Forefront 360

Interview: singer/songwriter Benjamin Daniel

Zack talks to singer/songwriter Benjamin Daniel. They discuss the process of becoming a songwriter, artistic influences, goals & passions, and holding on to Christ.

Arts Review: Sarah Jarosz, Dr. Who, Neil Gaiman, Howl's Moving Castle, The Decemberists

Rich and Heather discuss various art they've been experiencing recently:

• Polaroid Lovers by Sarah Jarosz
• Dr. Who
• The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
• Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
• As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again by The Decemberists

Art Review: I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

Nate, Cody, and special guest Luke Rosamilia review Leif Enger's latest novel, I Cheerfully Refuse.

The first 30 minutes of the episode are spoiler-free, then we dive into plot details.

Discussion: Is It Time for Hero Movies to End?

The Forefront crew & guest stars gather to discuss the question "Is it time for hero movies to end?" We talk about our favorite superhero films, the difference between a hero and a superhero, and why hero movies could have lasting value for society.

Art Review: Watchman by Josh Garrels

Cody and Nate discuss Josh Garrels' new single, Watchman, and then rank their favorite songs in Josh Garrels' entire discography.

Discussion: Are All Artistic Mediums Welcome in Church?

Rich, Nate and Gage discuss whether all artistic mediums are welcome in church.

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 03:33 - What artistic mediums are you used to seeing in worship services?
• 13:40 - Why do many churches emphasize music over every other art form?
• 21:40 - A brief history of images & icons in church 
• 40:09 - Should we expand our understanding of what "worship" means in the gathered church? 
• 01:00:19 - Are there limits to the mediums or styles of art that would be appropriate in a church space (outside of corporate worship)?

Special: David Kim & Amilee Watkins on Spiritual Formation for Artists

Nate talks to Goldenwood founders David Kim and Amilee Watkins about Spiritual Formation for artists. This is the first episode in a special series based on the Goldenwood Institute.

Rev. Dr. David Kim is the CEO and co-founder of Goldenwood. Over the past several decades, he has trained, consulted, and counseled hundreds of leaders and organizations in developing a robust integration of faith and work. David’s past roles include Executive Director of the Center for Faith & Work, Director of the Gotham Fellowship, and editor of the NIV Faith and Work Bible. He was also our keynote speaker at Forefront Festival 22.

Amilee Watkins is the COO and co-founder of Goldenwood. Her work in the faith and work space has spanned over a decade, focusing on leadership development and spiritual formation at the Center for Faith & Work, and helping lead the Gotham Fellowship program.

Arts Review: Raymond Scott, Father Stu

Zack and Nate discuss the art they've been experiencing recently: The Jingle Workshop by Raymond Scott and the movie Father Stu.

Interview: Ilana Reimer

Cody talks to Ilana Reimer about faith, editing, and the arts.

Ilana Reimer is the editor of Love Is Moving. She studied journalism at Algonquin College and has worked as a freelance journalist and book editor since 2015. Her essays, poetry, and articles have appeared in a number of publications including Ekstasis, Breaking Ground, Faith Today, and Mutuality. In 2022, she was named a Cardus NextGEN Fellow. Ilana is passionate about championing and equipping Christian creators, believing they can be voices of influence, prophecy, and wisdom in our culture. She lives in Vancouver with her husband.

Discussion: Dune Part Two

Rich, Nate and Megan discuss the all-new film from director Denis Villeneuve, Dune Part Two.

• 02:47 - Spoiler-free reactions
• 23:23 - Spoilers begin
• 28:43 - Paul's character journey
• 34:30 - Faith & politics in Dune
• 48:57 - Questions & nitpicks
• 01:12:51 - Chani's character journey
• 01:19:47 - Closing thoughts