Join the Libretto team as they expound and expostulate on trends and best practices in communications for mission-driven organizations. Libretto is a communications firm that helps organizations articulate what they do, believe, and hope to achieve. Our team of seasoned communications professionals brings curiosity, originality, and wide-ranging expertise to the business of words. Learn more about Libretto by visiting libretto-inc.com.
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Libretto Podcasts
In this weekly web feature, St.John Flynn and Eric Skelly provide a quick, fun overview of the opera to be heard Saturday afternoon on HPM Classical and houstonpublicmedia.org.
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This weekly podcast provides an informal and informative look at church history. Join us each week as we take a brief break from the present to go exploring the past. Travel back in time as we look at the people, events, and even the places that have shaped the story of Christianity. Each episode offers an easily digestible glimpse of how the eternal, unchangeable God has worked in the church over prior generations and how this can encourage us today. This is our story—our family history.
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Join us for a conversation with Stephen King, John Mellencamp, and T Bone Burnett, co-creators of the southern gothic supernatural musical "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County." This extraordinary collaboration—13 years in the making—is a haunting tale of fraternal love, jealousy, and revenge. Our esteemed guests will talk about the inspiration behind the project and the all-star recording, with music and lyrics by Mellencamp, libretto by King, and musical direction by Burnett.
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DARK SISTERS is a new American opera, with music by Nico Muhly and libretto by Stephen Karam. Co-commissioned and Co-produced by Gotham Chamber Opera, Music-Theatre Group and Opera Company of Philadelphia. DARK SISTERS is a suspenseful, emotional, and lyrical depiction of one woman's struggle with life and faith and the universal dilemma of whether to stay or leave.The opera opens a window into the lives of Eliza and her sister wives, members of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints ...
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“Shake the Sphere with Sid” Sidney Homan is the author of thirteen books and editor of eight collections of essays on Shakespeare and the modern playwrights, and an actor and director in commercial and university theatres. He has been named the University of Florida’sTeacher/Scholar of the Year. His prize-winning Beckett’s Theatres: Interpretations for Performance emerged from his tour of Florida prisons with a production of Waiting for Godot. In A Fish in the Moonlight, he recounts stories ...
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What prompted Jonathan Edwards to publish a collection of sermons during a period of spiritual decline? Today, Stephen Nichols looks at Edwards' Discourses on Various Important Subjects and the pastoral concerns that shaped this influential book. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the…
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Looking for a meaningful way to start the new year? Today, Stephen Nichols offers five practical suggestions for diving deeper into church history in 2026. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/church-history-resolutions-for-the-new-year/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries…
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Why is the incarnation at the center of our hope as Christians? Today, Stephen Nichols looks to Jonathan Edwards' sermon on Revelation 5, reflecting on the humility and majesty of Jesus' birth. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/christmas-in-new-england/ A donor-supported outreach of …
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A Little Church History of a Middle Colony: The First Great Awakening
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In the 1700s, Delaware witnessed powerful movements that shaped American Christianity. Today, Stephen Nichols continues exploring this colony's church history, from George Whitefield's Great Awakening preaching to the rise of Methodism. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-little-chur…
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Restricting the content of best-of lists to things produced or released during a single year is, in many ways, fairly arbitrary. Books, movies, or TV shows don’t cease to be relevant as soon as the calendar changes. So we got together to talk about some of the things we particularly enjoyed in 2025. Here’s hoping they bring you joy, make you think,…
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A Little Church History of a Middle Colony: Early Influences
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Though Delaware is small, its church history is rich. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how this middle colony was shaped by William Penn's vision of religious freedom, Anglican and Swedish influences, and enduring places of worship that still tell the story of faith in early America. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-ch…
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On November 5, 1605, a plot to destroy England's Parliament was foiled. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on how this event has reminded generations to give glory to God for His providential deliverance. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/gunpowder-and-a-proclamation/ A donor-supported …
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What shaped the Thanksgiving holiday as we know it? Today, Stephen Nichols explores the holiday's roots in colonial America, significant presidential proclamations, and enduring reflections on gratitude drawn from great figures in church history. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/tha…
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John Newton preached three sermons on the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how Newton used these sermons to remind believers that Christ reigns as King of kings and calls all people to repent and believe the gospel. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-ni…
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Episode 12: Dartmouth Health (with guest Matthew Barone)
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We're excited to welcome Matthew Barone to Well Put! Matthew is Executive Director, System Communications at Dartmouth Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in New England, and has been a longtime partner of Libretto. He spoke with Librettists Adrian Pio and Ian Sutherland about our work developing messaging for Dartmouth Health's network o…
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Though few know his name, many know his work. Today, Stephen Nichols introduces Charles Jennens, who compiled the biblical texts for Handel's Messiah to proclaim Christ's glory and defend the truth against deism. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/charles-jennens-libretto/ A donor-sup…
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Cyprian of Carthage: Crisis in the 3rd Century
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Amid persecution and turmoil, Cyprian of Carthage stood firm in his faith and led the church with wisdom. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on Cyprian's call for unity, repentance, and steadfast faith in times of suffering. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/cyprian-of-carthage-crisis-i…
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The third century brought afflictions, instability, and opposition for Christians in the Roman Empire. Today, Stephen Nichols examines how the Lord preserved His church in the midst of these adversities. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/crisis-in-the-3rd-century/ A donor-supported o…
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What can archaeology teach us about the world of the Bible and the early church? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights how archeological discoveries bring historical context to the life and faith of God's people. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/digging-deeper-5-things-about-archeology/…
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In AD 230, Christians in Galilee left behind a remarkable testimony to their faith in Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols examines the Megiddo Mosaic, uncovering five insights it provides into early church life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/5-things-about-the-megiddo-mosaic/ A donor-…
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Naming the Antichrist: Reformation and Modern Views
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Why did many of the Reformers identify the pope as the antichrist? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his survey of Christian views on the antichrist and interpretations of the number 666, moving from the Reformation to the present day. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/naming-the-anti…
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Naming the Antichrist: Ancient and Medieval Views
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Who is the antichrist? The beast? The man of lawlessness? Today on episode 666 of the podcast, Stephen Nichols explores how several church fathers and medieval theologians wrestled with these questions—and whom they named as the antichrist. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/naming-th…
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Sid talks with Lawrence Quill, one of the most brilliant and inventive of thinkers, whose inquiries run from the use of nostalgia in politics to governments' recourse to secrecy. Professor of Political Science at San Jose State University, Lawrence has been a Technology and Democracy Fellow at the Center for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences, a…
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Have you read My Utmost for His Highest? And did you know it was published 10 years after its author died? Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Oswald Chambers and his wife Biddy, whose copious notes from Oswald's sermons turned into more than 50 books. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen…
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Once a messaging platform is complete, the time comes to put it to use. Join Nancy Boissonnet and Adrian Pio as they share Libretto's approach to putting the messaging to use via workshops that teach organizations how to share compelling, authentic stories with a unified voice. Mentioned in this episode: Project: United Way of Central Maryland Proj…
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In addition to being our Redeemer, Jesus is our perfect example for the Christian life. Today, Stephen Nichols considers a stirring sermon that B.B. Warfield preached on the humble, self-sacrificial life that Christ modeled for us. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/warfield-on-imitat…
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What can sermons from over a century ago teach us today? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces The Savior of the World by B.B. Warfield, a collection of Christ-centered sermons that invite us to marvel at the good news of the gospel. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/some-sermons-of-warf…
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What is sin, and why must we take it seriously? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights Not the Way It's Supposed to Be by Cornelius Plantinga Jr., a book that explores the biblical view of sin and our deep need for God's redeeming grace. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-good-book-on-a-…
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What does it mean to live in community with other Christians? Today, Stephen Nichols explores the wisdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together, offering insights into how believers grow together in grace under God's Word. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/life-together-2025/ A donor…
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Why study church history? Today, Stephen Nichols celebrates the twelfth anniversary of 5 Minutes in Church History by reflecting on twelve ways church history has enriched his faith and deepened his understanding of God's work through the ages. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/happy…
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What's on your reading list? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces On the Incarnation by Athanasius, a timeless book defending the deity of Christ and the hope of the resurrection. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/ancient-wisdom/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate…
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What can a map teach us about the Bible? Today, Stephen Nichols explains how understanding Scripture's geography can deepen our grasp of redemptive history. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-good-atlas/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligon…
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Jonathan Edwards' writings reveal profound insights into theology, philosophy, and the human condition. Today, Stephen Nichols explores the rich content of Edwards' works and explains why his writings are still relevant to the church today. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-works…
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In his first published sermon, Jonathan Edwards emphasized the glory of God in redemption. Today, Stephen Nichols revisits this early message to reflect on our need for dependence on Christ and the grace that secures our salvation. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/edwards-first-publ…
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Speaking with the public -- from boards of trustees to student groups and everyone in-between -- is an integral part of what we do at Libretto. Join Neal Kane and Ian Sutherland as they discuss how they prepare for their public speaking engagements, what to do (and not do), and the best way to conclude a presentation. Mentioned in this episode: GK …
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Sid talks with Susan Cerasano, the Edgar W. B. Fairchild Professor of Literature at Colgate University. Now, when Susan “talks” about Shakespeare, or Marlowe--for that matter, the words flow from her like some joyous, fast-moving stream, eager to flood its banks. Wonderfully perceptive parallels are made, insights into the characters rooted in Susa…
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Deserted Island with Joel Kim: Theology and Pastoral Wisdom
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What books have most shaped your faith? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his conversation with Joel Kim as he adds more titles to his deserted island library, each offering timeless encouragement for the Christian life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/deserted-island-with-joel-kim-…
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Sid talks with Avra Sidiropoulou, a brilliant director who has staged plays all over the world. A professor at the Open University of Cyprus, she has written extensively about the contemporary theatre—indeed, theatre people have found essential her book Directions for Directors (2018). With a concern both for her actors and audience, she speaks, am…
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Sid talks with Michael Hill about how his work in eighteenth century studies has expanded to his concerns with environmental humanities, the interaction of war and culture, and, most recently, the link between war and climate change. A professor of English at SUNY/Albany, Mike shows how one’s “field” can be the door to wider, emergent contemporary …
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Sid talks with Brian Rhinehart, Professor of Theatre at the Actors Studio Drama School in New York. Old friends for years now, they have been each other’s actor and director (and had great fun doing so), in everything from improv to the plays of Sam Shepard. Brian directed the award-winning Butoh Medea on Theatre Row in Manhattan, was named “Best D…
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Sid talks with David O’Donnell, now adjunct professor at Victoria University in Wellington. While his natural modesty would prevent him for acknowledging the fact, David has perhaps been the person most responsible for the recognition and growth of native New Zealand actors, playwrights, and composers. Himself a fine actor and director, he has stag…
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Sid talks with Paul Richards, Professor of Music and Head of Composition at the University of Florida. When I speak of my colleague’s music as being “all over the place,” I mean this as the ultimate compliment. Richards has written orchestral, vocal, chamber, and theatrical works, as well as full-length operas. His music has been praised for its “s…
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Sid talks with Henry Sussman, one of the country’s most eminent scholars and teachers, who has used his study of literature and culture to put in context his political commentary, as in The Great Dismissal: Memoir of the Cultural Demolition Derby, 2015-2021. October 2023 saw the premier of Henry’s play Soiree at Walter Benjamin’s at the New York Th…
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Sid talks with Jerry Harp, a teacher much in demand at Lewis and Clark College. His four books of poetry reveal an artist of extraordinary sensitivity, and Jerry uses that sensitivity in his study For Us What Music: The Life and Poetry of Donald Justice. It was his role as the Friar in a production of Romeo and Juliet that led him to examine the co…
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Sid talks with Donna Soto-Morettini, who has done just about everything in the business. Rock and Roll singer in California. Director of Drama for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Central School in London. She is highly sought after as an acting coach and casting director (for Andrew Lloyd Webber, among others). Her books on acting…
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Deserted Island with Joel Kim: History and Leadership
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If you could take only five books to a deserted island, which would you choose? Today, Joel Kim joins Stephen Nichols to share titles he'd bring, and what they reveal about leadership, perseverance, and history. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/deserted-island-with-joel-kim-history-…
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What makes a great preacher? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Derek Thomas to reflect on the life and legacy of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a medical-doctor-turned-pastor whose powerful preaching marked the church in the 20th century. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/derek-thomas-on-the-…
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What impact did the 1904 Welsh Revival have on the church and on culture? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Derek Thomas to reflect on this remarkable season of gospel awakening in Wales and how its legacy endures today. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/derek-thomas-on-the-welsh-r…
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Augustine's legacy is well known, but what about his closest friend? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to Alypius, a faithful companion who walked alongside Augustine from their days as students to bishops in neighboring towns. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/augustines-friend/ …
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Behind several well-known names in church history stand faithful brothers whose stories are often untold. Today, Stephen Nichols shares how these men, though less recognized, played meaningful roles in the life of the church. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/brothers-in-church-histo…
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What was it like to grow up in a missionary home on the edge of the American frontier? Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Esther and Jonathan Edwards Jr., two of Jonathan Edwards' children, and their unforgettable years in Stockbridge. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/mission…
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What was trending in the 18th century? Today, Stephen Nichols walks through five key developments that shaped the church, including revival, hymnody, and the early sparks of global missions. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/trending-in-the-18th-century/ A donor-supported outreach of…
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From creative brief, to group brainstorm, to presentations to the client team and beyond, the Libretto team are experts when it comes to naming fundraising campaigns, initiatives, and organizations. In this episode, Ian, Madison, and Tiffany talk about the creative process of "Themestorming" and the joys and challenges this facet of our work presen…
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What Everyone Needs to Know about John Witherspoon
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John Witherspoon was an integral figure in American Presbyterianism. Today, Stephen Nichols and Kevin DeYoung explore this Scottish pastor's legacy as a theologian, patriot, and president of Princeton University. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/what-everyone-needs-to-know-about-joh…
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