Culture Matters

Culture Matters
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  • CHRISTIANITY
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Culture Matters

Matters of culture should matter to us—because they matter to God. Hosted by Elizabeth Woodson, Adam Hawkins and Tymarcus Ragland—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. JUL 1

    Season Finale: Re-Cap & Gospel Goodbyes

    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 been reading, watching, and listening to—from Wendell Berry and Frank Edwards to Netflix series and DJ sets. The episode ends with Ty sharing about his upcoming church planting adventure in Roanoke, Virginia—he's moving but will still be on Culture Matters. In this Episode[01:16] Favorite Conversations of the Season: Highlights include Ray Ortlund’s poetic imagery, Whitney Pipkin on caring well, and Jonathan Pennington’s impactful metaphors. [07:59] What’s Vibing: Books, Music & Culture: The crew discusses current cultural consumption—from Beth Allison Barr’s theology of ministry to the Netflix murder mystery The Residence. [19:51] What We Are Watching: Netflix Bin Laden documentary, The Bear's return, The Stick, Mission Impossible [28:06] Music Moments: Forrest Frank & DJ Discoveries: The success of Child of God II and the cultural shift we're seeing around it and exploring internet DJ culture. [34:45] Ty’s Big Move: Ty announces his move to Roanoke, VA, to join a church plant—reflecting on calling, community, and new assignments. [43:23] A Kingdom Goodbye: The team honors Ty’s contributions and shares blessings for his next chapter. Resources Mentioned:DJ 4:12 - InstagramChristian Summer Vibes DJ MixThe Hill RoanokeNeighbor BooksChild of God II by Forrest FrankBooks: We Shall All Be Changed by Whitney PipkinGentle and Lowly by Dane OrtlundDark Clouds, Deep Mercy and Waiting Isn't a Waste by Mark VroegopSwing Time by Zadie SmithIn the Garden of Beasts by Erik LarsonBecoming the Pastor's Wife by Beth Allison BarrJayber Crow by Wendell BerryTim Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin HansenThe Reason for God by Tim KellerLife Together by Dietrich BonhoefferFollow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    43 min

  2. JUN 24

    Navigating Conflict in Relationships

    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 and mercy, they unpack practical steps for handling offense and sin while keeping Christ at the center. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while conflict is inevitable, the gospel gives us a redemptive framework for reconciliation. In This Episode[01:16] Katherine’s Journey into Counseling [05:00] Understanding Cultural Approaches to Conflict [07:32] Peacemaking vs. Peacekeeping in the Church [10:12] Evaluating Offense vs. Sin [13:21] The Importance of Self-Examination [17:25] Approaching Conflict with Humility [19:02] Justice, Mercy, and Trusting God [24:39] When to Own Your Part and When to Call Out Sin [28:00] Forgiveness as a Defeat of Evil [30:22] Enabling vs. Confronting Sin [31:26] Navigating Workplace Conflict [37:00] Leading Up: How to Handle Conflict with a Boss [44:00] The Role of Community in Conflict [45:20] Closing Reflections on Conflict and the Gospel Resources MentionedSummer Training Series: Navigating Conflict Resolution with Katherine BahcallRethinking Leadership Episode with Alan HootenThe Peacemaker by Ken SandeRay Ortlund's EpisodeScriptures Referenced Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers...”Matthew 18 — Guidelines for addressing sin in communityJames 4 — Conflict stemming from desires at war within usProverbs 27:6 — “Faithful are the wounds of a friend...”Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    43 min

  3. JUN 17

    Seeking God's Beauty Through Art

    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 conversation on what it means to create from love, to see with the eyes of faith, and to bring art back into the life of the Church. In This Episode[01:45] Childhood in the Philippines: Beauty & Suffering[04:13] Early Encounters with Art & Encouragement from Her Father[08:00] Capturing the Infinite in the Finite: Art as Prayer[11:16] The Ability to See: Beauty in Contrast[16:08] Trees in Scripture: Symbolism & Spiritual Insight[20:00] Residencies & Landscapes: Gettysburg, Big Bend, Hawaii[26:25] Waterfalls and God’s Love: Wild, Powerful, Grace-Filled[32:59] The Juxtaposition of Pain and Beauty[36:04] Reclaiming Honest Christian Art[43:00] The Role of Artists in the Church[47:00] Mary’s Offering and Beauty as Worship[51:25] Art in the Church: From the Tabernacle to Today[55:16] Current & Upcoming Shows and Opportunities[58:45] Final Reflections: Create from Love, Not for Approval Resources & ReferencesBooks Mentioned: A Grief Observed by C.S. LewisWhat's So Amazing About Grace? by Philip YanceyWorks by Brennan ManningRabbit Room Hutchmoot ConferenceDawn’s Gallery: J. Peeler Howell Gallery, Fort Worth, TX Connect with DawnWebsite: dawnwatersbaker.comInstagram: @dawnwatersbakerFollow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    58 min

  4. JUN 10

    Family of God Part Two: More on Brother and Sister Relationships

    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, love, and honor. From pastoral care to workplace interactions, the trio offers candid insights grounded in scripture and life experience. You can find part 1 of this conversation here. In This Episode[01:00] Theological Framework for Brothers & Sisters Revisited [03:00] The Church vs. The World [05:00] Complementarianism’s Evolution [08:00] Power Dynamics & Dual Relationships [13:00] Practical Examples of Healthy Boundaries [21:00] The Reality of Workplace Interactions [30:00] Creating Space for Vulnerability [38:00] Forming Healthy Imagination Around Relationships [47:00] Relationships that Reflect the Gospel [50:00] Closing Thoughts Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    50 min

  5. JUN 3

    The Way Language Shapes Relationship with Jonathan Pennington

    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, counseling, and daily life. In This Episode02:00 – What is a Metaphor? Why Language is Embodied 07:00 – Metaphor as Epistemology: Knowing Through Analogy 10:00 – Shared Cultural Frameworks & the Power of Illustration 14:00 – Using Metaphor in Counseling and Pastoral Care 18:00 – Harmful Church Metaphors and Reframing with Love 23:00 – Scales vs. Cups: Metaphors of Anxiety and Trust 28:00 – Metaphors Shape How We See and Live 33:00 – Judicial vs. Kingdom: Re-centering Gospel Language 37:00 – Jesus the Rebuilder: From Sump Pumps to Spirit-Filled Life 42:00 – Practical Takeaways: How We Talk About God Matters Guest ResourcesDr. Jonathan Pennington's previous episode: Wisdom and Relationships (2023)Dr. Pennington’s websiteDr. Pennington’s podcast: Human FlourishingFollow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    45 min

  6. MAY 27

    Good News at Rock Bottom with Ray Ortland

    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 begins not by escaping pain but by meeting Jesus in it. Whether you’re in the thick of it or walking with someone who is, this episode offers hope that’s grounded, honest, and full of grace. Topics Discussed01:00 – Introducing Ray Ortlund & His New Book 03:00 – Writing to the Suffering: Who the Book is For 06:00 – What’s Good About Rock Bottom? 08:00 – Isaiah 57:15 – God’s Two Addresses 10:00 – The Mushy Middle vs. Rock Bottom 13:00 – Finding God When Life Falls Apart 15:00 – The Power of Gathering in Weakness 18:00 – Churches as ERs for the Broken 21:00 – Joy and Healing in the Midst of Pain 22:30 – Rock Bottom Realities: Betrayal, Sin, Loneliness, Death 25:00 – The Grace of God in Our Mess 28:00 – The Hebrew Meaning of Grace 30:00 – Forgiveness as Defeating Evil 33:00 – How to Lead from Rock Bottom 35:00 – Known or Impressive: You Can’t Be Both Resources MentionedBook: Good News at Rock Bottom by Ray OrtlundScripture:Isaiah 57:15Hosea 11John 8:34Connect with Our GuestsRay OrtlundWebsite: renewalministries.comX: @rayortlundInstagram: @rayortlundFollow 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

  7. MAY 20

    Facing Death with a Loved One and Caring for the Caretaker

    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 suffering without fast-forwarding to hope too quickly, and the sanctifying work that happens in the tension between loss and resurrection. This conversation is pastoral, reflective, and deeply encouraging for anyone navigating grief or supporting others through it. What's in this Episode?[01:00] Why Write About Death? Whitney shares the long, formative journey with her mom’s cancer and how facing death revealed gaps in her theology. [04:30] Running from What’s Unavoidable Discussing cultural avoidance of death, and what we lose when we don’t enter into suffering. [07:00] The Tension of Death & Resurrection Why Christians wrestle with both lament and hope—and why both are necessary. [10:30] Walking with the Dying Adam shares a personal story about his grandfather and discusses euthanasia, suffering, and longing for release. [13:30] The Sanctifying Power of Dying Slowly Whitney explains how her mom’s final days became a holy and transformative space. [17:00] Caring for Caregivers Reflections on caregiving, hospice care, and the power of the Holy Spirit to equip us for roles we feel unprepared for. [21:30] The Role of the Church How the body of Christ can walk with those facing grief and death—including simply showing up. [24:00] The Ministry of Presence Why casseroles still matter and what Job’s friends got right (and wrong). [26:30] Hope for Believers and Non-Believers Alike Whitney shares how her story resonates beyond the church—and how death points to the finished work of Christ. [30:00] Final Words for Those Facing Death A pastoral word for those grieving or caregiving: you will not always feel like this, and Christ is present even when you don’t feel it. Guest ResourcesWe Shall All Be Changed by Whitney Pipken Follow Whitney: instagram.com/whitneykpipkin Whitney's Website: whitneykpipkin.com Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co Read less

    38 min

  8. MAY 13

    Navigating Complicated Family Dynamics

    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 friendships, even our spiritual practices, and why it’s so important to slow down, reflect, and let the Holy Spirit rewire how we live and love. From parenting and marriage to church community and personal healing, this conversation invites all of us to step more fully into the family of God—and to do it with grace, humility, and hope. Topics Discussed[05:00] Entering the Counseling WorldHow an unexpected internship with boys at a children’s home shaped her calling[09:00] Understanding“Old House vs. New House”Using Ed Welch’s analogy to understand emotional and spiritual formation[13:00] How Family of Origin Shapes Our View of GodWhy earthly relationships impact how we see our heavenly Father[18:00] Slowing Down to Understand Our EmotionsCuriosity over condemnation—and how to tell the difference[23:00] Parenting from a Place of HealingRecognizing triggers and values from our past that affect how we parent today[27:00] Modeling Emotion Well in Christian CommunityLearning from the body of Christ how to engage emotions like anger and fear in healthy, godly ways[32:00] Repairing Relationships with Parents as AdultsWhat it looks like to bring humility, honesty, and lament into grown-up family dynamics[38:00] Confession, Repentance, and Freedom in the New HouseHow embracing our limitations makes space for the gospel to transformGuest ResourcesRestore Christian Counseling: Hillary’s private counseling practice Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI): A method for working with children from hard places Follow Us!Instagram Youtube --  Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

    48 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.5
out of 5
483 Ratings

About

Matters of culture should matter to us—because they matter to God. Hosted by Elizabeth Woodson, Adam Hawkins and Tymarcus Ragland—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
    295
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Culture Matters

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