
The Culture Translator
We look into teen culture every week to help parents and faith leaders have meaningful conversations with Gen Z.
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 38min
Melanie Burton on Understanding the Teenage Brain
Melanie Burton, a life coach and holistic wellness expert, dives into the fascinating world of the teenage brain. She discusses how emotional maturity outpaces rational thought, impacting decision-making. Parents are encouraged to adopt a coaching mindset to empower their teens. Strategies for emotional self-regulation, including the benefits of physical activity, are explored. Additionally, Melanie introduces biofeedback techniques for emotional balance and emphasizes creating safe spaces for teens to express themselves fully and authentically.

11 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 43min
Roundtable: Minecraft Goes to the Movies
Tobin Heim, a pop culture aficionado and guest on the show, dives into the sugary perfume trends among teens, revealing how nostalgia and social media shape fragrance choices. The conversation shifts to the emotional depths of personal connections revealed through scents and extends to the contrasting narratives of March Madness. Heim also reflects on the cultural significance of the upcoming Minecraft movie, discussing creativity and storytelling's role in bridging generations, capturing the joy and playfulness of gaming.

Apr 10, 2025 • 8min
Minecraft Goes to the Movies
Teens are embracing bakery-inspired fragrances, creating scent collections that express their moods. March Madness brings thrilling victories for UConn and Florida, while a Minecraft movie surprisingly gains traction, tapping into nostalgia. The film's themes of creativity and expression spark discussions about its philosophical narratives, encouraging meaningful conversations between parents and teens. Tune in for a lively exploration of these cultural phenomena!

Apr 4, 2025 • 58min
Roundtable: Church in Space and Solo Leveling
The podcast dives into the finale of 'Solo Leveling,' exploring its cultural resonance and themes. A stranded astronaut livestreams Sunday services, intertwining technology and spirituality. Braces are discussed as a newly trendy status symbol, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes. The contrasts in reception of Drake's songs reveal social media's influence on music trends. The conversation also touches on the complexities of violence in anime and the deeper societal issues portrayed within the genre.

Apr 3, 2025 • 7min
Church in Space and Solo Leveling
The finale of 'Solo Leveling' captivates with its themes of supernatural battles and personal growth. Orthodontia is highlighted as a new status symbol, showcasing how trends can shape self-expression. An astronaut finds comfort in livestreaming Sunday services, blending faith with isolation in space. The discussion also touches on a former Navy captain’s reflections on legacy and the importance of sharing one’s journey. Plus, insights into Drake's hit 'Nokia' reveal its role in modern relationships and its virality on TikTok.

Apr 1, 2025 • 41min
Dr. Tanita Maddox on What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God
Dr. Tanita Tawala-Maddox is the national director for generational impact at Young Life and author of "What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God." In this engaging discussion, she dives into the seven pivotal questions Gen Z has about faith, self-worth, and acceptance. Tanita explores their skepticism towards authority and reliance on platforms like TikTok for truth. The conversation also tackles the complexities of understanding God's goodness during suffering and emphasizes the need for older generations to uplift and encourage the younger ones.

Mar 28, 2025 • 50min
Roundtable: Adolescence and Songs of LeBron
TikTokers are writing songs about LeBron, Snow White’s sleepy box office debut, and Adolescence is a journey through the travails of modern boyhood. Resource of the Week - A Parent's Guide To: Kicking Off The Sex Talk: Six Conversations - 0:42 The Man on the Lakers 9:33 Waking Beauty - 21:32 Adolescence - 35:06 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Mar 27, 2025 • 8min
Adolescence and Songs of LeBron
TikTokers are writing songs about LeBron, Snow White’s sleepy box office debut, and Adolescence is a journey through the travails of modern boyhood. To hear Toben sing songs about basketball, click here for our Culture Translator Roundtable podcast! Resource of the Week - A Parent's Guide To: Kicking Off The Sex Talk: Six Conversations For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Mar 21, 2025 • 55min
Roundtable: The Failure of TherapyTok
Gen Z prefers baggy clothes to slim-fitting athleisure, public conversations are becoming the medium of choice for obtaining information, and therapy culture tries to replace religion. Song of the Week - "The Giver" by Chapel Roan -0:22 Click here to see the lyrics. Fitter… Happier? - 17:06 The Art of Conversation - 27:26 Searching for a Savior - 37:22 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Mar 20, 2025 • 9min
The Failure of TherapyTok
Gen Z prefers baggy clothes to slim-fitting athleisure, public conversations are becoming the medium of choice for obtaining information, and therapy culture tries to replace religion. [For more nuance, including CJ's spirited take on baggy gym clothes, you can listen to our Culture Translator Roundtable available on Friday]. Song of the Week - "The Giver" by Chapel Roan Click here to see the lyrics. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.
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