Culture Matters
Culture Matters

Culture Matters

Culture Matters

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Episodes

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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.

Recent Episodes

Created to Create
APR 14, 2026
Created to Create
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 worth pursuing even when no one is watching. This conversation reframes creativity as stewardship, formation, and worship, reminding us that we are created by a creative God and invited to reflect Him in both work and play.Key TakeawaysCreativity is not limited to art—it’s woven into how we live, work, and relate.Your gifts are less about you and more about reflecting the God who gave them.You don’t need a platform, paycheck, or perfection to pursue creativity.Discipline + time = growth, even in “small” things.Play, rest, and hobbies are spiritually formative—not distractions.Community is essential for discernment, balance, and sustainability.Start where you are. Stay consistent. Let God shape you through the process. Mentioned ResourcesCulture Matters Episode with Jonathan Pennington (on work & vocation) Thanks to our SponsorsIn A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different.To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold.Cozy EarthThis Mother's Day, give the gift that shows up every single night. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CULTUREBOGO for an exclusive Buy One, Give One offer running from April 12th to April 18th on sheet sets and if you getFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected].
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48 MIN
Fasting & Feasting
APR 7, 2026
Fasting & Feasting
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 together to shape us spiritually. These rhythms aren’t about performance or tradition for tradition’s sake—they’re about reorientation. In a world full of distraction, discouragement, and noise, God gives His people intentional markers to remember the story we’re part of.Resources & ReferencesBooksDwell — Barry JonesYou Are What You Love — James K. A. SmithScripturesNehemiah 1:4 – Fasting in response to brokennessExodus 12 – Passover as remembranceLuke 22 – The Last Supper2 Corinthians 3 – “Unveiled face” and transformationJames 1 – Remembering and living the WordKey TakeawaysWe are forgetful people—rhythms like Easter and Lent help us remember what matters most.Feasting reminds us of joy and hope—a foretaste of the Kingdom.Fasting reminds us of brokenness and dependence—we cannot fix the world on our own.The goal isn’t constant intensity—it’s faithful formation.We live between two realitiesJesus has already risenAnd we are still waiting for full restorationThanks to our SponsorsIn A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different.To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold.Cozy EarthLet this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too — discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use code Culture for an exclusive 20% off.Follow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]
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36 MIN
Cultural Roundup
MAR 31, 2026
Cultural Roundup
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 life. They wrestle honestly with information overload, mistrust in media, and the tension between civic responsibility and Christian identity.The episode closes on a lighter but still meaningful note, diving into books, films, and the Oscars—highlighting how art, storytelling, and theology shape our imagination and help us process grief, beauty, and truth.Resources & Mentions📖 BooksAwaiting the King — On Christian political theology and cultural formationJesus and the Disinherited — A profound look at Jesus’ message for the oppressedThe Cross of Christ — Deep theological reflection on the meaning of the crossChanged into His Likeness: A Theology of Change — Biblical framework for transformationThe Word in the Wilderness — Poetry and reflection for LentHere I Stand - Martin Luther Biography (Roland Bainton) — Insight into Luther’s life and struggle for grace🎬 Movies & MediaHamnet — Grief, art, and Shakespearean storytellingSentimental Value — Family, reconciliation, and lossSinners — Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance (notable acting craft)Project Hail Mary — Sci-fi story centered on friendship, hope, and collaborationKey TakeawaysClarity isn’t always available—but faithfulness is.Christians may disagree on policy, but not on how people are treated.Prayer, lament, and love are not passive—they are formative.You don’t need global influence to live faithfully—start local.Rejecting hatred is a radical, Kingdom-centered act.Art helps us process truth, grief, and beauty in ways arguments cannot.Thanks to our SponsorIn A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different.To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold.Follow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]
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53 MIN
Spirit-Filled Singing  with Ryanne J. Molinari
MAR 24, 2026
Spirit-Filled Singing with Ryanne J. Molinari
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 us.If you’ve ever struggled with “not liking the music,” questioned excellence vs. authenticity, or wrestled with how to lead people into meaningful worship—this one will sharpen and ground you.Key TakeawaysSinging is formative: It doesn’t just express what we feel—it shapes who we become.Preference can be sanctified: Loving others through their songs grows unity.Participation fuels joy: Engagement often precedes emotion.Faithfulness > performance: Worship is about offering, not impressing.Patience builds people: Especially in volunteer-driven ministry.Worship is a lifestyle: Not a Sunday experience, but a daily rhythm.Guest ResourcesSpirit Filled Singing by Ryanne Molinariryannemolinari.com Follow RyanneThanks to our SponsorIn A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different.To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold.Follow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]
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46 MIN
Faith and Work with Dr. Pennington
MAR 17, 2026
Faith and Work with Dr. Pennington
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 as a narrow “dot” to discover, but as a wide “circle” of God’s will in which believers are free to create, contribute, and flourish. Whether you love your job or dread it, this episode offers a compelling vision: God cares deeply about how you work, who you become through your work, and how your work serves others.Key TakeawaysWork is worship. Not just ministry jobs—all work done in faith honors God.You don’t need a perfect job to live a meaningful life. Meaning is found in how you work, not just what you do.Calling is broader than you think. God’s will is a circle of freedom, not a pinpoint target to stress over.Character > Career. Who you become at work matters more than what you accomplish.Struggle is formative. Difficult work often shapes the deepest growth.Look for beauty. A life of joy at work often comes down to attention, curiosity, and gratitude.Guest ResourcesTo learn more about Dr. Pennington, book him for speaking or to buy one of his books, check out www.jonathanpennington.comOther ResourcesEvery Good Endeavor – Timothy KellerWork: A Kingdom Perspective on Labor – Ben Witherington IIIGarden City – John Mark ComerThanks to our SponsorIn A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different.To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold.Follow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]
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43 MIN