Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast

In Part 2 of our SMART Analysis of  Sinners , we dive into the film's intended audience and challenge listeners to rethink its deeper messages. This powerful episode explores how the film speaks directly to viewers, particularly those from marginalized communities, with its bold historical, spiritual, and artistic themes. We unpack the complex portrayals of race, faith, and creativity, offering bo...

In Part 1 of our three-part SMART Analysis of Sinners , we explore the film's gripping story and the powerful message at its core. Centered on Sammy, a gifted musician navigating a world that both reveres and exploits his talent, we discuss how the film challenges us to think about the purpose and risks of using our gifts. We dive into how music connects people across divides, both inside and outs...

In the final episode of our Mufasa: The Lion King series, we close with (T) A Touch of The Word—drawing rich theological connections between the film and Scripture. We explore how Mufasa's growth and Taka's downfall reflect biblical patterns of wisdom, temptation, and redemption. Proverbs 13:20 sheds light on the influence of community, as Mufasa learns from the wise while Taka falls in with the f...

In Part 2 of our Mufasa: The Lion King series, we explore the film through (A) Audience and (R) Rethink. We affirm that this story is well-suited for families, friends, and even as a bridge for evangelistic conversations—but this episode doesn't stop at surface-level insights. Our Rethink dives deeper into the film's more provocative themes. We also examine Rafiki's role as an exiled spiritual fig...

In this first episode of our Mufasa: The Lion King series, we explore the film through the lens of (S) Summary and (M) Message. Told by Rafiki to Kiara, the film recounts Mufasa's unlikely rise from orphaned cub to courageous king. Along the way, we meet key figures like Taka, Sarabi, and Zazu, and witness the choices that shape their destinies. We reflect on the film's central message—that true k...

This three-part podcast series offers a comprehensive analysis of the 1994 animated classic, The Lion King , using our signature "SMART" framework: Summary, Message, Audience, Rethink, and a Touch of The Word. What begins as a nostalgic look at a beloved film evolves into a deep discussion on identity, responsibility, and faith. In the final installment of our Lion King series, we draw theological...

This three-part podcast series offers a comprehensive analysis of the 1994 animated classic, The Lion King , using our signature "SMART" framework: Summary, Message, Audience, Rethink, and a Touch of The Word. What begins as a nostalgic look at a beloved film evolves into a deep discussion on identity, responsibility, and faith. In part two of our exploration of  The Lion King , we dive into the i...

This three-part podcast series offers a comprehensive analysis of the 1994 animated classic, The Lion King , using our signature "SMART" framework: Summary, Message, Audience, Rethink, and a Touch of The Word. What begins as a nostalgic look at a beloved film evolves into a deep discussion on identity, responsibility, and faith. In this episode, we begin our deep dive into  The Lion King by explor...

In this episode we dive into Wicked: Part 1 and the deeper themes behind its story. Beyond the spectacle and music, we explore what it truly means to be "wicked" and how narratives shape our self-perception. The conversation unpacks the dangers of always seeing ourselves as the hero, the power of institutions to control truth, and the ways fear and favoritism distort relationships. We also wrestle...

This episode about fighting for reconciliation is a continuation on the discussion about Ender's Game . In this conversation we discuss how fear and ego can stifle curiosity, particularly in religious spaces where certainty is prized over open exploration. We also touch on the importance of self-reflection in fighting for what's right, highlighting how silence can be just as harmful as active wron...

In this episode, we explore Ender's Game , the cinematic adaptation of Orson Scott Card's novel. Following Ender's rise as a brilliant strategist, we unpack the moral weight of his decisions, the manipulation of truth, and the devastating consequences of war. Using our SMART framework, we examine the ethics of leadership, the role of fear in shaping society, and the tension between compassion and...

This episode was sparked by the number of recent movies and sequels that just ended up being disappointing. We dive into the factors that may contribute to the production of bad movies (quality and content wise) and the challenges the audience may face in navigating them. At the end we turn the conversation to an unexpected comparison—the church's journey—and how it reflects similar struggles. We...

In this episode, we explore the 1975 sci-fi film  Rollerball through our SMART framework, focusing on its portrayal of a dystopian future where corporations control everything, including the brutal sport at the center of the story. We discuss the journey of Jonathan E., a superstar athlete caught in the deadly corporate-controlled sport, who struggles against a system designed to strip him of his...

In this episode, we dive into  The Mitchells vs. The Machines , exploring how this animated film cleverly critiques our reliance on technology while also reflecting on family dynamics. Katie Mitchell, an aspiring filmmaker, has her relationship with her family tested when their road trip collides with a tech apocalypse. Through Katie and her father Rick's journey, we explore themes of understandin...

In this Father's Day episode, we discuss the beloved film "Hook." Peter Banning, a work-absorbed lawyer, rediscovers his true identity as Peter Pan after his children are kidnapped by Captain Hook. In Neverland, Peter confronts his past, battles Hook, and ultimately chooses family over career, finding joy in fatherhood. The film emphasizes the importance of embracing responsibility while preservin...

To celebrate Mother's Day, in this podcast episode, we discuss Disney's  Brave and explore its depiction of parent-child relationships. We follow Merida, a skilled archer navigating her mother Elinor's expectations for her future as a queen, which leads to conflict and a magical mishap turning Elinor into a bear. As they strive to undo the spell and reconcile, the film underscores the importance o...

Help guide our mission! Offer your feedback and ideas on the Google Form below: Survey: What would you like to see from Parable Arrows? In this episode, Josh and Femi discuss the real life drama film A Good Person. Josh and Femi discuss how to balance accountability with loving support, the cost of living a new life, and why meditating on the world God had envisioned could empower us to live and l...

Upcoming FREE Events! Signal in the Noise - Join the Parable Arrows team for a presentation, panel, and round table discussion on using the media you consume to deepen relationships. April 13th, 2024 - 10-12PM @ Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee 5353 N Green Bay Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209 May 18th, 2024 - 10-12PM @ High Point Church in Madison 7702 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI 53717 Help guide our mission!...

They Cloned Tyrone is a modern sci-fi thriller that explores the lasting impacts of racism by following Fontain, a drug dealer in a neighborhood called the Glen and his terrifying discovery of who is pulling the strings behind some of the strange occurances he has witnessed. Josh and Femi are joined this week by Jac'Quon, Josh's friend from his church small group. Together, the guys discuss how we...

Zach is Josh's younger brother and a current full time missionary with the organization YWAM. (Youth with a Mission). When he's not doing the Lord's work (literally), he enjoys anime, manga, and fighting games. In this episode, Josh and Zach talk about their observations about media literacy in our current audience culture and why it is an important skill for fans of any media to learn. Website:  ...

A holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life follows George Bailey: family man and community pillar as he wrestles with the deep fear that he has wasted his life. In this episode of the podcast, Josh and Femi discuss why doing the little things in life well matters, the importance of encouraging loved ones sooner than later, and embracing the value God places on our lives. Website:   https://www.parab...

On the surface, Lars and the Real Girl may seem like a film treading a fine line between real and raunchy. But, below the odd premise is a heart wrenching story about family and community sacrificing to radically love a deeply hurting Lars. In this episode, Josh and Femi discuss the role of the church, how we can love people going through uncomfortable trials, and when we need to challenge our int...

Before it was even released, Barbie was considered a contentious movie, especially among Christian circles. Now with it's digital release, the Parable Arrows team wanted to put this film to the test: Was Barbie really an anti-men film and feminist propaganda? Or was it a movie posing thought provoking questions about identity that are Biblically accurate? In this episode, Josh is joined by his fel...

God is the giver of all talents and gifts. When we see the gifts in others, it is logical and easy for us to want to encourage a certain life path. However, what if that is not the way the person wants their life to go? In this episode, Josh and Femi discuss the 2017 film Gifted with Chris Evans. They discuss the question above and more as they analyze the film and relate it to Scripture. Website:...

Over the summer, Josh and Parable Arrows first ever intern Aidan recorded video versions of our podcast. Our first discussion was with multimedia talent Byron, aka B-Rut. We covered the power of film, what it means to be shrewd in business as a Christian, the importance of faith AND action together, and the way God calls us to be about his mission. B-Rut's Website: https://brutmusic.com/ https://b...