Don't Cook the Messenger

Cullen Jackson and Justin Cook
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Comedy

Don’t Cook the Messenger is where hot takes meet holy perspective. We say what others are thinking — but filter it through wisdom. From culture and relationships to current conversations and controversial opinions, we bring bold takes, honest dialogue, and a God-centered lens to every topic. We’re not here to argue for attention — we’re here to challenge perspectives. You may not agree. You may feel convicted. But don’t cook the messenger.

  1. 5h ago

    Episode 19

    Cullen, Justin, Anders, and their guest kick off the episode with a playful round of “Would You Rather?”—weighing absurd survival situations, unpleasant senses, disrupted sleep, and the difficult choice between losing past memories or being unable to form new ones. The conversation then shifts to Southaven’s controversial broken-blinds ordinance, examining the mayor’s response, public criticism, enforcement concerns, and the effect fines and appearance-based policies can have on lower-income residents. Takeaways • A lighthearted “Would You Rather?” game opens the episode with funny and thought-provoking scenarios. • The memory discussion explores identity, relationships, and the value of past versus future experiences. • Southaven’s blinds ordinance raises questions about community standards, fairness, and government micromanagement. • The hosts consider whether fines and enforcement practices disproportionately burden lower-income families. • The discussion addresses the conduct of local leadership, law enforcement, and politicians—and how their decisions affect community trust. Chapters • 00:00 — Introduction and catching up • 01:28 — Would You Rather: Crash landing • 06:28 — Would You Rather: Musty smell vs. sour taste • 08:23 — Would You Rather: Frequent urination vs. interrupted sleep • 12:36 — Memory dilemma: Past vs. future • 21:26 — The blinds ordinance controversy • 26:53 — The mayor’s response and public reaction • 28:34 — Government overreach and the impact on lower-income families • 42:12 — The mayor’s behavior and conduct • 45:11 — The blinds ordinance and fines • 59:02 — Law enforcement and community impact

  2. Aug 8

    Episode 18

    In this episode of the Don’t Cook the Messenger podcast, the hosts engage in a comprehensive discussion and ranking of various Spider-Man movies. They share their insights and opinions on each film, comparing and contrasting its various aspects, including characters, plot, and visual effects. The conversation delves into a detailed analysis of different Spider-Man movies, focusing on character development, plot elements, and the overall impact of each film. The hosts express their opinions on the portrayal of various characters, the significance of key scenes, and the emotional resonance of certain storylines. The discussion also explores the portrayal of Peter Parker’s struggles, the depiction of Spider-Man’s identity, and the ranking of Spider-Verse movies. Additionally, it examines the significance of the Spider-Man soundtrack and the impact of delayed movie releases.. Takeaways Spider-Man movie rankingsComparison of different Spider-Man actors Character developmentImpact of key scenes Identity struggle of Peter ParkerRanking of Spider-Verse movies Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Missing Host00:28 Justin's Absence and Replacement01:26 Discussion of the Spider-Man Movies03:14 Ranking Spider-Man Movies19:21 The Evolution of Spider-Man20:23 Assessment of Spider-Man Movies27:09 The Impact of No Way Home34:25 Brand New Day35:30 The Struggle of Peter Parker44:24 Ranking Spider-Verse Movies

  3. Jul 20

    Episode 17

    summary Join us as we review our first experience at Anime Blues Con, discuss live-action adaptations of anime and other source material, and explore the trends and guidelines for successful cosplay and conventions. In this episode, Justin and Cullen explore the nuances of creative liberties in adaptations, the importance of staying true to source material, and debate the morality of villainous actions in fictional stories. They also discuss popular series like Avatar, Dragon Ball, and Attack on Titan, providing insights into how these stories could be adapted for live action. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:08 Our experience at Anime Blues Con 05:00 Meeting cosplayers and community highlights 10:01 Lessons learned from our first con 14:59 Costume and cosplay insights 20:04 Food, merchandise, and event logistics 24:57 Discussion on live action adaptations of anime 29:59 Successes and failures of recent adaptations 35:11 Guidelines for future anime conventions

  4. Jul 9

    Episode 16

    In Episode 16, we’re mashing up nerd culture and apologetics in the best way. In this episode, Justin and Cullen jump into a full‑blown Multiverse Tournament of Power, pulling fighters from across anime and pop culture to see who survives our custom bracket. Expect arguments, upsets, and a lot of “there’s no way they beat that guy. Justin and Cullen analyze and debate the outcomes of various fictional battles from anime, comics, and other media, exploring strengths, weaknesses, and hypothetical matchups. 00:00Welcome Back and Technical Upgrades 02:29Merch and Podcast Updates 05:04Anime Recommendations and Star Wars Debate 07:56Discussion on Takopi's Original Sin 10:52Avatar Series and Upcoming Releases 14:00Bootleg Movies and Streaming Concerns 16:58Tournament of Power: Anime Showdown Begins 19:48My Hero Academia vs. Invincible 23:37Naruto vs. Solo Leveling Showdown 26:01Naruto vs. Sun Jinwoo: A Battle of Universes 29:56Teen Titans vs. Marvel: A Clash of Heroes 33:35Attack on Titan vs. Demon Slayer: Titans vs. Slayers 35:49Invincible vs. Naruto: Power Dynamics Explored 37:31Teen Titans vs. Attack on Titan: Unfair Advantages 39:08Death Note vs. Pokemon: A Battle of Wits 40:03Dragon Ball vs. One Piece: Strength and Strategy 43:35Marvel vs. Kaiju: The Ultimate Showdown 44:23Avatar vs. Jujutsu Kaisen: Bending vs. Curses 45:22Character Matchups and Analysis 47:15Team Dynamics and Strategies 50:09Final Showdown: JJK vs. Invincible 54:05Debating the Outcomes 58:08Conclusion and Future Collaborations

  5. May 30

    Episode 15

    The episode begins with the hosts sharing personal updates, including the birth of Cullen's daughter and the upcoming Father's Day. They introduce their special guest, Dinx the Puppet, who shares his background in social media and Christian content creation. The conversation then transitions to a discussion on free will, with a focus on biblical perspectives and personal experiences. A discussion on faith, denominational differences, and the interpretation of religious texts. The conversation explores the concept of free will, the role of faith in worship, and the impact of denominational traditions on individual beliefs. Takeaways Free will and personal choice are central themes in the discussion, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the consequences of decisions.The hosts and the guest share personal stories and experiences related to their Christian faith, music, and ministry, highlighting the impact of free will and the journey of faith. Denominational differences are often rooted in minor details rather than core values.The concept of free will and its role in religious beliefs is a complex and multifaceted topic. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates19:28 Discussion on Free Will30:13 Denominational Debates and Core Values39:30 Expression of Faith and Worship47:36 Denominational Traditions and Individual Beliefs

  6. Apr 5 ·  Bonus

    Easter Special

    Easter Special Episode: In this lively Easter episode, the hosts kick things off with a fun round of Bible trivia, leaning on live participants for help and sharing plenty of laughs along the way. Justin reveals a shocking and horrifying birthday gift for Cullen, creating one of the most unforgettable moments in the show’s history. The conversation then turns toward the anime Takopi’s Original Sin, as the crew reflects on its intense themes, emotional weight, and connections to mental health. Afterward, they dive into the recent meteor that struck Ohio, unpacking the science, the headlines, and the wild reactions online. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the latest moon mission, using NASA’s Artemis II launch as a springboard to talk about space exploration and humanity’s drive to push beyond Earth Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setup15:00 Bible Trivia and Discussion43:47 Takpoi's Original Sin51:17 Space Exploration and Conspiracy Theories59:04 Ocean Exploration and Space Exploration

  7. Mar 28

    Episode 13

    This episode begins on a high note as the team happily welcomes back their former co-host, Derrick. The reunion brings plenty of laughs and familiar energy, setting the perfect tone for what’s to come. To break the ice, everyone jumps into a lively game of Headbandz, trading quick guesses, playful banter, and good-natured competition that fills the room with joy. As the laughter fades, the conversation takes a heartfelt turn. Each host opens up about their personal journey of faith—how they came to know Christ and the experiences that shaped their relationship with Him. The stories are honest, emotional, and deeply relatable, offering a powerful reminder of how God meets each person right where they are. The group also speaks directly to listeners—both to those who haven’t yet encountered Jesus and to those who may be running from Him. Their messages are full of love, grace, and encouragement, reminding everyone that God’s presence never fades and His arms are always open. The episode closes on a note of hope, unity, and transformation, celebrating the beauty of faith and the strength found in community. Chapters 16:12 Celebrity Guessing Game28:09 Discussion on Words and Reactions46:41 The Transformative Power of Faith

  8. Mar 21

    Episode 12

    In this episode, the hosts kick things off with some lighthearted banter and personal updates before diving into a fun round of Guess That Movie! From Toy Story to The Lion King to The Wizard of Oz, the competition gets playful and nostalgic. After the game, the conversation takes a deeper turn as the hosts discuss “rage baiting” within Christianity—exploring why outrage-driven content grabs attention, how it affects faith discussions, and where the line falls between justified anger and misguided vigilantism. It’s an episode that blends humor, honesty, and thoughtful reflection. Takeaways Engaging game segment adds an interactive element to the podcastDiscussion on rage baiting provides insight into the hosts' opinionsPersonal updates and banter create a casual and relatable atmosphere Movie game fun with friendsUnderstanding the moral implications of anger and vigilantism Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Game Time10:21 Movie Guessing Game Continues32:13 Christianity and Rage Baiting48:14 Justified Anger and Vigilantism

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Don’t Cook the Messenger is where hot takes meet holy perspective. We say what others are thinking — but filter it through wisdom. From culture and relationships to current conversations and controversial opinions, we bring bold takes, honest dialogue, and a God-centered lens to every topic. We’re not here to argue for attention — we’re here to challenge perspectives. You may not agree. You may feel convicted. But don’t cook the messenger.

Information

  • Creator
    Cullen Jackson and Justin Cook
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cullen Jackson and Justin Cook
  • Show Website
    Don't Cook the Messenger