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

8 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 56min
Roundtable: Switch 2 Debuts, Porn’s Popularity Falls, and the Rise of Grandfamilies
The hosts discuss the buzz around the new Nintendo console and how Gen Z's views on pornography are shifting dramatically. They touch on cultural highlights, from a viral musician on TikTok to exciting developments in the gaming world, including a new Elden Ring spinoff. The rise of 'grandfamilies' is explored, focusing on the challenges faced by grandparents stepping into caregiving roles. Personal agency and identity in young women are also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of open conversations about family dynamics.

Jun 5, 2025 • 9min
Switch 2 Debuts, Porn Popularity Falls, and Grandfamilies
A new Nintendo console has gamers buzzing, but many are hesitant to upgrade. Gen Z is shifting perceptions about pornography, questioning its positive narrative. The challenges and joys of grandparents raising grandchildren are explored, highlighting deep emotional connections amid exhaustion. Meanwhile, a pop culture musical moment gets roasted on TikTok, and a cooperative Elden Ring spinoff gains traction. Plus, stuffed keychain monsters are trending, and NBA star Chet Holmgren shares his favorite books!

May 30, 2025 • 1h 5min
Roundtable: Goodnight Phone Calls, Annabelle, and Gen Z Tech Restrictions
Young men are embracing the trend of calling each other goodnight, fostering emotional connections in their friendships. A haunted doll named Annabelle is humorously linked to a plantation fire, blending folklore with modern fears. Meanwhile, Gen Z shares their plans to restrict technology use for their own kids, influenced by their own experiences with social media. As discussions unfold, the cultural implications of technology and communication in relationships are examined, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of friendship today.

May 29, 2025 • 9min
Goodnight Phone Calls, Annabelle, and Gen Z Tech Restrictions
Young men are embracing a quirky trend of calling each other to say goodnight, showcasing a charming side of male friendships. A haunted doll named Annabelle is at the center of a wild story linked to a plantation fire. Gen Z discusses their thoughts on imposing technology restrictions for their future kids, highlighting the push for digital minimalism. The cultural landscape also includes surprising box office stats, a unique debate by Dr. Jordan Peterson, and a wildly busy influencer on her wedding day.

4 snips
May 27, 2025 • 37min
Jake Weidmann on Empowering Young Creatives in an AI World
Join Jake Weidmann, one of only nine Master Penmen in the world, as he dives into the challenges young creatives face today. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and humility in the creative journey, revealing how a playful mindset can unlock true potential. Jake beautifully connects faith with artistry, urging a return to art’s original purpose of glorifying God. As AI technology advances, he passionately defends the value of human creativity, encouraging all to embrace their artistic spirit as a profound, spiritual journey.

May 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
Roundtable: Forever, AITA, and TikTok Meditations
Dive into the fascinating world of moral dilemmas with a humorous look at Gen Alpha boys and the infamous subreddit r/AmItheAsshole. Discover TikTok's innovative 10 p.m. meditation feature designed to enhance adolescent well-being. Reflect on Netflix’s adaptation of 'Forever,' which navigates teen relationships and parental support. Explore the enigmatic 'Italian Brain Rot' and how viral trends connect with traditional storytelling. Finally, examine the evolving impact of music in the streaming era, highlighting the emotional themes in Morgan Wallen's 'What I Want.'

May 22, 2025 • 9min
Forever, AITA, and TikTok Meditations
Dive into the cultural landscape shaped by TikTok's AI dance feature and its implications for digital well-being. Explore moral dilemmas faced by teens through family dynamics and boundary issues. The adaptation of Judy Blume's 'Forever' sparks conversations about identity and parental influence in teenage relationships. Discover the significance of open communication between parents and their growing children in navigating consent and emotional ties. Plus, catch the latest on trending topics like the legal ramifications of revenge porn!

May 16, 2025 • 53min
Roundtable: An American Pope, Quitting Zyn, and Andor
The rise of Pope Leo XIV is explored through a modern lens, highlighting his social media impact and cultural significance. Young people increasingly turn to Reddit for support while quitting Zyn tobacco, showcasing the evolving dynamics of addiction recovery. Analyzing the second season of 'Andor,' the conversation dives into its darker themes, reflecting the reality of authoritarianism. Lastly, 'aura farming' reveals how adolescents curate their identities online, prompting discussions about authenticity and self-perception in today's society.

May 15, 2025 • 9min
An American Pope, Quitting Zyn, and Andor
A new pope's reign is imagined through a social media lens, capturing the essence of modern communication. Young people are turning to Reddit to kick their Zyn nicotine habits, showcasing a creative approach to quitting. Plus, the podcast dives into the gritty realism of Andor's new season, highlighting ordinary lives amidst epic narratives. The slang 'aura farming' encapsulates the quest for authenticity in a digital landscape, while trending topics like Netflix's 'Forever' and wild debates keep the conversation lively.

19 snips
May 13, 2025 • 37min
Dr. William West on Einstein, Relativity, and How Science Reveals God
Dr. William West, a Harvard- and Johns Hopkins-trained oncologist and the founder of the West Clinic, combines his expertise in cancer research with his deep Christian faith. He passionately argues against the idea that science and faith are at odds, showing how scientific discoveries can reveal divine truths. The conversation touches on the intersection of intelligent design and cancer, explores the mathematics behind the universe, and discusses how near-death experiences might support the existence of the soul, ultimately celebrating the harmony between science and spirituality.