Author Betsy St. Amant talks about writing through heartbreak and healing, working a day job in the oil and gas industry, balancing motherhood and creativity, learning to play Justin Bieber’s “Ghost” on a keyboard, how her faith shapes her fiction, what it’s like to write 30,000 words in one night, the power of organic spiritual themes, and her new…

CJ Milacci, author of the Recruit of Talionis series, talks about growing up outside of Philadelphia, her nontraditional education, acting, Disney, journaling, youth ministry, the dark moments that shaped her faith, walking away from writing for a season, returning with a heart to reach just one reader, and why she writes clean, high-stakes fiction…

Becky and Scott Minor, co-founders of Realm Makers, talk about animation, writing fantasy, Shakespeare, the origins of Realm Makers, managing busy family life, living with chronic illness, finding margin, and the deep calling of building spaces where creatives can thrive. Follow Becky and Scott Minor: Realm Makers on Instagram Realm Makers on Faceb…

Author and entrepreneur Megan Schaulis joins Clint to share her journey from imaginative kid to debut novelist, growing up in Arizona, her early love for writing and theater, her Orlando Bloom phase (yes, really), launching her first book six weeks after giving birth, navigating the creative chaos of motherhood, co-owning a branding agency, finding…

Montgomery-based writer Bob McGough shares how a lifetime of playing Dungeons and Dragons prepared him for writing novels and short stories -- and vice versa!By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Author Philip Wilder returns to the podcast to talk about his journey as a self-published author, his mission work in the Middle East, the importance of engaging in spiritual conversations, the significance of overcoming fear and trusting in God's guidance, and his new book, Jake Rogers' Planet. Buy Jake Rogers' Planet now! Follow Philip Wilder: Ph…

Steve Laube returns to the podcast for an in-depth discussion of culture and community within organizations, specifically Enclave Publishing. Steve and Clint also talk about the complexities of free will and divine sovereignty, the balance between profit and purpose in business, emphasizing the need for a clear mission, the positive role of competi…

Treat yourself to some of 2024's best deleted scenes from your weekly dose of Southern creativity. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year from the Arts Fell on Alabama team!By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Alabama Shakespeare Festival's Greta Lambert reflects on the joys and challenges of adapting Dickens' A Christmas Carol into a one-woman show during the coronavirus pandemic. In conversation with Annemarie Anderson.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Peace Smith and Travis Hicks of Huntsville, AL, explain how they fell in love with stained glass through a workshop at Burritt on the Mountain, and have gone on to teach the craft themselves.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Author Deborah Raney talks about growing up on a farm in Kansas, her early experiences with writing, the realities of the publishing world, dealing with asthma, the impact of self-publishing in today's market, the importance of believing in your own stories, and the role of faith in her career. Follow Deborah Raney: DeborahRaney.com Deborah Raney o…

Visual artist and retired Auburn art professor Zdenko Krtić explains why 45 minutes of daily creativity are an essential part of his morning routine.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Culture writer, author, and podcaster Jeff Giles visits the podcast to discuss his early influences, the evolution of the music industry, the dangers of fame, his experiences in graphic design, how he rediscovered his passion for writing, the balance between creativity and commerce, and the inspiration behind his humorous fiction novel, Langley Pow…

800 years ago, the Mississippian cultural center now known as the Moundville site was the largest city in America north of Mexico. Discover how art and creativity contribute to our ability to understand the past and imagine the future.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Author and book reviewer D. T. Powell joins Clint for a fascinating conversation about the spiritual gift of mercy, the challenges of navigating emotional connections, how a story helped her understand grace, writing - particularly fan fiction - as a means of expressing her spiritual journey, and much more. Follow D. T. Powell: D. T. Powell on Inst…

Music soothes the seasick (and homesick) soul, live from Korea circa 1952. Special thanks to Burgin Matthews and the Southern Music Research Center for their collaboration on this episode.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Author Bob McGough joins the podcast to delve into the differences between conventions and conferences, the self-publishing journey, the significance of community, setting realistic goals, the personal growth that comes from navigating setbacks, and more. Buy The Jubal County Saga and other great books from Bob! Follow Bob McGough: Bob McGough's we…

We take a drive down county road 29 to Gees Bend, where handmade quilts on the clothesline flutter in the October breeze.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Shawn Reilly Simmons, author and managing editor for Level Best Books, discusses her experiences in the film industry, her journey from being a chef to an author, the importance of confidence, the necessity of embracing failure as part of success, navigating the publishing industry, how opportunities arise from persistence, and more. Follow Shawn R…

Sheila Smith, treasurer of the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy, reflects on a childhood growing up among quilts and quilters in Wilcox County, AL. This episode was first produced by Deb Boykin and intern Ren Carroll in 2023.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Mobile-based artist and writer Ardith Goodwin takes on us a fantastical journey to Mardi Bay and the City of Elibom, and explains how her decade-long painting project turned into a middle-grade fantasy series.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

New York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller joins the podcast to talk about the significant impact of English teachers on his writing journey, his early influences, and the turning points in his career, his writing process when working within established franchises, and his latest book, Batman: Resurrection. Order Batman: Resurrection now…

Courtney Bennett, director of Main Street Montevallo, explains how the city uses art--and fire hydrants--to empower citizens to make a mark on their community.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Scott Cramton, founder of American Immersion Theater, joins the podcast to talk about adopting a cat in the middle of a ghost tour, his journey through theater from Detroit to New Orleans, the importance of discomfort in personal growth, the value of experiences over mere consumption, the shift in society from participation to observation, and much…

Tyler Jones, director of the Birmingham-based narrative studio 1504, describes the creative process behind a new, collaborative installation of artist Joe Minter's work in Titusville.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Elvie Schooley, executive director of DRUM, The Program, shares how she teaches healthy communication and decision-making to kids and adults through West African cultural arts.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Dr. Charlotte Pence, the city of Mobile's inaugural poet laureate, shows us what is possible with a piece of paper, a pencil, and paying attention to what's happening in your own backyard.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Author Peter F. Hamilton shares his approach to world-building and character development, writing a book set in a video game universe, his early experiences with writing, the role of social commentary in science fiction, and his new book, Exodus: The Archimedes Engine. Buy Exodus: The Archimedes Engine now!* Follow Peter F. Hamilton: Peter F. Hamil…

The city of Birmingham's inaugural poet laureate, Salaam Green, recites her mayoral proclamation poem, "What Must We Do 'Birmingham'."By Alabama State Council on the Arts

The city of Birmingham's inaugural poet laureate, Salaam Green, reads an excerpt of her mayoral proclamation poem, "What Must We Do 'Birmingham'."By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Author Lauren H. Brandenburg joins the podcast to discuss creating a captivating setting for readers, the importance of perseverance in the publishing process, battling self-doubt, knowing your target audience, the homeschooling market, the differences between middle grade and young adult books, advice to aspiring authors, and more. Buy Lauren's bo…

Lifelong seamstress Diane Hall shares how the sewing skills she learned growing up formed the foundation for a fulfilling and creative career as a seamstress for the Florence, AL-based sustainable fashion brand, Alabama Chanin. Katie Kooper interviewed Diane in 2021 as part of Project Threadways' initiative to document the rich textile industry his…

Ikebana artist Miki Jinno explains the meditative art of traditional Japanese flower arranging and how getting to know Alabama's flowers helped her start to feel at home in a new place.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Dr. Zanice Bond, associate professor of English at Tuskegee University, describes how her family has made use of "memory quilts" to honor and remember loved ones who have died.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Recorded live at Realm Makers! Lindsay A. Franklin, author and managing editor at Enclave Publishing, discusses her journey as a writer, her role at Enclave, the impact of technology on creativity, the inspiration behind her books, the importance of being true to yourself, and her new book, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine. Preorder The Unraveling o…

Taylor Cunningham, a music student at Birmingham's Firehouse Community Arts Center, shares how learning to rock out with new friends taught him how to play instruments and find his own voice.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Award-winning producer and co-founder of Incandescent Films Jiarui Guo shares her journey in the film industry, managing production logistics, the importance of making meaningful films, the need to surround yourself with the right people, advice for aspiring filmmakers, and more. Follow Jiarui Guo: Jiarui Guo on Instagram Jiarui Guo IMDb Follow Cli…

You may not think of turmeric-spiced carrots when you think of Southern fare. But in Greensboro, Alabama, Chef Sarah Cole dishes up Egyptian food using locally sourced produce from the Black Belt.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

This episode the gang talk all manner of news, then discuss A Matter of Trust by Angela Boord. This Season our Short Read, Tall Glass Book Club is tackling The Alchemy of Sorrow: A Fantasy & Sci-Fi Anthology of Grief & Hope. To get it in print or ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Sorrow-Fantasy-Sci-Fi-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0B4VVQPYY To get it in …

Alabama-raised, New York-based photographer Chester Higgins bears witness to challenging history through the lens of his camera.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Authors J.J. Johnson, Jason Joyner, and Steve Raza join the podcast to talk about their collaboration process, the challenges of merging their individual writing styles, the importance of having a supportive community, and their collaborative novel, Interstice Undone. Buy Interstice Undone now!* Follow the authors: J.J. Johnson on Amazon J.J. Johns…

Food, shelter, and creative expression. Dani Parmar (Program Director) and Nate (artist) share how InToto Creative Arts provides opportunities for artistic expression, healing, and connection for people affected by social and economic hardships in Birmingham.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Author Nadine Brandes is back on the podcast! In this episode, we discuss Nadine's return to Enclave, switching genres, her approach to writing, staying rooted in purpose, her thoughts on platform building, balancing writing with family life, and her new book, The Nightmare Virus. Buy The Nightmare Virus Now!* Follow Nadine: Nadine's website (sign …

The gang get wild with it, by playing FMK using book related topics. We'd apologize...but it actually turned out pretty damn fun.By Bob McGough

Fairhope-based photographer Pinky MM Bass shares the joy of letting go of control and leaning into the possibility of the creative process.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

My wife, Stefanie, joins the podcast to help me answer your questions! Follow Clint Hall: Clint Hall on Instagram Clint Hall on Facebook Clint Hall on Twitter You can also find me at clinthall.com. Host: Clint Hall Guest: Stefanie Hall Producers: Hector Arocho, Clint HallBy Clint Hall

Charlie Mato-Toyela, a traditional Native American flute maker from Cottonwood, AL, shares how tradition and innovation play into his approach to making musical instruments.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

No episode this week but I do make an announcement about what's coming up on the podcast for the rest of July! Submit your questions for the Q&A episode on my social channels or through my website: Clint Hall on Instagram Clint Hall on Facebook Clint Hall on Twitter clinthall.com/contact Host: Clint Hall Producers: Clint Hall…