“The Freedom of Awareness, Breakthrough and The Magic of ADHD in Art Form,” Heather Ryerson, Inside of Knoxville, October 3, 2023

Seeking Our Spirit

with Rev. Brett Backus

Heretics Church

A talk given at Crossings, Knoxville, followed by Q & A with Caleb Gilmore.

Spiritual Care for Artists, Creators and Makers

 Guiding Principles of Our Work Together

Through listening, curiosity, paradox, story-telling, playfulness, conversation and the right gentle questions, I have helped people like you get unstuck in their creative projects and pursuits. Learning from a mythic tradition, you can capture and recapture your passion and inspiration to create fresh content. Appropriate, authentic and humble mentorship and spiritual care can help you heal from religious trauma through creative pursuits. Arts-making can recharge spiritual activists, and spiritual wisdom can inspire Creators.

With Burt Reynolds on Set

Read Other Artists’ Testimonials.

Cultivate

Mindfulness & Creativity

Live and On-demand

My Background

My D&D 5e character SHEET

(he/they)

Rabbi, cross-country bicyclist, Peace Corps volunteer, concert producer, chaplain, Dungeon Master, and theologian. I’ve served Heska Amuna Synagogue, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, The Last Movie Star, the Task Force on Disparities in Educational Outcomes, Community Health Council, and am the first treasurer of our Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking. In my spare time, I do yoga, read science fiction novels, and play on a soccer team. (he / they)

Rabbi, Heska Amuna Synagogue

2010 - 2022

Religious Consultant, The Last Movie Star

2016

Rabbi-in-Residence, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

2013 – 2014

Sober Counselor, Beit T’Shuvah

2008 – 2009

Why Do Artists Need a Rabbi?