The Composer Chris 'Cast

Episode 10 - On John Williams' HOOK, with Russell Powell

It was after hearing the John Williams score for the Spielberg film HOOK that I decided to try composing. Even though it's not my favorite film score (or even my favorite Williams score) it will always have a special place in my heart. Here to discuss this often forgotten musical gem with me is Russell Powell, fellow composer and former composition student of mine that shares a similar affection for the score.  Russell's Website: https://www.powellmusictulsa.com [https://www.powellmusictulsa.com] Russell's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/russell-powell [https://soundcloud.com/russell-powell] Click to order HOOK - THE ULTIMATE EDITION from La-La Land Records [https://lalalandrecords.com/hook-the-ultimate-edition-expanded-remastered-limited-edition-3-cd-set/] (The music clips used are not mine, and used for educational and informational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights go to the respective owners.)

Episode 9 - On Deconstruction, with Ryan Lennon

This episode is very different from recent episodes! Guest Ryan Lennon joins me to talk about religious “deconstruction,” a term that has been bouncing around recently in evangelical circles. What is deconstruction? Is it a good thing? Why is it a scary term to some? We also briefly discuss the Amazon Prime docuseries “Shiny Happy People.”  Ryan Lennon grew up in Evangelicalism and obtained Master’s Degrees from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in New Testament Studies and Old Testament Studies. He currently works in sales selling cybersecurity software to businesses, and he and his wife Jenny live in Cary, NC with their two year old daughter, Cami, and their six year old Golden Retriever, Barney. They have been attending a local Episcopalian church for the past several months, and this is the faith tradition they feel most at home in. Follow him on Twitter @ryanjslennon [https://twitter.com/ryanjslennon]. Thank you for listening! Subscribe in Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-composer-chris-cast/id1607697955] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/25Kdjx1RoXSVpBhxWSC0bK?si=2ee0c0edfb95480a]!

Episode 8 - My Favorite Film Score Is...

I'm back after a hiatus! In this first episode back I wanted to share a bit about my favorite film score, and why it is my favorite. But before that, I need to unveil my “Mt. Rushmore” of film composers! Thank you for listening!  (The music clips used are not mine, and used for educational and informational purposes only.)

Episode 7 - Dr. Travis Dickinson, Author of "Logic and the Way of Jesus"

Philosopher and author Dr. Travis Dickinson [https://www.travisdickinson.com] joins me to talk about his new book Logic and the Way of Jesus [https://www.travisdickinson.com/books/logic-and-the-way-of-jesus/]. Are faith and reason complementary? What does it mean to think critically? Is it dangerous to doubt your faith? We discuss these and more. Dr. Dickinson serves as Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University, and is active as a speaker for conferences, camps and church events.Travis and I previously taught together for several years, and I am proud to call him a friend! Visit Dr. Dickinson's Website  [https://www.travisdickinson.com] Follow on Twitter [https://twitter.com/TravDickinson]

Episode 6 - John Williams Retiring from Film Music with Chris O'Hara

In this episode I talk to my old friend Chris O'Hara about the news of John Williams stepping away from film music. Chris and I went to junior high and high school together, and we've always shared a mutual admiration of Williams and his music. In fact, we both pursued careers in music largely because of his influence on our younger selves.  Chris O'Hara is a professional trumpet player, music educator and doctoral student at the University of Illinois (Urbana/Champaign); you can learn more about him and hear recordings on his website [https://www.chrisjohara.com].