Art & Faith
Art & Faith
PRODIGAL
Interviews with talented faith filled artists
Nathan Presley | My Story | Yonder Studio Crossover
Crossover Episode with Nathan Yoder's YONDER STUDIO.https://yondrstudio.com/podcast  Nathan Presley shares his journey as a filmmaker, discussing his early influences, struggles in Los Angeles, and the importance of community and faith in his creative process. He reflects on the challenges of balancing commercial work with personal projects and emphasizes the significance of persistence and surrender in the pursuit of artistic fulfillment. The conversation also delves into his latest short film, 'Flesh and Blood,' which explores themes of trauma and spirituality, showcasing his growth as a storyteller.  Nathan Presley discusses the evolving relationship between art and faith, particularly in the context of social media's influence on artistic expression. He emphasizes the importance of creating art as an act of worship, navigating the tension between faith and cultural relevance, and the distinction between genuine art and propaganda. The discussion also touches on the necessity of honesty in artistic endeavors, the value of living quietly, and the challenge of conveying truth in art. Ultimately, Nathan encourages artists to create from a place of authenticity and to embrace their calling in the artistic space. https://yondrstudio.com/podcast Nathan discusses the challenges of pursuing a filmmaking career in Los Angeles. He emphasizes the importance of community and faith in his journey. Nathan shares insights on balancing art and faith in creative work. He talks about his short film "Flesh and Blood" and its themes. The conversation explores the role of truth in storytelling. Nathan discusses the balance between relevance and authenticity in art. He shares his thoughts on the impact of social media on creativity. Nathan encourages artists to pursue their calling with boldness. Nathan Presley, Uncommon Creators, filmmaking, Oklahoma, Los Angeles, community, faith, authenticity, Flesh and Blood, art and faith, storytelling, relevance, authenticity
Dec 19, 2025
1 hr 26 min
Ethan Nathaniel | Singer/Songwriter
In this episode, Ethan Nathaniel shares his journey of faith and creativity, exploring how music has been a means of connecting with God amidst personal struggles. Ethan discusses the creative process, the significance of beauty in art, and how his experiences as a parent shape his understanding of spirituality. The conversation concludes with Ethan's aspirations for the future and his commitment to bringing beauty to the forefront of his work. Find Ethan: instagram.com/ethannathaniel   Takeaways: Ethan's journey of faith began in childhood, influenced by his Christian upbringing.Music became a healing outlet for Ethan during difficult times.Community support played a crucial role in Ethan's life and faith journey.Ethan believes in the importance of beauty in art and creativity.Ambition should be balanced with personal relationships and family.The creative process involves both inspiration and discipline.Ethan emphasizes the need for artists to create without fear of judgment.Parenting has deepened Ethan's understanding of God's love and joy.Ethan aspires to bring orchestral arrangements back into his music.The conversation highlights the mystery of inspiration in the creative process.   Chapters 00:00 Finding God in Adversity05:59 The Role of Music in Healing10:14 Understanding Joy in Trials14:41 The Intersection of Faith and Art23:01 Creating Beauty Through Struggles28:59 Journey to France and Song Inspiration31:18 The Evolution of 'Heaven's Field'34:44 The Mystery of Artistic Inspiration39:00 Creating Space for Inspiration44:30 Balancing Ambition and Family Life50:33 Pursuing Beauty in Art53:49 Final Thoughts and Recommendations58:10 NEWCHAPTER   Keywords Ethan Nathaniel, music, faith, creativity, inspiration, community, parenting, beauty, ambition, art
Nov 14, 2025
58 min
Disney Animation Filmmakers | Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears
Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears, directors and writers of the animated short film ForeverGreen, share their personal faith journeys and how these experiences have shaped their creative work. They discuss the importance of storytelling in conveying spiritual themes, the challenges they faced during the film's production, and the role of community support in their creative process. The conversation highlights the intersection of art and faith, emphasizing the power of storytelling to communicate deep truths and engage audiences. In this conversation, Nathan Engelhardt and Nathan Presley explore the intricacies of creativity, collaboration, and the spiritual dimensions of storytelling. They discuss the challenges faced during creative projects, the importance of patience and generosity, and the role of faith in guiding artistic expression. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of storytelling as a means of conveying deeper truths and survival information, while also addressing the need for rest and reflection in the creative process.   Takeaways Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears are directors and writers of the animated short film Forever Green.Both creators share their personal faith journeys and how they intersect with their work.The film aims to convey deep spiritual themes through storytelling and animation.They discuss the importance of allegory in conveying complex ideas simply.The creative process involved collaboration and overcoming various challenges.Personal struggles and spiritual battles influenced their storytelling.Community support played a crucial role in the film's development.They emphasize the importance of being genuine in faith and creativity.The film serves as a platform for sharing the gospel and engaging with audiences.Future aspirations include continuing to create meaningful stories that glorify God. Creativity often requires patience and a generous spirit.Collaboration enhances the quality of creative work.Storytelling can convey profound truths without explicit dialogue.Rest is essential for creative rejuvenation and clarity.Every story should have a clear message or survival information.Faith plays a crucial role in guiding creative endeavors.Small beginnings can lead to significant outcomes.Listening to feedback is vital for improving creative projects.The pacing of a story can greatly impact its emotional resonance.Artistic expression can serve as a bridge to deeper conversations about faith.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Forever Green03:05 Personal Faith Journeys06:07 The Role of Spiritual Warfare08:37 The Creative Process Behind Forever Green11:33 The Calling to Create14:20 The Story of the Three Trees17:39 God Moments in Storytelling20:29 The Impact of Allegory in Film23:22 Conclusion and Future of Forever Green31:14 Navigating Hypocrisy and Authenticity33:00 The Struggle with Sin and Grace36:19 The Journey of Spiritual Purification38:43 Facing Resistance in Creative Endeavors41:03 Balancing Family and Creative Pursuits44:57 The Process of Filmmaking and Collaboration47:33 Handling Creative Differences50:15 Extracting the Spirit Behind Feedback58:12 The Art of Animation and Storytelling59:37 The Power of Silence in Film01:02:16 Finding Rest and Recalibration01:04:04 The Importance of Intentional Storytelling01:07:25 Faith and Creative Expression01:09:44 The Role of Art in Spiritual Conversations01:14:19 Survival Information in Storytelling   Keywords art, faith, animation, storytelling, spiritual journey, creativity, Disney, Forever Green, personal growth, community support, creativity, collaboration, storytelling, filmmaking, faith, leadership, artistic process, project manag...
Oct 31, 2025
1 hr 23 min
Mark Freiburger | Filmmaker | "Craft & Calling"
In this conversation, Nathan Presley speaks with filmmaker Mark Freiburger about his journey in the film industry, focusing on his latest project 'Between Borders'. They discuss the challenges of filmmaking, the importance of storytelling in faith-based films, and how personal faith influences creativity. Mark shares insights on directing techniques, the significance of community, and the struggles of turning down opportunities that don't align with his convictions. The conversation concludes with Mark's aspirations for future projects and the role of spirituality in his creative process.   Art & Video video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/nathanpresley   Contact Mark | https://www.MarkFreiburger.com Takeaways: Mark Freiburger emphasizes the importance of storytelling over messaging in faith-based films. He shares his experience of making 'Between Borders' under a tight schedule and budget. Mark discusses his directing style and the techniques he employed during filming. He highlights the significance of personal faith in his creative process. Mark reflects on the challenges of turning down lucrative opportunities for personal convictions. He believes that the audience is more open to diverse stories than previously thought. Mark encourages aspiring filmmakers to immerse themselves in their craft and learn continuously. He shares insights on the importance of community and routine in his life as a father and filmmaker. Mark discusses the need for authenticity in faith-based storytelling. He expresses excitement for future projects that align with his values and creative vision.   Keywords:  Mark Freiburger, Between Borders, filmmaking, faith-based films, storytelling, directing, creative process, personal faith, community, inspiration, Angel studio, Elizabeth Tabish, Filmmaker, craft and calling,
Oct 24, 2025
52 min
Mad Charcoal | Fine Art
See his work: www.instagram.com/mad.charcoal Takeaways: Art can be a powerful expression of faith.The journey of an artist often begins in childhood.Navigating the intersection of faith and creativity is challenging yet rewarding.Marriage and family can significantly influence an artist's work.Passion and dedication are key to developing artistic skills.Art should reflect both darkness and light to convey deeper meanings.Representing Jesus in art requires careful consideration of theology.Nature can serve as a profound source of inspiration for artists.Art can facilitate meaningful conversations about faith.The impact of art can transcend belief systems and touch hearts. Art can bypass analytical barriers and reach the heart.The Holy Spirit's influence in creativity is often unrecognized.Artists may not fully control the interpretation of their work.Daily scripture reading can transform one's perspective.Community is essential for accountability and growth in faith.Stewardship of talents is a responsibility given by God.Social media can be addictive and distracting.Delayed gratification leads to deeper fulfillment.It's important to cut off distractions that lead to sin.Trusting God with emotional struggles is crucial for growth.   Summary In this conversation, Nathan Presley and artist Mad Charcoal, also known as Josh Hernandez, explore the intricate relationship between art and faith. They discuss Josh's journey as an artist, the influence of his family and marriage on his work, and the challenges of representing spiritual themes in art. The dialogue delves into the importance of balancing darkness and light in artistic expression, the theological implications of depicting Jesus, and the transformative power of art in fostering spiritual conversations. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the significance of finding inspiration in both faith and nature, highlighting how art can serve as a profound medium for exploring and expressing one's spiritual journey. In this conversation, Nathan Presley and Mad Charcoal explore the intersection of art, faith, and community. They discuss how art can serve as a form of worship, the role of the Holy Spirit in creativity, and the importance of community and accountability in spiritual growth. They also delve into the challenges of navigating social media and technology in a faith-driven life, emphasizing the need for stewardship of talents and the value of delayed gratification in personal and spiritual development.   Chapters 00:00 The Role of Art in Faith08:32 Creating Meaningful Artwork11:04 The Challenge of Representing Jesus13:37 The Depth of the Crucifixion16:13 Theological Reflections on Art24:06 The Nature of God and Artistic Expression26:46 Finding Inspiration in Darkness29:18 The Role of Faith in Creativity31:48 Transformative Power of Art34:37 Art as a Medium for Spiritual Connection38:32 The Influence of the Holy Spirit in Creativity41:32 Spiritual Practices and Community Engagement48:31 Navigating Community Challenges50:47 The Role of Art in Faith51:55 Understanding Ambition and Stewardship58:09 Transforming Technology Use01:07:37 Spiritual Growth and Delayed Gratification01:17:07 NEWCHAPTER   Keywords art, faith, creativity, Mad Charcoal, spiritual journey, artistic expression, marriage, inspiration, representation of Jesus, darkness and light, art, worship, Holy Spirit, creativity, spiritual practices, community, accountability, stewardship, social media, personal growth
Oct 16, 2025
1 hr 17 min
Don Clark  | Invisible Creature Co-Founder & Artist   | "The Intersection of Art & Faith"
Link to Don's Art & Kids book mentioned: https://invisiblecreature.com/shop?type=Books  Nathan Presley and Don Clark explore the intersection of art and faith, discussing the journey of Invisible Creature, the impact of community, and the balance between ambition and spirituality. They reflect on personal experiences, the role of family in creativity, and the evolving landscape of Christian art, emphasizing the importance of relationships and meaningful expression in their work. FLESH & BLOOD SHORT FILM WEB PAGE: https://www.prodigal.la/film Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background02:16 Faith and Personal Journey04:01 The Role of Music and Community06:31 Marriage and Family Dynamics09:21 The Importance of Relationships in Work11:57 Art's Impact and Purpose14:12 Legacy and Meaningful Projects19:48 Creative Inspirations and Personal Projects23:01 The Role of Faith in Creativity27:47 Navigating Faith and Professional Life34:29 Lessons from Experience and Ambition40:26 The Power of Memories and Communication42:53 The Impact of Fatherhood on Beliefs and Art45:26 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Creative Work45:41 The Emotional Weight of Film and Personal Experiences48:31 Creating Meaningful Art: A Journey of Faith54:24 Mentorship and Supporting Young Creatives Takeaways Art is a powerful expression of faith.Community plays a vital role in creative work.Navigating life's challenges can strengthen faith.Relationships with clients can lead to meaningful work.Ambition should be balanced with faith and purpose.Family influences creativity and artistic direction.Creating art can be a form of ministry.The quality of Christian art is improving.Young creatives need guidance and support.Personal experiences shape artistic expression.   Sound Bites "Art is a powerful expression of faith.""Creating art can be a form of ministry.""The future of Christian art is bright." Titles Art and Faith: A Conversation with Don ClarkThe Intersection of Creativity and Belief   Keywords art, faith, creativity, Invisible Creature, community, punk rock, family, Christian art, ambition, relationships
Oct 3, 2025
59 min
Kenneth Chang | "Christian Horror Films"
Their Website & Devo : www.uncommonvoices.faith/dont-look-away Kenneth Chang, a multifaceted filmmaker and the CEO of Uncommon Voices Collective and Nathan Presley explore the intersection of art and faith, discussing how Kenneth's experiences in the Korean church shaped his creative journey. Kenneth shares insights on the power of storytelling, particularly in the horror genre, as a means of healing and confronting personal and collective traumas. The discussion also touches on the challenges of filmmaking, the importance of community, and the spiritual practices that guide Kenneth's creative process. As they delve into the significance of honesty in storytelling, they emphasize the need for authenticity in faith-based narratives, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of art in both personal and communal contexts. Takeaways: Creation is a way for Christians to express their faith.Art has the power to heal and set captives free.The journey of filmmaking is filled with challenges and resistance.Spiritual practices like journaling can foster gratitude and reflection.Storytelling can be a means of confronting personal traumas.Community support is vital for creative growth.Authenticity in faith-based narratives is essential.The horror genre can effectively explore deep spiritual themes.Art can help us process our experiences and emotions.Engaging with beauty can bypass analytical barriers to healing.   Chapters 00:00 The Moment God Became Real07:27 The Journey into Filmmaking14:06 Creative Process and Spirituality18:19 Challenges in Filmmaking22:33 The Intersection of Horror and Spirituality28:25 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Creativity33:25 Facing Shadows: The Reality of Pain in Faith-Based Films43:04 The Power of Beauty and Art45:16 Spiritual Reflections Through Film47:54 Personal Spiritual Practices and Growth49:32 Advice to My Younger Self53:58 Current Endeavors and Community Impact58:33 Facing Personal Demons Through Art01:00:59 Resources for Creatives and Final Thoughts Keywords: Kenneth Chang, filmmaking, Christian horror, art and faith, storytelling, creative process, spiritual growth, healing through art, Uncommon Voices, horror genre
Sep 26, 2025
1 hr 5 min
CRAFT | Screenwriting | Pilar Alessandra
World renown screenwriting instructor & professor Pilar Alessandra talks simplifing story and writing craft Link to her podcast & More: onthepage.tv Takeaways: Writers often worry too much about making mistakes.Many new writers write stories that aren't their own.Finding your unique voice is crucial in writing.Setting time limits can help overcome writer's block.Originality doesn't mean complete uniqueness; it's about fresh perspectives.Loglines are essential for focusing your story.Successful writers enjoy the process and are open to experimentation.Playfulness in writing can lead to better creativity.Receiving notes should be about understanding intent, not just following advice.Writing partnerships require clear communication and agreements.   Summary Pilar Alessandra discussing common mistakes new writers make, the importance of finding one's unique voice, and strategies for overcoming writer's block. She emphasizes the significance of originality in storytelling, the role of loglines, and the dynamics of writing partnerships. Pilar also touches on creating faith-based stories without being preachy, the element of surprise in storytelling, and the importance of playfulness in the writing process. Throughout the discussion, she provides practical tips and encourages writers to embrace their creativity and enjoy the journey of storytelling.   Chapters 03:44 Common Mistakes in Writing06:26 Finding Your Unique Voice09:01 Breaking Down Story Structure11:37 Overcoming Writer's Block14:13 The Importance of Originality17:00 Developing Compelling Characters19:32 The Role of Loglines21:40 Patterns in Successful Writers25:28 Navigating Feedback: The Art of Receiving Notes26:20 The Note Process: Understanding Intentions29:02 Collaborative Writing: The Dynamics of Writing Partners31:21 Starting Your Writing Journey: Exercises and Exploration32:22 Faith-Based Storytelling: Balancing Message and Authenticity33:04 Show, Don't Tell: The Power of Subtext35:39 The Element of Surprise: Keeping Audiences Engaged39:04 Finding Balance: The Lift and Drag of Storytelling39:20 Personal Favorites: Films That Resonate43:30 Faith in Storytelling: Subtlety Over Preachiness45:01 Conveying the Unseen: Objects as Symbols in Storytelling
Sep 15, 2025
46 min
Cecily | Musician
Cecily's music reflects a deep intimacy with God.Discipleship involves unlearning harmful coping mechanisms.Pain can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith.Creativity thrives in a space of authenticity and vulnerability.The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the songwriting process.Cecily'sy aims to bridge the gap between Christian and mainstream music.Fear of man can stifle creativity and innovation.Boundaries are essential for maintaining a healthy creative process.Art should be enjoyed for its own sake, not just for commercial success.Cecily's future projects include a focus on film and television music.   : [email protected] www.youtube.com/@its_cecily https://www.instagram.com/its_cecily/     Nathan Presley and Cecily Hennigan explore the intersection of art and faith, discussing Cecily's journey as a musician and her experiences with discipleship, personal growth, and creativity. They delve into the importance of intimacy with God in the creative process, the challenges of navigating the Christian and mainstream music worlds, and the role of fear and authenticity in artistic expression. Cecily shares her aspirations for future projects and the significance of maintaining boundaries in her creative work, emphasizing the need for a balance between ambition and rest.   Chapters 00:00 Discipleship and Personal Growth03:39 Moments of Salvation and Lordship06:21 The Role of Pain in Spiritual Awakening09:11 Creative Process and the Holy Spirit11:51 Navigating Faith in the Creative Industry17:05 Challenges in Faith-Based Work22:28 Conclusion and Future Aspirations22:51 The Fear of Creativity and Scarcity Mentality25:19 Living Life to Inspire Art29:09 The Process of Songwriting and Inspiration31:51 The Significance of Recent Work34:05 The Gift of Rest in Creativity39:19 Ambition and Its Role in Artistic Expression46:20 The Otherworldly Nature of Art and Music47:21 Delight Over Discipline in Creativity48:49 The Balance of Ambition and Faith50:13 Understanding Identity in Creativity51:19 The Importance of Boundaries in Creative Work53:13 Exploring New Directions in Music54:55 The Role of Collaboration in Artistic Growth56:40 Creating with Substance in Mainstream Music58:33 Learning from Art and Embracing Creativity59:42 Resources for Believers in Creative Fields01:05:36 NEWCHAPTER   Keywords Cecily Hennigan, art and faith, music, discipleship, creativity, songwriting, Christian music, mainstream music, personal growth, intimacy with God
Sep 5, 2025
1 hr 10 min
Jamie Winship | Author & Speaker
Heaven Meets earth Jamie Winship Episode: https://youtu.be/LReIKCp5d-Q?si=lLaY58Aw7oe5JXQx Nathan Presley and Jamie Winship explore the intersection of faith, creativity, and identity. Jamie shares his personal journey of discovering God through art and how this experience shaped his understanding of vocation and creativity. They discuss the importance of community in forming identity, the role of fear in creativity, and the power of storytelling in healing. Jamie emphasizes that God is always communicating with us and that our true identity can only be discovered in community. The conversation highlights the messiness of life and faith, the need for love over fear, and the significance of embracing our unique stories.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey08:55 The Role of Creativity in Vocation18:17 Identity and Hearing from God27:40 Community and True Identity28:46 Embracing Identity Through Divine Affirmation31:06 The Role of Fear in Personal Growth36:58 Creativity and the Spirit-Led Journey43:05 Real Stories of Transformation and Faith53:08 Exploring Dark Stories and Authenticity54:29 The Messiness of Faith-Based Narratives56:15 Failure and Redemption in Biblical Stories58:32 The Infinite Game of Life01:01:16 Understanding Spiritual Battles01:04:13 The Power of Love Over Fear01:06:01 The Role of Storytelling in Healing   Takeaways Experiencing God often happens through creative expressions.Identity is crucial in understanding our vocation and purpose.Creativity can transform traditional roles, such as law enforcement.Fear can hinder creativity and self-expression.Hearing from God involves recognizing our true identity.Community plays a vital role in shaping our identity.Storytelling has the power to heal and connect people.Life is messy, and faith must embrace that messiness.Love is the antidote to fear and division.We must not let false identities dictate our lives.   Keywords faith, creativity, identity, storytelling, police work, community, fear, God, art, vocation, jamie winship
Aug 29, 2025
1 hr 10 min
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