
Deep Talks | Cultural Theology with Paul Anleitner
Deep Talks is a podcast dedicated to exploring the integral relationship between religion, culture, philosophy, and science. Fostering nuanced, non-combative dialogue about theology and culture, science, the arts, entertainment, and philosophy within a broad, historic Christian perspective.
Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian who writes and speaks on religion and culture. He has degrees in history from the University of Michigan and a Master of Christian Thought from Bethel Seminary, where he graduated with highest honors.
Latest episodes

16 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 10min
Why Culture is Going Post-Cynical (Also a BIG Announcement)
In this insightful conversation, Brad Edwards, co-host of the Post Everything podcast, joins Paul Anleitner to discuss the shift from postmodernity to metamodernity. They explore the implications of this transition, referencing iconic films like 'The Matrix' and 'Fight Club' to illustrate the journey from cynicism to post-cynical hope. The duo dives into the multiverse concept in 'Into the Spider-Verse', advocating for humility in discussing faith and personal narratives. They also analyze cultural narratives, highlighting a shift from irony to sincerity in modern storytelling.

Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 23min
Jordan Hall Set Out to Save Civilization & Found a Small Country Church Instead
Jordan Hall, is a futurist, philosopher, and public speaker renowned for his insights into the interplay between technology and culture. Hall played a significant role in the digital media landscape at MP3.com and later as the founder and CEO of DivX, a company instrumental in the online digital video revolution. After this, Hall turned his attention to halting the collapse of civilization.
Hall is a prominent thinker in the Game B movement, which seeks alternative societal structures to address systemic challenges. He has engaged in numerous discussions and interviews on topics such as the "metacrisis," the future of civilization, and the relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence.
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Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more!
https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 23min
The Inevitable Emptiness of Deconstruction | Ian Harber
Ian Harber is the author of Walking Through Deconstruction: How to be a Companion in a Crisis of Faith.
https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Through-Deconstruction-Companion-Crisis/dp/1514008564
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Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more!
https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 47min
The Meaning Crisis & Our Post-Cynical Vibe Shift
I recently joined Christian Baxter and the Yours Truly Podcast to discuss how the meaning crisis is leading to our post-cynical vibe shift.
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Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast.
Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more! https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Feb 24, 2025 • 20min
The Matrix Was a Lie
In this episdoe, we'll critically reevaluate the message of The Matrix and whether or not its philosophical and theological themes did more harm than good.
On YouTube:
https://youtu.be/fYww_x_WaGk?si=dizfer-krgqJuALc
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Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more! Patreon.com/deeptalkstheology

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 30min
John Vervaeke & Clay Routledge | Nostalgia & the Loss of Our Guiding Stories
Join philosopher John Vervaeke and existential psychologist Clay Routledge as they explore the pivotal role of storytelling in shaping identity and meaning. They dive into how modern nostalgia connects us to our cultural past while cautioning against the pitfalls of groupthink. The duo examines how generational shifts influence our narratives, especially for today’s youth grappling with existential questions. Tying it all together, they emphasize the importance of shared stories in fostering community and finding purpose in an increasingly complex world.

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 40min
Did C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy predict Elon Musk, AI, & Aliens? | Annie Crawford
Annie Crawford, co-founder of Vine Classical Community and a notable writer on C.S. Lewis, dives into the relevance of his 'Space Trilogy' amidst today's cultural challenges. She explores themes of masculinity and femininity, linking space travel to Christian ideals. The discussion highlights the clash between materialism and spirituality, and how these ideas resonate with modern pursuits like space exploration. Crawford draws parallels to our current technological myths, suggesting that Lewis's insights provide guidance for navigating contemporary moral dilemmas.

Jan 20, 2025 • 30min
Is Wrestling America's Best Philosophy?
This may sound absurd to some of you, but professional wrestling might be America's best barometer on cultural shifts and changes.
Paul reacts to the WWE Raw on Netflix trailer and discusses why the WWE should not be overlooked as one of America's most important cultural influences.
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Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast.
Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more! https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Jan 13, 2025 • 2h 4min
How Postmodernism Killed Superman | Parker Settecase
Parker Settecase is the host of @ParkersPensees and @ParkerNotes
In this episode, we discuss the rise of cynicism and deconstruction in pop culture, the philosophical roots of these postmodern shifts, and what may be coming next in the hero's stories of our culture.
Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast.
Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more! https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 25min
Fallen Angels Backstory? "Gabriel and the Guardians" creator Jason Moody
Jason Moody is the creator of Angel Studios brand-new fantasy anime series Gabriel and the Guardians, which tells an incredible fantasy story inspired by the book of Genesis, the book of Enoch, and the mythological context of the Ancient Near East.
It's part Chronicles of Narnia, part Similrillion, part Dragon Ball Z, and it's deeply informed by the biblical scholarship you'd find in from Michael Heiser, John Walton, and the Bible Project.
Jason Moody is the Founder and Creative Director of Colossul Studios and the visionary creator behind the highly anticipated animated series, Gabriel and the Guardians.
In this episode, Paul Anleitner discusses with Jason Moody the strange contextual world of the Bible and how he was inspired to create a fantasy series that could explore some of that world and some of the deepest ideas of the Bible.
Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more!
https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast
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