Matters of culture should matter to us—because they matter to God. Hosted by Adam Hawkins, Tymarcus Ragland and Chelsea Conway—the Culture Matters podcast explores the intersection of faith and culture. Looking at everything from politics, art and entertainment to issues such as racial reconciliation and the sanctity of human life, we discuss what it looks like to live faithfully on mission—in the world but not of the world.
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · next check
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
In the final episode of this series on the church, the conversation shifts from simply attending church to faithfully belonging to the people of God. This episode explores what it means to live as a covenant community—one marked by commitment, discipleship, sacrifice, and love. Rather than approaching church as consumers, believers are called to participate in God's ongoing work through serving,…
Ty and Chelsea continue their miniseries on the church by exploring the topic of discipleship. Building on the previous conversation about the church as a body, they discuss what it means to intentionally help others become more like Jesus and why so many believers feel hesitant to engage in discipleship. The conversation challenges the idea that discipleship is reserved for experts, pastors, or…
In part 3 of our Church Series, Adam and Ty explore the biblical vision of the church as one body with many parts. They address a common modern question— "Do I have to go to church to be a Christian?" —and argue that the New Testament treats participation in the people of God as the assumed context of Christian life. Rather than focusing on obligation, they reframe the conversation around why…
In Part 2 of their conversation on the Church, Chelsea and Tamaris Ragland explore the foundational Christian doctrine of union with Christ and why it matters for understanding the Church. Building from the previous episode, they discuss how the New Testament assumes believers are connected not only to Christ but also to one another through His body, the Church. Drawing heavily from Ephesians 1,…
Chelsea and Tymarcus kick off a new mini-series on the church. Today they explore a question that many Christians wrestle with: Do you have to be part of a church to follow Jesus? Rather than approaching the topic as a defense of church attendance, they examine how the New Testament consistently assumes that followers of Jesus are connected to the people of God. The discussion highlights the…
This episode dives deep into the intersection of boundaries, codependency, and discipleship . Katherine Bahcall helps reframe a culturally saturated conversation by grounding it in Scripture and the gospel. While the world often defines boundaries as a tool for self-protection and self-esteem, this conversation pushes further—revealing that the root issue isn’t just relational dysfunction, but…
Chelsea and Tymarcus unpack the deeper meaning of creativity—not just as artistic expression, but as a core part of being human. Rooted in Scripture and lived experience, they challenge the cultural narrative that creativity only matters if it’s monetized or platform-worthy. From sourdough baking to engineering, parenting to music, they explore how creativity shows up in everyday life—and why it’s…
In this Tuesday-after-Easter conversation, Chelsea and Ty reflect on the beauty, tension, and purpose behind spiritual rhythms like feasting and fasting . From Easter services to Good Friday reflections, they unpack why certain moments in the church calendar feel more significant—and why that’s actually by design. The conversation explores how celebration (feasting) and lament (fasting) work…
The crew tackles heavy global headlines—from tensions involving Iran and U.S. military action to immigration debates and ICE-related unrest—while asking a deeper question: How should Christians respond when the world feels unstable and unclear? Rather than offering political prescriptions, the conversation centers on spiritual posture: lament, prayer, discernment, and faithful presence in everyday…
Chelsea sits down with Michael Bleecker and Ryanne Molinari, author of Spirit-Filled Singing: Bearing Fruit as We Worship Together , to explore how congregational singing is not just expressive—but formative . Rooted in passages like Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, and Galatians 5, Ryanne draws a compelling connection: singing together is one of the primary ways the Holy Spirit cultivates His fruit in…
Adam, and special guests Jamin Roller, and Dr. Jonathan Pennington explore the connection between faith and work. They challenge the sacred-secular divide, reminding us that work is not a post-fall curse—but a pre-fall calling. From Genesis to the New Testament, Scripture affirms that all work—done with excellence, love, and integrity—is an act of worship. The conversation reframes vocation, not…
Adam Hawkins is joined by guests Michael Bleecker and Brenda Peitzman. Together they explore the powerful and often overlooked role grandparents play in passing down faith to the next generation. The conversation highlights the biblical vision of generational discipleship, the cultural challenges families face today, and the incredible opportunity grandparents have to shape identity, faith, and…
We’re joined (again!) by our friend, former host, and published author, Elizabeth Woodson , to celebrate the release of her new book, Habits of Resistance: Seven Ways You’re Being Formed by Culture and Gospel Practices to Help You Push Back . In this conversation, we explore the question If we’re all being discipled, who—or what—is shaping us? Elizabeth argues that the issue isn’t if we’re being…
We’re kicking off a new season by asking a timely and necessary question: How do Christians navigate a world that feels increasingly chaotic, divided, and unstable? From political outrage cycles and media manipulation to cultural flashpoints and global conflict, it seems like everything is accelerating. Opinions form instantly. Narratives shift constantly. And Christians often find themselves…
In the last of our Advent conversations, Adam Hawkins welcomes back Elizabeth Woodson and Tymarcus to unpack the biblical concept of peace (shalom) —especially what it means in a season that’s often chaotic, overwhelming, and culturally mischaracterized. Merry Christmas. We will see you in the new year. In This Episode 01:00 — Life Lately with Elizabeth 02:00 — Starting the Discussion: What Is…
We continue our conversation with Caroline Smiley for a moving meditation on Love through the lens of Mary , the mother of Jesus. Tymarcus and Caroline reflect on Mary’s embodiment of sacrificial love at the manger and at the cross. This episode explores how Mary models a risky, selfless, participatory love —one that mirrors God's invitation for us to love as sons and daughters, not merely as…
In this second Advent episode, Tymarcus and guest Caroline Smiley explore what it means to experience true joy during Advent — not the manufactured “cheer” of the holiday‑season spectacle, but a deep, scripturally rooted joy anchored in the arrival of Jesus Christ. They walk through how Mary’s song (the Magnificat ) in the Gospel of Gospel of Luke isn’t just a moment of personal celebration, but a…
We're releasing a series of episodes centered around the Season of Advent. In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Lindsey Jackson by reflecting on Hope — not as wishful thinking, but as a firm trust in God's promises amid suffering. Lindsey shares the story of losing her infant daughter Hadley in 2017 to sudden unexplained infant death (SUID) and how her grief became a place where God reoriented…
In this episode, Adam and Ty sit down with Rebecca McLaughlin to discuss her new book How Church Could (Literally) Save Your Life , which explores how regular involvement in a local church is linked with mental, physical, moral, and spiritual flourishing. Drawing on rigorous academic research (especially from Harvard School of Public Health), Rebecca outlines compelling findings: weekly attendance…
In this episode, we welcome back Whitney Pipkin, who explores how artificial intelligence (AI) intersects with Christianity, the body, embodiment, and culture. Whitney draws on her background in environmental journalism and Christian thought to highlight the impacts of AI: its resource footprint, its effect on how we think, its influence on discipleship, and what it means for embodied Christian…
In this rich conversation, Tymarcus and Dr. Claudia MacMillian explore how our contemporary educational and cultural frameworks—especially the “myth of fact”—shape our abilities to imagine, love, think, and live well. Dr. MacMillian traces the idea back to the work of Donald Cowan and Louise Cowan, showing how modernity’s emphasis on extracting isolated “facts” from context has left many of us…
In this episode, Chelsea sits down with friends Ashley Hardcastle and Kaylee to explore the world of youth and amateur athletics, reflecting on their personal stories, the pressures and joys of competition, and how faith intersects with identity in the arena of sports and performance. They discuss what they loved, what they struggled with, and how they now seek to guide the next generation…
Chelsea and Ty are joined in person by Robyn Bush to explore the deeply symbolic and often overlooked metaphor of Jesus as the Bridegroom. Drawing from Scripture, ancient Jewish wedding customs, and personal stories, they unpack how this image reshapes our understanding of intimacy with Christ—whether single, married, or widowed. In This Episode 02:00 – Why This Topic: Book Club, Loss, and…
In this episode, Adam and Chelsea talk with Dr. Dani(elle) Treweek about her new book Single Ever After: A Biblical Vision for the Significance of Singleness . They explore how Christians often misunderstand singleness, how to read biblical passages like Genesis and Paul rightly in this topic, and what it means for both single and married Christians to live in community. Dani helps listeners see…
Ty sits down with Pastor Charles Wilson to explore the topic of spiritual fatherhood. From personal stories of biological fathers to theological reflections on Paul and Timothy, this conversation covers the why and how of raising spiritual sons and daughters within the household of God. Whether you're a spiritual father, have one, or simply are curious what the Bible has to say about the topic,…
This episode is pretty special. Adam is joined by his mom to talk about spiritual motherhood. Spiritual Mothering is a posture of life more than a thing you do. Being in the word and recognizing that we get to spend time with God and spend time with others, spiritually mothering and discipling. It’s a beautiful GET TO, not a have to. When we’re living in a way that’s more about Jesus and less…
In this episode, Chelsea and Ty unpack the nature of friendship—how it shifts across seasons of life, what it means to be a true friend as Christians, and how our modern, mediated world complicates our longings for connection. They explore the tension between real embodied friendships and virtual/para-social ones, how change (in jobs, marriage, location, spiritual growth) reshapes who “counts” as…
In this episode, Adam sits down with pastor and author John Van Sloten to discuss his provoking and worship-inspiring book, God Speaks Science . Together, they explore how science can be a spiritual discipline and a form of divine revelation—right alongside scripture. From the grandeur of supernovas to the mystery of the giant squid, Van Sloten invites us into a world where the natural order…
In this episode, we sit down with worship leader and songwriter John Marc Kohl , for a vulnerable conversation about the heart of creativity. We talk about what it means to create honest art, the challenge of sharing our gifts, and the tension between inspiration and excellence. John Marc shares how his songwriting journey started with his mom’s choir notes and led to songs that took years to…
We’re back! In this season kickoff, we share a few updates—Elizabeth is stepping back from regular hosting to focus on her own excellent work (peek “Starting Place” podcast), Ty joins us from Virginia where he’s serving with The Hill Church, and Chelsea moves from behind-the-scenes into more on-mic hosting. Then we do what we love: trace the intersections of faith and culture through the summer’s…
This is the last episode of this season and the crew gathers in studio to reflect on their favorite episodes, share personal highlights, and unpack the cultural moments that shaped their year. From Whitney Pipkin’s profound conversation on dying, to the metaphor-rich teaching of Jonathan Pennington, the team reminisces on how these guests left lasting impressions. They also dive into what they’ve…
In this episode, host Adam is joined by Katherine Bahcall, licensed Professional Counselor and a leader in recovery and care ministries, to discuss the often difficult but essential topic of conflict. Together, they explore how Christians can navigate conflict both personally and professionally, drawing from biblical wisdom and counseling experience. From conflict avoidance to the role of justice…
In this moving episode, Adam and Ty sit down with artist Dawn Waters Baker to explore the sacred intersection of art, suffering, beauty, and faith. From her childhood in the Philippines to her residencies in national parks and her deep love for scripture, Dawn shares how her art is shaped by landscapes, personal grief, and the pursuit of God’s presence in both pain and beauty. This is a rich…
In this thoughtful and practical continuation of their conversation on gender relationships in the church, Ty, Liz, and Adam explore how men and women can engage each other as family within the body of Christ. Building on the theological foundation from a previous episode, they delve into real-world dynamics, boundaries, and the complexity of navigating cross-gender relationships with wisdom,…
In this episode of Culture Matters , Ty and Taryn sit down with Dr. Jonathan Pennington to explore how metaphors do far more than decorate our teaching—they shape our understanding of reality itself. Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, theology, and personal experience, Dr. Pennington helps us see how metaphors are central to how we communicate truth, especially in Christian teaching,…
In this deeply moving episode, Adam and Ty sit down with Pastor Ray Ortlund to discuss his latest book, Good News at Rock Bottom: Finding God When Pain Goes Deep and Hope Seems Lost . Ray shares powerful reflections on how suffering, betrayal, and loss can become sacred spaces where God draws near. The conversation explores the nature of grace, the reality of rock bottom, and how true healing…
In this conversation, Adam and Elizabeth sit down with writer and journalist Whitney Pipkin to talk about her book We Shall All Be Changed . Whitney shares how walking with her mother through a 22-year cancer journey—and ultimately her final days—reshaped her theology of death, grief, caregiving, and hope. Together, they explore the cultural discomfort around death, how Christians can approach…
In this episode, we sit down with counselor Hillary Marvin to unpack how our past—especially our family of origin—shapes the way we relate to God, ourselves, and others. Hillary walks us through the “old house vs. new house” analogy, showing how the gospel reshapes our values, our emotional patterns, and our relationships. We talk about how childhood experiences affect our parenting, our…
This episode, we’re out of our usual space and recording from Neighbor Books in McKinney, Texas. We sit down with owner Joey Honesco to talk about place, calling, and the quiet power of presence. Joey shares his journey of opening a bookstore rooted in community—a “third place” where people connect over books, coffee, and shared rhythms. We reflect on how God uses proximity and intentionality to…
What does leadership look like when no one’s watching? In this episode, we sit down with Alan Hooton — educator, elder, and faithful presence at Citizens Church — to explore leadership shaped not by titles or accolades, but by consistency and character. After 19 years in the same classroom, Alan invites us to see leadership as something slow, relational, and deeply rooted in presence. We talk…
In this episode, we’re joined by Jenna Hernandez from Citizens Church, who shares how her work in college ministry and prison discipleship is all about meeting people right where they are. Whether she’s leading a Bible study with students at UT Dallas or walking with women behind bars, Jenna brings a grounded, relational approach to spiritual formation—one that’s shaped by presence, patience, and…
In this episode, Caroline Smiley joins us to explore God’s vision for friendship and community. How do relationships shift across seasons of life? What does it mean to pursue Christlike friendships in a culture shaped by individualism? We dive into the biblical foundation of community, from Genesis to today, and how Scripture challenges our approach to relationships. We unpack how deep friendships…
Why do spiritual disciplines matter if we’re saved by grace through faith? If salvation isn’t based on works, why do prayer, fasting, and Scripture reading still hold weight? Today, we’re diving into what Paul says in Romans about how salvation isn’t just about avoiding hell—it’s about transformation. Spiritual disciplines aren’t about earning God’s favor; they’re about stepping into the fullness…
We are kicking off this special mini-series on Spiritual Formation by sitting down with Robyn, a longtime friend and valued member of our church community. At 58, Robyn embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner, embracing the highs and lows of life with faith and humility. She shares her story through the lens of seasons—how adoption, loss, and her relationship with the church have all…
We’re kicking off a fresh season of Culture Matters with a new approach—less reaction, more intentional conversation. Inspired by Andy Crouch’s vision of Christians as curators, we’re breaking up the season into six to eight-week mini-series that dig deep into faith, culture, and creativity. Along the way, we’ll explore key cultural moments, theological insights, and the stories shaping our world.…
Amidst the holiday hustle, have you ever considered the impact of pausing to reflect? Advent offers us this sacred pause, inviting us to step away from commercial chaos and embrace the profound of Advent and Christmas. This episode guides you through the themes of Advent—hope, love, joy, and peace—showing how they anchor us during this season. Scripture from Isaiah, Luke, Matthew and James…
Advent reminds us of the hope in a light in the darkness. In this episode, our friends Bobby and Taryn share their story of how God upheld them through joys and suffering and through seasons of lament surrounding the holidays. Topics Discussed Encountering God in Suffering The Power of Christian Lament Trusting God in Community Embracing Joy and Sorrow in Advent Finding Grace in Suffering…
In this episode we discuss some of the bigger headlines in the news lately as well as take a look back at the year to review some of our favorite, books, music and movies. Recommended and Mentioned Resources Our previous episodes on Christian Nationalism: Part 1 Part 2 Books: Flood and Fury Hip-Hop Is History Do Fathers Matter? Nuclear War on Audible The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay…
Join us on Culture Matters as we explore the epistle of Galatians with Elizabeth, who shares insights from her new study, Live Free. Elizabeth delves into her admiration for Paul's engagement with culture, highlighting his skillful interaction with Greek philosophers and his adept handling of false teachings by the Judaizers. We discuss how Paul's message remains relevant today, addressing the…
Join us on Culture Matters as we explore the role of gratitude and its significance. We discuss how the human experience is often a mixture of gratitude and sorrow, how gratitude can offer contentment in the present moment and how it can shift our perspective to appreciate even small blessings. Topics Discussed Choosing Gratitude for Joyful Living Navigating Gratitude and Sorrow in Life Finding…
