aijcast
By Marthame Sanders
aijcastApr 27, 2024
Dardash: A Look Back from 2005
Marthame shares a reflection written after our time in Palestine, getting a window on the situation there through internet chats.
Bridges: A Reflection from Iran in 2007
With Iran now drawn into the international spotlight, Marthame revisits a reflection written there in 2007 while visiting the beautiful city of Isfahan.
Faith, Hope, and Love: A Reflection from 2003
Marthame revisits a reflection on the eve of the American invasion of Iraq, and how it parallels with the world we live in now.
Visit some of our blog from 2000-2003 (and a little from 2005) here.
Stuck in the Garden: A Reflection from 2002
Marthame reflects on the current deterioration of the situation in Gaza and its parallels with episodes from his time in Palestine.
He Is Not Here: An Easter Reflection from 2001
Marthame reflects on the fractured and ecumenical nature of Easter celebrations in Palestine, and what resurrection might mean in a context of death.
Hosanna: A Palm Sunday Reflection from 2003
Marthame reflects on the recent Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage in Atlanta as he shares a reflection on one final Easter Season in Palestine.
When There's Nothing Left to Say (from 2002)
Marthame shares a reflection from his time in Palestine, grappling with the meaning of resurrection among so much death and despair.
Gaza (Under the Rubble) - An Original Song
As we continue to keep vigil with Gaza, we offer an original song written and recorded by our own Marthame Sanders (guitar/vocals) and our friend Alonzo Johnson (bass/drums). Called “Gaza (Under the Rubble)” and released under the band name Marred Fame, the song is available anywhere you stream music.
Stream “Gaza (Under the Rubble)” on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and more
Cross the Line: A Reflection from 2002
Marthame shares a cherished memory from his time in Palestine, crossing all kinds of boundaries.
Refuge: A Reflection from Palestine in 2002
Marthame shares first-hand experiences of Palestinian life under curfew and the universal desire for safety and security.
Running Away: A Reflection from 2002
Marthame reflects back on their tough decision to leave Zababdeh temporarily amidst escalating threats of Israeli military violence back in 2002.
Do Not Be Afraid: A Reflection from 2002
Marthame shares a first-hand account from 2002 about an Israeli military incursion into their sleepy little village of Zababdeh.
A Plea: A Reflection from Palestine in 2001
Marthame reflects on how our recent episodes continue aijcast’s core mission, while also looking back to the art of writing amidst Occupation and suffering.
Come And See: A Sermon in Conversation
Marthame Sanders and Fahed Abu-Akel co-preached at North Decatur Presbyterian Church on the situation in Gaza; and the past, present, and future of Palestine and Israel.
Hope Is Dead. Long Live Hope: A Reflection from 2001
Marthame reflects on the meaning of hope in a hopeless time, whether that time is twenty years ago in Bethlehem, or right now in Gaza.
A Sort of Homecoming...A Reflection from 2001
Marthame reflects on the present situation in Gaza and shares a reflection on the meaning of home in a land full of uprootedness.
The Power of the Weak: A Reflection from 2001
Marthame shares a reflection on our moral double standard in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the strategy of non-violent resistance.
The Vision of Achaia: A Reflection from 2001
Marthame reflects on the sense of Christian solidarity that brought him and Elizabeth to Palestine in the first place, and what that solidarity means to our sisters and brothers in Christ there.
Joyful and Triumphant: A Reflection from 2000
Marthame shares a reflection from Christmas Eve, 2000, when he and Elizabeth made the pilgrimage to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.
Obstacles to Peace: A Reflection from 2001
Marthame shares a story from 2001 that, for him, illustrates the arbitrary cruelty of the Israeli Occupation, while wondering what role hope might play at this moment.
The Death of a Child: A Reflection from 2001
With the ever-alarming death toll among children in Gaza continuing to rise, this particular reflection on the grief surrounding the death of a child seems all too fitting.
No Room at the Inn: A Reflection from 2000
With Christian leaders in the Holy Land announcing the cancellation of major Christmas celebrations, Marthame shares this timely reflection written in 2000 about the upheaval Palestinians regularly face.
Among the Olive Branches: A Reflection from 2000
Marthame looks back at time spent in the olive harvest, a fitting reflection for Thanksgiving week here in the U.S.
Life Is Daily Heartbreak: A Reflection from 2000
Looking back - again - at his time in Palestine, Marthame shares a reflection on the daily challenge of being in such close proximity to suffering.
Made in the USA: A Reflection from 2000
With our attention turned to the Middle East, we continue sharing reflections from Marthame’s time lived in the Northern West Bank. In this essay, Palestinian friends share what they want Americans to hear from them.
The Serbian Intifada: A Reflection from 2000
We continue releasing content from when Marthame and his wife lived in the Northern West Bank (2000-2003). In this reflection, they comment on the world’s duplicity when comparing the Serbian and Palestinian uprisings of 2000.
Calculated Provocation: A Reflection from 2000
As the crisis in Israel and Palestine - especially in Gaza - continues to unfold, we here at aijcast are partnering with Marthame’s production company to release content from when he and his wife lived in the Northern West Bank, 2000-2003.
Words for Someone Else's Story: David LaMotte (Revisited)
We revisit our 2017 conversation with songwriter-speaker-author David LaMotte where he speaks about his musical influences, being drawn to meditation, and how his art intersects with his peace work. Plus he plays his song “Wake Up My Love” for us.
To Set the Captives Free: A Message from Marthame
Host of aijcast, Marthame Sanders, offers his own reflections on the anger and heartbreak that come with loving Palestine and Israel.
The Taste of Feel: Taria Camerino (Revisited)
We revisit part of 2021 conversation with chef-artist-synesthete Taria Camerino, speaking about synesthesia, collaborating with cellist Okorie Johnson, and what the 1812 Overture tastes like.
Things That Grow: Tracy Howe (Revisited)
We revisit our 2019 conversation with musician-producer-theologian-pastor Tracy Howe, where we talk about how she got started in music, her journey to singer-songwiter, and her then newfound openness to co-writing.
We Are Enough: Revisiting Our Conversation with The Many
We revisit our 2021 conversation with members of indie folk/gospel group The Many in celebration of their release We Are Enough.
Okorie Johnson (Revisited)
We revisit our 2017 conversation with Atlanta cellist/composer Okorie Johnson, speaking about the power of improvisation, how the cello has found its way into his life, and even been a source of healing. Plus he plays a couple of songs for us!
A Sanctified Art: Lisle Gwynn Garrity and Sarah Are Speed
We revisit our 2017 conversation with Lisle Gwynn Garrity and Sarah Are Speed of A Sanctified Art, as we talk about weaving together their calls to ministry and the creative arts, their collaborative approach, and the sacred experience of visio divina.
Holy Land Immersion: From the Ministry Collaborative
We bring you an episode from our friends over at the Ministry Collaborative Podcast. Pilgrimage Formation Curator Ryan Bonfiglio talks with the Rev. Dr. Terrence Autry (Christ Community, Richardson, TX) and the Revs. Susan Rogers (The Well, Jacksonville, FL) and Marthame Sanders (Mudeif Productions) about their Holy Land immersion experience; connecting the Biblical stories with the sacred sites; the importance of dislocated exegesis; and the enduring, faithful witness of Palestinian Christians.
Jake Haber (Jacob Roland) and Flamy Grant
We revisit more of 2021’s Wild Goose Festival, including our conversation with Jake Haber (Aldea Spiritual Community, Tucson), some of his live musical performance (as Jacob Roland), and the recent chart-topping drag performer Flamy Grant!
Semler and Shawna Bowman Revisited
We revisit the 2021 conversation between singer/songwriter Semler and our friend artist/pastor Shawna Bowman (Friendship Presbyterian Church, Chicago) recorded live at Wild Goose Festival about honesty in songwriting, the encouragement to release Preacher’s Kid, and we hear a couple of their songs recorded live at the Festival.
We Are One: A Song of Inclusion
We revisit our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson (Georgia Resiliency Program) and Carlton Johnson (Presbyterian Mission Agency) as we create the song We Are One. Listen in on our creative process as this song of inclusion and welcome comes to life!
Weelaunee (Soft Forest Bed): With Darci Jaret
We revisit our collaboration with Darci Jaret (Park Avenue Baptist, Art in the Image), which led to Weelaunee (Soft Forest Bed), a protest song about Atlanta’s proposed Cop City development and the forest defenders who oppose it.
A Play Meditation: With Amina McIntyre
We revisit our collaboration with Amina McIntyre, where we created a meditative play experience together - both virtually and IRL - including Lego blocks, Jenga, and the nostalgia of animal crackers in cardboard boxes.
reweaving/unraveling: With Eley and Ari
We revisit our collaboration with Ari Brazier and photographer Eley as we make sights and sounds inspired by space and authenticity. Additional Sonification on this episode from SYSTEM Sounds (M. Russo, A. Santaguida).
One: A Horror Movie Poster with Jeremy Green
We revisit our collaboration with pastor-poet Jeremy Green in which we work together on creating a poster for our imagined horror movie One.
Kudzu: A Visual Poem with Weston Manders
We are revisiting our recent collaborations, kicking off with our friend filmmaker Weston Manders (Loud South Productions), with whom we created a short film called Kudzu.
Stillness in My Bones: Wrapping Up with Cara
We wrap up our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson (Georgia Resiliency Program) and Carlton Johnson (Presbyterian Mission Agency) reflecting on our song We Are One, the complexity (and simplicity) of music in church, and what fills us.
Revisiting Our Conversation with Naima Shalhoub
We revisit part of our 2020 conversation with songstress Naima Shalhoub, speaking about her work as a teacher and advocate, the importance of her Lebanese heritage, and her latest album SIPHR.
We Are One (Bonus)
Our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson and Carlton Johnson resulted in the song We Are One. We release it as a standalone bonus episode!
We Are One: A Collaborative Song
The song We Are One is the result of our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson (Georgia Resiliency Program) and Carlton Johnson (Presbyterian Mission Agency). Listen in on our creative process as this song of inclusion and welcome comes to life!
Revisiting Our Conversation with Terence Lester
In celebration of the June release of his third book All God’s Children, we revisit our 2017 conversation with minister, community activist, speaker Terence Lester, where he recalls his earliest experiences with unhoused people, the founding of Love Beyond Walls, and how his work and advocacy are ways of incarnating God’s love.
Showers and the Track: More with Cara Fears Johnson and Carlton Johnson
We continue our collaboration with Cara Fears Johnson (Georgia Resiliency Program) and Carlton Johnson (Presbyterian Mission Agency) imagining a song about hospitality, sources of inspiration, and about the importance of self-acceptance.
Revisiting Our Conversation with HuDost
In a conversation recorded backstage at Wild Goose Festival in 2021, musical duo HuDost (Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines) talk about musical collaboration, lyrics that deepen beyond their intended meaning, and moving beyond compartmentalization. Plus, we share a couple of their songs from the Wild Goose main stage!