Why the Future Is Local: Truth, Tradition & the Artist’s Role in Culture | Yours Truly Podcast

"...if I lose sight of the tradition, if I lose sight of what we built and I'm not standing on anything

when I'm doing that... you lose the utility of what it means to be conservative or liberal and how these things are functioning together."

"...there's all kinds of ways to be, but there's only one truth. And you will never know what those ways to be are and how they could be beautiful in the world if it's not attached to the truth."

- Neil DeGraide @dirtpoorrobins

In this episode, Christian Baxter sits down with musician and filmmaker Neil DeGraide of Dirt Poor Robins for a rich and reflective conversation on creativity, truth, and the cultural imagination. From the front porch to the public square, Neil unpacks why the adventure you're called to might not look like the world's version of success—and why that’s exactly the point.

Together they explore:

The tension between progress and tradition

Why our best cultural critiques start in the home and community

The dangers of a purely merit-based system

How artists and "nobodies" alike shape the spirit of an age

And why grounding your life in truth—not just ideology—is essential

Stick around to hear thoughts on the ARC conference, Oliver Anthony, and why Neil believes the soul grows when it doesn't get everything it wants.

👥 Mentioned in this episode:

@oliveranthonymusic

@arc_conference

@JonathanPageau

@PaulVanderKlay

@johnvervaeke

@thesacredpodcast

Rod Dreher

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🎧 Listen to Dirt Poor Robins: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtpoorrobins

https://open.spotify.com/artist/16lGevDffmuRakKVvdJ983

✝️ Yours Truly is a podcast for those learning to think out loud. We wrestle with truth, beauty, and belief—without skipping the mystery in between.