In this episode Jon and Nate have a conversation with Zach Tolan, a local music teacher and researcher, about previously undiscovered symbolism in the works of Bach and Beethoven, which uncovers hidden layers of emotional and spiritual depth to their works.

Find additional resources referenced in the video here: https://www.exact-notes.com/podcasts

The Secrets of Musical Symbolism with Zach Tolan

Happy Thanksgiving from Artists of the Way! In this episode Jon and Nate discuss how art has helped them to slow down and appreciate the blessings of this life, as well as some of the pieces of art they are grateful for in 2025.

How Art Helps Us to be Thankful

In this episode Jon and Nate speak with Joshua Adam Risner. He is a professional painter and the artist in residence at the Michigan State Capitol. Together they discuss the pursuit of excellence and beauty in art, the struggles of balancing that pursuit with our dependence on God, and the importance of play and joy in art.

Check out Josh's art: https://www.joshuaadamart.com/
Check out Josh's Studio: https://www.rabbithillartstudio.com/

Treasures, Play, and the Pitfalls of Excellence with Joshua Adam Risner

In this episode Nate takes the reins and interviews Jon about his relationship to art, his experience of God's presence in art, the story behind how Artists of the Way came to be, and the upcoming Cultivate conference!

Grace, Storytelling, and Cultivate '25 with our own Jon Wilson

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss a recent shift in what our culture's art focuses on, and unpack how goodness and hope can be found in stories from the last decade, both dark and hopeful.

Goodness and Hope in Today's Art

In this episode Jon and Nate invite Brad Garnaat on the podcast. Brad is the founder and Executive Director of Homeschool Performing Arts. He shares his story of being led to the arts by God, and reflects on the importance of diligence and seeking to glorify God through your service! 

Brad is on the leadership team for Cultivate '25, and will be leading a workshop on vocal technique! Register today! [https://www.artistsoftheway.com/cultivate-25.html]

Diligence and Glorifying God in Everything with Brad Garnaat

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss what it looks like to balance art and a family. How do your priorities shift? How do you make it part of your family, and what about art makes it worth doing, even when it's hard.

Self-Sacrifice, Family, and Connection in the Arts with Cole and Sarah Grace Groot

In this episode Jon and Nate have an honest (and slightly chaotic) discussion about the complexities of a relationship with God, and provide an update about what's next for Artists of the Way!

Sitting with God and an Update on Artists of the Way

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss various popular Christ-Figures in storytelling, and the concept of the "Christ-Figure" itself and the merits of such a character. What is it that makes a Christ-Figure a Christ-Figure? Can any character live up to that title? Or are we meant to catch these glimpses of Christ in many characters?

Christ Figures in Art

In this episode Jon and Nate chat with Alexis De Weese about the relationship between artists and the digital world, and how we can pursue hospitality and health in an age that increasingly seeks to dehumanize us.

Alexis De Weese has created marketing strategies for million-book bestsellers and even NBA All-Star champions for the past decade within the publishing industry. Lex works as the senior marketing manager with Zondervan Reflective, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. She researches the intersection of algorithm ethics and digital hospitality as a continuation of her dissertation work at the Institute of Theology, Imagination, and the Arts at the University of St. Andrews. When she is not planning her next trip back to Scotland or drinking too much tea, she writes fiction and hosts dinner parties for her community in western Michigan. You can keep up with her latest essays on How to Be on the Internet on Substack at lexdeweese.substack.com or on her social media @LexDeWeese

Navigating the Dehumanizing Digital Age with Alexis De Weese

Artists of the Way (@jwilson312) · Zencastr

Artists of the Way (@jwilson312)

A podcast exploring Art and Faith through conversations with artists and believers. We aim to deepen our Theology of Art together, and put a spotlight to the incredible work of Christian artists both locally and across the country.

~Soli Deo Gloria~

Intro/Outro Music:
Song:Just a working Day by Kathrin Klimek. Source:Free Music Archive. License type: CC BY

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