GeekCross

Jeremy talks with podcaster and STEM advocate Shareef Jackson about diversity in STEM and spirituality in hip hop. Topics include: recognizing male privilege, growing up in a religiously diverse home, the distinctive beliefs of the Nation of Islam, life in a post-9/11 world with a Muslim name, and the origins of hip hop.

@zmclearan

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@kylewiegand1

Jeremy sits down with author Robert Martin, co-founder of the MennoNerds blogging network, in what may be the geekiest GeekCross conversation so far. Topics include: the beliefs and theological distinctives of Anabaptism; cancer and the Beatitudes; J.R.R. Tolkien’s views on the relationship between God and creativity; why Christian movies suck; why themes in secular art resonate with Christianity; the the importance of friendship in the digital age; and what Christian churches can learn from Geekdom.

@zmclearan

@geekcrossshow

@kylewiegand1

Jeremy sits down with Zeph McLearan, producer of GeekCross and other fine podcasts, to discuss the 1986 animated "The Transformers: The Movie." Topics include: the appeal of "Transfromers"; why the animated movie does not feel like a cynical attempt to sell toys; Zeph's thoughts on Pope Francis; online harassment; the joy of small cons; and advice on how to enjoy the Michael Bay movies by abandoning any hope for story and characters.

@zmclearan

@geekcrossshow

@kylewiegand1

Jeremy speaks with activist Tanya DePass, creator of #INeedDiverseGames and cohost of the gaming podcast Fresh Out of Tokens. Topics include: “accidental” activism; the one year anniversary of Michael Brown’s death; race in America; the Emanuel AME shootings; the beliefs and practices of the Ásatrú faith; and representation of Norse paganism in Marvel comics and films.

@zmclearan

@geekcrossshow

@kylewiegand1

Jeremy talks with Seventh Day Adventist minister Kevin Kakazu on Adventist beliefs, diversity in the church and the giant robots of Kevin’s childhood. Topics include: the “disappointing” origins of Adventism, representation of Japanese culture in geekdom, anime’s broad thematic range, the connection between faith and geekdom and the importance of Sabbath.

@GeekCrossShow

@zmclearan

@KyleWiegand1

Jeremy talks with Isometric’s one and only Steve Lubitz about representation of Judaism in Geekdom. Topics include: contemporary experiences of antisemitism; Jewish stereotypes in pop culture; secular Judaism; celebrating Chanukah in a Christmas world; parenting and video games; the Jewish X-Men; and antisemitism in GamerGate.

@GeekCrossShow

@zmclearan

@KyleWiegand1

Jeremy talks with Aleen Simms of Less Than or Equal about her podcast and advocacy for diversity in Geekdom. We also reflect on what we’ve learned as podcasters. Topics include: pastor stereotypes, the challenges of social change, the many sins of LEGO and raising girls to love both princesses and geek stuff.

@GeekCrossShow

@zmclearan

@KyleWiegand1

Jeremy talks with his cousin Jesse Bontrager about his faith journey from the conservative Mennonites to agnosticism. Topics include: the relationship between sectarian religion and the surrounding culture, Jeremy's first encounter with "Star Trek," pacifism and support for the Iraq War, Grandpa's politics, the challenge of disagreeing with people you love and why the Delaware State Fair is a wicked, worldly place.

@GeekCrossShow

@zmclearan

@KyleWiegand1

Jeremy follows up on Geek Cross 22 by discussing the recent Mennonite Church USA biannual convention in Kansas City. Topics include: anger and disagreement among Christians and why the Church needs to move beyond voting and Roberts Rules of Order. #mennocon15

@GeekCrossShow

@zmclearan

@KyleWiegand1

Jeremy prepares for a potentially contentious biannual meeting of the Mennonite Church USA in Kansas City. Jeremy talks a bit about the background of the conflict and why the issue of LGBTQ inclusion may split the church. #mennocon15

@GeekCrossShow

@zmclearan

@KyleWiegand1