Faithspotting
Faithspotting is a podcasts dedicated to spotting and sharing issues of life, faith, and theology presented in film, television, and music, then empower listeners to use these stories as tools to strengthen and apply faith in their everyday life.
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Faithspotting Rebuilding
11/20/2025
Faithspotting Rebuilding
Faithspotting co-hosts Mike and Kenny are joined by writer / director Max Walker-Silverman to discuss his newest film Rebuilding, which stars Josh O'connor, Lily LaTorre, Meghann Fahy, Kali Reis, and Amy Madigan. Set in Max's home state of Colorado, Rebuilding is a moving story of a family and community coming together in the aftermath of a wildfire that destroyed their homes and scorched their land and lives. Max drew upon his experience of losing a family home and acerage to a fire when he was growing up. Rebuilding is distributed by Bleeker Street. Following Kenny and MIke's discussion of the film and faith they spotted, there is an interview with Max Walker-Silverman. In addition, Mike's co-teacher Michael Logan and one of their students, Trip Breslin join in the interview. Faith Topics: Hope in Rebuilding: Hope is grounded in faith in the possibility of new life and community plays an important role in rebuilding. Community can be family, friends, neighbors as well as strangers. Rebuilding New Not Same Lives. Though the temptation is to seek to rebuild life just as it was before, new life will be different, and even if it seems less, it can often be a more fulfilling life. Faith is change, and the Paradox of Home. Individuals, families, and communities often seek out "home"because it is known, comfortable, and predictable, yet home is typically changing or under threat of change. Part of faith is growth and accepting and embracing change. Seeking to avoid change and growth is based in fear and the opposite of faith. Non-Anxious lives. Faith fosters a life that is non-anxious in the midst of change and even struggle. While everyone experiences anxiety in life and seasons of struggle and loss, faith, including the support of community, is an instrument in releasing anxiety. Resurrection follows Good Friday. As witnessed in the Gospels, Jesus had to experience the suffering of Good Friday and the tomb before the resurrection. Most people will also experience suffering prior to the new life of resurrection. People of the Christian faith are Easter people prior to their death and passage from life unto life.
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The Carpenter's Son
11/15/2025
The Carpenter's Son
Faithspotting hosts Kenny Dickson and Mike Hatch review and spot faith elements in the film The Carpenter's Son by director Lotfy Nathan. Included in the episode is Mike and Kenny's interview with Lotfy Nathan. The Carpenter's Son is based on the apocryphal text, The Infancy Gospel of Thomas. The text is a collection of non-canonical stories of Jesus during the years He and Mary and Joseph were in exile in Egypt. The stories depict the struggle of the Holy Family as Jesus becomes aware of his differences and as he grows into his divinity. Collected in the 2nd or 3rd centuries, the stories are not considered part of the Biblical canon but reflect tradition and perhaps curisosity of followers about the childhood of Jesus. The film has been called a "Jesus horror film" by many, and while aknowledging it's darkness, Nathan considers it more of a spiritual and perhaps theological thriller. The film stars Nicolas Cage as the Carpenter, (Joseph) Noah Jupe as the boy (Jesus), FKA Twigs as the Mother (Mary) and Isla Johnston as the stranger (Satan) and Souheila Yacoub as Lilith. Faith Spotted: Discussion about the Infancy Gospel of Thomas within the Christian tradition. How imagining the full meaning of Jesus's full humanity and divinity, and the struggles beyond his ministry and crucifixion can strengthen one's relationship with Christ and one's faith. Imagining what is was like to be Jesus's parents, especially for Joseph to be his earthly, stepfather. Through the interview there is an opportunity to hear about director Lotfy Nathan and his Biblical and theological awareness growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, and how he seeks to use those lessons in sharing this story. The film speaks to people of fith who have doubts ander when God seems to be silent and absent in the midst of struggles in life.
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Faithspotting "One Battle after Another"
10/04/2025
Faithspotting "One Battle after Another"
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elements reflected in Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film One Battle after Another. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as "Ghetto" Pat Calhoun, once a leader of the famous revolutionary group, the "French 75." Following the capture of his partner Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor) and the capture and killing of many of the group by Col. Stephen Lockjaw (Sean Penn) Calhoun lives an underground life as Bob Ferguson raising his and Perfidia's daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti). When Lockjaw, trying to cover his tracks in order to join a secret society of white supremists, The Christmas Adventurers Club, captures Willa, Ferguson is pressed into action with little time to shake of the rust of 15 years of drugs, alcohol and little activity. Benicio del Toro costars as Sergio St. Carolos, Willa's Karate intstructor and leader of the local undocumented community. Sergio assists Bob in finding his daughter while also helping many of the community escape from the military crackdown. Faith Spotted: Co-opting and nationalizing faith for personal power and profit. The perseverance necessary to stand against injustice, seek to redeem and reclaim justice and the way of Christ and the Kingdom of God. The challenge and call to maintain faith and focus when encountering the enevitable, "gravitational force" of resistance of those who oppose the righteousness of God and Gospel of Christ. Resist the temptations to allow diappointment and struggle change one into that which one is called to oppose. Resist the temptation to believe that unrighteous means will lead to a righteous end.
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Faithspotting "The Long Walk"
09/29/2025
Faithspotting "The Long Walk"
Mike and Kenny review and spot faith in the second film this year based on a novel by Stephen King, The Long Walk. Stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Mark Hamil, Judy Greer and was directed by Francis Lawrence. The Long Walk was the first novel Stephen King wrote although it was not published for many years. Some of the film and faith themes we discuss from The Long Walk are echoed in later novels and series such as The Hunger Games, Squid Games. Faith Spotted: Persons of faith are called to be content with what one has Psalm 46. Greed in acquiring material, or social wealth and reptuation is contrary to the teachings of both testaments of the Bible. Set in the midst of a post apocolyptic America, the story presents 50 or 100 persons (depending on the film or novel) that are willing to put themselves in the gravest danger for a 1% or 2% chance to win a large payout. The countryside and towns are presented as bleak and the people as joyless with litte to no hope in life. Faith allows persons to find meaning, joy and purpose in life and Philippians 4 calls Christians to rejoice in the Lord, always as, regardless of one's situation, the presence of the Lord is always with one and the promises of the Gospel of new life bring joy into one's life, regardless of the challeges or even suffering one is facing. All life has value because all people are children of God. Killing goes agains the commandments of both testaments. Not only are such contests that pit living persons against another not acceptable, participating in, or watching / condoning, them are incompatible with the teachings and life example of Christ. Those in leadership are charged with the responsibilty of the welfare of citizens and others in their cities, states, and nations. They are called to act as shepherds in offering care and protection to all people. The film depicts the games as a way those in control distract and control the population in much the same way as the gladiatorial games during the Roman rule. Such a strategy is not faithful leadership.
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Faithspotting "East of Wall"
08/13/2025
Faithspotting "East of Wall"
Kenny and Mike review and spot faith reflected in the Sony Classic film East of Wall. The episode includes Mike and Kenny's interview with director Kate Beecroft and the film's stars and subjects, Tabatha (Tabby) and Portia Zimiga. While not a documentary, East of Wall is a "docu-fiction" drama based on the lives of the Zimigas, the wayward teens who have found a place and home on her ranch, as well as other women in the area. Tabby rescues and trains horses from slaughter pens and sales them in sale barns in and around Wall South Dakota. Portia is a gifted rider and rodeo barrell racer. The Zimiga's and the teens are still working through the death of Tabatha's husband and stepfather to Portia as well as stuggling financially to keep the 3000 acre ranch going and provide refuge for the teens. In addition to Tabby and Portia, the vast majority of the cast are persons playing themselves. The two non-actors in starring roles are Scoot McNairy who plays Roy Waters, a Texas rancher who is interested in purchasing the ranch, and Jennifer Ehle who plays Tabby's mom, Tracey. Althought it echoes Nomadland in both look and feel as well as using non-professional actors, East of Wall is grittier and goes deeper into the lives of the persons portraying themselves. The film has an even stronger kinship with the neo-realism style of the post-war Italian cinema. In the midst of the struggle there is beauty in the love and trust of the community that includes the Zimigas, the teens, as well as other women friends and family who have experienced struggles life in "the new west." The film is set against the backdrop of the South Dakota Badlands which not only provides beautiful cinematography but is also a visual symbol of the desolate looking but also rich life on the ranch and throughout the area. The story behind the making of the film echoes much of the film's themes and adds to the experience of watching or reflecting on the film. Kate Beecroft and her director of photography were driving throughout the country looking for stories that could be made into a short film. They literally stumble across Tabby. This story is included in the interview. Faith Spotted: The transformative nature and power of story, trust and commitment within community. Such is depicted in both the film as well as the relationships between the director and cast. As the film reflects the "new west" in the age of changing demographics and greater financial pressures on farming and ranching, the film also reflects what is likely to be the "new Church," where the focus is more on being in relationship and community with persons outside the walls and rolls of the church than maintaining such walls. Though most churches and members acknowledge that the Church "is not a building or steeple, but people," churches too often struggle to actually get out from behind the walls, get, and be in ministry, with persons in the community. The mission of the Church is north, south, wast and east of it's walls. The church needs to be more like, as Kate described the teens, "fierce and feral in the best way possible." Kate would not have been able to make the film had she not been fully invested in the people and their stories. This reflects the incarnational purpose and nature of Jesus, God with us, as us.
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Faithspotting "F1 The Movie"
07/10/2025
Faithspotting "F1 The Movie"
Mike and Kenny review the Summer action blockbuster F1: The Movie starring Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon and directed by Joseph Kosinski. Pitt stars as race car driver Sonny Hayes, who is invited to join an F1 team despite a 30 year absence from the F1 circuit following a traumatic crash. The team's owner, Ruben Cervantes (Bardem) drove with Hayes when he was a rookie and is desperate for his team to show success or else he will lose it. Part of Hayes's impact on the team needs to be mentoring the team's rookie sensation but yet to be successful driver, Joshua Pearce (Idris.) Produced by Jerry Bruckeimer and Apple Studios, F1 The Movie included scenes shot during F1 on location at several Grand Prixs, the British, Italian, Las Vegas, Japan and Abu Dhabi. Faith Spotted: The place and necessity of Community: I Corinthians 12, the Body of Christ consists of many parts, all of which are vital and dependent on one another. Such dependency requires trust and faith in each other. As Christ had total faith in God, discisples of Jesus must also have faith in the God's redemptive power and in the new life promised in Christ. This is reflected in F1 in all the members of the team, from the owner, drivers, and all crew members. Without everyone working together the team fails. Living in Community requires Humility. As Paul teaches in Philippians 2 all persons of faith are called to imitate the humility of Christ. As Jesus did not use his position as God to gain attention, power, and to be served, but rather to serve God and others, discipleship of Christ calls for persons to be humble and use talents and other blessings of God in the service of God and others. Hayes, Pearce, and others in the film are challenged to reign in their ego's and desires for personal fame and glory in order for the team to win and all to be successful. Over coming Adversity, Failure and Fear: Faith in God's love, grace, and the promise of new life, allows us the freedom to struggle against adversity and the fear of failure. The teaching and life example of Jesus calls us to live out of faith rather than in the midst fear because God cherishes all people for who they are, God's children, not for what they accomplish. Calling, Purpose, and Passion: Sonny Hayes was born to race. It doesn't matter if he was racing in the glamorous world of the F1 circuit or isolated Baja races. In contrast Joshua Pearce saw racing as a means to an end, glory, wealth, popularity. Pursuing his purpose and passion rather than the perks of success enabled Hayes to find joy in all circumstances. Children of God are called to discover their purpose and use the gifts and blessings that God offers that drive that purpose.
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Faithspotting :The LIfe of Chuck"
06/26/2025
Faithspotting :The LIfe of Chuck"
Mike and Kenny review and spot faith elements reflected in the film The Life of Chuck. Written and Directed by Mike Flannigan (Dr. Sleep) and starring Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers) as the adult Chuck Krantz. Based on the Stephen King novella of the same name, The Life of Chuck examines the life of Chuck through formative moments of his life.as a child, youth and adult. Benjamin Pajak and Jacob Tremblay (Room) portay Chuck as a child and a older teenager. The film co-stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years Slave), Mia Sara (Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Mark Hamill (Star Wars) and Karen Gillan (Avengers: Endgame). The film is presented in three acts that go backwards and forwards in time unveiling the person and life of a man, Chuck Krantz, amdist natural disasters and disruptions facing the world. Faith Notes: In the midst of tragedy and personal and societal loss, joy and peace can still be experienced. Two psalms speak to the theme of The Life of Chuck, Psalm 8, given the wonders of creation, the vastness of the stars and the heavens, God still knows and treasures every person intimately. The film also calls for rejoicing in every day as it is a gift of God, Psalm 118:24, and there is no guarantee of tomorrow. These themes also reflect the teachings from Ecclesiastes 3, that there are seasons of life and living. These themes also reflect the teaching of Christ in Matthew 6 not to worry about tomorrow, but focus on the joy in/and of challenges today. The freedom that comes when we release control of our lives and the world to God. The implications of the reality that all creation belongs to God.
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Faithspotting "Sinners"
05/08/2025
Faithspotting "Sinners"
Mike and Kenny review and spot faith reflected in the latest film from writer / director Ryan Coogler which stars Michael B. Jordon in dual roles as Elijah "Smoke" and Elias "Stack" Moore, twin brothers returning from a mysterious time Chicago to their Mississippi Delta home town to start again. Set in the 1930's "Smoke" and "Stack," flush with cash and mystery on how they made it, seek to start again by opening a Juke Joint for the black community in their town. Amidst the challenges they were expecting such as from the Klan, their biggest threat is supernatural evil. Faith Spotted: The destructive power of temptation and greed, whether for riches, power, influence, or eternal life. Although sin and the brokenness of the world impact all of creation, people have freedom and choose to invite or let sin and unrighteousness into their lives. As taught in Scripture, God offers people the freedom to accept relationship with, and righteousness of, God. Likewise people choose to accept or invite sin/the Devil into their lives, rather than it invading or taking over. Life outside the grace and love of God is not a blessing but a burden that imprisons the body and destroys one's spirit. The film depicts the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 10:28 that one should not fear that which can kill only the body, but fear that which kills the soul. The vampire /Dracula mythology and symbolism that dates back thousands of years depicts the struggle of evil against good. The place and role of music in black culture and the black church.
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Faithspotting "Eric LaRue"
04/07/2025
Faithspotting "Eric LaRue"
Kenny and Mike discuss discuss and spot faith elements in the film Eric LaRue. Included in this epispose is an interview with Director Michael Shannon and the film's star Judy Greer. The film, based on the play by Brett Neveu who also was the screenwriter, presents the parents of a school shooter and the challenges that they face in their lives, their relationships with each other, and with their community. The film also portrays how the faith communities of each parent respond to the needs of the parents as well as the faith and extended communities. Faith Elements: The film depicts how faith communities and leaders should NOT respond to persons involved or impacted by tragedy. Faith leaders, members, and communities should not be focused on solving the issue and removing the pain but should offer a ministry of presence, allowing the victims to share their pain without a rush to "get through" things. While faith and faith communities are places to find and receive comfort, they first are places that are willing to step into and be in the midst of the uncomfortable spaces, including pain and anger. Judy's character responds to her husband's trying to convince her to seek solace in his non-denominal and "giver her burden's to Jesus" by saying she does not want to because they are "my burdens." The incident has become a part of her, and to seek immediate comfort would be forget and deny the incident has happened and is to deny and erase such an important part of their life. Such desire for immediate relief comes through denying the pain and what work that needs to be done.
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Faithspotting "Audrey's Children"
03/31/2025
Faithspotting "Audrey's Children"
Kenny and Mike review, spot faith elements, and interview Natalie Dormer who stars as pioneering pediatric oncologist Audrey Evans in the biopic film Audrey's Children. Audrey Evans became Director of the Pediatric Oncology department at the renowned Children's Hospital of Philidelphia (CHOP) in 1969, and was a trailblazer as both the first department chief and one who introduced new methods for tracking and treating pediatric cancer. As a hospital with a strong national reputation, parents brought their children from all over the region and country. Out of concern for the parents who were often forced to sleep on the floor of the Oncology ward, Audrey purchased a home that could be used to offer free housing for parents. This home and program grew into the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Clancy Brown Co-stars as Dr. C. Everett Koop who served as chief of pediatric surgery at CHOP and was responsible for recriting Dr. Evans. Koop who would later serve as U.S. Surgeon General supported Dr. Evans in the early years of her career including her development of the Evans Staging System which charted Neuroblastoma disease progression and allowed for the most effective treatments. Faith Spotted: Faith grounded Audrey and inspired her to confront successfully the challenges and roadblocks she encountered as a trailblazing female department chair with new diagnostic and treament procedures. The film speaks to the purpose and power of calling and the transformative impact it can have in the lives of others. Audrey's calling was to serve children and families in the midst the most difficult circumstances. The film lifts up the importance of children echoing the teaching of Jesus to remove any barriers to children fully living into the life of their community and deserving of the attention of God. Audrey's story reflects the call to live one's life to the fullest, utilizing the gifts and talents God has given. Life is not to be wasted.
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Faithspotting "Flow"
03/19/2025
Faithspotting "Flow"
Mike and Kenny review the animated adventure film Flow, spot and discuss the faith themes reflected in the Latvian film that won the 2025 Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, and taking over 5 years to make, Flow was made by using the free and open source software Blender. Flow follows a cat, a capybara, a ring-tailed lemur, a secretary bird and a labrador retriever who find refuge together in a small boat following a massive flood that covers most of the land around them. Praised for its wonderful and unique visuals and aninmation, Flow is able to communicate the story through the visuals and animal as well as other sound effects. Flow is streaming on HBO Max. Faith Spotted: The use of a boat to usher animals safely through a sudden flood echoes that story of Noah and the Ark. In addition the story uses the road narrative to present a community gathered and working together despite differences to survive amids great challenges and dangers. The different instincts and abilities of the animals serve to help them and the community survive. As with people of differeing nationalities, faiths, and cultures, the Christian faith calls for care of and for one another, and living into what unites, all peopel are children of God, rather than separates persons, nations, and faiths and communities. All of the animals showed faith in taking the chance to get in the boat and leave their home and native areas. The cat shows the faith necessary to make changes that go against it's instinct to swim so as to catch fish for itself and provide for the other animals. The boat is an early symbol for the work of the Church. Jesus often taught from or used boats in his ministry. Likewise the church is sent into the chaotic waters of a broken world to offer refuge, new hope, new life. Not mentioned in the episode but certainly a faith element is the presenation of the whale. Several times a whale appeared to save the cat, and later the other animals when their boat got caught up in trees. The Whale (great fish) was used as an insturment of God to rescue and deliver Jonah to the city of Nineveh, where his message of judgement inspired the city to repent, receive grace, and not be destroyed by God. Depending on how one reads or interprets the film, there is a presenation of eternal, resurrection life, as well as an act of sacraficial love by two of the animals.
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Faithspotting 2025 Oscars
02/25/2025
Faithspotting 2025 Oscars
Freguent Faithspotting contributor and friend Ryan Parker join Mike and Kenny to discuss the 2025 Academy Awards. Ryan works in public relations in the film industry and is the founder and director of the Mississippi Film Society. We thought this year had a solid slate of nominees, especially in the Best Actor and Best Director categories. Faithspotting covered 8 films with a total of 50 nominations including 6 of the 10 for Best Picture, 12 Acting, and 4 Directing nominations. Checkout our reviews and the faith we spotted in Sing Sing, The Substance, Conclave, Wicked, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Emilia Perez, and Inside Out 2.
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Faithspotting Episode "A Complete Unknown"
01/30/2025
Faithspotting Episode "A Complete Unknown"
Kenny and Mike are joined by friend and regular guest Rev. Eric Folkerth to discuss the biopic film of Bob Dylan, A Complete Unkown. Directed by James Mangold, the film stars Timothee Chalamet as Dylan, Ed Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, and Monica Babaro as Joan Baez. Based on the book Dylan Goes Electric by Elijah Wood, A Complete Unknown opens as Bob Dylan arrives in New York City and begins his rise in the world of folk music, and the reaction after he became a folk music star when he decides to expand into folk rock music by "going electric." This new direction was introduced and decidedly rejected by the audience at the 1965 Newport Folk Music Festival, and is the climax of the film. As the film moves toward the Newport clash, it documents Dylan's struggle againstbeing labeled, boxed in, and controlled by the music industry as well as his initial fans. The film also shows Dylan's relationships with Sylvie Russo and folk legends Joan Baez, as well as with Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Episode Guest Eric Folkerth is Sr. Pastor of Kessler Park United Methodist Church in Dallas and is a singer/songwriter and blogger. Eric's website is ericfolkerth.com Faith Reflected: Expansive vs. restricted worship, experiences, and understanding of God. Worship Wars happen when individuals and groups get comfortable and set in their ways of worship and deny the validity of other expressions and languages of worship that may speak better to others. The benefit of a variety of ways of worship that lead to enriched understanding and experiences of God. Declaring and accepting purity of worship is a means to control the experience, theological understanding, and faith development of others. Luke 4 and the resistance to Jesus demonstrating God's love of and working for other people and nations. The early Church in the Book of Acts also faced this struggle of expansive experiences of worship and understanding of God.
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Faithspotting "The Brutalist"
01/24/2025
Faithspotting "The Brutalist"
Kenny and Mike review and discuss faith reflected in the Academy Award nominated film starring Adrien Brody. Written, produced and directed by Brady Corbet, the film shows the story of a Hungarian-Jewish holocaust survior, Laszlo Toth (Brody) who imigrates to the United States following World War 2. A renowned architect in Europe, Toth comes to Philadelphia with only a suitcase and an invitation to stay with a cousin who imigrated earlier. After a fallout with his cousin, Toth, living in a shelter, is sought out by industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) for whom he and his cousin had done work, and was the catalyst for their fallout. Van Buren offers Toth a commission to design a very large civic center and chapel for his hometown outside of Philadelphia. Following an intermission, the second part of the 3 hour 20 minute film begins with the arrival of Laszlo's wife Erzsebeth (Felicity Jones) and Laszlo's niece Zsofia (Raffey Cassidy) who does not speak and cares for Erzsebeth who is confined to a wheelchair as a result of her time in a concentration camp. The film depicts the struggles the Toth's face rebuilding their lives and relationship after a long separation and in the midst of Van Buren's and societal disdain for them. Faith Spotted: Gifts for service to the Church as well as talents in life are given by God. People should be humble in their use and any recognition that comes with the talents and gifts. Gifts to God and communities should be to glorify God and serve the community rather than glorify the individual or family giving it. We are called to be stewards of the gifts and talents God has given us. We are to be truly welcoming and accepting persons of other faiths and cultures including imigrants and refugees who are fleeing danger and or seeking to start a new life. Welcoming includes offering hospitiality and love to others as we do our neighbors.
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Faithspotting "Wicked Pt. 1"
01/01/2025
Faithspotting "Wicked Pt. 1"
Hosts Mike and Kenny discuss the blockbusting film adaptation of Act 1 of the musical Wicked which stars Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande. Directed by Jon M. Chu. Wicked Pt. 1offers the back story of The Wizard of Oz's Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West as well as the Wizard. Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, a child conceived via an affair with green skin and rejected by her father. Ariana Grande stars as Galinda, born into wealth and influence and seemingly perfect. Galinda and Elphaba become roommates and rivals at Shiz University where both quickly become the center of attention, and eventually friends. The film features outstanding vocal performances by Erivo and Grande as well as very strong visuals and production design. Jeff Goldbloom co-stars as the Wizard with Michelle Yeoh co-starring as Madame Morrible, the professor of magic. Jonathan Bailey co-stars as the romantic Prince Fiyero. Faith Spotted: The question of God in L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Where does evil / wickedness come from? The ability for narratives to cast wickedness on those undeserving of it as well as hide the wickedness and evil of others. Though our faith teaches we are all born into sin, what roll does environtmental elements and circumstances play in becoming evil/wicked? All persons are created by and are beloved children of God, therefore as persons of faith we are called to respect and preserve the agency of "others" regardless of their faith or place. As Christians we can celebrate the defeat of evil and the removal of the threat of evil and wickedness but we are not to celebrate the suffering or death of those who commit evil or wicked acts as this violates Christ's command to love all persons, even our enemies, as well as the command to forgive even one's enemies. While it can seem impossible, we are called to do so and can be empowered by God to do so. Persons of the Christian faith are not to blame persons or punish them for the sins of others. Article with novelist Gregory Maguire regarding faith present in Wicked.
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Faithspotting "Emilia Perez"
12/20/2024
Faithspotting "Emilia Perez"
Co-hosts Kenny and MIke review and faithspot the Palme d' Or winning musical drama starring Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez and directed by Jacques Audiard. Emilie Perez tells the story of two women seeking the freedom to live their lives as they desire without societal biases, expectations, and limitations. Saldana, Gascon, and Gomes jointly won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival and all were nominated for Golden Globe Supporting and Best Actress award. The film was nominated for Best Musical or Comedy film. The actresses are also strong contenders for SAG and nominations and the film is expected to be nominated for Best Film. Faith Spotted: In the midst of brokeness, societal limitations and judgemental expectations, the resurrection offers the hope and promise of redemption, liberation and new life. With this new life is a call to seek and stand up for righeousness even in the midst of risk and sacrifice.
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Faithspotting "Conclave"
12/07/2024
Faithspotting "Conclave"
Mike and Kenny discuss the psychological, political, and spiritual thrilling film starring Ralph Fiennes and directed by Edward Berger. The film is a drama showing all the personal and ecclesiatical drama as the College of Cardinals Conclave to select a new pope. Reflecting society, the College is divided into conservative and liberal factions who are seeking to keep or retake control of the Papacy. The Dean of the College, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) is charged with the administration of the Conclave. In addition to managing the nuts and bolts of the gathering, Dean Thomas must handle a mysterious and unknown new Cardinal, gossips of malfeasance and personal indiscretion within the College, political intrigue with the voting as well as conflict outside the walls of the Conclave. In addition Lawrence faces doubts about the church and his calling. Co-starring with Fiennes are Stanley Tucci (Bellini,) John Lithgow ( Tremblay,) and Isabella Rossellini (Sister Agnes.) Faith Spotted: The place of humility, specifically to protect against the temptation of pride and power. See Philippians 2, Colossians 3, 1 Peter 5. Certainty in issues of theology is an indication of a lack of humility. The place of doubt within living faithfully. Servant Leadership vs. Being Served as Leader.
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Faithspotting "The Substance"
11/28/2024
Faithspotting "The Substance"
Kenny and Mike discuss The Substance and spot faith issues reflected in the body horror genre film starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat who won the Best Screenplay Award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, The Substance challenges agism and society's unrealistic, double standards of beauty and capability for women as presented through Academy Award winning actress Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who is fired from her successful workout program on her 50th birthday. Following her firing , Sparkle takes The Substance, a black market drug that offers an opportunity to experience life via a better and younger version of yourself with whom you must share life, 7 days on and 7 days off in a Substance induced coma. For Sparkle, her better self is Sue (Margaret Qualley.) While Elizabeth and Sue "are one" they are anything but on the same page of the life arrangement required by The Substance. The Substance is Rated R for nudity, language, and strong violence. Faith Issues: Accepting and even embracing the reality of differing seaons of life as taught in Ecclesiastes 3. Resisting the temptation to live for and by earthly standards and treasures. Matthew 6 Living faithfully in and for the future rather than fearfully in and for the past. Jeremiah 29, Hebrews 11 discusses the substance or confidence of faith in the life and promises of a fuller and better life God desires for and offers us. Psalm 130, a Song of Ascents offers opportunity to express fear and grief when one goes through seasons of loss and change while maintaining faith in God's redemption. Psalm 42 and 43 speak of longing for better days from the past and lifting up laments to God yet also putting faith and trust in God's righteousness and vendication. Quoted by Christ on the cross, Psalm 22 voices the lament of one enduring great suffering and almost losing hope, but ends in faith in God's faithfullness.
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Faithspotting "Disclaimer"
11/21/2024
Faithspotting "Disclaimer"
Faithspotting Hosts Mike Hatch and Kenny Dickson discuss and spot faith reflected in the AppleTV+ series starring Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline. Disclaimer is the first television series directed by four time Oscar winning director Alphonso Cuaron and is based on the psychlogical thrilling novel by Renee Knight. Faith Notes: Disclaimer depicts the impact impact of unresolved grief and anger that grows into hate, as well as the destructive power of hate fueled revenge. Disclaimer demonstrates the impact of not effectively working through grief and anger. While people process grief in different ways and pace, intervention may be necessary when one gets stuck in the mourning and grief process. In a similar way, holding on to anger is destructive and can damage one's health and relationships. For Christians, faith in the promise of new life, both now and eternally, through the resurrection assists when one is in the midst of loss and grief. Also, the destructive power of unresolved and unforgiven anger often leads to thoughts or acts of revenge which impacts not only the people directly involved, but also family, friends, and others who suffer collateral wounds. Forgiveness is commanded by Christ. Forgiveness helps protect and preserve the physicial, psychological, and spiritual health and well-being of individuals directively involved in the situation as well as others. Even when one believes they cannot forgive, God seeks to work within one to bring them to a state of forgiveness and peace. Disclaimer is rated M for mature audiece due to Language, Sexual Content and Assualt, Language, Violence, Drug Use.
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Faithspotting "Exhibiting Forgiveness"
10/23/2024
Faithspotting "Exhibiting Forgiveness"
Mike and Kenny discuss the wonderful film and spot faith elements reflected in Titus Kaphar's feature length directorial and screenwriting debut. Included in the episode is an indepth conversation with Titus Kaphar. Based on Kaphar's life, Exhibing Forgiveness examines the need and difficulty many face in offering forgiveness. Titus Kaphar is a well known artist whose paintings and sculptures are highly sought after by private collectors and galleries. The forgiving process mirrors Kaphars understanding of art as a way to disrupt past narratives which breaks the power of past events in the present and future. Faith Issues: The true nature, difficulty, and process of offering forgiveness. When one withholds forgiveness, one allows the other to keep power over oneself. The healing that can come through replacing anger and resentfullness with forgiveness changes the narrative and arc of one's emotions, spirit, and life.
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Faithspotting "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
09/25/2024
Faithspotting "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
Kenny and Mike discuss Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tim Burton's sequel to his 1988 classic horror conference Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton returns as Betelgeuse, the bio-exorcist along with Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara who reprise their roles as Lydia and Delia Deitz. Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci join the cast as Betelgeuse continues his pursuite of Lydia while avoiding his recently reconnected and now murderous ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci.) Kenny also shares some of his experiences at the Venice Film Festival where Beetlejuice Beetlejuice had its world premiere in late August, 2024. Faith Spotted: As persons of faith we believe in the promise of new life that is available through grace by faith. Through God's forgiveness we are not bound by the mistakes we make, have made or by our background. As Easter people we believe in restoration and that our true identity is as a beloved child of God. We should not label others or accept the labels others have toward us. The resurrection hope and promise of new life and is not limited to that which we receive in full after we die, but is available in our life and time here. Faith Spotted II: (Faith issues not mentioned in the podcast.) The Struggles of both Lydia, and Delia, as well perhaps as Betelgeuse, have by not working through past failure, pain, and loss in life. Though painful, it is in facing, and doing, the grief work and process that we are able to move beyond mourning, pain and loss, and begin the new normal life that God desires for us. As persons of faith we are called to live and be in the moments of life, whether difficult, exciting, or routine. Each day is a gift and even in the midst of pain or routine, evidence of God's presence and grace abound and offer joy. Venice Film Festival Photos:
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Faithspotting ClassiX: "Almost Famous"K
09/02/2024
Faithspotting ClassiX: "Almost Famous"K
Kenny and Mike talk and spot faith elements in the popular 2000 fim Almost Famous, written / directed by Cameron Crowe, and starring Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Frances McDormand, Phiip Seymour Hoffman, and Anna Paquin. Crowe won an Academy Award for best screenplay. Faith Spotted: The place and function of community as a source of accountability and support to help one mature as a person as well as in faith. The importance of love that serves serves others and brings others together rather than seeking to lift up and serve oneself. The difficulty but necessary process of letting a loved one experience life, loss, and success rather than keeping strict control over the individual.
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Faithspotting "Sing Sing"
07/18/2024
Faithspotting "Sing Sing"
Kenny and Mike review and spot faith elements presented in the powerful A24 film Sing Sing, The film is based on the true story of John Divine G Whitfield (Colman Domingo) who was falsely convicted and spent 25 years in Sing Sing prison. While there he co-founded the Rehabilitation Through Arts program where persons who are incarcerated stage theatrical programs. The episode includes interviews Mike and Kenny had with Divine G and director Greg Kwedar. Faith Elements: The transformative power of story, Redemption, Rehabiliation, Repentance and Community. Kenny and Mike and Faithspotting is hosting a free screening of the film on July 24th at &pm at the AMC Northpark Theaters. Sign up below John Divine G Whitfield Greg Kwedar
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Faithspotting Celebrating 100 Episodes
07/08/2024
Faithspotting Celebrating 100 Episodes
Hosts Mike and Kenny celebrate 7 seasons, 4 years and 100 episodes of talking film and spotting faith on the Faithspotting podcast. Listen as they discuss and reflect on their favorite moments, episodes, and play some of their favorite interviews. Kenny and Mike recording the Nope Episode at the Faithspotting "Studio" at Button Memorial UMC. Mike and Kenny with Director Fran Kranz and Ann Dowd from MASS Mike, Kevin Von Erich, and Kenny at The Iron Claw premiere party.
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Faithspotting "Inside Out 2"
06/27/2024
Faithspotting "Inside Out 2"
Kenny and Mike begin the seventh season of Faithspotting by discussing and spotting faith reflected in the newest Pixar film, Inside Out 2. Considering how much Mike and Kenny enjoyed the film and thought the message of Inside Out, that all emotions have purpose and value, both entered the theater with high expectations and hopes Inside Out 2 would be a worthy sequal. Faith Spotted: The teaching in Psalm 139, and other places, that we are children of God and are wonderfully made even when considering our imperfections and brokenness. How living this teaching allows for true joy and a rich and joyfilled life. Justification by Christ through faith rather than one's deeds. While not possible, the drive to justify oneself reflects a lack of faith in God's assurance of grace and love. The place and purpose of confession and the possibility of repentance and redemption.
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Faithspotting 2024 Oscars
03/02/2024
Faithspotting 2024 Oscars
Kenny and Mike are joined by our good friend and regular Faithspotting contributor Dr. Ryan Parker for the annual Oscars preview episode where we predict winners and share our choices for who wins the Oscars. Ryan works in public relations and marketing for independent films, and is also the Executive Director for the Misssissippi Film Society. We agreed that this was a solid year for films and nominations. We were grateful that folks had a reason to get excited again as was experienced in the "Barbenheimer" moment, we also were happy that folks are discussing cinema thoughout various genres. While we agreed on many of the awards, there were a few differences of opinions. Faith Spotted: In addition to picking and justifying winners we also discussed which films most effectively and powerfully reflected faith lived and experienced in life. Subjects included the temptation and corrosive power of evil as experienced at communal and individual levels in the past as well as seems to be recurring now before our eyes and ears. The most significant question that emerges from several of the nominated films is, reminded now of the past sins of commission and omission by society, nations, and faith traditions, how will we respond as individuals and communities of faith? Will we be taken by, or stand against, the tide that seems set to pull many away from the rightsouness God desires as presented in Scripture and the life and ministry of Jesus?
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Faithspotting "Rustin"
02/23/2024
Faithspotting "Rustin"
Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflected in the biopic about civil rights leader Bayard Rustin. Starring Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo, Rustin, directed by George C. Wolfe and co-staring Chris Rock, GlynnTurman, and fellow 2024 Academy Award acting nominees Jeffery Wright and Da 'Vine Joy Randolph, tells the story of Bayard Rustin, the organizer and driving force behind the 1963 March on Washington. The March is best known for Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech and is considered not only one of the seminal moments in the Civil Rights movement, but in modern American history. Faith Notes: The nature of servant leadership, that leaders are to serve and not be served as demonstrated by Jesus' life and ministry, and His washing the feet of the disciples. As seen in the film and lives of Bayard Rustin, MLK, and Medgar Evers, the need of and call to prophetic speech and action and the accompanying risks, suffering and sacrifice. God using those who are imperfect to accomplish God's righteousness. The temptation to allow ego and pride to damage or sabatage God's calling and mission. The seeds or racism that are blooming again and that they are incompatible with the teaching and life example of Jesus.
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Faithspotting "Past Lives"
02/09/2024
Faithspotting "Past Lives"
Hosts Mike and Kenny review and spot faith elements reflected in the Academy Award nominated film by Celine Song. Past Lives stars Greta Lee (Nora) and Teo Yoo (Hae Sung) who were childhood friends and first loves, separated suddenly when Nora's family immigrated from South Korea to Canada. The film co-stars John Magaro (Arthur) who meets and marries Nora after she moved to New York. Nora and Hae Sung reconnect via social media after 12 years. Following another 12 year gap Hae Sung travels to New York to see Nora and meets Arthur. Faith Reflected: The importance of pursuing one's passion and perhaps one's life calling. Then the importance of accepting the life you have and are blessed with rather than sacrificing the life you should have for the life you had and or did not have. Mark 1:35-39 Paul's teaching in 1st Corinthians 13 that one puts away the things of childhood when one becomes an adult. One can easily covet the past life or the life that might have been rather than accepting and embracing the life one has been blessed with. Understanding that the persons, relationships and experience in our loved one's past life has made them the person one now loves.
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Faithspotting "Anatomy of a Fall"
02/01/2024
Faithspotting "Anatomy of a Fall"
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith issues reflected in the Academy Award Best Picture nominated and Palme d' Or winning film by writer/director Justine Triet. Anatomy of a Fall is a French legal drama surrounding the suspicious death of a husband and father (Samuel Theis) and his wife and prime suspect Sandra (Sandra Huller) and the impact on their son Daniel (Milo Machado Graner.) Faith and Life Issues Spotted: What do we value in life and how does that impact one's life and the life we share with others? To what extent do we value ourselves and others by what they accomplish professionally and the notoriety or material success and stature achieved? How do we value work and accomplishments and that are less public or profitable but yet still impactful in one's life or the lives of others in one's family or community? To what is one called and equipped to do in and with their life? While some persons achieve fame and notoriety in their professions and lives, all persons have a calling and purpose, and have gifts to lead meaninful lives of impact and import for their life and the lives and of others. Proverbs 19:22-24 1 Corinthians 12 Seek first the Kingdom of God. The less one seeks to please one's ego, and the more one seeks to bring joy to and receive approval from God in making the most of the life, gifts, and calling God has offered, the less emphasis one places on pleasing and gaining respect and notice of others. In measuring success in life by living into God's calling rather than by worldly definitions of fame, one is more likely to be aware of the quiet, yet great impact one has on the lives of those in one's community or life circles. Such is part of the teachings of Jesus regarding earthly and Kingdom treasures. Matthew 6 Additional Connections and thoughts: Consider the film through the lens of the fall of Adam and Eve as described in Genesis 2, and visa versa. What was the motivation behind their actions that led to their fallsIn ? What do we do with dreams we had as children and young adults that are not fullfilled? Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 13 that there comes a time when we put away the language and perspective one has of the world as a child and takes on the language, perspective and responsibilites, and we could add dreams and pursuits.
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Faithspotting "The Holdovers"
01/12/2024
Faithspotting "The Holdovers"
Hosts Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith reflected in Alxander Payne's and Paul Giamatti's latest collaboration (Sideways). Set in a northeastern boarding school in 1970, the film portrays a dishovled and grumpy classics teacher Paul Hunham (Giamatti) at Barton Academny who is assigned the unpopular duty of supervising the boys who are heldover the Christmas break at the school. Da Vine Joy Randolph (Mary Lamb) and Dominic Sessa (Angus Tully) join Giamatti in delivering strong, memorable performances worthy Academy Award and Oscar consideration. Faith Spotted: As there was no rooms for Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem, for Paul and Angus, there is no room for them in the lives of family nor friends. Paul is a Christ Figure in his sacrificial act for Angus. The need to address and work through pain, loss and anger through grief, and the consequenses of letting those feelings linger, grow, and shape an individual. The nature of grace that community of broken persons can restore hope and wholeness through their care and love for one another.
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