Pop Culture Coffee Hour

The girls take a listen to Taylor Swift's new new album, evermore. They discuss dealing with mistakes, life after death, and how repentance is not the same as getting off the hook.

"Wherever I go, he goes." Steve and Christian watched season 2 of the amazing Disney+ series, "The Mandalorian." The guys discuss the difference between tradition and traditionalism; the empire's evil; and discerning the Way. Philanthropy Spotlight: We're also shining a light on the Astoria Food Pantry, a neighborhood mutual aid project that provides high-quality fresh food to 200 people per week. In 2021, they plan to both continue the programs that they started in 2020 and expand...

"I'm Santa Claus, Teddy, not Yoda." Steve and Christian watched the delightful holiday movies, "The Christmas Chronicles" and "The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two" The guys discuss Santa Claus, pastoral care, the struggle to determine our identity, and a sacramental view of the world. ​ Philanthropy Spotlight: We're also shining a light on the FOCUS North America, a national movement of Orthodox Christians, united in faith and joined by a desire to provide action-oriented and sustainable...

The girls discuss Becoming Mrs. Lewis, the historical fiction novel about Joy Davidman, CS Lewis' wife. They address the idea of womanhood, how love builds up, and how faith is often very messy.

The girls take on the Netflix series, The Queen's Gambit. They discuss the needs to take responsibility for ourselves, how love is not the same as turning a blind eye, and the need for healthy emotional boundaries.

"There is no spoon." Steve and Christian watched the classic sci film, "The Matrix." The guys discuss what it means to be human, the nature of reality, free will, and taking the "red pill." We're also shining a light on the Saint Haralambos Agape Grocery, which has distributed over 16 tons of groceries to the public since in the last few months. It's one of many outreach programs the parish offers to the wider community. Learn more on the parish website: saintharalambosgoc.org. In our next...

“Dude!” Steve and Christian watched the new film, "Bill and Ted Face the Music." The guys discuss the failures of past generations, ways to empower younger people, and the unity of all people. We're also shining a light on Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry, which serves those who are incarcerated and their families, and provides resources, training and support to their ministry partners so that lives are transformed and God is glorified. Learn more on their website: theocpm.org.

The girls discuss the classic 80's film, The Breakfast Club. They discuss issues of identity, generational sin, and the community of God's Kingdom.

“Strike first. Strike hard. No mercy.” Steve and Christian watched the Netflix series, "Cobra Kai." The guys discuss just regret, trauma, nostalgia, and more. We're also shining a light on the Family Promise, a national non-profit that changes the lives of families experiencing homelessness. Learn more on their website: familypromise.org

The girls discuss Taylor Swift's newest album, touching on themes such as how growing up changes your perspective, how we grow aware of our own failings, and how love fills the background of much of our lives.

"There is only one way this war ends. Last man standing." Steve Gonzalez and Christian Christoforou watched the World War I film, "1917." The guys discuss just war, violence, human nature, and finding beauty in the midst of pain. We're also shining a light on the Theotokos Orphanage and St Ignatius School in Bakeswar, India. Run nearly singlehandedly for over a decade by Sister Nektaria of Corinth, Greece, these programs strive to provide the children of Kolkata and Bakeswar with the love of...

The girls discuss Dracula. They touch on what makes for good horror, as well as what horror seeks to reveal, namely that true life is not given by taking it from others, nor is life the end in itself, but true life involves Resurrection.

“I’m not the season I’m in...You’re not the season you’re in.” Steve and Christian listened to the new album by Fleet Foxes, "Shore." The guys discuss connection vs isolation, tradition vs traditionalism, and the beauty of forgiveness.

The girls discuss the sit-com, New Girl. They talk about self-knowledge, how love takes work, and how we are formed by the spaces we inhabit.

”There are only two industries that call their customers ‘users’: illegal drugs and software.” Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez watched the new Netflix documentary, "The Social Dilemma." The guys discuss vulnerability, disconnection, and the polarizing effects of social media. They close by reflecting on changes we can each make to unplug and reconnect.

"I’m just like my country—I’m young, scrappy, and hungry, and I am not throwing away my shot." Steve, Christian, Emma, and Christina are all back for the series premiere of "Pop Culture Coffee Hour." They explore the popular musical, "Hamilton." They discuss the cost of honor, the beauty of forgiveness, and the complexities of race in the American story.

"I have called you by name; you are Mine!" (Isaiah 43:1) For the series finale of "Pop Culture Coffee Hour," the guys explore season 1 of the new TV series "The Chosen." It's the first ever multi-season exploration of the life of Jesus. The guys discuss Christian art and theology, the call of the Gospel, and the transformative power of real, authentic Christianity. https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen

“Don't kill me.” - George Floyd The guys were going to talk about the Netflix series: Bonfire of Destiny. But important things are happening. And we, as a nation and a Church, need to talk about them. Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez have a tough conversation about the unjust slaying of George Floyd on May 25 and the protests that have developed since. They discuss race in America, violence and virtue, and the theology of the cross.

“Take her to the moon for me. Okay?” The guys explore the beautiful Pixar movie: "Inside Out." They discuss the importance of learning to handle our emotions, the danger of suppressing (rather than processing) negative emotions, and how sadness leads to empathy.

“I used to think that being blacklisted would be grist for the mill until I realized I’m still here.” - Fiona Apple The guys explore the new Fiona Apple album: "Fetch the Bolt Cutters." They discuss life under quarantine, cycles of sin, and how Christ breaks us free.