Across the Counter Grant Lockridge and Jerod Tafta

Join us as we sit Across the Counter from artist, speaker, and author Scott Erickson!

In this ATC Episode:


• Scott Erickson, a consummate storyteller and artist, joins us to recount his transformative 'Say Yes' campaign—a profound response to a looming 40th birthday and the societal pressures of future achievements.

• Our conversation peels back the layers of Scott's artistic evolution, exploring the rituals that fortify his spiritual and mental health. By sharing how the tragedy of Anthony Bourdain's passing reshaped his perspective on life, Scott invites us on a reflective pilgrimage into the heart of what it means to be a performing artist leaving meaningful artifacts in his wake.

• As we navigate the junction of art and technology, Scott offers a refreshing viewpoint on the role of AI in the creative process, emphasizing the essence of the human touch in artistry. His approach challenges us to see technology as a collaborator, not a competitor. We examine the depth and resonance of art, likening it to a tool that uncovers vital internal dialogues, and speculate on the future symbiosis of AI and human creativity.

• Scott's artistic journey, magnified through the lens of Instagram fame and book tours, prompts a rich discussion on the evolving digital canvas and the enduring power of stories that stir the soul.

As we prepare to unveil his upcoming projects, we invite you on this compelling journey—an exploration of life's intricate tapestries through the eyes of an artist fiercely committed to authenticity and exploration.


Connect with Scott:

Instagram: @scottthepainter

Website: https://www.scottericksonart.com/



Beliefs espoused by the guests of ATC are not necessarily the beliefs and convictions of ATC. 

That said the intent of our podcast is to listen, remain curious and never fear failure in the discovery life giving truth. Many people we ardently disagree with have been our greatest teachers.


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Join us as we sit Across the Counter from author, speaker, and President of Premier Arts Collective Gene Krcelic.

In this OTC Episode:


• His narrative stretches from the untamed wilderness of pre-statehood Alaska to the momentous Apollo 11 mission, where his father played a critical role. Through his eyes, we traverse the landscapes of the Cold War and the space race, while also navigating the terrain of personal faith and the rigors of education. 

• Venture with us through heartfelt conversations that explore the vast spectrum of spirituality and belief. We grapple with the challenges of navigating religious diversity, raising a family amidst varying faith traditions, and the moral quandaries posed by the distribution of resources within the American church. Gene's spiritual awakening serves as a touchstone for listeners who have faced their own questions about faith, prompting a deep dive into the transformative power of mission work and the life-altering visions that steer us towards our true calling.

• The episode doesn't shy away from the hard-hitting issues of global justice and the ethical dilemmas that confront believers today. We discuss the stark contrasts between worship in resource-strapped Cambodia and the opulence of American churches, examining the implications of our choices and the responsibility to act with compassion. 

Connect with Across the Counter:

Instagram: @acrossthecounterpod

Website: www.atcpodcast.com
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Join us as we sit Across the Counter from author and pastor Matthew Stephen Brown

In this ATC Episode:


• As we sit with Matt, he opens up about his spiritual evolution that took him from a living room gathering to spearheading a ministry that reaches thousands through the digital cosmos. His journey is not just about numbers; it's about real, raw transformation and the struggle to stay humble and patient in a world that's constantly racing.

• Matt doesn't shy away from the hurts within church walls, advocating for clarity and healing by addressing issues directly. His latest book, "Every Day a Miracle," gives us a glimpse into an awe-inspiring medical miracle that reaffirmed his faith in the divine, prompting us to ponder the miracles that occur beyond the pages of scripture.

• Tackling the intricacies of miracles and suffering, this conversation takes a turn towards the eternal questions that haunt humanity. How do we reconcile the temporary nature of miracles with the ultimate reality of death? As Pastor Matt shares his experiences from the frontlines—celebrating life's extensions while mourning inevitable losses—we're reminded of the preciousness of our days and the historical perspectives of early Christians on sacrifice.

• When it comes to controversy within ministry, humility and grace take center stage as we discuss the importance of respecting differing views and the delicate balance of calling out harmful actions while guiding a congregation towards the light. It's a poignant reminder of the weight that spiritual leaders carry, a testament to the teachings of James on the stricter judgment faced by those who teach, and an invitation to join us as we explore the profound yet everyday impact of faith.

Connect with Pastor Matt:

Instagram: @matthewstephenbrown

Buy his new book “Every Day a Miracle” Out Now! https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Miracle-Trusting-Inside/dp/0785240829?dplnkId=42f1eecc-f74a-426f-8245-f8e4ba83640a&nodl=1


Beliefs espoused by the guests of ATC are not necessarily the beliefs and convictions of ATC. 

That said the intent of our podcast is to listen, remain curious and never fear failure in the discovery life giving truth. Many people we ardently disagree with have been our greatest teachers.
Support the Show.

Join us as we sit Across the Counter from musician, entrepreneur, and researcher Elias Dummer.

In this ATC Episode:


•  We navigate the complexities of promoting church unity amidst differing doctrines, and considered how the bedrock of Trinitarianism could offer a blueprint for interdependence in our all-too-fragmented world.

• How the artistic integrity of Christian music often gets entangled with the strings of the industry's commercial aspirations.

• How Elias lightened the mood with some amusing tales from his entrepreneurial adventures in the art world, blending faith with business in a way that's as unconventional as it is uplifting.

• As we wrap up, we came back to the core of our faith and the reassuring embrace of a simple truth – that in Christ, we find all we need.

Connect with Elias:

Instagram: @eliasdummer

Website: https://eliasdummer.com/links/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABplGahNNxrBwS54lPs9lI4ouKDqV9a7Cf5X4OXN2mpDVminr6opSCSvVx1Q_aem_AVXDJZZlKMAD4WDXdzfthzVXSMdfvMFtcY6Pn1YyW1ZCoKSsE9ivmqRwPmfwka_r2l8


Beliefs espoused by the guests of ATC are not necessarily the beliefs and convictions of ATC. 

That said the intent of our podcast is to listen, remain curious and never fear failure in the discovery life giving truth. Many people we ardently disagree with have been our greatest teachers.
Support the Show.

Join us as we sit Across the Counter from  singer-songwriter, producer, music editor, author, and podcast host Michael Gungor. He is the front man for Gungor, a band which has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards.

In this ATC Episode:


• We traverse the spectrum of belief and creativity, delving into Michael's personal evolution from the confines of traditional Christianity to a more expansive spirituality. 

• Our dialogue weaves through the complexities of faith, the beauty of artistic expression, and the courage it takes to embrace one's authentic self, even when it leads away from established norms. 

• Michael's candid reflections offer a poignant perspective on the intricate dance between the pursuit of truth and the desire for community.

• With a joyful leap into the lighter side of life, we explore the whimsical realms of Michael's side projects like Weiwu and the Mystic Hymnal, illuminating how playfulness can be a conduit for inspiration. 

Join us for an exploration that promises to gently challenge your perceptions. 


Connect with Michael:

Instagram: @michaelgungor

Website: www.gungormusic.com


Beliefs espoused by the guests of ATC are not necessarily the beliefs and convictions of ATC. 

That said the intent of our podcast is to listen, remain curious and never fear failure in the discovery life giving truth. Many people we ardently disagree with have been our greatest teachers.
Support the Show.

Join us as we sit Across the Counter from the three brothers behind the Christian Music Guys Podcast.

In this OTC Episode:


• With stories spanned over decades—like the unforgettable concert thrills of DC Talk and the life-affirming melodies of Michael W. Smith—they celebrate three years of sharing these transformative encounters. Revel in the nostalgia as we uncover the moments that not only sparked their podcast's inception but continue to shape its future.

• Learn how navigating today's tumultuous social landscape as a youth pastor offers up its own unique set of challenges, particularly when faced with guiding young believers amidst a sea of TikTok conspiracy theories. It's here that we find the delicate art of sifting through the noise to focus on faith's enduring truth. 

• Stepping further into the realm of pastoral care, we hear about the humbling journey of walking alongside those in grief, from confronting terminal illness to comforting a community in the wake of tragedy. 

Join us as we navigate the intersection of humor, faith, and music!


Connect with the Christian Music Guys Podcast:

Instagram: @christianmusicguys

YouTube: @christianmusicguys




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