The Kindlings Muse » Writing

Bearing the MysteryPodcast: Live At Image Journal on Orcas Island Segment 1 of 1

Mark — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:47:02 +0000

It has been said that, “a literary quarterly exists to acquaint unpopular writers with one another’s writings.” That is often true: but not always. Since its founding in 1989, Image Journal has not only emerged as one of North America’s leading quarterlies but has also carved out a unique identity as the source for contemporary art and literature that grapple with the perennial questions of religious faith. In this show we will feature the book Bearing the Mystery (Eerdmans 2010), which brings together in one handsome volume the best of Image Journal’s first twenty years — The book features an all-star cast of seventy writers including Scott Cairns, Annie Dillard, Clyde Edgerton, Patricia Hampl, Ron Hansen, Edward Hirsch, Linda Hogan, Denise Levertov, Kathleen Norris, Richard Rodrieguez and Wim Wenders.Also featured are over twenty visual artists. Our first guest is Gregory Wolfe publisher and editor of Image Journal, writer-in-residence and Director of the MFA in Creative Writing Program at Seattle Pacific University. We will also feature readings from Image Journal Board member and poet Luci Shaw followed by IMAGE Journal Staffers Taylor Morris, Anna Johnson and Dyana Herron.

The Lovely Bones Podcast: Live At Hales Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:11:38 +0000

Host Dick Staub leads us in a discussion about a world described by the SF Chronicle as “savagely beautiful that comes alive in a strange and compelling novel.” The book is The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold. The NYT said it is “mesmerizing ~ taking the stuff of neighborhood tragedy and turning it into literature.” Both the book and Peter Jackson movie version intertwine elements of a coming of age novel, a mystery, an exploration of the afterlife & heaven and an exploration of one family’s dysfunction & discontent exposed more clearly by tragedy. Our guests tonight are The Reverend Jennie Spohr, producer of TKM, film critic & ordained Presbyterian clergy and Dr. Jeff Keuss SPU professor and an engaging interpreter of theology in popular culture.

Dorothy Sayers: “The Whimsical Christian””Podcast: Live At Earl Palmer Ministries 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:58:39 +0000

Tonight host Dick Staub and Rev. Earl Palmer explore Dorothy Sayers, English crime writer, poet, playwright, essayist & Christian humanist, through a a series of essays originally published as The Whimsical Christian and later most are found in “Letters to a Diminished Church: Passionate Arguments for the Relevance of Christian Doctrine.”

The Great Divorce Podcast: Live At Taproot Theatre Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:47:02 +0000

Host Dick Staub is joined by a live audience at Taproot theatre in Seattle’s Greenwood district who had just seen the theatrical production of C.S’ Lewis’ The Great Divorce (adapted by George Drance). This work of fantasy portrays Christian perceptions of the life after death allegorically and follows one individual’s journey from hell/purgatory (”the grey town”) to heaven and salvation. We are joined by three esteemed guests , Rabbi Mark Glickman (Congregation Kol Shalom on Bainbridge Island, WA) Rev Patricia Hunter (An associate in ministry at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Seattle, WA.) and Taproot co-founder and Director Scott Nolte.

After the Storm: Hilla Medalia, John and Ed Priddy Podcast: Live from Sundance 2010 at The Windrider Forum: Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:10:58 +0000

Host Dick Staub discusses a film the NYT describes as “A big, warm hug of feel-better entertainment and a community salve.” The film tells the story of New York-based actor James Lecesne, choreographer Gerry McIntyre and musical director Randy Redd Who embark on a journey to New Orleans to see how they can help in the aftermath of Katrina. The artists quickly discover St. Mark’s Community Center at the edge of the historic French Quarter. It had been hit hard and forced to close, leaving a tremendous hole in the neighborhood’s heart. Why not mount a Broadway production with local teenage talent a raise money for the community? Writer/Director Hilla Medalia and Producers John and Ed Priddy are our guests as we discuss this thought-provoking, heart-warming story.

Three Ways to understand the World.” One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, by Alexander SolzhenitsynPodcast: Live At Earl Palmer Ministries 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:08:25 +0000

Welcome to The Kindlings Muse @ Earl Palmer Ministries. This event is taped for podcast in front of a live audience at the Burke Museum Café on the campus of the university of Washington. Each month we feature the Reverend Earl Palmer selecting and then discussing a book thinking Christians ought to read. In this show host Dick Staub and Earl Palmer discuss Three Ways to Understand the World as explored in Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. With the publication of this book, in 1962, during the brief Kruschev thaw, Solzhenitsyn became an international sensation. The story is set in a Soviet labor camp in the 1950s, and describes a single day of an ordinary prisoner.

The Defiant Traditionalist Who Believed in God: Orthodoxy, by G.K. Chesterton Podcast: Live At Earl Palmer Ministries 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:42:51 +0000

Beatnik Spirituality for Today: The New Dylans” Podcast: Live At Hales Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:31:56 +0000

Music is a language of the gods and when the lyrics are thoughtful all the more so. Tonight our topic is Beatnik Spirituality for Today: The New Dylans”A look at Dylan, Low, The Long Winters, Parenthetical Girls, Bright Eyes and Cold War Kids with Chris Estey, and special guest musicians Robert Deeble and Molly Rose. Chris Estey has been writing about music in Seattle since 1986. He has written for The Rocket, The Stranger, Seattle Sound Magazine, and other publications. He has worked at labels since the late 90s. Seattle Sound Magazine said, “Molly Rose draws intricate landscapes of narrative poetry. Her music is as driven by the intrinsic rythms of her words as by whatever nameless muse guides her. There’s nothing conventional about her songs, but she’s hardly a weirdo folksinger. She’s just a lovely songwriter, and if you’re ready to listen closely, you wont be disappointed.” Robert Deeble’s music has been described as “Wistful folk-pop, sparsely arranged, gracefully performed, and achingly beautiful to behold.”Jack Kerouac introduced the phrase “Beat Generation” in 1948, his social circle to characterize the underground, anti-conformist young (50’s early 60’s). When asked, what is beatnik spirituality?” at a Brandeis Forum titled Is There A Beat Generation? he answered, ““It is because I am Beat, that is, I believe in beatitude and that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son to it… Who knows, but that the universe is not one vast sea of compassion actually, the veritable holy honey, beneath all this show of personality and cruelty.”

Dr. Jerry Root: Broken Beauty, Art and the Awakening of EmpathyPodcast: Live at KindlingsFest 2009

Mark — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:58:02 +0000

KindlingsFest 2009 explored theme of Broken Beauty with Dr. Jerry Root, Nigel Goodwin and artists-in-residence Bruce Herman, Michael Ward, Rick Stevenson and Michael Kelly Blanchard.

Dr. Jerry Root: Broken Beauty, Art and the Awakening of DesirePodcast: Live at KindlingsFest 2009

Mark — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:28:59 +0000

KindlingsFest 2009 explored theme of Broken Beauty with Dr. Jerry Root, Nigel Goodwin and artists-in-residence Bruce Herman, Michael Ward, Rick Stevenson and Michael Kelly Blanchard.

Bruce Herman’s JourneyPodcast: Live at KindlingsFest 2009

Mark — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:51:12 +0000

Dick Staub interviews artist in residence Bruce Herman, whose painting “Called” was featured at KindlingsFest 2009. KindlingsFest 2009 explored theme of Broken Beauty with Dr. Jerry Root, Nigel Goodwin and artists-in-residence Bruce Herman, Michael Ward, Rick Stevenson and Michael Kelly Blanchard.

Dr. Jerry Root: Broken Beauty: Madness, the Arts, and the Restoration of Sanity Podcast: Live at KindlingsFest 2009

Mark — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:56:52 +0000

KindlingsFest 2009 explored theme of Broken Beauty with Dr. Jerry Root, Nigel Goodwin and artists-in-residence Bruce Herman, Michael Ward, Rick Stevenson and Michael Kelly Blanchard.

Angels and Demons; Departures; Star Trek; Audience of One; Times and Winds; Wise Blood; The Wrestler; A Walk to Beautiful; Lord of the Rings on Blu-ray; Moon.TKM Live at The Movies Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:03:14 +0000

Host Dick Staub facilitates a discussion of film with author and film critic Jeffrey Overstreet , producer and film critic Jennie Spohr and Greg Wright Managing Editor of Hollywood Jesus and Past The Popcorn. Films discussed on this podcast include: Angels and Demons; Departures; Star Trek; Audience of One; Times and Winds; Wise Blood; The Wrestler; A Walk to Beautiful; Lord of the Rings on Blu-ray; Moon.

Knowing; Coraline; Sunshine Cleaning; Days and Clouds; Rachel Getting Married; Still Life; Silent Light; The Robe; Jesus of Montreal. TKM Live at The Movies Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Host Dick Staub facilitates a discussion of film with Jeffery Overstreet, producer and film critic Jennie Spohr and Greg Wright Managing Editor of HollywoodJesus.com & Past the Popcorn. Films discussed on this podcast include: Knowing; Coraline; Sunshine Cleaning; Days and Clouds; Rachel Getting Married; Still Life; Silent Light; The Robe; Jesus of Montreal.

Unmistakably Real: The Touchstone of Reality in Two Whimsical Books of C. S. Lewis Books to read: The Silver Chair and The Screwtape Letters Podcast: Live At Earl Palmer Ministries 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:07:59 +0000

Welcome to The Kindlings Muse @ Earl Palmer Ministries. This event is taped for podcast in front of a live audience at the Burke Museum Café on the campus of the university of Washington. Each month we feature the Reverend Earl Palmer selecting and then discussing a book thinking Christians ought to read. In this show host Dick Staub and Earl Palmer discuss Unmistakably Real: The Touchstone of Reality in Two Whimsical Books of C. S. Lewis. Books to read: The Silver Chair and The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis.

Theology of Music : (Bob Dylan and the New Spirituals: Sufjan Stevens and Fleet Foxes) Podcast: Live At Hales Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:24:25 +0000

Dick Staub hosts a Theology of Music Show with guests Jeff Keuss and Nigel Goodwin. The discussion includes a look the idea of “new spirituals” through the music of Bob Dylan, Sufjan Stevens and Fleet Foxes.

Theology of Academy Award Best Picture Nominees: (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Frost/Nixon. Milk. The Reader. Slumdog Millionaire) Podcast: Live At Hales Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:27:39 +0000

A discussion of the theology of the five nominees for Academy Awards in the Best Picture category. Hosted by Dick Staub with guests Gregory Wright Managing Editor of HollywoodJesus.com and Past the Popcorn, Jennie Spohr film critic, ordained Presbyterian clergy and Dr. Jeff Keuss a professor at SPU and an engaging interpreter of theology in popular culture.

Sin Nombre (Winner Directing & Cinematography U.S. drama). Writer & director Cary Joji Fukunaga and Producer Amy Kaufman. Podcast: Live from Sundance 2009 at The Windrider Forum: Segment 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:52:58 +0000

Craig Detweiler hosts a discussion at Sundance/Windrider with writer & director Cary Joji Fukunaga and Producer Amy Kaufman about their film Sin Nombre. The Sundance description is as follows: It’s almost impossible to believe that Sin Nombre is Cary Joji Fukunaga’s feature debut; its storytelling is so accomplished, its visual style so crisp, and its heightened naturalism and performances so textured. A social-political thriller in the tradition of American film noir, Sin Nombre is set on the border, where Mexico becomes the crucible and the fearsome gangs of today’s Mexican countryside, the gauntlet, to freedom. The stories of Sayra, a teenager living in Honduras and hungering for a brighter future, and teen gang members Smiley and Casper, for whom the Mara Salvatrucha is nearly their entire universe, become interlaced on the train to the border, a journey that will determine the future of their lives.

Adam (Winner Alfred P. Sloan prize). Screenwriter/Director Max Mayer and producer Miranda De Pencier.Podcast: Live from Sundance 2009 at The Windrider Forum: Segment 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:17:27 +0000

Craig Detweiler hosts a discussion at Sundance/Windrider with Screenwriter/Director Max Mayer and producer Miranda De Pencier. The Sundance description is as follows:In movies, when two twenty-somethings serendipitously wind up under the same Manhattan roof, witty repartee usually transpires, then sparks fly, and eventually they fall into bed. But the boy and the girl in Adam are no ordinary characters, and their romance is anything but familiar. Soon after moving in, Beth, a brainy, beautiful writer, encounters Adam, the handsome, but odd, fellow in the downstairs apartment.

Arlen Faber. Screenwriter/Director John Hindman Podcast: Live from Sundance 2009 at The Windrider Forum: Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:30:05 +0000

Craig Detweiler hosts a discussion at Sundance/Windrider with Screenwriter/Director John Hindman. The Sundance description is as follows: Arlen Faber (Jeff Daniels) is the reclusive author of Me and God, a book that has redefined spirituality for an entire generation. On the eve of the twentieth anniversary of his still-wildly-popular book, Arlen continues to be sought after as the man with all the answers. Then his life collides with those of Elizabeth (Lauren Graham), a single mom raising her seven-year-old son, and Kris (Lou Taylor Pucci), a young man fresh out of rehab who is searching for meaning. Both Elizabeth and Kris are hopeful that Arlen has answers for them, but the truth is, he hasn’t got a clue.

Short Term 12 (Jury prize, U.S. short filmmaking): Sundance Short Award winner. Panel Discussion Podcast: Live from Sundance 2009 at The Windrider Forum: Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:13:37 +0000

Craig Detweiler hosts a discussion with writer & director Destin Daniel Cretton and Producer Michelle Steffes about their film Short Term 12, winner of the short film award at Sundance 2009 from The Windrider Forum. The discussion explores youth culture with Dr. Chap Clark, Professor of youth, family and culture at Fuller Seminary Professor and Rev. Thomas R. Hinson associate producer of “As we Forgive” and former a mental health professional.

Twilight ~ the movie, the book, the cultural phenomena! Podcast: Live At Hales Segment 1 of 1

Mark — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:12:51 +0000

Twilight in book form is a runaway best seller. Twilight, the film has been described as “a full-blown cultural phenomena” (LA Times), “The most epic romance since titanic (Hollywood.com), “Phenomenal, magnificent” (Wireless Magazine). Twilight opens with these lines, “About three things I was absolutely positive: First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.” Host Dick Staub facilitates a discussion about Twilight with guests Jennie Spohr film critic, ordained Presbyterian clergy and Dr. Jeff Keuss a professor at SPU and an engaging interpreter of theology in popular culture.

Body of Lies. I.O.U.S.A. Religulous. Expelled. Fireproof. Awake My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp, Lord, Save Us From Your Followers. Trouble the Water (documentary about Hurricane Katrina). War, Inc.TKM Live at The Movies Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:16:57 +0000

In our newest Kindlings Muse Show we bring you a discussion of current film releases, new DVD releases and films everybody should see in a discussion featuring Jeffrey Overstreet film critic, author of Auralia’s Colors and Through a Screen Darkly and Gregory Wright, Senior Editor of HollywoodJesus.com.

The Stories of the Marvelous: The Imagination as a Servant of Grace: An Experiment in Criticism by CS Lewis and The Shack by William Young. Podcast: Live At Earl Palmer Ministries 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:57:00 +0000

Welcome to the premiere of The Kindlings Muse @ Earl Palmer Ministries. This event is taped for podcast in front of a live audience at the Burke Museum Café on the campus of the university of Washington. Each Month we will feature the Reverend Earl Palmer selecting and then discussing a book every thinking Christian ought to read. In this show we will discuss two books: An Experiment in Criticism by CS Lewis and The Shack by William Young.

The Shack AttackPodcast: Live At Hales Segment 1 of 1

Dick Staub — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:34:36 +0000

The Shack is a book people either love or hate ~ theologically, literarily, therapeutically ~ few find middle ground. Tonight we want to hear the views of our live audience and commentary from of our panel of Kindlings, the irrepressible Bill Hogg, singer/songwriter/therapist Robert Deeble and broadcaster, pastor/theologian & all around gadfly Randy Rowland.

Anne Rice: From “An Interview with the Vampire,” to “Christ the Lord.”Podcast: Dick Staub Interview. Segment 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:43:30 +0000

A Dick Staub conversation with Anne Rice. You can’t judge a book by its cover goes the old adage. After years of interviewing culturally influential authors I would add, neither can you always judge the author by the book. Who knew Margaret Atwood, author of “A Handmaid’s Tale,” would tell me (off-the-air) of her insistence on attending Sunday School as a child, though her scientist parent’s were both atheists? Who knew feminist Susan Faludi would take the time to sit in on a Promise Keepers meeting and then defend the movement to her less informed cadre of friends, having concluded, “what can be so bad about a group of men who want to be better husbands and fathers?” Who knew the real story behind Anne Rice’s “Interviews With a Vampire?” You will after listening to this amazing conversation.

George Sayer, “Jack, A Life of CS Lewis” Podcast: Journeys Interview Segment 1 of 1

Carlo Nakar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:44:12 +0000

A reprise of Dick Staub’s interview with George Sayer who tells the story of his first meeting with CS Lewis followed by a report to JRR Tolkien. “I walked away from New Buildings and found the man that Lewis had called Tollers sitting on one of the stone steps in front of the arcade. “How did you get on?” he asked. “I think rather well. I think he will be a most interesting tutor to have.” “Interesting? Yes, he’s certainly that,” said the man who I later learned was JRR Tolkien. “You’ll never get to the bottom of him.” Over the next twenty-nine years, author George Sayer’’s first impression about CS Lewis proved true. he was interesting’ but he was more than just that. He was a devout Christian, gifted literary scholar, best-selling author, and brilliant apologist. Sayer draws from a variety of sources, including his close friendship with Lewis and the million-word diary of Lewis’s brother, to paint a portrait of the man whose friends knew as Jack. Offering glimpses into Lewis’ extraordinary relationships and experiences, “Jack” details the great scholar’s life at the Kilns; days at Magdalen College; meetings with the Inklings’ marriage to Joy Davidman Gresham; and the creative process that produced such a world-famous works as the classic Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, and The Screwtape Letters. This book is an intimate account of the man who “helped” and through his works, continues to “help” generations hear and understand the heart of Christianity.

Douglas Gresham aboard Sea Cloud II CS Lewis Study Trip. Podcast: Dick Staub Show Interview Segment 1 of 1

Carlo Nakar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:50:51 +0000

In August 2007 Dick Staub interviewed C.S. Lewis stepson Douglas Gresham aboard Sea Cloud II as it sailed on the Irish Sea. This First Century Voyages trip also included presentations from Lewis’ Scholar Dr. Jerry Root from Wheaton College.

CS Lewis Looks At Mysticism Podcast: Live at CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 1

Carlo Nakar — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:04:30 +0000

William Butler Yeats once said, “The mystical life is the center of all that I do and all that I think and all that I write. . .” This same thing could not be said of CS Lewis, whose faith was grounded in reason. In this episode of The Kindlings Muse @ the CS Lewis Center we explore the role of the mystical in the life and thought of CS Lewis. We originate from the campus of Seattle Pacific University as host Dick Staub interviews Rev. Earl Palmer, senior pastor of University Presbyterian Church and long time explorer of CS Lewis, Kim Gilnett leader of the team that restored Lewis home, the Kilns through the CS Lewis Foundation and Dr. Mike MacDonald professor of European studies, and coeditor of CS Lewis and GK Chesterton’s “The Riddle of Joy.”

Sir Ken Robinson. “Do Schools Kill Creativity?”Guest Blogger Dick Staub

Dick Staub — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:21:58 +0000

My friend Marty sent me an email that said. “Watch This.” Good friends don’t waste good friends time in seasons where there is none to be wasted, so I knew he meant business…the business of rekindling creativity among thoughtful creatives for whom God is of central importance. I now pass it on to you. “Watch it! Taped at the renowned TEDS event, Sir Ken Robinson asks: “Do schools kill creativity?” The questions he raises and implications of his answers are simple and profound. Best of all–he tells a story of a little girl drawing God that I’ve been telling the past few years! It captures the innocence, optimism, hopefulness, faith and creativity of a child. ??A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s artwork. As she came to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, “I’m drawing God.” The teacher paused and said, “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, “They will in a minute.“?? Artists always love this story. In a sense all art in one way or another provides a snapshot of some insight into God. The story also reminds us of how far we can slip from the wonder of childlikeness to the jadedness of crabbed olderness.? ?Yours for the pursuit of God in the company of friends, Dick Staub.