Culture Matters

Culture Matters
  • 3.7 (7)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    AI & Embodiment

    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 living in a disembodied age. The conversation covers both practical and theological questions—How does AI shape our habits, relationships, thinking? Are we just consumers of information, or are we being formed as creatures who live in bodies and communities? In This EpisodesAI’s Real-World Environmental CostsPower, Water, and the AI BoomTheological Accuracy in AI ModelsAI’s Influence on How We ThinkShould Christians Use AI Tools?Algorithms, Formation & DiscipleshipDisembodied Faith vs Embodied LifeDiscipleship Requires CommunityWhat AI Is Discipling Us IntoEmbodied Practices in a Digital AgeForecasting the Future of Tech & FaithDigital Monks or Missionaries?Limits, Attention & AccountabilityThe Body as a Theological WitnessKey TakeawaysAI isn’t neutral — it has real environmental, ethical, and spiritual consequences.Embodiment matters — we’re made to live, think, and relate in physical bodies, not just as online users.Formation over efficiency — spiritual growth comes through limits, relationships, and real-life discipleship.Question the tradeoffs — just because AI makes something easier doesn’t mean it’s good for us.Be distinct — Christians should live and think differently in a tech-driven, disembodied world.Follow WhitneyWebsite InstagramSubstackFollow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    46 min

  2. 4 NOV

    The Myth of Fact

    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 brittle, shallow in our sensibilities, and under‑equipped to embrace mystery, beauty, narrative, poetry, and the fullness of human experience. Ultimately, the episode argues for a return to formation over mere performance—cultivating souls able to engage with the world deeply, compassionately, and imaginatively. Key TakeawaysFact isn’t truth — Modern culture wrongly treats isolated facts as ultimate truth.Context matters — Truth must be understood in its full, lived context.Imagination is essential — The poetic imagination shapes how we see, love, and live.Formation over performance — Education should form souls, not just train skills.Read whole works — Novels, poetry, and scripture cultivate depth and empathy.Mystery is good — We must embrace mystery, not reduce everything to certainty.People are complex — Literature reminds us no one is all good or all bad.Scripture is story & song — Most of the Bible is narrative and poetry, not bullet points.Technology isn’t the problem — How we form humans in the face of AI is the real issue.Live with depth — True discipleship means growing in imagination, humility, and love.Mentioned Resourceshttps://www.macmillaninstitute.org/ Donald and Luise Cowan Center Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    54 min

  3. 28 OCT

    Sports! Sports! Sports!

    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 (whether as parents or mentors) toward a healthier, Christ‑centered perspective on activity, achievement, and belonging. In This Episode02:07 – Ashley’s story 06:47 – Kaylee’s story 14:59 – Reflecting on what was good 22:28 – Discussion of parental/coach roles 29:26 – Parenting advice 38:32 – Coach/organization considerations 49:56 – “What do we say to kids before and after games/performances?” 54:26 – Final take‑aways Key TakeawaysActivity is Not IdentityJoy & Pressure Often CoexistParents & Coaches Shape More Than SkillsFamily Health > Activity StackingWhat You Celebrate Shapes What They RememberMentioned ResourcesTake Back the Game: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids' Sports--and Why It Matters Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    1h 1m

  4. 21 OCT

    Christ as the Husband: Exploring Marriage of the Church Metaphor

    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 Episode02:00 – Why This Topic: Book Club, Loss, and Curiosity 04:30 – Isaiah 54:5 and the Tenderness of a Divine Husband 07:00 – Ephesians 5 and the Weighty Call of Love and Submission 10:00 – Single and Married: Living into the Picture of the Bride 14:00 – Cultural Lenses & the Challenge of Bridegroom Language 17:00 – Covenant, Death to Self, and Mutual Sacrifice 20:00 – A Christian Vision of Marriage: “No Man Hates His Own Body” 21:40 – Ancient Jewish Wedding Traditions & the Gospel Story 30:00 – The Woman at the Well and the Bridegroom’s Pursuit 34:00 – Genesis, Luke, and the Tender Choice of a Bride 36:00 – Christ, the Second Adam, and the Bride from His Side 38:00 – Why We Must Read the Bible with Eyes to See the Bride Key TakeawaysJesus as Bridegroom Is PersonalThe Bridegroom Chooses the BrokenMarriage Is Meant to Model the GospelThe Return of Christ Is a Wedding to AnticipateMentioned ResourcesJesus the Bridegroom: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Brant PitreThe Meaning of Marriage by Tim KellerFollow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    41 min

  5. 14 OCT

    Single Ever After with Dani Treweek

    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 that singleness is not a lesser state, but a meaningful way of life that foreshadows eternal realities and contributes to the church now. In This Episode[00:34] Dani’s Background [06:38] Genesis & Aloneness [08:18] Song Titles as Chapter Titles [15:00] The “Gift” of Singleness [18:00] Chosen vs Unchosen Singleness [22:06] Married vs Single in Church [28:00] Friendship Across Life Stages [29:28] Kingdom Impact as a Single Person [35:00] Longing for True Church Community [37:00] Future Pressures in Church & Culture Key TakeawaysGenesis, aloneness, and marriageGift of Singleness — myth or reality?Singleness as a Choice vs CircumstanceComplementary portraits: married & singlePractical life & communityFuture cultural pressures & church postureGuest ResourcesBuy the book: Single Ever After  Connect with Dani Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    35 min

  6. 7 OCT

    Spiritual Fatherhood

    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 a rich reminder of God's design for intergenerational discipleship. Charles helps us reimagine the role of the church not just as a place of instruction, but of family. In This Episode02:00 - The Importance of Biological Fatherhood 05:00 - Becoming a Father: Lessons Learned 07:45 - Spiritual Fatherhood in Scripture 12:00 - Encouragement, Discipline, and Rebuke 16:00 - Misconceptions: Age, Authority & Access 20:30 - Discipling Along the Way 25:00 - Jesus as the Ultimate Spiritual Father 30:00 - Local Church vs. Online Instructors 34:00 - Everyday Saints: The Unsung Spiritual Fathers Key TakeawaysSpiritual fatherhood is essential at every stage of lifeThe local church is where spiritual family happensBiblical discipleship looks like familySpiritual authority isn’t about age—it’s about faithfulnessFaithful presence outweighs public platformGuest ResourcesLearn more about The Hill Church, Roanoke VA Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    37 min

  7. 3 OCT

    Spiritual Motherhood with Janice Hawkins

    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 about ourselves, we get to serve out of that freedom and bless others.  In This Episode[00:04:41] Spiritual Heritage [00:10:29] Faith That Shapes the Home [00:12:40] Parenting Through Rebellion [00:14:04] Creating a Safe Space [00:18:35] Discipleship Is Everyday Life [00:22:35] Staying Hopeful in Motherhood [00:25:42] The Role of a Grandmother [00:29:34] Spiritual Mothering in the Church [00:32:55] It’s Simpler Than We Think Key TakeawaysSpiritual motherhood is a posture, not a program.Prayer is the backbone of spiritual legacy.Home is a primary space for discipleship.Older women must move toward and support younger women.Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    37 min

  8. 23 SEPT

    Friendship Change and Getting out of Our Comfort Zone

    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 friend, and how the church as the Body of Christ is meant to be a home for mutual affection, care, and proximity. Intentionality, wisdom, and discernment are emphasized as keys in navigating changing friendships well. Key TakeawaysFriendship is chosen. Unlike family, genuine friendship involves mutual affection, choice, investment, and work. Depth vs breadth. Many people have lots of acquaintances or peer relationships, but few deep friendships; that’s normal, but it also means we must be intentional. Seasons change & reshape friendships. Jobs, marriage, location, spiritual maturity — these all shift who we spend time with and in what ways. That’s okay; it requires discernment. Being present & close matters. Physical proximity (or being “near” in relational or spiritual terms) allows vulnerable, caring relationship. Screens/virtual connection help but can’t fully substitute. Church as community. Local church gathers and smaller circles/home groups are opportunities for real friendship and embodying love in visible, practical ways. Intentional boundaries and priorities. Saying yes and no well: giving time for relationships you value, choosing less in order to do fewer things more fully, knowing your limits. ResourcesNo Greater Love by Rebecca McLaughlin Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    53 min
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Hosts & Guests

3.7
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Culture Matters
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2025
  • Episodes
    306
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Culture Matters

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