The Culture Translator

Three Big Conversations: Summertime provides new opportunities to connect with teens - 14:33 TikTokers are enjoying something they call “fridge cigs”- 25:08 Some people think ChatGPT is giving them access to the spiritual realm.- 34:34 Slang of the Week - Blackpill- 01:20 Elsewhere in culture: - 11:40 19-year-old Kane Parsons signed on to direct a horror movie for A24 based off his YouTube series “The Backrooms,” AI-generated ASMR videos of people cutting glass fruit began trending on social media, TikTok got another 90-day extension, the third and final season of Squid Game was announced for next Friday (June 27), and our newest episode of The Conversation Starter gave some advice for those who can't seem to quit doomscrolling. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Summertime provides new opportunities connet talk with teens, TikTokers are enjoying something they call “fridge cigs”, and some people think ChatGPT is giving them access to the spiritual realm. Slang of the Week - Blackpill Elsewhere in culture: 19-year-old Kane Parsons signed on to direct a horror movie for A24 based off his YouTube series “The Backrooms,” AI-generated ASMR videos of people cutting glass fruit began trending on social media, TikTok got another 90-day extension, the third and final season of Squid Game was announced for next Friday (June 27), and our newest episode of The Conversation Starter gave some advice for those who can't seem to quit doomscrolling. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

New episodes in this feed every other Tuesday! Have you ever wished that you had a personalized parenting podcast based on the questions you were having about your own family? A place where you could ask experts and get guidance about what the Bible actually says about how you're raising your teen in today's world?  That's why we are launching our new podcast show, which we're calling Ask Axis, so we get a chance to hear from you. We'd love to hear from you! Submit your questions at ask@axis.org.

Three Big Conversations: New Roblox called “Grow a Garden” takes off - 09:10  Gen Z enjoys nautical-themed knitwear - 20:15 An article about how young men need heroes - 31:04 Resource of the Week - Parent's Guide to TikTok - 0:18 Elsewhere in culture: - 2:12 AI renderings of Bible characters as influencers went viral, TikTok's most-followed influencer Khaby Lame was detained (and released) by ICE, an apparent trend of using no-contact orders to avoid conflict on college campuses started catching on, Apple's WWDC 25 conference mostly focused on upcoming design changes and AI tweaks for their devices, and pop star Sabrina Carpenter announced a new album called “Man's Best Friend.” 7-Minute Video - Is Roblox Safe? For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.  

A new game on Roblox called “Grow a Garden” takes off, Gen Z enjoys wearing nautical-themed knitwear in the summer, and as Father's Day approaches, an article about how young men need heroes to look up to. Resource of the Week - Parent's Guide to TikTok Elsewhere in culture: AI renderings of Bible characters as influencers went viral, TikTok's most-followed influencer Khaby Lame was detained (and released) by ICE, an apparent trend of using no-contact orders to avoid conflict on college campuses started catching on, Apple's WWDC 25 conference mostly focused on upcoming design changes and AI tweaks for their devices, and pop star Sabrina Carpenter announced a new album called “Man's Best Friend.” 7-Minute Video - Is Roblox Safe? For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Nathan studied Preaching Ministry at Lincoln Christian University, and served on staff at two churches in New England, while attending the New York Film Academy in Boston, where he discovered his passion for filmmaking and storytelling. In 2005, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film and entertainment, and ended up getting a job at Disney, where he worked for 16 years, most recently as an executive in Cinema Partnerships, leading in-theater marketing campaigns for Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney films. Then, in January of last year, he joined The Chosen as their Head of Marketing Strategy and Operations. He has an MBA and also holds an MA in Mythological Studies, and is currently working on his dissertation on humanity's narrative sense and how stories shape our understanding of the world. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Three Big Conversations: Switch Up - 13:24  New Attitude - 24:48 Ties That Bind - 38:30 Resource of the Week: Anime + Manga: What parents NEED to know (YouTube)-0:30 Elsewhere in culture: 6:18 A song by Brendan Abernathy was relentlessly mocked on TikTok this week, rumors are swirling about the SEC potentially leaving the NCAA, a cooperative Elden Ring spinoff called Nightreign has taken off in the video game space, stuffed keychain monsters called Labubu are getting insanely popular, and an interview with OKC Star Chet Holmgren where he describes his favorite books has resurfaced as his team heads to the NBA finals. You can find links to these topics in the show notes. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

There's a brand new Nintendo console out in the world, Gen Z is beginning to reject that narrative that pornography is empowering, or good at all, and a story in the New York Times talks about the joy and exhaustion of grandparents being the primary caregivers of their grandkids. Resource of the Week: Anime + Manga: What parents NEED to know (YouTube) Elsewhere in culture: A song by Brendan Abernathy was relentlessly mocked on TikTok this week, rumors are swirling about the SEC potentially leaving the NCAA, a cooperative Elden Ring spinoff called Nightreign has taken off in the video game space, stuffed keychain monsters called Labubu are getting insanely popular, and an interview with OKC Star Chet Holmgren where he describes his favorite books has resurfaced as his team heads to the NBA finals. You can find links to these topics in the show notes. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Three Big Conversations:  A new trend involves young men calling each other to say goodnight (11:22) A supposedly haunted doll named Annabelle is blamed for a plantation burning down (33:20) Gen Zers explain why they would give significant restrictions on technology to their own kids (48:28) Meme of the Week: "Holy Airball" (0:26) Elsewhere in culture (5:02): Lilo & Stitch had a bigger box office opening than the new Mission: Impossible movie A newly published study from JAMA found that social media use can predict depression but that depression doesn't necessarily predict social media use Transformers Director Michael Bay plans to direct a Skibidi Toilet movie Dr. Jordan Peterson debated 20 atheists simultaneously in a Jubilee video And, New York influencer @justjazzzyidk posted 20 TikToks on her own wedding day.   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

A new trend involves young men calling each other to say goodnight, a supposedly haunted doll named Annabelle is blamed for a plantation burning down, and Gen Zers explain why they would give significant restrictions on technology to their own kids.   Elsewhere in culture: Lilo & Stitch had a bigger box office opening than the new Mission: Impossible movie, a newly published study from JAMA found that social media use can predict depression but that depression doesn't necessarily predict social media use, Transformers Director Michael Bay plans to direct a Skibidi Toilet movie, Dr. Jordan Peterson debated 20 atheists simultaneously in a Jubilee video, and New York influencer @justjazzzyidk posted 20 TikToks on her own wedding day. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.  

Jake is a professional artist and is certified as one of only nine Master Penman in the world. He is self-taught in each of his disciplines (calligraphy, painting, drawing, woodworking, and engraving). While he typically works with private clients, he has also worked with Apple, Inc., Crossway Books, and Biola University, has spoken from countless stages including Tedx and Q and was featured on PBS Television. His new book is called Old Soul, New Creation: Experiencing God Through A Life of Art and Faith.

Oxford Academic publishes an analysis of an infamous subreddit's moral dilemmas, TikTok releases a 10pm bedtime meditation, and Netflix's adaptation of “Forever” unpacks teens' desire for romantic intimacy while still needing the support that parents provide. Song of the Week: “What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)” by Morgan Wallen-0:30 To read the lyrics, click here. Mob Morality - 19:40 Inhale (Tik), Exhale (Tok) - 39:23 Not Quite Forever - 50:28 Check our new Youtube video - "Why Did Teens Cry When TikTok Was Banned?" Other Trending Topics: -12:22 TikTok's “AI Sway Dance” Fortnite's AI Darth Vader swearing Apple agreed to pay out $95 million President Trump made posting “revenge porn” a federal crime “Italian Brainrot” continued to trend For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.                

Oxford Academic publishes an analysis of an infamous subreddit's moral dilemmas, TikTok releases a 10pm bedtime meditation, and Netflix's adaptation of “Forever” unpacks teens' desire for romantic intimacy while still needing the support that parents provide. Song of the Week: “What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)” by Morgan Wallen To read the lyrics click here. Check our new Youtube video - "Why Did Teens Cry When TikTok Was Banned?" Other Trending Topics: TikTok's “AI Sway Dance” Fortnite's AI Darth Vader swearing Apple agreed to pay out $95 million President Trump made posting “revenge porn” a federal crime “Italian Brainrot” continued to trend For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Pope Leo XIV becomes pope with a social media timeline, young people are using Reddit to help quit Zyn tobacco pouches, and our take on the second season of the Star Wars show Andor. Slang of the Week - Aura Farming - 0:17 The Top 3: The American Pope - 15:48 Zynned Out - 25:15 It's a Star War After All - 41:14 Other Trending Topics: Netflix's "Forever" Hasan Piker was detained and questioned Thunderbolts as the New Avengers “I'm so hungry..." trend 100 men fighting a gorilla debate For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Pope Leo XIV becomes pope with a social media timeline, young people are using Reddit to help quit Zyn tobacco pouches, and our take on the second season of the Star Wars show Andor. Slang of the Week - Aura Farming Other Trending Topics: Netflix's "Forever" Hasan Piker was detained and questioned Thunderbolts as the New Avengers “I'm so hungry..." trend 100 men fighting a gorilla debate For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Dr. West is a Harvard and Johns Hopkins-trained oncologist and researcher, and has advanced cancer care and research for over three decades. As a native of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. West founded the West Clinic there in 1979, growing it from a single practice into a network of five locations with 25 physicians and 273 support staff, treating 300 to 400 patients weekly. As a Christian and lifelong member of one of the largest Methodist Churches in the U.S., he has lectured for more than forty years on the myth of science and faith being at odds, believing they support one another and that science reveals God. His book is called Sacred Science: Understanding Divine Creation.   Click here to purchase the book.

“Another Simple Favor” has teens talking, lots of young people are turning the volume down to zero, and it's Mother's Day, but are moms… okay? Song of the Week - “Ribs” by Lorde - 0:22 #blessed - 09:20 Yet Another Simple Favor - 26:24 Please Don't Stop the Music - 41:02 To read the lyrics click here. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.  

“Another Simple Favor” has teens talking, lots of young people are turning the volume down to zero, and it's Mother's Day, but are moms… okay? To hear Kate's pitch for rebranding motherhood, check out our Roundtable podcast, available of Friday!  Song of the Week - “Ribs” by Lorde To read the lyrics click here. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.  

Teens are talking about Shedeur Sanders' dramatic draft slide, Benson Boone is the internet's least favorite good guy, and Gen Z could be the most gullible generation—depending on what you choose to believe. Song of the Week - “Ordinary” - Alex Warren - 0:36 Shedeur's Slide - 15:40 Boone Backlash - 28:32 Hard to Believe - 44:00 To see the lyrics, click here. Click here for the Media Literacy Kit. For more Axis resources, go to Axis.org.  

Teens are talking about Shedeur Sanders' dramatic draft slide, Benson Boone is the internet's least favorite good guy, and Gen Z could be the most gullible generation—depending on what you choose to believe. To hear CJ rant about music designed for search engine optimization, check out our Roundtable podcast available on Friday.   Song of the Week - “Ordinary” - Alex Warren To see the lyrics, click here. Click here for the Media Literacy Kit. For more Axis resources, go to Axis.org.

Born in the desert southwest and raised in a middle-class mining family, Walter Hill volunteered for the US Navy immediately after graduating high school. Deployments took him all over Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle-East. During this time his gift for communicating faith emerged, and he now has over 25 years of ministry experience navigating the trials and triumphs of faith. Walter's new book is called Amazed Again: Reclaiming Christ's Joy in a Fading World and in it he's sharing some of the lessons he's learned about joy and resilience. Click here for Walter's book Amazed Again: Reclaiming Christ's Joy in a Fading World

Prom season is once again upon us, 1 in 7 teens have participated in a “commodified sexual interaction”, and the return of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Slang of the Week - “Plot armor” 1:04 Dreams, Dresses, and Drama 10:36 Sexting for Clout 28:00 Ice Breaker 43:48 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Prom season is once again upon us, 1 in 7 teens have participated in a “commodified sexual interaction”, and the return of the Ice Bucket Challenge. To hear Irene's perspective as a mother on Prom, check out our Roundtable podcast, available on Friday. Slang of the Week - “Plot armor” For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Blue Origin sent Jeff Bezos' girlfriend into the atmosphere, a theory called “Let Them” is being widely practiced (and parodied), and more and more young people are happy to declare their allegiance to Christ—but not Christianity. Song of the Week - Abracadabra by Lady Gaga - 0:25 Click here to see the lyrics. Origin Theory - 14:51 Let Them - 30:11 Christ is Risen - 51:30 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.  

Blue Origin sent Jeff Bezos' girlfriend into the atmosphere, a theory called “Let Them” is being widely practiced (and parodied), and more and more young people are happy to declare their allegiance to Christ—but not Christianity.   Song of the Week - Abracadabra by Lady Gaga Click here to see the lyrics.   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.    

Melanie is a dedicated life coach and holistic wellness professional with a Bachelor's in Psychology from Colorado Christian University. Passionate about personal growth and transformation, she brings a wealth of expertise as a certified life coach, HeartMath Biofeedback practitioner, and yoga instructor. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming stress and developing healthy habits, Melanie is committed to helping adults and teenagers reshape their perspectives, unlock personal potential, and create meaningful change in their lives. Her practice is called The Unearthed Life.    For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.    

Teens want to smell like sugary things, March Madness comes to an end, and viewers throw their popcorn over A Minecraft Movie. Resource of the Week - Ask Axis Podcast - 0:30 Submit your questions to ask@axis.org On the Scent - 1:43 Sheer Madness - 16:00 A Minecraft Movie - 26:40 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Teens want to smell like sugary things, March Madness comes to an end, and viewers throw their popcorn over A Minecraft Movie. To hear Evan yearn for the mines, listen to our Culture Translator Roundtable podcast aviable on Fridays! Resource of the Week - Ask Axis Podcast Submit your questions to ask@axis.org   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.  

Solo Leveling airs its season 2 finale, orthodontia becomes a status symbol, and a stranded astronaut finds solace in livestreaming Sunday services.    Song of the Week - “NOKIA” by Drake -0:25 Read the lyrics here (language) Leveled - 15:20 The Other Side of the Tracks - 35:48 Rocketman - 46:45   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Solo Leveling airs its season 2 finale, orthodontia becomes a status symbol, and a stranded astronaut finds solace in livestreaming Sunday services. To hear Irene describe what it's like to watch gory anime with teen boys, check out the Roundtable podcast available on Friday!   Song of the Week - “NOKIA” by Drake  Read the lyrics here (language)   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Tanita is the national director for generational impact for Young Life, where she has been a leader working with adolescents for over twenty-six years. With an expertise in contextualizing the gospel for Gen Z, Tanita has been featured on The Holy Post podcast and has been published in The Great Commission Research Journal, the Journal of Youth and Theology, and more. Tanita continues to serve as a volunteer leader for Young Life in her local community of Spokan, Washington, where she lives with her husband and two children. We'll be talking today primarily about her upcoming book, What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God: Seven Questions About Life and Faith.   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

TikTokers are writing songs about LeBron, Snow White's sleepy box office debut, and Adolescence is a journey through the travails of modern boyhood. Resource of the Week - A Parent's Guide To: Kicking Off The Sex Talk: Six Conversations - 0:42  The Man on the Lakers 9:33 Waking Beauty - 21:32 Adolescence - 35:06 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

TikTokers are writing songs about LeBron, Snow White's sleepy box office debut, and Adolescence is a journey through the travails of modern boyhood. To hear Toben sing songs about basketball, click here for our Culture Translator Roundtable podcast!   Resource of the Week - A Parent's Guide To: Kicking Off The Sex Talk: Six Conversations     For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Gen Z prefers baggy clothes to slim-fitting athleisure, public conversations are becoming the medium of choice for obtaining information, and therapy culture tries to replace religion. Song of the Week - "The Giver" by Chapel Roan -0:22 Click here to see the lyrics.  Fitter… Happier? - 17:06 The Art of Conversation - 27:26 Searching for a Savior - 37:22 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Gen Z prefers baggy clothes to slim-fitting athleisure, public conversations are becoming the medium of choice for obtaining information, and therapy culture tries to replace religion. [For more nuance, including CJ's spirited take on baggy gym clothes, you can listen to our Culture Translator Roundtable available on Friday].   Song of the Week - "The Giver" by Chapel Roan Click here to see the lyrics.   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

John is a New York Times bestselling author, counselor, and teacher who has inspired millions to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's kingdom. We'll be talking today primarily about his new book Experience Jesus. Really.: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder Through Everyday Encounters with God.   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Trend fatigue takes over, teens are taking a pass on dating, and House of David debuts on Amazon Prime. Song of the week- "Anxiety" by Doechii - 0:19 Click to see the Lyrics (Language) Core Today, Gone Tomorrow - 9:40 Falling Out of Love - 24:28 Desert Stream - 42:57   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Trend fatigue takes over, teens are taking a pass on dating, and House of David debuts on Amazon Prime. To hear Kate share why she personally relates to King Agag, be sure to tune in to our Culture Translator Roundtable podcast on Friday.   Song of the week - "Anxiety" by Doechii Click to see the Lyrics (Language)   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Reels loses control of its recommendations, the number of Christians in the United States is increasing, and what parents should know about the Oscars' Best Picture winner Anora. Resource of the Week - 7 Minutes on Teen Slang - Video - 0:38 First Up this week Reeling - 8:10 The Upward Spiral - 29:32 The Oscars and Anora - 45:25   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.    

Reels loses control of its recommendations, the number of Christians in the United States is increasing, and what parents should know about the Oscars' Best Picture winner Anora. Resource of the Week - 7 Minutes on Teen Slang - Video For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

On February 8, 2023, Zach had a front row seat to see God move in what has been called the Asbury Revival or the Asbury Outpouring, where a small town and university experienced sixteen days of unending prayer and worship. More than one hundred thousand guests from around the country—and the world—experienced the peace and power of God there in that place. Zach is the proud husband of Kristin and father to three little girls: Eden, Esther, and Mercy. We'll be talking today about Zach's experiences at Asbury, as well as his new book Lower: Igniting Spiritual Awakening Through Radical Humility.  Click here for Zach Meerkreebs' new book. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

“Monster Hunter Wilds” has teens battling beasts, the new iPhone is a lot like the old iPhone, and a docuseries on Gabby Petito's death highlights the differences between social media and reality. But First: Slang of the week: "huzz": 0:32 Battling Monsters: 09:10 History Repeating: 25:32 Hidden in Plain Sight: 42:46 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

“Monster Hunter Wilds” has teens battling beasts, the new iPhone is a lot like the old iPhone, and a docuseries on Gabby Petito's death highlights the differences between social media and reality. To hear Evan make fun of the new iPhone, be sure to check out our Culture Translator Roundtable podcast! Slang of the Week: "Huzz" For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

The new Captain America movie explores moral grey areas, young people prefer lowercase text, and an anglerfish has captured the internet's heart.  Song of the Week: "I'm the Problem" - Morgan Wallen  Click here to see the lyrics. 0:24 1. Who Captains America? 6:54 2. the case for lowercase: 20:19 3. Angling Toward the Light: 32:22 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

The new Captain America movie explores moral grey areas, young people prefer lowercase text, and an anglerfish has captured the internet's heart. Plus, to hear Evan argue that the tale of the anglerfish was actually a comedy, make sure to listen to this week's Culture Translator Roundtable! Song of the Week: "I'm the Problem" - Morgan Wallen  Click here to see the lyrics. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Gary is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. His writings have established him as a thought-leader in the areas of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation. His books have sold over two million copies, been translated into more than a dozen languages, and won numerous awards. We'll be talking today primarily about one of his newer books, called When to Walk Away, which is all about how to handle what are often called “toxic relationships.”  For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

In this Valentine's Day issue of the Culture Translator, we unpack “the anti-social century,” a quarter of people admit they have flirted with AI chatbots, and Drake might have been the real loser of Super Bowl LIX. Slang of the Week: “Bop”: 00:50 1. “the anti-social century,” 18:15 2. flirting with AI chatbots? 37:33 3. Drake losing Super Bowl LIX 52:36 For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

In this Valentine's Day issue of the Culture Translator, we unpack “the anti-social century,” a quarter of people admit they have flirted with AI chatbots, and Drake might have been the real loser of Super Bowl LIX.  Slang of the Week: “Bop”   For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

The Grammy Awards were held on Sunday, Summit summer scholarships are available, and everyone's talking about Justin Baldoni's new “evidence” website in his countersuit vs. Blake Lively. Song of the Week: "Denial is a River" - Doechii: 0:27 Click Here to see the lyrics. 1. Music's Biggest Night: 08:26 2. Summit Scholarship: 33:00 3. Suit, Countersuit: 33:50 Click to Here see the Summit summer scholarship information. Use promo code AXIS. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

The Grammy Awards were held on Sunday, Summit summer scholarships are available, and everyone's talking about Justin Baldoni's new “evidence” website in his countersuit vs. Blake Lively. Song of the Week: "Denial is a River" - Doedhii Click Here to see the lyrics. Click to Here see the Summit summer scholorship video. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

Ross Douthat has been a New York Times Opinion columnist since April 2009. Previously, he was a senior editor at the Atlantic. He is the author of The Deep Places; The Decadent Society; To Change the Church; Bad Religion; Privilege; and, with Reihan Salam, Grand New Party. He is the film critic for National Review, and lives with his wife and five children in New Haven, Connecticut. We'll be talking today primarily about his new book Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious.  For more parenting resources, go to axis.org.