Axis Conversations

Dive into the intriguing dynamics of communication, particularly the puzzling 'Gen Z stare' and its implications in social situations. Explore the excitement surrounding the new Superman film that brings a fresh, hopeful take on the iconic hero. The discussion doesn't shy away from controversy, highlighting a chatbot scandal that raises questions about AI ethics. Plus, an exploration of Gen Z's love for trading cards reveals how nostalgia meets modern social interaction in today’s digital age.

Generations are debating why Gen Z so often blankly stares at people who ask them questions, the new Superman movie is celebrated for its sincerity, and what it means that the AI chatbot Grok went rogue and started praising Hitler. Song of the Week: DAISIES - Justin Bieber Click here for the lyrics. Elsewhere in culture: An AI-generated protest song called “Dust on the Wind” is trending on Spotify, the 2025 Emmy nominees were announced with the show Severance receiving a 27 different nominations, people online debated whether giving girlfriends the “princess treatment” was chivalrous or patronizing, more people started using the “Solid Snake method" of conversation which involves repeating the last word someone else says and adding a question mark, and Fortune explored why Gen Z men are still obsessed with Pokémon cards. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Dr. Tim Mackie, Lead scholar and creative director of BibleProject, shares his insights from a rich background in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Studies. He emphasizes viewing the Bible as a cohesive narrative rather than a set of rules. Tim discusses the power of storytelling, especially Jesus' parables, in deepening understanding. He tackles the complexities of biblical translation and cultural context, advocating for a holistic approach to scripture. Finally, he reflects on how skateboarding culture intersected with his spirituality, showcasing relatable ways to connect with younger generations.

Three Big Conversations: The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a Texas law requiring actual age verification for access to pornographic websites - 13:58 An animated film called “KPop Demon Hunters” released on Netflix, and it's been dominating both music and video streaming charts - 32:28 Communities in Texas are reeling from grief as the death toll from last weekend’s flash floods continues to climb. At least two dozen victims were children attending the Christian, all-girls camp known as Camp Mystic - 44:54 Resource of the Week - The Conversation Starter (Youtube) - 0:25   Elsewhere in culture: - 08:57 A new report claims that TikTok is building a U.S.-based app to launch in September, a 14-second video featuring Howie Mandel telling a 4-year-old that he is the “youngest person ever” was viewed and liked millions of times, podcaster Joe Rogan speculated that perhaps humans creating AI will be what “the second coming of Christ” was supposed to refer to, the English port of a “horseracing game” involving anime girls as horses started trending in the U.S., and Morning Consult reported that the youngest voting cohort (currently Gen Z) is 12% less likely to identify as liberal than the youngest cohort was in 2016. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.                            

An animated film called KPop Demon Hunters is dominating both music and video streaming charts, A new supreme court ruling could pave the way to federally mandated ID verification on all pornographic sites, and mourning the tragic losses in Texas’s Camp Mystic after their historic flash floods.   Resource of the Week - The Conversaton Starter (Youtube)   Elsewhere in culture: A new report claims that TikTok is building a U.S.-based app to launch in September, a 14-second video featuring Howie Mandel telling a 4-year-old that he is the “youngest person ever” was viewed and liked millions of times, podcaster Joe Rogan speculated that perhaps humans creating AI will be what “the second coming of Christ” was supposed to refer to, the English port of a “horseracing game” involving anime girls as horses started trending in the U.S., and Morning Consult reported that the youngest voting cohort (currently Gen Z) is 12% less likely to identify as liberal than the youngest cohort was in 2016.   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Parents often struggle to connect with their tween daughters. Open-ended questions can spark genuine conversations, building stronger relationships. Prioritizing connection over specific answers fosters natural dialogue. Strategies for navigating teen communication include casual settings and thoughtful questioning. Understanding emotional distance during this stage is crucial for enhancing parent-child interactions.

Dive into the fascinating world of cooperative gaming with 'Peak,' where teamwork is essential to reach new heights! Discover why the psychological thriller 'We Were Liars' has Gen Z in tears, with themes of identity and drama. There's also a thought-provoking discussion on '#monkmode,' romanticizing minimalism and introspection in today's fast-paced lifestyle. Plus, explore the cultural impact of TikTok trends and the significance of balancing solitude and community in personal growth. All this wrapped in humor and insight!

A cooperative game called Peak is taking the gaming world by storm, challenging players to climb mountains together. Meanwhile, the emotional rollercoaster of the psychological thriller We Were Liars has teens sharing their feels on TikTok. The #monkmode trend invites a return to minimalism, contrasting sharply with today’s digital chaos. Other highlights include a groundbreaking Supreme Court ruling on LGBTQ+ education, a quirky TikTok phrase, and the upcoming Jurassic Park: Rebirth film. Tune in for a blend of culture and current events!

Molly Worthen, a history professor at UNC and author of "Spellbound," dives into the concept of charisma throughout history. She discusses its origins from ancient Greece to its biblical roots, reshaped by sociologist Max Weber. The conversation explores the evolution of charisma, emphasizing its fragile nature in the age of social media. Worthen highlights charismatic leaders from history, like Joseph Smith, and examines the growing allure of such figures amid declining trust in institutions. The episode concludes with a reflection on the timelessness of charisma in fostering genuine human connections.

Guest Brad G, a movie reviewer and horror film enthusiast, dives into the quirky trend of AI-generated glass fruit videos on social media. He critiques the latest addition to the zombie genre, '28 Years Later,' discussing its impact on horror culture. The conversation shifts to a nostalgic look back at the 90s summers, exploring how perceptions of this era differ among generations. Brad also touches on the cultural significance of horror films and their resonant themes in today's youth culture.