Culture Matters

• Science and the Creator

  In this episode, Adam sits down with pastor and author John Van Sloten to discuss his provoking and worship-inspiring book, God Speaks Science. Together, they explore how science can be a spiritual discipline and a form of divine revelation—right alongside scripture. From the grandeur of supernovas to the mystery of the giant squid, Van Sloten invites us into a world where the natural order shouts the glory of God. The conversation hopefully opens up a deeper appreciation for God’s creativity, intention, and presence in creation.ResourcesGod Speaks Science: What Neurons, Giant Squid, and Supernovae Reveal About Our CreatorThe Day Metallica Came To ChurchEvery Job a ParableFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

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• Psalms & Songwriting

  In this episode, we sit down with worship leader and songwriter John Marc Kohl, for a vulnerable conversation about the heart of creativity. We talk about what it means to create honest art, the challenge of sharing our gifts, and the tension between inspiration and excellence. John Marc shares how his songwriting journey started with his mom’s choir notes and led to songs that took years to release. Tymarcus opens up about rediscovering his love for hip hop through grief and community. Whether we’re seasoned artists or just trying to steward our creativity, this episode reminds us that good work begins with honesty—and that offering one more “holy” is always worth it.*One note, Chelsea had technical difficulties. So if you notice her sudden lack of presence...that's why. She'll be back...we think.In This Episode02:00 – Getting to know John Marc 03:00 – How songwriting found him: From his mom’s choir class to full-on obsession 05:30 – Tymarcus shares his hip hop roots and the painful season that led him back to creating 09:30 – When we share our work, we share our hearts 12:00 – "The Gap" by Ira Glass: Why doing the work matters even when it’s not great 14:00 – Releasing the song vs. sitting on it: Creating for others, not just ourselves 17:00 – The band years, "Song Boy," and learning to unify our artistic voice 20:00 – The story behind “Still”: Holding onto a song for eight years 24:00 – What makes a song good? We talk honesty, craftsmanship, and collaboration 28:00 – Excellence matters: Giving God our best, not just our effort 33:00 – Growing in our gifts: How being teachable leads to real development 38:00 – Songwriting and mustard plants: Finding inspiration in everyday life 44:00 – Learning to see deeply: How observation makes better art 48:00 – Writing with intention: Offering “one more holy” through our work 52:00 – Final reflections: Create like it matters—because it doesResourcesA Liturgy Before Writing from Every Moment Holy John Mark Kohl Ty. Rashad Nick Box MusicFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

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• New Season, New Rhythms: Movies, Music, Books & Being Human in an AI Age

  We’re back! In this season kickoff, we share a few updates—Elizabeth is stepping back from regular hosting to focus on her own excellent work (peek “Starting Place” podcast), Ty joins us from Virginia where he’s serving with The Hill Church, and Chelsea moves from behind-the-scenes into more on-mic hosting. Then we do what we love: trace the intersections of faith and culture through the summer’s movies, the books on our nightstands, the music in our earbuds, and a bigger conversation about AI, embodiment, and why deeply human art still matters.In This Episode02:45 – Elizabeth’s transition & how to support her04:40 – Ty’s move to Roanoke: joining The Hill Church & early glimpses of God at work09:00 – Why we review cultural “artifacts” (movies, books, music)09:25 – Summer movies: Superman, Fantastic Four, Jurassic Park (rewatch)12:00 – Unexpected gems: Pharrell’s Piece by Piece (Lego biopic); content notes on Sinners (vampire genre)18:20 – Family-friendly pick: Sketch (Angel Studios)19:30 – Throwback classic: Chaplin’s The Great Dictator and that famous monologue23:45 – What old films teach us about hope, moral clarity, and the West24:50 – Books we’re reading: Hebrews, God Speaks Science, singleness, sports, and Project Hail Mary28:00 – Music corner: Forrest Frank’s Child of God and why it resonates with families (and Gen Z)33:30 – The AI curveball: “artists” that aren’t human, Spotify discovery, and why provenance matters40:15 – Practices for resisting hurry, recovering attention, and choosing humane tech use43:30 – Season preview, listener invitations, and creditsResources MentionedPodcasts & PeopleStarting Place — Elizabeth WoodsonFilms & TVSupermanFantastic FourJurassic ParkPiece by Piece (Pharrell Williams Lego biopic)Sinners — vampire-genre film (content cautions)Sketch (Angel Studios) — family-friendly noteThe Great Dictator (1940, dir./star Charlie Chaplin) — classic monologue referenceThe Diplomat — anticipation for Season 3BooksHebrews (book of the Bible)God Speaks Science — John Van SlotenSingle Ever After — Daniel TreweekProject Hail Mary — Andy Weir (audiobook recommended)MusicForrest Frank — Child of God (album)Follow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

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• Season Finale: Re-Cap & Gospel Goodbyes

  This is the last episode of this season and the crew gathers in studio to reflect on their favorite episodes, share personal highlights, and unpack the cultural moments that shaped their year. From Whitney Pipkin’s profound conversation on dying, to the metaphor-rich teaching of Jonathan Pennington, the team reminisces on how these guests left lasting impressions. They also dive into what they’ve been reading, watching, and listening to—from Wendell Berry and Frank Edwards to Netflix series and DJ sets. The episode ends with Ty sharing about his upcoming church planting adventure in Roanoke, Virginia—he's moving but will still be on Culture Matters.In this Episode[01:16] Favorite Conversations of the Season: Highlights include Ray Ortlund’s poetic imagery, Whitney Pipkin on caring well, and Jonathan Pennington’s impactful metaphors.[07:59] What’s Vibing: Books, Music & Culture: The crew discusses current cultural consumption—from Beth Allison Barr’s theology of ministry to the Netflix murder mystery The Residence.[19:51] What We Are Watching: Netflix Bin Laden documentary, The Bear's return, The Stick, Mission Impossible[28:06] Music Moments: Forrest Frank & DJ Discoveries: The success of Child of God II and the cultural shift we're seeing around it and exploring internet DJ culture.[34:45] Ty’s Big Move: Ty announces his move to Roanoke, VA, to join a church plant—reflecting on calling, community, and new assignments.[43:23] A Kingdom Goodbye: The team honors Ty’s contributions and shares blessings for his next chapter.Resources Mentioned:DJ 4:12 - InstagramChristian Summer Vibes DJ MixThe Hill RoanokeNeighbor BooksChild of God II by Forrest FrankBooks:We Shall All Be Changed by Whitney PipkinGentle and Lowly by Dane OrtlundDark Clouds, Deep Mercy and Waiting Isn't a Waste by Mark VroegopSwing Time by Zadie SmithIn the Garden of Beasts by Erik LarsonBecoming the Pastor's Wife by Beth Allison BarrJayber Crow by Wendell BerryTim Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin HansenThe Reason for God by Tim KellerLife Together by Dietrich BonhoefferFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

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• Navigating Conflict in Relationships

  In this episode, host Adam is joined by Katherine Bahcall, licensed Professional Counselor and a leader in recovery and care ministries, to discuss the often difficult but essential topic of conflict. Together, they explore how Christians can navigate conflict both personally and professionally, drawing from biblical wisdom and counseling experience. From conflict avoidance to the role of justice and mercy, they unpack practical steps for handling offense and sin while keeping Christ at the center. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while conflict is inevitable, the gospel gives us a redemptive framework for reconciliation.In This Episode[01:16] Katherine’s Journey into Counseling[05:00] Understanding Cultural Approaches to Conflict[07:32] Peacemaking vs. Peacekeeping in the Church[10:12] Evaluating Offense vs. Sin[13:21] The Importance of Self-Examination[17:25] Approaching Conflict with Humility[19:02] Justice, Mercy, and Trusting God[24:39] When to Own Your Part and When to Call Out Sin[28:00] Forgiveness as a Defeat of Evil[30:22] Enabling vs. Confronting Sin[31:26] Navigating Workplace Conflict[37:00] Leading Up: How to Handle Conflict with a Boss[44:00] The Role of Community in Conflict[45:20] Closing Reflections on Conflict and the GospelResources MentionedSummer Training Series: Navigating Conflict Resolution with Katherine BahcallRethinking Leadership Episode with Alan HootenThe Peacemaker by Ken SandeRay Ortlund's EpisodeScriptures ReferencedMatthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers...”Matthew 18 — Guidelines for addressing sin in communityJames 4 — Conflict stemming from desires at war within usProverbs 27:6 — “Faithful are the wounds of a friend...”Follow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

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