Christ and Pop Culture » Podcast

Podcast #108: The Year in Music, with Special Guest Jay Tholen

Richard Clark — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:27:47 +0000

Podcast #108: The Year in Music, with Special Guest Jay Tholen

This week, we continue our year in review podcast series with a look at the year in music, with special guest Jay Tholen. Jay Tholen is one of the most unique and exciting musicians to emerge from the indie “Christian” music scene. Mostly considered a chiptune artist, he often transgresses those boundaries to produce consistently surprising and polarizing music — all of it charmingly blatant in its Christian foundation. He, Drew Dixon (editor), and Jason Morehead (associate editor) discuss the year in music, recent trends in the contemporary Christian scene, and more.

Check out Jay Tholen’s music — his latest album is free!

Every week, various Christ and Pop Culture writers delve deeper into recent articles and address some of the bigger issues in popular culture.

We love feedback. If you’d like to respond, you can comment on the Web site or send an e-mail to christandpopculture@gmail.com. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now!

Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes. We’ll love you forever!

Podcast #107: Choosing Sides in the War on Christmas

Richard Clark — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:14:47 +0000

Podcast #107: Choosing Sides in the War on Christmas

Between Rick Perry, conservative pastors, your impressionable great aunt, and Fox News (or as Jason says in this podcast, an “unnamed news network”), you’d think Christmas was literally being attacked by atheist soldiers, cowering in a foxhole waiting for good Christians warriors to fight for its freedom. But is this accurate? Uhm, of course not. But what is the truth about the war on Christmas, and what does it mean for those of us that view the incarnation as something true and deeply profound? In this episode, Richard Clark (editor-in-chief), Drew Dixon (editor), Alan Noble (co-founder and editor), and Jason Morehead (associate editor) discuss their approach to Christmas, commercialism, and those darned atheist Christmas terrorists.

Every week, various Christ and Pop Culture writers delve deeper into recent articles and address some of the bigger issues in popular culture.

We love feedback. If you’d like to respond, you can comment on the Web site or send an e-mail to christandpopculture@gmail.com. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now!

Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes. We’ll love you forever!

Podcast #106: The Year in Review – Videogames

CAPC Writers — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:00:20 +0000

#106: The Year in Review – Videogames

In the first in a series of podcasts looking back on the year that was, editor Drew Dixon, editor-in-chief Richard Clark, and writer Luke Larsen discuss the past year in videogames. It was a year of biblical and spiritual themes, a year of greatness and disappointments. More than anything, it was a year that had videogames in it.

Every week, various Christ and Pop Culture writers delve deeper into recent articles and address some of the bigger issues in popular culture.

We love feedback. If you’d like to respond, you can comment on the Web site or send an e-mail to christandpopculture@gmail.com. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now!

Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes. We’ll love you forever!

Podcast #105: Meditating on Penn State’s Moral Failure

Richard Clark — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:23:26 +0000

Podcast #105: Meditating on Penn State’s Moral Failure

What happened at Penn State is more than a typical sports-related scandal – it’s a moral failure that violates inherent human law and a social agreement of common human decency. The public is rightly outraged. But what does it mean? What do we do now? Why did it happen? And what can we learn from it? This week, editor-in-chief Richard Clark hosts two CaPC writers, Nick Olson (who wrote yesterday’s must-read article addressing this issue) and Jason Morehead who discuss the ins and outs of the situation.

Every week, various Christ and Pop Culture writers delve deeper into recent articles and address some of the bigger issues in popular culture.

We love feedback. If you’d like to respond, you can comment on the Web site or send an e-mail to christandpopculture@gmail.com. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now!

Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes. We’ll love you forever!

Podcast #104: MacArthur’s “Encouragement” for the Young, Restless, and Reformed

CAPC Writers — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:42:13 +0000

Podcast #104: MacArthur’s “Encouragement”

John MacArthur has recently been giving advice to the “Young, Restless, and Reformed” (YRR) a growing group of Calvinistic young people who currently make up a large percentage of America’s evangelicals. Contributor Brad Williams and editor Drew Dixon take a closer look at a recent video in which MacArthur attempts to list “three clear concerns” about the YRR movement. Brad and Drew try to get to the bottom of who this group actually is and discuss MacArthur’s concerns. Pastors are called to higher standards of rhetoric—does this video represents the type of rhetoric churches should promote?

Podcast #103: Overthinking Occupy Wall Street

Richard Clark — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:07:54 +0000

Podcast #103: Overthinking Occupy Wall Street

This week, associate editor Ben Bartlett and editor-in-chief Richard Clark get together to discuss the nature of Occupy Wall Street. They give the movement a fair shake, talking about its intentions, the reasoning behind the methods, and of course, the human microphone. They also talk more generally about Christians and protest, leading up to Ben sharing his top five protests he wouldn’t mind taking part in.

Every week, various Christ and Pop Culture writers delve deeper into recent articles and address some of the bigger issues in popular culture.

We love feedback. If you’d like to respond, you can comment on the Web site or send an e-mail to christandpopculture@gmail.com. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now!

Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes. We’ll love you forever!

Podcast #102: War, Violence, Videogames, and Battlefield 3′s Lack of Casualty

Richard Clark — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:43:52 +0000

Podcast #102: War, Violence, and Videogames

Today marks the release of Battlefield 3, a videogame that’s been positioned to compete directly with the most popular franchise in the military warfare genre, Modern Warfare 3. Both games thrive off of a key component: violence. In today’s podcast, editor-in-chief Richard Clark, editor Drew Dixon, and associate editor Ben Bartlett get together to discuss the nature of videogame violence. Does violence have a place in videogames? Does it have to be such a large place? They discuss these questions, plus Battlefield 3 and the like’s refusal to include civilian casualties in their games.

Plus, Drew Dixon offers up his Top 5 instances of videogame violence, for your, uhm, enjoyment?

Thanks to Luke Larson for the new CaPC theme music!

Further Reading:
When Games Matter: Civilians in War Games
Play in Process: The Virtual Battlefield
Virtual Scapegoats: Getting to the Truth About Videogame Violence
When Games Matter: Videogame Violence and its Frequent Lack of Self Awareness
When Games Matter: Shadow of Colossus and the Truth About Violence
Play in Process: Coming to Terms with Violence

The Wasted Potential of Videogame Violence

Every week, various Christ and Pop Culture writers delve deeper into recent articles and address some of the bigger issues in popular culture.

We love feedback! If you’d like to respond you can comment on the website, send an email to christandpopculture@gmail.com. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now!

Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes! We’ll love you forever!

The CaPC Podcast #101: Followers of Steve, the Cult of Apple

CAPC Writers — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:00:58 +0000

Podcast #101: Followers of Steve, the Cult of Apple

With the death of Steve Jobs, Christians find themselves asking “Whyyyy???!!!” then “Why do I care so much?” then “Well why wouldn’t I care so much, he’s kind of a big deal?” then “Well isn’t everyone kind of a big deal in their own way?” and so on until it coalesces into a communal shame spiral that plays out on Twitter, Facebook, and around water coolers (they still make those, right?). This week, editor-in-chief Richard Clark and associate editors Jason Morehead and Erin Straza discuss the death of Steve Jobs, whether Apple products are implicitly better, and what benefits and dangers technology in general thrusts onto us as Christians.

Note: due to technical difficulties, there is no fancy intro music this episode. Sorry!

Further Reading:
Thank You, Steve
Podcast #84: Ben and Rich discuss their opinion of Steve Jobs’ desire to keep iPhone users “free from porn.”
Is Apple Making Us Discontent?

Every week, various Christ and Pop Culture writers delve deeper into recent articles and address some of the bigger issues in popular culture.

We love feedback! If you’d like to respond you can comment on the website, send an email to christandpopculture@gmail.com. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now!

Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes! We’ll love you forever!

The CaPC Podcast #100: The Christian and the Illegal Immigrant

CAPC Writers — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:00:19 +0000

The CaPC Podcast #100: The Christian and the Illegal Immigrant

This week’s podcast features new hosts: CaPC editor, Drew Dixon and writer, Brad Williams. This week Brad and Drew discuss Christians’ responsibility toward illegal immigrants in their midst. The Supreme Court of Alabama recently ruled in favor of new legislation that imposes greater restrictions on illegal immigrants.

Brad and Drew live in Albertville, Al which has a large Hispanic population. The New York Times recently reported on the many Hispanic families that are leaving Albertville due to the new legislation. Brad also recently wrote on how we should think about illegal immigrants and our responsibility to such people as Christians. They discuss the responsibility to both uphold the law and to love our neighbor as well as what to do when those two laws are in conflict.

Every week, various Christ and Pop Culture writers delve deeper into recent articles and address some of the bigger issues in popular culture.

We love feedback! If you’d like to respond you can comment on the website, send an email to christandpopculture@gmail.com. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now!

Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes! We’ll love you forever!

The CaPC Podcast #99: Discussing Politics Without Ruining Dinner

CAPC Writers — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:21:09 +0000

Click here to listen

That’s right, it’s the return of the Christ and Pop Culture Podcast. While we’re hoping to provide conversations between all kinds of CaPC writers (more on that next week), we’re starting the relaunch with the classic duo: Ben Bartlett and Richard Clark.

This week, they kick things off by candidly discussing Richard’s recent Feature about the past and future of the site, Christ and Pop Culture: Already and Not Yet.

After that, they focus in on the nature of political discussion. Together they discuss just how important it is for Christians to engage in, and how they can do so without coming across as that guy.

Every week, various Christ and Pop Culture writers delve deeper into recent articles and address some of the bigger issues in popular culture.

We love feedback! If you’d like to respond you can comment on the website, send an email to christandpopculture@gmail.com. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now!

Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes! We’ll love you forever!

Podcast #98: Who’s Reggie Bush?

CAPC Writers — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:42:48 +0000

Let’s get this straight: Rich doesn’t know all that much about sports. But he watches it. That’s pretty much all you need to know about this episode, other than the fact that the following topics are addressed:

President George W. Bush’s new book, Decision Points and the concept of legacy
Kanye West and the graceless response to his antics
Cam Newton and the mid-season crisis.
Waiting for Superman and the failing education system.
Thanksgiving and a pressure-less holiday.

Click here to listen!

We love feedback! If you’d like to respond you can comment on the website, send an email to christandpopculture@gmail.com or comment below. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now! Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes! We’ll love you forever!

Podcast #97: A New Leaf

Richard Clark — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:28:54 +0000

After a bit of a hiatus, the podcast returns! Now a twice a month, more casual affair, every episode we’ll simply get together and talk about popular culture. What will we talk about? Whatever happens to be on our minds. It’s that simple!

This week:

Violent video games and the Supreme Court
Mid-Term Elections and a fickle public
Halloween and scary media
Brette Favre, Randy Moss and ethical sportsmen
The Rocky Horror Picture Show & The Rocky Horror Glee Show

Click here to listen!

Podcast #96: Embracing the Idiot Box

Richard Clark — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:38:57 +0000

This week, Rich and Ben take some time to discuss the new fall television season, including several new and returning shows. They discuss The Event, Glee, My Generation, The Office, Community, 30 Rock, Outsourced, and more! What’s good, what’s bad, and what’s in between? And what do all of these shows say about our culture? Listen and find out.

Every week, Richard Clark and Ben Bartlett acknowledge and respond to the big issues in popular culture. We love feedback! If you’d like to respond you can comment on the website, send an email to christandpopculture@gmail.com, or go to our contact page. We would love to respond to feedback on the show, so do it now! Subscribe to us in iTunes by clicking here. While you’re at it, review us in iTunes! We’ll love you forever!

Click here to listen!

Podcast #95: Master Chief Goes to Washington

CAPC Writers — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:45:48 +0000

Violent video games are back under the microscope, this time because of a Supreme Court case which will decide whether or not California has the right to ban sale of violent games to minors. Every major arts and entertainment industry is coming to the defense of the games industry, claiming that to allow such a law would be a violation of free speech. Meanwhile, regular people have to deal with the immediate questions: Is there any value to violent video games? Should I let my kid play them? Why do so many games have to be so violent anyway?

Rich and Ben discuss all of these issues, and rest assured that they don’t make a habit on agreeing all that much.

Click here to listen!

Podcast #94: Swift and Kanye Make Up & Viral Culture

CAPC Writers — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:49:09 +0000

In the world of celebrity, this was kind of a big deal. At the MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor Swift and Kanye West both addressed the events of last year (in which Kanye pulled a Kanye) the only way they know how: through song! Was it beautiful? Awkward? Tacky? Horrible? Yes!

But the odds are you didn’t watch it on cable. Who has that anymore? Instead, you watched it on a little screen in on your computer because you were sent a link by someone or you saw it on Facebook. And that is how our water-cooler culture works now: things go “viral” and you talk about them with your friends. We discuss the implications of all of this.

Plus, we discuss our top 5 viral internet videos! You can see the list and find links to the videos below the player down there…

Click here to listen!

Ben’s Top 5

5. It’s a Big Ad

4. Diet Coke and Mentos

3. Phil Davison Stump Speech

2. Parkour – David Belle

1. Numa Numa

Rich’s Top 5

5. The Dramatic Chipmunk:

4. Flea Market Montgomery:

3. Jill and Kevin’s Big Day:

2. AutoTune the News:

1. Charlie Bit My Finger

Podcast #93: Hipster Burning and Quran Christianity

CAPC Writers — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:24:04 +0000

Even Sarah Palin agrees: it’s a stupid idea to burn a stack of Qurans. So why, then is this church so insistent on doing something so harmful? What’s the real problem with this idea? Ben and Rich discuss these questions, and then address how we often act in ways similar to this Gainesville church.

My guess is that there aren’t many hipsters who want to burn the Quran, but is it possible that this group of cool kids skews too far to the other extreme? Ben and Rich also discuss what the motivations are for doing things considered “cool” and when “cool” can go too far.

Click here to listen!

Podcast #92: I Was Born in a Small Town

CAPC Writers — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:38:05 +0000

The podcast is back! This week we welcome special guest, Riley Byers who was nice enough to come dressed (in an FFA Jacket, Muleshoe football shirt, and cotton gin hat) to fit the part of general small town expert. We get an opportunity to talk to him about his unique hometown, and how religion, sports and popular culture help or hurt relationships in that context. We also explore the differences between living in a small town and living in a big city.

Click here to listen!

Podcast #91: Why Do They Hate Us?

CAPC Writers — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:08:05 +0000

We Christians love to point out the various ways we are persecuted. But do we really have it that bad? This week, we discuss two things that tend to put Christians on the defensive: being mocked by popular culture, and celebrities denouncing us. Then again, we’re not always the victim. Some Christians are doing a good job of persecuting themselves, taking offense at the building of muslim community center near Ground Zero in New York. Maybe they’ve got a point, but we wonder how they’d feel if the shoe was on the other foot? I’m just glad the people who flew planes into our buildings weren’t carrying Bibles at the time.

Click here to listen!

Podcast #90: Inception & The “Mind-Blowing” Genre

CAPC Writers — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:01:43 +0000

Starting Friday night, the phrase that most of us started hearing was some variation of “it blew my mind.” When Inception hit the theaters, moviegoers were stunned by both the complexity and reality-shifting perspective of the film, and many reported leaving the theater in a haze. But Inception is actually just one film in a long line of films that seek to discuss the nature of reality and perception, a postmodern artistic staple that often serves to undermine basic faith propositions. But could be there be something helpful about these films? Aren’t these films really just the same basic thing over and over again, or do they all have something a bit different to say to us about our society and culture? We discuss these questions on today’s podcast. Plus, we bring back the top 5 and share our top 5 Mind-Blowing pop culture items!

Click here to listen!

Podcast #89: Two Very Different Decisions

CAPC Writers — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:57:58 +0000

When we last discussed Lebron James and his impending decision as to where he would end up next, we had no idea what sort of incredible craziness would ensue after our podcast. Now that it’s happened, we’re left a little bit stunned at all of the theatrics and the resulting fallout.

Also, on the heels of a landmark Friday Night Lights episode in which the issue of abortion is dealt with head-on, we discuss popular culture’s treatment of the subject, as well as what sort of treatment Christians ought to appreciate most. Is there such thing as pro-life art? What does it look like? Is it a good idea?

Click here to listen!