Culture Shock

On this episode, Leon and Claude discuss a question that we've heard in our conservative Christian spaces, "Can Christians support #blacklivesmatter and still be faithful to Christ?" Listen as we discuss the possible source of the rebuttal #alllivesmatter and our thoughts on the answer to the question!

This week Leon and Claude discuss why POC may not embrace American patriotism as readily as our white counterparts.

Special guest Father Paul returns to talk to Leon and Claude about the role classism plays in systemic and structural racism.

There’s a great deal of conversation surrounding the topic of unity right now. Hear why some may be hesitant to trust quick calls to unity as Leon and Claude discuss the differences between unity and conformity. During the conversation, they define true healthy unity and what it takes to pursue it.

Leon and Claude, two growing theologians, discuss how they sometimes feel like theological orphans in their white Christian spaces. The question was asked, "Which should a person prioritize? Theological standards or cultural representation?" Hear the discussion now!

This week, Leon and Claude talk about the struggles of being too black or not black enough. Is this something we should be wrestling with? And WHERE did this even come from???

In light of their last episode, Leon and Claude wanted to speak into the hopelessness and chaos that many of us may feel in order to offer their thoughts on "what's next?" This is by no means an exhaustive list of next steps, but take a listen to this episode as we candidly continue this conversation concerning the current reality of our country and ways we think our white brothers and sisters can take action. **As of 2019 Black or African American people make up roughly 13% of the U.S. population while White Americans make up roughly 76% of the population.**(Correction via https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/IPE120218)

Leon & Claude offer their reactions to the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. In their exhaustion, they discuss their current state and why there was a delay in offering their reactions. Unintentionally, the timing of this recording is still relevant as we say the name of George Floyd, ANOTHER unarmed brother killed by a police officer. Ooof...just listen.

This week, Leon and Claude discuss the one consistent piece of feedback they've received so far, "Why is Claude so mad?" Listen in as Claude answers this question and others during a discussion about the intersection of anger and the shared experiences of minorities in America.

In light of Kobe Bryant's recent death, Leon and Claude consider the value of grief and investing in our mental health.

This week, Leon and Claude interview Benjamin Wills, Founder of Peace Prepatory Academy, about the work he is doing to strengthen families and communities through a holistic approach to education.

We sat down with a police officer to hear his story and how he's realized the challenges of ethical policing. From a toxic work environment to struggles in mental health, he offers us and the listeners honest insight into the modern and often unspoken police world. Listen to his story and perhaps it will give you a different perspective on the police force.

In this episode, Leon, Claude and special guest host Justin Bleeker interview Erika Brown of Erika Brown and Associates about her journey to success as a black, female, entrepreneur.

Claude is on vacation this week so Leon interviews Pastor Drew Henley of Redeemer Community Church in Vine City, Atlanta about what it means to be an intentional neighbor and how to love our communities well.

Kanye West's Sunday Services has culminated into a full Christian album. Listen in as Leon and Claude discuss what this means for Kanye, the Faith, and the culture.

In this episode from the summer, we react to the story of Joshua Harris, a popular evangelical author and pastor, renouncing his faith. The discussion led us to Leon coining a term "oppressive over-conservatism" which we both believe is one of the roots of why many Christians fall away from the faith. Listen to our discussion!

In this episode, Leon brings another question from his church's racial harmony panel that they were unable to answer due to time. We discuss this interesting topic and consideration by the anonymous questioner, in hopes of encouraging them but also warning them of its implications that go beyond the risk of loss in friendship.

On this episode, we sit down again with Justin Bleeker to continue our conversation about gentrification. This time we wanted to discuss ways that people experiencing gentrification could profit. A known catchphrase for this idea is "Buying Back The Block". Listen to our discussion as we talk through the nuances of this great idea, some of the challenges, and some of the "out of the box" ways to make it happen.

In this episode, Leon and Claude interview community developer and neighborhood advocate Justin Bleeker about gentrification and what he’s doing to help his neighbors ride the wave instead of being waged away by it.

Listen to the Culture Shock hosts speak with an expert in the diversity and inclusion field with some of the major concerns he experiences on the job.

Dr. Ukuku-Miller holds her Ph.D. in public health and as a university professor teaches courses on public health. Leon and Claude interview Dr. Mary Ukuku-Miller about the interrelated dynamics of public health, socio-economics, and education.

Kanye West has been having his Sunday services for a little while now and they are rapidly growing in popularity and attendance. What should we make of all of it and what implications do these services have for the Church? Leon and Claude share their thoughts.

Can someone hold non-traditional views on government and economics and still love Jesus? Does Un-American equal un-Christian? Listen in today as Leon interviews fellow ACNA clergy and licensed mental health clinician Father Paul Moore about how he advocates for the economic empowerment of the underserved.

In this episode, Leon and Claude discuss the recent conviction of former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger for the murder of Botham Jean and what significance of this case within the larger contexts of social justice, the church, and racial reconciliation.

In 2018, Redeemer Community Church hosted a panel discussion on the topic of pursuing racial harmony. Questions were submitted for discussion beforehand and the panel took time to thoughtfully confer about several of them. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to discuss every question. In this episode, Leon and Claude will consider one of the questions that weren't discussed during the panel. The question: "How can people of color pursue racial harmony with the majority culture as the historically oppressed minority?"

This episode, Leon and Claude will discuss the famous quote from the Count of Zinzendorf: "Preach the Gospel, die and be forgotten." Does this quote truly sum up the purpose of the Christian's life?

This is the first episode of the Culture Shock Podcast. We hadn't even settled on a name yet but we knew what kind of content we wanted to produce and began by just introducing ourselves and our desire for our show. Stay tuned!