Believe to See

It all comes down to this. In the final installment of our three-part series, Matt, Mandy, and Christina determine once and for all which artist is most representative of the Anselm Society artists' guild. Did you call it, or will you be surprised?

Matt continues forcing Mandy and Christina, championship bracket-style, to decide which famous artists most represent the values of the artists' guild. Part 2 of a three-part series.

In Part 1 of a three-part series, Matt forces Mandy and Christina, championship bracket-style, to decide which famous artists most represent the values of the artists' guild. They also coin a new word: "Anselm-y."

The discussion centers on the obstacles facing children's imaginations in today's world. Personal anecdotes reveal the joys of outdoor play and its vital role in development. The speakers explore shifting safety concerns that hinder children's freedom and independence. Balancing virtual play with real-world adventures is highlighted as essential for social skills. Emphasis is placed on nurturing creativity through unstructured play and a deeper connection to nature, advocating for a healthier environment where imaginative exploration flourishes.

It's Valentine's Day, so of course we want to talk about the best and worst love stories of all time! Join the hosts as we delve into what qualities make for a good love story annnnnd what qualities produce a bad one. Pulling from sources such as Shakespeare's famous sonnets and modern cinematic rom-coms, we explore it all. And there might be something about a little Scarlet Pimpernel flower mentioned . . . Listen to find out! (Due to technical difficulties, this episode slated for Valentine's Day is appearing after the fact. Our apologies for the diminished sound quality.)

Where Are the “Good Christian” Characters? Too often, the broader culture portrays Christians as narrow-minded hypocrites. We can all imagine plenty of explanations for this. But that leads to a more fundamental question. Why is it so hard to create a character who is both: (1) well-developed and compelling, and (2) a sincere Christian? On this roundtable, the hosts discuss why it’s so difficult to create a “Good Christian” character. They also offer their candidates for best Christian characters in fiction. And in case you’re wondering—yes, Matt dresses up as his favorite Christian character from pop culture. So stay tuned for the big reveal, neighborinos!

From paintings to novels, titles can guide expectations of viewers and readers, for good or for ill. And for some artists, coming up with a title can be as challenging as making the art itself. Join the hosts at the roundtable as they talk about titles — and “untitles” and subtitles and more — and see how you handle Mandy’s genre quiz!

Mandy Houck and Christina Brown dive into the quirky world of cultural disdain, exploring why we sometimes feel pressured to hate popular music, like Nickelback. They share hilarious anecdotes about musical snobbery and dissect the social dynamics that shape our tastes. The discussion touches on the polarizing perceptions of artists like Taylor Swift and the struggle of maintaining individuality in artistic appreciation. Ultimately, they advocate for embracing personal preferences, regardless of popular opinion, and fostering a community that celebrates diverse artistic expression.

The discussion kicks off with the artistic value of animated films, particularly addressing the Minecraft adaptation. The hosts challenge the stigma that children's movies lack depth, highlighting their emotional and artistic treasures. They dive into the intricacies of children's animation, celebrating cultural differences and personal nostalgia. Enthralling examples like 'Song of the Sea' showcase the connection to mythology. The artistry of films like 'Coco' and 'WALL-E' is emphasized for their unique storytelling and profound emotional themes.

Artists need solitude to create (or “conjure”), but we need one another too. Mandy and Matt and Christina discuss finding a balance between these seemingly contradictory needs.