Podcast

Music & Meaning

Monkeys at the Zoo: Metaphors, Methods, and Possible Dreams

Charlie Peacock fields questions from our listeners with in-depth answers and music examples—joined by guest musicians Aaron Smith and Sam Ashworth.

In this episode, host Charlie Peacock fields soul-stirring questions from our listeners with in-depth answers and music examples. He’s joined by former Motown Records drummer Aaron Smith and the Grammy- and Oscar-nominated songwriter Sam Ashworth.

We take you on a seamless audio journey of insights and inventions, including the story of Charlie recording Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jackson Browne, the spiritual nature of goodness, Northern California punk rock ruminations, Nashville songwriting, pop music beat making, the 1960s San Francisco band The Beau Brummels, how a song about monkeys at the zoo remains an evergreen metaphor for the human condition, dreaming impossible and possible dreams, and the beautiful wisdom of following Jesus as a spiritual practice and blueprint for life and artistry.

In this anecdote and music-rich episode, providence and interdependence are front and center, offering shalom, revealing meaning, and allowing for plenty of mystery.

“Music and Meaning” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Matt Stevens Produced and Written by Charlie Peacock and Mike Cosper Associate Produced by Raed Gilliam Original Music and Editing by Charlie Peacock Mixed by Mark Owens Show theme, “Sound of the Room,” composed by Charlie Peacock, featuring bassist John Patitucci Special guests: Aaron Smith and Sam Ashworth Information about Charlie’s Elements Producer Pack and book is available at charliepeacock.com

Our Latest

Public Theology Project

A Real Revival Is Not Controllable 

It implies a movement of the Spirit, not just a boost in numbers.

From Our Community

For Vince Bacote, the Black Evangelical Story Has Something for Everyone

The theologian behind a recent documentary on what compelled him to tell a challenging and beautiful story.

Tribalism Comes with a Warning Label

When tribalism turns us inward, we live like the rest of the world apart from the gospel.

Excerpt

Shutdown Highlights Challenges in Rural Health Care

Small-town doctors grapple with looming budget cuts and lack of support.

There’s No Shame in Talking About Pregnancy Loss  

Eli and Hannah’s conversation in 1 Samuel holds wisdom for Christians on how to care for people who have lost babies or experience infertility.

The Russell Moore Show

JD Greear on What Culture Wars Are Doing to Us

What if the real radicals right now are the ones who refuse to join the outrage mobs?

Review

Our Weary World Needs a Sigh of Relief

David Zahl explores the underappreciated power of God’s grace to lift our earthly burdens.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube