
Believe to See
The podcast of the Anselm Society's Arts Guild. Join host Matt Mellema and a rotation of guests at the digital pub table for conversations about faith and storytelling. “Some things have to be believed to be seen." -Madeleine L'Engle
Latest episodes

Dec 7, 2024 • 39min
SD Smith and the Found Boys
Author SD Smith has previously joined the Anselm pub table to talk about his classic Green Ember series (an Anselm Society staple), and the Jack Zulu series that he’s writing along with his son. Now, SD Smith returns to the table to discuss his new book, The Found Boys. It’s a middle grade story that touches on a lot of complex issues—racial tension, forgiveness, reconciliation, and more. It’s also a fun and funny adventure. Join us as SD Smith shares the heart and purpose behind The Found Boys.

Nov 23, 2024 • 1h
The Hosts Debrief: Naming - We Just Can't Escape It!
Matt, Mandy, and Christina gather together to debrief about our recent podcast with guest Lancia E. Smith on the power of naming. There may be more than a little talk about best and worst fantasy football names and houseplants christened after famous authors, but what can we say? Names matter. And when you sit down to talk about it? You may be startled to discover how much the power of names - ( and the human instinct to name everything from our cars to our kids) - is inextricably linked to the identity God gave you.

Nov 10, 2024 • 44min
Sense of Wonder: Delighting in God’s Presence Throughout the Holiday Season
Another holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the potential for wonder—or for stress, consumerism, and detachment. Amanda Luedeke and Hannah Oplinger have created a new devotional that walks us from Thanksgiving through the new year, engaging all six of our senses (yes! There are six!). Join Mandy as she talks with Amanda about how we might “reclaim the holidays for [our] heart’s formation and the glory of God”.

Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 9min
Halloween: Should Christians Celebrate this Iconic Holiday?
Christina didn't celebrate Halloween growing up. But every October, her children parade around the neighborhood trick-or-treating in their favorite super-hero costumes with their buddies, school-mates, and neighbor-friends. So what changed? Christina dives deep into the history and significance of Halloween. Is it an "evil" holiday? Are we "inviting darkness" or participating in "devil worship" by handing out candy in ghoul costumes? Together with Matt and Mandy, she explores how a proper understanding of Halloween fits into the larger Christian story.

Oct 17, 2024 • 58min
Flip the Pub Table: Matt Mellema Interview
Matt’s debut middle-grade fantasy novel, Red Rex, is here! Join Mandy and Christina as they talk with Matt about the dream, the process, the plot, the characters, the illustrations — and the footnotes.

4 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
Obligated to Create?
The discussion kicks off with whether artists have an obligation to share their talents, sparked by Bill Watterson's early retirement. The hosts debate the balance between personal passion and societal pressures, using intriguing examples, including athletes torn between their interests. They explore the tension between artistic integrity and commercialization, reflecting on iconic figures who chose authenticity over potential fame. The conversation also dives into the emotional struggles of perfectionist creators and how diverse forms of creativity can flourish beyond traditional boundaries.

Sep 19, 2024 • 44min
Taylor Swift’s Storytelling Power
Taylor Swift is the most popular musician since the Beatles. And Matt doesn’t understand. Don’t get him wrong—he doesn’t dislike Taylor Swift. He’s just not the target audience. What he needs is a thoughtful fan to show him the ways of the Swifties. Matt has found that fan in his cousin, Alyssa. She explains the appeal of Taylor Swift as a musician, and the power of Taylor Swift as a storyteller. Can she win Matt over to the Swifties?

Sep 7, 2024 • 36min
Encouraging Our Young Storytellers
We all have young storytellers in our lives. Maybe it’s a first-grade nephew drawing comic books in crayon. Maybe it’s a teenage granddaughter writing her first short story. How can we best encourage them? Millie Florence is here to help. The 21-year-old author is about to publish her third novel. She gives insight on fostering a love of stories with the kids in our lives. Learn more about Millie’s work at: https://millieflorence.com

Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 9min
The Power of Naming
In this conversation, Cultivating founder Lancia Smith joins Christina and Evangeline to discuss the power of naming and its impact on our identity and relationships. They explore how naming can be an act of love and reclamation, allowing us to see and be seen. They also discuss the importance of naming our fears and how it can take away their power. They emphasize the need for humility, listening, and recognizing the belovedness of others. They conclude by highlighting the role of myth-making and storytelling in reflecting eternal truth.

Jul 27, 2024 • 51min
Jacoby Elliott Interview: How Beauty Can Point Us Back to God
Matt and Mandy interview fellow Anselm Guild member Jacoby Elliott, who is a musician, writer, and visual artist. Jacoby talks about his desire to make beautiful things and how a longing for beauty helped point him back to God.