Powerful insights from a power couple. Angela & James, both new, yet intelligent writers, are amid their own modern age love story - prayers for the engaged couple! Engage with them as they share their process of writing and reflections of learning “obedience” to the "divine" inspiration which, all of us as Christian artists pray, comes from God. 

James' Website: crowelljames.com

“Obedient to their inspiration in creating works both worthwhile and beautiful, they [artists] not only enrich the cultural heritage of each nation and of all humanity, but they also render an exceptional social service in favour of the common good.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999). 

The host of The Society of G.K. Chesterton’s podcast, Uncommon Sense, Grettelyn Darkey joins us to share about her time working in audio dramas for We Are One Body Radio Station. With over 10 years of experience working in the field of all things audio, this episode is one for the books! 

“The worst moment for an atheist is when he is really thankful and has no one to thank.” - G.K. Chesterton 

Uncommon Sense Podcast: https://rb.gy/ynafgb 

We Are One Body Radio: https://www.waob.org/ 

The Executioner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAZCQOiEjdM. 

“May the beauty which you pass on to generations still to come be such that it will stir them to wonder! Faced with the sacredness of life and of the human person, and before the marvels of the universe, wonder is the only appropriate attitude. People of today and tomorrow need this enthusiasm if they are to meet and master the crucial challenges which stand before us. Thanks to this enthusiasm, humanity, every time it loses its way, will be able to lift itself up and set out again on the right path. In this sense it has been said with profound insight that “beauty will save the world.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999). 

With over 20 years of culinary experience, chef Jo-Jo Doyle began his journey cooking for the MTV Music Video Awards. Since his impressive start, Jo-Jo has gone on to grace prestigious kitchens as the Executive Chef in places such as Churchill Downs, home of the world-renown Kentucky Derby, to his present position at the Honda Center, home of the Anaheim Ducks. Jo-Jo is a cradle Catholic from the south who has discovered a newfound zeal for the faith of his upbringing, allowing the Lord to reignite his heart at this mid-point in his journey. Chatting with Jo-Jo was incredibly inspiring & refreshing, allow his story to propel you to welcome Jesus into wherever you are in your life (career, age, state in life, etc...) 

“All artists experience the unbridgeable gap which lies between the work of their hands, however successful it may be, and the dazzling perfection of the beauty glimpsed in the ardour of the creative moment: what they manage to express in their painting, their sculpting, their creating is no more than a glimmer of the splendour which flared for a moment before the eyes of their spirit.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999). 

Graphic Design – where beauty meets function. In this episode, JPCatholic student Delaney Rayner shares about her journeys, from Franciscan University of Steubenville to JPCatholic, from journalism to graphic design to photography. Tune in to hear reflections on how fashion, femininity and even fonts are a place to encounter intentional beauty!  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiat.lux.photo/ 

Website: https://delaneyrayner.wixsite.com/media  

“In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art. Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God. It must therefore translate into meaningful terms that which is in itself ineffable. Art has a unique capacity to take one or other facet of the message and translate it into colours, shapes and sounds which nourish the intuition of those who look or listen. It does so without emptying the message itself of its transcendent value and its aura of mystery.” 

(St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999). 

“It is history blended with spirituality!” exclaims Amanda Brier while talking about the lives of the saints. This episode is certainly one blended with history & spirituality! Along with work on many other projects such as Bella, The Human Experience, and Discovery's Treasure Quest, Brier is currently heading-up international partnerships for Bosco Films' documentary, “FREE” - a documentary which offers an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of cloistered men & women – something that is RARE to see. “FREE” is being released in US theatres this Thursday, Nov. 2nd. Check out the website for more information! 

www.freethemovie.org 

“The history of art, therefore, is not only a story of works produced but also a story of men and women. Works of art speak of their authors; they enable us to know their inner life, and they reveal the original contribution which artists offer to the history of culture.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999). 

Growing in patience, adaptability, and trust in the Lord, Noelle Guldner has found this career in music therapy to be the perfect way to integrate her interest in psychology, love of music and call to serve others. In this episode, Noelle reflects on impactful experiences that she has shared by using her gifts in music to accompany others through difficult moments.  You won’t want to miss these touching stories! To learn more about music therapy – click here! https://musictherapy.westmusic.com/ 

“The faith of countless believers has been nourished by melodies flowing from the hearts of other believers, either introduced into the liturgy or used as an aid to dignified worship. In song, faith is experienced as vibrant joy, love, and confident expectation of the saving intervention of God.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).  

Recordings from Rome! In this episode, we are joined by, Br. Elijah McLellan, LC, our first guest from overseas. While studying with the Legionaries of Christ in Italy, Br. Elijah discovered a new artistic talent... writing! Intrigued by the lack of worthwhile content in modern books and inspired by fantasy series such as “Lord of the Rings,” Br. Elijah decided to write his own series inspired by Arthurian times, “Avalon.” You can learn more about the series or buy the books using the links below. 

Instagram: @elijahmclellanlc 

Avalon: Therkrol - https://a.co/d/aBjArgn 

Avalon: Brennius - https://a.co/d/fJnzOq2 

“Overseeing the mysterious laws governing the universe, the divine breath of the Creator Spirit reaches out to human genius and stirs its creative power. He touches it with a kind of inner illumination which brings together the sense of the good and the beautiful, and he awakens energies of mind and heart which enable it to conceive an idea and give it form in a work of art.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999). 

“It can’t be wrong, you made it up!” “Satire is the search for truth.” “Improv & Shakespeare are not that different...” “You just took so much pressure off the perfectionist.” In this episode, Donovan Bakin, student at JPCatholic, reflects on the power of improv whether that’s through stage acting, playing music, or interacting in daily life!  Improv has a huge impact on our ability to “play” and to be those little children who Jesus calls to himself.  

“From chaos there rises the world of the spirit”. These words of Adam Mickiewicz, written at a time of great hardship for his Polish homeland, (28) prompt my hope for you: may your art help to affirm that true beauty which, as a glimmer of the Spirit of God, will transfigure matter, opening the human soul to the sense of the eternal.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999). 

St. Peter, sacrament photos, and... STALKERS!? Sounds strange...Join us on this week’s episode for an incredible episode with the energetic & insightful Kaylee Toole! You’ll hear all about her inspiration for photography, passion for the “textures” of the Catholic faith, and how this gift has become her avenue to “see” Jesus.  

Instagram | @ka_toole  

Website | www.kayleetoole.com 

“It is true nevertheless that, in the modern era, alongside this Christian humanism which has continued to produce important works of culture and art, another kind of humanism, marked by the absence of God and often by opposition to God, has gradually asserted itself. Such an atmosphere has sometimes led to a separation of the world of art and the world of faith, at least in the sense that many artists have a diminished interest in religious themes. 

You know, however, that the Church has not ceased to nurture great appreciation for the value of art as such. Even beyond its typically religious expressions, true art has a close affinity with the world of faith, so that, even in situations where culture and the Church are far apart, art remains a kind of bridge to religious experience.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999). 

Are you discerning the priesthood? Are you interested in serving in the military? Do you enjoy music? If you answered yes to any of these questions...this is an episode FOR YOU! Tune in to hear from Andrew Bilgri, seminarian of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois. He is a former member of the army band, a music major from Illinois State University, and man of many talents. Allow his story to inspire you to use all your artistic talents, however big or small they may be, to guide you in God’s sometimes challenging, yet always beautiful plan for your life. 

Andrew would like to promote the Diocese of Peoria Seminarians. Check out more about them through the links below: 

Peoria Vocations: https://comeandfollowme.org/ 

Life is Still Worth Living - https://open.spotify.com/show/2zq6trb4Qcjo2C2qQdahV5?si=02052fa3f53e47e0 

“The artist has a special relationship to beauty. In a very true sense, it can be said that beauty is the vocation bestowed on him by the Creator in the gift of “artistic talent.” And, certainly, this too is a talent which ought to be made to bear fruit, in keeping with the sense of the Gospel parable of the talents” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).