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

4 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 50min
Roundtable: Morgan Wallen and the Anglerfish
The latest Captain America film dives into moral ambiguities, raising questions about character motivations. Young people sway toward lowercase text, challenging traditional communication. A viral anglerfish video symbolizes life's struggles and perseverance, sparking deep reflections on hope and resilience. The critique of Morgan Wallen's song reveals mixed feelings about its depth, highlighting a contrast with classic country storytelling. Discussions touch on themes of accountability in relationships and the generational divide in language use.

Feb 20, 2025 • 7min
Morgan Wallen and the Anglerfish
The latest conversation dives into the moral complexities of the new Captain America film. Listeners will learn why young people favor lowercase text in their communications. An intriguing roundtable hilariously interprets the anglerfish's story as a comedy. The discussion also touches on the theme of embracing light amidst life's tragedies, encouraging reflections on personal purpose and hope. Plus, Morgan Wallen’s new song adds an emotional layer to the exploration of relationship challenges.

11 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 35min
Gary Thomas on Navigating Relational Toxicity
Gary Thomas, a bestselling author and international speaker focused on marriage and spiritual formation, shares profound insights on toxic relationships. He differentiates between toxic and challenging interactions, emphasizing the need for boundaries. Drawing from his book, he discusses parenting dynamics, urging emotional detachment for the greater good. Thomas encourages prioritizing reliable relationships that foster spiritual growth, and he advocates for a shift from strict control to trust as children mature, highlighting the importance of engaging with fruitful connections.

9 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 6min
Roundtable: Takeout Takes Over and “Not Like Us”
This episode dives into the phenomenon of an 'anti-social century,' where self-imposed solitude is reshaping productivity and relationships. The rise of flirting with AI chatbots reflects modern social anxieties. Listeners will also explore the implications of evolving slang, like 'bop,' and the challenges young women face with identity amidst societal labels. Finally, Kendrick Lamar's thought-provoking Super Bowl performance is unpacked, highlighting the intersection of music and meaningful discourse.

Feb 13, 2025 • 7min
Takeout Takes Over and “Not Like Us”
Explore the intriguing notion of our current 'anti-social century,' as many admit to flirting with AI chatbots. Delve into the evolving slang 'bop' and its societal implications for women. The discussion takes a turn towards Super Bowl LIX, analyzing its commercials and the unexpected reception of Kendrick Lamar's powerful halftime show, sparking debates on social and political themes. Discover how these moments resonate with generational dialogues about solitude and connection.

Feb 7, 2025 • 46min
Roundtable: Trial by TikTok
The Grammy Awards sparked vibrant discussions about emerging artists and notable winners like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar. Analyzing the song 'Denial is a River,' the conversation contrasts its upbeat sound with deeper themes of personal struggle. The podcast also dives into the impact of high-profile trials on youth, drawing parallels to literature and social media influences. Additionally, it examines the media's role in shaping teen perceptions of modesty and the importance of setting communication boundaries in a digital age.

Feb 6, 2025 • 7min
Trial by TikTok
This week, the music scene was buzzing with the highlights from the Grammy Awards, including Kendrick Lamar's big wins and the heartfelt community spirit promoting wildfire relief. In a twist of Hollywood drama, Justin Baldoni's legal spat with Blake Lively stirs social media debates, revealing how Gen Z engages with celebrity culture. Don't miss the fresh sound of 'Denial is a River' by Doedhii that’s making waves in the charts! Tune in for cultural insights that resonate with today's generation.

Feb 5, 2025 • 39min
Ross Douthat on Why Everyone Should Be Religious
Ross Douthat, a New York Times Opinion columnist and author of "Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious," discusses the necessity of belief in today's secular world. He highlights the cultural shift towards spiritual curiosity among younger generations, addressing the challenges of faith in a post-religious society. Douthat explores the concept of 'spiritual freelancing' and the importance of traditional frameworks for community and wisdom. He argues for a rational approach to faith, emphasizing that the journey toward belief is both valuable and personal.

Jan 31, 2025 • 55min
Roundtable: The Boys Who Want to Be Billionaires
The podcast dives into the rise of the AI app DeepSeek, which is shaking up tech norms and raising concerns about teenage reliance on digital tools. It discusses how teens are creatively using Life360 for social interaction, blending safety with connection. A striking TikTok from a teacher sparks a conversation about boys dreaming of billionaire status, prompting reflections on the implications of chasing wealth over hard work. Listeners are encouraged to consider broader definitions of success beyond just financial gain.

Jan 30, 2025 • 7min
The Boys Who Want to Be Billionaires
A new AI tool, DeepSeek, is taking the app store by storm, raising concerns about safety and ethics. Teens are reshaping the Life360 app, turning it into a way to track friends rather than just family. Meanwhile, ninth graders dream of becoming billionaires, influenced by wealthy role models. The conversation also touches on the spiritual side of wealth, encouraging reflection on the true value of materialism versus spiritual treasures.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.