Episodes

Send Tim a Text Message. Truth is easy to preach until a real story puts someone’s family on the line. That’s where our conversation with Doug Van Pelt gets honest fast and why it’s one of the most important Creative Christians interviews we’ve done. We sit down with Doug, the founder and longtime editor behind Heaven’s Metal Magazine, later known as HM, to unpack how a six-page, cut-and-paste fanzine became a defining voice for Christian metal, hard rock, and “hard music” culture. Doug walk...

Send Tim a Text Message. Embark on a journey with Christian rock pioneers Kemper Crabb (ArkAngel) and Frank Hart (Atomic Opera) through the landscapes of faith and sound that define Contemporary Christian Music. Host Tim Ristow guides the conversation with these two legends to uncover the genesis of this genre with Kemper during the Jesus Music era to Frank building on that legacy during the '90's, while also peering into the personal faith paths that carved their storied careers. From the vibra...

Navigating the intersection of spirituality and artistry can often be challenging, but Americana and Folk musician Angie Goeke does it with grace. Her story, which she shares with an open heart in our latest episode, is a tapestry of early choir experiences, the nurturing of her talent, and the strength to pursue her passion as a Christian creative in the secular music industry. Angie shares her insights into creating music that combines cathartic lyrics, heartfelt storytelling and passionate in...

Embark on a festive odyssey where the rich tapestry of Christmas and the stirring narrative of God's incarnation are interwoven in a celebration of creativity and faith. This episode is an open invitation to rediscover the holiday's deep roots through artistic expression and intentional practices. As our homes transform with decorations and our hearts warm with family traditions, we delve into meaningful customs that draw us nearer to the story of Jesus. We'll reminisce over personal Christmas m...

Need some inspiration? In this first topic based episode, host Tim Ristow goes solo, taking you on a deep dive into what it means to be inspired, how inspiration works and how best to respond to it when you're inspired. Ristow gives listeners 5 important takeaways on how you can help jumpstart inspiration in your own creative life. Learn how inspiration influences our creativity, our faith, and what we create; get some Biblical examples of inspiration along the way; and examine the greatest Cre...

Scott Nurmela is an actor, writer, director and even a set designer. Scott has acted in theater, television and film. He’s been in over 100 theatrical productions as a part of The Popcorn Players in Azle, Texas, a community theater group of which he serves as president. He’s written four plays. His latest, “The Front Porch” is a wonderful tale about a newlywed couple who buys a home and lives in it all their lives, with various scenes from across their lives all playing out on the front porch of...

In the second season debut episode, host Tim Ristow welcomes returning guest, Dr. Kurt Senske, back on to discuss his latest book titled, “The CEO and the Board: The Art of Nonprofit Governance as a Competitive Advantage”. Dr. Senske delves into the very relationship driven world of governance between a CEO and a board and between individual board members. Digging into topics such as communication, ethics and personal integrity, Kurt discusses the critical importance of not only who serves as C...

Nature & wildlife photographer Dave DeVore joins host Tim Ristow to discuss how he uses his photography skills as a tool to witness to the wonders of God's Creation. Providing a mix of helpful photography tips, descriptions of personal favorite photographs, and insights into the habitats and animals that he has had the opportunity to observe and photograph, DeVore shares a wide range of photography related stories with his folksy charm. DeVore is a member of the North American Nature Photography...

Jazz musician Eric Willis joins host Tim Ristow for an in-depth & powerful interview about music, family, fathers & sons, abuse, the Gospel, theology, and forgiveness and redemption. Eric’s story is tied intimately into music and family. Eric is a highly talented and experienced pianist and keyboard artist out of Dallas, Texas who also began as a percussionist. Mentored early on by the musical talents of people like Terrebonne Parish public school teacher, Howard Nixon, in Houma, Louisiana (whe...

Award-winning author, Deborah DeArmond, one of the writers behind "The Write Calling: Encouragement for the Writer's Heart" joins host Tim Ristow to discuss her writing, her books, coaching for writers and her faith. DeArmond has written 6 books, including “Related by Chance, Family by Choice”, “I Choose You Today", and "Don’t Go to Bed Angry. Stay Up and Fight!” All three books focus on relationship dynamics, communication, and conflict resolution. Her humorous devotional entitled “Bumper Stic...

Film Scholar Dr. Philip Hohle started teaching video production & communication courses at Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas in the 1980’s. Host Tim Ristow was one of his students in his Introduction to Media class. Hohle went on to form his own production company, Parabolic Productions, in 1991 and has produced hundreds of videos over 20+ years in video production. Parabolic eventually became the preferred video production company for The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod in St. Louis. ...

Filmmaker Philip Hohle started producing videos and films at Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas in the 1980’s. He also taught communications classes at the college and host Tim Ristow was one of his students in his Introduction to Media class. Hohle went on to form his own production company, Parabolic Productions, in 1991. Parabolic eventually became the preferred video production company for The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod in St. Louis. Hohle started producing the event and post-g...

Tim welcomes author Dr. Kurt Senske to the show to discuss his calling and his writing. Dr. Senske has written four books: "The Wine and the Word: Savor & Serve" (2014), "The Calling: Live a Life of Significance" (2010), "Personal Values" (2004), and "Executive Values" (2003). Senske has a fifth book arriving in 2023, tentatively titled "The CEO and the Board: The Art of Governance as a Competitive Advantage". Senske served as CEO of Upbring (formerly Lutheran Social Services) for 23 years. Pri...

Tim continues his interview with his friend and VoiceOver artist Monte Reid from Sweden. Hear some of Monte's creative character voices and learn about some of the most unusual places & spaces where Monte has had to record voicoevers. Monte discusses some of his experiences on film sets and in video productions, both as an actor and voice talent. Hear a sample song from Monte as he discusses why he is so passionate about singing. In addition, Tim asks Monte about his book, "Speak from the Heart"...

In this episode, host Tim Ristow talks with his friend and voice talent Monte Reid from Sweden. Monte has recorded his voice for thousands of film trailers, documentaries and productions. He's also an actor, singer, writer and former youth minister. Get to know Monte, including how he and Tim first met; hear stories from some of Monte's voiceover career and a sample of his voice work; hear a wonderful story about how Monte met his wife, Marica; learn how he went from Texas to Colorado and ultima...

Host Tim Ristow gets to know the creative side of author & pastor, Mike Newman. Ristow delves into Newman's approach to writing and how he approaches the creative process. Newman also reflects on how sharing aspects of his personal story is an important asset in connecting with readers, talks about dealing with pain and loss in his own personal history, and examines how his faith informs his writing. Newman has written a dozen books, including "Harrison Town", "There Is No God - Or Is There?", "...