

Culture Matters
Culture Matters
Matters of culture should matter to us—because they matter to God. Hosted by Adam Hawkins, Tymarcus Ragland and Chelsea Conway—the Culture Matters podcast explores the intersection of faith and culture. Looking at everything from politics, art and entertainment to issues such as racial reconciliation and the sanctity of human life, we discuss what it looks like to live faithfully on mission—in the world but not of the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2024 • 48min
Mother Mary and the Family of God
On this episode, we explore the multifaceted role of Mary and motherhood in faith with our guest Caroline Smiley, a Bible and theology teacher and current PhD student. Caroline provides a rich analysis of Mary’s portrayal in the Gospel of Luke, focusing on her agency and emotional depth. In our conversation, we emphasize the deep connection between human relationships and encountering Christ.We also explore the creation narrative in Genesis, emphasizing the intentional equality and dignity of men and women as bearers of God's image.Topics DiscussedExploring Mary & Motherhood in FaithThe Importance of Varying Perspectives in Biblical InterpretationEncountering Christ Through RelationshipEmbracing EmotionsGod's Design of Equality in CreationFollow us on social:Instagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Jul 23, 2024 • 32min
Self-Care and Toxicity
The podcast discusses the intersection of social media, self-care, and Godly wisdom. They explore the balance between healthy self-care practices and potential harm, emphasizing the importance of addressing toxic behavior in relationships. The conversation reflects on Jesus' compassion towards flawed disciples and highlights the significance of trusting in God's timing in navigating relationships. They encourage listeners to prioritize fruitfulness over comfort and pursue flourishing even if it means stepping out of their comfort zone.

Jul 16, 2024 • 38min
Prayer Life
On this episode of Culture Matters, we sit down with Chad Lawson and Logan Helm from Citizens Church to discuss how things like anxiety, technology, fear and misconceptions of God shape our prayer practices. We hope to offer encouragement to view prayer as an ongoing, heartfelt conversation with God rather than a formal obligation, underscoring that even imperfect attempts at prayer are valuable in building a deeper relationship with Him.Topic DiscussedExploring Prayer in Modern CultureGod's Attentive Response to PrayerOvercoming Fears and Anxiety in EvangelismPractical Tips for Prayer LifeThe Nature and Practice of PrayerFollow us on social:Instagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Jul 9, 2024 • 41min
New Season & Cultural Roundup
We're back with a new season and to kick things off we are going to tackle some of the bigger news items from the past few months. We also talk about some of books, movies, shows and more that we have lately been enjoying...or fighting to get through. Thanks for joining us for another season! We have some really great episodes in store.Topics Covered In This EpisodeThe benefits and woes of a social media fast.The Kendrick Lamar and Drake battle and why character matters.College protests on the Israel/Palestine war and ways to approach that conversation with others.Media we are consuming and why we would recommend it, or not.Mentioned ResourcesTGC Podcast with Andrew WilsonFollow us on social:Instagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Jun 19, 2024 • 33min
Juneteenth - Beyond Racial Division
Today is Juneteenth, a day where we celebrate the news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reaching slaves on the Texas shores. We felt like now would be a good time to revisit the topic of racial division. What are the real steps to breaking the cycles of racial incidents, protests and backlash that we see so often in the United States? We are joined by George Yancey, a professor at Baylor University specializing in race relations, to explore this topic. Yancey shares his deep insights on the progress and pitfalls of race relations in America, highlighting significant milestones, while also addressing the pitfalls of extreme identity politics. Our conversation takes a thoughtful look at the cyclical nature of racial tensions and the need for intentional efforts, outside of moments of crisis, to achieve genuine advancement. We believe that, while not perfect, the Church has the best tools for addressing this issue.Guest ResourcesProfessor Yancy's Book: Beyond Racial DivisionFollow us on social:Instagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Jun 11, 2024 • 54min
Repost - The Hard and Beautiful Sides of Friendships
This Summer we are re-visiting a few of our favorite previous episodes. Some from recent seasons, some from not-so-recent. We've had some really amazing and helpful guests on over the years, so while we are busy recording new episodes, we wanted to share these with you! We hope you enjoy them!--In this week's episode, we sit down with a good friend, Aina Carruth, to talk about the hard seasons of friendship, how to make healthy boundaries, and appreciate the beauty of good friendships. Friendships are worth the work and there's so much to learn and glean from persevering in friendship.Follow us on social:Instagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Jun 4, 2024 • 28min
Repost: Hip-Hop and Artistic Insight With Jackie Hill Perry
This Summer we are re-visiting a few of our favorite previous episodes. Some from recent seasons, some from not-so-recent. We've had some really amazing and helpful guests on over the years, so while we are busy recording new episodes, we wanted to share these with you! We hope you enjoy them!Hip-hop artist and writer Jackie Hill Perry joins us and shares the role of art in her story of gospel transformation. She and guest Jahmaol Clark discuss the relationship between hip-hop and the Church.--InstagramEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

May 28, 2024 • 38min
Repost: God The Foodie
This Summer we are re-visiting a few of our favorite previous episodes. Some from recent seasons, some from not-so-recent. We've had some really amazing and helpful guests on over the years, so while we are busy recording new episodes, we wanted to share these with you! We hope you enjoy them!--Is God a foodie? This episode talks about the biblical significance of food and our cultural obsession with it.--InstagramEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

May 21, 2024 • 41min
Repost: Beauty and Kindness with Rich Villodas
This Summer we are re-visiting a few of our favorite previous episodes. Some from recent seasons, some from not-so-recent. We've had some really amazing and helpful guests on over the years, so while we are busy recording new episodes, we wanted to share these with you! We hope you enjoy them!--Through his book, Good and Beautiful and Kind, Rich Villodas offers a contemplative practice, based on the gospel, that helps us find joy and beauty despite a hostile and difficult world. Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World https://a.co/d/btzQzIgThe Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus https://a.co/d/e5h9DJu—Follow us on social:InstagramEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co.For Sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

May 14, 2024 • 53min
Repost: Impossible Marriage with Matt and Laurie Krieg
This Summer we are re-visiting a few of our favorite previous episodes. Some from recent seasons, some from not-so-recent. We've had some really amazing and helpful guests on over the years, so while we are busy recording new episodes, we wanted to share these with you! We hope you enjoy them!--While marriage can be easy for some, the reality of two sinners entering into union with each other is often fraught with hardship. This week we chat with Laurie and Matt Krieg on their own personal journey through marital strife and what it has taught them about love and the gospel. Guest ResourcesAn Impossible Marriage: What Our Mixed-Orientation Marriage Has Taught Us About Love and the GospelLearn more or listen to the Hole in My Heart Podcast: lauriekrieg.com/--One of the best ways to support the show is by becoming a Patron. Your support helps us continue producing this show.Follow us on social:InstagramTwitterEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co


