The Culture Translator

By Axis

Religion & Spirituality Kids & Family Christianity

What's The Culture Translator about?

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

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Culture Translator episodes:

05.08.2024
Deep Dive: "The Fall Guy"
Are action-adventure comedies back? This week on the Deep Dive, we're talking about the new film "The Fall Guy" starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Join us as we discuss the movie's themes and characters, and how we really liked...
05.06.2024
Roundtable: Star Wars and the Stagecoach Festival
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week: 0:45...
05.03.2024
Star Wars and the Stagecoach Festival
This week we talk about May 4th, Stagecoach, and student protests. We hope you'll take time to listen to the full interview with Ron Deal. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
05.01.2024
Ron Deal on Blended Families, Stepfamilies, and Co-Parenting
Today we are reposting an interview with Ron Deal. Ron is one of the most widely read authors on blended families in the United States, and directs the international blended family ministry of FamilyLife out of Little Rock, Arkansas. Ron...
04.29.2024
Roundtable: The Cass Report and Sleepless Nights
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. Check out our Resource of the Week here: The Generosity Project For more...
04.26.2024
The Cass Report and Sleepless Nights
This week we talk about The Cass Review, Gallop polling about stress and sleep, and The Biden Administration and Tik Tok. Check out our resource of the week here: The Generosity Project For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
04.24.2024
Deep Dive: "The Tortured Poets Department" by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is the biggest music artist in the world and maybe the biggest ever, and this week on the Deep Dive, we're joined by Kate to talk about her newest album "The Tortured Poets Department." We discuss Swift's celebrity...
04.22.2024
Roundtable: Hozier, Caitlin Clark, and JoJo Siwa
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week: 1:40...
04.19.2024
Hozier, Caitlin Clark, and JoJo Siwa
This week we talk about JoJo Siwa's new look and song, a survey of modern teen trends, and WNBA super star Caitlin Clark. Check out the full interview with Mike Novotny, available on our Culture Translator podcast For more...
04.17.2024
Mike Novotny on Taboo Topics, Secrecy, and Healing Through Confession
Today we are posting an interview with Mike Novotny. Mike is an author, pastor, and speaker who holds a Master of Divinity from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He’s the lead speaker...
04.15.2024
Roundtable: Incel Slang and Parent Anxiety
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Slang of the Week: 1:12...
04.12.2024
Incel Slang and Parent Anxiety
This week we talk about slang term origins, young adults anxiety, and choosing trade school over college. For the full episode on “Older,” click here. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
04.10.2024
Deep Dive: "Older" by Lizzy McAlpine
We're back with another Deep Dive and special guest Mariah! This week we're talking about Lizzy McAlpine's newest album "Older," its melancholic themes, and McAlpine's impact on the singer/songwriter genre. In our Shallow End we discuss the new movie "Civil...
04.08.2024
Roundtable: Cowboy Carter and Chronic Absences
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week: 0:59...
04.05.2024
Cowboy Carter and Chronic Absences
This week we talk about students being "chronically absent," church attendance declining, and an adaptation of a wildly popular Christian novel series. We hope you’ll take the time to listen to the full interview with Amy Adamczyk, available on our Culture...
04.03.2024
Dr. Amy Adamczyk on Why Parents Are the #1 Influence On Their Teens
Today we are posting an interview with Amy Adamczyk. Amy is Professor of Sociology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the Programs of Doctoral Study in Sociology and Criminal Justice at The Graduate Center, City University of New...
04.01.2024
Roundtable: Phone-Free Teens and Good Friday
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week: 1:15...
03.29.2024
Phone-Free Teens and Good Friday
This week we talk about a new book by Jonathan Haidt, Nickelodeon show secrets, and Easter weekend. For more on “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” you can check out the full podcast episode here For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
03.27.2024
Deep Dive: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
It's another Wednesday and it's another Deep Dive. This week we're talking about a current and acclaimed anime, "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End." Join as we talk about the popularity of anime and its themes of time, legacy, and making fields...
03.25.2024
Roundtable: Abortion Rates and MrBeast
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. Check out our Resource of the Week here: 7 Minute video For more...
03.22.2024
Abortion Rates and MrBeast
This week we talk about the decline of babysitting in the US, an increase in US abortions, and MrBeast's latest content. Resource of the Week: 7 Minute video Check out the full interview with David Galvan on our Culture Translator...
03.20.2024
David Galvan on The Importance of Becoming Interruptible
Today we are posting an interview with David Galvan. David has been speaking, training and facilitating conversations about whole-person health for nearly 15 years. In that time, David has personally spoken to over 30,000 students along the front range of...
03.18.2024
Roundtable: Dune: Part Two and Online Safety
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week: 0:28...
03.15.2024
Dune: Part Two and Online Safety
This week we talk about a possible Tik Tok ban, targeting of minors on Discord and Telegram, and chaos with the FAFSA form. Check out the full Deep Dive episode on Dune: Part Two For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
03.13.2024
Deep Dive: Dune: Part Two
This week on the Deep Dive we're talking about one of the biggest movie releases of the year, Dune: Part Two. Join as we discuss the film's themes of religious fanaticism, the anti-hero, and what, exactly, the movie is trying...
03.11.2024
Roundtable: OTC Birth-Control + Oompa Loompa Nightmares
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. Check out our Resource of the Week here: Cognitive Distortions Course For more...
03.08.2024
OTC Birth Control + Oompa Loompa Nightmares
This week we talk about a restriction free birth control pill, "Willy's Chocolate Experience," and Tik Tok losing control. Reource of the Week: Cognitive Distortions Course The full interview with Preston Sprinkle is available on our Culture Translator podcast For more Axis...
03.06.2024
Dr. Preston Sprinkle on Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?
Today we are posting an interview with Dr. Preston Sprinkle. Preston is the president of the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender and a New York Times–bestselling author who’s written a dozen books, including People to Be Loved, an award-winning...
03.04.2024
Roundtable: Anime and Stage Moms
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week: 0:39...
03.01.2024
Anime and Stage Moms
This week we talk about "social-emotional learning," Crunchyroll, and Instagram accounts for underage girls. Check out the full Deep Dive on the Live-Action Avatar here For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
02.28.2024
Deep Dive: Live-Action Avatar
On this week's Deep Dive we talk about Netflix's highly-anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved kid's show Avatar: The Last Airbender. Join us as we talk about the growth that comes from overcoming temptation. Like the temptation to get mad...
02.26.2024
Roundtable: Tween Shopping and AI Monitoring
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Slang of the Week: 1:02...
02.23.2024
Tween Shopping and AI Monitoring
This week we talk about Gen Alpha's attitudes on shopping, a new internet insult, and AI monitoring tools. The full interview with Mark Mayfield is available on our Culture Translator podcast For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
02.21.2024
Dr. Mark Mayfield on The Importance of Noticing Our Kids
Today we are posting an interview with Dr. Mark Mayfield. Dr. Mayfield is a former pastor, award winning author, speaker, leadership coach, counselor, and professor. Clinically, Dr. Mayfield is an expert in working with families affected by trauma. He is...
02.19.2024
Roundtable: Splitting the Check + Love Languages
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week: 0:35...
02.16.2024
Splitting the Check + Love Languages
This week we talk about Beyoncé crossing into country music, who pays on a first date, and The Five Love Languages. Check out the full Valentine's Day Deep Dive here: https://axis.org/resource/the-culture-translator-podcast/deep-dive-valentines-day/ For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
02.14.2024
Deep Dive: Valentine’s Day
This week, in honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re talking about how our culture’s perspective of love affects friendships and identity. Also, Hannah has money in bitcoin. Thanks as always for listening! If you want to find more free Axis resources...
02.12.2024
Roundtable: Disney ❤️ Epic
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week:...
02.09.2024
Disney ❤️ Epic
This week we talk about the app Fliff, Taylor Swift, and Disney's new deal with Epic Games. The full conversation with Asam Pelser is available on our Culture Translator podcast. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
02.07.2024
Adam Pelser on Finding Truth in a Pluralistic Society
Today we are posting an interview with Adam Pelser. Adam is a professor of philosophy at the United States Air Force Academy. He holds a Masters degree and a PhD in Philosophy from Baylor University and a Masters degree in...
02.05.2024
Roundtable: Money Dysmorphia and Megan Thee Stallion
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week:...
02.02.2024
Money Dysmorphia and Megan Thee Stallion
This week we talk about Gen Z's perception of money, young adult's dependence on their parents, and beef between Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. Check out this week’s episode of the Deep Dive on Percy Jackson and the Olympians. For...
01.31.2024
Deep Dive: Percy Jackson
There's a new Disney+ show based on the popular Percy Jackson book series, and we're talking about it this week on the Deep Dive! Join as we discuss the show, its themes of bravery and friendship, and how, uh, not...
01.29.2024
Roundtable: Palworld + Daylists
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. Access our Resource of the Week here: 7 Minute Video on Roblox For...
01.26.2024
Palworld + Daylists
This week we talk about Palworld, Spotify Daylists, and the latest TikTok trend "mob wife." Resource of the week: 7 Minute Video on Roblox Also, check out Wednesday's interview with Dr. Jeff Myers on our Culture Translator podcast ...
01.24.2024
Dr. Jeff Myers on The 3 Biggest Reasons Why Young Adults Choose Jesus
Today we are posting an interview with Dr. Jeff Myers, who is the president of Summit Ministries. He’s also the author of 16 books, including the Understanding the Faith, Understanding the Times, and Understanding the Culture textbooks which are studied...
01.22.2024
Roundtable: Mean Girls + Zyn Pouches
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week:...
01.19.2024
Mean Girls + Zyn Pouches
This week we talk about Zyn Pouches, Mean Girls, and Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Check out this Wednesday's Deep Dive on our Culture Translator podcast here: https://axis.org/resource/the-culture-translator-podcast/booktok/ For more Axis resources, go to axis.org
01.17.2024
Deep Dive: #booktok
#booktok is the reading corner of TikTok, but it seems like only a few specific books are highlighted. This week, we are reposting an exploration of some of those books, their authors, and reading fiction as a whole. Also Hannah...
01.15.2024
Roundtable: Ads on Streaming + Meta Tries to Care
In the Culture Translator Roundtable we dive deeper into the context and nuance around the critical conversations and topics written about in the Culture Translator Newsletter. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org Song of the Week: 0:25...

What's The Culture Translator about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Culture Translator episodes:

Deep Dive: "The Fall Guy"

Roundtable: Star Wars and the Stagecoach Festival

Star Wars and the Stagecoach Festival

Ron Deal on Blended Families, Stepfamilies, and Co-Parenting

Roundtable: The Cass Report and Sleepless Nights

The Cass Report and Sleepless Nights

Deep Dive: "The Tortured Poets Department" by Taylor Swift

Roundtable: Hozier, Caitlin Clark, and JoJo Siwa

Hozier, Caitlin Clark, and JoJo Siwa

Mike Novotny on Taboo Topics, Secrecy, and Healing Through Confession

Roundtable: Incel Slang and Parent Anxiety

Incel Slang and Parent Anxiety

Deep Dive: "Older" by Lizzy McAlpine

Roundtable: Cowboy Carter and Chronic Absences

Cowboy Carter and Chronic Absences

Dr. Amy Adamczyk on Why Parents Are the #1 Influence On Their Teens

Roundtable: Phone-Free Teens and Good Friday

Phone-Free Teens and Good Friday

Deep Dive: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Roundtable: Abortion Rates and MrBeast

Abortion Rates and MrBeast

David Galvan on The Importance of Becoming Interruptible

Roundtable: Dune: Part Two and Online Safety

Dune: Part Two and Online Safety

Deep Dive: Dune: Part Two

Roundtable: OTC Birth-Control + Oompa Loompa Nightmares

OTC Birth Control + Oompa Loompa Nightmares

Dr. Preston Sprinkle on Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?

Roundtable: Anime and Stage Moms

Anime and Stage Moms

Deep Dive: Live-Action Avatar

Roundtable: Tween Shopping and AI Monitoring

Tween Shopping and AI Monitoring

Dr. Mark Mayfield on The Importance of Noticing Our Kids

Roundtable: Splitting the Check + Love Languages

Splitting the Check + Love Languages

Deep Dive: Valentine’s Day

Roundtable: Disney ❤️ Epic

Disney ❤️ Epic

Adam Pelser on Finding Truth in a Pluralistic Society

Roundtable: Money Dysmorphia and Megan Thee Stallion

Money Dysmorphia and Megan Thee Stallion

Deep Dive: Percy Jackson

Roundtable: Palworld + Daylists

Palworld + Daylists

Dr. Jeff Myers on The 3 Biggest Reasons Why Young Adults Choose Jesus

Roundtable: Mean Girls + Zyn Pouches

Mean Girls + Zyn Pouches

Deep Dive: #booktok

Roundtable: Ads on Streaming + Meta Tries to Care