Episodes

It’s a little bit of everything this week on Pop Culture Pastor! Dave and Cody are back on their own, digging into the ultimate pop culture grab bag. From the seismic pop culture news of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s engagement (and some ridiculous “what if” wedding scenarios), to the messy Raja Jackson incident in the wrestling world, we cover it all. Then we dive into what we’ve been watching, reading, and listening to lately—documentaries (Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action and Trainwr...

Taylor Swift isn’t just a pop star—she’s a cultural juggernaut. In this Legends episode, Dave plays cultural anthropologist while Cody and Leah (our resident Swifties) unpack her rise from country roots to global dominance, the power of the Swiftie fandom, and why authenticity might be her greatest legacy. Plus, we debate tattoos, Travis Kelce, and whether Taylor is the last true pop star. Also: In the news segment we talk the newest thorn in Marvel Studio's side...Beau Demayo and his recent war...

Dave, Cody, and two Geeks of the Round Table are set to tackle a brand-new type of episode, Listbusters! The series where no ranking is safe. This time, we’re crossing the streams of pop culture opinions as we take on Esquire’s Top 25 Superhero Movies List by Eric Francisco, armed with chaos-inducing items like The Bomb, The Switcheroo, and The Recast. Will your favorites survive? Will we nuke something you love? Will questionable picks finally get the boot? The only thing we can promise is tha...

In this episode of Pop Culture Pastor, Dave and Cody dive deep into Happy Gilmore 2, joined by special guests, recording artists Sean Rodriguez and Hilltop. We discuss the wild ride that is this sequel, from the return of Adam Sandler and Julie Bowen to hilarious cameos by Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, and even Eminem. With plenty of laughs, an 80s training montage, and a heap of nostalgia, we review the good, the bad, and the absurdity of the film. We also talk about wrestling (because, of course),...

This week, Dave and Cody suit up in their turtlenecks and dive headfirst into Fantastic Four: First Steps—Marvel’s latest attempt to make Reed Richards emotionally compelling and Galactus fashion-forward. With trusty Geek of the Round Table Jackson, they’re breaking down the retro-futuristic vibes, the CGI baby drama, and whether Vanessa Kirby just low-key carried the whole film. Plus: a totally unnecessary mustache, Adam Driver dreams, and Namor lurking with a crush. It’s a full-blown Fantastic...

It’s time for a Be Kind Rewind on Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer—the 2007 sequel that gave us Chris Evans’ scene-stealing Human Torch, Andre Braugher delivering one of the best lines ever (“I’m the quarterback!”), and… a Galactus that looks like a weather cloud. Dave and Cody dig into what holds up, what absolutely doesn’t (looking at you, Jessica Alba’s blue contacts), and the surprisingly decent CGI that made Silver Surfer a standout. Also: The fellas hit the latest pop culture new...

James Gunn’s Superman is finally here—and the Pop Culture Pastor crew is all in. This week, Dave, Cody, and Justin dig deep into the film that reboots the most iconic superhero of all time with big ideas, even bigger emotions, and (surprisingly) one very good dog. We break down the performances (Nicholas Hoult’s Lex is definitive), debate the new take on Kal-El’s parents, and celebrate the bright, hopeful tone that makes this Superman feel like… well, Superman. David Corenswet’s debut in the cap...

In this episode of Pop Culture Pastor, we’re diving into all things Superman as the highly anticipated new movie hits theaters! Cody, our resident DC superfan, is practically bursting with excitement—he's been on the Superman train since day one. We discuss the early reviews, the highs, the lows, and what makes this reboot so critical for the future of the DC universe. Will it be James Gunn’s magnum opus, or is it another Man of Steel misfire? We also take a trip back to 1978 for a Be Kind Rewi...

This week on Pop Culture Pastor, Dave, Cody, and Jackson start off a month of blockbusters and survive Jurassic World: Rebirth—because apparently, like the dinosaurs themselves, this franchise refuses to stay extinct. From mutant monsters in lab coats to pharmaceutical villains with PowerPoint energy, the gang unpacks what worked, what mutated, and whether the Jurassic franchise should’ve stayed fossilized. Plus: 🧢 Indiana Jones reboot rumors — who could possibly pick up the fedora? 🎯 A little ...

We spared no expense on this one — it’s our Be Kind Rewind on Jurassic Park! Join Dave, Cody, and Sir Jackson, Geek of the Round Table as they revisit Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster that made dinosaurs cool again and Jeff Goldblum a household vibe. We’re talking animatronics, chaos theory, Mr. DNA, and why this movie still stomps the competition decades later. Plus: who wins the movie, who loses (sorry, Crichton), and what this tale of scientific hubris can still teach us today. Also in this epis...

🎬 "Favorite Cinematic Deaths" might sound like a bummer… but trust us, it’s not. From Gladiator to Zombieland, Logan to Rocky IV, we're diving deep into the most iconic, hilarious, heartbreaking, and utterly shocking movie deaths of all time. Why do these scenes hit so hard? Why do they stick with us? And can you even talk about death without quoting Top Gun at least once? (Spoiler: nope.) Also in this episode: 🚀 The guys react to Top Gun 3 news and debate whether the franchise should keep flyi...

Ever wonder what could’ve been if the right actor had just taken that iconic role? Well, today’s episode of Pop Culture Pastor dives into those “almost” casting decisions that could have totally changed Hollywood history. From Matthew McConaughey almost playing Jack Dawson in Titanic (imagine "Alright, alright, alright", but on a sinking ship) to someone you wouldn't believe possibly stepping into John McClane’s shoes in Die Hard, we’re exploring the actors who almost became legends. Plus, we’ve...

This week on Pop Culture Pastor, Dave and Cody set out in search of eternal youth and… mostly find studio notes and safe choices. In our full review of Fountain of Youth, we dive into Guy Ritchie’s lightest touch yet, a charming John Krasinski, and a MacGuffin so undercooked it might still be thawing. Is it fun? Sometimes. Is it deep? Not especially. But hey, there’s a moped chase and some ancient Christian imagery just vague enough to avoid offending anyone. Also in this episode: Michael Bay ...

In this finale breakdown, Dave and Cody ride the emotional tsunami of The Last of Us Season 2’s closing chapter. From collapsed morals to literal collapsing boats, nothing is safe—not even Jesse. 💔 Ellie spirals deeper into vengeance 🧠 Dave makes the case: she’s the real monster at the end of the book 🛥️ Cody has serious beef with the boat logic 🎯 The guys roast the episode’s pacing, praise its pain, and question whether Season 3 will even hold our attention 🎧 Listen now. Bring your life jacket...

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. 💬 Special guest: Meteorologist Doug Heady, who was on the air as it happened, shares his firsthand...

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 Joel’s choices full circle Why Pedro Pascal’s acting deserves every award, ever 🎭 The deeper themes...

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 unsung hero of the Pythons How the movie’s meta humor paved the way for shows like The Office And in the...

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 gets a crash course in why you don’t mouth off to a vengeful teenager with nothing to lose Plus, ...

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 the rebrand work? – Florence Pugh vs. Tom Cruise: Epic stunt showdown – Why the last third of this...

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 finally talk zombies again Plus: The Pastor’s Corner explores the cost of revenge and what it means to en...

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: – Muppet casting chaos – Why Chewbacca is a ride-or-die friend – The emotional toll of Jedi detachment – H...

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-Along episode out now. #PopCulturePastor #TheLastOfUs #TLOU #BellaRamsey #PedroPascal #RevengeStory #Dina #El...

🎙️ 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 👀 And yes, someone still watches CSI: Miami...and its the newest Geek of the Round Table!!!! New episode out now...

🎙️ 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 cycle of revenge and its cost The epic battle at Jackson That haunting closing song The weight of ch...