm.com/

Harmony Smith is the Director of Worship for the Vineyard Movement in the UK & Ireland where she encourages, raises up, and trains worship and music leaders. She also co-pastors Belfast City Church with her husband Andy. She joins PostConsumer Reports to discuss her song "You Have Our Yes," how people in Ireland and America might wrestle with its lyrics differently, and the responsibility that church worship leaders have to not only lead people to God but also challenge them to love their neighbors as themselves.

Adam Whipple is a singer-songwriter from Knoxville, Tennessee who has just released his new EP Basement Apartment, which is available on all streaming platforms (Soundcloud, Apple, Spotify). You can discover more about Adam and his work at his website (https://www.adamwhipple.com/), which includes visual and video art, and read his prose and poetry and Foundling House, a writing community (https://www.foundlinghouse.com/).

Ep 85 features and interview with Rick Lee James, a singer-songwriter, guitarist, recording artist, and music pastor. He joined PostConsumer Reports to discuss his songwriting and recording process, the struggle to lead church music during the time of COVID (when we are not singing together), being able to authentically address people's pain through worship music, and his Mister Rogers podcast "Welcome to the Neighborhood."  Rick has a podcast of his own, "Voices in My Head," which has had numerous guests over the years, including an interview with Chris discussing his 12 days of Christmas book. A couple of months ago Rick was a guest on one of Chris's other podcasts "Between the Songs" discussing "Thunder," an early Rich Mullins song he recorded for his album of the same name. 

Bomethius is the "alter ego" of Jonathan Hodges, a songwriter, pianist, violinist, guitar player, and vocalist living in Dallas, Texas. This far-ranging conversation features an in-depth look at his new album Seasons of Limbo. You can find his music at: http://www.bomethius.com/

An interview with Nashville musician, keyboardist, and composer Blair Masters. Blair has played on numerous albums over the years, from Newsboys, Amy Grant, Charlie Peacock, Rich Mullins, Margaret Becker, Steven Curtis Chapman and yeah, even Barry Manilow, Andy Williams, and Megadeth. He's also the touring keyboardist for Garth Brooks and has composed and recorded music for a number television shows. Our talk focuses on the span of his career and gives an in-depth look into the music of his band Dogs of Peace.

This episode features info about Chris's new EP of Christmas music "Let Nothing You Dismay" as well as about Lula, a nonprofit in Peoria, Illinois that feeds, clothes, and offers care to those without housing and living on the streets. All proceeds from the EP will go to support Lula. The talk on serving others at Christmas is an excerpt from Tent Theology, another podcast Chris has been helping produce this year.

Episode 82 features a talk given at Living Waters Church in Peoria, Illinois in 2019 about the book Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas. This episode also features an excerpt from Tent Theology, a new podcast Chris is helping to produce that aims to help renew the social and political imagination of Christians by following in the way of Jesus.

Episode 81 features my interview with Flo Paris Oakes and Katy Hutson of the children's worship music group Rain For Roots, who are described as "a collective group of musicians and songwriters who write singable Scripture songs for kids and grown ups alike." They released their fourth album All Creatures this spring, which focuses primarily on settings of the Psalms.

Episode 80 of the podcast features my interview with Dr. Susan K. Roll with her expert and scholarly insights into the origins of December 25 as the date for Christmas. The author of the book Toward the Origins of Christmas, my conversation with Dr. Roll touches on the earliest documents adhering to that date and to how to address the pagan origins and influences on the holiday. As a Catholic lay woman, we also discuss her passions, insights, and ongoing work of being an advocate for women's ordination in the Catholic church.

Episode 79 features an interview with Blair E. Clark about the artwork she did for my book Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas. A native of Michigan, Blair is a Central Illinois artist whose work you can find at: https://blairjeffers.wordpress.com/. In our conversation, Blair talks about her process, some of the imagery embedded in the her work on the book that might not be immediately obvious, and also her approach to making Mary and Joseph people who were not white Europeans and yet still universal figures we can all relate to.

Dr. Michael Ward is a professor at both Oxford University and Houston Baptist University where he teaches on imaginative apologetics. Dr. Ward is perhaps best know as a C.S. Lewis scholar and for his groundbreaking work Planet Narnia. I interviewed Dr. Ward in research for my book Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, and in our interview we discuss Lewis's views on paganism and touch on the famed author's own beliefs and practices surrounding Christmas

Jimmy Abegg is a veteran of both the music and art worlds. Currently Jimmy is in need of financial help to complete the building Blind Jimmy's Lighthouse, an art and music studio he's building behind his home. You can support him through direct donations or simply by buying his art at his website www.jimmyabegg.com. Associated with Rich Mullins's Ragamuffin Band, Charlie Peacock, and the band Vector, our conversation intentionally focuses on his own art and music, especially his plans once his studio gets completed, including recording albums, offering art workshops to the community, finishing his podcast, and writing his memoir. 

Tim Barnes is the executive vice president of International Association For Refugees (IAFR) a non-profit that seeks to empower and support refugees and displaced people groups around the world. Our conversation touches on the complexity of the current situation, where there is over 70 displaced people in the world, and offers some insight on what we might be called to do about it.

This episode features an interview with longtime Newsboys keyboardist, programmer, arranger, and even bass player (on synth!) Jeff Frankenstein. He details what it has been like to navigate the changes to the music industry in the past decades as well as changes within Newsboys themselves. He also describes how they've found a balance in being a touring band with families. The episode also discusses the release of Chris's new book on the 12 days of Christmas.

This bonus episode features excerpts from a previous interview where guitarist and author Stu G discusses his Beatitudes project. Stu G has recently released a film and study guide to go along with his musical album and book, all of which can be purchased at: https://www.thebeatitudesproject.com/

Ep 74 features an interview with Charlie Peacock, and artist with four decades of experience in the music as a songwriter and solo artist, but also as a producer of renowned artists like Switchfoot, The Civil Wars, and Marc Martel. Our conversation ranges from his thoughts on fame, the state of the Christian music industry, and the wisdom he's gained from getting debilitatingly sick after years of pushing himself. Check out https://www.charliepeacock.com/ and https://thewriterthehusband.com/ for more on his music, writing, and artwork.

Ep 73 features Phil Joel, notably of the bands Newsboys, Zealand, and also a prolific solo music career, who has just released his first book Redwoods and Whales. 

It reads like a bad joke, but this episode features interviews with 2 Anglican bishops and an Eastern Orthodox priest. Bishop Alberto Morales, Bishop Keith Ackerman, and Fr. Andrew Kishler all gave Chris time to talk about an assorted amount of Christmas traditions, both secular and ecclesiastical. They discuss Puerto Rican Christmas traditions, how to do New Years and the Feast of the Holy Name as a church, and what Epiphany/Theophany looks like for Eastern Orthodox Christians. And please consider supporting the Kickstarter campaign Chris has going on right now for his forthcoming book on Christmas: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chrismarchand/book-celebrating-the-12-days-of-christmas

Episode 71 features an interview with Gabi and Petr Michlik about the Christmas traditions they knew growing up in the Czech Republic, traditions with a surprisingly Pagan bent... This conversation is being released to help promote the Kickstarter campaign Chris is putting on to help fund the completion of his new book on the history and traditions of the 12 Days of Christmas. You can find out more info and support the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chrismarchand/book-celebrating-the-12-days-of-christmas

John Van Deusen (interviewed in Ep. 67) has just released his album "With Every Power Wide Awake" on vinyl, so we're taking the opportunity to release an bonus episode of our conversation that didn't make it into the full interview. Also, it's national podcasting day, so enjoy the extra podcasting goodness. You can find Van Deusen's music at: https://iamjohnvandeusen.bandcamp.com/

Ep. 70 features an interview with Glenn Kaiser, a true music legend. His blues and rock and roots music spans 5 decades, from his work in the Resurrection Band to his solo work and the Glenn Kaiser Band. Kaiser is also a pastor and teacher at the Jesus People USA ministry and community (http://jpusa.org/). You can find Kaiser's music at: https://grrrrecords.com/glenn-kaiser https://glennkaiser.bandcamp.com/ This episode also features an interview with author Michelle Van Loon, who recently released her book Born To Wander: Recovering the Value of Our Pilgrim Identity. You can discover more of Van Loon's writings at: http://michellevanloon.com/ https://theperennialgen.com/    

Dr. Lynn Wilder is a retired education professor who began the ministry Ex-Mormon Christians United For Jesus with her husband Michael Wilder, which you can read more about at: http://www.unveilingmormonism.com/. Dr. Wilder has written or co-authored a number of books about walking away from the Mormon faith and coming to know the Good News of Jesus as found in the Bible. Our conversation goes into her personal story as well as the history and beliefs of the Mormon religion.

E. Byron Anderson is Professor of Worship at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. His most recent book Common Worship: Tradition, Formation, Mission explores the various tensions of the Church's worship: traditional vs. contemporary, habit vs. freedom, canon vs. creativity, unity vs. diversity, and mission focused worship vs. congregationally focused worship. However, instead of pitting these concepts against each other, he puts them in conversations that cause pastors, worship leaders, and all Christ followers to ask tough questions about the intention behind how their liturgies are formed and how they are forming their people. 

Singer-songwriter and musician released his latest album Every Power Wide Awake late last year, and it's slowly been building buzz with people on the look out for great independent music as well as with church worship leaders. We go in-depth about his career in the music industry (he previously fronted the band The Lonely Forest for over a decade) and the stories behind the songs on the new album. 

Artist Alec DeJesus was first a guest on the podcast a year ago. Since then he's had some of his highest highs and lowest lows. He found success with an art commission through Broward College in Florida, painting two murals for them, but then progress on the murals wasn't happening and he almost gave up on art altogether. In the end he didn't abandon his art career and he found tremendous success in actually getting the murals done and inspiring a group of young artists at the college.

Gretchen Filz is a writer and communicator with the Catholic Company and an editor at the daily devotional Morning Offering. In our conversation we discuss the work she is doing developing a catechism for the Catholic faith at: www.goodcatholic.com, as well as her personal journey to Catholicism. You can find many of her writings at:  https://www.catholiccompany.com/ Get Fed Blog

Ha Ha Tonka is a band originally from southern Missouri, who've released five albums through Bloodshot Records. Their music is a seamless mixture of American music: classic rock, southern rock, country, folk, and Americana. The important thing is their songs are amazing. Episode 64 features an interview with their lead singer Brian Roberts, who connected over the phone for a conversation with Chris and guest host Ben Mitzelfelt about their early years and the stories behind a number of their songs.   Listen to Ha Ha Tonka's music, look at tour dates and find out more at their website: http://www.hahatonkamusic.com/

Jaci Music paints abstract landscapes filled with symbols open to a surplus of interpretations...but she never really intended to...Jaci's story is one of an artist whose creativity was borne out of her pain. After numerous years of sorrow, frustration, and longsuffering from infertility she began to paint simply for the sake of her own personal health.  You can find out more about Jaci at: http://www.capturedandreclaimed.com/

Stephen Backhouse is a theologian and teacher and the author of Kierkegaard: A Single Life, a biography and survey of the work of the iconoclastic Danish writer Soren Kierkegaard. You can find out more about Stephen's Tent Theology teaching program at: https://www.tenttheology.com/ While our conversation is mostly about Kierkegaard and his work, we also discuss the dangers of Christian Nationalism (or Christendom), including a segment on whether or not American Christians should recite the Pledge of Allegiance, the dangers of being an ordained minister within the institution of the Church, and how Arcade Fire's album Reflektor was inspired by Kierkegaard. 

Pastor Dan Leman discusses the background and poetry of the book of Lamentations, and how God births art out of tragedy. The music and Rachel Wilhelm, Bifrost Arts, and Nathan Peterson are also mentioned in the intro.

Nathan Peterson returns to the podcast for an in depth discussion of his recent song "Is It a Sin?" It's not so much an interview as it is a conversation about the song and how we respond to art that challenges us and perhaps even offends us. Please check out out www.nathanpeterson.net for Nathan's music and writings.

Jeremy Casella is a singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. He has released four albums over the years and is currently putting on a Kickstarter campaign to fund his fifth album Spirit. Jeremy is an artist I've had the privilege to get to know over the years after meeting him after a Caedmon's Call concert in 2004. Episode 59 features two interviews with him, one from 2014 done right before a house show he did in 2014 after the release of his album Death in Reverse and the other done this past week on the phone as his kids were home from school in a series of perpetual snow days. Finally, this episode also contains a brief interview (and update) with artist Nathan Peterson, who was on the podcast last fall, where I speak to him about the vinyl release of his EP So Am I.

Kevin Wright is the pastor of First Covenant Church in Peoria Illinois and is also author of The Danse trilogy, a series of horror/mystery novels. If you are thinking that is a strange combination you'd be right, but it is also makes Kevin the perfect conversation partner surrounding the issue of what Christians are supposed to do with the holiday of Halloween. Get ready for a complex and "nuanced" (to use a word that came up a few times) discussion on All Hallow's Eve, All Saints Day, Harvest Festival, and Samhain. You can purchase Wright's books or find out more info at:  www.KevinWrightBooks.com

Ep 57 of the PCR Podcast features my conversation with Dave about his re-launch of UTR Media, which has already started with 5 new podcasts and looks to continue with live concerts, videos, interviews, and articles featuring independent music by Christian artists. You can find out more at: http://utrmedia.org/

Andrew Osenga is a veteran musician, artist, and producer. Lead singer and founding member of The Normals, Osenga also had a stint as the lead guitarist and vocalist for Caedmon's Call, and continues to record and tour with Andrew Peterson's band. Lately Osenga has morphed into an artist mentor and consultant, as well as a podcaster with The Pivot, which focuses on interviews with people who find themselves changing direction mid-career and doing something they never expected to be doing. You can discover his music, his podcast, and everything else he does at: http://www.andrewosenga.com/