Artists of the Way
Episodes
The Secrets of Musical Symbolism with Zach Tolan
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon and Nate have a conversation with Zach Tolan, a local music teacher and researcher, about previously undiscovered symbolism in the...
How Art Helps Us to be Thankful
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Treasures, Play, and the Pitfalls of Excellence with Joshua Adam Risner
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. To...
Grace, Storytelling, and Cultivate '25 with our own Jon Wilson
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 A...
Goodness and Hope in Today's Art
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 fro...
Diligence and Glorifying God in Everything with Brad Garnaat
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
Self-Sacrifice, Family, and Connection in the Arts with Cole and Sarah Grace Groot
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 fam...
Sitting with God and an Update on Artists of the Way
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Christ Figures in Art
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
Navigating the Dehumanizing Digital Age with Alexis De Weese
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Echoes of Eternity in Art
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Discipline, Vulnerability, and Ministry in Mime with Dawn Day
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
Simplicity, Humility, and Presence as Christian Artists
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
The Benefits of Theatre for Mental Health
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
Conclave, Doubt, and Discernment in Art
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
The Wild Robot, Parenthood, and Our Relationship with Nature
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, b...
Shadowlands, Returning to Theatre, and God's Provision
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Thea...
Myths, Fantasy, and Fairy Tales
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 allow...
Gratitude for Christians and the Artistic Life
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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.
Serving the Art and Others
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I discuss the importance of servanthood in the Christian faith, as demonstrated by Christ, and how the idea of serving revolutionizes ...
Healing, Connection, and Letting Art Breathe with Yohan Daza
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Salvation Army, Scenic Design, and Accessible Theatre with Erin McDonald
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 doin...
Producing, Playing Frodo, and Lord of the Rings the Musical with Spencer Davis Milford
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 kind...
Gentle and Grounding Art
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Heart and Craft Behind Godspell with Anna Eaton, Ellie Knobloch, and Abigail Pletcher
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I speak with the creative team for Godspell, our assistant director Anna Eaton, music director Abigail Pletcher, and choreographer Ell...
The Experience of Playing Jesus, Part Two. A Roundtable Discussion with Jordan Awe, Nate Knobloch, and Jon Wilson
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Experience of Playing Jesus, Part One. A Roundtable Discussion with Jordan Awe, Nate Knobloch, and Jon Wilson
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Loving God in Life and in Art
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
A Conversation with the Cast of Twelve Angry Men
08 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
The Church, the World, and Artists with Craig Apel
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Frayed Relationship Between Artists and the Church with Sophia Medawar
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 relat...
Art and the Importance of How the Church Acts with Fr. Kris Rolls
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 en...
Design, Excellence, and Joy in Art with Nate Knobloch
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Art and Redemption in Video Games with John Taylor
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 dist...
The Art that Heals Us with Shaye Wilson
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Shaye Wilson joins us to talk about how we engage with art in our pain. What kinds of art are we drawn to, why, and how is God present...
Lent for Artists
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I reflect on the season of Lent, what God is doing to prepare us for Easter as we reflect on our sinfulness and His grace, and what th...
Working with Children, Puppets, and God's Will with Chris Knobloch
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jon speaks with Chris Knobloch, the Vice President, Director, and Writer for God's Helping Hands! They discuss Chris' experience crea...
Starting a Theatre Company and Directing "These Shining Lives" with Christine Hall
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon speaks with Christine Hall on her experience starting Alive Theatre in Lansing, the process of directing their debut show, Th...
Movies with Cool Themes and Looking Ahead to 2024
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon discusses two of his favorite movies from 2023, and some of their cool themes, and how he sees reflections of God in those themes....
Art as Liturgy with Timothy Van Bruggen
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon speaks with his friend Timothy Van Bruggen about their experience with liturgy, the importance of a rhythm of life to an artist, a...
Songwriting and Devotional Art with John Van Deusen
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon speaks with singer-songwriter John Van Deusen. They discuss John's songwriting, how his faith intersects with his music, the impor...
Christian Community and the Importance of Shelter with Houston Coley
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon speaks with filmmaker, youtuber, and podcaster, Houston Coley. They chat about his upcoming documentary about L'Abri, a Christian ...
Disability, Community Theatre, and Christian Movies with Andrew Gommesen
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon talks with Andrew Gommesen about his podcast and the way he has pursued art through that, the value and pitfalls of Christian movi...
Acting, Truth, and Studying at Sight and Sound with Jordan Awe
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon speaks with his friend, Jordan Awe about acting, finding God's truth in a performance or piece of art, and what it's been like for...
The Communal and Experiential in Music with Robert Nordling
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon speaks with conductor, arranger, and music director Robert Nordling. They speak about Robert's experience working with orchestras ...
Poetry, Writing, and Work with Lynn W. Francis
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon talks to Lynn W. Francis. Lynn looks back over the process of assembling her collection a year after it's release, and talks with ...
Light and Dark, Creation, and Painting with Alexis Noelle
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alexis Noelle joins Jon to talk about how she expresses scriptural themes in her art through the use of light, how her painting has helped in her walk...
Directing and Beautiful Moments with Jo-Ellen Ming
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon talks with Jo-Ellen Ming about directing, her upcoming show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and her views on art and...
Dance, Worship, and Relying on God with Casey Adams
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon speaks with Casey Adams about her experience as a dancer, how she has experienced the power of God through prayer, worship, and da...
Healthy Community, Humility, and Writing with Susie Finkbeiner
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Jon talks with author Susie Finkbeiner. Susie is the author of nine published books, and her new book the All-American is out this wee...
The Importance of Art to Christians with John Taylor
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Jon talks with John Taylor, a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and resident at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, MI. They discuss...
Why the Christian Faith Matters to Art with Nate and Ellie Knobloch
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jon welcomes Nate and Ellie Knobloch to talk about the importance of the Christian faith in our art. Not just how a Christian perspect...
Being a Faithful Artist with Timothy Van Bruggen
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Jon talks with Timothy Van Bruggen about what it means to be faithful to God in your art, and how God is faithful to us through what w...
An Introduction to Artists of the Way
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jon explains what Artists of the Way is, what led him to want to start this podcast, and what we can expect from it in the future!Sign up for ou...