Orphans of God

About Orphans of God

Orphans of God is a candid conversation on the scenic route of life with the spiritual vagabonds, outcasts, drifters, explorers, fools and sometimes accidental heroes who do not always find a way to work within the four-walled traditional church buildings. They are thinkers, preachers, teachers, filmmakers, writers, troubadours, painters, poets, and observers who have a redeeming story to tell. Please join Spun Counterguy and Todd A. Zeller - just a couple of soot covered urchins, who endeavor to understand how as seemingly orphans of God, they can still do His will.

Publisher

Todd Anthony Zeller & Spun Counterguy

Category

music · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Apr 2024

Latest episode

5 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Dec 2025

   A Kiss of Life | A Michael Knott Series | Vol. 3

   Spun & Todd bring you another informative episode in our limited run series, A Kiss of Life. In the 90's, Christopher Rumbaugh worked for Blonde Vinyl with Knott as point man, blazing the trail, the label nurtured a creative community around Knott’s artistic vision. Michael Knott himself was a prolific and boundary pushing artist (L.S.U., Lifesavers, Aunt Bettys). Blonde Vinyl became an extension of this ethos: raw, art-driven, honest, and filled with spiritual wrestling. The label served as a creative collective for artists who wanted to explore faith, doubt, darkness, and beauty without censorship. Listen in as Spun, Todd & Chris share some incredible recollections of an alternative music era made even more bittersweet since Michael's passing in 2024. Original Artwork on BV Teaser 2 cassette by Christopher Colbert Audio Editing by Spun with Dearl Poore Orphans of God by Mark Heard used by permission thanks to Dan Russell of Fingerprint Records.

2. 

   8 Oct 2025

   A Kiss of Life | A Michael Knott Series Vol. 2

   🎙️ A Kiss of Life | A Michael Knott Series | Vol. 2 In this second installment of our special tribute series, A Kiss of Life, Spun Counterguy and Todd A . Zeller sit down with two special guests who knew and admired Michael Knott in very personal ways, longtime friend and songwriting partner Rick McDonough, and Jason Dean, former co-host of Reality Rock Radio Program and Rock of Love in Southern California. Rick shares heartfelt memories of his decades-long friendship and creative collaborations with Michael, reflecting on their work together over the past twenty years, the songwriting process, and the deep spiritual qualities that made Michael such a rare and magnetic soul. He opens up about the way Michael connected with people reading hearts, offering care, and leaving a lasting imprint on everyone he met. Jason Dean brings a unique perspective from the early days, recalling his radio interviews with Michael in the 1990s and what it meant to witness his artistry firsthand as both a music fan and a supporter of his work. Through these conversations, we continue to celebrate the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Michael Gerard Knott a true original whose spirit and music live on through every note, lyric, and memory. Continued thanks to Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records for use of Orphans of God by Mark Heard. Audio editing by Spun Counterguy with assistance from Dearl Poore.

3. 

   2 Oct 2025

   A Love Letter To A Band Called LoveSong | Part 2 | With Filmmakers Ron Strand & Jerry Stanley

   Orphans of God Hosts: Todd A. Zeller & Spun Counterguy In Part 2 of our deep dive into the legacy of LoveSong, Todd and Spun along with Ron & Jerry, explore the period when the band began winding down their collaborative work and moving into solo careers or other callings. We reflect on how each member continued to influence the world musically, spiritually, and culturally beyond the band’s heyday. The episode also examines LoveSong’s enduring impact on Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), tracing threads from their pioneering sound to today's worship and Christian pop genres. There is conversation commemorating the legendary Jesus Music Festival, Explo 72. Along the way, we uncover a priceless piece of history: long-lost 16mm archival footage capturing the band in their prime and a rare visual window into the heart of the Jesus Music era. We wrap with a heartfelt look at the broader Jesus Music Movement, how it shaped a generation and how its echoes can still be felt in Christian culture today. Continued thanks to Dan Russell & Fingerprint Records for the use of Mark Heard's track Orphans of God / Audio Editing by Todd A. Zeller with Dearl Poore

4. 

   18 Sept 2025

   A Love Letter To A Band Called LoveSong | Part 1 | With Ron Strand & Jerry Stanley

   In this episode of Orphans of God, Spun & Todd welcome filmmakers Ron Strand and Jerry Stanley, the creative team behind the upcoming documentary series A Band Called LoveSong The Music & Movement of the Jesus Revolution. Together, they retrace the story of the pioneering Christian rock band LoveSong, exploring how their music and message helped launch an entire movement in the early days of Jesus music. Ron and Jerry share what drew them to the project, the process of gathering stories and archival footage, and the unique challenges of capturing both the cultural impact and the deeply personal side of the band’s journey. This conversation is filled with warmth, laughter, and reverence for a time when music became a bridge for faith and community. At its heart, the interview offers more than just behind-the-scenes insights, it’s a celebration of legacy, storytelling, and the enduring power of songs that continue to speak across generations. With discussion of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, Pastor Chuck Smith, Daniel Amos, Terry Scott Taylor and so much more. Continued thanks to Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records for the use of the brilliant Mark Heard song Orphans of God. Audio editing by Dearl Poore and Todd A. Zeller.

5. 

   26 Aug 2025

   A Kiss of Life | A Michael Knott Series Vol.1

   Welcome to A Kiss of Life: A Michael Knott Series, Volume 1, hosted by Spun Counterguy and Todd Anthony Zeller. In this limited-run tribute series, we explore the life, faith, songs and artistry of the late Michael Gerard Knott. Our debut episode features an in-person conversation recorded about a year ago at a greasy spoon diner in downtown Salem, Oregon where Zeller sat down with podcast guest Robert Freeman during the raw early months of grief following Knott’s passing. Robert, an Oregon IT professional turned indie vinyl curator, spearheaded the rerelease of Knott’s iconic first solo outing Screaming Brittle Siren on vinyl, but his story goes deeper: from commissioning Michael’s paintings, to late-night phone calls, to becoming a creative collaborator and friend. Our listeners can expect to hear a potpourri of Knott's songs obsessively sprinkled throughout each episode from solo, live, band, demo's and elsewhere. Thanks to Stormie Fraser-Knott, Rick McDonough, Joshua Lory, Dearl Poore, Robert Freeman, artwork photography by Dearl Poore and Jason Chu. Audio editing by Todd A. Zeller, Spun Counterguy and Dearl Poore. ✨ Episode Highlights Robert recounts how his friendship with Knott began through paintings and grew into deep personal connection. Insights into the creation of multiple paintings inspired by Screaming Brittle Siren’s oceanic and siren themes. Reflections on Knott’s collaborative spirit and openness to ideas, both musically and visually. Emotional memories of Knott’s honesty, struggles, and faith and how those qualities made his art resonate so deeply. Robert’s experience at the tribute show in Southern California, where artists, family, and fans celebrated Knott’s enduring musical legacy. Discussion of songs like “Shine a Light,” "Brittle Body," "Christ Saves," and many others and how they continue to comfort and challenge listeners. A look at the rerelease project itself, including collaboration with Cliffy Huntington on remixing and remastering. Continued thanks to Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records for use of our podcast theme song Orphans of God by Mark Heard.

6. 

   7 Aug 2025

   Rev. Rich Wallace | Preaching Between Trees & Smoke

   For some who go camping in national parks, in amongst the hiking, campfires and other cherished activities are attending the Sunday morning outdoor church services. Rich Wallace was a parks minister for several years and so shares some of his experiences attending the spiritual needs of campers. We also engage in a discussion on serving the needs of the community while trying not to neglect spreading the gospel message of salvation. Music by Mark Heard "Orphans of God" Thanks to Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records and Phil Keaggy

7. 

   30 Jul 2025

   Us Kids | An Alternative Music Rebellion | Documentary Update with Spun-Todd-John

   In mid July Spun Counterguy sat down with Us Kids film producer, John Smeby & director - editor Todd A. Zeller for a brief yet informative progress update. John was visiting Todd in Oregon for this conversation. We chat about the process of post production, the origin of the Us Kids concept and more, and even Carman makes a cameo appearance. Listen to Orphans of God on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Rumble, Brophisticate, Podbean and more. Special thanks to Spun Counterguy for audio editing and to Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records for the use of the Mark Heard song Orphans of God.

8. 

   25 Jan 2025

   Waters Troubled | Christianity's Encounter with and Eventual Undoing of Slavery | Part 2

   On this edition of Waters Troubled, slavery is protested from the grave, colonists realize that the liberty that they themselves desire must also be extended to those they keep in chains and a slave woman writes poetry on the blessing and curse of having been kidnapped from her mother country. Listen to Orphans of God on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Rumble, Brophisticate, Podbean and more. Special thanks to Dearl Poor for audio editing and to Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records for the use of the Mark Heard song Orphans of God.

9. 

   11 Jan 2025

   Waters Troubled | Christianity's Encounter with and Eventual Undoing of Slavery | Part 1

   This episode is special, O of G's own SpunCounterGuy is interviewed by Todd Anthony Zeller on the subject of Slavery & Christianity. In the beginning days of the settling of America, slavery was a world-wide phenomenon that had plagued humanity since its early days. But the conscience of Christians began to be troubled by the practice and gradually what had always been had to be undone forever. Welcome to the introductory episode of our series Waters Troubled, where we discuss American and English colonial figures and movements that began to push back against the practice of human bondage, including Roger Williams, George Whitefield, John Wesley, Benjamin Lay and the Quakers. Special Thanks to Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records for use of the song Orphans of God

10. 

    28 Dec 2024

    Mathew Dickerson | Hammers & Nails | The Life & Music of Mark Heard | Part 2

    Mark Heard biographer Mathew Dickerson returns over coffee with Spun & Todd to complete his overview of the late singer / songwriter. On this episode we touch on Heard's relationships with Solid Rock's Larry Norman and Chris Christian of Marks former record label Home Sweet Home and the shortcomings of all three men. As well as what became of Janet Heard, the famed Fingerprint recording studio in Southern California and the possible meanings behind such particular songs as "Nod Over Coffee", "Treasure of the Broken Land ", "Orphans of God" and more. Special Thanks to Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records use of the song Orphans of God, Thank you also to Jeffrey Kothoff of Lo-Fidelity Records for the inner sleeve artwork and photo of Mark, check out the beautifully packaged and remastered Dry Bones Dance recording now.

11. 

    19 Dec 2024

    Mathew Dickerson | Hammers & Nails | The Life and Music of Mark Heard | Part 1

    Matthew Dickerson is the author of several books including Hammers and Nails: the Life and Music of Mark Heard. His most recent books include: Aslan’s Breath: Seeing the Holy Spirit in Narnia which is a close reading of C.S.Lewis’s Narnia stories looking at the numerous ways Lewis seems to have been portraying the Holy Spirit; and the forthcoming book Birds in the Sky, Fish in the Sea: Attending to Creation with Delight and Wonder – a book which is a close reading of both nature and scripture and which ends with a poem responding to and inspired by the journals of Mark Heard. He has also published two novels of medieval historical fiction, the first of which Mark Heard read and responded to as part of a conversation between Dickerson and Heard. The second and more recent of these, titled The Rood and the Torc: the Song of Kristinge, Son of Finn, explores the spiritual and artistic value of songwriting as vocation, and is still available today. Dickerson teaches at Middlebury College in Vermont. Though most of his teaching load is in the area of computer science, he still finds time to teach occasional courses on the writings of C.S.Lewis and J.R.R.Tolkien. He lives on a wooded hillside with his wife of more than 35 years.

12. 

    11 Sept 2024

    Rev. Daniel Bradshaw | On Science & Religion | Part 2

    Reverend Daniel Bradshaw returns to talk about the nature of a testament to the nature of God, the million coincidences that produced life on Earth, multiverses, the purpose of life when humans are considered no different from bacteria and the science of the drumming of the rock band Petra. Thanks for listening and welcome home.

13. 

    3 Sept 2024

    Rev. Daniel Bradshaw | On Science & Religion | Part 1

    Rev. Daniel Bradshaw discusses with us the history of the relationship between science and Christianity, the controversy over the Ark Encounter in Eastern Kentucky, Darwinism verses Intelligent Design, Richard Dawkins, dialogue between believers and atheists and the ethics within a world view in which humans are not made in the image of God. Original musical interludes provided and written by Grey Wood Wrapped In Wire The song Orphans of God used with permission from Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records Listen and rate us or write a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

14. 

    11 Aug 2024

    Mike Stand | A Rebel Story | Part 2

    Listen in on a redemptive story as Spun & Todd continue to dig deep into the alternative Christian musical history of Mike Stand and his various bands along life's miles, the Altar Boys, Clash of Symbols, Altar Billies, his solo records in addition to his faith journey and some of the potholes and pitfalls traversed along the way. Let Part 2 of A Rebel Story commence now!

15. 

    5 Aug 2024

    Mike Stand | A Rebel Story | Part 1

    Mike Stand and Co. have been writing refreshing songs for decades. His songs inspire, challenge, encourage, and for many are the soundtrack of their Christian youth. Songs by the Altar Boys, Clash of Symbols, solo and the Altar Billies ask the listener to join on a journey through struggle, faith, love, freedom and ultimately the pursuit of Christ. Thanks for joining Spun and Todd for Part 1 of a candid conversation with Mike Stand | A Rebel Story.

16. 

    14 May 2024

    Dr. Carlos Eire | Professor of History and Religious Studies | Interview Part 2

    Dr. Carlos Eire returns to talk about how his life as a Cuban refugee and being taken in by Jewish foster parents affected his faith, how he has tried to honor the sacrifices made by others to assist him and why Christianity has generally been a positive force in spite of it's un-Christ-like aberrations throughout history.

17. 

    1 May 2024

    Dr. Carlos Eire | Professor of History and Religious Studies | Interview Part 1

    Yale's Dr. Carlos Eire talks Christian history, martyrdom, pacifism verses self-defense and more in Part 1 of our compelling conversation.

18. 

    16 Apr 2024

    Chris Cooper | Soup the Chemist - The Road to Holy Hip-Hop | Part 2

    The conversation with Soup the Chemist (https://soupthechemist.bandcamp.com/) continues, Chris talks about sharing the stage with KRS-One, the last days of Brainstorm Artists International, watching fellow artists leave the faith, his own regrets, his book Through My Windows (https://www.amazon.com/Through-Windows-history-behind-Holy-ebook/dp/B00I8QMCQ8) and brand new material!

19. 

    13 Apr 2024

    Chris Cooper | Soup the Chemist - The Road to Holy Hip-Hop | Part 1

    Rapper Soup the Chemist aka SFC aka Chris Cooper joins Todd and Spun for this first episode of Orphans of God to talk hip-hop, Brainstorm Artists International, Gene Eugene, Adam Again, faith and so much more!

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

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