Cross. Culture. Critic.

Longtime listeners of Cross.Culture.Critic., do not adjust your podcast settings. We are now The Jesus Junkyard Podcast. Chris and Joe talk about what that means, why the change was made and what to expect going forward. But there's also more! Chris and Joe talk about coming out of the pandemic. Chris talks about float therapy. And Chris thinks his 20-year-old self would think his 40-year-old self is going to Hell. Listen and subscribe!    Show notes:  The Jesus Junkyard blog Facebook page Follow Chris on Twitter  Subscribe to Chris' newsletter 

Chris and Joe are back! This month, they're talking about the death of Christian music icon Carman, Chris' old man habits, and two recent true-crime documentaries.  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com Chris' Newsletter  Average Jerks podcast  

Chris and Joe start by talking about their holiday celebrations and end up in a long conversation about drinking, movies, legalism and faith. Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com Chris' Newsletter  Average Jerks podcast

As the pandemic continues, Chris and Joe check in to talk about the things they've learned about themselves and their quarantine success stories. Also: Chris talks about a recent museum trip and Joe answers some listener mail. Also, the transitions are horrible and Chris blames it on Bota Box.  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com Chris' Newsletter  Average Jerks podcast

Hey everyone!    New episode. This week, Joe and Chris answer a listener's questions about whether Joe considered himself as a role model during his Insyderz days. That leads into a long discussion about the nature of role models, growing in faith (and losing it), and the inherent complications of combining faith and art. Give it a listen!    Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com Chris' Newsletter  Average Jerks podcast

Chris and Joe talk about the new Five Iron Frenzy Kickstarter, what a Christian Music '90s cruise would look like, nostalgia, getting older, "Bill and Ted Face the Music," "Class Action Park" and more. Also, Joe's on cold meds, so if it rambles, you know why!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com Chris' Newsletter 

Chris and Joe are back! In this episode, Joe asks why Chris would be so stupid as to go to an amusement park in a pandemic. Chris shares a parenting dilemma. And the two talk about the cesspool that is social media.  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

It's been nearly two years since our last episode, but there's nothing like a pandemic to get some podcasting on! Chris and Joe chat via Skype, catching up on what they've been doing since the last episode aired and talking about life in pandemic. They also talk about introducing their kids to beloved movies, get nerdy about comic books and coffee, and share some recommendations with listeners. Welcome back, and enjoy!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Joe is back, and he and Chris have a wide-ranging podcast this week. They talk favorite movie franchises and delve into topics of the supernatural. But first, they ask the all-important question: Did Jesus tell poop jokes?  Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

This week, a break from the format as Chris interviews Gary Campbell (#letgarygraduate), who recently gained a following on social media after his college admission was denied because he is a gay man. Chris and Gary talk about the incident, and the tension existing between the Church and the LGBT community.  * Gary's story Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com Next week: Chris and Joe talk favorite movie franchises, and delve into topics of the supernatural! 

Chris and Joe are back! After a brief explanation for the long delay, they talk a bit about Joe's experience watching the Dark Knight trilogy with his kids, and then ramble into a conversation about the things they were prohibited from enjoying while growing up Christian.  Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Hey everyone!    As summer movie season winds down, Chris and Joe talk about the craziness happening over at MoviePass. They discuss the hassle of current moviegoing and when to let kids see R-rated movies. Plus, up front, there's an odd amount of talk about the Whoopi Goldberg classic, 'Sister Act.'      Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com  

Another busy summer means an unexpected hiatus for CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC. But we're back!  After explaining the delays, Chris and Joe catch up with movies, TV and more! They talk Solo, Mr. Rogers, Detroiters and more!    Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Chris and Joe talk a recent parenting dilemma, which leads into a discussion about Christians' attitudes toward homosexuality.    Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Chris sits down with Derek Webb to talk his latest album "Fingers Crossed," his podcast "The Airing of Grief" and more -- including...a Derek Webb punk album?    Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity, featuring a post setting up this interview  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Chris and Joe are back! They're talking stories from church camp and youth group trips this week. Plus, Chris' son (the cute kid in this week's photo) may be turning into a delinquent.  Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

It's been a year since Chris and Joe first sat down for the interview that led to CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC. This week, they sit down to reflect on a year of doing the show and then Joe goes deep on The Insyderz' first album, "Motor City Ska." Learn how it all began, what he's learned and what still works -- and what Joe doesn't like about the album!    Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com  

Chris and Joe are back! This episode is all listner mail, including Chris and Joe's thoughts on true crime, the curent Christian music scene and the music they turn to.      Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity (Find extended show notes here!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com  

Chris and Joe are back to talk briefly about what they've been watching -- including "Avengers: Infinity War". Chris is on a new self-improvement kick, and the two complain about people who use the term "adulting."      Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity (Find extended show notes here!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com  

Chris and Joe went to an Amy Grant concert and got to meet her (note: Amy Grant does not appear on this podcast). What Joe did will blow your mind! Hear the whole story on this episode!    Chris' Blog, Mere Chris-ianity (Find extended show notes here!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com  

Hey everyone! This episode originally started as a bonus episode, but ended up going much longer and turning into a full-fledged episode.  Joe and Chris talk about some of the things they're enjoying lately, including Joe's newfound love of wrestling, Chris' enjoyment of "Roseanne's" return, and engage in speculation about the new "Avengers" movie. Enjoy!    Chris' New Blog, Mere Chris-ianity (Find extended show notes here!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Hey everyone! Chris and Joe are back! After a discussion of their spring breaks, they talk about manliness in the church: specifically the focus on masculinity found at conferences. Is it good or bad? Why is Chris so upset about it? What starts off as a joke goes into some more serious waters! Give it a listen!    Chris' New Blog, Mere Chris-ianity (Find extended show notes here!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

This week, Chris and Joe talk about atheist artists and how they choose to avoid or engage with their work. Also, is there anything good for Christians in movies like Dogma, Life of Brian or The Invention of Lying? Plus, a little bit of Easter talk!    Chris' New Blog, Mere Chris-ianity (Find extended show notes here!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

The eight-part documentary series "Flint Town" recently debuted on Netflix, showcasing the work of that town's police department. Joe and Chris, who live only an hour from Flint, talk about the series. Along the way, they also discuss their favorite police movies and shows, Joe reflects on how well "Flint Town" stacks up to reality, and Chris got screwed on taxes.  Show notes:  Chris' New Blog, Mere Chris-ianity (Find extended show notes here!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Chris and Joe get serious to talk about worship. Show notes:  Chris' New Blog, Mere Chris-ianity Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

We're back!  Chris kicks things off by talking about suffering life without a cellphone (for three days). Then, he and Joe get into a "media dump" to talk about what they've been watching lately. Is "Man in the High Tower" worth Joe's time? Does "Everything Sucks" recapture the magic of Surge and grunge? Why does Joe hate "Black Panther"? And why couldn't Chris and Joe play "Dungeons and Dragons"?  Show Notes:  Chris' New Blog, Mere Chris-ianity Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

It's Oscar weekend! And Joe knows nothing about most of the nominated films. This episode, he'll try to guess what they're about! Also, a discussion of celebrity encounters -- who was nice, and who was a jerk?  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

In 1988, Michael W. Smith's fourth album, "i 2 (eye)" was released, featuring such CCM classics as "Secret Ambition," "All You're Missing is a Heartache" and "Pray for Me." Thirty years later, Chris and Joe give the album a track-by-track re-listen. Does it hold up? Is Smitty the Randy Newman of Christian music? What is up with the trilogy of judgment in the middle? Give it a listen!    Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com Next week: Joe guesses the Oscars! 

Note: This week's episode contains some blunt talk about sex and pornography. Nothing explicit, but it might be best not to play it with the kiddos around.    This week, after catching up on snow days, Valentine's Day plans and the start of Lent, Chris and Joe get serious to talk about Christians and pornography. Should it be banned? How much of a problem is it? What's wrong with it?    Show note:    "Let's Ban Porn" NY Times XXX Church  Chris' Twitter Facebook Group 

Welcome back!  Chris and Joe are feeling nostalgic this week, which leads to some really great discussion, including:  What now-defunct group would you like to have seen in concert?  What movie would you like to have seen on the big screen?  Which '90s CCM bands do you want to make a comeback?  Bonus, we want an answer from our listeners: Which 10 Christian bands would you book for a CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC. cruise?  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram [This is Your] Vasectomy by Johnny Sokko  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Hey everyone! Short but good episode this week! Joe and Chris start talking about TV shows they thought they would hate but came to love. That leads to some talk about Netflix's "The Crown," the problems with being royalty, and why old guys start loving history. Tune in and share your thoughts!    Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chris' Instagram Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Joe and Chris are back for a talk about poltics and what to do when your entertainers are creeps.  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC.COM Chris' Instagram Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Chris and Joe spend an entire episode talking '90s Contemporary Christian Music. Hear about the the Insyderz Dove Award-winning adaptation of a beloved worship song, discover which duet was considered "Islands in the Stream" for Christians, and hear Chris spit out a bit of rhyme from Carman.    Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  The Insyderz' "He Has Made Me Glad" video Christ and Pop Culture website "Good Christian Fun" podcast (head's up: explicit language)  CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC.COM Chris' Instagram Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Chris and Joe are back with a jam-packed episode for the start of 2018! Catch up on their holiday experiences, Joe answers a question about his Insyderz days, and the duo talks about their plans for the new year!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC.COM Chris' Instagram Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

In the last episode before Christmas, Chris and Joe discuss whether "Die Hard" and "Gremlins" are really Christmas movies and then talk about some of their favorite holiday films and television specials.  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC.COM Chris' Instagram Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

With just a few weeks left until Christmas, Chris and Joe sit down to talk about their favorite Christmas music and the songs they avoid. Next week, the Christmas fun continues with a talk about their favorite Christmas movies.  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC.COM Chris' Instagram Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Before Joe jets off for a Hawaiian vacation, he and Chris talk travels, dream trips, world tours and Instagram!  Come back next week for part one of our two-part Christmas extravaganza! In the meantime, tell us your favorite (and least favorite) Christmas songs! We might include them on the next podcast!    Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC.COM Chris' Instagram Joe's Instagram Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

After a two-week absence, we're back with class.  We set out mainly to talk about Black Friday. We ended up discussing some big movements in Joe's life and then going off on a tangent about how we can improve (and make money off) communion. It's weird, but it's a lot of fun!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC.COM Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Hello!  What should Chrsitians' attitudes be about the movies? How do you engage believers with movies that might be a bit difficult? Is there any good to be found in faith-based film? Chris sits down with Joe Zaragoza, co-host of the "Drinking at Bible Study" and "Commentarians" podcasts, to talk about these questions and more.    Show Notes Pages for Drinking at Bible Study and The Commentarians Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  NEW!!! CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC.COM Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

In honor of Halloween, we have a special fun-size episode this week! Chris and JOe talk about their favorite Halloween movies, both the scary and the not-so-scary! Tune in...if you dare!!!   Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Chrisicisms Blog Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Great Scott! Things start off with Joe and Chris talking about time traveling back to their high school days and what changes they would make. Then, in the main topic, they talk alcohol. Specifically: how did two guys who didn't have their first drink until age 30 change their minds on it, and what does that mean to them as Christians?  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Support us on Patreon!  Chrisicisms Blog Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, Chris and Joe take some time to talk about their differing views on guns and the attitude of Christians toward them.  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Support us on Patreon!  Chrisicisms Blog Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

How does a rock star become a police officer? How does a writer keep the creative itch alive when they've gone to the corporate world? Is being a dishwasher the worst job ever? In this episode, Chris and Joe talk about work. They discuss their first jobs, their worst jobs, their dream jobs and where life has brought them to now.  What was your first job? Your best job? Your dream job? Are you doing what you love now? Let us know by email or Facebook! We'll see you next week!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Support us on Patreon!  Chrisicisms Blog Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com    

Chris and Joe are back with a small-batch episode. After a brief discussion about whether it's okay for men to wear Lululemon, they talk about comfort food TV. What are the shows they can watch over and over again? What are yours? Let us know by emailing or joining the Facebook discussion!  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Support us on Patreon!  Chrisicisms Blog Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com    

Joe's back for another fun episode!  The show starts with Chris and Joe talking guilty pleasures, particularly musical ones. What does Joe rock out to when no one's looking? Which band is Chris embarrased to admit he has on Spotify? Are Weird Al and Billy Joel guilty pleasures, or genuinely good?  Then the topic shifts into more serious matters as Chris and Joe talk evolution and creation. Which view do they hold to? What backs them up? How important is it to their faith? Frickin' magnets, how do they work?  We'll be back next week with a new small batch episode!  Chris' blog post about evolution Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Support us on Patreon!  Chrisicisms Blog Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com    

For over 30 years, Steve Taylor has been one of the most infuental and respected names in Christian music. From his debut EP "I Want to Be a Clone," through controversial recordings like "I Blew Up the Clinic Real Good" and his latest album, "Goliath" (with The Perfect Foil), Taylor's been one of Christan music's most innovative lyricists and musicians. His work as a producer has touched some of the industry's most influential works, including albums by the Newsboys, Sixpence None the Richer and the Insyderz. As a film director, he's made the Michael W. Smith-starring "The Second Chance" and the 2012 adaptation of Donald Miller's "Blue Like Jazz."  In this interview, Chris and Steve talk his career, the Christian industry, filmmaking and more.  Show notes:  Chris' review of Blue Like Jazz Steve Taylor's Twitter account Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Support us on Patreon!  Chrisicisms Blog Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Fair warning -- you will learn nothing from this episode. But you'll have fun doing it.  This recording was smushed between work, bad traffic and a press screening for Chris, so he and Joe just decided to wing it and have fun rambling about a variety of topics. They share their back to school tales, discuss parenting "sweet spots" and virtual reality, and talk about some really bad movies. Plus, we have our first Patreon donor!    Show notes:  Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Support us on Patreon!  Chrisicisms Blog Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Hey everyone!  Welcome to another special bonus episode! This was recorded the day the BBC announced its list of the 100 greatest comedies of all time..and Chris and Joe had some things to say about it. What movies should be on the list? What should have been left off? Visit our Facebook page or send us an email to let us know what you would have included.  We'll be back next week with another episode!  Show notes:  BBC List of 100 Greatest Comedies  Chris' post about the BBC list Like us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Support us on Patreon!  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com  

We are back for Episode 7! In this episode:  Joe asks whether Shark Week has...jumped the shark Joe and Chris talk about punk rock and ask:  What is punk?  Is Green Day still punk?  Should punk have safe spaces?  We'll be back in two weeks with two new, full-length episodes, but be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep an eye and ear out for Live events, bonus episodes and special interviews.  Facebook page Twitter Feed Chrisicisms page New! Like the show? Support us on Patreon and gain access to special bonus content and help shape the future of CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC.  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com

Hey everyone!    Welcome to a special bonus episode! In this brief show, Joe and Chris talk abut a new way to support them and become part of the podcast. Joe regales Chris with tales of his adventures at the Woodward Dream Cruise. And Chris vents about the trials of being a dad at an amusement park.  Come back Friday for a regular episode!    Facebook page Twitter Donate to our Patreon! 

Welcome to Episode 6, where we jump straight into the deep end. After answering this week's ice breaker about favorite movies about music, Chris and Joe settle in to discuss the tense political climate. Can Joe (a conservative) and Chris (a liberal) find some common ground? Is there hope for our discussion in America? What part do Christians play. And perhaps even more controversial: What do Chris and Joe REALLY think about "The Princess Bride"? Tune in and find out!  Show Notes:  Follow us on Facebook!  Follow us on Twitter!  Email us at crossculturecritic@gmail.com!    We'll be back in two weeks with a new episode!