Episodes

May 4, 2022
May 4, 2022
32 min
We're excited to share this breakout session led by Joy Ike, recorded at Forefront Festival '22: Making New. It's called The Birds & The Bees: Pollination in an Age of Politicization. In an era of political correctness, identity politics, and fear-based messaging, dealing in hope can feel daunting. What does cultural transformation look like in the middle of so much deterioration? If the Gospel is real and true, then surely there is a light at the end of this very long tunnel, right? Join Joy Ike as she shares reflections on how we can plant good seeds and watch them grow…how we can spread those wild (kingdom) oats and witness the abundant goodness of our God in the land of the living.

Apr 20, 2022
Discussion: The Stories that Never Die
Apr 20, 2022
Apr 20, 2022
1hr 9 min
Cody, Rich and Nate talk about the stories that never die — the endless string of remakes, sequels and spinoffs that is occurring around each major sci-fi and fantasy property. This episode contains spoilers for Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Outline:
- 2:02 Topic intro
- 4:42 What are the elements a story continuation really needs?
- 9:14 Spoiler-filled review of Spider-Man: No Way Home
- 22:51 Stories you never thought could happen
- 29:18 What is a story that has been continued that should not have been?
- 42:58 What is a story that has not been continued that should have been?
- 51:14 Stories that are written to be contained
- 53:53 What currently announced story continuation are you most excited about?
- 1:00:15 Why do we refuse to let go of certain stories?

Apr 6, 2022
Apr 6, 2022
38 min
Forefront board member Zack Osinski moderates a special on-stage interview at Forefront Festival '22, featuring singer/songwriter Joy Ike and painter & actor Brian Ferris.

Mar 23, 2022
Interview: Jonathan Ogden
Mar 23, 2022
Mar 23, 2022
57 min
Forefront Chairman Rich Christman interviews musician Jonathan Ogden.
From delicate acoustic songs to jazz and hip-hop infused pop, Jonathan crafts musical soundscapes that invite the listener on a journey. With a background in graphic design, he is passionate about exploring the intersection of visual art and music to form a complete experience. Describing his songs as ‘prayers set to music’ he expresses his faith through psalm-like lyrics and sweeping, melodic instrumentation. Following the release of his beat tape, Twenty Four, and an acoustic EP, Songs From Home, Jonathan is now releasing singles and working towards his first full-length album, Future Forever.
Check out Jonathan's work:

Mar 9, 2022
Mar 9, 2022
35 min
Rev. Dr. David Kim delivers the opening keynote at Forefront Festival '22, titled The Critical Calling of Artists in Times of Darkness.

Feb 11, 2022
Special: Forefront Festival ’22 Preview
Feb 11, 2022
Feb 11, 2022
18 min
Nate and Rich give a preview of what's happening at Forefront Festival '22: Making New. Join us in Rochester, NY on Feb 19 for a vibrant festival of faith and art.

Feb 1, 2022
Interview: Timothy Leaven
Feb 1, 2022
Feb 1, 2022
1hr 16 min
Nate talks to singer/songwriter Timothy Leaven about songwriting, sourdough, sadness, and more.
Help crowdfund Tim's next album at kickstartleaven.com.
Come see Tim (and many other incredible artists) at Forefront Festival 2022.

Dec 23, 2021
Forefront x WGW Christmas Variety Show, Act II
Dec 23, 2021
Dec 23, 2021
1hr 1 min
The 2021 Christmas Variety Show hosted by Forefront Festival and Why God Why, recorded in front of a live studio audience, is back for a second & final act.
In this Act:
- Music from Victoria Moore's jazz combo
- A non-fiction story from Kyle Navratil
- Music from Timothy Leaven
Plus, conversations with the artists about why Christmas still gives us hope.

Dec 16, 2021
Forefront x WGW Christmas Variety Show, Act I
Dec 16, 2021
Dec 16, 2021
1hr 14 min
Forefront Festival joins Why God Why for a special Christmas Variety Show, recorded in front of a live studio audience.
In this Act:
- Music from The Noble Kind
- Music from Cottage Street Band
- Poetry from Ryan Diaz
- Music from Victoria Moore's jazz combo
- A short story from Cody Schweickert
Plus, conversations with the artists about why Christmas still gives us hope.

Dec 2, 2021
Interview: Eva Ting
Dec 2, 2021
Dec 2, 2021
59 min
Rich and Nate interview Eva Ting. Eva is the Director of Events and Programming at W83 Ministry Center, the home of Redeemer West Side Church that also serves as a community and cultural center on the Upper West Side of New York City. Her interests lie in cultivating spaces for community engagement and designing art experiences and events that invite the public to participate in thoughtful conversations as well as thoughtful action. Prior to her work at W83, Eva was the Public Programs Coordinator at Times Square Alliance, executing public art installations and events in one of the world’s most iconic urban places. Eva lived in Shanghai, China for several years and directed twocities, a gallery that specialized in contemporary craft and hosted music and cultural events, including a well-loved jazz performance series. Eva is a member of Christians in the Visual Arts and served as a board member.
In the episode we also mention Eva's new nonprofit, Here to Honor, and the video Nate produced for Goldenwood that features Eva.

