Pop Culture Pastor

This week on Pop Culture Pastor, Dave and Cody set out in search of eternal youth and… mostly find studio notes and safe choices. In our full review of Fountain of Youth, we dive into Guy Ritchie's lightest touch yet, a charming John Krasinski, and a MacGuffin so undercooked it might still be thawing. Is it fun? Sometimes. Is it deep? Not especially. But hey, there's a moped chase and some ancient Christian imagery just vague enough to avoid offending anyone.Also in this episode:Michael Bay is making a Skibidi Toilet movie. That sentence alone may signal the end of western civilization.Thunderbolts bombs at the box office, and we try to figure out if it's Marvel fatigue, character obscurity, or just a tragic lack of marketing.Taylor Swift fans think the AMAs muted her applause. We investigate (and theorize wildly).

In this finale breakdown, Dave and Cody ride the emotional tsunami of The Last of Us Season 2's closing chapter. From collapsed morals to literal collapsing boats, nothing is safe—not even Jesse.

Dave and Cody revisit one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history through the lens of the powerful Netflix documentary Twister: Caught in the Storm.

Dave and Cody dive into a gut-wrenching flashback episode that peels back the layers of Joel and Ellie's fragile bond. From birthday cakes and guitar serenades to broken promises and devastating truths, this one hits hard.

Dave and Cody saddle up their imaginary horses and venture back to 1975 to revisit one of the most iconic comedies of all time — Monty Python & the Holy Grail. From killer rabbits to constitutional peasants, they unpack the absurdity and brilliance of a movie that laid the groundwork for modern British comedy. Plus:The secret origins of the coconut gagWhy Terry Gilliam might just be the unsung hero of the PythonsHow the movie's meta humor paved the way for shows like The OfficeAnd in the Pastor's Corner: What this irreverent romp can teach us about the lost art of laughing at ourselvesAlso:WWE wants cities to pay up for John Cena's final matchJames Gunn gives Superman a double-wide makeoverA proposed 10 Things I Hate About You trilogy — but do we need it?#MontyPython #ComedyClassics #BeKindRewind #Podcast #PopCulturePastor #BritishComedy #HolyGrail #WWE #SupermanMovie #JohnCena #JamesGunn #10ThingsIHateAboutYou

Dave and Cody are back to dissect the gut-punch that is Episode 5 of The Last of Us Season 2. From airborne spores to vengeance spirals, it's a heavy one—but don't worry, there's a little Pearl Jam to ease the pain.

Dave, Cody, and Jackson Chauncey dive into Marvel's newest cinematic offering with two names, Thunderbolts/New Avengers. Is it a stroke of marketing genius or a desperate move? They break down what hits (Florence Pugh's epic stunt work, Lewis Pullman's standout turn as Bob, Red Guardian's gross yet lovable charm) and what misses (Bucky's character arc, Ghost's… existence).

Dave and Cody dive into The Last of Us S2E4: “Day One”—a.k.a. the episode that had saucepan monologues, surprise confessions, and reminded us of Huey Lewis(?).From Jeffrey Wright's chilling calm to a beautiful rendition of A-ha's “Take On Me,” they break down:– The wildest cameo (RIP Josh Peck)– Faith vs. power in a world on fire– The emotional mess that is Ellie and Dina– And yes, they finally talk zombies againPlus: The Pastor's Corner explores the cost of revenge and what it means to end the cycle.

It's over, Anakin—we've got the high ground and the microphones.Dave and Cody revisit the most meme-able Star Wars film of all time: Revenge of the Sith. From lava fights to youngling frights, they break down what holds up (lightsaber battles, John Williams' score, Ewan McGregor) and what absolutely doesn't (George Lucas' dialogue, General Grievous' anatomy, “Nooooo!”).

Grief. Guns. Council meetings about corn.Dave & Cody unpack The Last of Us episode 3 — a heavy hour full of loss, debate, and questionable choices.

Dave and Cody revisit Scott Pilgrim vs. The World—a box office flop turned cult classic that might just be one of the more innovative and deeply layered comedies of the 21st century. They talk video game tropes, garage punk soundtracks, hidden Easter eggs, and how this movie walked so others could run (looking at you Super Mario Bros.).They unpack deeper themes of emotional maturity, self-respect, and how Scott's biggest boss battle might've been with himself all along. Plus: Cody makes a strong case for Michael Cera supremacy, and Dave finally acknowledges he's a Young Neil.And Muppets. Because of course.Also news! Including Corey Feldman, Katy Perry and Blue Origin, and White Lotus.https://linktr.ee/PopCulturePastorPod

Join Dave and Cody as they dive into the emotional premiere of The Last of Us Season 2! They discuss the moral gray areas, with all the characters wrestling with difficult decisions and their consequences, the complex relationship between Ellie and Joel, and the evolving world of Jackson. Plus, get a peek into Ellie's Playlist with Nirvana's "Love Buzz" and laugh along with their hilarious "RIP" segment honoring Smokey the Bear.The guys also hand out their Captain Kirk and Wile E. Coyote awards for the winners and losers of the episode. Where do you think they are heading this season? What did you think of Joel's softened character? Tune in for a fun, thoughtful, and irreverent recap of the season opener!

What makes a snack worth talking about? And how did the Minecraft movie make enough money to buy actual diamonds? We're processing all of that in this episode — and we brought backup.This week, Dave and Cody sit down with @snachwithzach — one of the internet's leading snack experts and food news creators — to talk about his journey from bored-at-home TikTok creator to the guy brands actually call for snack scoops.We talk new fast food trends, the science of movie snacks, the wild world of Mountain Dew flavors, and settle some long-standing snack debates (Raisinets vs Nachos gets heated).If you've ever snuck a McChicken into a movie theater or argued about which discontinued Taco Bell item deserves a comeback... this episode is for you.https://linktr.ee/PopCulturePastorPod

In this episode of Pop Culture Pastor, Dave, Cody, and guest, DJ Dangerfield, take a sobering look at American Murder: Gabby Petito, the Netflix docuseries examining the tragic disappearance and death of 22-year-old Gabby Petito. Together, they explore the deeper layers of a story that captivated the nation—discussing the dangers of hidden abuse, the role of social media in shaping false realities, and the difficult questions surrounding law enforcement, mental health, and family dynamics.This episode doesn't review the film as much as it wrestles with the complex human issues behind it: control disguised as love, the silence of victims, and the societal failure to protect the vulnerable. The team also examines the impact of trauma, the responsibilities of parents, and how grief—when turned outward—can become a force for healing and advocacy.If you've watched the docuseries or followed the case, this thoughtful, compassionate conversation will help you process it through a broader lens—one that values justice, empathy, and the sacredness of human life.https://linktr.ee/PopCulturePastorPod

Dave, Cody, and special guest Dan C gather in the pop culture MDR to unpack Severance Season 2, Episode 10 — Cold Harbor. Emotions run high as the trio breaks down every shocking twist, cryptic line, and heartbreakingly human moment from a finale that went nowhere anyone expected... and yet felt strangely perfect.From wild Kier-spiracies about Helly R, to the long-awaited revolution led by Dylan (and a vending machine), to Mark's devastating choice at the "equator" — this is the kind of television that makes you yell at the screen, rewind key scenes, and then call your therapist.There's laughter (mostly at Milchick's Drumline dreams), there's heartbreak, and there's some seriously deep talk about love, the soul, and whether innie Mark just became the "real" Mark.

Sometimes things don't go as planned… like our guest canceling last minute

This week, Dave & Cody dive into Matilda—the magical, slightly unhinged, and deeply beloved ‘90s classic! From Roald Dahl's twisted storytelling to Danny DeVito's unexpected masterpiece, we break down what makes this film a millennial favorite.

The icy past of Harmony Cobell comes to light as Dave, Cody, and special guest Dan Carroll break down Severance Season 2, Episode 8: Sweet Vitriol. From the eerie remnants of Salt's Neck to the shocking revelation about the origins of severance, this episode delivers a slow-burn character study that deepens the show's mystery.

In a world that seems more divided and unforgiving than ever, what role does pop culture play in shaping our ideas of grace and redemption? Dave, Cody, and special guest Andrew Haworth—an actual psychologist—dive deep into the cultural shift away from forgiveness and explore how our stories reflect this reality.From social media outrage cycles to the psychology behind the recent trend of complex, nuanced villains, this conversation tackles why we struggle to forgive, how cancel culture feeds the problem, and why modern pop culture keeps giving us sympathetic villains like Thanos, Killmonger, and the Joker. Are we actually longing for grace but unsure how to extend it?Join us as we discuss the blurred lines between good and evil, the dangers of an unforgiving world, and how embracing grace could be the key to healing our culture. Plus, we each share our favorite villains and what makes them compelling.Tell us your thoughts! Who's your favorite villain, and what does their story say about forgiveness?

Dave, Cody, and special guest Dan Carroll dive into Severance Season 2, Episode 7, Chikai Bardo—probably the heaviest episode of the series.

In this episode of Pop Culture Pastor Watch-alongs, Dave and Cody are back with another exhilarating episode as they delve into Severance Season 2, Episode 6: "Attila." The duo breaks down the intense moments where Mark grapples with the reintegration process, the heartbreaking moments with Dylan and his wife, and the acting "tour de force" brought by Christopher Walken, John Turturro and John Noble in one of the most interesting scenes this season.With plenty of laughs and insightful commentary, this episode is packed with theories and "What The Lumon" moments that will leave you pondering the nature of reality.Don't miss out on the conversation—tune in now!

In this episode of Watch-alongs, we're breaking down the newest episode of Severance, "Trojan's Horse." Dave and Cody are joined by Dan Carroll, a Geek of the Round Table and self-proclaimed Severance superfan, as they dive into the mysterious and sometimes baffling twists of this mind-bending series. From whistling to Gordon Lightfoot's "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" to Swedish kings and their Gråkappan, this episode has it all—cerebral intrigue, elongated cruise voyages, and some heavy reintegration drama.The trio discusses the implications of Mark's reintegration, the troubling effects it's having on his mental and emotional state, and the strange characters of Lumon, including the enigmatic Ms. Huang. Cody & Dave get into some wild Kier-spiracies, including a brand new one (yes, we're talking aliens). They also dig into the growing conflict within the team and the surprising humor that often sneaks into this otherwise intense show.Join the conversation, hear the theories, and get ready for more mysteries as we continue watching this show unfold one episode at a time.https://linktr.ee/PopCulturePastorPod

In this episode of Pop Culture Pastor, we dive into another Pop Culture Draft, where Dave, Cody & Geek Scotty draft their favorite TV shows based on comic books! From the iconic Smallville to the gritty realism of Daredevil, we break down our picks for the best superhero adaptations. Plus, we throw in two specialty categories: Best Villain and Best Ensemble Cast. Who will take home the title for the best villain? And which show has the best cast of characters? Tune in to find out! Also, the guys chat about the controversy surrounding the Super Bowl halftime show—because who doesn't love a little extra pop culture debate? Don't forget to join our Facebook community and vote for your favorite picks! https://linktr.ee/PopCulturePastorPod#ComicBooks #MCU #DCComics #TMNT

Have you wondered what Chaplain Dave & Pastor Cody are watching, reading, playing or listening to? Well wonder no more! It's another installment of Pop Culture Lately where the guys chat about what they have been into lately. The fellas also talk to comedian Taylor Johnson about what he has been up to lately. Listen now to find out new books, games and shows that maybe you didn't know you needed and hear the latest pop culture headlines. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/PopCulturePastorPod

SPOILERS!

⏳ Decision fatigue is real! Join Dave and Ethan in this bonus pod as they dive into the surprising stats behind our daily choices—spending 3 hours a day deciding what to eat, wear, and watch! From Taco Bell over-ordering to the agony of car shopping, they explore why we overthink the small stuff and neglect the big decisions. With personal anecdotes, humor, and a deeper look at finding quiet in a noisy world, this episode offers refreshing perspectives on slowing down and making better choices.