

Axis Conversations
Axis
Each week on Axis Conversations, we survey cultural trends, host expert interviews, and answer listener questions to help parents and caring adults understand and disciple the next generation
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2025 • 9min
CT: GPT-5, The Stiletto Challenge, and The 30-Minute Ick
OpenAI released GPT-5 and users hate it, the “Nicki Minaj stiletto challenge” encourages influencers to film themselves balancing on one stiletto-clad foot, and why time (unfortunately) flies when we’re using social media. Slang of the Week - "Dogwater" Elsewhere in culture: Taylor Swift announced (on her boyfriend’s football podcast) that her 12th album will be titled The Life of a Showgirl, and available for pre-order soon. Popular TikTok couple Nick and Cassie, featured on @cassiesbooktok, are breaking up—and the video announcing it has almost 8 million likes and numerous comments, each with hundreds of thousands of likes. An article in Airmail connects the trend of brides planning wedding proposals for themselves to the fact that proposal content tends to get more likes on social media. The phrase “just found out I’m chopped and also unc” is trending, and jokingly refers to someone being both unattractive (chopped) and old (unc). Chappell Roan’s new song “The Subway” is about struggling to get over a breakup (language and sexual content). For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

9 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 48min
Lee Strobel on Seeing the Supernatural
Lee Strobel, a New York Times bestselling author and investigative journalist, dives deep into the unseen world in this exciting discussion. He shares fascinating insights from his book, exploring near-death experiences and deathbed visions that reveal people’s encounters with angels and deceased loved ones. The conversation also tackles the divide between spiritual beliefs and traditional religion, the nature of consciousness and the soul, and the validity of miracles amidst skepticism. It's a thought-provoking journey into the supernatural!

10 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 1min
Roundtable: The Summer I Turned Pretty, News on TikTok, and Cultural Blandness
Join Stephanie DeMeritt, a project manager from Axis, and Bree Naughton, the marketing communications manager, as they explore captivating topics. They dive into the summer romance and drama of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3, focusing on love triangles and the emotional connection with viewers. They also discuss how TikTok has become a primary news source for young adults, questioning trust and authenticity in news consumption. Additionally, they examine Generation Alpha's influence on spending and the cultural phenomenon of niche fandoms making a comeback.

Aug 8, 2025 • 8min
CT: The Summer I Turned Pretty, News on TikTok, and Cultural Blandness
The latest buzz around The Summer I Turned Pretty highlights its return on Amazon Prime. With 40% of young adults sourcing news from TikTok, cultural engagement is shifting dramatically. Generation Alpha's influence on spending is reshaping household dynamics. A recall from High Noon proves that even vodka can have a wild mix-up. Meanwhile, the term 'nerd out' turns fandoms into a cool social flex. And watch out for 'clanker'—the new meme insult with roots in Star Wars, now aimed at AI!

5 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 11min
Ask Axis: "How do I talk about body image issues with teen girls?"
Dive into the conversation on how social media shapes the body image of teen girls. Discover strategies for parents to engage empathetically and listen to their daughters. Learn about modeling positive body image at home and the importance of professional support for those struggling with self-perception. This insightful discussion offers valuable resources and practical advice for navigating sensitive topics with teens in today's media-driven world.

Aug 1, 2025 • 55min
Roundtable: I Have One Daughter, Tea Dating Advice, and The Fantastic Four
Dive into the world of quirky online dating with hilarious insights from a TikTok creator who turns awkward exchanges into musical skits. Explore the intriguing issues surrounding a women-focused dating app that faced a hack, raising concerns about accountability. Marvel's Fantastic Four gets a fresh take, emphasizing family bonds amid chaos. Plus, catch up with trending topics, from plushies hitting luxury prices to Twitch streamers sharing their faith. This conversation blends humor, culture, and the complexities of modern relationships.

Jul 31, 2025 • 9min
CT: I Have One Daughter, Tea Dating Advice, and The Fantastic Four
Explore the quirky world of a TikTok creator turning dating app fails into catchy skits. Discover the alarming hack of Tea, a social app for sharing relationship red flags. Marvel's Fantastic Four is discussed, emphasizing the deep family bonds amidst chaos. The latest cultural trends are highlighted, from memes about Ozzy Osbourne to luxury Labubu plushies. Plus, learn about 'proximity posting' and how Twitch star Ninja shares his faith with millions.

Jul 29, 2025 • 56min
Roland Warren on Why Being Pro-Life Is Not Enough
Roland Warren, President and CEO of Care Net and author of 'The Alternative to Abortion', shares his insights on a transformative approach to the pro-life movement. He discusses the importance of providing support systems for women facing unplanned pregnancies and critiques the limitations of political solutions. Warren emphasizes the need for spiritual and community involvement to foster a 'pro-abundant life', advocating for a shift from mere legislation to heart and mind transformation. His faith-driven perspective encourages love for all, highlighting the moral imperative to support life.

10 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 5min
Roundtable: Septum Theory, the Coldplay Kiss Cam, and Short-Form Videos
Dive into the intriguing concept of 'septum theory,' where piercings symbolize trauma's grip on identity. Explore the viral Coldplay kiss cam moment and what it reveals about generational views on fidelity. Watch how short-form videos transition from social media to mainstream news, raising questions about attention spans. Plus, insights on new entertainment ventures like Netflix's live-action Assassin’s Creed, and the buzz around Tyler the Creator's latest track. This conversation navigates modern culture with humor and depth!

Jul 24, 2025 • 8min
CT: Septum Theory, the Coldplay Kiss Cam, and Short-Form Videos
Dive into the intriguing discussion surrounding 'septum theory' and the cultural judgments placed on women with septum piercings. Explore the viral Coldplay Kiss Cam moment and its reflection on societal norms. Unpack the rise of short-form videos and their impact on attention spans in our media-heavy lives. Plus, get the scoop on exciting announcements like a new Assassin’s Creed series and the surprise success of the latest Donkey Kong game, along with hilarious commentary from comedian Shane Gillis.