Makers & Mystics

Naming The Animals Podcast Trailer

Naming The Animals is a new podcast by Makers and Mystics! This eight episode series follows a chapter by chapter discussion of Stephen Roach’s book Naming The Animals: An Invitation To Creativity. Each week, Stephen will be joined by Square Halo’s Creative Director, Ned Bustard and a variety of biblical scholars, professional artists and creative thought leaders on topics such as inspiration, contemplation and beauty. This podcast is an accompaniment to the Makers and Mystics Creative C...

S9 E08: Reset and Rebirth with William Day

William Day is an American painter known for his large-scale compositions of colorful shapes and energetic marks. His process leads him to create paintings in series, each focusing on different nuances of the human experience. In this episode, Stephen talks with Will about his latest series titled Breakout which explores themes of reset and rebirth. This discussion includes topics such as: The impact of isolation, How to handle negative critique and living beyond fear.  Patrons of the p...

S9 E07: Habits of Perception with James K.A. Smith

In this episode Stephen Roach talks with philosopher, James K.A. Smith about the role of imagination in "re-storying" the narratives we believe about ourselves and society. connect with James K.A. Smith Sponsor: Brightbell Creative: Meaningful Marketing For The Creative Artist Support The Podcast! Contributing as little as one to ten dollars a month makes a huge difference in our ability to produce quality content and lift a voice of encouragement to artists and creatives around the wo...

S9 E06: Composing Through The Multiverse with Son Lux

Ryan Lott of the experimental, electronic trio talks with Stephen Roach about composing for the film Everything, Everywhere, All At Once. Son Lux Everything, Everywhere, All At Once Brightbell Creative: Creating Meaningful Marketing For the Creative Artist.

Thank You To Our Patrons

Join The Creative Collective for additional content, regular book clubs, online community and events.

Artist Profile Series E35: Simone Weil

This Artist Profile explores the spiritual life of French Philosopher Simone Weil. Join the Makers & Mystics Creative Collective! We have some new stuff happening in the crew! Brightbell Creative: Meaningful Marketing for The Creative Artist. Let us help you clarify the language your art speaks and connect your work with your audience.

S9 E05: Round Table Part Three: Mental Health and The Artist

In this third and final segment of The Artist Round Table on Mental Health, Stephen, John Mark and Vesper talk about neo-monasticism, the worship of youth culture, art as a means of therapy, and making sense of the darker parts of our existence with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Sponsor: Brightbell Creative: Meaningful Marketing for The Creative Artist Join Our Creative Collective!

S9 E04: Round Table Part Two: Mental Health and the Artist

In this second segment of our 3 part conversation on mental health and the artist, my discussion with singer/songwriter John Mark McMillan and author/illustrator Vesper Stamper takes us to topics of art and identity, genius and madness and the dangers of isolation. Listen to the NPR talk about Kanye West and Mental Health Brightbell Creative: Meaningful Marketing for The Creative Artist Join Our Creative Collective!

S9 E03: Round Table Part One: Mental Health and The Artist

What does Kanye West, Thomas Edison and Psychologist Adam Grant have to do with Social Media, Depression, Suicide and the Pursuit of Calling? These are all discussed in this round table discussion on Mental Health and the Artist with John Mark McMillan, Vesper Stamper and Stephen Roach. This discussion begins with the question, "Can you separate the art from the artist.... and should you?" Listen to the NPR talk about Kanye West and Mental Health Brightbell Creative: Meaningful Marketi...

S9 E02: The Soul of The Helper with Holly Oxhandler

In this episode social worker Holly Oxhandler discusses chronic burnout, compassion fatigue and Holly’s latest book, The Soul Of The Helper: Seven Stages To Seeing The Sacred Within Yourself So You Can See It In Others.  Holly Oxhandler The Soul of The Helper Book CXMH podcast Become a Patron of the Makers & Mystics Podcast Brightbell Creative: Meaningful Marketing for the Creative Artist Composer Sean Williams

S9 E01: The Already and Not Yet with Dan Allender

In this season opening episode, Stephen Roach returns to the podcast for this timely conversation with trauma therapist Dan Allender about creativity, the troubled nature of the artist and Dan’s latest book, Redeeming Heartache: How Past Suffering Reveals Our True Calling. Connect with Dan Allender Join the Makers & Mystics Creative Collective! Instagram Music by Sean Williams Mentions In The Episode: Picasso, Shegal, Trauma, Therapy. The World Needs Your Art! We Provide Meaningful...

Update From Stephen Roach

The Return of The Prodigal Son Book Club

Sign up for the book club here. The World Needs Your Art. Meaningful Marketing for the creative artist. Brightbell Creative.

Porchlight Series 02: Singer/Songwriter Gabrielle Grace

Gabrielle Grace is a singer-songwriter committed to telling stories. She believes that authenticity is one of the most important qualities when it comes to music. Gabrielle was born & raised in a small town in southeast Texas before moving to Nashville TN. Her indie/pop-folk/acoustic sound developed as she made her way into the scene, playing show after show and growing as a touring musician. In this episode, Gabrielle joins Porchlight facilitator, Justus Stout and concert host, Cary Bre...

Porchight Series 01: Singer/Songwriter Carly Taich

In this episode, our friend and fellow arts advocate Justus Stout interviews songwriter Carly Taich and introduces Porchlight Art + Hospitality Network. Carly Taich is a storyteller with the ability to lasso the darkest parts of the soul and deliver them with a smile. Her lyrics, often framed by swooning violins and barbershop harmonies, take us to another era, or dimension, where forgiveness is free and honesty, commonplace. There is a storybook mysticism to all Taich produces with one fo...

Artist Profile Series 34: Emily Dickinson

In this episode, guest-host and MM Collective facilitator, Corey Frey, gives an overview of the eccentric life and poetry of Emily Dickinson. Join the Creative Collective Explore our Library of interviews and profiles

Summer '21 Series E07: Author & Illustrator John Hendrix

John Hendrix is a New York Times Bestselling illustrator and author of many children's books, including Shooting at the Stars, Drawing is Magic, John Brown: His Fight for Freedom, Miracle Man: The Story of Jesus, The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler. His illustrations have appeared on book jackets, newspapers and magazines all over the country. John is a Professor of Art, teaching illustration at the Sam Fox School of Art and Design at Washington University in St...

Summer '21 Series E06: The Reaches with Silicone Boone

Silicone Boone is an Ex-Amish artist from the hills of Kentucky.  With minimal exposure to contemporary music throughout his childhood and teen years, his songwriting and music are refreshingly original.  In 2019 he released “The Reaches,” a space opera of sorts, a concept album spanning big bang to universal death  – a project he thinks of as a “love song to humanity.”  In this episode, guest-host John Mark McMillan talks with Silicone Boone about growing up Amish, the influence of Carl S...

Summer '21 Series E05: Vanessa Brantley Newton

Vanessa Brantley Newton was born during the Civil Rights movement and attended school in Newark, New Jersey. She was part of a diverse, tight-knit community and learned the importance of acceptance and empowerment at early age.   As an illustrator, Vanessa includes children of all ethnic backgrounds in her stories and artwork. She wants all children to see their unique experiences reflected in the books they read, so they can feel the same sense of empowerment and recognition she experience...

Summer '21 Series E04: Roundtable Part 2: Memes, Propaganda & Art

Have you ever wondered what distinguishes art from non-art? What are the distinctions and who gets to decide? What makes something a work of art? Is it the result of a conscious act? Does it require skill and originality?  What about memes and propaganda? Can these be considered works of art as well?  These are some of the questions we discuss on today’s show.  This episode is Part Two of our round table discussions with author/illustrator Vesper Stamper, visual artist and designer Brando...

Summer '21 Series E03: Roundtable Part 1: Art & The Hustle

Does commerce feed or take away from your artwork? Does getting paid to do it validate your work? How do you make the leap from hobby to vocation in your work and more importantly, should you? These are among the questions our Summer Series round table guests songwriter, John Mark McMillan, author/illustrator, Vesper Stamper & visual artist Brandon Willett discuss in this episode. Find out more about today’s guest hosts. John Mark McMillan Vesper Stamper Brandon Willett Become a patr...

Summer '21 Series E02: Artist Manager Jay King

Jason “Jay” King is the founder and owner of World Citizen Media and a twenty-year veteran of the music industry. He manages Los Angeles based duo JOHNNYSWIM, Propaganda, and Pop writer/artist TRELLA. World Citizen’s core mission is to help BUILD, LAUNCH, and ACCELERATE meaningful projects, with strong foundations, that contribute good back into the world. Jay’s background includes working with renowned artists including Platinum selling hip-hop group GRITS, 4th Avenue Jones, Hillsong Uni...

Summer '21 Series E01: Calligrapher David Chang

David Chang is an NYC based artist merging the traditions of Western calligraphy and Eastern philosophy that is shaped by immediacy of his urban environment. Chang’s art is a sustained exploration into the significance and meaning of words and texts as embodied through physical gestures. Centuries-old eastern techniques in calligraphy find new form in the western alphabet as the artist shapes his own hermeneutics of the hand. The artist's brushwork, vacillating between traditional scripts an...

Bonus Episode: An Overview of BC21

GET TICKETS The Breath & The Clay Official Website Music in this episode: Glassea Hannah Miller Rivers & Robots Become a Patron

S8 E15: Moving Through Space with My Brightest Diamond

Shara Nova is a classically trained vocalist and self-taught multi-instrumentalist. She records dazzling, shapeshifting music under the moniker My Brightest Diamond. Her music resists the conventions of genre, blending elements of rock, art pop, and chamber music into a sound totally her own. Over the span of her career, Shara has released multiple ground breaking albums, as well as composed a baroque chamber opera titled, "You Us We All.” She has recorded as a guest vocalist with notable...

S8 E14: On Significance & Contribution with Stephen Roach

We may not care to be famous or even desire to make art as a full time vocation, but we each carry a need for our work to matter.  We want to know that what means something to us may also mean something to others or that what we give our time, attention and resources to may serve to beautify or to better the lives of those around us. In this episode, I discuss what it means to make a significant contribution through our creative work. I invite the listener to reframe the narratives we belie...

S8 E13: Storytelling In Color with Temi Coker

Temi Coker is a Multidisciplinary artist based in Dallas, Texas. He creates visually compelling artwork for campaigns, products, activations & more. Temi’s use of vibrant colors and textures come from his upbringing in Nigeria as well as his love for the colors, patterns and storytelling of the African Diaspora. He has worked with clients such as: Adobe, HBO, Apple, and Facebook. In today’s episode, Temi and I discuss color as a means of storytelling along with themes such as the busines...

S8 E12: The Aesthetic Universe with J.F. Martel

J.F. Martel is a Canadian writer, filmmaker, and podcaster. He has directed a number of French and English documentaries for Canadian television as well as created several dramatic short films. His writing has appeared on Reality Sandwich, The Finch, Metapsychosis, and in anthologies published by Tarcher-Penguin, North Atlantic Books, and Intellect Books. His book Reclaiming Art in the Age of Artifice was published in 2015 by Evolver Editions; The back cover tells us the book is an essenti...

S8 E11: Parables And The Surplus Of Meaning

Amy-Jill Levine (“AJ”) is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt. Her books include The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus and Short Stories by Jesus; four children’s books (with Sandy Sasso); The Gospel of Luke (with Ben Witherington III); and The Jewish Annotated New Testament (co-edited with Marc Brettler). In 2020 she published The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and ...

S8 E10: 2020 In The Rearview

In this episode, I share highlights from some of my favorite conversations from the year. Highlights include my interviews with Kimbra, Elephant Heart, Padraig O’ Tuama, John Eldredge and others. Support the podcast! Join our creative collective! Tickets to BC21

S8 E09: Armature and Astonishment with Sarah Hempel Irani

Sarah Hempel Irani has been sculpting expressive figures in clay and stone for nearly twenty years. Originally from Michigan, she moved to Maryland to apprentice with Jay Hall Carpenter, former Artist-in-Residence at the Washington National Cathedral. Sarah has contributed sculptures to national shows and received several notable awards, including the Maryland Arts Council Individual Artist Award in 2009. Currently Sarah is sculpting a seven-and-a-half-foot statue of renowned fashion ...

S8 E08: On Belonging and Becoming with Stephen Roach

One of the growing problems of our society that started long before but has been agitated by the COVID-19 pandemic is isolationism or the sense of loneliness and lack of meaningful social connections. Too much isolationism leads to individuals feeling a decreasing sense of responsibility or belonging to a group or a family. Therefore everything from littering to mass shootings could be rooted in the spiritual deficiency of belonging. In this episode, Stephen shares on the artist's need to ...

S8 E07: Unearth The Flowers with Thea Matthews

Thea Matthews is a San Francisco born poet, orator and activist whose work centers on the complexities of humanity, grief, and resiliency. In this episode, Stephen Roach to talks with Thea about her debut poetry collection published by Red Light Lit titled, Unearth [The Flowers] and about her journey of finding healing and resiliency through poetry. Thea's empowering poems provide a path to healing and illustrate how survivors can find a safe place within themselves to reclaim their own ide...

Artist Profile Series 33: Julian of Norwich

Julian of Norwich was a Medieval English mystic born around year 1342 and who died around year 1420. Much of Julian’s life remains unknown to us but what we do know of Julian comes from biographical passages in her book Revelations of Divine Love. This book, now considered a classic of contemplative literature, is the first known book to have been written in the English language by a woman.  The book recounts a series of mystical visions where she witnesses spiritual realities in beautiful...

S8 E06: Rivers & Robots: On Context & Creativity

Rivers & Robots is an independent band from Manchester, UK whose sound explores acoustic and electronic elements beneath layers of devotional lyrics and worship themed motifs. In this episode, Stephen talks with founding members Jonathan Ogden and Nathan Stirling about the creative exploration within their music and how context influences the art we make. Rivers & Robots Set Sail (Rivers & Robots Non-Profit Arts Organization) Join the Makers & Mystics Creative Collective Episode Spon...

S8 E05: Disenchantment & The Reemergence of Wonder with Stephen Roach

In this live, keynote talk, Makers & Mystics host, Stephen Roach shares with The Well Collab in Frederick, Maryland. This talk discusses what sociologist, Max Weber coined as “disenchantment” and the human need for reverence. What does it mean to sit with the mystery and what is the artist’s role in bringing “re-enchantment” to a world devoid of ecstatic experience? Listen to this keynote for insights into these questions. The Well Collaborative The Metaphysics of Dirt & Breath - episode...

S8 E04: TImelessness And Tradition with Juuri

JUURI is a Tokyo-born muralist currently working from Oklahoma City. Her vibrant, figure-driven work fuses traditional Japanese imagery with modern, pop motifs. Juuri’s large scale murals frequently serve in city-wide revitalization efforts and can be seen in cities across America and overseas in Israel. Her realistic watercolor faces surrounded by cultural elements, patterns or flora contain deep, personal symbolism and often represent a tenacious attitude of defiance in the face of defeat...

S8 E03: Exploring The Strange World of Art History with Jennifer Dasal

Jennifer Dasal is the curator of modern and contemporary art at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, North Carolina, and she is the host of the independent podcast ArtCurious, which she started in 2016 and was named one of the best podcasts by O, The Oprah Magazine and PC Magazine. Jennifer’s book ARTCURIOUS: Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History takes a colorful look at the world of art history, and reveals some of the strangest, funniest, ...

S8 E02: Pádraig Ó Tuama

Pádraig Ó Tuama is an Irish poet and theologian whose work centers around themes of language, power, conflict and religion. His poetry and prose has been published widely across Ireland, the US and the UK. For Ó Tuama, religion, conflict, power and poetry all circle around language, that original sacrament. In the context of public theology, he takes the received form of biblical texts and explores the civic and artistic dynamics of language, narrative and impact in these stories. Pádraig i...

S8 E01: Hosea: A Modern Adaptation with Ryan Dobson & Michael Gungor

This Season Premiere Episode features a conversation with writer and director, Ryan Daniel Dobson of the feature film HOSEA, along with the film’s music composer, Michael Gungor of Gungor music and The Liturgists podcast. After studying theology in college, Ryan turned his attention to the entertainment industry with a focus on marrying theological and philosophical concepts to powerful visual storytelling. The feature film HOSEA follows this trajectory with a modern adaptation of the bibl...

Virtual Writer's Retreat October 23-24th

On Friday, October 23rd, 2020, The Breath & the Clay will host its third annual writer’s retreat. This year’s retreat will be a virtual experience with opportunities to connect with other attendees and instructors. While the retreat will be facilitated online, this experience aims to cultivate a set apart environment conducive to writing and reflection. Attendees will be required to arrange their weekend environment to be spent away from regular responsibilities and distractions. This ...

Apply to Attend our upcoming Virtual Writer's Retreat October 23-24th

On Friday, October 23rd, 2020, The Breath & the Clay will host its third annual writer’s retreat. This year’s retreat will be a virtual experience with opportunities to connect with other attendees and instructors. While the retreat will be facilitated online, this experience aims to cultivate a set apart environment conducive to writing and reflection. Attendees will be required to arrange their weekend environment to be spent away from regular responsibilities and distractions. This ...

Bright Wings Poetry with Khalisa Rae

Visit Khalisa Rae’s Website Visit Co-host, Ashley Blake’s Website Read the Winning Poems Become a Patron of the Podcast, join our creative collective and enable us to continue lifting up the voices of makers and mystics across the globe.

Season Interlude with Stephen Roach

The three strands of art, faith and culture encompass the ethos of Makers & Mystics and provide the guidelines for our topics and discussions. We believe that the path of the maker and the path of the mystic are one and the same. The creative life is inherently spiritual and healthy spirituality will always be expressed through creativity. Makers & Mystics is committed to asking the questions, honoring the mysteries and leaving room for our listeners to wrestle with what answers resonate ...

Communion Gathering Online Friday September 4th, 2020

Friday, September 4th, 2020 at 7 pm eastern time, our community is gathering around our virtual table again. Register at this link to join us for creative discussions, artist introductions, and a time of sharing communion. This event is free and open to everyone. Our spiritual invitation and artists and creatives is to take what is ugly and transform it into something beautiful, sacred, and holy. We are the architects of hope for our generation and the generations to come. Bring your ...

S7 E15: An Ethos of Healing with Elephant Heart

Elephant Heart is the husband and wife musical collaborative of Jason and Victoria Evigan.  Jason Evigan is an award-winning producer and songwriter responsible for some of today’s biggest hits from artists such as Maroon 5, Madonna, Ellie Goulding, and Rufus Du Sol. Victoria Evigan is a musician, visual artist, set designer and stylist known for using make up, hair, environments, and fashion to create contemporary expressions of the Elephant Heart ethos. Victoria is also the principal opera...

Artist Profile Series 32: Marcel Duchamp

Marcel Duchamp was a visual artist, writer and avid chess player born July 28, 1887 near Blainville, France. His works are characterized by irony, movement and the dissolution of pre-conceived notions about art. Duchamp was an artist who defied categorization. He sent shock waves through the art world with the premiere of his line of found, manufactured objects called Readymades. In this episode, Stephen shares a brief glimpse into the life of this eccentric artist as well as a spiritual in...

S7 E14: The Path Became A Ghost with A Boy & His Kite

A Boy & His Kite is the music project by Colorado singer-songwriter and producer, Dave Wilton. In this episode, Stephen talks with Dave about the silence of God, expressing joy and grief through art, and the creative process behind his latest release, The Path Became A Ghost. A Boy & His Kite Join The Makers & Mystics Creative Collective. Gain Access to our monthly book club, private group and additional content. **Since 2016, Makers and Mystics has produced over 150 free episodes of ...

S7 E13: The Art of Flow with Ben Chung

Ben Chung is a freestyle dancer, choreographer and one of the co-founders of the Kinjaz American dance crew in Los Angeles, California. He is a former member of the famous Jabbawockeez male dance troupe and is the winner of the first season of America's Best Dance Crew. In this episode Stephen talks with Ben about his creative process, collaboration and the art of finding flow. Connect with Ben Chung Episode Sponsor: Move True Dance This episode is brought to you by Move True, a network ...

S7 E12: Pillars Of The Earth with Turtledoves

Turtledoves is the musical project of husband and wife duo, Ashley and Alex McGrath. Their inventive sound explores the balance between lo-fi electronics and acoustic instruments to create harmonically rich soundscapes, labyrinthine melodies, ambient textures, and layered vocals. Turtledoves exist in the liminal spaces – as their biography tells us, they are messengers between the seen and the unseen - ambassadors to the now from the not quite yet. In this episode, I had the opportunity ...