aijcast

In part one of our conversation with the Rev. Chantilly Mers-Pickett , we talk about growing up in Hawaii, the faith shifts in her life, and the tension between melody and lyrics in Christian music. She also plays some Bob Marley for us! Listen to part two.

Musician Emily Musolino in live conversation and performance at Wild Goose Festival in 2019.

In part two of our conversation with strategic play consultant Gary Ware , we reflect on acceptance and building, navigating difficult realities, and the benefits of play for adult learning. Listen to part one.

In part one of our conversation with strategic play consultant Gary Ware , we delve into discovering improv, leaving behind a “serious” career, and how crisis led to freedom. Listen to part two.

Our friend and frequent collaborator Amina McIntyre co-preached with Marthame Sanders at Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Listen to our earlier conversation with Amina.

We continue our conversation with scholar/pastor/emcee Albert Russell (AKA A+ ), touching on his prophetic use of rap, serving as a Black pastor in a predominantly white Alabama church, and how love can be an antidote to division. Listen to part one.

In part one of our conversation with scholar/pastor/emcee Albert Russell (AKA A+ ), we examine his dual calling as a scientist and pastor, how the two blend together for him, and the danger of merging religion with political agendas. Listen to part two. Listen to our 2024 collaboration with Albert.

In part two of our conversation with The Many (Darren Calhoun, Leslie Michelle, and Hannah Rand), we examine lyrical specificity, writing songs that address injustice, and re-examining language in order to expand our circles. Listen to part one.

In part one of our conversation with Darren Calhoun, Leslie Michelle, and Hannah Rand from indie folk/gospel group The Many , we dive into their vision for diverse, justice-oriented worship music; creating participatory and collaborative experiences; and their Lament Together series. Listen to part two.

We wrap up our conversation with Sarah and Colin Comstock from the band Found Wandering , talking about the importance of doing “white work”, embracing brokenness, and their family band Moon Animals . Listen to part one.

In part one of our conversation with Sarah and Colin Comstock from the band Found Wandering , we examine their genre-hopping identity, blurring the line between sacred and secular music, and faith as an expansive journey. Listen to part two. Listen to the Audio Christmas Pageant (2020).

We continue our two part conversation with music therapist Prof. Natasha Thomas , diving into deconstructing pedestals, the importance of social relationships, and the value of bringing your whole self into professional work. Listen to part one.

In part one of our conversation with music therapist Prof. Natasha Thomas , we talk about the field of music therapy, the Black Creative Healing Podcast , and the importance of supporting Black therapists. Listen to part two.

In part two of our conversation with Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes ( The Double Love Experience Church ), we discuss her background as a brand strategist, the importance of curating a public identity, and having a character that is consistent. Listen to part one.

In part one of our conversation with Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes ( The Double Love Experience Church ), we explore her church’s founding and mission; the blending of intellectual engagement, embodied worship, and social justice commitment; and what it takes to build an online community. Listen to part two.

We continue our conversation with actor/playwright/improviser Avery Sharpe , examining the paradox of allyship, the love and patience of dialogue, and the power of theater for difficult conversations. Listen to part one.

In part one of our conversation with actor/playwright/improviser Avery Sharpe , we look at his “Russian nesting doll” identity, acting as professional empathy, and his play “Woke”. Listen to part two.

We continue our two part conversation with speaker/pastor/emcee Julian DeShazier (AKA J.Kwest), his collaborative project Verbal Kwest, working with the South Side Health Transformation project, and not being plagued by perfection. Listen to part one.

In part one of our conversation with speaker/pastor/emcee Julian DeShazier (AKA J.Kwest), we speak about his dual vocation, exile, and the freedom of authenticity. Listen to part two.

We continue our conversation with Out of Hand Theater ’s Founder and Artistic Director Ariel Fristoe, speaking about the Equitable Dinners program, collaborating with non-arts organizations, and what we could learn from communal participation. Listen to part one.

In part one of our conversation with Out of Hand Theater ’s Founder and Artistic Director Ariel Fristoe, we dive into creating active, accessible art; her personal journey from atheism to Christianity, and the power of empathetic story telling. Listen to part two.

Part two of our conversation with educator and visual artist Dr. Yohana Junker about embodied-artistic-theological education and her research on decolonization. Listen to part one.

Part one of our conversation with educator and visual artist Dr. Yohana Junker about embodied-artistic-theological education and her practice of breathing-being-praying meditation. Listen to part two.

Part two of our conversation with chef/artist/synesthete Taria Camerino about food justice, communion, and her relationship with chocolate. Listen to part one.

Part one of our conversation with chef/artist/synesthete Taria Camerino about synesthesia, collaborating with cellist Okorie Johnson , and what the 1812 Overture tastes like. Listen to part two.