The Culture Translator

We look into teen culture every week to help parents and faith leaders have meaningful conversations with Gen Z.

Roundtable: Switch 2 Debuts, Porn’s Popularity Falls, and the Rise of Grandfamilies 06/06/2025

Roundtable: Switch 2 Debuts, Porn’s Popularity Falls, and the Rise of Grandfamilies Three Big Conversations: Switch Up - 13:24 New Attitude - 24:48 Ties That Bind - 38:30 Resource of the Week: -0:30 Elsewhere in culture: 6:18 A song by was relentlessly on TikTok this week, rumors are swirling about the SEC the NCAA, a cooperative Elden Ring spinoff called Nightreign has in the video game space, stuffed keychain monsters called are getting insanely popular, and an with OKC Star Chet Holmgren where he describes his favorite books has resurfaced as his team heads to the NBA finals. You can find links to these topics in the show notes. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36886340

Switch 2 Debuts, Porn Popularity Falls, and Grandfamilies 06/05/2025

Switch 2 Debuts, Porn Popularity Falls, and Grandfamilies There’s a brand new Nintendo console out in the world, Gen Z is beginning to reject that narrative that pornography is empowering, or good at all, and a story in the New York Times talks about the joy and exhaustion of grandparents being the primary caregivers of their grandkids. Resource of the Week: Elsewhere in culture: A song by was relentlessly on TikTok this week, rumors are swirling about the SEC the NCAA, a cooperative Elden Ring spinoff called Nightreign has in the video game space, stuffed keychain monsters called are getting insanely popular, and an with OKC Star Chet Holmgren where he describes his favorite books has resurfaced as his team heads to the NBA finals. You can find links to these topics in the show notes. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36876460

Roundtable: Goodnight Phone Calls, Annabelle, and Gen Z Tech Restrictions 05/30/2025

Roundtable: Goodnight Phone Calls, Annabelle, and Gen Z Tech Restrictions Three Big Conversations: A new trend involves young men calling each other to say goodnight (11:22) A supposedly haunted doll named Annabelle is blamed for a plantation burning down (33:20) Gen Zers explain why they would give significant restrictions on technology to their own kids (48:28) Meme of the Week: "Holy Airball" (0:26) Elsewhere in culture (5:02): had a bigger box office opening than the new Mission: Impossible movie A study from JAMA found that social media use can predict depression but that depression doesn't necessarily predict social media use Transformers Director Michael Bay plans to direct a movie Dr. Jordan Peterson 20 atheists simultaneously in a Jubilee video And, New York influencer @justjazzzyidk posted on her own wedding day. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36783660

Goodnight Phone Calls, Annabelle, and Gen Z Tech Restrictions 05/29/2025

Goodnight Phone Calls, Annabelle, and Gen Z Tech Restrictions A new trend involves young men calling each other to say goodnight, a supposedly haunted doll named Annabelle is blamed for a plantation burning down, and Gen Zers explain why they would give significant restrictions on technology to their own kids. Elsewhere in culture: had a bigger box office opening than the new Mission: Impossible movie, a from JAMA found that social media use can predict depression but that depression doesn’t necessarily predict social media use, Transformers Director Michael Bay plans to direct a , Dr. Jordan Peterson 20 atheists simultaneously in a Jubilee video, and New York influencer @justjazzzyidk posted on her own wedding day. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36775100

Jake Weidmann on Empowering Young Creatives in an AI World 05/27/2025

Jake Weidmann on Empowering Young Creatives in an AI World Jake is a professional artist and is certified as one of only nine Master Penman in the world. He is self-taught in each of his disciplines (calligraphy, painting, drawing, woodworking, and engraving). While he typically works with private clients, he has also worked with Apple, Inc., Crossway Books, and Biola University, has spoken from countless stages including Tedx and Q and was featured on PBS Television. His new book is called /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36718105

Roundtable: Forever, AITA, and TikTok Meditations 05/23/2025

Roundtable: Forever, AITA, and TikTok Meditations Oxford Academic publishes an analysis of an infamous subreddit’s moral dilemmas, TikTok releases a 10pm bedtime meditation, and Netflix’s adaptation of “Forever” unpacks teens’ desire for romantic intimacy while still needing the support that parents provide. Song of the Week: -0:30 To read the lyrics, click Mob Morality - 19:40 Inhale (Tik), Exhale (Tok) - 39:23 Not Quite Forever - 50:28 Check our new Youtube video - Other Trending Topics: -12:22 TikTok’s “” Fortnite's AI Darth Vader Apple agreed to $95 million President Trump made posting “revenge porn” a “” continued to trend For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36678350

Forever, AITA, and TikTok Meditations 05/22/2025

Forever, AITA, and TikTok Meditations Oxford Academic publishes an analysis of an infamous subreddit’s moral dilemmas, TikTok releases a 10pm bedtime meditation, and Netflix’s adaptation of “Forever” unpacks teens’ desire for romantic intimacy while still needing the support that parents provide. Song of the Week: To read the lyrics click Check our new Youtube video - Other Trending Topics: TikTok’s “” Fortnite's AI Darth Vader Apple agreed to $95 million President Trump made posting “revenge porn” a “” continued to trend For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36678335

Roundtable: An American Pope, Quitting Zyn, and Andor 05/16/2025

Roundtable: An American Pope, Quitting Zyn, and Andor Pope Leo XIV becomes pope with a social media timeline, young people are using Reddit to help quit Zyn tobacco pouches, and our take on the second season of the Star Wars show Andor. Slang of the Week - Aura Farming - 0:17 The Top 3: The American Pope - 15:48 Zynned Out - 25:15 It’s a Star War After All - 41:14 Other Trending Topics: For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36585195

An American Pope, Quitting Zyn, and Andor 05/15/2025

An American Pope, Quitting Zyn, and Andor Pope Leo XIV becomes pope with a social media timeline, young people are using Reddit to help quit Zyn tobacco pouches, and our take on the second season of the Star Wars show Andor. Slang of the Week - Aura Farming Other Trending Topics: For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36582935

Dr. William West on Einstein, Relativity, and How Science Reveals God 05/13/2025

Dr. William West on Einstein, Relativity, and How Science Reveals God Dr. West is a Harvard and Johns Hopkins-trained oncologist and researcher, and has advanced cancer care and research for over three decades. As a native of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. West founded the West Clinic there in 1979, growing it from a single practice into a network of five locations with 25 physicians and 273 support staff, treating 300 to 400 patients weekly. As a Christian and lifelong member of one of the largest Methodist Churches in the U.S., he has lectured for more than forty years on the myth of science and faith being at odds, believing they support one another and that science reveals God. His book is called Sacred Science: Understanding Divine Creation. Click to purchase the book. /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36544155

Roundtable: Mother’s Day, Another Simple Favor, and Giving Up Music 05/09/2025

Roundtable: Mother’s Day, Another Simple Favor, and Giving Up Music “Another Simple Favor” has teens talking, lots of young people are turning the volume down to zero, and it’s Mother’s Day, but are moms… okay? Song of the Week - - 0:22 #blessed - 09:20 Yet Another Simple Favor - 26:24 Please Don’t Stop the Music - 41:02 To read the lyrics click . For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36505040

Mother’s Day, Another Simple Favor, and Giving Up Music 05/08/2025

Mother’s Day, Another Simple Favor, and Giving Up Music “Another Simple Favor” has teens talking, lots of young people are turning the volume down to zero, and it’s Mother’s Day, but are moms… okay? To hear Kate’s pitch for rebranding motherhood, check out our Roundtable podcast, available of Friday! Song of the Week - To read the lyrics click . For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36490640

Roundtable: Shedeur Sanders, Benson Boone, and Misinformation 05/02/2025

Roundtable: Shedeur Sanders, Benson Boone, and Misinformation Teens are talking about Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic draft slide, Benson Boone is the internet’s least favorite good guy, and Gen Z could be the most gullible generation—depending on what you choose to believe. Song of the Week - 0:36 Shedeur’s Slide - 15:40 Boone Backlash - 28:32 Hard to Believe - 44:00 To see the lyrics, click . Click for the Media Literacy Kit. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36407230

Shedeur Sanders, Benson Boone, and Misinformation 05/02/2025

Shedeur Sanders, Benson Boone, and Misinformation Teens are talking about Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic draft slide, Benson Boone is the internet’s least favorite good guy, and Gen Z could be the most gullible generation—depending on what you choose to believe. To hear CJ rant about music designed for search engine optimization, check out our Roundtable podcast available on Friday. Song of the Week - To see the lyrics, click . Click for the Media Literacy Kit. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36405000

Walt Hill on Childlike Faith and Christlike Joy 04/29/2025

Walt Hill on Childlike Faith and Christlike Joy Born in the desert southwest and raised in a middle-class mining family, Walter Hill volunteered for the US Navy immediately after graduating high school. Deployments took him all over Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle-East. During this time his gift for communicating faith emerged, and he now has over 25 years of ministry experience navigating the trials and triumphs of faith. Walter’s new book is called Amazed Again: Reclaiming Christ’s Joy in a Fading World and in it he’s sharing some of the lessons he’s learned about joy and resilience. Click here for Walter's book /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36349645

Roundtable: The Return of the Ice Bucket 04/25/2025

Roundtable: The Return of the Ice Bucket Prom season is once again upon us, 1 in 7 teens have participated in a “commodified sexual interaction”, and the return of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Slang of the Week - “Plot armor” 1:04 Dreams, Dresses, and Drama 10:36 Sexting for Clout 28:00 Ice Breaker 43:48 For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36302965

The Return of the Ice Bucket 04/24/2025

The Return of the Ice Bucket Prom season is once again upon us, 1 in 7 teens have participated in a “commodified sexual interaction”, and the return of the Ice Bucket Challenge. To hear Irene’s perspective as a mother on Prom, check out our Roundtable podcast, available on Friday. Slang of the Week - “Plot armor” For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36299335

Roundtable: Katy Perry Goes to Space 04/18/2025

Roundtable: Katy Perry Goes to Space Blue Origin sent Jeff Bezos’ girlfriend into the atmosphere, a theory called “Let Them” is being widely practiced (and parodied), and more and more young people are happy to declare their allegiance to Christ—but not Christianity. Song of the Week - by Lady Gaga - 0:25 Click to see the lyrics. Origin Theory - 14:51 Let Them - 30:11 Christ is Risen - 51:30 For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36217215

Katy Perry Goes to Space 04/17/2025

Katy Perry Goes to Space Blue Origin sent Jeff Bezos’ girlfriend into the atmosphere, a theory called “Let Them” is being widely practiced (and parodied), and more and more young people are happy to declare their allegiance to Christ—but not Christianity. Song of the Week - by Lady Gaga Click to see the lyrics. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36212220

Melanie Burton on Understanding the Teenage Brain 04/15/2025

Melanie Burton on Understanding the Teenage Brain Melanie is a dedicated life coach and holistic wellness professional with a Bachelor's in Psychology from Colorado Christian University. Passionate about personal growth and transformation, she brings a wealth of expertise as a certified life coach, HeartMath Biofeedback practitioner, and yoga instructor. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming stress and developing healthy habits, Melanie is committed to helping adults and teenagers reshape their perspectives, unlock personal potential, and create meaningful change in their lives. Her practice is called . For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36147140

Roundtable: Minecraft Goes to the Movies 04/11/2025

Roundtable: Minecraft Goes to the Movies Teens want to smell like sugary things, March Madness comes to an end, and viewers throw their popcorn over A Minecraft Movie. Resource of the Week - Ask Axis Podcast - 0:30 Submit your questions to On the Scent - 1:43 Sheer Madness - 16:00 A Minecraft Movie - 26:40 For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36094870

Minecraft Goes to the Movies 04/10/2025

Minecraft Goes to the Movies Teens want to smell like sugary things, March Madness comes to an end, and viewers throw their popcorn over A Minecraft Movie. To hear Evan yearn for the mines, listen to our Culture Translator Roundtable podcast aviable on Fridays! Resource of the Week - Ask Axis Podcast Submit your questions to For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/36087680

Roundtable: Church in Space and Solo Leveling 04/04/2025

Roundtable: Church in Space and Solo Leveling Solo Leveling airs its season 2 finale, orthodontia becomes a status symbol, and a stranded astronaut finds solace in livestreaming Sunday services. Song of the Week - -0:25 Read the lyrics (language) Leveled - 15:20 The Other Side of the Tracks - 35:48 Rocketman - 46:45 For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/35996680

Church in Space and Solo Leveling 04/03/2025

Church in Space and Solo Leveling Solo Leveling airs its season 2 finale, orthodontia becomes a status symbol, and a stranded astronaut finds solace in livestreaming Sunday services. To hear Irene describe what it’s like to watch gory anime with teen boys, check out the Roundtable podcast available on Friday! Song of the Week - Read the lyrics (language) For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/35995635

Dr. Tanita Maddox on What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God 04/01/2025

Dr. Tanita Maddox on What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God Tanita is the national director for generational impact for Young Life, where she has been a leader working with adolescents for over twenty-six years. With an expertise in contextualizing the gospel for Gen Z, Tanita has been featured on The Holy Post podcast and has been published in The Great Commission Research Journal, the Journal of Youth and Theology, and more. Tanita continues to serve as a volunteer leader for Young Life in her local community of Spokan, Washington, where she lives with her husband and two children. We’ll be talking today primarily about her upcoming book, What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God: Seven Questions About Life and Faith. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/35952340

Roundtable: Adolescence and Songs of LeBron 03/28/2025

Roundtable: Adolescence and Songs of LeBron TikTokers are writing songs about LeBron, Snow White’s sleepy box office debut, and Adolescence is a journey through the travails of modern boyhood. Resource of the Week - - 0:42 The Man on the Lakers 9:33 Waking Beauty - 21:32 Adolescence - 35:06 For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/35901490

Adolescence and Songs of LeBron 03/27/2025

Adolescence and Songs of LeBron TikTokers are writing songs about LeBron, Snow White’s sleepy box office debut, and Adolescence is a journey through the travails of modern boyhood. To hear Toben sing songs about basketball, click here for our Culture Translator Roundtable podcast! Resource of the Week - For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/35889680

Roundtable: The Failure of TherapyTok 03/21/2025

Roundtable: The Failure of TherapyTok Gen Z prefers baggy clothes to slim-fitting athleisure, public conversations are becoming the medium of choice for obtaining information, and therapy culture tries to replace religion. Song of the Week - -0:22 Click to see the lyrics. Fitter… Happier? - 17:06 The Art of Conversation - 27:26 Searching for a Savior - 37:22 For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/35796235

The Failure of TherapyTok 03/20/2025

The Failure of TherapyTok Gen Z prefers baggy clothes to slim-fitting athleisure, public conversations are becoming the medium of choice for obtaining information, and therapy culture tries to replace religion. [For more nuance, including CJ's spirited take on baggy gym clothes, you can listen to our Culture Translator Roundtable available on Friday]. Song of the Week - Click to see the lyrics. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/35795390

John Eldredge on Becoming Ordinary Mystics 03/18/2025

John Eldredge on Becoming Ordinary Mystics John is a New York Times bestselling author, counselor, and teacher who has inspired millions to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's kingdom. We’ll be talking today primarily about his new book Experience Jesus. Really.: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder Through Everyday Encounters with God. For more Axis resources, go to . /episode/index/show/culturetranslator/id/35742840

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