Theme music by Lee Rosevere and used under CCLI

CaPC Managing Editor Erin Staza returns this week, along with Kevin McLenithan, K. B. Hoyle, Tyler Burns, Kathryn Freeman, and Tyler Glodjo to solidify The 25 for 2019.

In the final episode of our annual The 25 series, the group goes back and forth to determine the rankings of the 25 items on the list submitted by CaPC staff writers and editors.

Theme music by Lee Rosevere and used under Creative Commons License 4.0.

Managing Editor Erin Staza is back, along with a consortium to sit down for a lively discussion to form the final 25 entries for our annual year-end list. The pop culture events, people, movies, TV shows, albums, and more that defined 2019 in ways that reflected the good, the true, and the beautiful are molded into near-final form in this two-part extravaganza!

This year Kevin McLenithan joins us, along with returning guests K. B. Hoyle, Tyler Burns, Kathryn Freeman, and Tyler Glodjo. Trying a new format this year, the group adds and subtracts from the list with their own nominations while not being able to bump anything from the top 5 survey responses.

Then in Part 2, which will air later this week, the same crew will go to the mat to rank the 25 entries and crown the most influential artifacts in 2018, from 25 to 1.

Theme music by Lee Rosevere and used under Creative Commons License 4.0.

Jonathan and crew are back to finish ranking the list of the Top 25 pop culture artifacts from 2018. Joining him are K. B. Hoyle, Kathryn Freeman, Tyler Burns, Luke T. Harrington, and Tyler Glodjo to mold the list of random entries from 1 to 25.

There are passionate pleas to keep Mr. Rodgers down, the Royal wedding on top, and Luke’s desire to cancel the list and join Thoreau in the wilderness. Listen as we threaten, cajole, and plead for our personal picks and shape the list for Christ and Pop Culture’s Top 25 of 2018.

The 25 of 2018 series: #25–#21, #20-#16, #15–#11, #10–#6, #5–#1, The 25 of 2018, The 25 of 2018 Podcast Part 1, The 25 of 2018 Podcast Part 2

Illustrations courtesy of Seth T. Hahne. Check out his graphic novel and comic review site, Good Ok Bad.

Jonathan is back, along with special guests to sit down for a marathon recording session to finalize the CaPC 25 for 2018. The pop culture events, people, movies, TV shows, albums, and more that defined 2018 in ways that reflected the good, the true, and the beautiful are molded into near final form in this two-part extravaganza!

This year Kathryn Freeman joins us for her first year on the show, along with returning staff members K. B. Hoyle, Tyler Burns, Luke T. Harrington, and Tyler Glodjo. In this episode, the panel works through the nominations from our staff writers to decide which entries will form the final list. Wild cards are brought in, nominations that didn’t receive enough backing to make it on the list are considered, and Jonathan again tries to do the unthinkable by fighting for the removal of The Avengers from the list!

Then in Part 2, which will air later this week, the same crew will go to the mat to rank the 25 entries and crown the most influential artifacts in 2018, from 25 to 1.

Theme music by Lee Rosevere and used under Creative Commons License 4.0.

The 25 of 2018 series: #25–#21, #20-#16, #15–#11, #10–#6, #5–#1, The 25 of 2018, The 25 of 2018 Podcast Part 1, The 25 of 2018 Podcast Part 2

Illustrations courtesy of Seth T. Hahne. Check out his graphic novel and comic review site, Good Ok Bad.

The Christ and Pop Culture Top 25 for 2017 list and ranking debate comes to an end with the second part of the show. Jonathan and crew return to rank the completed list in order from 25 to 1 in order of what they believe to be the best reflections of the good, the true, and the beautiful in pop culture.

In Part 1, the panel has napped, been caffeinated, and then takes the list of nominations from our writer’s group and decides amongst themselves which of the nominations are indeed deserving of inclusion. Wild cards will be brought in, nominations that didn’t receive enough backing to make it onto the list are considered, and a the unthinkable happens when Jonathan attempts to remove Kendrick Lamar from the list!

Then in Part 2, which will air later this week, you will hear the same crew go to the mat over the rankings as we list what we believe to be the most important pop culture artifacts from 2017, from 25 to 1.

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Finale Part 1:

Returning to the CaPC 25 from 2016 is Andrew Whitworth bringing the latest effort from rap artist Kendrick Lamar, DAMN., whose album To Pimp A Butterfly made it to #1 on The CaPC 25 from 2016. While lacking some of the redemptive themes from that album, the effort is strong in both production, lyrical content, and personal meaning that characterizes Lamar’s work.

Wonder Woman, nominated by Erin Straza, brings the first super hero movie nomination to the list for 2017. Directed by Patty Jenkins (Monster), the movie showcases a woman in the lead as both a human being, a woman, and a force to be reckoned with who can lead simply because she can.

Rounding out the list is Rod Dreher’s controversial book, The Benedict Option brought by Brad Vermurlen. The book harkens back to the ancient monk Benedict who taught seclusion from the world and its vices in the name of purity. Is this the option that the protestant church now must now discuss in the light of the pluralism now found in the land of the free?

One of these nominations will make it on the list by the end of the show, but which one? Listen and find out!

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 12:

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 11:

The Nintendo Switch is back with a vengeance this week, once again championed by Luke with the key difference now being that Luke has one in his possession.

Adam brings back the album A Crow Looked at Me from Mount Eerie hoping to succeed in putting this introspective album on the list.

Tyler Burns shakes things up with a new nomination from author Colson Whitehead. The sixth album from the writer is entitled Underground Railroad but rather than tell a story about slaves escaping from the deep south through hidden basements, this novel is a work of fiction where there is an actual hidden railroad with box cars and tracks.

One of these three nominees will make it onto The CaPC 25 for 2017. Which one will it be?

Listen to The CaPC 25 Episode 10:

Jonathan plays double duty as host and nominator, bringing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the table in a second bid to have the open world game make it onto the list. The game brings joy and a sense of wonder, along with meeting the criteria of the “Homo Ludens” philosophy of play.

Amy Peterson, making her debut on The 25, brings a new show called Truth’s Table to the floor. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Higgins, Christina Edmondson, and Ekemini Uwan, three Black Christian women who talk about their life experiences, including hair issues and race issues. The show gives the perspective of Black women over everyday experiences, giving a glimpse into their world without the heavy and depressing rhetoric that can bog down similar discussions.

Tyler brings the anime that is smashing box office records and has every anime fan talking, Your Name. Part coming-of-age, part comedic body swapping (think Freaky Friday) the movie was a surprise for Tyler and his wife who went to go see it and came away surprised by the way the film touched them.

Three nominations, but only one can be on the list—so join us as Amy, Jonathan, and Tyler have a battle of wits and snark as they try to get their nominations into The CaPC 25 for 2017.

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 9:

Links from the Show:

The Legend of Zelda – Breath of the Wild Official Site

The Truth’s Table Podcast

Your Name Official Site

The CaPC 25 for 2017 List so far (in no particular order):

Alone – TV
The Young Pope – TV
The Super Bowl LI – TV/Sports
La La Land – Movie
Get Out – Movie
The Joshua Tree Reissue/Tour by U2 – Music
The Salesman – Movie
Silence – Movie

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 8:

The CaPC 25 for 2017 so far:

Alone, The History Channel
The Young Pope, HBO
Super Bowl LI
La La Land, Damien Chazelle
The Joshua Tree Reissue, U2
The Salesman, Asghar Farhadi

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 7:

Each week Jonathan and three guests nominate three cultural artifacts from 2017 for inclusion on our year end list, but only one can be added by the end of the show. Nominations and debates (and sometimes hilarity) ensue as everyone must come to an agreement about what best reflects the good, the true, and beautiful in pop culture.

Listen to the CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 6:

Follow our Special Guests:

Skye Jethani – Author / Co-host of the Phil Vischer Show / Host of The Movie Proposal / Ordained Minister

Drew Dyck – Author / Editor / Cultural Architect

Richard Clark – Online Managing Editor for Christianity Today / Host of The Calling Podcast / Internet Prophet

Up for nomination this week is the Jordan Peele–directed film Get Out, the new instrumental album from Grails called Chalice Hymnal, and the book Culture Care by Makoto Fujimura.

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 5:

The CaPC 25 for 2017 (unranked):

1. Alone, The History Channel
2. The Young Pope, HBO
3. Super Bowl LI
4. La La Land

The Santa Clarita Diet, Victoria, and La La Land are up for the fourth spot on the list this week and only one will be added. Which will be added to the prestigious list?

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 4:

The 25 for 2017 currently:

1. Alone, The History Channel
2. The Young Pope, HBO
3. SuperBowl LI

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 3:

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 2:

Today’s show features the History Channel’s hit show Alone, Amazon’s adaptation of Phillip K. Dick’s 1968 novel  The Man In The High Castle, and the Supreme Court nomination of Neil Gorsuch.

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2017 Episode 1:

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2016 Finale Part 1:

In Part 1, the crew bring the final nominations to the list and their final eliminations. What will be added and what will be removed? And will Kanye West finally make an appearance on the list? All this and more are answered.

Then in Part 2, which will air later this week, you will hear the same crew go to the mat over the rankings as we list what we believe to be the most important pop culture artifacts from 2016, from 25 to 1.

Listen to The CaPC 25 for 2016 Finale Part 1:

Listen to the CaPC 25 for 2016 Episode 32:

Listen to Episode 31:

“Dr. Strange” is the latest movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and takes the ongoing series into the realm of the spiritual and away from the naturalistic conflict seen in the series to date (Norse gods non withstanding). Benedict Cumberbatch plays Dr. Stephen Strange, an arrogant and driven neurosurgeon with his head firmly in the actual reality he sees and controls. After an accident destroys the functions of his hands he looks everywhere for healing finally to turn to the supernatural and the teachings of the “Ancient One”. Eschewing the traditional death and destruction set pieces found in the MCU movies to date, “Dr. Strange” trends the other way in with the supernatural, the themes of sacrifice, and the opposite of mass destruction.

“Lore” is the latest podcast to take pop culture by storm. Individual episodes explore historical events that reach into the dark side of human nature with a “campfire experience.” Debuting in 2015 the show has reached a pinnacle as of late with famed Sci-Fi producer Gale Anne Hurd (Aliens, The Walking Dead) attached for a TV production run.

“Speechless” is a new sitcom on ABC that is treading new ground featuring a lead actor with cerebral palsy. With an over protective mother played by Minnie Driver, the show revolves around her relationship with her son, husband,  and her two other children who are in perfect health. The show takes extreme liberty with tokenism and stereotyping, but never to a degree that is condescending. JJ DeMeo (played by Micah Fowler) is not presented as a “special soul” that needs special attention, or as a helpless victim who we should feel pity for. Rather we wee JJ as a normal teenager, pulling pranks, tricking his aide and getting drunk at a high school party, and being interested in the opposite sex.

Which of these three nominations will make the list? Which will come off the list this week as the show continues toward the epic show down in December?

Listen to The 25 Episode 30:

75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know: The Fascinating Stories behind Great Works of Art, Literature, Music, and Film is the nomination from Sarah Kelly this week. The American protestant tradition has a rather utilitarian way of looking at art, and the list from Glaspey serves as a way of helping evangelicals reconnect with the arts be it music, painting, movies, and so on.

Grace VanderWaal, the 12-year-old ukulele playing singer/songwriter took America’s Got Talent by storm, even earning the brooding praise of Simon Cowell. Talent and spirit in the raw form, before the lifestyle of fame and fortune take its toll, brings a breath of fresh air to the airwaves and to Erin.

The Enneagram Test is having a moment of resurgence as people take a test to help identify which of the nine character types they most closely identify as. Danielle takes it a bit further by identifying what the downside of the personalities can be to help people realize more about themselves, how they interact with those around them, and how to communicate better.

Listen to The CaPC 25 Episode 29:

This Is Us, nominated by Amanda Wortham, is the emotional catharsis our country needs. This “dramedy” series created by Dan Fogelman, according to Amanda, is worth fueling all our negative emotion from social media, the election, and whatever else is causing anguish into. this show about a group of characters turning 36 from all walks of life. An actor quitting his job in front of a live audience, a mother who looses a child during birth, a man finding his birth father who abandoned him, and other stories that flow across a group of people who share a common birthday is the impetus for this breakout hit from NBC.

All Is Not Lost, nominated by Jonathan, is the latest album from The Brilliance after their successful album “Brother” due out on November 9th. The album continues the trend of going where few “Christian” artists tend to go dealing head on with topics of systemic racism, hatred, and repentance on a national level rather than giving a cookie cutter “uplifting” experience. With excellent music arrangement and production, the album stands out as one of the most important releases this year.

The year of VR technology, nominated by C.T. Casberg, covers a multiple offering of devices but centers on the experience of “presence.” The technology goes from simple cardboard cut outs for your high powered smart phone, to VR set ups that can set you back over $3k or higher depending on how much fidelity you want with the experience. Church services, exclusive concert seatings, dedicated films, and of course video games are all getting in on the technology

Listen to The CaPC for 2016 Episode 28:

All that and more on this episode of The CaPC 25 for 2016!

You can subscribe to “The 25” on iTunes and Stitcher Radio
You can follow Jonathan and Sarah on Twitter: @AlphaBovine and @s_d_kelly
You can follow Kevin Mclennithan on Twitter: @Mclengthyname

The CaPC 25 for 2016:

• me_IRL (subreddit)
• That Dragon Cancer (Video Game)
• The X-Files (TV)
• The Witness (Video Game)
• Darkest Dungeon (Video Game)
• The People vs. OJ Simpson (TV)
• Better Call Saul (TV)
• Star Wars: Rebellion (Board Game)
• The Art of Organized Noize (Movie)
• Driverless Cars
• Christianity Today’s The Church
• Beyoncé 2016
• You Are What You Love by by James K. A. Smith (Book)
• Vinland Saga (Comic)
• Star Wars Rebels (TV)
• Muhammad Ali (Person)
• Lin-Manuel Miranda (Celebrity)
• Bill Cunningham
• Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
• Jesse Williams Speech @ BET Awards 2016
• Pokémon Go (Video Game)
• Stranger Things
• Chance The Rapper – Coloring Book
• The 2016 Olympics
• Mr. Robot

Listen to Episode 24:

You can subscribe to “The 25” on iTunes and Stitcher Radio
You can follow Jonathan and Sarah on Twitter: @AlphaBovine and @s_d_kelly
You can follow Mike Perna on Twitter: @InnRoads

The CaPC 25 for 2016:

• me_IRL (subreddit)
• That Dragon Cancer (Video Game)
• The X-Files (TV)
• The Witness (Video Game)
• Darkest Dungeon (Video Game)
• The People vs. OJ Simpson (TV)
• Better Call Saul (TV)
• The Golden State Warriors (NBA Team)
• The Art of Organized Noize (Movie)
• Driverless Cars
• Christianity Today’s The Church
• Beyoncé 2016
• You Are What You Love by by James K. A. Smith (Book)
• Vinland Saga (Comic)
• Star Wars Rebels (TV)
• Muhammad Ali (Person)
• Lin-Manuel Miranda (Celebrity)
• Bill Cunningham
• Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
• Jesse Williams Speech @ BET Awards 2016
• Pokémon Go (Video Game)
• Stranger Things
• Chance The Rapper – Coloring Book
• The 2016 Olympics
• Mr. Robot

Overwatch is a game from Blizzard Entertainment that has brought us titles such as Warcraft, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Starcraft. Richard believes that the latest multiplayer outing from one of the industries biggest developers is important for its emphasis on team work, encouraging supportive behavior, and having an aesthetic that transcends the normal military shooter stereotype founding most online multiplayer video games. Overwatch is part of the continuing trend that explores what is possible within the shooter when the team is given as much attention as the individual.

No Man’s Sky is the exact opposite giving players a taste of solitude in a universe that is too big for any one human to explore in their lifetime. The universe of No Man’s Sky is built upon a set of algorithms that create a malleable framework for which your explorations are derived from. No one planet, species, or encounter is ever the same form player to player with the quest for reaching the center of the universe as the end goal. The appreciation of creation within the vastness of No Man’s Sky along with the awe of what is possible to help us grasp that appreciation more effectively is Jonathan’s reason for nominating one of the biggest titles for 2016.

Mr. Robot is a show that helps give voice to the anti-establishment sentiments brewing in the United States currently. Elliot Anderson works for a cybersecurity firm by day and a vigilante hacker by night. Told through his own delusion and depression, Elliot gives us a view into a world that seeks to fight the “man” and by doing so gives us the vent needed in a season of dissatisfaction with the political landscape.