Christy Award-winning author Mesu Andrews is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. On today’s episode, Mesu Andrews shares her writing process and her journey into becoming an author after a time of suffering. She gives us valuable resources for writing fiction, delivers great tips about having productive creative time, and closes the episode by reading from her latest book. Mesu Andrews is a Christy Award-winning author of biblical fiction. She started out as a sp...
Dec 01, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Singer/songwriter, author, and entrepreneur Aaron Everitt is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. Aaron shares about writing his book and how savvy business skills helped him tour with his band. He reframes our view of making money, explaining why we don't have to villainize the making of money, and defines his own approach to business as ministry. Stay tuned after the episode to hear an original song by Aaron. Aaron Everitt is an author, musician, and entrepreneu...
Nov 03, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Fashion designer and professor BJ Arnett is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Brannon Hollingsworth. BJ came from a deeply creative and entrepreneurial background but still needed a mindset shift to fully come into her God-given talent. She shares her spiritual testimony and how she got into fashion design, art, and education. Through her journey, BJ learned that you have to be very careful with who you surround yourself and how many compliments you accept. BJ Arnett is the hos...
Oct 13, 2022•39 min
Author and theologian Luke Aylen is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. Luke Aylen talks about his fantasy book series and the various ways he has honed his writing craft. At the end of the episode, Luke shares a special scene from one of his books. Luke Aylen is the author of three older children/young adult fantasy adventure novels. He recently became ordained as a priest in the Church of England and is doing post-grade research in theology. Previously, Luke ha...
Sep 29, 2022•47 min
Artist and author Christ John Otto is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Rachel Oxborough. Christ describes the importance of struggling as an artist and shares his advice to never take advice. He also dives into an important theme in his theology of art: trusting in God and living without fear. Christ (rhymes with "wrist") John Otto directs Belonging House, an international hub for artists which aims to build Jesus a throne on earth. He has published ten books for artists. Orig...
Sep 15, 2022•25 min
Producer and director Laura Ann Heaton Gray is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Brandon Hollingsworth. Laura Ann discusses her drive to make faith-based films and how she goes about learning things she doesn't know. She goes into details about the challenges of the film industry and tips on getting your foot in the door. Laura Ann Heaton Gray is a director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and motivational speaker working in the faith-based film industry since 2012. She has been...
Sep 01, 2022•37 min
Singer-songwriter Joy Dame is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. Joy Dame writes both worship songs and songs geared toward reaching the next generation. She talks with Andrea about how God opens doors through collaboration, specifically song co-writing (she's a pro at this!). We also get to hear one of Joy’s original songs at the end of the episode, so be sure to stick around to enjoy that. Growing up in Michigan, Joy dreamed of writing and singing Christian mu...
Aug 19, 2022•46 min
Comedian and DJ Jessica It's All Good is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Dave Ebert. Jessica talks about her leap of faith into entertainment (including experiencing homelessness!) and how her dreams changed over time. She also touches on her boundaries in doing comedy. Jessica It’s All Good is “the entertainer you will NEVER forget.” She’s a DJ, stand up comedian, member of the national improv group Fish Sticks as a member of the Atlanta team, and she’s also an emcee. From h...
Aug 04, 2022•35 min
Screenwriter Ben Johnson Jr is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Brannon Hollingsworth. Ben shares his miraculous journey into writing for film and television and describes the themes he loves to explore. Ben also discusses habits and behaviors that can set creatives apart from their peers and get them more opportunities. Ben Johnson Jr is a screenwriter and content creator who's passionate about telling authentic, emotionally compelling, universally-appealing stories. Ben grew...
Jul 07, 2022•53 min
Musician, author, and podcast host Susan Hoekstra is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. Susan and Andrea talk about the differences between validation and affirmation, the gift of collaboration, and how judgment can affect our creative work. One of Susan’s original songs is also featured at the end of the episode. Susan Hoekstra has been featured in Just Between Us magazine, Christian Devotions, and is a featured guest on PROCLAIM FM radio and numerous podcasts....
Jun 30, 2022•51 min
Literary agent and publisher Steve Laube is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by guest host Jake Doberenz. Steve covers many topics in this episode, including: The origin of creativityWhat makes Christian fiction “Christian”?The work of a literary agentDoes “platform” matter? Steve Laube has 40 years of experience in the Christian publishing industry, beginning as a bookseller. He formed The Steve Laube Agency in 2004 and became President of The Christian Writers Institute in 2016...
Jun 16, 2022•1 hr 4 min
Life coach and public speaker Luke Askew is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Rachel Oxborough. Luke discusses how he found his calling and the importance of leaning into your God-given purpose. This episode features hope and encouragement for what the church can and should become in the world--Rachel and Luke dream of a new kind of church. They also discuss issues with the modern education system and what the future may bring for how we think and learn. Luke Askew's God-given ...
Jun 02, 2022•39 min
Comedian, actor, and show host Maurice Brown is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Dave Ebert. Maurice joins the show to talk about comedy, acting, and show hosting for God’s glory. He shares about the hurdles of the entertainment industry, like overcoming rejection, and how his faith intertwines with everything he does. For Maurice, sharing his faith is about his actions more than his words. Maurice Brown is a stand-up comedian, actor, and host of Breaking Down the Four Walls a...
May 26, 2022•38 min
Screenwriter Sean Paul Murphy is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Brannon Hollingsworth. In this episode, Sean discusses the current best ways to query agents and producers with your scripts, including the pros and cons of contests and how to find the contact information for the right people. Sean also talks about writing faith-based scripts, how to decide what jobs to take, and writing in different genres. Lastly, he discusses his approach to telling meaningful stories. Sean ...
May 12, 2022•48 min
Artist and author Makoto Fujimura is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. In this conversation, Makoto discusses our opportunity to honor our brokenness through our making. He also answers listener questions about how artists can address culture, what it means to inhabit a divided world, and stillness in the creative process. Makoto Fujimura is a leading contemporary artist. Fujimura graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bucknell University, then studied i...
May 05, 2022•59 min
Jewelry maker Norma Jean Murrain is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Rachel Anna. Norma shares advice for starting and running a creative business and how to actually make it profitable. Passionate about changing lives with her hand-made work, Norma tells Rachel how she is empowering others and raising money with her business to impact people across the world. And they even talk about the Book of Enoch! Former lecturer in business Norma Jean Banton Murrain is now a 20-year vet...
Apr 21, 2022•41 min
Crystal Barnes along with Ian Dunlop are on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Dave Ebert. Crystal and Ian both share their own creative projects and how they became partners in writing a feature film. The group chats about creating art for the Lord, the differences in being a “Christian creative” and being a “Christian who does creative works,” and what defines creative works as being “Christian.” Crystal Barnes, is a writer, producer, director, and the founder of ARK Productions ...
Apr 14, 2022•41 min
Author and musician Rick Norris is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. Rick tells how creativity and faith were entwined almost since the beginning of his life. He talks about his speculative Christian fantasy book series that incorporates music and art into his storytelling process. Also pay attention to how you can earn a free CD from Rick and stay tuned through the end of the episode to enjoy one of his original songs. Award-winning author Rick E. Norris has t...
Apr 07, 2022•51 min
Contemporary modern artist Rachelle Kearns is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Rachel Anna. Through failures and successes when diving into the unknown, Rachelle learned to give space for God to speak through personal disciplines, especially pausing and resting. She also shares her process of capturing God's beauty in art that resonates with people. Rachelle Kearns was born and raised in Toronto, ON, Canada but now resides in Seattle, WA. She received her Bachelor of Arts at t...
Mar 24, 2022•42 min
Writer and speaker Erin Weidemann is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Brannon Hollingsworth. Erin recounts how her heart grew toward helping young girls and the perilous journey of self-publishing a children's book series, Bible Belles. Brannon and Erin discuss what it looks like to trust God, even at the risk of financial insecurity--Erin stepped out in faith in a big way when she and her husband cashed out their 401ks and quit their jobs. The importance of networking and par...
Mar 17, 2022•37 min
Composer and music teacher Delwyn Mckenzie is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. Delwyn, speaking from New Zealand, talks about her journey of faith and creativity while following God’s lead through uncertain times. As a trained ethnomusicologist, she shares her experience as a missionary in Indonesia and the Philippines where she created music in local languages and local styles. Andrea and Delwyn also discuss teaching music to children. Also stay tuned for an ...
Mar 10, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Musical theatre producer Rich Garnaat is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Dave Ebert. Rich recounts how he and his family came to create Arise Collective Theatre and how he balances the demands of family with the production of shows. Additionally, Rich is open about how he finances his projects through faith. He highlights Arise’s hit musical Pilgrim, which is based on the legendary book A Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. Rich Garnaat works alongside his wife, Mindi, and eig...
Mar 03, 2022•37 min
Writer and artist Sarah Geringer is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Rachel Anna. Sarah discusses her journey to creating full-time and how she differentiates art for "commercial" purposes and for "pleasure." She reminds listeners that creating just for the sake of creating is a great form of self-care, so it's important to take time for artistic expression. Sarah Geringer is a writer, speaker, podcaster, artist, book launch manager, creative coach, and author. She's written C...
Feb 24, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Illustrator Wesley Layne is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Brannon Hollingsworth. Brannon and Wesley chat about the value of constructive criticism, pricing yourself correctly, and overcoming fear as a self-taught artist. He also tells his personal story about how he decided to pursue creativity full-time, including tips for others on making the jump. After years of working different jobs, from fixing printers to being a licensed financial advisor, Wesley Layne made a calcul...
Feb 18, 2022•40 min
Musician and podcaster Allen C. Paul is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. Allen and Andrea chat about encouraging and serving others through our creative pursuits. They discuss the evolution of his creative community, his books and podcast, his crowdfunding experience, and finding balance in our work. Allen also shares an encouraging word from his devotional book to wrap up. Allen C. Paul is a jazz musician and a music director at his church. He's also the host...
Feb 10, 2022•51 min
Ballerina and choreographer Julianna Slager is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Dave Ebert. Julianna talks about the origin of her Christian ballet company, Ballet 5:8. She explains how dance can share the gospel and impact lives--without even using words. They discuss the care of bodies in a dance environment and how a ballet comes to life. Julianna is the co-founder of Ballet 5:8, a ballet company that tours nationally each year. They have twenty-five professional dancers as...
Feb 03, 2022•33 min
Interior designer and art gallery owner Debbie Marino is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Rachel Oxborough. Debbie explains prophetic art and its healing power, discussing its ancient origins and multiple uses. Art helped Debbie and her family out in her own difficult circumstances, so now she's passionate about promoting and sharing prophetic art for others. Debbie Marino owns two international e-commerce websites for Christian Prophetic artists, photographers, artisans, and ...
Jan 27, 2022•42 min
Screenwriter and actor Bob Saenz is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Brannon Hollingsworth. Bob talks about transitioning into a career in film and T.V. at age 40 and what the job of a scriptwriter actually entails. He shares with Brannon how he works creatively within the confines of what producers want to see. "Everyone is going to take their own path to success doing this. You talk to 100 screenwriters who are professionals and every single one of them will tell you a diffe...
Jan 20, 2022•39 min
Songwriter Wendell Kimbrough is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Andrea Sandefur. Wendell shares his process of turning psalms into contemporary worship songs as well as his approach to co-writing music. Plus, they share industry tips and gear recommendations. "A lot of times, as artists, we don’t actually know our work until other people respond to it. That’s why it is so important to be part of a community; to move toward community with your work and not hide it away." - Wen...
Jan 13, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Arianna Fox, a multi-talented teen creative, is on the Creatively Christian podcast, interviewed by Bill Brooks. Arianna describes how she came to be involved in so many activities, and how her youth (she's only 14 years old!) doesn't hold her back. Be inspired by her enthusiasm and encouragement to own your unique creative talents, no matter your age. While Arianna Fox is just a teenager, she is an author, keynote speaker, CEO/girlpreneur, actress, voiceover actress, influencer, preacher, and a...
Dec 02, 2021•22 min