Faithspotting

Mike and Kenny review and spot faith reflected in the latest film from writer / director Ryan Coogler which stars Michael B. Jordon in dual roles as Elijah "Smoke" and Elias "Stack" Moore, twin brothers returning from a mysterious time Chicago to their Mississippi Delta home town to start again. Set in the 1930's "Smoke" and "Stack," flush with cash and mystery on how they made it, seek to start again by opening a Juke Joint for the black community in their town.  Amidst the challenges they were expecting such as from the Klan, their biggest threat is supernatural evil.    Faith Spotted: The destructive power of temptation and greed, whether for riches, power, influence, or eternal life. Although sin and the brokenness of the world impact all of creation, people have freedom and choose to invite or let sin and unrighteousness into their lives. As taught in Scripture, God offers people the freedom to accept relationship with, and righteousness of, God. Likewise people choose to accept or invite sin/the Devil into their lives, rather than it invading or taking over.  Life outside the grace and love of God is not a blessing but a burden that imprisons the body and destroys one's spirit.  The film depicts the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 10:28 that one should not fear that which can kill only the body, but fear that which kills the soul.  The vampire /Dracula mythology and symbolism that dates back thousands of years depicts the struggle of evil against good.  The place and role of music in black culture and the black church.     

Kenny and Mike discuss discuss and spot faith elements in the film Eric LaRue. Included in this epispose is an interview with Director Michael Shannon and the film's star Judy Greer.  The film, based on the play by Brett Neveu who also was the screenwriter, presents the parents of a school shooter and the challenges that they face in their lives, their relationships with each other, and with their community. The film also portrays how the faith communities of each parent respond to the needs of the parents as well as the faith and extended communities. Faith Elements:  The film depicts how faith communities and leaders should NOT respond to persons involved or impacted by tragedy. Faith leaders, members, and communities should not be focused on solving the issue and removing the pain but should offer a ministry of presence, allowing the victims to share their pain without a rush to "get through" things.  While faith and faith communities are places to find and receive comfort, they first are places that are willing to step into and be in the midst of the uncomfortable spaces, including pain and anger.  Judy's character responds to her husband's trying to convince her to seek solace in his non-denominal and "giver her burden's to Jesus" by saying she does not want to because they are "my burdens." The incident has become a part of her, and to seek immediate comfort would be forget and deny the incident has happened and is to deny and erase such an important part of their life. Such desire for immediate relief comes through denying the pain and what work that needs to be done.

Kenny and Mike review, spot faith elements, and interview Natalie Dormer who stars as pioneering pediatric oncologist Audrey Evans in the biopic film Audrey's Children. Audrey Evans became Director of the Pediatric Oncology department at the renowned Children's Hospital of Philidelphia (CHOP) in 1969, and was a trailblazer as both the first department chief and one who introduced new methods for tracking and treating pediatric cancer.  As a hospital with a strong national reputation, parents brought their children from all over the region and country. Out of concern for the parents who were often forced to sleep on the floor of the Oncology ward, Audrey purchased a home that could be used to offer free housing for parents.  This home and program grew into the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  Clancy Brown Co-stars as Dr. C. Everett Koop who served as chief of pediatric surgery at CHOP and was responsible for recriting Dr. Evans. Koop who would later serve as U.S. Surgeon General supported Dr. Evans in the early years of her career including her development of the Evans Staging System which charted Neuroblastoma disease progression and allowed for the most effective treatments.        Faith Spotted: Faith grounded Audrey and inspired her to confront successfully the challenges and roadblocks she encountered as a trailblazing female department chair with new diagnostic and treament procedures.  The film speaks to the purpose and power of calling and the transformative impact it can have in the lives of others. Audrey's calling was to serve children and families in the midst the most difficult circumstances. The film lifts up the importance of children echoing the teaching of Jesus to remove any barriers to children fully living into the life of their community and deserving of the attention of God. Audrey's story reflects the call to live one's life to the fullest, utilizing the gifts and talents God has given. Life is not to be wasted.          

Mike and Kenny review the animated adventure film Flow, spot and discuss the faith themes reflected in the Latvian film that won the 2025 Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, and taking over 5 years to make, Flow was made by using the free and open source software Blender.  Flow follows a cat, a capybara, a ring-tailed lemur, a secretary bird and a labrador retriever who find refuge together in a small boat following a massive flood that covers most of the land around them.  Praised for its wonderful and unique visuals and aninmation, Flow is able to communicate the story through the visuals and animal as well as other sound effects.  Flow is streaming on HBO Max. Faith Spotted: The use of a boat to usher animals safely through a sudden flood echoes that story of Noah and the Ark. In addition the story uses the road narrative to present a community gathered and working together despite differences to  survive amids great challenges and dangers. The different instincts and abilities of the animals serve to help them and the community survive. As with people of differeing nationalities, faiths, and cultures, the Christian faith calls for care of and for one another, and living into what unites, all peopel are children of God, rather than separates persons, nations, and faiths and communities.  All of the animals showed faith in taking the chance to get in the boat and leave their home and native areas. The cat shows the faith necessary to make changes that go against it's instinct to swim so as to catch fish for itself and provide for the other animals.  The boat is an early symbol for the work of the Church. Jesus often taught from or used boats in his ministry. Likewise the church is sent into the chaotic waters of a broken world to offer refuge, new hope, new life. Not mentioned in the episode but certainly a faith element is the presenation of the whale. Several times a whale appeared to save the cat, and later the other animals when their boat got caught up in trees. The Whale (great fish) was used as an insturment of God to rescue and deliver Jonah to the city of Nineveh, where his message of judgement inspired the city to repent, receive grace, and not be destroyed by God.  Depending on how one reads or interprets the film, there is a presenation of eternal, resurrection life, as well as an act of sacraficial love by two of the animals.

Freguent Faithspotting contributor and friend Ryan Parker join Mike and Kenny to discuss the 2025 Academy Awards. Ryan works in public relations in the film industry and is the founder and director of the Mississippi Film Society.  We thought this year had a solid slate of nominees, especially in the Best Actor and Best Director categories.  Faithspotting covered 8 films with a total of 50 nominations including 6 of the 10 for Best Picture, 12 Acting, and 4 Directing nominations. Checkout our reviews and the faith we spotted in Sing Sing, The Substance, Conclave, Wicked, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Emilia Perez, and Inside Out 2.  

Kenny and Mike are joined by friend and regular guest Rev. Eric Folkerth to discuss the biopic film of Bob Dylan, A Complete Unkown. Directed by James Mangold, the film stars Timothee Chalamet as Dylan, Ed Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, and Monica Babaro as Joan Baez. Based on the book Dylan Goes Electric by Elijah Wood, A Complete Unknown opens as Bob Dylan arrives in New York City and begins his rise in the world of folk music, and the reaction after he became a folk music star when he decides to expand into folk rock music by "going electric." This new direction was introduced and decidedly rejected by the audience at the 1965 Newport Folk Music Festival, and is the climax of the film. As the film moves toward the Newport clash, it documents Dylan's struggle againstbeing labeled, boxed in, and controlled by the music industry as well as his initial fans. The film also shows Dylan's relationships with Sylvie Russo and folk legends Joan Baez, as well as with Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie.  Episode Guest Eric Folkerth is Sr. Pastor of Kessler Park United Methodist Church in Dallas and is a singer/songwriter and blogger.  Eric's website is ericfolkerth.com Faith Reflected: Expansive vs. restricted worship, experiences, and understanding of God. Worship Wars happen when individuals and groups get comfortable and set in their ways of worship and deny the validity of other expressions and languages of worship that may speak better to others.  The benefit of a variety of ways of worship that lead to enriched understanding and experiences of God. Declaring and accepting purity of worship is a means to control the experience, theological understanding, and faith development of others. Luke 4 and the resistance to Jesus demonstrating God's love of and working for other people and nations. The early Church in the Book of Acts also faced this struggle of expansive experiences of worship and understanding of God.  

Kenny and Mike review and discuss faith reflected in the Academy Award nominated film starring Adrien Brody.  Written, produced and directed by Brady Corbet, the film shows the story of a Hungarian-Jewish holocaust survior, Laszlo Toth (Brody) who imigrates to the United States following World War 2. A renowned architect in Europe, Toth comes to Philadelphia with only a suitcase and an invitation to stay with a cousin who imigrated earlier. After a fallout with his cousin, Toth, living in a shelter, is sought out by industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) for whom he and his cousin had done work, and was the catalyst for their fallout. Van Buren offers Toth a commission to design a very large civic center and chapel for his hometown outside of Philadelphia.   Following an intermission, the second part of the 3 hour 20 minute film begins with the arrival of Laszlo's wife Erzsebeth (Felicity Jones) and Laszlo's niece Zsofia (Raffey Cassidy) who does not speak and cares for Erzsebeth who is confined to a wheelchair as a result of her time in a concentration camp. The film depicts the struggles the Toth's face rebuilding their lives and relationship after a long separation and in the midst of Van Buren's and societal disdain for them.  Faith Spotted: Gifts for service to the Church as well as talents in life are given by God. People should be humble in their use and any recognition that comes with the talents and gifts.  Gifts to God and communities should be to glorify God and serve the community rather than glorify the individual or family giving it. We are called to be stewards of the gifts and talents God has given us. We are to be truly welcoming and accepting persons of other faiths and cultures including imigrants and refugees who are fleeing danger and or seeking to start a new life. Welcoming includes offering hospitiality and love to others as we do our neighbors.  

Hosts Mike and Kenny discuss the blockbusting film adaptation of Act 1 of the musical Wicked which stars Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande. Directed by Jon M. Chu. Wicked Pt. 1offers the back story of The Wizard of Oz's Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West as well as the Wizard. Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, a child conceived via an affair with green skin and rejected by her father. Ariana Grande stars as Galinda, born into wealth and influence and seemingly perfect. Galinda and Elphaba become roommates and rivals at Shiz University where both quickly become the center of attention, and eventually friends.  The film features outstanding vocal performances by Erivo and Grande as well as very strong visuals and production design. Jeff Goldbloom co-stars as the Wizard with Michelle Yeoh co-starring as Madame Morrible, the professor of magic.  Jonathan Bailey co-stars as the romantic Prince Fiyero. Faith Spotted: The question of God in L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Where does evil / wickedness come from? The ability for narratives to cast wickedness on those undeserving of it as well as hide the wickedness and evil of others. Though our faith teaches we are all born into sin, what roll does environtmental elements and circumstances play in becoming evil/wicked?  All persons are created by and are beloved children of God, therefore as persons of faith we are called to respect and preserve the agency of "others" regardless of their faith or place.  As Christians we can celebrate the defeat of evil and the removal of the threat of evil and wickedness but we are not to celebrate the suffering or death of those who commit evil or wicked acts as this violates Christ's command to love all persons, even our enemies, as well as the command to forgive even one's enemies. While it can seem impossible, we are called to do so and can be empowered by God to do so. Persons of the Christian faith are not to blame persons or punish them for the sins of others.   Article with novelist Gregory Maguire regarding faith present in Wicked. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/11/20/q-and-wicked-author-gregory-maguire-souls-saints-religion-oz-249323

Co-hosts Kenny and MIke review and faithspot the Palme d' Or winning musical drama starring Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez and directed by Jacques Audiard.  Emilie Perez tells the story of two women seeking the freedom to live their lives as they desire without societal biases, expectations, and limitations.  Saldana, Gascon, and Gomes jointly won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival and all were nominated for Golden Globe Supporting and Best Actress award. The film was nominated for  Best Musical or Comedy film.  The actresses are also strong contenders for SAG and  nominations and the film is expected to be nominated for Best Film.   Faith Spotted: In the midst of brokeness, societal limitations and judgemental expectations, the resurrection offers the hope and promise of redemption, liberation and new life. With this new life is a call to seek and stand up for righeousness even in the midst of risk and sacrifice.   

Mike and Kenny discuss the psychological, political, and spiritual thrilling film starring Ralph Fiennes and directed by Edward Berger. The film is a drama showing all the personal and ecclesiatical drama as the College of Cardinals Conclave to select a new pope. Reflecting society, the College is divided into conservative and liberal factions who are seeking to keep or retake control of the Papacy.  The Dean of the College, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) is charged with the administration of the  Conclave. In addition to managing the nuts and bolts of the gathering, Dean Thomas must handle a mysterious and unknown new Cardinal, gossips of malfeasance and personal indiscretion within the College, political intrigue with the voting as well as conflict outside the walls of the Conclave. In addition Lawrence faces doubts about the church and his calling. Co-starring with Fiennes are Stanley Tucci (Bellini,) John Lithgow ( Tremblay,) and Isabella Rossellini (Sister Agnes.) Faith Spotted: The place of humility, specifically to protect against the temptation of pride and power.  See Philippians 2, Colossians 3, 1 Peter 5. Certainty in issues of theology is an indication of a lack of humility. The place of doubt within living faithfully. Servant Leadership vs. Being Served as Leader.      

Kenny and Mike discuss The Substance and spot faith issues reflected in the body horror genre film starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.  Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat who won the Best Screenplay Award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, The Substance challenges agism and society's unrealistic, double standards of beauty  and capability for women as presented through Academy Award winning actress Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who is fired from her successful workout program on her 50th birthday.  Following her firing , Sparkle takes The Substance, a black market drug that offers an opportunity to experience life via  a better and younger version of yourself with whom you must share life, 7 days on and 7 days off in a Substance induced coma. For Sparkle, her better self is Sue (Margaret Qualley.) While Elizabeth and Sue "are one" they are anything but on the same page of the life arrangement required by The Substance. The Substance is Rated R for nudity, language, and strong violence. Faith Issues: Accepting and even embracing the reality of differing seaons of life as  taught in Ecclesiastes 3.  Resisting the temptation to live for and by earthly standards and treasures. Matthew 6 Living faithfully in and for the future rather than fearfully in and for the past. Jeremiah 29,  Hebrews 11 discusses the substance or confidence of faith in the life and promises of a fuller and better life God desires for and offers us. Psalm 130, a Song of Ascents offers opportunity to express fear and grief when one goes through seasons of loss and change while maintaining faith in God's redemption. Psalm 42 and 43 speak of longing for better days from the past and lifting up laments to God yet also putting faith and trust in God's righteousness and vendication. Quoted by Christ on the cross, Psalm 22 voices the lament of one enduring great suffering and almost losing hope, but ends in faith in God's faithfullness. 

Faithspotting Hosts Mike Hatch and Kenny Dickson discuss and spot faith reflected in the AppleTV+ series starring Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline. Disclaimer is the first television series directed by four time Oscar winning director Alphonso Cuaron and is based on the psychlogical thrilling novel by Renee Knight. Faith Notes: Disclaimer depicts the impact impact of unresolved grief and anger that grows into hate, as well as the destructive power of hate fueled revenge. Disclaimer demonstrates the impact of not effectively working through grief and anger. While people process grief in different ways and pace, intervention may be necessary when one gets stuck in the mourning and grief process. In a similar way, holding on to anger is destructive and can damage one's health and relationships.  For Christians, faith in the promise of new life, both now and eternally, through the resurrection assists when one is in the midst of loss and grief.  Also, the destructive power of unresolved and unforgiven anger often leads to thoughts or acts of revenge which impacts not only the people directly involved, but also family, friends, and others who suffer collateral wounds. Forgiveness is commanded by Christ. Forgiveness helps protect and preserve the physicial, psychological, and spiritual health and well-being of individuals directively involved in the situation as well as others. Even when one believes they cannot forgive, God seeks to work within one to bring them to a state of forgiveness and peace.  Disclaimer is rated M for mature audiece due to Language, Sexual Content and Assualt, Language, Violence, Drug Use.    

Mike and Kenny discuss the wonderful film and spot faith elements reflected in Titus Kaphar's feature length directorial and screenwriting debut. Included in the episode is an indepth conversation with Titus Kaphar. Based on Kaphar's life, Exhibing Forgiveness examines the need and difficulty many face in offering forgiveness. Titus Kaphar is a well known artist whose paintings and sculptures are highly sought after by private collectors and galleries. The forgiving process mirrors Kaphars understanding of art as a way to disrupt past narratives which breaks the power of past events in the present and future.  Faith Issues: The true nature, difficulty, and process of offering forgiveness.  When one withholds forgiveness, one allows the other to keep power over oneself. The healing that can come through replacing anger and resentfullness with forgiveness changes the narrative and arc of one's emotions, spirit, and life.     

Kenny and Mike discuss Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tim Burton's sequel to his 1988 classic horror conference Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton returns as Betelgeuse, the bio-exorcist along with Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara who reprise their roles as Lydia and Delia Deitz. Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci join the cast as Betelgeuse continues his pursuite of Lydia while avoiding his recently reconnected and now murderous ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci.) Kenny also shares some of his experiences at the Venice Film Festival where Beetlejuice Beetlejuice had its world premiere in late August, 2024. Faith Spotted: As persons of faith we believe in the promise of new life that is available through grace by faith. Through God's forgiveness we are not bound by the mistakes we make, have made or by our background. As Easter people we believe in restoration and that our true identity is as a beloved child of God. We should not label others or accept the labels others have toward us. The resurrection hope and promise of new life and is not limited to that which we receive in full after we die, but is available in our life and time here. Faith Spotted II: (Faith issues not mentioned in the podcast.) The Struggles of both Lydia, and Delia, as well perhaps as Betelgeuse, have by not working through past failure, pain, and loss in life. Though painful, it is in facing, and doing, the grief work and process that we are able to move beyond mourning, pain and loss, and begin the new normal life that God desires for us.  As persons of faith we are called to live and be in the moments of life, whether difficult, exciting, or routine. Each day is a gift and even in the midst of pain or routine, evidence of God's presence and grace abound and offer joy.    Venice Film Festival Photos:    

Kenny and Mike talk and spot faith elements in the popular 2000 fim Almost Famous, written / directed by Cameron Crowe, and starring Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Frances McDormand, Phiip Seymour Hoffman, and Anna Paquin. Crowe won an Academy Award for best screenplay.  Faith Spotted: The place and function of community as a source of accountability and support to help one mature as a person as well as in faith. The importance of love that serves serves others and brings others together rather than seeking to lift up and serve oneself.  The difficulty but necessary process of letting a loved one experience life, loss, and success rather  than keeping strict control over the individual. 

Kenny and Mike review and spot faith elements presented in the powerful  A24 film Sing Sing, The film is based on the true story of John Divine G Whitfield (Colman Domingo) who was falsely convicted and spent 25 years in Sing Sing prison.  While there he co-founded the Rehabilitation Through Arts program where persons who are incarcerated stage theatrical programs.  The episode includes interviews Mike and Kenny had with Divine G and director Greg Kwedar.  Faith Elements: The transformative power of story, Redemption, Rehabiliation, Repentance and Community.   Kenny and Mike and Faithspotting is hosting a free screening of the film on July 24th at &pm at the AMC Northpark Theaters.  Sign up below   https://www.eventcreate.com/e/singsingdallas   John Divine G Whitfield   Greg Kwedar

Hosts Mike and Kenny celebrate 7 seasons, 4 years and 100 episodes of talking film and spotting faith on the Faithspotting podcast. Listen as they discuss and reflect on their favorite moments, episodes, and play some of their favorite interviews.   Kenny and Mike recording the Nope Episode at the Faithspotting "Studio" at Button Memorial UMC.   Mike and Kenny with Director Fran Kranz and Ann Dowd from MASS   Mike, Kevin Von Erich, and Kenny at The Iron Claw premiere party.      

Kenny and Mike begin the seventh season of Faithspotting by discussing and spotting faith reflected in the newest Pixar film, Inside Out 2. Considering how much Mike and Kenny enjoyed the film and thought the message of Inside Out, that all emotions have purpose and value, both entered the theater with high expectations and hopes Inside Out 2 would be a worthy sequal. Faith Spotted: The teaching in Psalm 139, and other places, that we are children of God and are wonderfully made even when considering our imperfections and brokenness. How living this teaching allows for true joy and a rich and joyfilled life.  Justification by Christ through faith rather than one's deeds. While not possible, the drive to justify oneself reflects a lack of faith in God's assurance of grace and love. The place and purpose of confession and the possibility of repentance and redemption.  

Kenny and Mike are joined by our good friend and regular Faithspotting contributor Dr. Ryan Parker for the annual Oscars preview episode where we predict winners and share our choices for who wins the Oscars. Ryan works in public relations and marketing for independent films, and is also the Executive Director for the Misssissippi Film Society. We agreed that this was a solid year for films and nominations. We were grateful that folks had a reason to get excited again as was experienced in the "Barbenheimer" moment, we also were happy that folks are discussing cinema thoughout various genres. While we agreed on many of the awards, there were a few differences of opinions.      Faith Spotted: In addition to picking and justifying winners we also discussed which films most effectively and powerfully reflected faith lived and experienced in life. Subjects included the temptation and  corrosive power of evil as experienced at communal and individual levels in the past as well as seems to be recurring now before our eyes and ears. The most significant question that emerges from several of the nominated films is, reminded now of the past sins of commission and omission by society, nations, and faith traditions, how will we respond as individuals and communities of faith? Will we be taken by, or stand against, the tide that seems set to pull many away from the rightsouness God desires as presented in Scripture and the life and ministry of Jesus?  

Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflected in the biopic about civil rights leader Bayard Rustin. Starring Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo, Rustin, directed by George C. Wolfe and co-staring Chris Rock, GlynnTurman, and fellow 2024 Academy Award acting nominees Jeffery Wright and Da 'Vine Joy Randolph, tells the story of Bayard Rustin, the organizer and driving force behind the 1963 March on Washington. The March is best known for Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech and is considered not only one of the seminal moments in the Civil Rights movement, but in modern American history.  Faith Notes: The nature of servant leadership, that leaders are to serve and not be served as demonstrated by Jesus' life and ministry, and His washing the feet of the disciples. As seen in the film and lives of Bayard Rustin, MLK, and Medgar Evers, the need of and call to prophetic speech and action and the accompanying risks, suffering and sacrifice. God using those who are imperfect to accomplish God's righteousness. The temptation to allow ego and pride to damage or sabatage God's calling and mission.  The seeds or racism that are blooming again and that they are incompatible with the teaching and life example of Jesus.    

Hosts Mike and Kenny review and spot faith elements reflected in the Academy Award nominated film by Celine Song. Past Lives stars Greta Lee (Nora) and Teo Yoo (Hae Sung) who were childhood friends and first loves, separated suddenly when Nora's family immigrated from South Korea to Canada. The film co-stars John Magaro (Arthur) who meets and marries Nora after she moved to New York. Nora and Hae Sung reconnect via social media after 12 years. Following another 12 year gap Hae Sung travels to New York to see Nora and meets Arthur.  Faith Reflected: The importance of pursuing one's passion and perhaps one's life calling. Then the importance of accepting the life you have and are blessed with rather than sacrificing the life you should have for the life you had and or did not have. Mark 1:35-39   Paul's teaching in 1st Corinthians 13 that one puts away the things of childhood when one becomes an adult. One can easily covet the past life or the life that might have been rather than accepting and embracing the life one has been blessed with. Understanding that the persons, relationships and experience in our loved one's past life has made them the person one now loves.  

Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith issues reflected in the Academy Award Best Picture nominated and Palme d' Or winning film by writer/director Justine Triet.  Anatomy of a Fall is a French legal drama surrounding the suspicious death of a husband and father (Samuel Theis) and his wife and prime suspect Sandra (Sandra Huller) and the impact on their son Daniel (Milo Machado Graner.) Faith and Life Issues Spotted:  What do we value in life and how does that impact one's life and the life we share with others? To what extent do we value ourselves and others by what they accomplish professionally and the notoriety or material success and stature achieved? How do we value work and accomplishments and that are less public or profitable but yet still impactful in one's life or the lives of others in one's family or community? To what is one called and equipped to do in and with their life? While some persons achieve fame and notoriety in their professions and lives, all persons have a calling and purpose, and have gifts to lead meaninful lives of impact and import for their life and the lives and of others.    Proverbs 19:22-24 1 Corinthians 12 Seek first the Kingdom of God. The less one seeks to please one's ego, and the more one seeks to bring joy to and receive approval from God in making the most of the life, gifts, and calling God has offered, the less emphasis one places on pleasing and gaining respect and notice of others. In measuring success in life by living into God's calling rather than by worldly definitions of fame, one is more likely to be aware of the quiet, yet great impact one has on the lives of those in one's community or life circles. Such is part of the teachings of Jesus regarding earthly and Kingdom treasures.    Matthew 6 Additional Connections and thoughts: Consider the film through the lens of the fall of Adam and Eve as described in Genesis 2, and visa versa. What was the motivation behind their actions that led to their fallsIn ? What do we do with dreams we had as children and young adults that are not fullfilled? Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 13 that there comes a time when we put away the language and perspective one has of the world as a child and takes on the language, perspective and responsibilites, and we could add dreams and pursuits. 

Hosts Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith reflected in Alxander Payne's and Paul Giamatti's latest collaboration (Sideways).  Set in a northeastern boarding school in 1970, the film portrays a dishovled and grumpy classics teacher Paul Hunham (Giamatti) at Barton Academny who is assigned the unpopular duty of supervising the boys who are heldover the Christmas break at the school.  Da Vine Joy Randolph (Mary Lamb) and Dominic Sessa (Angus Tully) join Giamatti in delivering strong, memorable performances worthy Academy Award and Oscar consideration.  Faith Spotted: As there was no rooms for Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem, for Paul and Angus, there is no room for them in the lives of family nor friends.  Paul is a Christ Figure in his sacrificial act for Angus. The need to address and work through pain, loss and anger through grief, and the consequenses of letting those feelings linger, grow, and shape an individual. The nature of grace that community of broken persons can restore hope and wholeness through their care and love for one another.   

Mike and Kenny discuss MAESTRO and faith reflected in the Bradley Cooper directed film about the life and career of composer / conductor Leonard Bernstein and his marriage to Felicia Montealegre. Cooper also co-wrote the screenplay and co-stars with Carey Mulligan in the film now streaming on Netflix. The film also stars Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, and Matt Bomer. Bradley Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Todd Philips. Faith Spotted: Various types of love, Eros, Philia, Agape, and Philautia. While eros /passionate, philia / deep friendship, agape / selfless, are love strengthens and binds persons together. Philautia / love of self is important and ordained by Jesus in His great commandment, Matthew 22, Mark 12, Luke 10. Love and care for one's self is necessary for a person to offer the other types of love, but when it grows too strong and the drive for attention, praise and love from others becomes greater than the love one has for others (narcissism) it negatively impacts relationships and the lives of others.   

Kenny and Mike interview director Sean Durkin and review his latest film The Iron Claw. The film chronicles lives, careers and tragedies of professional wrestling's Von Erich family.  The film stars Zac Efron as Kevin Von Eric, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons as brothers Kerry, David and Mike Von Erich. Holt McCallany also stars as patriarch Fritz Von Erich.  Faith Elements Reflected: The power of the resurrection as the utlimate victory against death and loss by providing new life.  Power of resurrection faith as the source of healing and resiliency in the midst of trauma and loss. The purpose of the grief process in healing and the negative impact of avoiding grief by denying the process through hyperfocus on other things, getting stuck within, or moving too quickly.   Notes from interview with Sean Durkin: The pacing of the story as a tool for viewer engagement.  The place of fear in driving Sean's storytelling and filmmaking. The place and impact of generational trauma and breaking the trauma cycles within families. The importance of details in telling the stories and establishing connections with the audience. Sean's shares the films that made him. The hope and vision of peace in a life of trauma.   Mike, Kevin Von Erich, Kenny at The Iron Claw world premiere afterparty.

Hosts Kenny and Mike interview Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, the Emmy Award winning directors of the documentary film The Mission, which explores the life of the 26 year old American missionary John Allen Chau who attempted to contact and evangelize indiginous people on the isolated North Sentinel Island. The filmmakers also directed the 2020 documentary film Boys State, also featured on Faithspotting.  The Mission is available on Disney+ and fubuTV. Faith Issues Spotted: Amanda and Jesse discuss what attracted their attention and desire to document John's story, the call, nature and impact of evangelism to indiginous societies. Colonial evangelism and the Biblical call to evangelize and the agency of the recipients. The difference of ministry to vs. ministry with persons.     Daniel Everett  former Missionary   Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss Directors  

Kenny and Mike have an extended interview with Paul Michael Angell, the director of the film Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story. The film documents the life and life mission of Stan Brock, who following a career as a television host on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, a filmmaker, cargo pilot, director of zoos, founded a medical mission organization, Remote Area Medical (RAM) that has provided free health and dental care to over 800,000 people in the United States. In addition to Paul, Poppy Green, a member of the RAM staff, also participated in the interview and provided additional insight into Stan's amazing life and the important mission and work of RAM. Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story will be released nationwide through Fathom Events for a one night presentation on November 14th. Purchase tickets directly through Fathom Events at link below https://www.fathomevents.com/events/medicine-man/ Stan Brock Faith Spotted: Having determination and faith to follow a calling. The importance of mission. Seeing and treating all people as persons of sacred worth.      Paul Michael Angell  

Faithspotting hosts Kenny and Mike review and spot faith reflected in Martin Scorsese's latest film, "Killers of the Flower Moon."  The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro, and tells the true story of the "reign of terror" inflicted upon the Osage Indian population following the discovery of oil on the land they were sent to live following their ejection from Kansas. The film chronicles the murders and suspicious deaths of many members of the Osage population that was part of a plan to steal the "headrights" due them and their decendents.  Faith Themes Spotted: The power and corrupting nature of greed in th which the appetite power and wealth and wealth is limitless. Despite the Christian teaching that all persons are beloved children of God and therefore worthy of love from others, the reality of racism is that it dehumanizes and lables as "others" persons of different races, cultures and backgrounds on both the societal and individual levels.  The nature of evil is that it often presents itself through the apprearance of concern and words and acts of love and community.     

Hosts Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith reflected in the lastest Mission Impossible film, Dead Reckoning. Starring Tom Cruise and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his IMF team must track down a device that threatens political and civil stability throughout the world. Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg reprise their rolls as IMF members Luther Stickell and Benji Dunn. Henry Czerny also reprises his roll as Agent Eugene Kittridge from the original MI as well as Michelle Monaghan reprises her roll as Julia Meade. Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, and Hayley Atwell also co-star.  Faith Issues Spotted: Forgiveness and Peace: The importance of dealing productively with pain, loss, anger and guilt, rather than ignoring or burying those feelings and experiences.  As depicted in the film, Ethan's failure to process his grief, anger, and guilt surrounding losses of persons close to him earlier in his life and career have had a negative impact on him. In the course of the film he is made more vulernable through his carrying that pain and desire for revenge. Carrying and allowing anger, guilt and other emotions to build up can make one susceptible to damaging one's health, career and relationships. Christian faith, and the promise and hope of redemption and new life can assist in working through such pain, anger, and guilt. In Romans 8 Paul teaches that current suffering and trials cannot compare to the goodness of the life to come in God's Kingdom, that God works for Good in all things, and that nothing can separate one from the love of God in Christ. God's love and peace can help persons move through pain and struggle including the power to seek to offer forgiveness instead of resentment or revenge.   Jesus and Paul also calls for followers to love and forgive others rather than live with anger and resentment. Matthew 5 & 22, Romans 12 Living out of Faith Rather Than Fear: Related to this is not living and acting from a place of fear, especially in the midst of changing times and circumstances beyond one's control. Acting from and through fear leads to behavior that accepts negative means to be justified by perceived "good ends." Faith in  God, who is a God of love who works for our good, even in the midst of struggle, helps one live in a place of faith and peace.  Temptation to Use Gifts and Power for Good: The tempation to exploit gifts and power in negative ways rather than use them for good. Technology has emense power that can be used for the benefit of an individual or society, or be exploited an used for harm. In the film a technology that could be used for great good in society is in danger of being used to cause great harm and bring power to an individual or group / nation. The pursuit of the technology becomes desperate with the nations and groups willing to do anything to secure it for their own use. This theme was also reflected in the film Oppenheimer.  Technology can be used in less dramatic but still damaging ways. The internet is a tool that can be used to lear and develop or hurt other or even waste time and opportunity for personal growth and development. As persons of faith, Christ calls followers to pursue rigtheousness and the good including love for others, including one's enemies.  

Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflected in Chrisopher Nolan's latest film, a biography of physist and "father of the atomic bomb" J. Robert Oppenheimer. The film stars Cillian Murphy, Morton Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Matt Damon, and Josh Hartnett, among others. In addition to their comments on the film,Kenny and Mike discuss the joy that for the first time in many years there was an event, a buzz about movies with the same day releases of Oppenheimer and Barbie, ie Barbenheimer. Cillian Murphy                                                   Universay Studios Faith Spotted: The story in Genesis of the temptation and impact of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The fear and vulnerablity that drives the tasting of that fruit then leads to knowledge and results in greater vulerability and nakedness.  The place, power, and impact pride and ego play in behavior that works against the best interests of the individual or society.  The naivety in thinking one can control the monster one creates, either as individuals or societies, in this story the thought that the military and government would include the scientitsts in the determination of if or when to use the weapon.  For Christians, the tempation or rationalization to believe that perhaps righteous ends justify unrighteous means.  Robert Downey Jr.                                               Universal Studios

Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith in the biography film "Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie."  Directed by Davis Guggenheim and available for streaming on Apple tv+, "Still" presents Michael J. Fox's journey into acting, and at 29, his journey into early onset Parkinsons disease.   Faith Spotted:  The reality that earthly treasures, in this instance health, are vulnerable and can be lost or stolen. Matthew 6  Similarly the parable of the rich fool. Luke 12 Job Suffering for seemingly random reasons, and maintaining care and being open to God's presence and maintaining one's relationship with God.  Also in lament Psalms. Theological Half Truths, as labled by Rev. Adam Hamilton, Sr, Pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. In this circumstance, "God doesn't give us more than we can bear." Rather than passing out struggles, depending on ones strength, God supports, sustains, and loves us in the midst of our struggles that are a part of living in a broken world. God sustains directly as well as through support of others.  Similar experience in questions of theodicy, the answer to questions regarding a God of love allowing bad things to occur or to occur to righteous persons.  Romans 8 In all things God works for Good for those who love God.          

Hosts Kenny and Mike are joined by two guests for this edition of Faithspotting. Rev. Eric Folkerth and Rev. Melissa Hatch are clergy colleagues of Kenny and Melissa is Mike's marrital colleague. This is Eric's third appearance and we welcome Melissa for her first time as a guest. Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets is a four part series on Amazon Prime. While the Duggars are the hub around which the series is presented, the larger wheel focuses on the larger and, from a Christian perspective, more sinister element, the story of Bill Gothard and the Institute for Basic Life Principles, IBLP. The documentary features interviews with Jill Duggar, the oldest daughter, Jim Bob Duggar's niece, JIm Bob's closest friend from childhood, and men and women who grew up in IBLP households and were able to break away.  Faith Spotted: Grace, the Nature of faith vs. seeking to control, Being created in the Image of God, Taking the Lord's name in vain Exodus 20, Let the children come to Me, Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18, Do not place stumbling blocks before children and others Romans 14. 

Kenny and Mike discuss and spotfaith in the film and stage adaptations of Harper Lee's classic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. The film version was released in 1962 and stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch and Mary Badham as Scout. The stage production, written by Aaron Sorkin starred Jeff Daniels as Atticus opened on Broadway in 2018. The 2023 touring production stars Richard Thomas with Mary Badham playing Mrs. Henry Dubose, and Melanie Moore as Scout. Faith Spotted: The film and stage production depict Atticus as a Christ Figure in his willingness and courage to do the righteous thing in representing Tom Robinson, knowing he and his family will suffer for it.  The place and audacity of evil as personified by Bob Ewell who abuses his own daughter, blames Tom Robinson, taunts the Robinson family, and the Finch children. In the face of such evil, and in contrast to the example of Christ as seen in Atticus, the temptation to go along, to remain silent and fail to stand up for righteousness.  The gift of grace to do what is righteous even if it is not in line with the law as depicted by Sherrif Heck Tate when he declared Bob Ewell fell on his knife during his attack on the Finch children.  

Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith reflected in the popular HBO Series The Last of Us. Based on the popular Playstation Video Game, The Last of Us follows Joel and Ellie as they journey through a post-apocolyptic United States and world that is divided into zombies, persons who were infected with an aggressive mold that takes control of the hosts, and tribes or bands of scavenging, non-infected persons fighting each other for resourses and survival.  Faith Notes: Love Abides. Jesus, as the incarnation came into the world to abide, to live with humanity as humanity. Love abides through good and challenging times. Not mentioned in the podcast:  the compound and lives Bill and Frank make together and live in, reflect the peace and place that love provides in the midst of pain, loss, and other difficult aspects of life in a world that is broken.  The nature of the Sacraments, and sacramental elements of important, everyday activities such as meals and traditions. 

Mike and Kenny discuss the 2023 film based on the 1970 novel by Judy Blume. Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and starring Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Kathy Bates and Benny Safdie, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. chronicles coming of age and awareness of maturity and faith of Margaret Simon. Faith Spotted: Faith when God seems silent. Margaret joins persons of faith throughout the ages, including the Psalmist and Jesus in asking if God is there?  Psalm 22 among many. The aspect of God's time in constrast to our time which is typically based on personal fear, anxiety, and the unknown. As with coming into awareness of one's changing body, all persons must explore their faith in the midst of their life and living. While there can, or might not be guides, individuals must make their own choices. The film reflects that these are often parallel tracks of growth and discovery.   Dsepite the many differences of development stages and timing, etc. all persons are wonderfully made. Psalm 139

Originally recorded during the initial theatrical release, Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elements in the multi award winning and multiple Oscar nominated film by directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Schneinert.  Faith Notes: All creation is interconnected.  We have freedom to make choices and those choices impact others. In the midst of this reality, power, and privilege, God desires us to love creation and each other by acting responsibly for the wellbeing of others.  Amidst the choices we make ad the resulting paths the choices put us on, we are not alone. God is with us, and where needed, offers us grace and calls us to repent. God seeks to work for good even as we face the consequences of our choices.  Evelyn serves as a Christ Figure as she enters into various alternative universes, seeking to restore peace throughout the universes and relationships. 

Mike ard Kenny set aside spotting faith and discuss the 95th Academy Award nominations and discuss their picks and predictions for the Oscars.  Films and performances featured in previous Faithspotting episodes include: All Quiet on the Western Front; The Banshees of Inisherin; Elvis, Everything Everywhere, All at Once; The Fablemans; Tar; and Triangle of Sadness. Overall we thought it was a good year and a good slate of nominees.  Feel free to share your thoughts, where you agree or disagree.

Co-hosts Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith issues reflected in the Best Film Oscar nominee Triangle of Sadness directed by Ruben Ostlund. The film stars Charlbi Dean, Harris Dickinson, Dolly De Leon,Zlatko Buric, Vicki Berlin, and Woody Harrelson Faith Issues Spotted: Identity of all persons as children of God and should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of social status, wealth, and perceived utility. For those with power, privilege, and voice, seeing these as blessings and how to use them righteously and be "influencers" for societal good.  A reminder of the corrosive nature of power, whether passed down generationally, slowly achieved over time, or suddenly gained. Avoid the temptation to reverse abuse of power if given the opportunity. Zlatko Buric                                                                            Neon Films  

Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elementes reflected in the Maria Schrader film "She Said." Carey Mulligan (Megan Twohey) and Zoe Kazan (Jodi Kantor) star as New York TImes investigative reporters who broke the story of Mira Max producer Harvey Weinstein's decades long history of sexual abuse of actresses and Mira Max employees. Their expose started the #Metoo movement.   Faith Issues Spotted The perils and place of pride and ego that leads to a sense of entitlement to actions and treatment of others that is incompatible with Scripture and faithful teaching. Such entitilement and behavior does not recognize the dignity of others as being children of God.  Failure to see success and cooresponding influence as gifts and blessings of God and using them to abuse or take advantage of others. Such behavior contradicts the call to love and care for others/neighbors. Such teaching to love calls for other leaders and institution to protect and stand against those who do harm to others.   

Kenny and Mike discuss the and spot faith reflected in the Todd Field film Tar starring Best Actress nominee Cate Blanchett. Tar received an five Oscar Nominations for Best Picture, Actress, Director, Original Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing.  Lydia Tar is the first Music Director of the Berlin Philharmonic and a force in the Classical music universe whose ego and appetite for power and control over others threatens to unravel all she has worked to acheive. Faith Spotted: Pride is antithetical to Christian teaching that as all people are children of God, one's life and the lives of others belong to God and therefore worthy of love, care, and respect. Matthew 22:34-37, Mark 12:28-34, Leviticus 19:9-18 As talent is a gift from God, it should be used to God's glory rather than to glorify and elevate oneself. All the work and training that develop talent are a part of one's responsibility to use the gift to the fullest potential.  Power is the oxygen that feeds the flame of pride to destructive beliefs and practices.  Scripture referencing pride:  Proverbs 8:13, 16:18, Romans 12:16, ! Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 6:3, James 4:6-7. In contrast, the Fruits of the Spirit reflect and and draw one closer to God and deepen one's faith. Galatians 5:22-23

Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflected in the latest Darren Arononfsky film, The Whale, starring Brendan Frazier. The film tells the story of Charlie, a 600 lb man who teaches virtul writing classes. Struggling with the health challenges caused by his weight, Charlie decides to attempt to reconnect with his High School aged daughter, (Sadie Sink) eight years after leaving her and his wife for another relationship. Tirgger warning: The film may be difficult for those struggling with eating disorders.  Faith Spotted: The film depicts a full picture of humanity, that persons have both good instincts and desires as well as selfish and negative motivation and behavior. The consequences of people's actions have on others, especially with regards to breaking relationships, and the detrimental impact of punitive focused faith communities pronouncing judgement of others. The focus of maintaining relationships in the midst of the failures of loved ones as demonstrated by God to Adam and Eve and the Forgiving father's to his prodigal son. The finel ine of supporting and enabling persons with their struggles, and the motivations of ones actions on another.  Charlie as a Christ figure in taking on himself the anger of others.  The importance of seeking honesty in relationships and community.     

Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflected in the latest film from Academy Award winning Writer / Director Martin McDonagh that reunites him with Colin Farrell and Brendan Glessan. Set in 1923 on an island of the coast of Ireland, The Banshees of Inisherin is a dark comdedy that examines the impact on two men and the isolated community when one man suddenly decides to end a life-long friendship.  Rated R for language, some violent content, and brief graphic nudity, The Banshees of Inisherin is a favorite to receive multiple Academy Award nominations and is available on HBO.  Brendan Gleeson   Colin Farrell      Searchlight Pictures Faith Spotted: The command and responsibilty to care for and about one's neighbors as one also has a responsiblity and permission to love and care oneself.  Caring for others as the nature and dynamics of relationships change. The importance of living in the present as well as living for the future.   

Kenny and Mike review and discuss the faith elements reflected in the new Apple tv + film starring Will Smith.  Among the subjects discussed are the need for another film featuring the struggle to escape from slavery (amidst recent attempts to soften the experience and history of slavery,) the shock and impact of seeing individuals and an entire race being dehumanized, specifically being "owned and called "it," and separated from family, and the performance by Smith as well as if and how it might be impacted by "the slap." Faith Notes: Theodicy and maintaining faith and hope amidst struggles. The consecration into, and servant nature of leadership. The use of Scripture to establish, nurture, and sustain faith amidst struggles and the misuse of Scripture to keep enslaved people docile and accepting. 

Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith elements reflected in the Steven Spielberg's latest, semi-autobiographical film The Fablemans. The film depicts the future director's initial attraction to making films as a child as well as his continued interest and development in filmmaking through his youth.  Faith Notes: The importance, tradition, and place of storytelling, especially one's story of origin.  The power of story to both reflect and shape truth and life and that people of faith are called to live up to the truth and purpose reflected in their faith story. Living the life one is called and equipped to live verses the life others see you should live.

Kenny and Mike open the 5th season of Faithspotting by discussing the film and faith issues spotted in the latest film version of Erich Maria Remarque's 1928 novel All Quiet on the Western Front. The 1930 film won the Best Picture and Best Director Oscar for Lewis Milestone.  the 2022 film, directed by Edward Berger and staring Felix Kammerer as Paul Baumer and Albrecht Schuch as veteran Stanislaus Katczinsky. All Quiet on the Western Front follows the 17 year old German student Paul, and his classmates who, whipped into a war frenzy by their school master, volunteer to serve in the German army in the last year of the war. Told they would be marching into Paris in a matter of weeks, the boys are driven to the stalemate that is the trench warfare of the first world war. The film also depicts the contrasts between those who fight in the trenches and the Generals who make decisions with little to no regard for the lives and welfare of the soldiers in the trenches. Kenny and Mike compare the film favorably with some of the great films depicting war, Saving Private Ryan, 1917, and Paths of Glory. All Quiet on the Western Front is German submission for the Best International Film Oscar for the 2023 Academy Awards. Faith Issues Spotted: The purpose and need for the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and Plain in Matthew and Luke 6, and Paul's teaching in Romans 12. Disciples of Jesus are called to love enemies and return hate and persecution with love and forgiveness.  Followers of Christ are called to seek and live for the Kingdom of God by living by Righteousness rather than the ways and expectations of the ways of the world.  The film also echoes the need for the teaching of Galatians 3:28, that disciples of Jesus are all one, united in Christ, and no longer Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or gree. Christians, as the Israelites are residents and aliens of the worldly nations and citizens of the Kingdom of God. All Quiet on the Western Front is rated R for Violence.      

Part two of the faithspotting conversation with the writer / director of the a24 film, Funny Pages, Owen Kline.  Owen is a promising young filmmaker who has extensive knowledge of film in general and within a variety of film genres. Viewing Funny Pages and listening to his process and thoughts offers a glimpse into the art of making a film, what goes into the writing, production, and editing.  Owen during the Q&A at the Cannes Film Festival Faith Topics: The Place of Identity and Story in Faith. One's identity and the perceived need to prove oneself and or find oneself as seen in the parable of the "prodigal son." Also the use of this narrative by Jesus to describe the nature of God. The place, purpose, and transformative power of story in faith - in communicating faith on a corporate (macro) level and developing faith on the personal (micro) level. The confession and repentance of David through the story offered by Nathan. How we experience faith through story, the story(ies) within faith build upon each other for meaning and our experience and development of faith. The story elements of the Gospel narratives - building toward and into the ultimate story of the Christ and the incarnation of God. It is these smaller, common elements that contribute to connecting us to the power of the passion and resurrection narrative (as well as the narrative of the early church.) The use of film/story-form to offer an expansive understanding and experience of life and of God. Owen meeting viewers in Cannes

In the first of two episodes, writer/director Owen Kline joined Kenny and Mike for an extended Zoom interview discussing his new A24 film Funny Pages as well as faith as reflected in film, story, comics and video store experiences.  Owen first came to prominence in the 2005 film The Squid and the Whale where he played Frank Berkman, the youngest son of Bernard (Jeff Daniels) and Joan (Laura Linney) and brother of Walt (Jesse Eisenberg. Funny Pages tells the story of Robert (Daniel Zolghadri)  a highschool senior and talented cartoonist who is caught between following the expected journey of attending art school or honing his own artistic style and voice. Following the loss of his mentor, Robert strikes out on his own by moving into a most unique basement apartment shared with two colorful roommates. Funny Pages, rated R for language and brief sexuality, is itself a funny, irreverant presentation of Robert's coming of age in a way that reminds viewers, who have come of age, of the joyeous and jarring moments of that journey. Appropriately, as cartooning entails a degrees of caricature, the Owen presents all this with a dynamic, caricatured style and construction. 

Kenny and Mike had the pleasure to interview actor and screenwriter Carl Gottlieb, best known for being the screenwriter for the 1975 film Jaws, one of the most influential and important films in the history of cinema. In addition to being the film that skyrocketed the young Steven Spielberg's career, it was the first Summer blockbuster film. Jaws is also one of Kenny's favorite films and is Mike's very favorite film.  Speaking from his california home, Carl shares many behind the scenes stories of the making of the film, including sharing a house with Spielberg during production and re-writing much of the script during filming. Carl also and Emmy winning television writer for his work on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. He also wrote for The Bob Newhart Show and All in the Family. Roy Scheider,  Murray Hamilton, Carl Gottlieb Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss

Mike and Kenny are "Talking Saul, Talking Bad, and Talking Faith as the popular and critically acclaimed AMC series concludes. There is much to discuss as the second series in the "Breaking Bad Universe" concludes what is arguably the best and most successful original and prequal series to appear on television.  SPOILERS in show notes and Spoiler Zone in Podcast Episode. Faith Elements Spotted: Earthly Treasures either as money or success/notoriety are susceptible to loss, decline or theft, as well as being seductive in their costs. Matthew 6:19 The power of pride, Proverbs 11,13, 73 driven by the fear of not being outstanding in comparrison to others is in contrast to the call of God to be content with one's life, and Paul's teaching to imitate the humility of Christ. Philippians 2, Colossians 2, Proverbs 11,22. Identity, who one sees and projects themselves to others. All people are children of God, made unique because of the love God has for them. There is no human constructed identity that surpasses that one is a child of God, yet the temptation is to value identities accepted and celebrated by worldly standards rather than the identity celebrated by God and the Kingdom.  Redemption is always possible but must be chosen and encompasses change, and does not alleviate consequences.  Although regrettful of the pain he caused his family and including his saving Jessie, Walter White does not regret his behavior, confess, and surrender.  Instead he seeks revenge rather than redemption.  In contrast, Jimmy/Saul/Gene redeems himself with his sacrificial confession which offers new life to his former wife and still loved one, Kim. Hints in the dialogue indicate that she intends to resume her work of offering legal defense of those who cannot afford representation. 

Kenny and Mike discuss and faithspot the latest thriller from director extraordinaire Jordon Peele and spot faith elements in Nope. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, and Michael Wincott. Faith Spotted: As the film begins with a quote from the Biblical Prophet and Book Nahum, and with the apocolyptic images and grandeur, much of the faith conversation centers around prophecy, revelation as well as Revelation.   

Kenny and Mike discuss Elvis and spot faith elements and concepts reflected in the Baz Luhrmann biopic staring Ausin Butler as Elivs Presley and Tom Hanks as Col. Tom Parker. Faith Spotted:  The presentation and nature of temptation. Tom Parker as the serpent temptor knowing and preying on the vulnerabilities, fear, grief, and guilt) of Elvis and his parents. The guilt and fear of losing his twin brother was a life long gravitational force that impacted the rest of the Presley members lives. The importance of moving through mourning and grief, through spiritual disciplines and faith which opens one to experience the peace of God that passes our understanding as well as loss.  Philippians 4:7 Live one's life and calling rather than the life and expectations of others. Do not be conformed to the ways, methods, and values of this world but transformed and a transforming force by the renewing of one's mind so that one may discern the desires and presence of God.   Romans 12: The calling of Christ to love and serve others, looking for their best interests rather than selfishly enabling and exploiting another for one's own benefit.