

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

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.

5 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.

10 snips
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.

10 snips
May 9, 2025 • 59min
Roundtable: Mother’s Day, Another Simple Favor, and Giving Up Music
Teens are tuning out music, sparking a discussion on the cultural shift towards digital minimalism and the emotional complexities of modern motherhood. The compelling themes of nostalgia and personal identity are highlighted through a look at Lorde’s enduring track, 'Ribs.' Additionally, the film Another Simple Favor is critiqued for its controversial aspects, while the joys and struggles of parenthood are discussed, emphasizing a need for open conversations. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own sacrifices and values in today’s fast-paced world.

May 8, 2025 • 8min
Mother’s Day, Another Simple Favor, and Giving Up Music
The discussion kicks off with a thought-provoking analysis of motherhood, exploring the societal pressures and expectations that shape perceptions of moms. A critical look at the film 'Another Simple Favor' raises questions about its controversial themes. The podcast also delves into contemporary music listening habits, highlighting how different listeners engage with their musical choices. It emphasizes the need for reflection on the role music plays in coping with feelings, touching on the contrast between curators and surrenderers in music consumption.

May 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
Roundtable: Shedeur Sanders, Benson Boone, and Misinformation
Brad G, a new team member at Axis with insights into sports and culture, shares his thoughts on the dramatic draft slide of Shedeur Sanders and the backlash against singer Benson Boone. The discussion dives into the complexities of Gen Z's gullibility towards misinformation and the challenges of navigating today's digital landscape. The episode also touches on the impact of online criticism on emerging artists, exploring the balance between authenticity and public perception in an age dominated by social media.