"Why God, why God do I gotta bleed? Every stone thrown at you restin' at my feet." Steve and Christian listened to Kendrick Lamar's 2017 album, "DAMN." The guys discuss wickedness, duality, mercy, and Christian art. Philanthropy Spotlight: We're also shining a light on "Samaritan Ministries," a community of Christians paying one another's medical bills. Learn more on their website: https://samaritanministries.org

"That’s what rap is, making the best out of a bad situation, brother." Steve and Christian watched the FX series, "Atlanta." The guys discuss tragedy, comedy, human brokenness, and race in America. Philanthropy Spotlight: At the start of Great Lent, we're shining a light on the important place almsgiving has in the Christian life.

The girls discuss the novel The Big Finish, and they contemplate themes such as struggling with the passions, how we perceive other people, and the reality that salvation is messy.

"Eww." Steve and Christian watched the CBC TV series, "Schitt's Creek." The guys discuss repentance, gratitude, and love. We're shining a light on RIP Medical Debt, a non-profit that uses donor funds to wipe our medical debt from the neediest cases up. Medical debt destroys the financial stability of large segments of America’s most vulnerable communities: the sick, the elderly, the poor, and veterans. It also targets the middle class, driving many families who are barely getting along into poverty. Medical debt isn’t the result of bad decisions. It’s a debt of necessity. Learn more at their website: ripmedicaldebt.org.

The girls discuss Joan Didion's essays. They touch on themes such as the power of simply finding God in the world around you, the power of words, and the pain of grief.

"I don’t want to survive, I want to live!" Steve and Christian watched the classic Pixar film, "WALL-E." The guys discuss sacraments, the earth, and magical thinking.

"Families can be hard, but they're so worth fighting for. They might be one of the only things that are." Steve and Christian watched the new Netflix film, "The Mitchells vs. The Machines." The guys discuss family, belonging, and being corrects vs being connected. Philanthropy Spotlight: Christ's last words to the Apostles were "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all people". Since 1987, OCMC has sent Missionaries and Mission Teams to work, worship and witness around the world. Continue this tradition by joining a Virtual Mission Team. If not you, then who? Find out more at www.ocmc.org

"Buongiorno, principessa!" Steve, Christian, Emma, and Christina watched the classic Italian film, "Life is Beautiful." This is our season finale. We'll be back later in the year!

"I don’t know about you guys, but, um, you know, I’ve been thinking recently that… that you know, maybe, um, allowing giant digital media corporations to exploit the neurochemical drama of our children for profit… You know, maybe that was, uh… a bad call by us. Maybe… maybe the… the flattening of the entire subjective human experience into a… lifeless exchange of value that benefits nobody, except for, um, you know, a handful of bug-eyed salamanders in Silicon Valley… Maybe that as a… as a way of life forever… maybe that’s, um, not good." Steve and Christian watched Bo Burnham's new Netflix comedy special, "Inside." They discuss the pandemic, feeling trapped "inside," and technology. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

Steve and Christian were asked to keynote the Mid-Atlantic Parish Life Conference, and rather than giving a lecture, they decided to do an episode of Pop Culture Coffee Hour! They discuss the big question of identity and its individual, communitarian, and cosmic sources, doing so through their favorite fictional universes of Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the MCU!

"I've been where you are. I've felt what you feel. Don't ask me how I know. All I know is I don't want to hurt you. I don't want the throne. I just want you to be okay." Steve, Christian, Christina, and Emma are back for the season 7 premiere of "Pop Culture Coffee Hour." They watched the new Marvel Disney+ series, "Loki." They discuss identity, freedom, and God's irresistible embrace. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture. "Pop Culture Coffee Hour" is hosted by Steven Christoforou, Christian Gonzalez, Christina Andresen, and Emma (Solak) Pcsolyar.

The girls discuss Gilmore Girls and touch on themes such as the importance of having a village around you, the significance of place, and above all, unconditional love.

"You may have noticed, I’m not like normal Dads." Steve and Christian watched the new Amazon Prime series, "Invincible." They discuss identity, power, and responsibility. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

The girls discuss the Broadway-to-Silver-Screen musical, Dear Evan Hansen. They touch on themes such as the role of social media in trying to be authentic, the complexity of the human person, and the need for community in support.

"What's more real than a person trying to help someone they love?" Steve and Christian watched the new movie, "Free Guy." And they're joined by Paul Haworth on today's conversation. They discuss personhood, freedom, and the world to come. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

The girls and their special guest discuss the two classic short stories, touching on themes such as how our thoughts determine our lives, generational sin, and the Harrowing of Hades.

"We all have our secrets, we just didn't get to yours yet." Steve and Christian watched Daniel Craig's final movie as James Bond, "No Time to Die." They discuss redemption, sacrifice, and violence. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

The girls discuss the Apple+ hit, Ted Lasso. They discuss how Ted Lasso shows us ways to engage the world, how accountability matters, and how dads impact our relationships with others.

"I must not fear." Steve and Christian are joined by Daniel Andresen to discuss the new sc-fi movie, "Dune." They discuss power, identity, and otherness. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

SPOILER ALERT The girls discuss the Ancient Faith Publishing book, The Lightkeeper. They discuss the relationship between suffering and salvation and how love is both a choice and painful, but it is ultimately essential for a meaningful life.

The girls and their guest, Dan, discuss the latest Disney/Pixar offering, Encanto. They discuss the how place (and the temple) impacts formation, how people are more than their gifts, and the healing power of forgiveness. As always, they close by discussing what they're cooking.

Steve and Christian discuss the new Christianity Today podcast, "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill." This is part 1. They discuss authority, celebrity, and spiritual abuse. christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill Additional Resource: markdejesus.com/14-signs-spiritual-abuse Subscribe to "Pop Culture Coffee Hour" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

Steve and Christian are back to continue their discussion on the new Christianity Today podcast, "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill." They explore authority, culture wars, and celebrity. christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill Additional Resource: markdejesus.com/14-signs-spiritual-abuse Subscribe to "Pop Culture Coffee Hour" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

The girls watched the new adaption of the classic musical West Side Story. They explore how time can change your perspective, the tension between hope and the reality of hurt, and the tragedy of rejecting Love.

The girls discuss a pair of podcasts, "Spectacle: An Unscripted History of Reality TV" and "Am I Normal?" They touch on topics like whether something being a cultural "norm" necessarily means it's "good," how we can build empathy for others, but also how easy it can be to slip into judgment and inauthenticity, plus, what they're cooking.

The girls discuss the novel, A River Enchanted. They touch on how music has power, how love means trust and loyalty, and how home provides comfort. Plus, what they're cooking for meatfare week!

Dn. Rico Monge joins Steve and Christian to discuss "Matrix Resurrections." Spoilers ahead! They explore humanity, freedom, and love.

The girls discuss Cinderella and the various themes associated with her stories. This includes friends as helpers, the line between truth and lies, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. All this, plus what they're cooking!

Steve and Christian explore the new Netflix movie, "The Adam Project." Spoilers ahead! They explore formation, character, and repentance.

Christina and Emma invite Hibbah to join the conversation around the fourth season of the Amazon Prime Original, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. They discuss questions of what it means to be a woman, different types of friends, and community. All that, plus what they're cooking!

Erin joins Steve and Christian to explore the new Disney+ movie, "Turning Red." Spoilers ahead! They explore growing up, emotions, and love.

Christina and Emma discuss the docuseries, Cheer. They touch on themes of belonging and healing, idolatry (even of the good stuff), and love. As always, they share what they're cooking.

Steve and Christian explore the series finale of "Nathan for You," a stand-alone film called "Finding Frances." Spoilers ahead! They explore love, regret, and reality.

Christina and Emma discuss the 2004 film, Finding Neverland. They discuss themes such as how stories help us make sense of reality, the importance of the imagination for holding onto joy, and how the grief we carry transforms who we are. And as always, what they're cooking!

Steve and Christian explore the new DC superhero movie, "The Batman." Spoilers ahead! They explore lies, power, trauma, and radicalization.

Christina and Steve watched the new film about Saint Nektarios, "Man of God." Spoilers ahead! They explore struggle, salvation, and the choice to live as faithful Christians.

Steve and Christian are back to discuss the new MCU film, "Spiderman: No Way Home." Spoilers ahead! They explore restorative justice, loss and sacrifice, and identity.

Christina and Emma are back to discuss the new Downton Abbey movie! They discuss themes of growing up, changes, and preparation for death. As always, what they're cooking. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text).

Christina and Emma discuss The Time Traveler's Wife. They touch on themes such as trusting in God's providence, absence and waiting, and sticking with the present moment. And, of course, what they're cooking. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Steve and Christian discuss the new Netflix series, "The G Word with Adam Conover." They explore Christian approaches to politics, power, and the Kingdom of God. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Steve and Christian are joined by Dn. Rico Monge and David Paddison to discuss Kendrick Lamar's new album, "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers." They explore identity, transformation, and trauma. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Christina and Emma, along with special guest and Effective Christian Ministry Cohort Director, Dr. Pres. Athanasia Kostakis, discuss the fantasy novel, Uprooted. They touch on how many gifts can work together, the responsibility of discipleship, and friendship. As always, what they're cooking. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Steve and Christian are joined by Gregg Webb to discuss the new Netflix documentary, "Pray Away." Spoilers ahead! They explore struggle, identity, and pastoral care. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez discuss the new Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi." They explore the self, sacrifice, and the allure of the Dark Side.

It's been a wild ride, and now, after seven years, Christina, Steve, Emma, and Christian gather for the final episode Pop Culture Coffee Hour. They discuss the high points of the last 200 episodes, play some games, and have a whole lot of laughs. Listener voicemails and blooper reels abound in this series finale. Join the Wonder Twins and Headscarf Mafia as they lovingly say goodbye to the podcast and the faithful thirteen. All this and the introduction of a brand new, canine-based childhood curriculum. Agni Parthene (Dance & Do Not Sin Remix) was written and produced by Jim John Marks of Generative Sounds; this song and his other works can be found at generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com.

Have you lost your sense of wonder at God's presence in your life?

Jesus called the Apostles to leave everything to follow Him and become fishers of men. And He calls all of us to take up our cross and follow Him right in the midst of our daily lives, making those places of weakness and failure become occasions of beauty and blessing.

During the coming Lenten season, spiritual disciplines like prayer are intended to help us humble ourselves before the Lord and make us aware how far we are away from God. Pride threatens to weigh us down, while humility lifts us up to God.

Is the cross a symbol of death or life, victory or defeat? This Lent we are called once again to take up our cross and follow our Savior, setting us free from the fear of death.

Being set free from those things which possess us is just the beginning of the process of salvation.