We talk (again!) today with the spiritual father and inspiration of Flying Colors: Matt Childers. Matt is the reason this podcast exists and remains a constant encouragement to me personally. We talk today about basic human decency, mourning the death of the influence of Ravi Zacharias, the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast, and a way forward for the church.

"Flying Colors" created by Stephen Webster, Ryan Neff and Aaron Jentgen

Written and directed by Stephen Webster

Executive Producer - Matt Childers

Sound Editing & Production - Brandon West

Artwork - Michael Overbeck

Intro music: "Balconies" by Paper Route

Outro music: "Communication" by Ace Merino

After an 11-month hiatus, we talk with Kayla Smith about her work with students, the arts, and the ongoing search for justice in America. 

"Flying Colors" created by Stephen Webster, Ryan Neff and Aaron Jentgen

Written and directed by Stephen Webster

Executive Producer - Matt Childers

Sound Editing & Production - Brandon West

Artwork - Michael Overbeck

Intro Music - "Balconies" by Paper Route

Outro Music - "This is America" by Childish Gambino

Dave Ferrier is the owner/proprietor and lead baker at Slow Rise Bakehouse in Forest Grove, Oregon. Dave and his wife Meredith have been a part of the community there for many years and are committed to diverse and resilient agriculture. Dave and I talk about music, farming, community, and living your dreams. Dave is a wise, good and old soul and I can't wait for you to meet him.

Slow Rise Bakehouse

Show notes:

Executive Producer: Matthew Childers

Sound Editor: Brandon West

Design: Michael Overbeck

Wendell Berry - Christianity and the Survival of Creation

Wendell Berry - The Peace of Wild Things

Makito Fujimora - The Four Holy Gospels

Makito Fujimora - Culture Care

Intro music: "Balconies" by Paper Route

Outro music: "Helplessness Blues" by Fleet Foxes

I'm joined this week by three members of the extraordinary Byrd family. Russell from East Lansing, Michigan, Wesleigh from Laguna Beach, California, and Maddie from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

I talk with Russell about his international professional basketball career and navigating the pandemic with his young family.

I talk with Wesleigh about art, place and beauty in a season of tremendous uncertainty.

I talk with Maddie about the great University of Michigan, the interruptions in her athletic career, and emerging from her undergraduate experience with her faith intact.

These are amazing people.

All from one family.

I can't wait to share this conversation with you.

Show notes:

Executive Producer: Matthew Childers

Sound Editor: Brandon West

Design: Michael Overbeck

Intro music: "Balconies" by Paper Route

Outro music: "Ain't It Fun?" by Paramore

Anna Tragesser is the Artist and Community Services Manager at the Indiana Arts Commission. She works in a building downtown and loves advocating for artists and creative people. We talk about the importance of the arts in navigating a pandemic, the ongoing search for justice, and the blessing of community.

Border wall see saw

Mozambique sculpture made from the weapons of child soldiers

Show note:

We had some audio struggles but powered through.

There's also some very behind the scenes coverage toward the end and a sneak peek of episode three!

Special thanks to the following people for the following reasons:

Design: Michael Overbeck

Project Management: Ryan Neff

Sound Editing: Aaron Jentgen

Intro music: "Balconies" by Paper Route

Outro: "Fake Empire" by The National

Matt Childers is the co-founder of The Cake Collaboration - an organization that works with displaced and refugee children in local communities and families to throw birthday parties for children. We talk about the lost art of lament, our love of international travel, and the beautiful and resilient city of Beirut. Matt is a Class of 2006 graduate of Blackhawk Christian School in Fort Wayne, Indiana and currently resides with his wife in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Show notes:

Executive Producer: Matthew Childers

Sound Editor: Brandon West

Design: Michael Overbeck

Project Management: Ryan Neff

Assistant Sound Editor: Aaron Jentgen

Intro music: "Balconies" by Paper Route

Outro music: "Communication" by Ace Merino