Mike & Luke are 2 friends talking sports, entertainment, news, politics & everything in between. The podcast where culture and christianity converge.
Mike Vigue and Luke Catandella
A lot has happened in the 5 months that have gone by since their last episode, both personally and worldwide, that the guys need to catch up on. Topics in this episode include: newly wed advice from Mike, how the guys are staying entertained these days, Maddie watches Braveheart for the first time, New York sports, the importance of daily Bible reading and meditation, and current thoughts on how vaccine mandates are ushering in the New World Order.
Mike and Luke cover a wide range of topics in this free flowing conversational episode. Topics include the current state of entertainment from sports to movies and how there is nothing to watch; the MLB and other corporations boycott Georgia over recent election legislation over election security; Megan Rapinoe visiting the White House to push a the false gender pay gap narrative; the George Floyd trial and why no matter the ruling, we lose; being fed up with social media and pop culture in general; and why America's days are numbered as a nation divided cannot stand.
After a long time off and in their first episode without mentioning Trump's name, the guys are back, and with guest host Madeline Powers joining them. This laid back, free flowing conversation covers ideas and events like the now infamous Meghan Markle and Prince Harry interview and the annoyingly monotonous response from conservatives, why you should leave your church if its still not open, and the pathetic display of the lack of manhood amongst America's cultural leaders.
In the first episode of the new season and the new year, the guys intro the show with:Luke sharing his Covid experienceThe college championship game between Alabama and Ohio StateHow liberals are sounding a lot like conservatives by defending censorship with arguments for free markets and private business rightsDiscussions topics are:Should conservatives boycott social media?Qanon and conspiracy theories: how much of it is true?When is violence okay? Where is the line? What would make it justified? Irony regarding BLM riots and the Capitol riot.Why is there such a cult-like following for Trump?
In the final episode of the year, the guys are keeping the faith by sharing what seems to be Trump's last hope for overturning the election results. Will Trump's 2018 executive order on foreign election interference come into play at the last minute and save the day for conservatives? Is a Biden presidency part of God's plan and should conservative Christians be viewing our political future differently? This episodes Quickhits include:Controversy over the new edition of The Passion Bible Translation, endorsed by Bill Johnson, John and Lisa Bevere and other charismatic Christian leadersVisa and Mastercard terminate use of their card on PornhubBen & Jerry's new Colin Kaepernick vegan ice cream 4 Covid-19 vaccine test subjects develop bells palsy
Mike and Luke catch you up to speed on the election status and share why they both still believe Donald Trump will win a 2nd term. In Whatcha Reading Mike reviews The Garden by Jon Gordon and summarizes how to overcome fear, stress and anxiety. Luke recaps his most recent reading of Debunking Howard Zinn by Mary Grabar and shares some of the arguments presented in the book against the false narrative that has turned a generation against America. Feeling the Christmas Spirit, the guys each share their top three Christmas movies. They wrap up the show with Quickhits which includes:actress Ellen Page is now actor Elliot Pagethe first place New York GiantsPornhub now offering sex-ed for kidsTrump taking a stand against social media censorship
Mike & Luke give their take on the election, breaking down what happened, why its far from over and what to expect next. The guys question the spiritual health of Christians who are still oblivious to the spiritual battle raging on in the year 2020. They explore where the church, pastors, and Christian leaders have dropped the ball and why its time for all of us to walk away from the media.
Mike & Luke welcome political social media influencer, Madeline Powers, as guest host! Madeline shares her story and journey to conservatism and discusses her first instagram video that went viral. The group recaps the week with thoughts on the Amy Coney Barrett hearings as well as Shutterfly's promo mailer featuring a lesbian couple.For WHATCHA' READING?, Mike reviews a marriage and dating book he just finished, I, ISAAC, TAKE THEE, REBEKAH, by Ravi Zacharias. Madeline has started Dinesh D'Souza's, UNITED STATES OF SOCIALISM and Luke has finally finished Eric Metaxas', BONHOEFFER and is underway on Mary Grabar's, DEBUNKING HOWARD ZINN. The "Not-So-Quick Hits" include....Baptizing your baby before you abort itJana Fonda calls Covid-19 "a gift from God to the left"Court Packing... I don't think that it means what you think it meansIce Cube is taking heat for meeting with Trump over his CWBABarbie and her black friend Nikki have a special episode on racism
The guys warm up the show by reviewing the past week's Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates. The Quickhits include:Planned Parenthood's confusing tweet of condolences on John Legend and Chrissy Tiegan's miscarriageAdam Silver and the NBA to most likely remove Black Lives Matter and social justice messaging on court and jerseys next seasonPrivate Trump sign along LA's 405 freeway taken downPandemic expert says Trump's "do not fear Covid" messaging is "wreckless and deadly"In this episode's TAKEAWAY, The guys rank the worst governors in America. Listen in to hear who tops the charts as the biggest virtue signaling, baby aborting, gun grabbing, beta governor in America!
The guys are back after a couple weeks and topics of conversation include...Hollywood's new diversity and racial requirements for a movie to be nominated for an Oscar. When will the NBA have diversity standards? The outrage and backlash over Netflix's, CUTIES. Are Christians overreacting?Justin Bieber stars in Drake's new video for his hit single, POPSTAR. Is that a wise decision for a Christian with so much influence like Bieber?Trump launches a battle on schools teaching THE 1619 PROJECT curriculum. Why this is the right move for America's kids and future.Are Conservative Christians more concerned with re-electing President Donald Trump than preaching the gospel? When does being engaged in politics become a stumbling block to the advancement of Christianity?
The guys warm up the show with Mike sharing his excitement over the New York Ranger's #1 draft slot, both Mike and Luke give their thoughts on the DNC from this past week, and the guys analyze their results from last week's poll question: "have you stopped watching any sports because of political reasons?" WHATCHA' READING? Mike has started 'MERE CHRISTIANITY' by C.S. Lewis and Luke is still chipping away of Eric Metaxas' 'DIETRICH BONHOEFFER.'QUICK HITS.This week's quick hits include a poll of American's perception of Covid-19, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot bans protests near her home, NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio's wife spent $1.1 million tax dollars on personal staff, and CA is on the verge of increasing the already highest wealth tax in the country.THE TAKEAWAY. This episode's takeaway is about the controversial and mysterious QAnon following. Mike and Luke look into the following's legitimacy as well as one of it's more notable missions of exposing the underground pedophilia sex trafficking industry. The guys hit on Netflix's new documentary, 'CUTIES,' and outspoken actress Rose Mcgowan's tweets.
Mike and Luke catch up with some personal stories of interactions and events from this past week. The guys respond to an email question from a listener asking about voting resources as well as personal resources the guys use and recommend for news and politics, which leads the guys to explain why they and other Christians should vote for Trump.Mike begins the talk with a story about ESPN host, Sage Steele, not being accepted as part of the panel on a special about race relations and sports because she is not "black enough." Luke explains how this is an example of cultural Marxism. Luke summarizes and article by Timothy Keller titled, "A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory," and stresses why every conservative Christian needs to understand words like "intersectionality" and "critical theory" in order to engage in meaningful dialogue. Other headlines include: a tweet by Teen Vogue that made news this week for its pro-communist idea about private property rights and land ownership, the Rock (Dwayne Johnson) is the new owner of the XFL and the potential future of American football, Social media "fact check" warning over post about celebrities and pedophilia.
Luke eases us into the episode with some funny and frustrating stories from this past week as a father of four. Mike shares some insider knowledge on the challenges schools and colleges are facing in the upcoming school year. The guys discuss the viral and controversial "White Coat Doctors" internet video that is being censored and removed from social media. Mike and Luke share their concern of witnessing fellow citizens, especially Christians, in favor of shutting down free speech and silencing opposing and questionable views in the name of safety and security. The bulk of their talk this episode revolves around the lack of masculinity in both our culture and the Christian church. Inspired by the Orlando Magic's Jonathan Isaac's recent decision to be the only NBA player to stand during the national anthem, Mike and Luke talk about the unique design of both men and women and why now more than ever, Christian men need to start leading and taking a stand against our secular culture.
Sports are back with the NBA restart and MLB opening day earlier this past week. Mike and Luke share their opinions on the MLB's handling of opening ceremonies and the Black Lives Matter movement. Based on Luke's past week's reading in BONHOEFFER, the guys talk about the growing threat to religious freedom and discuss the role of the church in relating to the state. The guys end this episode briefly discussing the comparisons many on the left are making today between Trump and Hitler. The guys surprisingly agree that there is validity in the comparison, at least on the surface.
Mike is back after a couple weeks of recovering from Covid-19. He shares his experience and defends his opinion regarding masks and the media hype surrounding the pandemic. The guys respond to a listener's question regarding Jesus' statement "render to Ceaser what is Ceaser's" in regards to episode 9 and Jesus and socialism.In WHATCHA' READING?, Luke shares his takeaways from his past week's reading from Eric Metaxas' BONHOEFFER. Mike shares his thoughts from Barbara Vigue's, MOM, I HAVE CANCER as well as Richard Wurmbrand's TORTURED FOR CHRIST.The guys begin the discussion on how sports, and entertainment as a whole, has lost its purpose of escapism and its transcendent power to unify its audience. Sharing their personal feelings, Mike and Luke explain why the NFL and NBA are making the wrong decision by getting involved in promoting political agendas. Luke shares his thoughts on the impact Black Lives Matter may have on the upcoming election. Does Trump's surprisingly high approval rating amongst the black community have something to do with the protests? Lastly, the guys shine light on the best selling book that is finding its home in classrooms and corporate HR departments across the country, WHITE FRAGILITY, by Robin Diangelo. Mike and Luke discuss how the book's good intentions are actually more harmful than good.
With Mike feeling under the weather, Luke's wife, Whitney, steps up to co-host this special episode. In WHATCHA' READING?, Whitney shares her thoughts on THE NIGHTINGALE, by Kristin Hannah. Luke reviews his past week's reading of Eric Metaxas' BONHOEFFER. Keeping with the special format, Luke and Whitney take a break from the headlines and current events to offer insight on the common phrase, "follow your heart." Are our emotions and desires really the best way to be making decisions? How does this relate to a Christian who is trying to walk in their calling?
Mike and Luke start the show with WHATCHA' READING?. Mike shares his takeaways from Mark Batterson's faith building book, CHASE THE LION. Luke summarizes the final two chapters from Eric Metaxas', 7 MEN, on Pope John Paul II and Chuck Colson.The guys talk about and recommend some of Dr. Voddie Bauchum's lectures and sermons from YouTube on ETHNIC GNOSTICSM and CULTURAL MARXISM for anyone wanting to get a better understanding on America's racism conversation. Luke answers Mike's question from the previous episode regarding chronological snobbery and what the future will look back on in our generation in moral disgust. The answer results in a discussion on how the conversation of abortion in America is changing for the better.Twitter drops the ball again and gets the guys signing up on the alternative platform, Parler, and contributing to the growing movement for a 'Twexit.'The final conversation is on this past week's Supreme Court ruling including the LGBTQ community in the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 2 major problems and dangers of this ruling, especially for Christians, churches, and other religious institutions.
They guys take a "wing it" approach with no headlines or outline, providing a more conversational style to the episode. With no sports on the horizon, Mike talks about pro-athlete's contracts and asks how they'll be paid with no revenue being made. Luke shares his theory on why Hollywood celebrities are all progressives. Trump's declaration of school choice as "the civil rights issue of our time" gets the guys talking about their experience in private school compared to public school. Luke defends the conservative christian worldview against the secular progressive worldview as the one more tested and tried. With the cries for removing statues and mounuments growing louder, the guys discus the slippery slope and hypocrisy of "cancel culture." In WHATCHA' READING?, Mike shares his takeaways from TORTURED FOR CHRIST, by Richard Wurmbrand and Luke summarizes his reading from 7 MEN, by Eric Metaxas.
In Whatcha Reading? Luke shares his big take aways from 7 Men, by Eric Metaxas, and what he gleaned from the lives of George Washington and William Wilberforce. Mike recaps his week's reading of When a Nation Forgets God, by Erwin Lutzer. He shares how easy it was for "good" people to go with the flow and slowly allow Nazi Germany to do what they did, and draws similar comparisons to today. Mike leads the discussion this week talking about spiritual warfare and how this is the real battle Christians must be fighting in America. Mike and Luke don't just address the obvious divide over racism and blacks lives matter, but the deeper divide going on inside the church and Christians of America.
Editor's Note- George Floyd's name is misspoken as George Lloyd in several segments of the podcast.Mike & Luke explain Trump's recent executive order regarding social media companies and their censorship practices. The guys weigh in on whether its good or bad and what the effects might be.After a tragic and chaotic news week with the death of George Floyd and the protests and riots that ensued, Luke takes the mic and challenges the widely accepted narrative of police brutality being a systemic and institutional racial issue.
It's Memorial Day and Mike and Luke spend time discussing why every American should be proud to be an American, what unites us all and the importance of loving one's country.The guys try out a new segment, What Are You Reading, where they spend five minutes each sharing their takeaways from this past week's reading. Mike's current book is When a Nation Forgets by Erwin Lutzer and Luke's is You'll Get Through This by Max Lucado.This week's talk revolves around the increasingly common idea that Jesus would be a socialist. The guys address the common Bible verses socialists use to defend this belief and explain how these verses are misinterpreted. Mike and Luke explain how Jesus and the Bible support private property, self-charity, and self-responsibility, all of which are contrary to the ideology of socialism.
Mike and Luke review episodes 5 and 6 of 'THE LAST DANCE.' Mike weighs in on the '93 Knicks team as well as Charles Barkley. Luke talks about Michael Jordan's decision to not be vocal about politics and compares it to celebrities today. Inspired by current "solutions" and recommendations regarding COVID-19, the guys discuss our human desire for world peace and unity. As evidenced all the way from the Tower of Babel to John Lennon's, "Imagine," Mike and Luke talk about the issues with man's "utopia" absent of God. Lastly, Mike and Luke discuss the Ahmaud Arbery shooting. Mike shares his thoughts on the needless violence and Luke compares some media headlines of the incident with what the video and legal documents show.
In the guy’s unintentionally longest podcast yet, they start the show discussing an upcoming trend called ‘maskshaming.’ Inspired by a viral Facebook post, Mike and Luke share their thoughts on the possible upcoming divide of those of us wearing and not wearing face masks in public. With so little coverage on the Joe Biden sexual assault allegation (compared to the media frenzy with Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s accusation), the guys question if there is a double standard in the media and if this is it for the Metoo movement. The recent removal of a popular Youtube video, along with the growing number of other social media censorships, sparks a conversation about whether these social media sites are publishers or platforms and how their survival depends on making that clear. Mike and Luke end the show with a discussion on faith and believing for miracles. Inspired by reactions to the recent video of famous “prosperity” preacher Kenneth Copeland, The guys ask the question, “is faith supposed to look sane and normal?”
Mike and Luke begin the show by letting you in on a friendly debate they had regarding Kevin Costner being an overrated actor or not. Mike gives us an NFL draft recap and shares his analysis on some of the better and more surprising picks of the first round. The guys also share their thoughts on episodes 1 and 2 of ESPN'S THE LAST DANCE, a documentary on Michael Jordan and the 1998 Chicago Bulls championship season. Specifically, they share their opinion on Scottie Pippen's response to the Bull's management over his contract and salary. The guys discuss the future of our education system, post COVID-19. Mike and Luke both share how they believe colleges and universities are going to be hit hard, not just economically in the short term, but also in the long term in the very structure they have been operating. Trump's recent actions to stop legal immigration and defund WHO (World Health Organization) have those on the left questioning his compassion. Mike and Luke challenge us to not make emotional decisions, but rationale ones. Lastly, the guys ask "who is determining what is essential right now?" and "do we really want the government doing that?" Mike and Luke warn of the slippery slope of handing freedom over to the government in return for safety.
They guys begin this week's episode discussing the good news that there may be light at the end of the tunnel regarding Corona Virus Quarantines. Mike shares his excitement over the upcoming NFL Draft and Luke reminisces back to when WCW's Monday Night Nitro was the most popular show on television. The guys share their thoughts on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's recent statement regarding the decline of Covid19, "God did not do this." Mike shares some concerning headlines regarding the extremely popular new app, TikTok. Lastly, a good chunk of the show is spent with the guys discussing mega church pastor Joel Osteen and his Easter service that featured celebrities Tyler Perry and Mariah Carey. Asking the question, "is Joel Osteen helping or hurting Christianity?" the guys dive into the talk on the controversial figure and share their own opinions. The guys encourage Christians to be careful when criticizing others in the faith and to always be working toward unity, not division.
Mike and Luke begin the show wrapping up this week's headlines. Mike briefly encourages us to remember and be intentional this Easter. The guys discuss Bill Gates suggesting worldwide vaccinations, conservative christians' constitutional rights being targeted, Biden vs. Trump and thoughts on the 2020 election.In the second half, Luke starts the discussion by clarifying comments he made in episode 3 regarding Tiger King. This segways into their talk about Christians and the entertainment they consume. The discussion revolves around 4 questions Christians should ask themselves before enjoying any form of entertainment. 1) What is my conviction? 2) Could this cause me to be a stumbling block to others? 3) Do I want to promote the demand for this in the marketplace? 4) Does this desensitize me to sin? They guys specifically share their opinions on movies and shows like Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, and Dumb and Dumber.
The guys start the show discussing current headlines which include the corona virus, the $2 trillion stimulus plan, Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots and joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and why internet pornography giant Pornhub is offering a free month to "help" its members in these difficult times. In the second section, Mike and Luke encourage and challenge you to respond and live in faith, not fear, amidst the corona virus pandemic.Lastly, Luke responds to Facebook post regarding the minimum wage and explains why a minimum wage does more harm than good.
Mike & Luke weigh in on current headlines including the viral Netflix documentary, Tiger King, and the upcoming ESPN documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. They also discuss recent news about the corona virus and the extended restrictions and quarantines put in place. In the second half of the show, the guys take on a heavier subject by asking, "are you going to heaven?" They look at Jesus' own words regarding heaven and hell and challenge you to "be ready."
In their pilot episode, Mike and Luke do a special format where they dedicate the show to introducing themselves and their podcast to you, the listener. In segment one, Mike and Luke tell the story of how they met and became friends. In segment two each of the guys takes time to share their personal story of who they are and their journey in faith. Lastly, they talk about why they are doing this show and what you can expect from it.