Homebrewed Culture Cast

Some analysts say the left could gain some momentum, but only if they stop being “so annoying and get over their hamburger problem.” And after we looked into it, they’re right. In this episode of the Homebrewed CultureCast, we consider what’s at the root of progressives’ spate of losses in recent years, followed by a…let’s say passionate…talk about author Eugene Peterson’s curious reversal on his stance about LGBT equality and same-sex marriage after Lifeway Bookstores threatened to stop carrying his books. Live from our temporary New Mexico studio (AKA, Amy’s brother’s Airstream trailer), we also throw out our weekly recommendations and dig deeper into Amy’s rather unexpected fear of the week. It’s all Piatts, all day on this fresh, juicy CultureCast. Pull up a chair and dig in, kids. Become a CultureCast Patron HERE Join us on Facebook HERE

Some analysts say the left could gain some momentum, but only if they stop being “so annoying and get over their hamburger problem.” And after we looked into it, they’re right. In this episode of the Homebrewed CultureCast, we consider what’s at the root of progressives’ spate of losses in recent years, followed by a…let’s...

Matthew David Morris (a.k.a. Matt Morris) didn’t have a typical childhood. From playing arena shows with his dad alongside Kenny Rogers to starring on the Mickey Mouse Club with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, Matthew David entered the public spotlight when his peers were coloring with finger paints in a classroom. As such, he met amazing people, toured internationally and became a teenage symbol of all Americans long to be. At the same time, he saw the insanity just beneath the surface on Hollywood. Matthew David discusses his years on television and stage with us, along with what it was like coming to terms with his own identity (including that of a queer young man) in such a surreal environment. We talk about how he came to decide the path many of his now-superstar friends took was not for him, and why he is now in seminary with the aim of entering the Episcopal priesthood. We even got him to share two of his own songs on the show that few have ever heard before. Like what you hear? Check out his collection of originals called “When Everything Breaks Open.” In News of the World, we debate whether the religious left’s emerging engagement in the political forum is appropriate and, if so, how it can make a real difference. Plus (of course) we wouldn’t leave you without some summer recommendations and plenty to be afraid of while you’re at it. It is, as always, the best CultureCast in the history of all things known. Become a CultureCast Patron HERE Join us on Facebook HERE

Matthew David Morris (a.k.a. Matt Morris) didn’t have a typical childhood. From playing arena shows with his dad alongside Kenny Rogers to starring on the Mickey Mouse Club with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, Matthew David entered the public spotlight when his peers were coloring with finger paints in a...

Do progressives and skinheads have overlapping agendas in the Pacific Northwest? Is “Alt Right” a synonym for “White Nationalist?” In the second half of our interview with former skinhead leader Christian Picciolini we talk about the larger implications of current political and media environments, how they contribute to racist extremism and what role we all...

Do progressives and skinheads have overlapping agendas in the Pacific Northwest? Is “Alt Right” a synonym for “White Nationalist?” In the second half of our interview with former skinhead leader Christian Picciolini we talk about the larger implications of current political and media environments, how they contribute to racist extremism and what role we all play in our daily lives. In the echo chamber, we break down the politicization of violence, and discuss the fact that Congressman Steve Scalise, known for his support of anti-gay, arguably racist politics was saved by a queer black woman named Crystal Griner. In the Echo Chamber, you’ll find out how hipster the CultureCast Crew is (Matthew is in denial), and we learn in Amy’s Fear of the Week that, apparently, she’s been using razors incorrectly all her life. Summer’s here, the ‘cast is hot and we’re sweaty…which isn’t sexy or cool. But true. Become a CultureCast Patron HERE Join us on Facebook HERE

He was a skinhead in his youth, and now he run an organization (Life After Hate) to get people out of that life. In the first part of this two-episode interview, Christian Picciolini talks with us about what makes a skinhead in America, what the current socio-political climate is doing to mainstream similar views and...

He was a skinhead in his youth, and now he run an organization (Life After Hate) to get people out of that life. In the first part of this two-episode interview, Christian Picciolini talks with us about what makes a skinhead in America, what the current socio-political climate is doing to mainstream similar views and what can be done to address it. If you like what he has to say, check out his book, ROMANTIC VIOLENCE: Memoirs of an American Skinhead, or listen to the next CultureCast episode to get the rest of the interview. We’re excited to welcome our new cohost this week, Matthew David Morris, singer/songwriter, theologian and generally groovy dude. His resume is way to impressive and long to detail here, so just listen to him as he corrects all the things Christian added to his bio last episode. Apparently Matthew writes songs for Jesus himself! We talk about why the Pacific Northwest may well be the most racist region in America, why Amy is afraid of toes and hair, and we explore Christian’s unnatural affinity for Lord Buckethead. Confused? Listen and we won’t promise it’ll make any more sense. But hey, it’s fun to try. Become a CultureCast Patron HERE Join us on Facebook HERE

Some people choose to break ground in their careers; others feel called to a ministry that will result in a reckoning of God’s calling with the cultural resistance on all sides. Bishop Karen Olevito is an inspiration in who she is and what she does, and we spent some time with her learning how she...

Some people choose to break ground in their careers; others feel called to a ministry that will result in a reckoning of God’s calling with the cultural resistance on all sides. Bishop Karen Olevito is an inspiration in who she is and what she does, and we spent some time with her learning how she went from being a young girl in the United Methodist Church to one of the most compelling religious figures in the current American religious landscape. Amy and Christian also process parental feelings after the Manchester bombing, then unpack some loaded church phrases and how to navigate therm in mixed ideological company. Amy drops some big names of folks she spent quality time with this week and Christian gets scolded for his reaction to perhaps her most bizarre (Christian says funny) fear of the week. Amy gets street with her recommendation and we drop some exciting, fresh news about an exciting special cohost joining us for three shows in June! Headed to Wild Goose? Join us for a LIVE recording of the show from the main stage that Saturday. Details to come. Become a CultureCast Patron HERE Join us on Facebook HERE

He’s been a halfwit brother co-parenting his mute younger sibling (Comedy Central’s BROTHERHOOD)  to a ladies’ man on with an…umm…awkward medical secret (Netflix’s LOVESICK). He’s the lead singer in the alt-folk group JOHNNY FLYNN AND THE SUSSEX WIT, and now he’s young Einstein along with Geoffrey Rush as his elder counterpart in GENIUS, Brian Grazer...

He’s been a halfwit brother co-parenting his mute younger sibling (Comedy Central’s BROTHERHOOD)  to a ladies’ man on with an…umm…awkward medical secret (Netflix’s LOVESICK). He’s the lead singer in the alt-folk group JOHNNY FLYNN AND THE SUSSEX WIT, and now he’s young Einstein along with Geoffrey Rush as his elder counterpart in GENIUS, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s new series premiering Tuesday, April 24th on the National Geographic channel. Johnny Flynn is a man of the world and of many voices, passions and a broad scope of talents, and yet he admits to being intimidated by the idea both of playing one of the 20th centuries’ most known figures, while also working with some of the biggest names in the business. But as you will hear in this chat we had, he sees the world with a breadth and intellectual hunger. We discuss how the rise of German nationalism during Einstein’s later years feels eerily familiar in the global arena these days, and why “internationalism,” and even a more pantheistic understanding of God might help us break out of some dangerous socio-cultural trends. Albert Einstein, it turns out, was far more than a whimsical scientific wonder, and Flynn’s depths reach well beyond being an engaging entertainer. Christian and Johnny go one-on-one, covering more ground in a half hour than Clooney’s globetrotting in UP IN THE AIR. Dig it. Become a CultureCast Patron HERE Join us on Facebook HERE

Animated feature films have been around since “Snow White,” but they’ve changed dramatically. How do artists and directors keep up? I talked with Kelly Asbury, veteran Hollywood animator and director of the new movie, Sony Pictures’ “Smurfs: The Lost Village,” as well as “Shrek 2” about the technical and creative process behind the stories that capture our imagination and define childhood and even adulthood in many ways. Kelly started out in film animation working on “Toy Story” and has been involved in most of the great ones since then, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid” and others. He’s penned children’s books and has cultivated his passion for art that reaches kids since he was a kid drawing stories with his dad. Kelly talks about working with the big studios, how art informs culture and even hints at some ideas he has for future projects. We also discuss how it’s been making the transition from pen-and-ink animation cells to 3-D computer animation. It’s a deeper dive into new waters for the CultureCast: check it out. Become a CultureCast Patron HERE Join us on Facebook HERE

Animated feature films have been around since “Snow White,” but they’ve changed dramatically. How do artists and directors keep up? I talked with Kelly Asbury, veteran Hollywood animator and director of the new movie, Sony Pictures’ “Smurfs: The Lost Village,” as well as “Shrek 2” about the technical and creative process behind the stories that...

Films move our culture in profound ways, but how? Did Hollywood, and particularly, the Oscars, elevate women this year after major fallout last year? How about ethnic minorities? LQBTQ? And what do 2016’s films tell us about ourselves and our world? Gareth Higgins, founder of The Porch Magazine and the Movies and Meaning Festival, joins us to break down this year’s Oscar winners, the show itself (fails and all) which films you missed this year but need to see, and his ten favorites (Spoiler: Muppet Movie made the list and Citizen Kane didn’t). We break down the “Platinum Age of Television” and how it’s changing media and society, plus I ask him questions that annoy him like whether Disney has saved the Star Wars Franchise (it matters to me!!!).Be sure to check out The Porch if you appreciate thoughtful, literary writing, and when you check out the festival (happening in Albuquerque in April), make sure to use the code WALKER” for 10% off your festival pass. And yes, that stands for Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, who will be there along with lots of others. Bulk up your “to watch” list with this special episode that’s 100% about film and TV. Become a CultureCast Patron HERE Join us on Facebook HERE