Jeffrey Skopak

Christ, Culture, and Cinema

Religion EN ↓ 277 episodes

Jeffrey Skopak and Michael Popp explore the intersection of faith, cinema, and the contemporary context of American culture. Using both classic movies as well as new releases, Skopak and Popp discuss how the cultural collisions of the twenty-first century are reflected in the movies and how Scripture speaks faith, comfort, and direction for the follower of Jesus.

Author

Jeffrey Skopak

Category

Religion

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Jun 19, 2026

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Episodes

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby - The Need for Parental Love and Guidance 26.04.2024

This week we look at a comedy classic that inadvertently puts a spotlight on the need for parental guidance, discipline, and love. Join us as we explore this oft quoted movie and see that there are some hidden gems of parental assistance and care.

Welcome to Marwen - Taking the Time to Know The Story 19.04.2024

In this important movie we are challenged to get beyond the facade and get to know the depth, hurts, pains, and story of another person. All too often we do not take the time to understand why a person acts and behaves the way they do. But what happens when we do? We just might learn to accept the person right where they are because their story is important.

The Hitman's Bodyguard - Faithful to the Mission, Understanding of the People 12.04.2024

This week we look at a dynamic pairing of Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds as they team up in this comedic-action-thriller. What do you need to do to learn how to work with other people? How do you overcome your initial angst and dislike to see the good and graciousness of other people?

Oppenheimer - Moral, Ethical, and Spiritual Sides 05.04.2024

In this episode we consider the blockbuster, Academy Award winning movie that gives us an insight into the brilliance, challenges, moral dilemmas, inter-personal conflicts, and ethical consequences that were behind the creation of the atomic bomb. Powerfully acted, brilliantly directed, with a looming and sorrowful undertone of music the audience is left asking - what is the right side?

Minions - The Search for a Leader 29.03.2024

In this episode we take a look at a crazy, comical tale of beings that are in the endless search for a leader, albeit an evil one, for them to follow. How desperate is our search for Godly, worthy leaders to trust and follow? Where can we find them? Do any exist???

Jesus Revolution 22.03.2024

What happens when new people come to your church...and they are not like you? How do you deal with change or are you the one bringing the change? Jesus Revolution explores leadership challenges, seeing ministry and the world differently, conflict, and exponential growth all in the name of Jesus. Join us for this amazing true story brought to the big screen by Angel Studios

Barbie - Existential Questions and Real Life 15.03.2024

This week we look at a movie that engaged the culture so profoundly that it made over $1.4 Billion! But more than money, this movie dares to ask questions about life, finding our way as a man or a woman, leadership, identity, and the like. Even more so, it does all of this while making us laugh a little and think a lot!

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - Living Life to the Full 08.03.2024

What are the concerns and fears that prevent you from living life to the full? What are you afraid of and what circumstances have cropped up in your life that causes you not to Jump or leap when the opportunities to present themselves? This week we look at a wonderful movie about moving beyond the cubicle and into the wide open spaces of life; moving beyond our fears and into the great big unknown...

Pastor's Kid - An Art-house Look at Real Faith 04.03.2024

In this very special episode Jeffrey and Michael are joined by the director (Benjamin Ironside Koppin) and the lead actress (Courtney Bandeko) as they discuss real life issues that are part of the Christian life - things like rejection, pain, and isolation. This is not your "typical" Christian movie...and We LOVE IT! So join us as we explore a new chapter in Christian film making!

Heat - Family, Work, Right, and Wrong 01.03.2024

Loaded with Hollywood stars, this movie explores the relationship of right and wrong, work and family, law and chaos. When the pressure is on which way will you fall? Can you balance family and career? What will you do when one begins to suffer?

Kingsman: The Secret Service - The Formative Relationships and Hard Work 23.02.2024

This episode is dedicated to hard work, people who influence and assist, and being the right person in the right position even when the world around you doesn't see it. This movie has spawned a franchise - but it all begins here. The identification of a streetwise kid, the mentoring and training by a devoted person, and the elevation to a position one could never have imagined...all wrapped up...

Cool Runnings - Know Who You Are 16.02.2024

In this episode we look back at a true story brought to life by the comedy genius, John Candy. Turning Jamaican Sprinters into Winter Olympic bobsledders was no easy task, and along the way they had to figure out how to be "Jamaican" in a sport of Northern Europeans and North Americans. God has made you just who you are so honor that and be true yourself...and others!

Blades of Glory - An Exercise in Humility 09.02.2024

This week we take a look at what does it really take to put one's own ego aside and work together? In this comedic romp about an all male pairs figure skating duo, beyond the laughs are two people trying to put their own professional egos aside in order to raise up the other individual. How and where can we do this in our own lives?

This Is Where I Leave You - Love, Family, and Forgiveness 02.02.2024

In this episode we visit with a family whose father has passed, they have gathered for the the time of mourning, and all of their trials and tribulations coming flowing out. We will explore the themes of Love, Family, and Forgiveness and how the Christian Church is uniquely positioned to address these challenges in the world today.

Pinocchio - Darkness, Sacrifice, and life 26.01.2024

This week we visit a fan pick: Guillermo Del Toro's Pinnochio. Cast in the background of World War II, we witness the death of Gippetto's son, the symbol of a crucifix, a wooden boy come to life, and sacrifices by people, a monkey, a cricket, and a wooden boy. So what does this all mean???

Best of...Bullet Train 19.01.2024

Join us for a fun ride (again) on the Bullet Train as we explore circumstances, fate, friendships, and family. This was truly one of our surprisingly fun podcasts of season 5!

Best of...Doctor Strange 12.01.2024

This week we look back to season 5 when Michael and I entered the "Multiverse" with MCU - the challenges of arrogance, brilliance, humility abound in this classic super-hero movie!

Best of...The Descendents 05.01.2024

This week we look back at a critically important episode from season 6. Set in the back drop of Hawaii, we explore the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unresolved consequences

Poseidon: What Drives Your Decisions? 29.12.2023

In this finale episode of season 6 we look at the movie Poseidon, a remake of the 1972 classic. Set on a cruise ship on New Year's Eve, a rogue wave flips the ship over and causes mass destruction and death. A group of survivors make their way to the stern of the ship by the propellers in order to be saved. What motivates their decisions? Why do they do what they do or think what they think? W...

Office Christmas Party - Dollars, Community, and What's Important 22.12.2023

In this raunchy (yet surprisingly tender) movie we are reminded of what is truly important at Christmas time - people! What do you value and who do you value? What is missing in your life and where will you find it? Join us in this fun and tender romp in a comedy classic

Catch Me If You Can - Is it a Christmas Movie??? 16.12.2023

In this week's episode we consider a true story brought to the Big Screen by Steven Spielberg. Frank Abagnale, Jr. forges checks, assumes identities, and lies to everyone around him for personal gain...and it all catches up with him. Where in life are you "hiding" what is true and concealing what you don't want to the world to see? And oh, by the way, we will determine if this, in fact, a Christma...

Love Actually - A REAL Look at the Complexity of Love 08.12.2023

On the Twentieth Anniversary of this classic Christmas movie, we take a deep dive into the complexity of love - the successes, the failures, the strains, the joys, and the emotional dance that people play. Set in the back drop of Christmas, this amazing cast brings to life the range of emotions and feelings we experience in this journey called life

Violent Night - Restore Us God...Including Santa?! 01.12.2023

In this episode we look at the quirky electic action movie released to theaters in 2022. Santa a vigilante? A rich family at odds with each other and fighting over money? Thieves and a kill squad...all in the back drop of Christmas. But in this crazy movie we find many of the characters looking for restoration - restoration of relationships, family, hopes, and dreams. Join us for this zany Christm...

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles - The One Matters 24.11.2023

In this episode we explore the need and necessity for community (and to provide community for others). Life is more than yourself and your desires...it is about being present and providing the "Christ-like" community for those who need it...it is about going after the 1 Lost sheep!

Gravity - Trials of Various kinds 17.11.2023

What happens when problems and trials are compounded with more problems and trials? When the "righteous" are harassed from every side? in the movie Gravity we encounter two astronauts who are confronted with trials and tragedies and yet remain "faithful" and "righteous" in the midst of the chaos. What can we learn about our faith and walk with Jesus from such a movie?

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