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

Hail Caesar! - Doing What is Easy vs. Doing What is Hard 17.06.2022

In this episode we explore the moral challenges of doing your job, doing it well, or pitching it all to do what is easy.  

National Lampoon's Summer Vacation - Creating Memories that Are Sacred and Spiritual 10.06.2022

In this episode we take a light and playful look at the Griswold's journey to Wallyworld and Abraham and Sarah's journey to the Promised Land.  As they create memories that last a life time for their family, how do you remember your family vacations and are you creating new ones for your family today?

Midway - War and the Peace...and War?! 03.06.2022

in this episode we take a look at a historical battle and the reality of war - regardless of what side you are on, war always seems to be with us

Top Gun: Persistence in the Face of Unguarded Expectations 27.05.2022

In this episode we explore living on the line between control and chaos - persistence to cross that line can lead to failure in the face of expectations.  How can you support and assist a person caught in that tension?

The Shawshank Redemption - Remaining Faithful to Who You Are 20.05.2022

In this episode we explore the challenge of remaining faithful to who you are in spite of trying circumstances and chaotic forces working against you.  How do you not yield to the pressures that surround you?

The Godfather - An Exercise in Justifiable Morality in Light of Sacramental Faith 13.05.2022

In this episode we take an extended look at how people can justify their words and actions in spite of their knowledge and faith in Scriptural truths and Sacramental practice.

JAWS - What Drives Your Fear? 06.05.2022

In this episode we explore the depths of the unknown and the danger that lurks beneath.  What drives your fear?  What causes your anxiety?  Where is true peace and confidence found?

Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy: Authenticity Matters 29.04.2022

In this episode we explore this over-the-top comedy to see why authenticity matters in our relationships and community.  Life is more than me!

What About Bob - More Relatable Than We'd Like to Admit! 22.04.2022

In this episode we explore two sides of one coin -  knowing you when you don't have it all together as well as trying to mask your personal chaos.  In the end, we are broken people needing love, community, and healing!

The Martian: Community vs. Isolation 15.04.2022

In this episode we explore the driving need to be in community with other people. When isolation is forced upon us our hunger and thirst to be with other people overflows in creative and survivalist ways

JoJo Rabbit - When a Child is a Child 08.04.2022

in this episode we explore a "dark" comedy through the eyes of a child where the world around him is pushing him to be something he is not - an adult.  Joining us in this episode is Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary - St Louis, Missouri

Judy: Ordinary is Extraordinary 01.04.2022

In this episode we explore the pressures and challenges placed upon the "extraordinary" people that are around us; we also look at the simple pleasures of being "ordinary" and how the lives of the "ordinary" interest and bless the lives of the "extraordinary."

WandaVision - Episodic Story Telling of a Tale of Grief 25.03.2022

In this episode we explore the profound impact of grief and how we handle it appropriately (and inappropriately).  What hope does the Christian message afford us?  How can our witness impact others? 

Solo: A Star Wars Story - The Tension of Trying and Being "Good" 18.03.2022

In this episode we explore a cinematic icon, Han Solo, as he wants to be the "pirate" but is really the "hero."  The draw and pull to do the good is a powerful and Solo demonstrates the struggle every Christian lives with

The Greatest Game Ever Played - Class Distinction vs. The Impartiality of God 11.03.2022

As we pay homage to the The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra, Florida this week, we take a look at a historic golf movie where social class status stood in the way of athletic achievement. Does this still exist today?  How do you see the world around you?

American Underdog - The Kurt Warner Story - Patience and Long Suffering 04.03.2022

In this episode we consider the role of patience and faith while pursuing one's dream.  How does God use time to mold, shape, and refine us?  

Captain America - The First Avenger: What is Heroic? 25.02.2022

In this episode we explore the heroism and what is really heroic in the world today.  Are you a hero?  How can you be "heroic" with your faith?

Hidden Figures: Cultural Collisions and Rising Above 18.02.2022

In this episode we look at the a biographical dramatic presentation of Science, Math, and Space as it rubs up against the racism and sexism of 1960's America.  Where does the Bible speak into such situations?  What lenses do people (and we) choose to wear when cultures collide?

Encanto - The Pressures of Family and Transgenerational Trauma 11.02.2022

In this episode we look at the challenges of family, expectations, personal desires, and transgenerational trauma.  How does the experiences of the past impact the present and the future?  

Don't Look Up - When Selfishness Overwhelms the World 04.02.2022

In this episode we look at a Netflix Release that explore selfishness, pride, money, and power all getting in the way of doing what is collectively right to save the world.  Why is it important to repent, confess, and speak truth into a broken world?

Toy Story - Lessons in Leadership 28.01.2022

In this episode we explore Leadership Lessons that are brought to life by toys!

Gladiator: The Power of the Crowd 21.01.2022

In this episode we consider the power and impact of a crowd on life's events.  How does a crowd influence, change, charge, or effect what is going on in front of it?  

Revisiting a Classic: A Star is Born - The Mentoring Relationships that are Critical in Life 14.01.2022

In this episode we explore why mentors are so important in finding our voice and way in this world.  We also look at how Hollywood over-dramatizes story over and against what really happens in life.

Revisiting a Classic: The Princess Bride - The Many Facets of Love 07.01.2022

In this episode we explore the many facets of love and discuss "why" the movie is loved and appreciated.  Can a cast that genuinely loves one another bring that authenticity to the big screen?  Can one person b the pivot point for the amplification of everyone else's love?

Forrest Gump - When the Real is Wrapped in the Fiction 31.12.2021

In this episode we explore what is the "real" story in the movie Forrest Gump - is it Forrest?  Is it Jenny?  And why does the real story resonate with us so much?

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