Forefront 360

Earlier this year, Nate & Rich reviewed the first 2 episodes of The Chosen Season 5. In this episode, they finish reviewing the whole season. They discuss the unique pacing of the season, the character development of John and Judas, and the dramatic ending. The first 11 minutes of this episode are spoiler-free, so you can listen even if you haven’t watched Season 5.

In this episode, Cody interviews Mark Buchanan. Mark is an author, speaker, pastor, and professor. He is the Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Ambrose University.

Cody and Rich interview Dr. Benjamin Myers about his new book of essays, Ambiguity & Belonging. The conversation covers, among other things, the formation that comes from sticking in a community; the balance of particularity and ambiguity in the arts; whether reading classics is important; the benefits of sports; and whether non-Scripture poetry ought to be part of church services.

In this quick episode, we summarize two special opportunities coming up this month: Art for Ukraine benefit event on June 6 at Browncroft Community Church. Admission is free. RSVP here. Bombadil: A Four-Week Study of Vocation, Calling, and Mastery. Sign up here.

Cody, Nate, and special guest Megan Mancini discuss the new hit series on Prime Video, House of David.

Nate and Rich discuss Season 5, Part 1 of The Chosen, the acclaimed series about Jesus and his disciples. The first 15 minutes of this podcast episode is spoiler-free, so you can listen even if you haven't yet seen The Chosen Season 5. 

Cody talks to singer/songwriter Jesse Dean Boland about Canada, church music, drums, and his new single, Old Church Pew.

Nate talks to Matthew Mellema about his new middle-grade novel, RED REX—how Matthew crafted the story, how he was informed by history, and how he thinks about the integration of faith and literature. Matthew Mellema is the author of RED REX (Bandersnatch Books). He was born and raised in Colorado Springs: a place surrounded by dinosaur bones. After studying literature at Oxford and law at Yale, Matthew returned to Colorado. Once back home, the dinosaur bones of his childhood reignited his imagination.

Zack speaks with Cary Brege of Havenwood about hospitality, house shows, and the essential role of beauty in the world. 

In this special Christmas episode, Dr. Benjamin Myers reads his essay Advent in Oklahoma. His new book, Ambiguity and Belonging, is now available from Belle Point Press.

Now that Cody has just finished reading The Lord of the Rings for the first time, he and Nate discuss its brilliance, its quirks, and its enduring appeal.  

Heather speaks to Jennifer E. Greenman, a landscape watercolor painter who explores the moody and temporal landscapes of our world. Her impressionist-style brushwork and harmonious color schemes connect the viewer to a world that is endlessly being created again and again by its Maker.

Rich, Nate and Megan discuss Season 2 of the Prime Video series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The first 20 minutes are spoiler-free reactions, so you can listen before you watch. After that, we move to our detailed thoughts on the season.

Heather speaks to mixed media artist Cody F. Miller about his art, experiences, and inspirations.

Rich, Nate and special guest Dan Christman review The Chosen Season 4. The first 17 minutes are spoiler-free, so you can listen even if you haven't watched the season yet.

Zack talks to singer/songwriter Benjamin Daniel. They discuss the process of becoming a songwriter, artistic influences, goals & passions, and holding on to Christ.

Rich and Heather discuss various art they've been experiencing recently: Polaroid Lovers by Sarah Jarosz Dr. Who The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again by The Decemberists

Nate, Cody, and special guest Luke Rosamilia review Leif Enger's latest novel, I Cheerfully Refuse. The first 30 minutes of the episode are spoiler-free, then we dive into plot details.

The Forefront crew & guest stars gather to discuss the question "Is it time for hero movies to end?" We talk about our favorite superhero films, the difference between a hero and a superhero, and why hero movies could have lasting value for society.

Cody and Nate discuss Josh Garrels' new single, Watchman, and then rank their favorite songs in Josh Garrels' entire discography.