The girls take on the popular podcast This American Life. They discuss how a culture of confession brings people together, the need to empathize with our larger society, and the ways we're all torn between belief and doubt. They close with their Top 5 Podcasts.

The girls watched the recent romantic comedy The Big Sick. They discuss modern dating, how faith can become a cultural characteristic, and the difficult need to stand up for what’s right. They close with their Top 5 Movie Moms.

The girls took their moms to see the new film Lady Bird. They discuss how the wisdom of faith opens the door to deeper love, how learning from failures is an ongoing reality, and how everyone’s suffering is unique and incomparable. They close with their Top 5 Nun Characters.

The guys loved Coco, and they both cried (#Pixar). They discuss presentations of the afterlife, the longing for divine justice, and how each of us desperately longs to be remembered by the Lord. They close with their Top 5 Depictions of the Afterlife.

In the longest PCCH ever, the guys finally take on the entire Star Wars Saga! All of it. They pay special attention to the original trilogy while they explore the transcendence of the Force, the rage of the Dark Side, the passionlessness of the Light, and the need for love to balance them both. They close with their Top 5 Trilogies.

The girls are back to discuss Kimberley Freeman’s novel, Wildflower Hill. They tackle the book’s portrayal of religious people, how shame ought to lead to repentance, and how judgment can be transformed into love through the lens of suffering. They close with their Top 5 Worst Popular Books.

The guys are back to discuss Black Panther. They discuss how art breeds connection, how grace given is meant to be shared, and how stories shape our understanding of who we are. They close with their Top 5 Family Conflicts.

The guys take on Marvel’s newest installment, Avengers: Infinity War. They discuss the role of empathy in decision making, the tension of the value of the one against the value of the many, and how death only seeks to destroy. They close with their Top 5 Gut Punches.

The guys watched the new Steve Martin and Martin Short comedy special on Netflix. They discuss how the age of authenticity impacts our sense of humor, the nature of the cult of celebrity, and the God-given role of humanity’s priesthood. They close with their Top 5 Performers of All Time.

This week, the girls take on Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet. They discuss the role of poetry in Scripture, how Christians should understand work as an expression of God’s love, and how generous giving is actually more salvific for the giver than the recipient. They close with the Top 5 Spiritual Books To Read Instead of The Prophet.

You asked for it, so the guys did it. They finally took on The Office. They discuss the beauty of the ordinary, the centrality of relationship, and the dynamics of human personality. They close with their Top 5 Bosses.

The girls take on not one, not two, but three dystopian stories! They take a look at Battle Royale, The Hunger Games, and Lord of the Flies, in order to discuss the question of whether human beings, at their core, are good. They also cover how fear drives people to commit heinous acts, how perfect love casts out fear, and how sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God’s love. They close with their Top 5 Dystopian Books.

The guys spend this week discussing the Netflix series, Magic for Humans. Besides both being magic enthusiasts themselves, the guys were interested in how magic opens the door to wonder, how mystery preserves faith, and how love demands our engagement with otherness. They close with their Top 5 Magic Tricks They’ve Ever Seen.

The girls saw the new children’s movie, Smallfoot. They discuss the complex nature of truth, how important it is to ask questions, and how we can use technology to create false images of ourselves. They close with their Top 5 Mythical Creatures.

The girls take on Stephanie Storey’s Oil and Marble, a historical fiction novel based on the rivalry between Leonardo and Michaelangelo. They discuss true beauty and personhood as it can be portrayed through art, the power of true forgiveness, and the role of desire in the Christian life. They close with their Top 5 Old Testament Characters.

The girls discuss Aaron Mahnke's podcast, Lore. They discuss the story-telling instinct of humans, how the world used to be filled with wonder, and how folklore stories have helped us protect ourselves from fear. They close with their Top 5 Mischievous Spirits.

At the beginning of Great Lent, the guys discuss the moving Russian film, Ostrov (The Island). They explore how repentance is an ongoing act, how compunction opens our hearts to grace, and how false piety fails to measure up to true holiness. They close with their Top 5 Redemption Stories.

The guys discuss The National’s newest album, I Am Easy To Find. They touch on the complexity of being human, how longing touches on the most universal of human desires, and how hard it is to make peace with pain. They close with their Top 5 Sad Songs.

This week, the guys take on the Netflix documentary, Social Animals. The documentary follows three teens and their relationship with Instagram. Conversation topics include the Age of Authenticity, the role of the true self and false self in the construction of identity, and how our words have a lasting impact on others. They close with Steve’s Top 5 Social Media Tips.

It’s the 100th episode and to celebrate, the guys and the girls took on the cult classic Firefly! You asked for it, and they listened! And buckle up folks, because it’s a big one! Join them in the first ever four-person episode as they discuss the need for a crew, the impact of cross-pressure, how the show explores what it is to be human, and as they reflect on 100 episodes of PCCH! They close with their Top 5 Pop Culture Coffee Hour moments!

Steve and Christian discuss Parallel Love, a documentary that follows the trajectory of the rock band, Luxury. One cool thing about this band: 3 members are Orthodox priests. The guys discuss the disruptive nature of art, the ongoing process of conversion, and how all of us are called to be priests of creation. They close with their Top 5 Christian Artists and Musicians.

The girls discuss the podcast-gone-Amazon series, Modern Love. They reflect on the nature of "modern" love, how love makes us vulnerable, and how true love calls us to become real. They close with their Top 5 Love Stories That Are Not About Romantic Love.

A couple months ago, the guys watched a documentary following the band, Luxury. They were so impressed by the band and their music, they decided to focus this week on Luxury's album, Trophies. The guys discuss how the world is in decay, how we still need to be affirming of life, and how grace and repentance mean we actually have to change our lives. They close with their Top 5 Things They Are Thankful to God For.

The girls take on the highly anticipated Disney movie, Frozen II, and (spoiler alert) they weren't impressed. They discuss how we ought to gauge the next right thing, whether newness of knowledge equates with wisdom, and how we should acquire a spirit of service. They end with their Top 5 Sequels (That Were Actually Good).

Live from New York, it’s PCCH! The guys discuss the epic trilogy, Lord of the Rings. The touch on topics such as friendship, the human obsession with power, and where hope can be found. Fr. Andrew joins the guys for a Q&A;, as well as a special quiz designed just for him.

It's finally here. The end of the Skywalker Saga! Join the guys as they discuss the final film of a story 42 years in the making! Spoiler Porgs included.

The guys revisit the NBC hit, The Good Place, after the Series Finale, and they were...a little disappointed. They discuss images of the afterlife, how love is other people, and visions of "the good." They close with their Top 5 Season Finales.

Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez are joined by Christina Andresen for this special live episode of Pop Culture Coffee Hour! Recorded at the 2020 Youth and Camp Workers Conference in Phoenix, they discuss why Hogwarts is a CPS call waiting to happen, how friendship makes us better, and whether youth can be trusted with the Church. They close with a brief Q&A; and a promise to finish what Dumbledore started. Listen to Part 2 at https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/popculture/episode_120_harry_potter_and_the_half_blood_podcast_pt_2.

Christina Andresen, Steve Christoforou, and Christian Gonzalez finish up their conversation on Harry Potter. They discuss how youth ministry should look like Defense Against the Dark Arts, how sacrifice shows true mastery over death, and who they think the true hero of the story is. They close with their Top 5 Things (and an Accidental One) They'd Make Into Horcruxes. Listen to Part 1 at https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/popculture/episode_119_pcch_live_harry_potter_and_the_half_blood_podcast_pt_1.

Since we're all trying to be socially responsible and live in a state of self-imposed quarantine, Christian Gonzalez and Steve Christoforou want to offer a little bit of lightheartedness. That's why they will be going LIVE every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Eastern/9:30 a.m. Pacific with a brand-spanking new episode of Pop Culture Coffee Hour! Join them at www.y2am.org/PopCultureLive and be a part of the conversation!

"And even in this not particularly flattering light, you are without a doubt the five and a half most wonderful wild animals I've ever met in my life. So let's raise our boxes - to our survival.” – Mr. Fox The guys explore the Wes Anderson film: "Fantastic Mr Fox." They discuss art, what our "real" nature is, and the way we can only be truly united in our diversity.

“I used to think that being blacklisted would be grist for the mill until I realized I’m still here.” - Fiona Apple The guys explore the new Fiona Apple album: "Fetch the Bolt Cutters." They discuss life under quarantine, cycles of sin, and how Christ breaks us free.

“Don't kill me.” - George Floyd The guys were going to talk about the Netflix series: Bonfire of Destiny. But important things are happening. And we, as a nation and a Church, need to talk about them. Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez have a tough conversation about the unjust slaying of George Floyd on May 25 and the protests that have developed since. They discuss race in America, violence and virtue, and the theology of the cross.

“I’m not the season I’m in...You’re not the season you’re in.” Steve and Christian listened to the new album by Fleet Foxes, "Shore." The guys discuss connection vs isolation, tradition vs traditionalism, and the beauty of forgiveness.

The girls discuss Taylor Swift's newest album, touching on themes such as how growing up changes your perspective, how we grow aware of our own failings, and how love fills the background of much of our lives.

The girls discuss the classic 80's film, The Breakfast Club. They discuss issues of identity, generational sin, and the community of God's Kingdom.

“Dude!” Steve and Christian watched the new film, "Bill and Ted Face the Music." The guys discuss the failures of past generations, ways to empower younger people, and the unity of all people. We're also shining a light on Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry, which serves those who are incarcerated and their families, and provides resources, training and support to their ministry partners so that lives are transformed and God is glorified. Learn more on their website: theocpm.org.

The girls discuss the Netflix series, Firefly Lane. They touch on issues of self-discovery, the importance of friendship, and what constitutes a real relationship.

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.

"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!

"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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Fr. Philip challenges the foolishness of pursuing wealth, power and politics in place of the true salvation of our lives.

Fr. Philip calls us to open our eyes to those areas of our own lives which need to change, as we become children of light.