Michael explains the popular dismissal of fiction and the imagination, and explores the edifying uses of fiction.

Michael compares and contrasts the great way that seeks first worldly prominence with the little way of the cross that seeks God’s kingdom.

Michael explores the way the true purpose of art is undermined when we make exploited art—art made subject to an agenda.

A generous sampling of the “Porchlight Mini-Conference on Hospitality” we held at Audiofeed Music Festival 2025 in Urbana, Illinois.

Michael is joined by biologist and worship songwriter Ciara Reyes-Ton to discuss the intersection of art, science, and faith.

Michael is joined by film-maker and YouTuber Houston Coley to discuss Coley’s feature documentary, A Kingdom of Tea and Strangers.

Chase Tremaine joins Michael to discuss how the advancements in technology over the last 100 years have impacted the arts, for good and ill.

Michael offers three word-pictures to help clarify an understanding of the arts in terms of flourishing and the blessed life.

In this mailbag episode for 2024, Michael answers questions ranging from magic in Harry Potter to Nativity scenes in your yard.

Michael discusses narcissism, why it seems so prevalent among artists, and how to address it in both individuals and communities.

An interview with Roy Sneed, a specialist who trains cross-cultural workers in the four uses of storytelling for missions and evangelism.

Michael discusses how the problem of fame affects patrons. He then explores some ways artists and patrons can address this problem of fame.

Michael explores the problem of fame, how the inequality of exposure among artists damages both popular and unknown artists.

Karen Swallow Prior joins Michael for a wide-ranging discussion on her book The Evangelical Imagination, and how it applies to the arts.

Michael is joined by Paul J. Pastor—poet, writer, editor—to discuss the value of poetry both in general and specific terms.

Michael is joined by Brian Brown, founder and executive director of the Anselm Society, to talk about the arts and communal meaning-making.

Michael explores why you need better taste and how to get it. This episode explores both the rationale and practice of developing good taste.

Justus Stout and Katy Martin join Michael for a ten-year Renew the Arts retrospective and a look at the opportunities ahead.

Ryanne Molinari joins Michael to discuss her forthcoming book on the relationship between the worship arts and the fruit of the Spirit.

Michael invites singer-songwriter Carly Taich and producer Jimmy Smith on to the podcast to discuss what it looks like for Christians to pursue art (in this case, music) within the church as a ministry, a hobby, or a profession. They share personal anecdotes about their various struggles in the professional-ministry space in the church, discuss tent-making and other means of support for artists, and give a clear charge to both artists and non-artists about how . . . [ Read More ]