Ep. 51: Couples Who Art

Ep. 51: Couples Who Art

What happens when artists marry each other? Two artist couples--the Denmarks and Sorensens--join the table to discuss the benefits and challenges of being married to another artist.

Summering with Joy

Summering with Joy

After a short (and unexpected!) break, Speaking with Joy is back. Listen to this podcast to hear about Joy’s summer book club, live Speaking with Joy events near you, and more. Be sure to spend this summer with Joy!

Boredom (w/ Dr. Rebekah Lamb)

Boredom (w/ Dr. Rebekah Lamb)

The modern world is both overstimulating and excessively boring. In this episode, featuring Boredom expert Dr. Rebekah Lamb, we explore the social, literary, and spiritual dimensions of boredom. I promise you will not find this episode a bore.

Ep. 50: Why Christian Inspiration Books?

Ep. 50: Why Christian Inspiration Books?

What are Christian Inspiration books? How does the market shape them? Why do ignorant men like Matt have no idea what they are? Author Evangeline Denmark, editor September Grace, and Matt's wife Danielle join the table to figure it out.

The Enchanted Heavens

The Enchanted Heavens

Is the modern world disenchanted? My hunch is that the cosmos is not any less wondrous, mysterious, or enchanted than it was in the twelfth century. The world is not disenchanted, we've only grown blind to its wonder.

Panel: Bringing Art Back into Church

Panel: Bringing Art Back into Church

S1 E6: Hans Boersma, John Skillen, Junius Johnson, and Brian Brown discuss sacred art and how to bring it back into our places of worship.

Ep. 49: Goodbye, Marcus

Ep. 49: Goodbye, Marcus

It's Marcus' last show before he moves to Portland. Before leaving the table, he shares his journey as an artist, and his final music recommendations. Also, Matt presents a sonnet he wrote in honor of Marcus' beard.

Art vs. Sermons

Art vs. Sermons

S1 E5: What is the role of art in spiritual formation? What does it look like to form Christians? Maybe the pastor and his sermons don't have to be quite so alone in that task.

Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet

Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet

Blood is the stuff of life. In our antiseptic world, it can be hard to hear and understand the words of Jesus: This is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28). In this Holy Week episode, we explore the theme of Christ's blood.

Ep. 48: The Detective Fiction Mystery

Ep. 48: The Detective Fiction Mystery

The pub table is buzzing with unanswered questions. What makes a good detective story? Can it ever be great literature? Why have so many Christian authors been fans? Author Sarah Pottenger joins the table to crack the case.

You Did Not Speak Steadfastly to Me

You Did Not Speak Steadfastly to Me

The book of Job has always fascinated and exasperated me. That's why I loved getting to explore this poetic and complicated book with my friend Tobias, a scholar of Biblical languages. Enjoy this episode on the relational nature of Job and the importance of addressing our theology at God!

Is Beauty Necessary?

Is Beauty Necessary?

S1 E4: Does beauty matter? If you're listening to this podcast, you probably think the answer is obvious. But would you go so far as to say it is essential to Christianity? Is it, in fact, impossible to do Christianity well without it? In this episode, we argue exactly that.

Ep. 47: Good Art from Bad People

Ep. 47: Good Art from Bad People

How should we respond when horrible people make art that we love? Megan McCluskey and Amy Lee join the table to discuss.

Wrestling with God Through Art

Wrestling with God Through Art

The difference between Job and his friends was not theological but personal: Job raged, wept, and prayed to God while his friends spoke about God. Even in our darkest moments, God invites us into relationship. This week, we look at the lives of three artists who struggled well with God.

Are You A Secular Christian?

Are You A Secular Christian?

S1 E3: What is a Christian imagination? Is it the same thing as a Christian worldview? In this episode, we explore how it is possible to be a practicing Christian yet still see the world through mostly secular eyes--and imagine what it would be like if a renaissance of the Christian imagination actually took place.

Tending Your Garden (w/ Kristyn Emmer)

Tending Your Garden (w/ Kristyn Emmer)

To grow in wellness, we must start thinking of ourselves less like cars to tune up, and more like gardens to nurture. On today's episode, Joy chats with Kristyn Emmer, who shares her insights on cultivating wellness of body, soul, and heart. 

We’re All Romantics

We’re All Romantics

This episode explores the most important historic movement you never learned about. Tune in to hear how Romanticism shapes art, industry, and psychology, by looking at Wordsworth, Brahms, and the Pre-Raphaelites.

Ep. 46: Beauty with the Bathwater (w/ Amy Lee)

Ep. 46: Beauty with the Bathwater (w/ Amy Lee)

Writer Amy Lee returns to the pub table to talk about the perils of safety, and the sometimes-crazy lengths we go to shield ourselves and our children from dangerous art.