<p>Welcome to <em>A Kiss of Life: A Michael Knott Series, Volume 1</em>, 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.</p><p></p><p>Robert, an Oregon IT professional turned indie vinyl curator, spearheaded the rerelease of Knott’s iconic first solo outing <em>Screaming Brittle Siren</em> on vinyl, but his story goes deeper: from commissioning Michael’s paintings, to late-night phone calls, to becoming a creative collaborator and friend.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>✨ Episode Highlights</p><ul><li>Robert recounts how his friendship with Knott began through paintings and grew into deep personal connection.</li><li>Insights into the creation of multiple paintings inspired by <em>Screaming Brittle Siren</em>’s oceanic and siren themes.</li><li>Reflections on Knott’s collaborative spirit and openness to ideas, both musically and visually.</li><li>Emotional memories of Knott’s honesty, struggles, and faith and how those qualities made his art resonate so deeply.</li><li>Robert’s experience at the tribute show in Southern California, where artists, family, and fans celebrated Knott’s enduring musical legacy.</li><li>Discussion of songs like “Shine a Light,” "Brittle Body," "Christ Saves," and many others and how they continue to comfort and challenge listeners.</li><li>A look at the rerelease project itself, including collaboration with Cliffy Huntington on remixing and remastering.</li></ul><p>Continued thanks to Dan Russell and Fingerprint Records for use of our podcast theme song Orphans of God by Mark Heard.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>