The Tech Arts Podcast

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

In this bonus segment, Mic Techniques with Earthworks Audio, we dive into the Earthworks Drum Microphones — a precision-engineered line designed to capture every nuance of your drum kit with unmatched clarity and impact. Known for their lightning-fast transient response and exceptional off-axis rejection, Earthworks Drum Mics deliver a natural, punchy sound right out of the box, minimizing the need for heavy EQ or processing. Whether you're tracking in a professional studio or playing live on stage, these microphones offer consistent performance and incredible detail across the entire kit. From thunderous kicks to shimmering cymbals, Earthworks brings your drums to life. Join us as we break down the features that make Earthworks Drum Microphones a top choice for drummers and engineers who demand pristine, musical results. earthworksaudio.com

In this episode, Willow Hodge from Hope Fellowship Church dives into the vital role that technology plays in modern worship environments. From sound engineering to lighting, video, and behind-the-scenes tech workflows, Willow shares insights from her experience serving in church tech ministry. She discusses how these "technical instruments" support and enhance the worship experience without becoming a distraction, and emphasizes the heart behind the tech—serving the message and the people. A thoughtful conversation for anyone passionate about blending faith with technical artistry. BONUS SEGMENTS: Drum Mic Techniques with Earthworks Audio and The Paragon Angle gives advice you don't want to miss. techartspodcast.com

When installing a new live production system, selecting the right integrator is crucial to ensuring a seamless and reliable setup. What should you look for? Find out in this weeks episode of The Paragon Angle. Brought to you by paragon360.com

In this bonus segment, Mic Techniques with Earthworks Audio, we explore the SR117 Vocal Microphone by Earthworks Audio, a supercardioid condenser vocal microphone designed for exceptional live performance. Combining the clarity of a condenser with the reliability of a dynamic mic, the SR117 offers transcendent sound quality that's easy to mix without extensive adjustments. Its superior pattern control ensures maximum feedback rejection, making it ideal for both large venues and intimate home studios. The SR117's balanced frequency response and exceptional plosive protection make it a versatile choice for any setting. Join us as we delve into the features that make the Earthworks SR117 a standout microphone for vocalists seeking unparalleled performance. earthworksaudio.com

What does excellence truly mean in the world of creative ministry? In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Bailey to unpack the DNA of excellence—how it’s defined, how it’s pursued, and why it’s not just copying what another church is doing. We tackle key questions like: Plus, we geek out over the Earthworks Audio SR117 microphone—why we love it and why you might, too! And don’t miss our can't-miss segment of the Paragon Angle for some next-level insights. If you’re involved in tech, creativity, and ministry, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in now! 🎧 techartspodcast.com The Tech Arts Podcast is brought to you by: Digico Earthworks Audio Paragon 360

On this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, The Paragon Angle Segment dives into the world of rigging! Whether you're setting up stage designs, lighting rigs, or structural elements, proper rigging is the backbone of a safe and stunning production. Brought to you by paragon360.com Tune in and elevate your craft! #TheParagonAngle #Rigging #TechArts #Paragon360

In this bonus segment, Choir Mic Techniques with Earthworks Audio, we explore the challenges of amplifying a choir effectively and how to achieve a natural, balanced sound. Since microphones, placement, PA systems, and processing are all interconnected, misalignment can lead to feedback, distortion, poor blend, and lack of clarity. This special segment talks about how to master choir miking, we break it down into five levels. First, avoid bad things—minimize feedback and distortion with proper mic choice and placement. Second, maintain control by ensuring even coverage without over-processing. Third, prioritize intelligibility, capturing the full choir’s blended harmonies rather than spotlighting individuals. Fourth, create presence by seamlessly blending the choir’s acoustic output with the PA for a natural sound. Finally, at Level Five, apply artistic enhancements, such as subtle EQ adjustments, to refine and enrich the mix. A pro tip for live streaming—blend in omnidirectional room mics to create an immersive experience for remote listeners. Mastering these techniques allows for both technical excellence and artistic expression in choir amplification. This segment is brought to you by earthworksaudio.com

In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, we continue our deep dive into professionalism with industry veteran David Hatmaker. With an impressive career that includes working with Vice President Dan Quayle, Neil Armstrong, Bob Iger, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Martina McBride, New Kids on the Block, and more, Dave brings unparalleled insight into what it means to operate at the highest levels of the industry. From his time at Walt Disney to his role in Yamaha’s Global Research and Development team, he’s seen it all. This time, we take the conversation even further, exploring: 🎤 The true meaning of leadership vs. management – What separates a great leader from just a manager? How do these roles shape a team and impact professionalism? 🎤 Can you deliver an excellent service or show without compromise? – Is compromise a necessary part of achieving success, or can excellence be maintained without it? 🎤 Why professionalism matters at every level – From volunteers to high-level executives, professionalism shapes the culture and effectiveness of any team. PLUS, don’t miss our special segment with B & H! They have an exciting new tool that we talk about in this podcast! This is a powerful conversation packed with wisdom, practical takeaways, and real-world experience. Don’t miss it! 🎧🔥 techartspodcast.com

In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, we dive into the world of professionalism with industry veteran David Hatmaker. With a career that includes working with Vice President Dan Quayle, Neil Armstrong, Bob Iger, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Martina McBride, New Kids on the Block, and more, Dave brings a wealth of experience to the table. From his time at Walt Disney to his role in Yamaha’s Global Research and Development team, he’s seen it all. We explore essential questions like: 🎤 What does it truly mean to serve? 🎤 What’s the difference between a manager and a leader? 🎤 Why is professionalism so important? 🎤 How does compromise play a key role in delivering a great service or show? Plus, don’t miss our special segments: Earthworks Audio on choir miking The Paragon Angle on rigging in the church This is a conversation you don’t want to miss! techartspodcast.com. 🎧🔥

Looking to elevate your audio game? Check out MicRentals.com, your go-to platform for professional-grade microphone rentals. Whether you’re trying to find the right mic for your singer, recording a podcast, hosting an event, or producing music, MicRentals.com offers a wide selection of top-tier microphones to suit your needs. Affordable, hassle-free, and delivered right to your door! LISTEN OR WATCH FOR A FULL DEMO OF THE WEBSITE! Like It, Love It, Rock It - MicRentals.com

Make sure you get it right the first time! What does stewardship matter? Find out on this episode of The Paragon Angle. Brought to you by paragon360.com

This week, join us for Part 2 of our deep dive into the intersection of stewardship and technology with Stephen Arruda, president of MicRentals.com. Building on the conversation from Part 1, Stephen unpacks more insights on how intentional stewardship can elevate your tech ministry to the next level. Don’t miss this continuation of an inspiring and practical discussion on harnessing technology and stewardship to create meaningful worship experiences. techartspodcast.com