Homebrewed Culture Cast

Slim Moon sits down with Jake Morrill, head of the Christian Universalist Church, for the second part of their chat: this time about the future of the institutional church as a whole. Does it have a chance at survival? What will change, and what will remain? Do we need organized religion to pursue an authentic experience of the Divine? The CultureCast trio then talks about when, or if, violence are ever justified for police. And as people of faith, can we ever justify violence? Finally, in addition to your go-to Fear of the Week and Recommendations deliciosity, we bump heads about whether the electoral college in the United States still serves any democratically constructive purpose, or if Donald Trump’s candidacy is an argument to keep it. Listen to it, live it and love it, folks.   Become a CultureCast patron and get show swag HERE

Slim Moon sits down with Jake Morrill, head of the Christian Universalist Church, for the second part of their chat: this time about the future of the institutional church as a whole. Does it have a chance at survival? What will change, and what will remain? Do we need organized religion to pursue an authentic...

We had our friend, Rev. Aaron Metcalf, on the CultureCast this week to share his amazing story about his childhood. He went from being a relative pariah and the subject of relentless bullying to being the one who shoved others outside the circle. But it turns out that, at least in this case, karma is real,...

We had our friend, Rev. Aaron Metcalf, on the CultureCast this week to share his amazing story about his childhood. He went from being a relative pariah and the subject of relentless bullying to being the one who shoved others outside the circle. But it turns out that, at least in this case, karma is real, and it’s a mofo. He also challenges our stereotypes about the Church of Christ, of which he’s a part, which is always a good thing. Right, Martha Stewart? In the rest of the show, we hit on the systemic racism emerging in the political discourse, along with the various ways Hillary Clinton seems designed to shoot herself in the foot, despite an apparent golden road, headed straight to Pennsylvania Avenue. And if that ain’t enough to tickle your nerd fancy, listen to why cohost Slim Moon thinks all alcohol should be outlawed. Prohibition, anyone? Become a CultureCast patron HERE and get yer swag on

Alan Chambers, former long-time Director of Exodus International, speaks in this episode about his struggle with his own sexual orientation, a love-hate relationship with church and his eventual closure of the once-notorious “Conversion Therapy” organization. Chambers headed the Christian-based conversion group for years, having gone through the program himself. But after much prayerful contemplation and...

Alan Chambers, former long-time Director of Exodus International, speaks in this episode about his struggle with his own sexual orientation, a love-hate relationship with church and his eventual closure of the once-notorious “Conversion Therapy” organization. Chambers headed the Christian-based conversion group for years, having gone through the program himself. But after much prayerful contemplation and soul-searching, he realized it was the wrong thing to do. How did he know? He knew in his own heart that he was still gay. On top of that, he had seen the damage such programs had done to individuals and families, trying largely in vain to adhere to some Christian expectation of what a “Godly person” was supposed to be like. In his controversial and beautifully revealing book, “My Exodus: From Fear to Grace,” he talks about finding more genuine community in gay bars than in many Christian circles, the bondage of religious doctrine and his own decision to remain married to his long-time wife, despite also being openly gay. And after listening to this episode which, of course, includes tons of other CultureCast stuff too, check out his compelling video talk at his church, where he serves as an elder. In it, he talks about why it’s time for church to “grow up.” He nails religion for serving as a sort of modern-day slavery in it’s unhealthy expressions, and what we need to do about it. Love or hate his ideas and what he has to say, you’ll admire his bravery and the risks he continues to take for what he believes in. It doesn’t undo what’s been done in the past, but if we truly believe in grace, Chambers’ call to live into it is hard to ignore.

In this CultureCast mini-sode, I chat with Todd Komarnicki, screenwriter for the new Clint Eastwood/Tom Hanks flick, SULLY. The movie focuses on Chelsea Sullenberger, captain of the US Air flight that he landed in the middle of the Hudson River after engine failures, saving all 155 people on board. Turns out there was more controversy...

In this CultureCast mini-sode, I chat with Todd Komarnicki, screenwriter for the new Clint Eastwood/Tom Hanks flick, SULLY. The movie focuses on Chelsea Sullenberger, captain of the US Air flight that he landed in the middle of the Hudson River after engine failures, saving all 155 people on board. Turns out there was more controversy around the heroic act than many of us may remember, and Todd breaks down why this is a story that needed to be told on the big screen. Todd is also the producer and writer for several other movies, including the iconic holiday comedy, ELF, starring Will Farrell. We talked about how a movie about a guy in green tights actually can stir friction within the Christian ranks, how his faith informs his own work in Hollywood, and he drops  little gem on me at the end that kinda makes me a hero with my kids. So I’ve got that goin’ for me. SULLY opens everywhere on September 9. Become a CultureCaster to get CultureCast swag and free access to all our live shows.

Who’s down with learning how not to be an asshat? I mean if you like being one, might not listen to us, cause we’re on a mission. In this episode, I talk with dad, author and groovy fellow God nerd Bruce Reyes-Chow about his new book, “DON’T BE AN ASSHAT: And Official Handbook for Raising Parents and Children”. This self-described parenting book for people who are sick of parenting books was co-written by Bruce and his wife, Robin Pugh (who was smart enough not to talk to me on the air), and includes rules they trade off sharing like: Rule #5 Ask for Help Rule #10 Taste Everything Once Rule #33 Sing Loudly Rule #43 Protest Rule #48 Have Good Sex Wait…what? Yes, I asked Bruce how, pray tell, do I explain to my kids what “good sex is and how to have it. Wanna know his response? Listen to the episode, my curious friend. We tick off our top Olympic memories, talk about Trump’s convenient truths, hit you between the eyes with our fears of teen puberty (I see a theme here) and some other culture-y crap. Giggity. Become a CultureCaster HERE  Join us on Facebook HERE

Who’s down with learning how not to be an asshat? I mean if you like being one, might not listen to us, cause we’re on a mission. In this episode, I talk with dad, author and groovy fellow God nerd Bruce Reyes-Chow about his new book, “DON’T BE AN ASSHAT: And Official Handbook for Raising...

Listen in as Slim breaks down with Jake Morrill, head of the Christian Universalists and Christian Unitarian Universalist Pastor, talk about what they see as the future of institutional church and religion in our culture. Do we need it? Is it worth sustaining? Does our understanding of “Church” inevitably have to evolve? Into what? Coke or Pepsi? Paper or plastic??? All will be answered, fear not. We also talk about why the RNC was a Trumpster fire to which a certain someone continues to add lots of fuel, and what the ups and downs are of the “politics of emotion” on both sides of the aisle. And though the marriage of faith to politics has principally been a Republican theme for decades, is that identity shifting? Are Dems courting the Christian vote, and is it working? And of course we’ll give you tips on what to read, watch and be afraid of, so you’ll have lots to occupy you other than the prospect of a standout between two of the possibly least popular candidates in recent history. So you got that going for you! Connect with us on Facebook and Support us on Patreon to grab some CultureCast swag and keep us going! 

Listen in as Slim breaks down with Jake Morrill, head of the Christian Universalists and Christian Unitarian Universalist Pastor, talk about what they see as the future of institutional church and religion in our culture. Do we need it? Is it worth sustaining? Does our understanding of “Church” inevitably have to evolve? Into what? Coke...

For the first time, we did a live show out of town with the whole crew, and where better than at Wild Goose 2016? Trey Pearson, founder and main man in the band Everyday Sunday, was our special guest. he broke down what it’s been like going from a darling of the Contemporary Christian Music scene to now living as an openly gay man who still loves sharing good music. He’s been everywhere from NBC news to the View, Billboard and New York Times, and now he’s here with us. And of course we made him play our Trump Edition of the Price is Right too. Cause we’re a-holes that way. We throw down some Postmodern 8-ball, Amy’s Goose-specific fear of the week, and even welcome a “special” guest who graced/tortured us with a sending-off song that likely will not be creeping up the CCM music charts anytime soon. Special thanks to Phillips Theological Seminary for sponsoring this live broadcast. We would not have been able to be there without them. As such, show them a little love and check out the remote higher ed offerings they provide, for everything from an ordained ministry track to how to become more active as a social justice badass right in your local community. Props also to Chalice Press for sharing some books to give away, and to Crowdscribed, our new publishing house parter, for also being there with us.

For the first time, we did a live show out of town with the whole crew, and where better than at Wild Goose 2016? Trey Pearson, founder and main man in the band Everyday Sunday, was our special guest. he broke down what it’s been like going from a darling of the Contemporary Christian Music...

How did someone pull off an $81 million international bank heist? Better yet, how did they do it without anyone hearing about it? Mike Collins, our resident tech expert, explains. A criminal network who had planned on stealing $1 billion, got away with one of the biggest single hauls in history, leaving no trace of the original funds. And despite the elaborate organized crime systems used to do it, they were stopped from stealing more only because – get this – of a typo. We talk about the disaster in the making that is called “Brexit,” and about whether terrorism is turning us into the very thing that we hate. Then we talk about stupid shit because it’s what we do. See you at Wild Goose! Join the CultureCast LIVE with guests Trey Pearson and Tripp Fuller on Friday, July 8th from 5:30-6:30. Giveaways will be gived and beverages will be drink-ded.