god and spiritual

Episode 79: Finding God Through Oil and Marble

The girls take on Stephanie Storey’s Oil and Marble, a historical fiction novel based on the rivalry between Leonardo and Michaelangelo. They discuss true beauty and personhood as it can be portrayed through art, the power of true forgiveness, and the role of desire in the Christian life. They close with their Top 5 Old Testament Characters.




god and spiritual

Episode 80: Love Actually and Actual Love

Just in time for Christmas, the girls rewatched the 2003 rom-com, Love Actually. They discuss what actually makes something a Christmas story, how true love involves sacrifice, and the connectedness of our lives. They close with their Top 5 Christmas Movies.




god and spiritual

Episode 81: PCCH (and Mary Poppins) Returns!

The girls take on the long-awaited sequel to the classic film, Mary Poppins Returns. They discuss how true life stands in contrast to despair, how our perspectives shape our realities, and the role of wonder in the spiritual life. They close with their Top 5 Imaginary Places.




god and spiritual

Episode 82: Can't Beat The Beatles

This week, the guys take on one of the greatest bands of all time: The Beatles. They discuss how the band represented a beacon of hope in a bleak time, the burden of the immanent frame, and how the human person must find ways to reach toward life. They close with their Top 5 Most Influential Musical Acts.




god and spiritual

Episode 83: Thank You and Goodnight!

The girls discuss the Amazon Prime original show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. They discuss the importance of family, the common incongruence between “who we are” and “what we do,” and the nature of our true identity in Christ. They close with Emma’s Top 5 Comedians.




god and spiritual

Episode 84: Spider-People Unite!

The guys swing into the newest movie about everyone’s favorite wall-crawler, Into the Spider-Verse. They explore how loss affects who we become, how personhood is shaped in relationship, and how our identities are shaped by more than what we choose for ourselves. They close with their Top 5 Examples of Multiple Dimensions in Pop Culture.




god and spiritual

Episode 85: Building Bridges with Clay

The girls take on the 2018 novel, Bridge of Clay. They discuss how stories shape the way we live, how grief is a complex process, and how repentance doesn’t always look like what we imagine. They close with Christina’s Top 5 Greek Myths.




god and spiritual

Episode 86: Bandersnatch'd

The guys take a hack at the Black Mirror’s groundbreaking choose-your-own-adventure episode, Bandersnatch! Besides being thoroughly creeped out by it, the guys discuss participatory culture, the role of freedom in the human life, and how our desire to control is born out of fear. They close with their Top 5 Breakings Though the Fourth Wall.




god and spiritual

Episode 87: A Life of Lore

The girls discuss Aaron Mahnke's podcast, Lore. They discuss the story-telling instinct of humans, how the world used to be filled with wonder, and how folklore stories have helped us protect ourselves from fear. They close with their Top 5 Mischievous Spirits.




god and spiritual

Episode 88: From Octpob with Love

At the beginning of Great Lent, the guys discuss the moving Russian film, Ostrov (The Island). They explore how repentance is an ongoing act, how compunction opens our hearts to grace, and how false piety fails to measure up to true holiness. They close with their Top 5 Redemption Stories.




god and spiritual

Episode 89: The Marvelous Ms. Marvel

This week, the guys take on the new hit film, Captain Marvel. They discuss how our identity emerges in relationship, how being filled with God’s grace changes us deeply, and how compassion is often the first step toward transformation. They close with their Top 5 Origin Stories.




god and spiritual

Episode 90: Getting Marie Kondo'd

The girls take on one of the latest trends sweeping the nation: tidying up! They discuss the relationship between physical clutter and spiritual clutter, the importance of joy, and the need to give thanks to Christ for all things. They close with their Top 5 Organization Tips and Tricks.




god and spiritual

Episode 91: A Little Bit About “Big”

The guys get back to the classics, this week taking on the 80's film, Big! They discuss the difference between innocence and naïveté, how the grass is not always greener somewhere else, and the reality that relationships help ground us in who we really are. They close with their Top 5 Coming of Age Stories.




god and spiritual

Episode 92: Remember Eighth Grade?

The girls take on the highly acclaimed film, Eighth Grade. They discuss how each of us wants to be known for who we are, how true relationship demands actual closeness, and how we present images of ourselves instead of authentic self-revelation. They Close with the Top 5 Things Middle Schoolers Have Recently Said.




god and spiritual

Episode 93: It's Us!

This week, the guys talk about Jordan Peele's new social horror flick: Us. They discuss the hidden power of the shadow self, the impact of generational trauma, and how all of us are implicated in the messages of the film. They close with their Top 5 Twist Endings.




god and spiritual

Episode 94: Devoted to Devotions

This week, the girls have a conversation about Mary Oliver’s collection of poems, Devotions. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the power of paying attention, and how death acts as a frame from the beauty of life. They close with their Top 5 God Moments.




god and spiritual

Episode 95: There Was No Other Way (Endgame)

The guys are pumped to talk about the final chapter of the first decade of the MCU, Avengers: Endgame! They discuss how grief and loss affect everyone differently, the sticky implications and universal appeal of time travel, and how sacrifice will always win the day. They close with their Top 5 Final Chapters.




god and spiritual

Episode 96: What Song Do Crawdads Sing?

The girls take on Delia Owens’ novel, Where the Crawdads Sing. They discuss how love is central to the human experience, the duality of nature, and whether the heart is affected by concealing sin. They close with their Top 5 Outcasts.




god and spiritual

Episode 97: How Easy Am I To Find?

The guys discuss The National’s newest album, I Am Easy To Find. They touch on the complexity of being human, how longing touches on the most universal of human desires, and how hard it is to make peace with pain. They close with their Top 5 Sad Songs.




god and spiritual

Episode 98: The Best Podcast in Agrabah

The girls take on the latest Disney re-make, Aladdin. They discuss how true power is made manifest in service, how compassion makes a ruler strong, and how our hearts are not necessarily shaped by our circumstances. They close with their Top 5 Supernatural BFFs.




god and spiritual

Episode 99: A Social Zoo for Social Animals

This week, the guys take on the Netflix documentary, Social Animals. The documentary follows three teens and their relationship with Instagram. Conversation topics include the Age of Authenticity, the role of the true self and false self in the construction of identity, and how our words have a lasting impact on others. They close with Steve’s Top 5 Social Media Tips.




god and spiritual

Episode 100: We Finally Did Firefly!

It’s the 100th episode and to celebrate, the guys and the girls took on the cult classic Firefly! You asked for it, and they listened! And buckle up folks, because it’s a big one! Join them in the first ever four-person episode as they discuss the need for a crew, the impact of cross-pressure, how the show explores what it is to be human, and as they reflect on 100 episodes of PCCH! They close with their Top 5 Pop Culture Coffee Hour moments!




god and spiritual

Episode 101: Chatting 'Bout Chapelle

The guys are back to kick off season 5 by discussing Dave Chapelle’s new comedy special, Sticks and Stones. They discuss whether Chapelle’s humor is puerile or prophetic, the need to speak truth fearlessly, and the complicated nature of the modern moral order. They close with their Top Next 5 Comedy Specials.




god and spiritual

Episode 102: A Big Little Podcast on Big Little Liars

Christina and Emma take on the HBO series, Big Little Liars. They discuss the many reasons people lie, how repentance can improve even the most impossible situations, and how the ultimate goal of life is to be healed. They close with their Top 5 Big Little Liars.




god and spiritual

Episode 103: The Life of Luxury (and Three Rockin' Priests)

Steve and Christian discuss Parallel Love, a documentary that follows the trajectory of the rock band, Luxury. One cool thing about this band: 3 members are Orthodox priests. The guys discuss the disruptive nature of art, the ongoing process of conversion, and how all of us are called to be priests of creation. They close with their Top 5 Christian Artists and Musicians.




god and spiritual

Episode 104: Downton Revisited

This week, Christina Andresen and Emma Solak take on the new Downtown Abbey film. They discuss the tension between simplicity and grandeur, the power of unity in diversity, and how true loyalty is rooted in love. They share their Top 5 "They Finally Realize They're in Love" episodes.




god and spiritual

Episode 105: (Not) Just Another Spider-Man Podcast

The guys finally take on the latest Spider-Man film, Far From Home. They discuss the nature of reality vs. illusion, the human need for belief, and how we often are willing to disown our lives for something easier. They close with their Top 5 Spider-Man Villains.




god and spiritual

Episode 106: The PCCH Girls Who Drank the Moon

Christina and Emma take on the Newberry Medal winning novel, The Girl Who Drank the Moon. They discuss sacrifice vs. loss, hope vs. sorrow, and how Christian hope in particular is not an empty promise. They close with their Top 5 Newberry Winners.




god and spiritual

Episode 107: Check Out This Joker

The guys discuss the newest film from DC Movies, The Joker. They discuss the impact of mental illness, having compassion for enemies, and how any of us can take the road to darkness. They close with their Top 5 Movies About Mental Health.




god and spiritual

Episode 108: Good Things About Good Omens

Christina Andresen and Emma Solak discuss the new Amazon Prime show, Good Omens. They discuss how we are all fallen, the battle between heaven and hell, and whether or not the gospel falls flat for those in comfort. They close with their Top 5 Gangs of Kids.




god and spiritual

Episode 109: New Kanye, New Kanye Album

This week the guys discuss Kanye West’s latest release, Jesus is King. They discuss materialism, the importance of honesty in repentance, and the cost of following Christ. They close with their Top 5 Christian Albums.




god and spiritual

Episode 110: Falling in Modern Love

The girls discuss the podcast-gone-Amazon series, Modern Love. They reflect on the nature of "modern" love, how love makes us vulnerable, and how true love calls us to become real. They close with their Top 5 Love Stories That Are Not About Romantic Love.




god and spiritual

Episode 111: True Life in Luxury

A couple months ago, the guys watched a documentary following the band, Luxury. They were so impressed by the band and their music, they decided to focus this week on Luxury's album, Trophies. The guys discuss how the world is in decay, how we still need to be affirming of life, and how grace and repentance mean we actually have to change our lives. They close with their Top 5 Things They Are Thankful to God For.




god and spiritual

Episode 112: The Cold Truth About Frozen II

The girls take on the highly anticipated Disney movie, Frozen II, and (spoiler alert) they weren't impressed. They discuss how we ought to gauge the next right thing, whether newness of knowledge equates with wisdom, and how we should acquire a spirit of service. They end with their Top 5 Sequels (That Were Actually Good).




god and spiritual

Episode 113: Lord of the Rings Live! (Feat. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick)

Live from New York, it’s PCCH! The guys discuss the epic trilogy, Lord of the Rings. The touch on topics such as friendship, the human obsession with power, and where hope can be found. Fr. Andrew joins the guys for a Q&A;, as well as a special quiz designed just for him.




god and spiritual

Episode 114: Another Star Wars Bonanza! The Rise of Skywalker!

It's finally here. The end of the Skywalker Saga! Join the guys as they discuss the final film of a story 42 years in the making! Spoiler Porgs included.




god and spiritual

Episode 115: Hey, Mando!

The guys discuss the first live-action Star Wars TV Series: The Mandalorian. They touch on the interplay between nostalgia and creativity, the role of choice in identity formation, and the self-sacrificial love. They close with their Top 5 Westerns.




god and spiritual

Episode 116: Big Talk about Little Women

The girls discuss the newest version of the classic story, Little Women. They take on topics such as death, the place and shape of gratitude in our lives, and the role of women in society. They close with their Top 5 Movies Based on Classic Novels.




god and spiritual

Episode 117: Thank You and Goodnight! (Again!)

This week the girls revisit the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. They discuss the need to be clear on our lives priorities, how where we are shapes who we become, and how each of us is called to follow Christ authentically. They close with their Top 5 Songs Released in 1960.




god and spiritual

Episode 118: This Was Your Afterlife

The guys revisit the NBC hit, The Good Place, after the Series Finale, and they were...a little disappointed. They discuss images of the afterlife, how love is other people, and visions of "the good." They close with their Top 5 Season Finales.




god and spiritual

Episode 119: PCCH LIVE! Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Podcast (Pt. 1)

Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez are joined by Christina Andresen for this special live episode of Pop Culture Coffee Hour! Recorded at the 2020 Youth and Camp Workers Conference in Phoenix, they discuss why Hogwarts is a CPS call waiting to happen, how friendship makes us better, and whether youth can be trusted with the Church. They close with a brief Q&A; and a promise to finish what Dumbledore started. Listen to Part 2 at https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/popculture/episode_120_harry_potter_and_the_half_blood_podcast_pt_2.




god and spiritual

Episode 120: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Podcast (Pt. 2)

Christina Andresen, Steve Christoforou, and Christian Gonzalez finish up their conversation on Harry Potter. They discuss how youth ministry should look like Defense Against the Dark Arts, how sacrifice shows true mastery over death, and who they think the true hero of the story is. They close with their Top 5 Things (and an Accidental One) They'd Make Into Horcruxes. Listen to Part 1 at https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/popculture/episode_119_pcch_live_harry_potter_and_the_half_blood_podcast_pt_1.




god and spiritual

Episode 121: Hanging with the Sack Lunch Bunch

The guys watched John Mulaney's new children's-program-inspired Netflix special, and (spoiler alert) it's hilarious. They discuss the power of taking children seriously, how fear plays deeply into much of our lives, and the power of listening. They close with their Top 5 Children's TV Shows.




god and spiritual

UPDATE: Pop Culture Coffee Hour LIVE (Every Week)!

Since we're all trying to be socially responsible and live in a state of self-imposed quarantine, Christian Gonzalez and Steve Christoforou want to offer a little bit of lightheartedness. That's why they will be going LIVE every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Eastern/9:30 a.m. Pacific with a brand-spanking new episode of Pop Culture Coffee Hour! Join them at www.y2am.org/PopCultureLive and be a part of the conversation!




god and spiritual

Episode 122: Going Live with Groundhog Day!

This week, the guys take to Zoom before a live digital audience to discuss the classic movie, Groundhog Day! They discuss life under quarantine, how the divine desires the salvation of all, and how change occurs in the heart. The close with some Q&A;! Make sure to join every week at www.y2am.org/PopCultureLive!




god and spiritual

Episode 123: Let's Take It to the Street!

This week, the guys discuss the frantic comedy game show, Billy on the Street! They discuss how important a name is, the abnormality of social distancing, and the desire to return to life.




god and spiritual

Episode 124: Living the Dream

The guys reflect on the 2010 film, Inception. They discuss the nature of consciousness, the relationship between the mind and the human person, and the importance of conversion over inception.




god and spiritual

Episode 125: Vulnerability Hour

Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez open up for a vulnerable conversation where they share what they're struggling with, how they're doing, and how they're still finding God at work in the midst of a global pandemic.




god and spiritual

Episode 126: Onward (And Upward!)

What if magic were real? The guys explore the new Disney feature film, "Onward." They explore the truth in stories, the challenges of a disenchanted world, and the ways Disney films present love.




god and spiritual

Episode 127: Becoming New Men

The guys explore the beautiful new documentary film, "New Men." They explore the challenge of staying in one place, whether monastic life is a higher calling, and struggles of the Christian life. You can find the film at newmendoc.com.