The Tech Arts Podcast

What if the role you think is small… is actually shaping moments where people encounter God? In this powerful and encouraging episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, David Leuschner unpacks a truth every church tech needs to hear: every position matters. Whether you're behind the console, running cameras, programming lights, or quietly setting the stage—your role is not secondary. It’s essential. This episode will challenge your perspective and remind you that ministry doesn’t just happen on the platform—it happens in every detail, every task, and every moment of preparation. From the seen to the unseen, your faithfulness and excellence are part of something much bigger than you may realize. You’ll walk away encouraged, refocused, and inspired to lead and serve with greater purpose—especially as you head into key moments like Easter services. Plus, don’t miss our special sponsor segments—including The Paragon Angle and other featured content—designed to help you level up your technical skills, leadership, and excellence in ministry. LISTEN TODAY! techartspodcast.com

Why Acoustics Matter? Brought to you by Paragon 360 At Paragon 360®, we design and build award-winning sight, sound, and scenic solutions for places of worship, auditoriums, sports complexes, amusement parks, corporate spaces, and other venues of all sizes across many market segments. Our ability to make just about any space look, feel and sound exceptional - all with unbeatable customer service and serious attention to detail – has earned us a first-in-class reputation we’re honored to uphold. paragon360.com

In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, we sit down with David McCauley, author of the leadership book You Don’t Know Sheep—a practical, humorous, and deeply insightful guide for today’s technical, faith and ministry leaders. Drawing from decades of real-world experience in church leadership, technical ministry, and organizational growth, David unpacks how leaders can better understand the people they serve, make healthier decisions under pressure, lead from outside the box, and—most importantly—remember the why behind what they do. This conversation explores leadership through the lens of human behavior, team culture, emotion in decision-making, and how great leaders guide experiences for the people they lead. Today’s episode is also packed with specialty segments to spark your creativity on audio, video and lighting! LISTEN TODAY! techartspodcast.com

What are three principles to building a thriving tech ministry? Brought to you by Paragon 360 At Paragon 360®, we design and build award-winning sight, sound, and scenic solutions for places of worship, auditoriums, sports complexes, amusement parks, corporate spaces, and other venues of all sizes across many market segments. Our ability to make just about any space look, feel and sound exceptional - all with unbeatable customer service and serious attention to detail – has earned us a first-in-class reputation we’re honored to uphold. paragon360.com

This episode of The Tech Arts Podcast is packed with practical insight for audio, video, and broadcast professionals—featuring two powerful segments from industry leaders Waves Audio and Ross Video. In our main segment, we sit down with Waves Audio Val Kotler to explore how AI-driven tools are changing the way engineers approach live mixing. Watch real time demos of the new Waves AI Plug-In, LV1 Classic and more! In addition to that, we dig into real-world workflows, intelligent processing, and how modern Waves solutions are helping engineers work faster, mix smarter, and achieve consistent results—whether you’re mixing front-of-house, broadcast, or in-ear monitors. Before we get to the main segment with Waves Audio, we welcome Matt Morgan who talks the video and broadcast world with Ross Video, hear about their innovation in live production, system design, and the growing convergence of broadcast and Pro AV. This segment focuses on practical takeaways for churches, venues, and production teams looking to scale, modernize, and future-proof their video infrastructure. This episode isn’t about theory—it’s about real tools, workflows, and ideas you can apply immediately to elevate your production. Whether you live in the audio world, or the video world, this conversation delivers insight that matters. PLUS! Today’s episode is packed with specialty segments to spark your creativity on audio, video and lighting! LISTEN TODAY! techartspodcast.com

How do you flip your space and not spend a ton of money? Brought to you by Paragon 360 At Paragon 360®, we design and build award-winning sight, sound, and scenic solutions for places of worship, auditoriums, sports complexes, amusement parks, corporate spaces, and other venues of all sizes across many market segments. Our ability to make just about any space look, feel and sound exceptional - all with unbeatable customer service and serious attention to detail – has earned us a first-in-class reputation we’re honored to uphold. paragon360.com

Get ready—because today’s episode of The Tech Arts Podcast is guaranteed to light up your world. Our main segment dives into LED… but with a twist. With Christmas season in full swing, we’re talking about the kind of specialty LED products that make your sets pop, bring your stage to life, and transform every environment into something unforgettable. We’re sitting down with Jeffrey Moss, founder of MOSS LED, the industry-shaping company behind some of the most flexible, customizable, high-CRI LED solutions on the planet. These aren’t just LED strips—these are tools that reimagine what’s possible. From OmniFlex tubes that disappear when off and glow with cinematic richness when on… to SpotFlex lenses that push light exactly where you want it… to DMX and advanced controller systems that make any church or broadcast room feel like a top-tier studio—MOSS LED is redefining stage design. If you’ve ever wished your set pieces had more dimension, color, movement, or “wow factor”… this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. But that’s just the beginning. Today’s episode is packed with specialty segments to spark your creativity on audio, video and lighting! LISTEN TODAY! techartspodcast.com

On today’s episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, we’re joined by one of the most in-demand mix engineers on the planet—Chris Rabold. If you’ve ever seen Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Kenny Chesney, Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys, or Norah Jones live, chances are you’ve experienced his work. Chris has mixed some of the biggest shows and most iconic artists on earth, shaping the sound behind stages that feel as massive as the audiences they reach. In this conversation, Chris pulls back the curtain on the world of audio—from his origin story and early analog roots to his thoughts on plugins, signal chains, and the philosophy that drives his mixes. We talk about mixing with your ears (not your eyes), what separates good engineers from great ones, and why developing talent in churches starts with training people before buying more gear. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or part of a church tech team looking to raise the bar, this episode is packed with insights from one of the best in the business. techartspodcast.com

In this bonus segment, Mic Techniques with Earthworks Audio, we dive into the Earthworks Podium Microphones — a precision-engineered line designed to capture every nuance of the spoken word with unmatched clarity and presence. Earthworks Podium Mics deliver natural, intelligible speech right out of the box, minimizing the need for heavy EQ or feedback suppression. Whether you’re addressing a congregation, leading a conference, or speaking on broadcast, these microphones offer consistent performance and remarkable detail in any environment. From quiet presenters to dynamic speakers, Earthworks ensures every word is heard with authority and precision. Whether it’s a seasoned professional or a public speaking novice stepping up to the microphone, the FlexMic™ has you covered. Optimized specifically for speech, the FlexMic™ microphones deliver the highest level of intelligibility and articulation — ensuring every message connects clearly and confidently with the audience. Join us as we explore the features that make Earthworks Podium Microphones and the FlexMic™ series the top choice for professionals who demand pristine, articulate sound. earthworksaudio.com

When it comes to church projects, bids and quotes often feel like the same thing—but they’re not. And if you don’t know the difference, it could cost you more than you think. In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, David Leuschner sits down with Ryan Cowen, President of Paragon 360, to unpack The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Bids. Ryan brings over 17 years of AVL experience to the table, sharing how churches can avoid costly mistakes, navigate confusing bid processes, and instead focus on building strong, trustworthy relationships with integrators. From understanding why not all bids lower the price, to learning what questions you should be asking potential partners, Ryan helps demystify a process that so many churches struggle with. You’ll also hear practical strategies on how to spot gaps in proposals, when bids make sense (and when they don’t), and why stewardship isn’t just about chasing the lowest number—it’s about finding long-term value. If your church is required to get multiple bids, or you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right AVL partner, this conversation is packed with insights that will save you headaches, dollars, and time. 👉 Tune in now for a candid discussion on bids, quotes, and what really leads to successful projects in today’s church world. techartspodcast.com

Why does design matter? Brought to you by Paragon 360 At Paragon 360®, we design and build award-winning sight, sound, and scenic solutions for places of worship, auditoriums, sports complexes, amusement parks, corporate spaces, and other venues of all sizes across many market segments. Our ability to make just about any space look, feel and sound exceptional - all with unbeatable customer service and serious attention to detail – has earned us a first-in-class reputation we’re honored to uphold. paragon360.com

Have you ever wondered why tech ministry can feel so confusing—or if there’s a better way to unlock the full power of ProPresenter? In this episode, David Leuschner welcomes Paul Clifford from Trinity Digital Media, a leading voice in helping churches reach their redemptive potential through technology. Paul unpacks the features and integrations that make ProPresenter more than just presentation software—covering essentials like Planning Center, SongSelect, and Multitracks, plus game-changing tools like the Reflow Editor and Arrangements that save hours of Saturday prep. He also shares practical advice on finding and training the right ProPresenter operators, why they’re truly part of the worship team, and how to balance simplicity, automation, and creativity in your services. And that’s not all—stick around for bonus segments with insights on leadership, audio, video, and lighting that will help take your ministry’s production to the next level. If you’re a church leader, tech director, or volunteer looking for real-world tips to strengthen both your team and your tools, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss. techartspodcast.com

🎙️ Bonus Segment – David Leuschner sits down with Phil Cooke, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Cooke Media Group, to talk about his upcoming classes at CFX | Capture Summit 2025 (churchfacilitiesexpo.com). With a career that spans producing media programming in nearly 70 countries, creating some of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history, and consulting for Hollywood studios, major nonprofits, and globally respected churches, Phil has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” In this conversation, Phil shares insights from his bestselling book Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking and his latest release, Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission and Reputation During a Crisis. Don’t miss this masterclass on creativity, communication, and leadership from a true media pioneer. Learn more at philcooke.com.

In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, host David Leuschner sits down with Nick D’Angelo, Brand Manager at ProLights, for a deep dive into lighting that every tech should hear. From front light and key light to cyc lights and house lights, Nick unpacks the essentials—and reveals how ProLights has taken house lighting to the next level by transforming it into a Wi-Fi extender. You’ll hear how it works, why it’s a game-changer, and how it can streamline your venue’s tech infrastructure. Along the way, David also brings you a bonus segment with media expert Phil Cooke discussing his latest books and his upcoming appearance at the CFX Conference, plus fresh insights on microphones from Earthworks Audio and the newest installment of The Paragon Angle. This episode is packed with tech tips, insider know-how, and innovative solutions, this episode is a must-listen for every church tech and AVL pro. techartspodcast.com

On this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, host David Leuschner sits down with church production leader Dennis Choy to tackle a timeless question: How do you work with creatives and still be friends? With over 30 years of experience building behind-the-scenes ministry teams at churches like North Coast, Saddleback, and Skyline, Dennis shares hard-earned wisdom and practical strategies for navigating the tension between structure and spontaneity in church production. Now serving as General Manager of Designs and Projects at House Right—an AVL integration company that helps churches communicate the Gospel clearly and creatively—Dennis brings deep insight into bridging the gap between technical and creative teams. From personality clashes and communication breakdowns to building trust and relational equity, this episode is packed with real-life stories, leadership takeaways, and laugh-out-loud moments every tech and creative leader needs to hear. techartspodcast.com

In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, we dive into the world of AVL networking with special guests Anthony Stofflet, Brand Manager for Luminex, and Greg Persinger of Vivid Illumination. Together, they unpack the differences between IT and AVL networks, explain why reliability matters more than ever, and explore how Luminex is making network setup and management easier for churches and production teams of all sizes. From VLANs to contact closures, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world stories that make networking less intimidating and more accessible. INFOCOMM CLASSES Eventbrite Classes VIP CODE FOR INFOCOMM ACL110 techartspodcast.com

In this episode David Leuschner dives deep into audio mixing fundamentals that every engineer—especially those in church tech—needs to master. Sharing wisdom from 37 years of experience, David reveals game-changing mixing tips on plug-ins, vocals and how understanding musicality transforms your mix. Listen to hear a powerful vocal mix insight from legendary engineer Ken "Pooch" Van Druten. This episode also challenges you on how to avoid being a lazy mix engineer. None of us want that! Plus, find out how Digital Great Commission Ministries can help your church tech ministry thrive with free onsite assessments and resources! audiovideolighting.com

At Paragon 360®, we design and build award-winning sight, sound, and scenic solutions for places of worship, auditoriums, sports complexes, amusement parks, corporate spaces, and other venues of all sizes across many market segments. Our ability to make just about any space look, feel and sound exceptional - all with unbeatable customer service and serious attention to detail – has earned us a first-in-class reputation we’re honored to uphold. paragon360.com