MattCast

Episodes

1. Attempts at Humor Released 25 May 2023 Some of the best comedy bits to air on MattCast Music Used: “Uptown Lovers,” written by Dean Palya and performed by AFTERNOONZ; “Strike No Spare,” written by Dustin Ransom and p...
2. De-Creating Released 9 May 2023 It’s easier to tear down than build up. But as artists, when can we use art to de-create something that needs to be torn down? Interlude Music: “Trip Don’t Fall, written by Aa...
3. Who Killed Jesus? Part 5 Released 4 Apr 2023 Our final look into “Who Killed Jesus” examines whether Jesus as God could even be killed, as well as his deeper plan and motivation for it all. The opinions expressed in the...
4. Who Killed Jesus? Part 4 Released 30 Mar 2023 Part 4 of our investigation into “Who Killed Jesus” focuses on why Jesus came to earth in the first place. The opinions expressed in the videos or source material connected to...
5. Who Killed Jesus? Part 3 Released 21 Mar 2023 Part 3 of our look into “Who Killed Jesus” centers on those who delivered Jesus into the hands of the Romans: his own countrymen. The opinions expressed in the videos or sourc...
6. Who Killed Jesus? Part 2 Released 16 Mar 2023 Part 2 of our investigation into who killed Jesus begins continues with the man who gave the order for Christ to be crucified: Pontius Pilate. The opinions expressed in the vid...
7. Who Killed Jesus? Part 1 Released 8 Mar 2023 Our investigation of who killed Jesus begins with the most obvious perpetrators: the soldiers who tortured, whipped, and crucified Christ. Big thanks to worldhistory.org for ba...
8. Trailer: "Who Killed Jesus?" Released 7 Mar 2023 A limited podcast series focusing on the brutality and responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Coming this Passion Season. Clips used: The Real Meaning of the Cros...
9. A.C. (Artificial Creativity) Released 7 Feb 2023 Will artificial intelligence eventually make artists obsolete? What is our scriptural response? Interlude Music: “Lucky Me,” written by Dustin Ransom and performed by Cast of ...
10. Will "The Embrace" ever be Embraced? Released 24 Jan 2023 Today we offer another perspective on “The Embrace,” the controversial new sculpture unveiled in Boston recently. We also talk about the evolution of art and its perceptions to ...
11. The "Art" of Destruction Released 29 Nov 2022 Climate protestors are expressing alarm by “defacing” great works of art. Today we examine how those who don’t create inevitably destroy, and how creators who don’t create destr...
12. Rembrandt: Master of the Selfie Released 15 Nov 2022 The life of Rembrandt shows one of self-reflection (and maybe obsession) that brought about some of the best art in Western history. All music provided by Stephen Keech and p...
13. The Three "A's" of Creativity Released 27 Sep 2022 The world is now making the mistake of Christians creatively…because we’re not understanding the 3 “A’s” of creativity and their proper order.
14. David & Vicki Elliott: "He wants to teach you how to lean into Him." Released 7 Sep 2022 Missionaries David & Vicki Elliott are actively discipling the creative community of Sarasota, Florida. Hear about their journey and how the Lord, through simple obedience, ...
15. Itching Ear Disease Released 25 Aug 2022 The apostle Paul warned of a time when people will surround themselves with teachers who say what their itching ears want to hear. How can artists combat this creatively and say...
16. The Best Foreign Film You've Never Seen Released 19 Jul 2022 The Danish film “Babbette’s Feast” conveys the power of artistry and generosity. Ad Music: “Good Times,” by Scott Holmes Music, from the album, “Inspiring Background Music,” ...
17. Battle Hymn of the Republic - An American Art Story Released 29 Jun 2022 A history and tribute to The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Music/Clips: “Invisibility Cloak,” by Podington Bear, from the album, “Piano I,” 2017. Promoted by freemusicarchive...
18. The Best Poet You've Never Heard Released 21 Jun 2022 The life and art of poet George Herbert are spotlighted. Music: "Inner Silence," by Gotama from the album, "Piano & Sound Meditations," 2020. (https://gotama-music.bandc...
19. Pleasing the Audience Released 13 Jun 2022 There are two audiences for whom artists must have the biggest concern.
20. The Place Released 24 May 2022 There is a place where the Lord desires to meet with us, spiritually and artistically.
21. Art and Timing Released 17 May 2022 In art, sometimes it isn’t so much about what but when we create. Sometimes we may need to delay a project for maximum impact later. How do we know?
22. (Easter): The Third Man Released 12 Apr 2022 A dramatic reenactment of Luke 24 and the two men who walked to Emmaus from Jerusalem on Resurrection Sunday, encountering a mysterious stranger along the way. “Inner Sanctuary...
23. So I Had a Heart Attack... Released 5 Apr 2022 How do we create through trauma? Matt uses his recent life experience to walk through the obstacles.
24. The Shawshank Redemption Released 15 Feb 2022 What role does hope play in our lives, and how important is it to maintain it? The necessity of hope is addressed brilliantly in Part 2 of the series, "Movies that Moved Me," “T...
25. Groundhog Day Released 1 Feb 2022 Are you living the same day over and over again? This is the question posed by “Groundhog Day.” Today we’ll find out why it’s one of Matt’s “Movies that Moved Me.”
26. Plea to Filmmakers Released 4 Jan 2022 Filmmaking is maybe the worst it’s ever been in our lifetime. Except for superhero movies, Hollywood is trapped in a boring echo chamber. However the Christian film industry see...
27. The Candy Cane Man Released 7 Dec 2021 A Christmas story for people-helpers and those who quietly and consistently display Jesus everywhere. Music: “Santa Sled,” by Lobo Loco, from the album, “Christmas Inside,” 2...
28. Accountability Released 24 Nov 2021 You asked for it: Dr Fauci is back with his new album: COVID Christmas 2. Matt also talks about the need for accountability in the lives of creatives. Almost everyone needs a de...
29. Inspiration-Perspiration Released 9 Nov 2021 Thomas Edison is credited as saying that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Today we explore the inspiration/perspiration of the creative process and God’s role in i...
30. Edgar Allan Poe Released 26 Oct 2021 The complicated and creative life of Edgar Allan Poe is explored, including two dramatic readings of his works and a twist at the end of his life you have probably never heard. ...
31. Sean Peebles: “When people leave the building after a game, if no one's talking about me, then I did my job." Released 19 Oct 2021 Cleveland Cavaliers PA Announcer Sean Peebles talks about his life and career, how Christ has changed his life, and how his pattern of excellence and patience led to the job of ...
32. Worth a Thousand Words Released 5 Oct 2021 A recent event at the U.S. Southern border has reminded us of the power of photography. One image reignited debate as border patrol agents, while chasing down Haitian refugees, ...
33. Phil Anderson: "As preachers, we have a responsibility to handle this thing correctly." Released 22 Sep 2021 Pastor Phil Anderson talks about the value of expository preaching and how it not only can bring new life to the pulpit but also to the pew.
34. 9/11 - Thousands of Heroes; Millions of Stories Released 6 Sep 2021 This is a retelling of the events of September 11, 2001 - a 20th anniversary reminder to “Never Forget”. Audio Clips: *9/11 ATC Transcripts & Audio - FAA NORAD Tapes (http...
35. Now Hiring Released 24 Aug 2021 The fields are white to harvest. Christians need to be working, and artists need to be creating with the intent of bringing the hope of Christ to our hopeless world. Ad Music: ...
36. Potential Pitfalls 3: Influence Released 17 Aug 2021 “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”—Malcolm S. Forbes. This series finale explores that. Ad Music: “Extreme Sport,...
37. Potential Pitfalls 2: Resources Released 19 Jul 2021 Description: Money and fame don’t change us - they make our qualities pronounced to a greater degree. Artist Spotlight: “Good Stories,” by Storyside Worship. c. 2019
38. Potential Pitfalls 1: Relationships Released 8 Jul 2021 It’s important as artists to be mindful of some things, most to some extent we will experience as blessings, that don’t so much change who we are but exacerbate who we are. In p...
39. The Cost of Nothing Released 14 Jun 2021 Matt talks about a recent auction item that baffles him. How far do we go in subjective interpretation of our work? Can it go too far? Source Video: https://www.youtube.com/wat...
40. The Side Hustle Released 2 Jun 2021 Almost every artist wishes they could do it full-time, but the reality is quite different. Matt talks about an artist’s “side hustle,” and how they needn’t be ashamed of it. Ad...
41. Release Date Released 17 May 2021 Art isn’t art until it’s released. Matt walks through the importance of not keeping our creativity to ourselves.
42. Mahalia Jackson: The Queen of Gospel Released 28 Apr 2021 A tribute to the extraordinary life of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson...possibly the greatest singer you've never heard of. Music (all performed by Mahalia Jackson): “I’m On My ...
43. Heaven: Excitement or Dread? Released 20 Apr 2021 We have such a poor understanding of heaven, which negatively impacts our life on earth. Creatives and believers in general need to recover our view of heaven and all its magnif...
44. Interactive Communion Released 29 Mar 2021 An interactive communion service with opportunities for reflection and artistic expression. Soundtrack: “Ambient Sonata,” by Dee Yan-Key, from the album, “Ambient Sonata,” 201...
45. The Justice of the Cross Released 22 Mar 2021 This is a message Matt recently preached using the setting of a courtroom to convey why the Gospel was necessary and how the cross provides ultimate justice in our lives.
46. Commissions Released 15 Mar 2021 Receiving commissions is probably the best way to get paid as an artist, but can be seen as limiting. Today we rediscover how involved God is in commissions.
47. Randy Young, Part 2: "The arts are prophetic." Released 8 Mar 2021 Randy Young continues our conversation, emphasizing how pastors and artists can connect. How speaks of the importance of accountability and discipleship in the life of the artis...
48. Randy Young, Part 1: "Artistry is a spiritual gift." Released 1 Mar 2021 Randy Young speaks about his early days and church planting experience, specifically speaking to making a church a welcoming place for artists.
49. Closer Released 22 Feb 2021 Our relationship with God needs to get out of the kiddie pool. His presence is where we spill our soul, hold nothing back, love well, and be loved well in return. Ad Music: “Ba...
50. Lincoln & Greatness Released 15 Feb 2021 In honor of Presidents’ Day, we take a look at the life and greatness of President Abraham Lincoln. Soundtrack: “Origin 1,” by Scott Holmes, from the album “Colossal Stillnes...
51. First Released 8 Feb 2021 We talk a good game about making the Lord first in our lives, but do we really do it? In deepening our love for God, we need to ask the Lord how specifically we can put Him firs...
52. Worship Released 1 Feb 2021 We in the Church have become consumers of worship, rather than an instrument of conveying deep love for the Lord. It deepens our relationship with Him, especially as we make it ...
53. This Is My Story Released 25 Jan 2021 One way we can love the Lord more deeply is by knowing, appreciating, and telling our story in Christ. Matt tells his story and how crucial it is for Jesus to be seen as the cen...
54. Make Your Roots Deep Released 18 Jan 2021 Neither political side has the moral high ground. More than ever, believers must be deeply rooted in Christ’s love, so that we know how to be before knowing what to do. Ad Musi...
55. Ultimate Love Released 11 Jan 2021 The gospel is the good news - but we also need to understand the bad news we were living until the "good news" set us free. We can love the Lord deeply when we realized how ulti...
56. Back To Basics Released 4 Jan 2021 Matt talks about an over-arching mission for 2021 of following the two great commandments and how it directly affects our art. Ad Music: “Morning Mood,” by Edward Grieg, from ...
57. New Year Pep Talk Released 28 Dec 2020 Matt walks through personal and creative goals for the next year, emphasizing that we won’t get there on our own. Only by joining with Jesus can we see real change in our lives....
58. Ruining Christmas Released 21 Dec 2020 Matt performs a dramatic reading of his short story, “Ruining Christmas”. Soundtrack: From the album, “Christmas Time,” by Borrtex, 2017. Promoted by freemusicarchive.org. L...
59. My Favorite Film: It's a Wonderful Life Released 14 Dec 2020 I pay tribute to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” my favorite movie of all-time. This episode is especially geared to all the George Baileys out there who play by the rules and wonder i...
60. Charles Dickens: A Tale of Two Lives Released 7 Dec 2020 Dickens, like many of us, is complicated. His brilliance is slightly shadowed by a cloud of choices he made in his personal life…a life of secrets. However, this flawed instrume...
61. What are we Making? Released 30 Nov 2020 The Tower of Babel is proof that sometimes God has to disrupt our plans for fame and fortune. It should cause us as artists and pastors to ask, “What are we making?" Ad Music: ...
62. The Art of Thanks Released 23 Nov 2020 One of the most neglected tools we have at our disposal as believers is thanksgiving. It’s not a holiday so much as a discipline that remembers God’s faithfulness in the past, h...
63. Is it Still Fun? Released 16 Nov 2020 Isn’t it interesting how we separate work and play? Shouldn’t our creative work be fun, even though it’s not easy? Work and play should be a both/and, not an either/or. Ad Musi...
64. Gifts Under Attack Released 9 Nov 2020 Our spiritual enemy is always after our gifts as artists, whether to convince us to stop using them or using them against us when we’ve had a modicum of success. How do we fight...
65. Art & Politics Released 2 Nov 2020 Politics and art have been frenemies over the years. How do Christian artists walk the line between expressing their beliefs while being accessible to the largest audience possi...
66. Tribute to Pastors Released 26 Oct 2020 Our month-long emphasis on Pastor Appreciation concludes with a special production giving tribute to pastors and shepherds in the Church today. Background music: Act 1: “Appr...
67. Why Can't We Be Friends? Released 19 Oct 2020 More than ever, pastors need friends, but it’s one of the most challenging aspects of the ministry. We explore the mechanics and practics of finding healthy friendship as pastor...
68. What My Church Did Right Released 12 Oct 2020 In a time where Christians enjoy trashing their church, current and even present, Matt looks back at his formative years and counts the blessings of the church that made such an...
69. Roger Larrison: "A life well-lived." Released 5 Oct 2020 To kick off our Pastor Appreciation series, Matt talks with veteran pastor and minister Roger Larrison about the joys and challenges of pastoring, what to do when you feel like ...
70. The Masked Artist 4: Transparency Released 28 Sep 2020 Our series on masks concludes as Matt talks about the importance of transparency in our art - our level of openness, and how much is too much? Ad music: “Spencer-Bluegrass,” by...
71. The Masked Artist 3: The 'Verts Released 21 Sep 2020 Our series on masks continues as we examine our personality types and how we shouldn’t allow to become unhealthy masks that contribute to dysfunction and corrosion. Ad Music: “...
72. Steve Rosenberger: "What is your intention?" Released 14 Sep 2020 Matt interviews author Steve Rosenberger about his maturation as an author, his writing method, and his advice to aspiring writers.
73. The Masked Artist 2: Examples Released 7 Sep 2020 Our series on masks continues as we use the old masks of Greek theatre to examine the “comedy” and “tragedy” masks we all wear. Ad Music: “Sand Dweller,” by Metre, from the al...
74. The Masked Artist 1: Origins Released 31 Aug 2020 Matt begins a series on masks - how we all wear them and where they come from. Music: "Little Idea," by Scott Holmes, from the album, "Inspiring & Upbeat Music," 2019. Pro...
75. Rejection: Van Gogh Released 24 Aug 2020 Matt uses the complicated story of artist Vincent Van Gogh to show how both the church world and art world missed it with him during his life. Van Gogh’s wounds of rejection hau...
76. Travis Pollert, Part 2: "What He initiates, He permeates." Released 17 Aug 2020 Filmmaker Travis Pollert reminds us that authentic relationship is the key to bringing grace and the Gospel to all people in all places. “Bossa Nova,” by Simon Mathewson, from ...
77. Travis Pollert, Part 1: "You're always in process." Released 10 Aug 2020 Filmmaker Travis Pollert talks about what specifically drew him to film, his challenges of starting and maintaining a business in the creative world, and how his life and leader...
78. A Tale of Two Artists Released 6 Jul 2020 We examine the lives of two artists who were contemporaries of one another, both of whom couldn't have been more different. Yet there is one common link between them. That link ...
79. An American Art Story: Vietnam War Memorial Released 29 Jun 2020 In honor of Independence Day, Matt gives the story of the Vietnam War Memorial and the marvel of its simplicity. News Archives: British Pathe, CBS News, Iconic, Documentary Tu...
80. Bill Wade, Part 2: "If this is not a calling, run the other way." Released 22 Jun 2020 Matt’s conversation with Bill Wade continues, as they talk about being a witness for Christ in a sphere where few are found and about his interactions with younger generations. ...
81. Bill Wade, Part 1 - "Dance apologetics" Released 15 Jun 2020 Matt talks to Bill Wade, Founder and Executive/Artistic Director of Inlet Dance Theatre about his creative career, from his initial interests to his interactions in the church w...
82. #6 - Jordan Biel - "As long as the song moves people" Released 2 Apr 2020 Interview with Jordan Biel on songwriting - his experiences and process. Ad Music: “90s Sitcom Joy” by John Bartmann (https://johnbartmann.com), 2019. Promoted by freemusicarch...
83. #5 - Three Easter Stories Released 2 Apr 2020 Perspectives from three lesser-known characters in the Easter story. Background Music: “Lilac,” by Chad Crouch, 2019. Promoted by freemusicarchive.com. Licensed under CC BY-NC...
84. #1 - My Mission, Should I Choose to Accept It Released 5 Mar 2020 In this first episode, Matt outlines the mission of the podcast - to bring the church world and the art world a little closer together. Ad Music - "Dusty Hills" by Ketsa from t...