Ep. 443 Paul Anleitner - The Anti-Story is Collapsing. What's Replacing It? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 17, 2026 · 1H 2M

Ep. 443 Paul Anleitner - The Anti-Story is Collapsing. What's Replacing It?

from Shifting Culture · host Joshua Johnson / Paul Anleitner

In this episode, Paul Anleitner traces how a culture that once watched Rocky in full-throated sincerity learned to read everything through suspicion. We talk about the modern story we inherited, the postmodern anti-story that dismantled it, and the meaning crisis left in the rubble. There is a vibe shift happening as people reach for nostalgia and re-enchantment. We get into the three pillars of meaning, mean world syndrome, why Top Gun: Maverick and Project Hail Mary landed the way they did, and Paul's central claim: that kenosis, self-emptying love, is the shape of reality. Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian who writes and speaks on the role of culture and story in our quest for meaning. He is the author of "Based on a True Story: Vibe Shifts, the End of Deconstruction, and the Reboot of Meaning" (Nelson Books)His unique interdisciplinary approach integrates theology, philosophy, and science to help individuals and institutions navigate cultural shifts and address perennial religious longings.Paul's Book:Based on a True StoryConnect with Joshua: [email protected] to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeSupport the podcast and the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Support the show

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In this episode, Paul Anleitner traces how a culture that once watched Rocky in full-throated sincerity learned to read everything through suspicion. We talk about the modern story we inherited, the postmodern anti-story that dismantled it, and the meaning crisis left in the rubble. There is a vibe shift happening as people reach for nostalgia and re-enchantment. We get into the three pillars of meaning, mean world syndrome, why Top Gun: Maverick and Project Hail Mary landed the way they did,...

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Ep. 443 Paul Anleitner - The Anti-Story is Collapsing. What's Replacing It?

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