Axis Conversations

A 63-year-old love song shocks the internet by becoming TikTok's most-used sound. Netflix and Paramount engage in a fierce bidding war for Warner Bros., reshaping the entertainment landscape. Hollywood seems to be experiencing a 'God moment,' with faith being embraced by celebrities and films. Plus, Taylor Swift wraps up her tour with a new docuseries, while Australia enforces a social media ban for users under 16. Pop-folk artist Noah Kahan hints at an exciting upcoming album, and Pantone introduces a calming white shade for 2026!

Justin Whitmel Earley, an author and mergers and acquisitions lawyer, discusses the transformative power of habits in spiritual formation. He opens up about his battle with anxiety and the life-changing impact of adopting limits. Justin critiques modern American habits and emphasizes how they contribute to health issues. He shares insights on creating healthy tech habits for teens and highlights the importance of modeling them as parents. Ultimately, he offers practical advice on starting new habits, stressing the significance of persistence in spiritual growth.

The hosts discuss the cultural impact of the new season of Stranger Things, exploring its darker themes and age appropriateness. They analyze rising Black Friday costs amid declining item volume, revealing Gen Z's savvy shopping habits. Christmas wish lists come under scrutiny as they debate financial pressures and meaningful gifting. The nostalgia of Brenda Lee's holiday classic brings back cherished memories, while the term 'rage bait' sparks an online battle, highlighting the chaotic nature of internet discussions.

Stranger Things has become Netflix's biggest English-language hit with its fifth season, sparking discussions about its unique release pattern. Black Friday shopping saw higher spending but lower satisfaction among consumers. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are shifting towards intentional holiday shopping, blending thrift activism with high-end desires. Meanwhile, Spotify and other platforms unveil the year's most popular listens just in time for the holiday season. Plus, the term "rage bait" ignites debates, showcasing the internet's latest fixation.

Get ready for engaging conversations this Thanksgiving! Explore what excites you currently and dive into the funniest trends circulating online. Discuss which cultural issues you'd tackle, and ponder if a hot dog qualifies as a sandwich. Reflect on how you've evolved this year and share music opinions—who's overrated and who's underrated? These thought-provoking prompts are designed to spark laughter and meaningful dialogue around the dinner table!

Dr. Mark Mayfield, a former pastor and certified master Christian coach, tackles the intricate line between venting and gossip. He emphasizes the importance of knowing if a story is yours to share, and how to vent healthily without undermining others. Mark discusses the role parents play as models in speech habits and how children can redirect gossip. He warns about the addictive nature of gossip and advocates for uplifting conversations, encouraging families to ask how they can support each other rather than shame.

The hosts delve into the resurgence of cigarette smoking among celebrities and its impact on youth culture. They also discuss the highly anticipated Wicked 2, sharing both excitement and critiques about character development and storytelling. The conversation shifts to the Bible app hitting a billion downloads, exploring why interest in scripture is growing among young people. Personal stories highlight the app's role in fostering faith, alongside a push for communal reading of scripture for deeper understanding.

Celebrities are making cigarette smoking trendy again with influencers showcasing their habit on social media. Wicked 2 is gearing up to be a blockbuster, but changes to the story have sparked some debate. The Bible is experiencing a renaissance, with YouVersion hitting a billion downloads, particularly among younger audiences. In political news, the Epstein Files Transparency Act is moving forward. Plus, exciting updates from the gaming world as Valve plans to challenge Xbox and PlayStation with its own console.

In this heartfelt discussion, Sarah and Truman Wells share their journey through suicidal ideation. Truman, a teen advocate for mental health, reveals how bullying and family issues led to his struggles. Sarah, his supportive mother, recounts discovering his thoughts and how they navigated tough conversations together. They emphasize the importance of connection, practical strategies like the 'What's Your Number?' check-in tool, and the power of presence and prayer in recovery. Their story is a beacon of hope for families facing similar challenges.

Jenna Mendel, a new Axis team member and Gen Z contributor, dives into the chaos sparked by the limited-edition Bearista tumbler, exploring themes of scarcity and social capital. She also tackles the eyebrow-raising suggestion from Vogue that having a boyfriend is embarrassing, discussing the pressures of modern dating culture. Furthermore, they analyze the rising appeal of Contemporary Christian Music, highlighting new artists and its relevance in today's landscape. Join Jenna as she unpacks these cultural phenomena with sharp insights!