Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Michael Foster, pastor of East River Church in Batavia, Ohio, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the wild cultural ride of the past five years. From the rise of the Manosphere to the pushback against woke culture, the impact of the pandemic on churches, and the shifting dynamics of masculinity and dating, this episode dives deep into what’s shaping our world in 2025. Michael shares his journey from starting It’s Good to Be a Man to planting a church during the pandemic, offering insights on faith, culture, and the new vibe shift. Expect candid reflections, bold takes, and a look at where we’re headed next.

CHAPTERS:
(00:00 - Introduction)
(01:04 - Michael Foster’s Journey: Starting East River Church)
(03:58 - The Manosphere’s Rise and Cultural Impact)
(11:23 - Dating Dynamics and the Internet’s Influence)
(19:55 - The Pandemic’s Effect on Churches and Culture)
(28:49 - The Post-Pandemic Vibe Shift)
(36:30 - Christianity, Institutions, and Missed Opportunities)
(50:04 - Choosing Stability Over Controversy)
(58:13 - The New Cultural Stasis and What’s Next)
(1:08:09 - Closing Thoughts and Farewell)

MICHAEL FOSTER-S LINKS:
📖 It's Good to Be a Man - https://www.amazon.com/Its-Good-Be-Man-Masculinity/dp/1954887396/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/thisisfoster
🌐 This Is Foster - https://www.thisisfoster.com/

CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

The Vibe Shift Explained | Michael Foster