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Pop Culture Coffee Hour

Steven Christoforou, Christian Gonzalez, Christina Andresen, Emma Solak, and Ancient Faith Ministries·Hosted by Steven Christoforou, Christian Gonzalez, Christina Andresen and Emma Solak·202 episodes

ChristianityReligionSpiritualityCo-hosted chatChristian lensPop culture criticismStandalone episodesCompleted seriesLight humor

The guys and girls talk about pop culture, theology, and whatever else is on their minds in this weekly podcast. They might even make you laugh. Maybe. The guys: Steven Christoforou & Christian Gonzalez The girls: Christina Andresen & Emma Solak

Why listen

Pop Culture Coffee Hour is a relaxed Christian pop-culture conversation where Steven Christoforou, Christian Gonzalez, Christina Andresen, and Emma Solak unpack movies, TV, music, books, and internet moments through faith, humor, and friendship. It is especially good for listeners who like thoughtful media discussion that can move from Star Wars or Taylor Swift to sacrifice, identity, providence, and discipleship without turning stiff.

Series(1)

Episodes

Jul 6, 2022Episode 200
The One Where They Say Goodbye

It's been a wild ride, and now, after seven years, Christina, Steve, Emma, and Christian gather for the final episode Pop Culture Coffee Hour. They discuss the high points of the last 200 episodes, play some games, and have a whole lot of laughs. Listener voicemails and blooper reels abound in this series finale. Join the Wonder Twins and Headscarf Mafia as they lovingly say goodbye to the podcast and the faithful thirteen. All this and the introduction of a brand new, canine-based childhood curriculum. Agni Parthene (Dance this song and his other works can be found at generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com.

Jul 6, 2022Episode 200
The One Where They Say Goodbye

It's been a wild ride, and now, after seven years, Christina, Steve, Emma, and Christian gather for the final episode Pop Culture Coffee Hour. They discuss the high points of the last 200 episodes, play some games, and have a whole lot of laughs. Listener voicemails and blooper reels abound in this series finale. Join the Wonder Twins and Headscarf Mafia as they lovingly say goodbye to the podcast and the faithful thirteen. All this and the introduction of a brand new, canine-based childhood curriculum. Agni Parthene (Dance this song and his other works can be found at generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com.

Jun 24, 2022Episode 199
Obi-Wan Kenobi

Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez discuss the new Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi." They explore the self, sacrifice, and the allure of the Dark Side.

Jun 24, 2022Episode 199
Obi-Wan Kenobi

Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez discuss the new Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi." They explore the self, sacrifice, and the allure of the Dark Side.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 193
Pray Away

Steve and Christian are joined by Gregg Webb to discuss the new Netflix documentary, "Pray Away." Spoilers ahead! They explore struggle, identity, and pastoral care. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 193
Pray Away

Steve and Christian are joined by Gregg Webb to discuss the new Netflix documentary, "Pray Away." Spoilers ahead! They explore struggle, identity, and pastoral care. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 194
Uprooted

Christina and Emma, along with special guest and Effective Christian Ministry Cohort Director, Dr. Pres. Athanasia Kostakis, discuss the fantasy novel, Uprooted. They touch on how many gifts can work together, the responsibility of discipleship, and friendship. As always, what they're cooking. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 194
Uprooted

Christina and Emma, along with special guest and Effective Christian Ministry Cohort Director, Dr. Pres. Athanasia Kostakis, discuss the fantasy novel, Uprooted. They touch on how many gifts can work together, the responsibility of discipleship, and friendship. As always, what they're cooking. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 195
Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers

Steve and Christian are joined by Dn. Rico Monge and David Paddison to discuss Kendrick Lamar's new album, "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers." They explore identity, transformation, and trauma. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 195
Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers

Steve and Christian are joined by Dn. Rico Monge and David Paddison to discuss Kendrick Lamar's new album, "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers." They explore identity, transformation, and trauma. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 197
The G Word with Adam Conover

Steve and Christian discuss the new Netflix series, "The G Word with Adam Conover." They explore Christian approaches to politics, power, and the Kingdom of God. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 197
The G Word with Adam Conover

Steve and Christian discuss the new Netflix series, "The G Word with Adam Conover." They explore Christian approaches to politics, power, and the Kingdom of God. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 198
The Time Traveler's Wife

Christina and Emma discuss The Time Traveler's Wife. They touch on themes such as trusting in God's providence, absence and waiting, and sticking with the present moment. And, of course, what they're cooking. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 22, 2022Episode 198
The Time Traveler's Wife

Christina and Emma discuss The Time Traveler's Wife. They touch on themes such as trusting in God's providence, absence and waiting, and sticking with the present moment. And, of course, what they're cooking. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text) by July 1, 2022.

Jun 13, 2022Episode 196
Downton Abbey, A New Era

Christina and Emma are back to discuss the new Downton Abbey movie! They discuss themes of growing up, changes, and preparation for death. As always, what they're cooking. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text).

Jun 13, 2022Episode 196
Downton Abbey, A New Era

Christina and Emma are back to discuss the new Downton Abbey movie! They discuss themes of growing up, changes, and preparation for death. As always, what they're cooking. Leave your comments for the 200th episode at 917-524-7483 (call or text).

May 25, 2022Episode 179
Spiderman: No Way Home

Steve and Christian are back to discuss the new MCU film, "Spiderman: No Way Home." Spoilers ahead! They explore restorative justice, loss and sacrifice, and identity.

May 25, 2022Episode 179
Spiderman: No Way Home

Steve and Christian are back to discuss the new MCU film, "Spiderman: No Way Home." Spoilers ahead! They explore restorative justice, loss and sacrifice, and identity.

May 11, 2022Episode 192
Man of God

Christina and Steve watched the new film about Saint Nektarios, "Man of God." Spoilers ahead! They explore struggle, salvation, and the choice to live as faithful Christians.

May 11, 2022Episode 192
Man of God

Christina and Steve watched the new film about Saint Nektarios, "Man of God." Spoilers ahead! They explore struggle, salvation, and the choice to live as faithful Christians.

May 2, 2022Episode 191
The Batman

Steve and Christian explore the new DC superhero movie, "The Batman." Spoilers ahead! They explore lies, power, trauma, and radicalization.

May 2, 2022Episode 191
The Batman

Steve and Christian explore the new DC superhero movie, "The Batman." Spoilers ahead! They explore lies, power, trauma, and radicalization.

Apr 27, 2022Episode 190
Finding Neverland

Christina and Emma discuss the 2004 film, Finding Neverland. They discuss themes such as how stories help us make sense of reality, the importance of the imagination for holding onto joy, and how the grief we carry transforms who we are. And as always, what they're cooking!

Apr 27, 2022Episode 190
Finding Neverland

Christina and Emma discuss the 2004 film, Finding Neverland. They discuss themes such as how stories help us make sense of reality, the importance of the imagination for holding onto joy, and how the grief we carry transforms who we are. And as always, what they're cooking!

Apr 18, 2022Episode 189
Finding Frances (Nathan for You)

Steve and Christian explore the series finale of "Nathan for You," a stand-alone film called "Finding Frances." Spoilers ahead! They explore love, regret, and reality.

Apr 18, 2022Episode 189
Finding Frances (Nathan for You)

Steve and Christian explore the series finale of "Nathan for You," a stand-alone film called "Finding Frances." Spoilers ahead! They explore love, regret, and reality.

Apr 14, 2022Episode 188
Cheer

Christina and Emma discuss the docuseries, Cheer. They touch on themes of belonging and healing, idolatry (even of the good stuff), and love. As always, they share what they're cooking.

Apr 14, 2022Episode 188
Cheer

Christina and Emma discuss the docuseries, Cheer. They touch on themes of belonging and healing, idolatry (even of the good stuff), and love. As always, they share what they're cooking.

Apr 7, 2022Episode 187
Turning Red

Erin joins Steve and Christian to explore the new Disney+ movie, "Turning Red." Spoilers ahead! They explore growing up, emotions, and love.

Apr 7, 2022Episode 187
Turning Red

Erin joins Steve and Christian to explore the new Disney+ movie, "Turning Red." Spoilers ahead! They explore growing up, emotions, and love.

Mar 30, 2022Episode 186
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Season 4 (with Hibbah Kaileh)

Christina and Emma invite Hibbah to join the conversation around the fourth season of the Amazon Prime Original, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. They discuss questions of what it means to be a woman, different types of friends, and community. All that, plus what they're cooking!

Mar 30, 2022Episode 186
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Season 4 (with Hibbah Kaileh)

Christina and Emma invite Hibbah to join the conversation around the fourth season of the Amazon Prime Original, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. They discuss questions of what it means to be a woman, different types of friends, and community. All that, plus what they're cooking!

Mar 22, 2022Episode 185
The Adam Project

Steve and Christian explore the new Netflix movie, "The Adam Project." Spoilers ahead! They explore formation, character, and repentance.

Mar 22, 2022Episode 185
The Adam Project

Steve and Christian explore the new Netflix movie, "The Adam Project." Spoilers ahead! They explore formation, character, and repentance.

Mar 16, 2022Episode 184
Cinderella Remix

The girls discuss Cinderella and the various themes associated with her stories. This includes friends as helpers, the line between truth and lies, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. All this, plus what they're cooking!

Mar 16, 2022Episode 184
Cinderella Remix

The girls discuss Cinderella and the various themes associated with her stories. This includes friends as helpers, the line between truth and lies, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. All this, plus what they're cooking!

Mar 7, 2022Episode 183
Matrix Resurrections

Dn. Rico Monge joins Steve and Christian to discuss "Matrix Resurrections." Spoilers ahead! They explore humanity, freedom, and love.

Mar 7, 2022Episode 183
Matrix Resurrections

Dn. Rico Monge joins Steve and Christian to discuss "Matrix Resurrections." Spoilers ahead! They explore humanity, freedom, and love.

Mar 1, 2022Episode 182
A River Enchanted

The girls discuss the novel, A River Enchanted. They touch on how music has power, how love means trust and loyalty, and how home provides comfort. Plus, what they're cooking for meatfare week!

Mar 1, 2022Episode 182
A River Enchanted

The girls discuss the novel, A River Enchanted. They touch on how music has power, how love means trust and loyalty, and how home provides comfort. Plus, what they're cooking for meatfare week!

Feb 2, 2022Episode 181
Am I Normal?

The girls discuss a pair of podcasts, "Spectacle: An Unscripted History of Reality TV" and "Am I Normal?" They touch on topics like whether something being a cultural "norm" necessarily means it's "good," how we can build empathy for others, but also how easy it can be to slip into judgment and inauthenticity, plus, what they're cooking.

Feb 2, 2022Episode 181
Am I Normal?

The girls discuss a pair of podcasts, "Spectacle: An Unscripted History of Reality TV" and "Am I Normal?" They touch on topics like whether something being a cultural "norm" necessarily means it's "good," how we can build empathy for others, but also how easy it can be to slip into judgment and inauthenticity, plus, what they're cooking.

Jan 19, 2022Episode 180
West Side Story

The girls watched the new adaption of the classic musical West Side Story. They explore how time can change your perspective, the tension between hope and the reality of hurt, and the tragedy of rejecting Love.

Jan 19, 2022Episode 180
West Side Story

The girls watched the new adaption of the classic musical West Side Story. They explore how time can change your perspective, the tension between hope and the reality of hurt, and the tragedy of rejecting Love.

Dec 28, 2021Episode 177
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, part 2

Steve and Christian are back to continue their discussion on the new Christianity Today podcast, "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill." They explore authority, culture wars, and celebrity. christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill Additional Resource: markdejesus.com/14-signs-spiritual-abuse Subscribe to "Pop Culture Coffee Hour" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

Dec 28, 2021Episode 177
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, part 2

Steve and Christian are back to continue their discussion on the new Christianity Today podcast, "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill." They explore authority, culture wars, and celebrity. christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill Additional Resource: markdejesus.com/14-signs-spiritual-abuse Subscribe to "Pop Culture Coffee Hour" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

Dec 28, 2021Episode 177
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, part 1

Steve and Christian discuss the new Christianity Today podcast, "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill." This is part 1. They discuss authority, celebrity, and spiritual abuse. christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill Additional Resource: markdejesus.com/14-signs-spiritual-abuse Subscribe to "Pop Culture Coffee Hour" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

Dec 28, 2021Episode 177
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, part 1

Steve and Christian discuss the new Christianity Today podcast, "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill." This is part 1. They discuss authority, celebrity, and spiritual abuse. christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill Additional Resource: markdejesus.com/14-signs-spiritual-abuse Subscribe to "Pop Culture Coffee Hour" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

Dec 22, 2021Episode 178
Encanto

The girls and their guest, Dan, discuss the latest Disney/Pixar offering, Encanto. They discuss the how place (and the temple) impacts formation, how people are more than their gifts, and the healing power of forgiveness. As always, they close by discussing what they're cooking.

Dec 22, 2021Episode 178
Encanto

The girls and their guest, Dan, discuss the latest Disney/Pixar offering, Encanto. They discuss the how place (and the temple) impacts formation, how people are more than their gifts, and the healing power of forgiveness. As always, they close by discussing what they're cooking.