Pop Culture Coffee Hour

“Strike first. Strike hard. No mercy.” Steve and Christian watched the Netflix series, "Cobra Kai." The guys discuss just regret, trauma, nostalgia, and more. We're also shining a light on the Family Promise, a national non-profit that changes the lives of families experiencing homelessness. Learn more on their website: familypromise.org

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.

"There is only one way this war ends. Last man standing." Steve Gonzalez and Christian Christoforou watched the World War I film, "1917." The guys discuss just war, violence, human nature, and finding beauty in the midst of pain. We're also shining a light on the Theotokos Orphanage and St Ignatius School in Bakeswar, India. Run nearly singlehandedly for over a decade by Sister Nektaria of Corinth, Greece, these programs strive to provide the children of Kolkata and Bakeswar with the love of Christ and a quality education (a crucial tool in breaking the cycles of poverty). Learn more on their website: fili-inc.com.

The girls discuss Dracula. They touch on what makes for good horror, as well as what horror seeks to reveal, namely that true life is not given by taking it from others, nor is life the end in itself, but true life involves Resurrection.

“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 the sit-com, New Girl. They talk about self-knowledge, how love takes work, and how we are formed by the spaces we inhabit.

”There are only two industries that call their customers ‘users’: illegal drugs and software.” Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez watched the new Netflix documentary, "The Social Dilemma." The guys discuss vulnerability, disconnection, and the polarizing effects of social media. They close by reflecting on changes we can each make to unplug and reconnect.

"I’m just like my country—I’m young, scrappy, and hungry, and I am not throwing away my shot." Steve, Christian, Emma, and Christina are all back for the series premiere of "Pop Culture Coffee Hour." They explore the popular musical, "Hamilton." They discuss the cost of honor, the beauty of forgiveness, and the complexities of race in the American story.

"I have called you by name; you are Mine!" (Isaiah 43:1) For the series finale of "Pop Culture Coffee Hour," the guys explore season 1 of the new TV series "The Chosen." It's the first ever multi-season exploration of the life of Jesus. The guys discuss Christian art and theology, the call of the Gospel, and the transformative power of real, authentic Christianity. https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen

“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.

“Take her to the moon for me. Okay?” The guys explore the beautiful Pixar movie: "Inside Out." They discuss the importance of learning to handle our emotions, the danger of suppressing (rather than processing) negative emotions, and how sadness leads to empathy.

“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.

"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.

“It takes strength to resist the dark side. Only the weak embrace it.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi After talking with Ancient Faith's John Maddex about the current financial situation and opportunities (please support the guys' virtual Regatta team here: https://afm.kindful.com/lifeboat-2020/the-supplicants), Steven Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez explore the recently-concluded Star Wars animated series: The Clone Wars. They discuss why Star Wars TV shows have been better than the recent movies, the depth of the characters (both old and new), and what the failings of the Jedi Order can teach us as Christians.

The guys explore the beautiful new documentary film, "New Men." They explore the challenge of staying in one place, whether monastic life is a higher calling, and struggles of the Christian life. You can find the film at newmendoc.com.

What if magic were real? The guys explore the new Disney feature film, "Onward." They explore the truth in stories, the challenges of a disenchanted world, and the ways Disney films present love.

Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez open up for a vulnerable conversation where they share what they're struggling with, how they're doing, and how they're still finding God at work in the midst of a global pandemic.

The guys reflect on the 2010 film, Inception. They discuss the nature of consciousness, the relationship between the mind and the human person, and the importance of conversion over inception.

This week, the guys discuss the frantic comedy game show, Billy on the Street! They discuss how important a name is, the abnormality of social distancing, and the desire to return to life.

This week, the guys take to Zoom before a live digital audience to discuss the classic movie, Groundhog Day! They discuss life under quarantine, how the divine desires the salvation of all, and how change occurs in the heart. The close with some Q&A! Make sure to join every week at www.y2am.org/PopCultureLive!