Culture Matters

We’re kicking off a fresh season of Culture Matters with a new approach—less reaction, more intentional conversation. Inspired by Andy Crouch’s vision of Christians as curators, we’re breaking up the season into six to eight-week mini-series that dig deep into faith, culture, and creativity. Along the way, we’ll explore key cultural moments, theological insights, and the stories shaping our world.This episode, we’re diving into TV and film like Silo season two, The Diplomat, and Apple TV’s Shrinking. We’re also discussing Conclave, a Vatican-set thriller, plus Disney’s X-Men ‘97 and a new Spider-Man series.Beyond consuming culture, we’re called to create. We talk about indie artists, the challenge of making authentic Christian art, and our own projects on anxiety and mental health. Creativity isn’t just an outlet—it’s a way to reflect God’s image. So grab a cup of coffee, hit play, and join the conversation.Books Mentioned in this EpisodeBiblical Theology by Andreas KostenbergerUnion with Christ by G.K. BealeGiovanni's Room by James BaldwinMistborn series by Brandon SandersonGift of the Grotesque - Book of Judges CompanionOne with Christ by Sam AlberryUnion with Chris by Kyle WorleyWolf Hall series by Hilary MantelFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Amidst the holiday hustle, have you ever considered the impact of pausing to reflect? Advent offers us this sacred pause, inviting us to step away from commercial chaos and embrace the profound of Advent and Christmas. This episode guides you through the themes of Advent—hope, love, joy, and peace—showing how they anchor us during this season. Scripture from Isaiah, Luke, Matthew and James illuminates our path as we enter into the anticipation of Jesus’ birth and His promised return. We hope this episode blesses you. We will see you next year! Merry Christmas.Follow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Advent reminds us of the hope in a light in the darkness. In this episode, our friends Bobby and Taryn share their story of how God upheld them through joys and suffering and through seasons of lament surrounding the holidays. Topics DiscussedEncountering God in SufferingThe Power of Christian LamentTrusting God in CommunityEmbracing Joy and Sorrow in AdventFinding Grace in SufferingRecommended ResourcesSpurgeon - "Man of Sorrows"Follow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode we discuss some of the bigger headlines in the news lately as well as take a look back at the year to review some of our favorite, books, music and movies.Recommended and Mentioned ResourcesOur previous episodes on Christian Nationalism:Part 1Part 2Books:Flood and FuryHip-Hop Is HistoryDo Fathers Matter?Nuclear War on AudibleThe Thing That Would Make Everything Okay ForeverWe Shall All Be ChangedThe Mary We ForgotInexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God's LovingkindnessMusic:Ty RashadPaper HorsesThe Brilliance - Advent CollectionNatalie Bergman - MercyNourished by TimeAdrianne LenkerIndie TribeDJ Mykel - BodegaFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Join us on Culture Matters as we explore the epistle of Galatians with Elizabeth, who shares insights from her new study, Live Free. Elizabeth delves into her admiration for Paul's engagement with culture, highlighting his skillful interaction with Greek philosophers and his adept handling of false teachings by the Judaizers. We discuss how Paul's message remains relevant today, addressing the timeless challenges of being right with God and experiencing true freedom from sin.Recommended ResourcesBuy the book: Live Free: A Study of GalatiansFollow ElizabethListen to her Podcast: Starting PlaceCheck out The Woodson InstituteFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Join us on Culture Matters as we explore the role of gratitude and its significance. We discuss how the human experience is often a mixture of gratitude and sorrow, how gratitude can offer contentment in the present moment and how it can shift our perspective to appreciate even small blessings.Topics Discussed Choosing Gratitude for Joyful Living Navigating Gratitude and Sorrow in Life Finding Grace in Times of LossSeeking Joy Through Gratitude Life's Journey With the LordFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

How often does our vision for something differ from God's sovereign vision —making us blind to the blessing? Our latest episode is a challenge to rethink the common notions of greed and generosity, especially as the holiday season underscores the tension between gratitude and consumerism. We explore how societal norms can obscure the real condition of the heart, making it easy to overlook the subtle ways in which greed infiltrates both our personal and collective lives.Topics DiscussedExploring the Sin and Root of Greed Trusting God's Provision and SufficiencyRadical Generosity and Faith in Abundance The Power of GenerosityFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Where do we go in times of need and comfort? How can we think about comforts as an invitation to rely more on Christ and not on the temporary fixes of this world? On this episode, we explore the concept of gluttony: what is it and what does the Bible have to say about it? By examining the impact of modern habits like phone overuse or streaming services, we highlight how distractions can distance us from genuine connection with God and others and make finding contentment elusive.Topics DiscussedGluttony and GenerosityRecognizing Personal AccountabilityThe Concept of Gluttony in ScriptureParable of the Man and BarnsThe Concept of Gratitude Versus GluttonyThe Struggle of Saying NoFreedom in Enjoying God's AbundanceResources Mentionedhttps://www.thecommonrule.org/Rhythms Sermon SeriesFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

President Trump secures a historic second term, defying predictions and shocking many. On this episode, we discuss the unexpected election results that left many, including pollsters, scratching their heads. We explore the shifting demographics in key swing states like Ohio and Florida and how Trump managed to capture the allegiance of independent voters more effectively this time around.The emotional rollercoaster of the election aftermath isn't lost on us. For some it was cause for celebration, others a point of grief, and others still left not knowing how to feel. We hope to remind listeners that now is a great opportunity to show empathy and offer the hope of Jesus that supersedes any earthly kingdom.Topics DiscussedElection Results DiscussionPost-Election Reflection and AdviceVoter Motivation and PlatformFuture of Pro-Life CandidatesDemographics and Political ShiftingNavigating Conversations With Non-Believing NeighborsFollow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

This week we have a fascinating conversation with author and illustrator John Hendrix about his latest book—The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. We explore the beauty of communicating really complicated truths through myth, story and poetry — similar to how God takes the stories of the world and tells us a truer story. Through the creation of myths we can be image bearers of God, the ultimate Mythmaker. ResourcesThe Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien (A Graphic Novel) Follow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co