In this episode, Katie and Chris discuss one of Woody Allen's best films, the 1989 Crimes and Misdemeanors. A chilling tale of love, lust, murder, and justice (or lack thereof) the plot gives a great launching point for some of the biggest questions: Is there a God? Do we have to choose between "Useful Fiction" and "The Truth?" Are the eyes of God really watching us?

We also ask - is it ethical to even watch Woody Allen movies? Do we need to have a moral litmus test for authors or artists whose work we enjoy? Katie remembers the intellectual appeal of Allen movies when she first encountered them and the power of his aesthetic and Chris shares his first experience seeing an Allen film - at the theatre with his Mom! A wide ranging discussion that is sure to provoke introspection and debate.

Confronting nihilism, can we still believe in a Just Universe?

Tell us what you think!

Katie and Chris discuss the hit TV series, Murder She Wrote, and why a show about an older woman solving crime is so endlessly comforting. We talk about how the series is simultaneously unbelievable and ridiculous yet also heartwarming and incredibly charming. We then broaden the discussion to murder mysteries generally, our favorite Agatha Christie novels, what we seek from a 'cozy' mystery, and how True Crime may be morally questionable. Ultimately, a discussion about seeking truth and justice in a chaotic world. Grab a drink and join us! 

Katie and Chris attend a 930 AM showing on opening day of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. From dream and nightmare-like images, an artistic and authentic score, to haunting allusions to art and story throughout history, the film proved to be a deep and moving exploration of the human condition. They discuss how Nolan brilliantly brought an ancient text to a modern audience and how this version of Odysseus as morally fraught will resonate in our age. Whether you've seen the film or hope to, this is a deep dive into eternally relevant questions that define our humanity. Three cheers for good art. 

Dolly Parton, a true American icon, died on August 26, 2026. She received near universal acclamation, with eulogies pouring out across all political and cultural divides. How did she do it? What made her so beloved?

In this episode, Katie and Chris discuss Dolly's musical artistry (from English ballads to gospel), her eminent business savvy and philanthropic efforts, but most of all they celebrate her unpretentious and genuine encounter with others. Dolly's life is a powerful reminder that music can be a true source of community and human empathy. They also explore her unique, even "simplistic" understanding of Christianity which gave her the singular ability to encounter people as individuals in a truly nonjudgemental way. Shoutouts to musical artists Bob Dylan, Miley Cyrus, and many others also come up in this episode (incapsulating Dolly's ability to celebrate all genres/styles of music). 

You'll leave this episode feeling buoyed up by the human spirit, and especially by Dolly's unique and lasting contribution to the culture.

RIP Dolly!!! 

Dolly's "He's Alive" performance - a must watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DQfthEHVc4 

Katie and Chris take 10 minutes to reflect on what they are hoping to do with the podcast, why they decided to do it at all, and what listeners can expect! 

We're Katie and Chris Marquette - 16 years ago, we met in our freshman seminar and we've been talking books, theology, and the arts ever since, but that got a little harder with kids, a farm, work, and so many responsibilities. So we decided to make it a point to discuss books, film, religion, and art, after the kids are asleep. Grab a beer, glass of wine, or cup of tea, and join us!