CT: 5 Conversation Starters for 2026
Axis Conversations
We’re ready to dive into 2026 and continue supporting you in ways that matter to you and the teens in your life. As you step into the new year and start thinking about your goals for your family and how to build deeper connections with the next generation, we’ve put together 5 conversation starters you can use to jump-start moments of depth and honesty. CT of the top 20 (Short and sweet) --> --> Roundtable of the top 20 (Here how we picked our favorites) --> --> Become a monthly donor today, join Get your question on Ask Axis! Send in your questions to . For more Axis...
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Ask Axis: “I’m worried about my grandkids’ phone use. What should I do?”
Axis Conversations
"I have two grandchildren, both teenagers, who have had smartphones since before they were 12. I am concerned by some of the behaviors you described in your Smartphone September podcasts. When I pick them up from school, their eyes are glued to their phones as soon as they get in the car and they get annoyed when I ask them questions about their day. Since we are not the parents, we have no control or even influence regarding their cellphone use. Yet we love them and are worried about what they are accessing on their phones. Any thoughts or suggestions?" - John Axis Resource --> ...
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CT: The 20 Biggest Cultural Events of 2025, PART 2: Top 10
Axis Conversations
At the end of every year, we take a few weeks to reset and reflect on everything that happened in culture over the past twelve months. We share our reflections with you in the form of our Top 20 Annual Countdown. This week, the Top 10! After much deliberation (heard in the ) here is the list of the Top 10! 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Double your impact with Every dollar you give will be mathched dollar for dollar until the end of 2025! Get your question on Ask Axis! Send in your questions to . For more Axis resources, go to .
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Roundtable: The 20 Biggest Cultural Events of 2025, PART 2: Top 10
Axis Conversations
At the end of every year, we take a few weeks to reset and reflect on everything that happened in culture over the past twelve months. We share our reflections with you in the form of our Top 20 Annual Countdown. This week, the Top 10! Listen as Evan, CJ, and Irene make their case for the top spot! Double your impact with Every dollar you give will be mathched dollar for dollar until the end of 2025! Get your question on Ask Axis! Send in your questions to . For more Axis resources, go to .
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Mike and Becky McNamee on Leading with Kindness as Grandparents
Axis Conversations
Mike and Becky McNamee are the founders of Legacy of Faith, an organization dedicated to hosting retreats for grandparents who seek to leave a lasting spiritual legacy for future generations. Before founding Legacy of Faith, Mike served with the Navigators as General Manager of the Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs. Becky has devoted her life to being a loving wife, homemaker, homeschool mom, and proud Grammy. Together, they are blessed with three married children and six wonderful grandchildren. ---> Learn mor about ---> Double your impact with Every dollar...
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CT: The 20 Biggest Cultural Events of 2025: Top 20-11
Axis Conversations
At the end of every year, we take a few weeks to reset and reflect on everything that happened in culture over the past twelve months. We share our reflections with you in the form of our Top 20 Annual Countdown. This week, you’ll receive 20-11; next week, you’ll get the top ten. After much deliberation (heard in the ) here is the list of the Top 20-11! 20. 19. 18. 17. 16. 15. 14. 13. 12. 11. --> Check out our Conversation Kit on Double your impact with Every dollar you give will be mathched dollar for dollar until the end of 2025! Get your question on Ask Axis!...
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Roundtable: The 20 Biggest Cultural Events of 2025, PART 1: Top 20-11
Axis Conversations
At the end of every year, we take a few weeks to reset and reflect on everything that happened in culture over the past twelve months. We share our reflections with you in the form of our Top 20 Annual Countdown. This week, you’ll receive 20-11; next week, you’ll get the top ten. Listen as Evan, CJ, and Irene discuss their top picks! Moving 10 up and moving 10 down - 0:41 Ranking 20-11 - 27:55 Double your impact with Every dollar you give will be mathched dollar for dollar until the end of 2025! Get your question on Ask Axis! Send in your questions to . For more Axis...
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Ask Axis: “My 8th grader seems overly materialistic. Will this change?”
Axis Conversations
“Our oldest is a 14 year old boy so we're still newbies to parenting teens. Our 8th grader teen seems, in mom and dad's opinion, overly concerned with materialism (things like shoes and iphone model etc). We've heard that this is pretty typical for middle school boys; do teen boys tend to become less materialistic after middle school/once they're in high school? We try to talk with him about materialism not being a healthy priority but it doesn't seem to be sinking in yet.” - Sarah Scientific Paper --> Scientific Paper --> Book Reference --> Axis Resource...
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Roundtable: Pretty Little Baby, Netflix and Warner Bros., and Hollywood’s God Moment
Axis Conversations
Three Big Conversations: TikTok’s most-used sound in 2025 was a - 8:40 Netflix and Paramount are in a for Warner Bros. - 22:38 Hollywood might be having a - 35:52 Song of the Week: 1:02 Click for the lyrics. In Other News: - 52:20 Taylor Swift will officially conclude her Eras era today, a six-episode docuseries about her record-setting tour as well as “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show,” both streaming on Disney+. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York several big steps toward resolving 1,300 sex abuse claims against clergy. Australia’s ...
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CT: Pretty Little Baby, Netflix and Warner Bros., and Hollywood’s God Moment
Axis Conversations
TikTok’s most-used sound in 2025 was a , Netflix and Paramount are in a for Warner Bros., and Hollywood might be having a Song of the Week: Click for the lyrics. In Other News: Taylor Swift will officially conclude her Eras era today, a six-episode docuseries about her record-setting tour as well as “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show,” both streaming on Disney+. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York several big steps toward resolving 1,300 sex abuse claims against clergy. Australia’s of social media for all users under 16 took effect on...
info_outlineHappy Thanksgiving from everyone here at Axis!
As part of our yearly tradition, instead of our normal issue of the Culture Translator, here are 15 conversation starters to help you make the most of time around the table with family and friends this year. Enjoy!
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What’s something you’re really excited about right now?
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What’s the funniest trend or meme you’ve come across lately?
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If you could permanently fix one issue in our culture, what would you choose?
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What’s one way you’ve changed this year?
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If TEMU offered you $2,000 to represent their brand on your platform, would you do it?
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What band or musician do you think is seriously overrated? What about underrated?
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Has anything you’ve watched, read, or listened to changed you this year? What was it and how did it change you?
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What’s one show that you think more people should watch?
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Are there any new skills you’re trying to develop, or want to try to develop?
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What’s something you’re looking forward to in 2026?
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If you could be a social media influencer known for only one thing, what would that be?
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Serious question: why do you think so many people started saying “67” this year? Why did that catch on?
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Does a hot dog count as a sandwich? Why or why not?
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When the history books mention 2025, what do you think will be included? What won’t be?
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How would you describe your relationship with God at this point in your life?
Click to sign up for our audio Advent experience, for the record—that launches on Sunday, November 30!
Become a monthly donor today, join the Table.
Get your question on Ask Axis! Send in your questions to ask@axis.org.
For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.