Popcorn Theology

I'm dreaming of a podcasting covering one of the all time classic Christmas films: White Christmas.  Eric is joined by David and a special guest making her return to Popcorn Theology: Mandy Lee! Together Eric, David and Mandy (Dandy) discuss honoring your elders, how to use the season of Christmas for those who the World has forgotten, and why you should get married and have 9 children. Watch the...

In this series of "In The Lobby", Jam and David discuss Christmas, traditions, film, and the Gospel. In Part 2, we explore Christmas traditions and how they point us to Christ. We also discuss how Christians engage with secular traditions like Santa Claus. Watch the episode here . As our gift to you, this whole series will be available to the public. For more content like this, support us on Patre...

This week our hosts Miles, James & Kat defy watching mindlessly as they cover Wicked: Part 1. This beloved musical is overflowing with fruitful topics to discuss.  Many people have bemoaned the rise of the "villain as misunderstood victim" story, yet our hosts found subtlety and valuable truth throughout this film. Among these truths are the folly of the unexamined life, how we can all be tempted...

In this series of "In The Lobby", Jam and David discuss Christmas, traditions, film, and the Gospel. Join us for Part 1, where we address what makes a movie a CHRISTMAS movie. Watch the episode here . As our gift to you, this whole series will be available to the public. For more content like this, support us on Patreon. As a Premium Seating Patron Saint, you get to vote on episodes, listen to wee...

The Patron Saints of Popcorn Theology made us merry this week by voting for the beloved Christmas classic, The Muppet Christmas Carol. This all too familiar tale takes on a Muppet spin, fun for both adults and kids. On this episode Maddy, Kat, and Bridgett discuss the surprisingly deep themes of intervention, repentance, and redemption in this classic tale that helped reinvent Christmas. Watch the...

Put on your dancing shoes and sing along with us while we explore the candy-coated underworld of Moulin Rouge, exploring the themes of freedom, truth, love, and beauty. Maddy and Bridgett discuss parallels to Biblical characters and if the four pillars of the Bohemian Revolution are sound. Is there any hope or redemption in this tragic love story? Watch the episode HERE . Rate and review to get 2...

In this new series, we're joined by Matt Whitman of the Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast to explore Storytelling & Scripture!! In Part 1, we discuss storytelling, "perfect" movies, and what makes a film compelling. You won't want to miss this one! Watch the episode here . The first episode of this series is available to the public; the next 3 episodes will release every Thursday in November and are e...

Grab your umbrellas and seek shelter with us in the dark alleyways and sewers of Gotham City, exploring the darker side of human nature and a bat-free exploration of broken people. James and Kat discuss Oswald Cobb's fascinating yet monstrous nature and the stories of his compromised family, friends and foes. Is there any hope or redemption to be found in this life under the sun? Watch the episode...

Watch the episode here . To kick off Musical Month, we're opening the "Popcorn Theology Vault" to re-release a legacy episode from 2018. This week, David and newly added guest host James Harleman are joined by Aaron and Patrick of the Feelin' Film Podcast to talk about La La Land. In this surprisingly long episode, we discussed the mixed reactions to this movie, contagious passion, traditionalism...

Join James, Kat, and David in their underground lab as we cook up a top-notch discussion on Breaking Bad Season 4. We explore Walt's continual metamorphosis into Heisenberg, the importance of catechizing our families, how we can bring about our own destruction, and the role of sympathy and loyalty in entertainment. As we Face Off with these themes. we sure hope it… rings a bell. Watch the video ep...

"It shows you things... horrible things." Our Patron Saint supporters sent us a distress signal and we sent two Popcorn Theologians to check if there's any life left in this film, reappearing from its cinematic origins in 1997. What they find has scared lapsed churchgoers back to their faith, and surprised many sci-fi fans with an unexpected journey into the supernatural. Will Eric and James survi...

Join Jam and Miles as they discuss the deep facets of The Wild Robot. This movie explores the programming of a godly parent and themes of preparing children for the world. If you have ever wondered what godly parenting looks like, or how children's movies will get back to the basics, this is the episode for you. Watch the video episode here . ---- Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and click the notificati...

For only our second documentary ever, Miles and James dive into "Am I Racist?" and discuss how documentaries (and mockumentaries) tell a story. As Matt becomes a DEI/antiracist expert, we highlight the underlying worldview and how it mimics the Biblical doctrines of creation, fall, and, religious penance. Join us and "do the work" of Popcorn Theology! Watch the video episode here . — Don't forget...

Do you like scary movies? This week, our "In The Lobby" materializes from the mist with "Christians on Horror". Novelist Mike Duran emerges from his coffin as the hairy, howling Pastor Joe Thorn claws his way into the conversation, moderated by our host and horror expert James Harleman. Over the coming weeks we'll delve into the controversy surrounding an oft-misunderstood genre: what are the attr...

Eric and Maddy cover one of the more controversy inducing shows in recent memory. Does this show have anything compelling to say? Is it good? Is it bad? or does it commit the worst story telling sin: being boring?  Wherever you land on these questions there are still many themes to receive and redeem and a good reminder that there is a wind that will carry believers far beyond the reaches of the e...

Come away with us for a secluded podcast? What could possibly go wrong? James and Jonathan refuse to hold their tongues and get into the deeper themes of this tense thriller, from family dynamics to people pleasing and how we deal with strangers. Watch the episode here . —  Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and click the notification bell. Follow & connect: https://linktr.ee/popcorntheology Support: https...

Don't say the name of this episode out loud! Kat and James get their goth on and tackle these two Tim Burton comedies separated by 36 years yet so eerily similar. Like the ghost, this episode has the most as they discuss the cultural impact of Lydia Deetz and goth subculture, the movie's skewed view of the afterlife, and the extremes of non-belief regarding spirits versus an unhealthy interest in...

In space, no one can hear you scream, but everyone can hear and see this episode covering all things Xenomorph! James and Rory are joined by Thomas Thorogood as they rank and discuss the entire franchise and then zero in on its latest entry, discussing biblical views of AI and how the film's characters yearn for a better world. Watch the episode here . Check out Thomas' YouTube channel on film and...

David and James continue to cook, passing the midpoint of our exploration of this award-winning series; there will be no half measures! This time they are joined by Kat to discuss hot takes on Skyler's three word bomb drop, the series most divisive episode, and the worship of Mammon. Season 2: https://youtu.be/ciyqeggk5m8 Season 1: https://youtu.be/d4BxozxMfR8   Chapters: Intro: Skyler Meets Saul...

This week kicks off our new series "In The Lobby: Popcorn Politics", where we discuss the intersection of entertainment, theology, and politics. In this series, we interview NYT best-selling author and Daily Wire culture reporter, Megan Basham. This week, we discuss her new book ( Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded Truth for a Leftist Agenda ) and the concerning trends that motivat...

The final episode of In The Lobby: Back to School is here! Join our panel of educators (Bridget, Jam, & David) as we ask James Harleman common questions about Film & Theology. Share this with your friends so they can learn more about mindful engagement of film. Watch the episode here . To hear more of our "Back to School" series, watch Part 1 (https://youtu.be/3QdLBWjdIAQ), and go to www. Patreon....

Eric and Maddy go on a epic adventure to battle the forces of Sauron that have corrupted their beloved franchise. Will our two diehard Lord of the Rings fans overcome their prejudice and find themes to Reject, Receive, and Redeem? Watch the episode here . Here was our coverage of Season 1: Episodes 1-2: https://youtu.be/CQIxq_KmpGk Full Season: https://youtu.be/IZuC809-bVU Chapters: Welcome - 0:54...

Watch the episode here . The Patron Saints of Popcorn Theology hit a home run this week by voting for the beloved summer classic, The Sandlot. This often silly coming-of-age tale may surprise you with its existential and theological depth. On this episode Eric and Miles discuss the blessedness of friendship, the Christ figure at the center of the movie, and how the journey of Scotty Smalls mirrors...

Watch the episode here . This week we drive into the eye of the storm to wrangle the narrative in Twisters. Our hosts discuss this surprisingly fresh movie and dive deeper to explore how it touches on foundational themes of what it means to be human and the relationship between science and religion. This episode is brought to you by Reel Leadership, the new book that helps you understand how your...

Watch the episode HERE . It's high time we took a second stab at what many consider the best Wolverine film, and one of the greatest comic book movies ever made. Take a trip with Old Man Foltz and Professor Lee as they journey through themes of dehumanization, nature versus nurture, and promised lands. Sink your claws into this classic episode! For more "legacy" episodes like this one, check our a...