In this opening episode, Stephen talks with singer-songwriter Josh Garrels about his latest release, Chrysaline. The two discuss the personally transformative experiences that informed the making of these songs and how collaboration and environment impacted Josh’s creative process. Josh shares openly about his experience of personal frustration that led him to place his music on the altar.

*Be sure to listen to the end as Josh addresses the latest trend of what feels like a mass exodus from the faith by so many people in our generation.

“This may be one of the more timely and important conversations we have had on the podcast. I look forward to discussing this further with our creative collective over the next few weeks.” – Stephen

S5 E15: The Soul vs. the Business of Creativity *Live

This LIVE Season Finale episode features the perspectives of diverse voices you’ve heard on the podcast; Amena Brown, Josh Garrels, Vesper Stamper, Cole NeSmith and CJ Casciotta. In today’s panel discussion, these five discuss the tension between the soul and the business of creativity.

In the realm of art-making, there can seem to be a tension between our desire to create authentic works, works which remain true to the artist’s creative vision, while at the same time creating works which are either commercially viable or which resonate with the communities where we have influence.

Join the Creative Collective

Makers & Mystics Live Events

The Breath & the Clay 2019

The Breath & the Clay is a creative arts gathering hosted by Stephen Roach of the Makers & Mystics Podcast. This weekend event explores the intersections of art, faith & culture in a communal setting.

The event includes performances, a curated art gallery and keynote talks from various creative voices from the Makers & Mystics podcast.

Join us March 22-24th 2019 in Winston-Salem, NC for a weekend connecting with other artists from around the world on this journey of art and faith.

Tickets and details here.

***Early Bird Prices until December 31st***

***Student Discounts and Group Rates Available.***

S2 E11: On Vocation and Calling with Josh Garrels Part 2

This episode is Part 2 of a conversation with Josh Garrels. In this episode, Stephen Roach discusses Josh's honest lyricism, how our families and cultural environments inform the art we make.

Music, Process, Singer-songwriterStephen RoachJune 21, 2017Josh Garrels, music, Christian music, art, family

Season 2 E10: On Vocation and Calling with Josh Garrels Part 1

Josh Garrels is a Portland, Oregon-based singer/songwriter who combines elements of hip-hop, world music and folk in his songwriting. His lyrics are characterized by a raw honesty in exploring themes of faith, hope and compassion.

In this episode, Josh discusses his background in music and the pathway which led him to a vocation as a professional, independent musician. Josh talks with Stephen Roach about balancing family life and touring as well as how the choices of our personal lives inform the art we create. This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

Season 2 Episode 2: All Things Sacred: A Conversation w/ John Mark McMillan

Music, Faith and Art, Singer-songwriterStephen RoachFebruary 16, 2017John Mark McMillan, Josh Garrels, Revelators Tour, Makers and Mystics, Makers & Mystics, Christian music, art, faith, The Breath and the Clay