Best Braid Creative Podcasts (2024)

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November 12, 2024 Theater of War: Bridging Greek Tragedy and Veteran Stories 28:01

3d ago28:01

28:01

In honor of Veterans’ Day, we’re revisiting an episode of Art Works that tells the origin story of the transformative project Theater of War Productions. Co-founded by classicist, translator, and director Bryan Doerries, Theater of War began with a simple yet profound concept: presenting staged readings of Sophocles' plays Ajax and Philoctetes to m…

1
November 5, 2024 Native American Artist Rose B. Simpson: Forging Pathways through Heritage and Innovation 35:50

9d ago35:50

35:50

We mark Native American Heritage Month with artist Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo) who discusses her work in large-scale public art, and her journey as a creative rooted in Santa Clara Pueblo heritage. Simpson reflects on her process, exploring themes of protection, generational healing, and the deep connection between her art, identity, and c…

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Ep. 18 Navigating the Unknown and Trusting God w/ Kirsten Vossler 1:04:11

11d ago1:04:11

1:04:11

In this episode of the Braided Faith podcast, our host, Kirsten Vossler shares her journey of learning to hold on to God and trust Him in the midst of the unknown. She emphasizes the importance of staying consistent with Him and seeking His guidance. Additionally, she discusses teaching her children about finances, the importance of being frugal an…

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October 29, 2024 "Embracing the Darkness: A Conversation with Author Christina Henry" 31:37

16d ago31:37

31:37

In time for Halloween—a conversation with author Christina Henry who has written 19 books of horror. We discuss her latest book—The House That Horror Built, a chilling story set during the pandemic. The novel follows Harry, a single mother navigating the struggles of parenthood and financial instability, as she takes a job working for a reclusive h…

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October 22, 2024 Meet Todd Goings, the 2024 National Heritage Fellow who keeps carousels spinning! 28:01

23d ago28:01

28:01

A conversation with Todd Goings, a 2024 National Heritage Fellow renowned for his work restoring and building carousels. Goings shares stories from his early days in woodworking, his path to becoming a master of carousel restoration with a shop, Carousels and Carvings, that employs 18 artisans, and the lasting impact of his craftsmanship. He reflec…

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October 15, 2024 29:00

1M ago29:00

29:00

Today, we’re bringing Hispanic Heritage month to a resounding close and celebrating Juan Felipe Herrera’s recent MacArthur Fellowship by revisiting my 2015 interview with the former U.S. Poet Laureate and two-time NEA Literature Fellow. In this podcast, Herrera reflects on his upbringing, his love for language, and how his mother’s storytelling sha…

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Family, Identity, and Survival: Showrunner Soo Hugh on the series Pachinko 31:39

1M ago31:39

31:39

A conversation with Soo Hugh, showrunner and head writer of the critically acclaimed series Pachinko. Based on the bestselling novel by Min Jin Lee, the series follows four generations of a Korean family navigating life under Japanese occupation, war, and displacement. Soo Hugh discusses the deep emotional core of Pachinko, its exploration of famil…

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Inside Jaja’s African Hair Braiding: A Conversation with Playwright Jocelyn Bioh 32:13

1M ago32:13

32:13

In this episode of Art Works, a conversation with Jocelyn Bioh, the brilliant and funny mind behind Jaja's African Hair Braiding, a play set in a Harlem salon that explores the lives of African immigrant women. Bioh shares how her childhood visits to New York City's hair braiding shops inspired the play and discusses the influence of current immigr…

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Ep: 17 Dying to Self: Separating from the World and Embracing the Harvest 27:32

2M ago27:32

27:32

In this episode of Braided Faith, we delve into the importance of separating ourselves from the world and embracing the spirit of the Cross during the fall season. We discuss the concept of "dying to self" and how letting go of toxic and spiritually damaging elements in our lives can bring us closer to God. I share my personal experiences with prun…

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Celebrating the Power of Stories with Meg Medina, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature 36:43

2M ago36:43

36:43

We’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by revisiting my 2023 conversation with Meg Medina, author and the Library of Congress’s 2023-24 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. As the first Latina to serve in this role, Meg discusses how her own immigrant background and experience growing up in Queens, New York, shape her writing. Her …

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Ep. 16 Pruning, Refining, and Waiting on God's Best w/ Kasandra Garcia 46:22

2M ago46:22

46:22

In this episode of Braided Faith, we welcome Kasandra Garcia as she shares her personal journey as a single woman learning the importance of pruning and refining in her walk with the Lord. Kasandra opens up about the challenges of waiting on God's timing and how it's not about remaining stagnant, but rather about serving and living for Him. Through…

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Art and Redemption: A Conversation with Chicano Muralist Fabian Debora 31:13

2M ago31:13

31:13

Art Works is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the National Heritage Awards with a conversation with Chicano muralist and 2024 National Heritage Fellow Fabian Debora. Debora discusses his remarkable journey from growing up in the gang culture of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, to becoming an acclaimed artist and advocate. He shares how art became…

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James Rees: Advocating for Arts Education and Creative Expression 29:30

2M ago29:30

29:30

We’re celebrating Arts Education week with James Rees, an accomplished visual artist and arts educator who has spent decades advocating for the importance of arts education. Rees talks about his early inspirations, his time at Brigham Young University, and his unexpected path to teaching. He emphasizes the need for student-centered learning in the …

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Professor Thalia Goldstein unpacks the impact of theater education on student development. 35:12

2M ago35:12

35:12

As students across the country head back to school, we have a conversation with Dr.Thalia Goldstein about the significant impact of theater education on child development. Dr.Goldstein is an associate professor and director of the Applied Developmental Psychology program in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University where she directs t…

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August 20, 2024 Rhythms of Resilience: Bril Barrett on Tap, Tradition, and Resistance 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

A conversation with 2024 NEA Heritage Fellow Bril Barrett, a Chicago tap dancer and educator. Barrett discusses his early exposure to the arts through his grandmother’s encouragement, which led him to fall in love with tap dance at a young age. He recounts his journey from learning under Carlton Smith at a community center to meeting his mentor Ayr…

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Ep. 15 Finding Joy in the Home: A Holy Assignment w/ Tracey Hernandez 57:57

3M ago57:57

57:57

In this inspiring episode of Braided Faith, we are thrilled to have Tracey Hernandez from Hernandez Christian Academy as our special guest. Tracey, a devoted stay-at-home mom, shares her testimony on the importance of trusting God with our finances, the power of prayer, and the joy found in being a housewife. She offers invaluable tips on how to ma…

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Healing Through Storytelling: Dr. David Fakunle on Arts, Culture, and Public Health 34:16

3M ago34:16

34:16

Today, we revisit my 2023 conversation with Dr. David Fakunle, a storyteller, scholar, and public health expert whose work embodies the healing potential of the arts. Dr. Fakunle’ s own story from a boy in Baltimore to a leader in public health and cultural advocacy is deeply rooted in his belief that storytelling and creativity are essential to in…

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Vijay Iyer: Jazz Virtuoso and Classical Composer 37:54

3M ago37:54

37:54

An interview with renowned jazz pianist, composer, innovator, and MacArthur Fellow Vijay Iyer. In this podcast, Vijay Iyer discusses his debut orchestral album "Vijay Iyer: Trouble," his classical music roots, and his dynamic journey through various musical genres. From his early violin lessons to his groundbreaking work in jazz and contemporary cl…

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July 30, 2024 32:36

4M ago32:36

32:36

We’re marking Disability Pride Month by revisiting my 2022 interview with Dr. Joel Snyder, a pioneering force in the field of audio description. Dr. Snyder delves into the origins and evolution of audio description, a crucial service that makes visual media accessible to those who are blind or have low vision. He shares his journey from theater and…

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"The Waters": A Conversation with Bonnie Jo Campbell 32:37

4M ago32:37

32:37

Bonnie Jo Campbell discusses her novel, "The Waters," its fictional setting in Southwest Michigan, and the focus on the intricate dynamics within a family of women living in a swamp: Hermine, the herbalist grandmother; her restless daughter, Rose Thorn; and Rosie’s mathematically gifted daughter, Dorothy. Campbell discusses how the landscape shapes…

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Ep.14 Overcoming Temptation and Habitual Sin: A Conversation w/ Kirby Kelly 53:41

4M ago53:41

53:41

In this powerful episode of the Braided Faith Podcast, we dive deep into the heart behind Kirby Kelly's book, "You Can Be Free." Kirby is a 27-year-old, speaker, author, scholar and Christian content creator based in Dallas, Texas. Since she was in high school, Kirby has been a steadfast believer, and began shaping the world through ministry on soc…

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Creating Conversations Through Art: The Vision of Charleston's Gaillard Center 31:00

4M ago31:00

31:00

A conversation with Lissa Frenkel, the CEO of the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Lissa shares the story of the Gaillard Center, a multidisciplinary cultural hub--whose renovation was completed in 2015 under the guidance of National Medal of Arts recipient Mayor Joe Riley-- that has since become a cornerstone of the Charleston arts c…

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Ep. 13 Lights, Camera, Faith: A Journey with Christian Movie Producer Chevonne O'Shaughnessy 34:02

4M ago34:02

34:02

Today, we have a remarkable guest with us, Christian movie producer, Chevonne O'Shaughnessy. Chevonne shares the the beauty of creating films from books, discussing the transformation of the "Love Finds You" book series from Guidepost into films. She also talks about the importance of bringing faith into moments of life and business and how her mov…

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Joanie Madden: The Whistleblower of Irish Music 36:15

4M ago36:15

36:15

An in-depth interview with 2021 National Heritage Fellow Joanie Madden, the legendary Irish musician and leader of Cherish the Ladies. In this podcast, Joanie recounts her early life in the Bronx, New York, where she was born to Irish immigrant parents from County Galway and County Clare and shares how her father, an All-Ireland Champion accordion …

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Ep. 12 Safe Friends: Cultivating Safe Friendships with Wisdom and Grace 31:29

4M ago31:29

31:29

In this episode of the Braided Faith podcast, we explore the importance of having safe friends in our lives and how to recognize when a friendship is no longer healthy. We discuss the Biblical perspective on friendship, as seen in Romans 12:15, and the role of communication and shared values in building strong, supportive relationships. We also del…

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Revisiting Lin-Manuel Miranda and "Hamilton" 29:01

5M ago29:01

29:01

This July 4th, let's revisit Lin-Manuel Miranda and his revolutionary musical "Hamilton."By National Endowment for the Arts

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Embracing Queerness in Ballet: A Conversation with Adriana Pierce 30:59

5M ago30:59

30:59

A conversation with Adriana Pierce, a trailblazing dancer, choreographer, and director, who is reshaping the ballet world through her initiative, Queer the Ballet. Pierce discusses her early dance experiences and how her passion for dance led her to notable positions at the New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet, where she spent seven years hon…

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Celebrating African American History and Heritage with Pat Johnson 31:36

5M ago31:36

31:36

Community Activist, Organizer and 2024 National Heritage Fellow Pat Johnson, a pillar of the Pocahontas, Arkansas community, shares her work preserving local history and fostering community fellowship through the Eddie Mae Herron Center. She founded the Center in the very building where she once attended a segregated one-room school, transforming i…

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June 11, 2024 36:13

5M ago36:13

36:13

Curator Tyler Blackwell Discusses the Innovative Initiatives that Make the Speed a Community HubBy National Endowment for the Arts

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June 4, 2024 32:28

6M ago32:28

32:28

This week's podcast is a heartfelt remembrance of blues harmonica master and 2017 National Heritage Fellow Phil Wiggins, who passed away last month. Phil Wiggins was celebrated for his extraordinary skill and soulful music, deeply rooted in the Piedmont blues tradition. In this interview, he shared his journey from his early days in Washington, D.C…

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May 28, 2024 32:40

6M ago32:40

32:40

Director of Education and Violin/Viola Teaching Artist at the Paterson Music Project (PMP) Shanna Lin gives us the program's history: it’s an El Sistema-inspired program established in 2013 with 32 second graders and now serves over 500 students from 25 schools in Paterson, N.J. PMP offers after-school programs four days a week and on Saturdays, in…

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Lillian Faderman: The Emotional Truth of "My Mother's Wars" 29:13

6M ago29:13

29:13

We’re celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month by revisiting my interview with LGBT and ethnic scholar and author Lillian Faderman who discusses her book "My Mother's Wars." The book is a reconstructed narrative that explores the life of Faderman's mother, a Jewish immigrant in the United States, navigating the complexities of love, survival, and…

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Finding Your Identity in Christ: A Conversation with Paige Allen, Author of 'He Knows Your Name' 46:05

6M ago46:05

46:05

In this episode of the Braided Faith Podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with Paige Allen, author of the powerful book, "He Knows Your Name." Paige shares her insights on the seven nameless women in the Bible and the importance of being seen and known by Jesus. We discuss how women often ask, "Does anybody see me?" and how Jesus relates to u…

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Theater Unmasked: Challenges and Possibilities 40:18

6M ago40:18

40:18

President of Actors' Equity Kate Shindle and the NEA Director of Theater & Musical Theater Greg Reiner discuss the current challenges, strategic innovations, and the evolving landscape of American theater. Kate provides an overview of the history and evolving mission of Actors' Equity in safeguarding actors and stage managers. While Greg discusses …

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Ep. 10 When Mother's Day is Painful: Navigating Through Infertility, Grief, and Forgiveness 33:10

6M ago33:10

33:10

Join us as we explore the complexities of Mother's Day for those facing infertility, loss, and grief.... and discover how faith, self-care, and forgiveness can lead to healing and hope. In this episode we will discuss: Celebrate your mother heart. God is enough. The grieving season is not your forever. Book recommendation: But God Can by Becky Kise…

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Staging Stories: Psalmayene 24 on Directing Across Time 32:38

7M ago32:38

32:38

Playwright and director Psalmayene 24 discusses his career trajectory from his unique approach to theater, his recent direction of the world premiere of Tempestuous Rising at Arena Stage and his upcoming projects, including his current direction of Metamorphosis at the Folger Theatre. We talk about his journey from dance to theater, first as an act…

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Bridging Cultures: A Conversation with Diana Abu-Jaber 39:26

7M ago39:26

39:26

We’re closing out Arab-American Heritage Month with author Diana Abu-Jaber who discusses growing up with an Irish-American mother and a Jordanian father who never felt at home in the US, the lively tensions between cultures, and the centrality of this to her writing. We discuss her two memoirs, "The Language of Baklava" and "Life Without a Recipe."…

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Leslie Sainz: A New Voice in Contemporary Poetry 39:51

7M ago39:51

39:51

We’re celebrating National Poetry Month with 2021 NEA Literature Fellow, poet Leslie Sainz who discusses her debut poetry collection, "Have You Been Long Enough at Table." Sainz reads from her collection and talks about its major themes including the ambiguity, displacement, and impact of cultural heritage as a daughter of Cuban immigrants. She dis…

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Ep 9: From Grief to Glory: Embracing Creativity and Faith w/ Camella Wade 39:35

7M ago39:35

39:35

Join us for a powerful conversation with a remarkable woman who has transformed her life through the power of writing and faith. After losing her sister to suicide, she found solace in writing as a way to process her grief. From reading the Bible to prove a point to surrendering her writing to God, she has walked a path of growth, faith, and self-d…

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Suzan-Lori Parks Shows Up! 38:00

7M ago38:00

38:00

MacArthur Fellow and 2002 Pulitzer-Prize Winner in Drama for “Topdog/Underdog, ” Suzan-Lori Parks tells us about her current play ”Sally and Tom”* now having its NY premier at the Public Theater. It’s a play within a play about Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson and combines Parks’ love of American history and theater. We discuss the play's explora…

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Bassist and 2017 NEA Jazz Master Dave Holland talks about his life in jazz 28:51

7M ago28:51

28:51

As we’re gearing up for the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters’ tribute concert, we are revisiting my conversation with 2017 NEA Jazz Master Bassist Dave Holland. From his roots in the English working class to becoming an admired figure in the jazz world, Holland shares his musical journey, marked by a deep passion for the bass, a transformative stint with Mile…

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Harmonies of Heritage: The Willard Jenkins Odyssey in Jazz Advocacy 52:24

8M ago52:24

52:24

We’re taking a deep dive with Willard Jenkins into his life in jazz. Willard discusses his early exposure to jazz in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, crediting his parents' record collection for his initial fascination with the genre, and the profound impact local jazz scenes and radio had on his musical journey. Willard recounts his transformative colleg…

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Ep. 8 Breaking Free: The Hidden World of a Christian Going 'No Contact' 36:33

8M ago36:33

36:33

Welcome to our podcast, where we delve into the lesser-known aspects of the Christian faith. Today, we'll be discussing a topic that is often overlooked or even considered taboo: Christians going no contact. This choice can be a challenging one, especially when it comes to family and close relationships. In this episode, we'll explore why some beli…

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A Special Edition of Art Works: Talking across disciplines with the Chair of the NEA and the Director of the Census Bureau 32:13

8M ago32:13

32:13

In this special edition of Art Works, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson and U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos have a far-ranging discussion that explores the intersection of arts, culture, and statistical science. Moderated by the NEA’s Director of Research and Analysis Sunil Iyengar, the two agency head…

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The Harmonic Convergence of Amina Claudine Myers 37:23

8M ago37:23

37:23

In this podcast, Amina Claudine Myers discusses her journey from the gospel choirs of Arkansas to becoming a 2024 NEA Jazz Master, highlighting her significant contributions to jazz, gospel, and blues. We discuss her early life in Blackwell, Arkansas, and Dallas, Texas, sharing stories of how family and church planted the seeds of her future in mus…

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Building Bridges Through Children's Literature 31:22

8M ago31:22

31:22

Co-founder Kirsten Cappy introduces us to I'm Your Neighbor Books—which aims to build communities where immigrants are welcomed and feel a sense of belonging by sharing diverse immigration stories in children’s literature—and explains the collaborative roots of the organization among leaders from immigrant communities, authors, illustrators, educat…

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It's complicated: a conversation with author and 2020 NEA Literature Fellow Danielle Evans 30:18

9M ago30:18

30:18

2020 NEA Literature Fellow Danielle Evans is author of two collections of stories Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self and The Office of Historical Corrections, published ten years apart and to great acclaim. Today, we’re revisiting my 2021 interview with Danielle. In this podcast, we explore her intricate narratives that weave through the theme…

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Meet Tap Dancer and National Heritage Fellow Reginald "Reggio the Hoofer" McLaughlin 36:28

9M ago36:28

36:28

We’re revisiting my conversation with the 2021 National Heritage Fellow, Reginald “Reggio The Hoofer” McLaughlin, a master tap dancer whose feet tell stories of tradition, perseverance, and cultural heritage. In this podcast, Reggio discusses his childhood love for tap dancing sparked at community centers in Chicago, his transition from a successfu…

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Meet Saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Gary Bartz 59:00

9M ago59:00

59:00

In this tuneful podcast, 2024 NEA Jazz Master Saxophonist Gary Bartz talks about his life and career, touching on his roots, influences, collaborations, and the philosophical underpinnings that have guided his artistic journey. Born in Baltimore in 1940, Gary's musical journey began in a segregated America, where he found music to be a universal la…

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Celebrate Black History Month: Isabel Wilkerson discusses the Great Migration and American Culure 30:45

9M ago30:45

30:45

In honor of Black History month, we’re revisiting this 2011 conversation with author and 2015 National Humanities Medalist Isabel Wilkerson In this tuneful podcast, Wilkerson discusses her acclaimed book "The Warmth of Other Suns," exploring the profound impact of the Great Migration on American culture. This migration saw six million African Ameri…

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