Pop Culture Pastor

Dave and Cody revisit one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history through the lens of the powerful Netflix documentary Twister: Caught in the Storm . 🌪️ Centered on the 2011 Joplin tornado, the doc follows the lives of local teens whose world changed in an instant. The guys unpack its emotional impact, the loss, the unlikely moments of unity—and what it all says about being human...

Dave and Cody dive into a gut-wrenching flashback episode that peels back the layers of Joel and Ellie’s fragile bond. From birthday cakes and guitar serenades to broken promises and devastating truths, this one hits hard. 🥀💔 💥 Highlights: Flashbacks reveal how Joel tried to give Ellie a childhood — and how he may have stolen her purpose instead A haunting confrontation with Eugene that brings...

Dave and Cody saddle up their imaginary horses and venture back to 1975 to revisit one of the most iconic comedies of all time — Monty Python & the Holy Grail . From killer rabbits to constitutional peasants, they unpack the absurdity and brilliance of a movie that laid the groundwork for modern British comedy. Plus: The secret origins of the coconut gag Why Terry Gilliam might just be the uns...

Dave and Cody are back to dissect the gut-punch that is Episode 5 of The Last of Us Season 2. From airborne spores to vengeance spirals, it’s a heavy one—but don’t worry, there’s a little Pearl Jam to ease the pain. 🎸 Highlights: Dina and Ellie have a heart-to-heart, but is Ellie even listening? Jesse shows up just in time to save the day… and watch his ex swoon over someone else. Meanwhile, Nora...

Dave, Cody, and Jackson Chauncey dive into Marvel’s newest cinematic offering with two names, Thunderbolts/New Avengers.  Is it a stroke of marketing genius or a desperate move? They break down what hits (Florence Pugh’s epic stunt work, Lewis Pullman’s standout turn as Bob, Red Guardian’s gross yet lovable charm) and what misses (Bucky’s character arc, Ghost’s… existence). 🔥 Highlights: – Will t...

Dave and Cody dive into The Last of Us S2E4: “Day One”—a.k.a. the episode that had saucepan monologues, surprise confessions, and reminded us of Huey Lewis(?). From Jeffrey Wright’s chilling calm to a beautiful rendition of A-ha’s “Take On Me,” they break down: – The wildest cameo (RIP Josh Peck) – Faith vs. power in a world on fire – The emotional mess that is Ellie and Dina – And yes, they final...

It’s over, Anakin—we’ve got the high ground and the microphones. Dave and Cody revisit the most meme-able Star Wars film of all time: Revenge of the Sith . From lava fights to youngling frights, they break down what holds up (lightsaber battles, John Williams’ score, Ewan McGregor) and what absolutely doesn’t (George Lucas’ dialogue, General Grievous’ anatomy, “Nooooo!”). 🔥 Topics include: – Mupp...

Grief. Guns. Council meetings about corn. Dave & Cody unpack The Last of Us episode 3 — a heavy hour full of loss, debate, and questionable choices. 💔 Ellie spirals. 🧠 Gail (Catherine O’Hara!) tries to help. 🧭 Dina has a plan. And Tommy? He’s got a box with a watch… Its a metaphor, right? Its definitely a metaphor.. Is Ellie walking a road to justice or just deeper into grief? New Watch-Alo...

🎙️ Pop Culture Lately: Neil Diamond, Daredevil, & Digital Dreams This week, Dave and Cody dive headfirst into everything they have been into pop culture-wise lately. Plus:🎮 A live convo with Twitch game-streamer Carley Cowen (Itzkansas) 📺 Hot takes on Shrinking , Paradise , and Daredevil: Born Again 📚 Thoughts on George Carlin and Dan Carlin 🍔 WrestleMania menus & retro gaming memories...

🎙️ Watch-along: The Last of Us, S2E2 – “Through the Valley” In this emotionally loaded episode of Pop Culture Pastor: Watch-alongs , Dave and Cody trek through the highs, lows, and haunting silences of The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2. A powerful story unfolds with dreams, choices, and consequences — all set against one of the most intense set pieces the show has delivered yet. We talk: The cycl...

Dave and Cody revisit Scott Pilgrim vs. The World—a box office flop turned cult classic that might just be one of the more innovative and deeply layered comedies of the 21st century. They talk video game tropes, garage punk soundtracks, hidden Easter eggs, and how this movie walked so others could run (looking at you Super Mario Bros.). They unpack deeper themes of emotional maturity, self-respect...

Join Dave and Cody as they dive into the emotional premiere of The Last of Us Season 2! They discuss the moral gray areas, with all the characters wrestling with difficult decisions and their consequences, the complex relationship between Ellie and Joel, and the evolving world of Jackson. Plus, get a peek into Ellie’s Playlist with Nirvana’s "Love Buzz" and laugh along with their hilario...

What makes a snack worth talking about? And how did the Minecraft movie make enough money to buy actual diamonds? We’re processing all of that in this episode — and we brought backup. This week, Dave and Cody sit down with @snachwithzach — one of the internet’s leading snack experts and food news creators — to talk about his journey from bored-at-home TikTok creator to the guy brands actually call...

🎙️ Legends: Val Kilmer This week, Dave and Cody pause their planned episode to honor the late, great Val Kilmer —a performer whose career defied categorization and whose talent inspired generations. From Top Gun ’s Iceman to Tombstone ’s unforgettable Doc Holliday, Kilmer brought intensity, vulnerability, and a surprising comedic charm to every role. Cody, a self-proclaimed Kilmer superfan, shares...

In this episode of Pop Culture Pastor , Dave, Cody, and guest, DJ Dangerfield, take a sobering look at American Murder: Gabby Petito, the Netflix docuseries examining the tragic disappearance and death of 22-year-old Gabby Petito. Together, they explore the deeper layers of a story that captivated the nation—discussing the dangers of hidden abuse, the role of social media in shaping false realitie...

Dave, Cody, and special guest Dan C gather in the pop culture MDR to unpack Severance Season 2, Episode 10 — Cold Harbor. Emotions run high as the trio breaks down every shocking twist, cryptic line, and heartbreakingly human moment from a finale that went nowhere anyone expected... and yet felt strangely perfect. From wild Kier-spiracies about Helly R, to the long-awaited revolution led by Dylan...

Sometimes things don’t go as planned… like our guest canceling last minute 😅 But instead of skipping a week, Dave & Cody deliver a surprise bonus episode packed with off-the-cuff hilarity, pop culture tangents, and a little bracket sadness. 🎤 What’s inside: The guest that wasn’t (but might be soon) Cody’s plan to meet David Tennant at Planet Comic Con Upcoming hangouts & how YOU can join...

🔴 WATCH-ALONGS: SEVERANCE S2E9 – “The After Hours” 🔴 The penultimate episode sets the stage for a massive season finale! 😱 🔹 Helena/Helly's (🧐) hard boiled moment with Pa Jame. 🔹 Milchick snaps – but is he about to join the revolt? 🔹 Irv & Burt… 💔 (Is this goodbye?!) 🔹 Is Lumon controlling reality itself ? 🤯 Dave & Cody break it all down—plus wild theories, deep themes, and m...

This week, Dave & Cody dive into Matilda —the magical, slightly unhinged, and deeply beloved ‘90s classic! From Roald Dahl’s twisted storytelling to Danny DeVito’s unexpected masterpiece, we break down what makes this film a millennial favorite. 🔹 Is Ms. Trunchbull the scariest principal ever? 🔹 Why does this movie feel like Carrie for kids? 🔹 And… does Matilda grow up to be a supervillain...

The icy past of Harmony Cobell comes to light as Dave, Cody, and special guest Dan Carroll break down Severance Season 2, Episode 8: Sweet Vitriol . From the eerie remnants of Salt’s Neck to the shocking revelation about the origins of severance, this episode delivers a slow-burn character study that deepens the show's mystery. 🔹 What’s the deal with The Nine ? 🔹 Is Harmony about to flip the...

In a world that seems more divided and unforgiving than ever, what role does pop culture play in shaping our ideas of grace and redemption? Dave, Cody, and special guest Andrew Haworth—an actual psychologist—dive deep into the cultural shift away from forgiveness and explore how our stories reflect this reality. From social media outrage cycles to the psychology behind the recent trend of complex,...

Dave, Cody, and special guest Dan Carroll dive into Severance Season 2, Episode 7, Chikai Bardo —probably the heaviest episode of the series. 😱 🔍 Is Mark experiencing Gemma’s memories? 💀 Is Lumon creating custom hells for its workers? 🎄 Why are you wearing that stupid sweater?! This episode is visually stunning , emotionally brutal, and packed with wild theories, including Dave’s ongoing Kiers...

🚨 CAST AWAY HOT TAKES INCOMING 🚨 Dave is calling Cast Away a top 10 movie of all time while Cody is out here slapping it with a 7.25/10 like a FedEx package gone rogue. 📦🏝️ Blasphemy? Or valid critique? In this episode of the Pop Culture Pastor Podcast , Dave & Cody dive into the 25th anniversary of Tom Hanks’ island survival epic: Was Wilson the real MVP? 🔥 Did this movie start the “Oscar...

In this episode of  Pop Culture Pastor Watch-alongs , Dave and Cody are back with another exhilarating episode as they delve into  Severance  Season 2, Episode 6: "Attila." The duo breaks down the intense moments where Mark grapples with the reintegration process, the heartbreaking moments with Dylan and his wife, and the acting "tour de force" brought by Christopher Walken, Jo...

🎙️ Pop Culture Pastor is back with a deep dive into Captain America: Brave New World ! 🦸‍♂️ Dave & Cody break down Marvel’s latest, asking all the questions about its $180M budget and reshoots. From the convoluted plot to the missed storytelling opportunities, they unpack it all, including Dave's two things he would change to make this movie great! Plus, Dave & Cody's 5 worst MCU...