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✦ When two of Atlanta's most innovative arts institutions—the Atlanta Opera and the Alliance Theatre—join forces, the result is bound to be something extraordinary. Their latest collaboration is a powerful new production of Fiddler on the Roof, the musical that has captivated audiences for generations. City Lights Collective member Zachary Brown recently spoke with two of the show's actors, alongside leaders from the Alliance and the Opera. They discussed the show's enduring relevance and how Fiddler on the Roof speaks to both the past and the present. ✦ The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will have its grand reopening on November 8, after being closed since January. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans shares more. ✦ Recently, stories have been circulating about the dropping number of major motion pictures being produced in Georgia, and consequently, Atlanta's film industry is in flux. But what about the work coming from independent filmmakers? Is there a way to help our ecosystem thrive again by pushing to make marketable, mainstream indies from start to finish locally? Atlanta filmmaker Ben Hall certainly thinks so, and his newest production, "Remote," aims to serve as an example. The movie explores what happens when problems related to human emotions, like grief and loneliness, collide with non-human solutions, like Artificial Intelligence. Ahead of the movie's premiere at the Tara Theater on September 20, City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes sat down with Hall to learn more about the film and his thoughts on the future of Georgia-made indie movies. ✦ City Lights Collective member and award-winning Atlanta comedian Joel Byars is one of the hardest-working people in the business. He hosts many comedy events around town, and his podcast, "Hot Breath Pod," aims to uplift his fellow comedians. Byars joins us weekly to share his picks for this week's must-see comedy, and today his mix includes a 1UP local comedy showcase and a live show from a Daily Show correspondent. ✦ For nearly 90 years, The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre has stood on the historic square in Marietta and served as both a cultural anchor and a community gathering place. Once a glittering movie palace, and later a fading relic, the theater is now a thriving hub for live performance, film, and celebration. The Strand's story is one of resilience, and the inventive people who refused to let its lights go dark. City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane brings us this story ahead of the Strand's 90th birthday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
✦ English actor and producer Jon Boyega gained international recognition for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy; however, that was not Boyega's first dip into science fiction. His debut feature-length film, 2011's "Attack the Block," and his most recently released film, "They Cloned Tyrone," both use the science fiction comedy genre to explore deeper social issues. Boyega appeared at Dragon Con over Labor Day weekend, and City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes caught up with him to discuss his passion for acting, his role as a film producer, and his love for Atlanta. ✦ City Lights Collective member and award-winning Atlanta comedian Joel Byars is one of the hardest-working people in the business. He hosts many comedy events around town, and his podcast, "Hot Breath Pod," aims to uplift his fellow comedians. Byars joins us weekly to share his picks for this week's must-see comedy, and today his mix includes a couple of big-name touring stars and a local treasure returning home to play the Fox Theater. ✦ There's no better place for Shakespeare than an outdoor theatre, and this fall, the Atlanta Shakespeare Company launches "A Shakespeare Happening," the first-ever free public Shakespeare festival in DeKalb County, taking place in the picturesque neighborhood of Avondale Estates. Alongside the theatrical performances, there will be live music and workshops for all ages. The first day of festivities is this Saturday and begins with "Tempest Jr.," an adaptation of "The Tempest" for young audiences. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans recently discussed the series with festival creator Nicole Sage, and Atlanta Shakespeare Company associate managing director Katie Grace Kirby. ✦ Long before modern choirs and vocal coaches, there was Sacred Harp—a uniquely American way of singing that turned everyday people into music-makers. This powerful and historic tradition dates back to the early 1800s and continues to thrive today, bringing together communities in spirited, four-part harmony. The 120th convention of the United Sacred Harp Musical Association comes to the Foundry at Puritan Mill on September 13 and 14, 2025. It is expected to be the largest gathering in a generation, drawing hundreds of singers from across the US and beyond. City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane sat down with Matt Hinton, a longtime Sacred Harp singer and scholar, to learn more about this enduring and uniquely American form of group singing. ✦ Atlanta's vibrant world of cocktails and zero-proof beverages thrives in our bars and restaurants as well as our local distilleries and non-alcoholic bottle shops. Few may know this world better than Beth McKibben, editor in chief and senior dining editor at Rough Draft Atlanta. Beth's expertise is invaluable as she continually explores our city's elevated beverage programs and examines the latest trends in mixology. She joins The City Lights Collective monthly for "The Beverage Beat," and this month, McKibben discusses what she calls "transitional cocktails," sips to savor during our fake-fall slash second summer season—also known as September in Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus lived perfectly to qualify to be the acceptable offering for the sin of the whole world. Forgiveness and redemption are only available through faith in His blood. Enjoy today's message as we root you deeper in the Gospel!
Faith, neuroscience, and quantum mechanics… oh my! In this episode, we bring back pastor, author, and teacher Clint Byars to dive deep into what it really means to live a faith-filled, supernatural life. From the genesis of his belief to the dangers of manipulating spiritual laws, Clint unpacks concepts like quantum faith, generosity, healing, and the true nature of God's covenant. We get nerdy about wave functions, call out witchcrafty theology, and laugh along the way. This one is rich with revelation and mind-bending insights you don't want to miss.https://www.clintbyars.com/https://unrefinedpodcast.com
Proverbs 16:3 tells us to “commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” In this message, discover how committing your works isn't complicated—it's rolling your plans onto God, trusting Him with the outcomes, and walking daily in His life and purposes. When you seek His kingdom, abide in Christ, and yield your steps to Him, your calling becomes clear and your path firm. The waiting is OVER, it's tome to make a decision, roll your works onto Him, and MOVE FORWARD!
Scripture tells us to apply your heart to instruction. We're asking “what," but God is trying to tell us “how.” The what starts with you. It's time to make a decision of how you'll pursue His calling on your life, and He'll give you the steps. You think you're waiting on God, but He's waiting on you. Let us help you move forward today!
You might think you're waiting on God, but God is waiting on you. He has given you his spirit and has given you the mind of Christ, you can use it to make a decision and move forward. Today we'll ask a few questions that will help you have a vision for your life and step into a meaningful life, full or purpose.
If you lack a clear life vision, you're vulnerable to confusion and control. Without clarity, you'll keep seeking something outside yourself to define you. The vision you embrace should be the outward expression of who you want to be and the values you live by. It's time to pick a path, quit waiting for the nebulous “move of God” and waiting for someone to tell you what to do, make a decision, and get moving!
✦ If you're looking for your next much-needed laugh, Atlanta comedian Joel Byars has plenty of them ready for you at his "Funny Fridays" comedy showcase. The next event in the series is scheduled for August 22 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center and will feature performances by Lace Larrabee, Carlos Rodriguez, and Emily Holden. Byars recently joined WABE arts reporter Summer Evans to talk more about why he's committed to making our Fridays funny. ✦ Last May, when the pizzeria-arcade chain Chuck E. Cheese announced plans to retire its famous animatronic bands, the backlash was swift. After hearing this outcry, the company promised to keep a few of the bands across the nation. You may be surprised to hear that there was an outcry over Animatronics, but the art form, which brings mechanical and electronic figures to life, continues to hold the public's attention. In fact, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts offers a graduate concentration in Animatronics. It's true. If you're a fan of life-like, magical, moving figures with Dead Eyes (Jon's words, not mine), you don't have to travel far to get your fix. City Lights Collective member Wesley Boutilier brings us the story of a Six Flags Over Georgia ride that recently underwent a significant animatronic upgrade. ✦ Local artist Carl Janes knows that making art isn't a solo effort—it's as much about community as it is about creativity. Over the years, he has helped carve out spaces for Atlanta's local music and arts communities to gather, perform, and thrive—including his former East Atlanta home, The Secret Spot, and more recently, his location in Underground, called Inner Space. For his latest endeavor, he has teamed up with local brewery Halfway Crooks to curate a diverse Summer Sunday Concert series, which will run throughout August. City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane recently sat down with Janes learn why he's bringing his Inner Space outdoors. ✦ City Lights Collective member Shane Harrison spends his days at Arts ATL looking for cultural events to share with readers, and he joins us weekly to share highlights. Today, his mix includes Black Writers Weekend 2025, and True Colors Theatre Company's adaptation of Jordan E. Cooper's Ain’t No Mo’. ✦ Artist and music enthusiast, Kosmo Vinyl. He spent several decades immersed in music and began his professional career at London's pioneering indie label, "Stiff Records." In 1979, Kosmo started working exclusively with "The Clash" and stayed by their side until the punk icons disbanded in 1986. Over the years, Kosmo's record collection became legendary. In 2014, he began posting about his favorite releases on social media as part of his series, "Kosmo's Vinyl of the Week," and he joins us weekly to share the stories behind the records he treasures. Today, Kosmo discusses the story behind Ann Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand the Rain.” ✦ The game of Pinball has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last decade, and for those who love the game, August 1 is considered National Pinball Day. City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes brings us the story behind the celebration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lasting change begins in the heart, where your deepest beliefs—especially about your identity—are formed. True repentance is a continual turning from your own logic to God's truth, allowing His Word to work at the identity level and reshape how you see yourself. Your only real work is to believe what God says about you and rest in that truth, because that's where transformation happens.
The kingdom of God is in every believer. All of God's promises and provision are available, they're one belief away. Today we will discuss the parable of the sower and how our hearts determine the fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom and how we can persuade our heart to be more receptive.
Bible reading is a foundational pillar of being a Jesus follower. But the magic of transformation happens when you let the Bible read you. The Word of God is alive, it's a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, which is where your beliefs are written. Reflecting in the Word of God will reveal to you what you truly believe. Once you see your beliefs, you can allow yourself to put off lies and put on the truth. Here's how.
Returning guest, Dr. Byars-Winston, is the inaugural chair of the UW- Madison's Institute of Diversity Science. She honestly explores what doing research on causes of group-based discrimination and what effective ways to eliminate discrimination look like in our current social and political environment. They discuss that more people than the media and politicians appear are in favor of broad diversity. The conversation covers how most businesses want to hire a diverse staff but don't necessarily want to use the DEI labels. Dr. Byars-Winston explains that there is and can be data to back up approaches to diversity in the workplace but most do not have access to the information now. As an example she shows the lack of available evidence illustrated in a public hearing in WI State Assembly. Hear about the ties between Dr. Byars-Winston's work and The Center for Black Excellence and Culture's goals. Also, listen in to understand the importance mentorship representation. Heads of UW system, state agencies defend diversity, inclusion practices to audit committee, Wisconsin Examiner Article alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group
Grace is power, it's God's divine influence on your heart to strengthen you and teach you. Grace works in a believing heart. So how do you believe from the heart? You allow peace to guard your heart. How do you do that? You become rated and grounded in God's love for you and Christ's finished work. Here's how.
If you are in Christ, you can live guilt free, under the power of GRACE! Join us today as we unpack this powerful GOSPEL truth. Here's a sneak peak: Grace is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.
Happy Father's Day!! Young men are looking for a life philosophy and a structure that can build their life on. Today we'll discuss how men are built to lead and build with kingdom purpose.
People misunderstand grace. Grace is God's power working in you. Because of grace, we are dead to sin and alive to Christ and we live above the lure of sin. Join us today as we discuss how grace is power, and not a license to sin.
Oral Arguments for the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
United States v. Johnathan Byars
Isaiah 10:27 was fulfilled when God broke the Assyrian yoke off Judah not by human effort but by His power—one angel destroyed 185,000 soldiers in a single night. In the same way today, every burden and yoke is destroyed not by striving, but by the anointing of Christ that abides in you. Join us today as we discuss how to pray with your spirit to position yourself to be strengthened in your inner man by God's grace.
If you are born again, God has placed His Spirit in you and you have become as one with Him as Jesus is. And…you have been anointed by Jesus, who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. This is not a one time event, it is a lifestyle. Jesus works with us, continually empowering us for fruits and gifts.
We were very fortunate to have Brandon Byars from Your Spirit Dies on the podcast to talk about their new album, "My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest". Enjoy!Your Spirit Dies Socials: Twitter: https://x.com/yourspiritdiesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourspiritdies/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourspiritdies/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourspiritdiesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcmiGdMJwWP7MDCBl0J95EgApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/your-spirit-dies/1495918048Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0iLA9qNrXngiyQqZjcnwxtBandcamp: https://yourspiritdies.bandcamp.com/album/my-gnawing-pains-will-never-restWebsite: https://yourspiritdies.com/Grab some GNP Merch!: https://goodnoisepodcast.creator-spring.com/Check out the recording gear we use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/goodnoisepodcastSupport the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/goodnoisepodcastGood Noise Podcast Socials:Twitter: https://twitter.com/good_noise_castInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodnoisepodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodnoisepodDiscord: https://discord.gg/nDAQKwTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFHKPdUxxe1MaGNWoFtjoJASpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04IMtdIrCIvbIr7g6ttZHiAll other streaming platforms: https://linktr.ee/goodnoisepodcastBandcamp: https://goodnoiserecords.bandcamp.com/
What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? As believers, we are complete in Christ—fully in-dwelt by His Spirit and lacking nothing in our new nature. The anointing we have received from Him abides in us permanently, not waiting to “fall” but always present to empower, guide, and transform. We don't wait for the Spirit to come—we lay hold of what we've already been given, taking hold of His indwelling power through faith.
Kaleb Byars, assistant professor of law at Mercer University, joins the Business Scholarship Podcast to discuss his article Recidivist Organizational Offenders and the Organizational Sentencing Guidelines. This episode is hosted by Andrew Jennings, associate professor of law at Emory University.
James teaches us that temptation comes from within. We're only tempted with the things that we desire. There is a godly way to fulfill every desire, but through brokenness, perversion and confusion we choose to fulfill our natural desires in ways that do not honor God's natural order, which is sin. But sin is no longer our master for we are dead to sin in Christ. Join us today as we discuss how to stand in His strength and overcome.
Jesus was delivered up to die for our sins, and He rose from the dead the third day, securing our justification and eternal redemption. You are now forgiven, redeemed, justified, and made righteous because of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! Keep your faith in him and rest in His finished work!
Michael Byars, known as the Acquisition CEO, shares his no-nonsense approach to scaling businesses by leveraging custom technology. With over 60 acquisitions under his belt, Michael explains how to eliminate operational bloat, use tech to amplify productivity, and scale without hiring massive teams. From real estate to service-based businesses, he reveals the exact frameworks he uses to grow companies 2-4x in under 18 months—often with the same team. The episode is a masterclass in profitable scaling without the BS, ideal for entrepreneurs ready to take their business to the next level. -- About Michael Byars: Michael Byars is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and business growth strategist best known as the Acquisition CEO. With a track record of acquiring over 60 businesses and selling more than 20, Michael specializes in scaling service-based companies by implementing custom-built technology and operational systems. He owns a vast real estate portfolio, including 190+ single-family homes, commercial buildings, and multiple tech companies. Michael helps entrepreneurs scale quickly without bloated teams or overhead, turning low-tech businesses into high-profit machines.
As we celebrate Palm Sunday and remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we also reflect on the deeper purpose of His coming. He became fully human, entering our world in humility, so He could represent us, carry our sin, and face the cross on our behalf. Through His obedience and sacrifice, He made a way for us to become like Him—righteous, restored, and transformed into His image. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the week that would reveal the fullness of His love, as the King who came to save by laying down His life.
Jesus gave us a model to pray, and it all starts with relationship. What we prayed from acceptance rather than for acceptance. What if we prayed from abundance rather than lack? What if prayer were more about aligning our thoughts, emotions, and mental pictures with God's will revealed in Jesus rather than about our needs and worries? Join us today as we look at the Lord's prayer.
Prayer is not begging from a distant God—it's confident communion with a Father who has already given us all things in Christ. In this message, we'll explore how to ask in faith—not from fear or lack, but from a heart persuaded by God's promises and rooted in His nature. Discover how to align your thoughts, emotions, and expectations with the finished work of Jesus so your prayers reflect trust, not striving—and how asking in faith invites both transformation and fruitfulness.
Transformative Honesty and Transparency Before the Lord - Clint Byars by Forward Church Sermons
Send us a textIn this episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Hardin Byars, a seasoned executive coach and leadership expert, to discuss the power of coaching, leadership development, and business transformation. With decades of experience guiding CEOs, executives, and high-performing teams, Hardin shares his insights on self-awareness, strategic growth, and the discipline required to lead effectively.
Today's message explores Psalm 8:5 through the lens of quantum physics and biblical revelation. Just as quantum entanglement connects particles across space, God has crowned humanity with glory and honor, linking us to His divine nature and purpose. This sermon reveals how God sees us—not as insignificant, but as image-bearers with intrinsic dignity, designed to reign with Him. Discover how understanding our divine worth transforms our identity, purpose, and faith in a world that often reduces humanity to mere chance.
Our world is not as fixed as it seems—both science and Scripture reveal that human consciousness plays a role in shaping reality. Just as quantum physics shows that observation collapses possibilities into a single outcome, Jesus taught that faith manifests the unseen into the seen (Mark 11:23, Hebrews 11:1-3). God designed us as co-creators, with the ability to pull from heaven's reality and establish it on earth (Matthew 6:10). This sermon explores how faith, perception, and spiritual focus determine what we experience—and how aligning with God's Word empowers us to bring His will into our world.
All things are possible for those who believe is a quantum reality statement. In Quantum Physics, there is an understanding that matter at its smallest existence exists in a state of superposition, meaning unlimited potentials, at the same time, until someone or something observes the matter. This is true of God's Kingdom as well. Join us as we talk about how quantum realities reveal mysteries about the unseen realm.
The Jews waited for the promise of the arrival of their king who would sit on the throne of David and restore Israel to power. What they didn't know is that God was speaking of a spiritual, eternal, heavenly kingdom. The good news is God kept His promise, that kingdom is here now, and His reign has begun!
We have the unimaginable hope of the eternal city of God waiting for us. Jesus promised that he is preparing a place for us. But we are connected to that realm now and can actually experience the will of Heaven on Earth. Today we begin a new series discussing how we can expect to experience glimpses of Heaven now.
Discover how to align your life goals with God's will by meeting with Jesus in prayer, worship, and the Word. Define your desires, produce lasting fruit, and pursue your kingdom assignments with His guidance, knowing He will direct your steps.
It's very simple, God has revealed His logic and the best way to live, in His word. His word will show us the steps to take if we will commit our decision making process to His Lordship. We can do it His way, or we can do it our way, which one do you think has a better success rate?
When your goals are connected to a higher purpose than just selfish gain you tend to achieve them more consistently and with a greater sense of purpose. Today we'll discuss how to set goals with something greater with your personal desires in mind.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the Law, inaugurating the New Covenant where salvation is by grace through faith, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live fruitful lives within His high calling. This freedom invites us to make decisions boldly, steward God's gifts faithfully, and reflect His kingdom through purposeful and abundant living.
Did you fulfill all your goals for 2024? Are you ending the year closer to God or feeling a bit distant? The guilt and shame we carry from our choices will affect our hearts toward God and cause us to not walk in the assignments he has for us. Let's put 2024 behind us and move on to a renewed vision for a new year.
Jesus offers His followers divine peace and prays for their unity, reflecting the oneness between Him and the Father (John 14:27, 17:11-23). Living in His peace and unity becomes a powerful testimony to the world, revealing God's love and the truth of Jesus' mission. For this reason, we celebrate Christmas!
Jesus is seated at the right hand of God ruling forevermore. One of the amazing promises of the new covenant we are secure in is that we have also been raised to the same seat of honor at the right hand of God because we are in Christ. Christ has chosen to share his inheritance with us. Join us today as we discover the honor God has bestowed upon us through being in Christ.
One of the first promises of the New Covenant in Christ is peace with God. The peace we have with God is an eternal peace, established in the resurrection of Christ and His indwelling spirit within. Unto us a child has been given to rescue us from sin and death and make our place in God's family secure, forever established in God's promised covenant. Join us today for GOOD NEWS!!
Gratitude is a key ingredient for transformation. God's Word thrives in the spiritual heart when peace reigns, but how can we cultivate an environment where peace prevails? By reminding ourselves of God's faithfulness and the benefits of His covenant, we develop a foundational gratitude that prepares the heart for His Word to take root and grow. In this session, we'll explore how to step into thanksgiving and let peace rule in our hearts.
The United States elected Donald Trump as president. That's wonderful news for some people, but the better news is that Jesus Christ is still king and he's coming again. There are people who do not know the Gospel. It's your job as a Jesus follower to tell them. Here's how.
Welcome to another inspiring episode of A Voice and Beyond. This week, we are honoured to have Nicole Byars, the owner and founder of Honest Yoga, join us. Nicole is not only passionate about yoga, personal growth, and her signature backwards hats, but she also has a profound personal journey with trauma. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Nicole has navigated the complex emotions of shame, sadness, and embarrassment, ultimately finding a sense of relief and healing through yoga.In this episode, Nicole shares her journey of transforming pain into purpose by establishing Honest Yoga, a sanctuary designed to help others heal from trauma in a supportive community. Her studio is a testament to the power of yoga in fostering recovery and growth, creating a safe space where people can feel a sense of belonging.Nicole addresses common misconceptions about trauma, explaining that it is often associated solely with extreme events like war, natural disasters, and abuse—what she refers to as big ‘T' trauma. However, she emphasizes that little ‘t' traumas, which are more everyday experiences, are just as significant and impactful. Nicole believes that everyone has encountered some form of trauma, and recognizing this is crucial for healing. A key part of her philosophy is the importance of feeling a sense of belonging and that a foundation of community is essential for mental health.Join us as Nicole Byars delves into these insights and shares her expertise on how we can all better understand and heal from trauma. Tune in to this heartfelt and enlightening conversation.Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends logic and intuition? Dr. Joyce Anastasia, an intuitive consultant with a PhD in quantum natural medicine is here to guide you. With her unique approach. Dr. Joyce bridges the gap between the intuitive and the logical, creating a paradigm shift that amplifies your impact on the world. Visit www.leadbywisdom.com and unlock your full potential today. Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? My dear friend Dr Glenn Livingston has a transformational new book that you can read for free as a listener of A Voice and Beyond. Visit www.DefeatYourCravings.comIn This Episode0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia6:41 - Nicole's journey to yoga15:18 - Trauma, easting disorders and using yoga to heal26:14 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings' by Dr. Glenn Livingston 36:29 - Trauma and it's effects on mental health49:03 - Trauma, yoga, and community connection57:39 - The power of setting intentions and living a yoga lifestyle Find Nicole OnlineWebsiteInstagramNicole's BookFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/168.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.