The following artists, companies, and organizations are conduits of shalom in their own unique ways. They either facilitate creativity, exude joy, are doing great things, or are just really wonderful people.

The Bible for Normal People – The Bible for Normal People is not just a podcast. It’s a safe place for an ex-evangelical like me, where deep spiritual, biblical, theological, and philosophical conversations take place.

Blue Ox Music Festival – Blue Ox is a wonderful festival. Between the musicianship on display, the kindness of attendees, and the thick smell of… well, you know… Blue Ox provides warm, sweet experiences.

Bon Iver – Justin Vernon and his Bon Iver project have inspired me mightily over the last several years. Their live debut of the 22, A Million album at the second Eaux Claires festival in 2016 shook me (the album still does, every time I listen).

Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ – I cannot overstate my appreciation for this organization and what they do. Their annual Pride Fest in Eau Claire has become an appointment event for me each year.

CoLab – What a wonderful space! This co-working organization in downtown Eau Claire not only provides great places to work and meet, but it’s run by great people.

Converge Media – It’s been my privilege to be a part of Converge since its birth in 2016. It’s all about bringing people together around the arts, promotes local music, and is actively involved in justice and equity initiatives.

Derek Webb – Derek started out in the “Contemporary Christian Music” industry, but his questions and searching led him down a different path. His songwriting and overall provocation has inspired me for years.

Gracie and Rachel – Few artists exude the emotional growth and healing I emphasize here as Gracie and Rachel. They are brilliant, honest, and simply wonderful people.

Humbird – Siri Undlin, also known as Humbird, is a brilliant musician and songwriter. She is also an active conduit of love and peace.

J.E. Sunde – Jon (J.E. Sunde) is one of the most gifted and skilled singers and songwriters I’ve ever experienced. His lyrics are raw, relational, and philosophically provocative. He’s also a really sweet dude.

Jerrika Mighelle – Jerrika is one of the most wonderful people I know. While she is a gifted artist, she is an even better human being. Her example and goodness are helping me become a better person.

Josh Garrels – Josh Garrels invaded my head and heart with his Love &War & The Sea in Between album in 2011. Ever since, his soul and songwriting have warmed my heart and spirit.

MOBE – MOBE is a health and wellness company based in Minneapolis. I worked there for five years and was consistently inspired by their efforts to help people experience better health and more happiness. It is comprised of some wonderful people too.

The Nunnery – The Nunnery, also known as Sarah Elstran, is a purveyor of peace. She is brilliant musically and vocally. Her creativity, talent, and goodness have made her into a great force for good.

The Pablo Center at the Confluence – The Pablo Center is an answer to a prayer. More on that later, but it is a beautiful arts center in the heart of downtown Eau Claire. Not only do they host amazing shows and exhibits, but they do lot of good things in the community.

Pagnia Xiong – Pagnia is a powerhouse of positivity. While her roots are in Eau Claire, she is well known among Hmong communities in the States and abroad. Her voice is incredible and her example encourages me regularly.

Phil Cook – Phil Cook is a font of joy. For real. His music is full of it and he exudes it when he performs. People Are My Drug is not just an album of his; it’s also his way of life.

Racy D’Lenes Coffee Lounge – Racy’s is a lovely coffee shop in downtown Eau Claire. Lovely people serve lovely drinks and baked goods there. It’s also a wonderful space for creativity.

Shift Cyclery and Coffee Bar – Shift is both a coffee shop and bicycle repair shop located in downtown Eau Claire. They provide a warm, inviting space in which I have worked and created for many, many hours.

The Social X-Change Project – Social X-Change is the brainchild of the magnificent whirlwind, Sheng Elizabeth Lor. Sheng is a dynamo of activism, love, and goodness. She inspires and challenges me regularly.

Sylvan Esso – I’m not sure I’ve ever moved as much as I have at Sylvan Esso shows. They get me loose (well, as loose as I get). Amelia Meath, the group’s vocalist, exudes joy and freedom.

Tangled Up in Hue – Tangled Up in Hue is a lovely woman-owned, shop in downtown Eau Claire selling locally crafted goods. The store is great and run by wonderful people who actively engage in justice and equity activism.

U2 – No band has impacted me long term like U2. They played a central role in challenging my limited understanding of how to live out my faith in the world.

Visit Eau Claire – I love Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Visit Eau Claire is all about getting more people to come and experience what a great place this is. I first began blogging in partnership with VEC back in 2012.

Volume One – Volume One is an Eau Claire institution. This bi-weekly magazine amplifies all the events and dynamics which make the city so special. I’ve been privileged to write for V1 periodically since 2012.

The Yoga Room – I never thought I’d care about yoga. Maybe I wouldn’t if it wasn’t for The Yoga Room in Eau Claire. The staff and facilitators made this old, white, overweight guy feel safe and comfortable when he decided to give it a go.