Brad Montague delivered a heartfelt and humorous talk reminding creatives that their work matters deeply in a world often dismissed as a “dumpster fire.” Through his story “The Dumpster Fire in the Garden,” he challenged listeners to stop feeding chaos and instead cultivate beauty, hope, and healing—becoming “gardeners of good.” He celebrated the SALT community as a collection of dreamers and doers who transform brokenness into something meaningful, describing their calling as a “joyful rebellion” against cynicism.
Drawing from his experiences with Kid President, art, and storytelling, Brad reflected on the messy middle between who we are and who we want to be. He urged creators to embrace vulnerability, extend grace, and keep showing up even when things fail or feel unfinished. By tending to the sacred space between people—the place where creativity and love meet—artists can remind the world of what’s possible and reflect the divine through their work.
Practical Takeaways:
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Tend the garden, don’t feed the fire — Focus your energy on creating beauty and hope, not amplifying noise or negativity.
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Use your art to “make a comment” — Like Charles Schulz, show up daily and let your work respond thoughtfully to the world.
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Honor the sacred space between people — Every interaction and creative act is holy ground where love can take root.
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Embrace imperfection and joyful rebellion — Failure, awkwardness, and play are part of cultivating grace and meaningful change.
