PODCAST · religion
Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast
by Josh K and Femi S
The Parable Arrows Podcast: Where hosts Josh and Femi wrestle with stories to seek deeper truths. The Parable Arrows team engages a story such as a movie or show, spends time self reflecting, then connects to ask questions inspired by the story to better understand God and others.Find their original short fiction and additional content at:https://www.parablearrows.com/
Episodes
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Ep 61 Part 3: Community, Discernment, and Conversation
In this final episode of our series, we turn worldview analysis into a hands-on tool for community life and sharing our faith. Active discernment lets us spot cultural messages in trends and weigh them against Scripture. Moving from inspection to conversation means we invite others into gracious...
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Ep 61 Part 2: Engaging Other Worldviews Through Media
In this second part of our series, we dive into how believers can safely test their worldview by exploring alternative ideas in pop culture and modern media. Our conversation uses low-stakes stories like fiction and movies, including Josh's look at The Punisher, to examine grief and morality. We...
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Ep 61 Part 1: Worldview Under the Microscope
We kick off our three-part look at building and inspecting a worldview by unpacking Romans 12:2 and why mindset shifts matter for growth. Our approach defines a worldview as a big-picture framework that needs humility and Scripture rather than status. We challenge the habit of quick agreement or...
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Ep 60 Part 3: Eternal Pursuits and Wisdom in Jay Kelly
We conclude this series on Jay Kelly's mid-life journey by exploring how Scripture provides a grounding perspective. Through key biblical parallels like running the race and counting the cost, we discuss themes of eternal pursuits, embracing wisdom, and reevaluating ambition. Jay's story prompts…
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Ep 60 Part 2: Unpacking the Punch of Jay Kelly
We dive deep into the audience dynamics of Jay Kelly, highlighting how it resonates with those facing life transitions like high school seniors or mid-career professionals. We also issue a caution about its intense themes of parental abandonment, which might be triggering for some. Our critical...
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Ep 60 Part 1: Weighing the Cost in Jay Kelly
In this episode we cover the Summary and Message of the film Jay Kelly and explore George Clooney's portrayal of a fading movie star grappling with personal regrets. We discuss how Jay's journey across Europe with his manager Ron highlights the often-overlooked costs of chasing fame and success....
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Ep 60 Pre-Show: Breaking Down the Manosphere
We kick off this series by discuss the wild world of the "Manosphere" and "Red Pill" communities to unpack what modern masculinity is really about. Then, we shift gears to talk about the movie Jay Kelly, where we challenge the idea of judging leadership by superficial traits and explore what true...
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Ep 59: Passion vs. Obsession: Hidden Lessons You Didn't See in Hoppers
In this episode, we move beyond the plot of Hoppers to explore how the film's themes of stewardship and conflict resolution mirror our own walk as believers. We challenge ourselves and our listeners to distinguish between holy passion and destructive obsession, particularly when we feel the…
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Ep 58 Part 3: Life Beyond the Clock, Lessons from In Time
This episode wraps up our series on In Time by exploring how the film's themes connect to Scripture and challenge our own posture toward time and wealth. We look at God's design for fairness, Zacchaeus's example of true restitution, and the warnings against hoarding that echo through James and…
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Ep 58 Part 2: Why Time Feels Scarce (And What to Do About It)
In this second part of our series, we dive into who we think would love In Time and why it's such a great conversation starter for friends, students, and even faith-focused discussions. We rethink the movie's big ideas, from why tearing down a broken system without a plan rarely works, to how...
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Ep 58 Part 1: Living on Borrowed Time, How In Time Turns Life Into Currency
In this first part of our discussion on In Time, we dive into its wild premise where people stop aging at 25 and pay for everything with the time left on their lives. We chat about the movie's ideas on manufactured scarcity, social inequality, and how living with a literal ticking clock changes...
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Ep 58 Pre-Show: The Perspective Game
Welcome to the pre-show! We kick off this series by playing The Perspective Game to flex the imagination muscle before diving into this film talk. We swap perspectives on Disney villains, neglectful parents, and underappreciated sidekicks to see what new empathy we can uncover. From defending...
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Ep 57: Are You Consuming Media, or is it Consuming You?
In this one, we dig into how almost everything in modern life feels marketed to us, from career goals to the version of "success" we're told to chase. We talk about the emptiness that can hit after reaching those milestones and realizing they don't deliver real freedom. We share how fiction and...
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Ep 56: What Attack on Titan Taught Us About Following Jesus
In this episode, we dive into the world of Attack on Titan to talk about what it really means to count the cost of following Jesus. We explore how the Scouts' risky missions mirror the high-cost, high-reward call of discipleship. Along the way, we tackle the trap of over-policing media and why…
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Ep 55: Are Christian Movie Reviews Damaging Your Discernment? Outsourcing Spiritual Judgement
In this episode, we dive into how rigid "black and white" labels in church culture can actually stunt our spiritual growth and dull our discernment. We swap stories (from Metallica tattoos to Law & Order: SVU) about how labeling art as simply "good" or "bad" keeps us from wrestling with the…
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Ep 54: Is Wake Up Dead Man a Christian Movie? The Christian Sandwich Problem
We are back! In this episode, we take a quick dive into Wake Up Dead Man and wrestle with the question: what actually makes a movie "Christian"? Along the way, we break down the "Christian sandwich" analogy, challenging the idea that a Christian creating something makes it inherently Christian…
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Ep 53 Part 2: Mentorship and Media
In this second and final part of our series on building story skills, we share how building trust is essential if we want the next generation to really hear us. We talk about the importance of aligning with a child or student's goals instead of forcing our own agenda. We reflect on how curiosity...
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Ep 53 Part 1: Building a Bible Base
We kick off this series on building story skills, by talking about why every Christian needs a solid Bible Base to navigate today's endless stream of media. We explain how building a "Bible Bank" equips us to filter TikToks, movies, and shows through the lens of scripture. We walk through Bloom's...
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Ep 52 Part 3: God's Purposes and The Invention of Lying
In this final part of our discussion on The Invention of Lying, we explore how Scripture addresses the complexity of truth and deception. We reflect on the story of Shiphrah and Puah in Exodus 1, where the Hebrew midwives lied to Pharaoh to save innocent lives and were blessed by God for their…
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Ep 52 Part 2: Is Storytelling... Lying?
In this episode, we explore how The Invention of Lying sparks meaningful conversations about honesty, kindness, and faith. We discuss why the film is generous to atheists and how it can open doors for evangelistic conversations with teens and families. We wrestle with the difference between...
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Ep 52 Part 1: The Cost of Honesty in The Invention of Lying
In part one of our discussion on The Invention of Lying, we take a look at Ricky Gervais's satirical world where no one has ever lied until Mark Bellison discovers how. We walk through Mark's journey from a failing screenwriter to the accidental prophet of the "Man in the Sky," exploring how his...
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EP 51 Part 3: Patience and Faith in The Pale Blue Eye
In this final part of our discussion on The Pale Blue Eye, we dive into the theological dimension of the film and connect its themes to Scripture. We explore how verses like Psalm 51:10, Luke 6:45, and Numbers 22 challenge us to examine the heart and avoid the arrogance of thinking we can...
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Ep 51 Part 2: What The Pale Blue Eye Sees in Us
In this part of our episode on The Pale Blue Eye, we explore who the film is really for and challenge ourselves to rethink its deeper messages. We talk about why it's not a movie for kids and the caution needed around its heavy themes like ritual imagery, sexual assault, suicide, and grief. In…
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Ep 51 Part 1: Misapplied Love in The Pale Blue Eye
We kick off our spooky season discussion with The Pale Blue Eye by diving into its dark mystery and emotional core. We follow retired detective Augustus Landoor as he investigates a cadet's gruesome death at West Point alongside the eccentric E.A. Poe. As the plot unfolds, we uncover the Marquise...
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Ep 50 Part 3: Being Fully Known in K-Pop Demon Hunters
In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of K-Pop Demon Hunters by reflecting on the film's themes through the lens of Scripture. We explore Romans 3, Psalm 139, John 15, and 2 Corinthians 12, seeing how each passage speaks to hiding, weakness, and the longing to be truly known. We talk about…
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Ep 50 Part 2: Engaging Faith in K-Pop Demon Hunters
In this episode, we dive into the audience and deeper themes of K-Pop Demon Hunters. We reflect on how the film seems tailor-made for younger adult viewers, with vibrant animation and approachable ideas that make it a great "training wheels analyzer" for media engagement. We also wrestle with who...
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Ep 50 Part 1: When K-Pop Meets the Powers of Darkness
In this episode, we break down the story of K-Pop Demon Hunters, where the girl group Huntr/x fights to save the world from demonic forces hidden behind the glitz of the music industry. We explore how their rivalry with the darkly hypnotic Saja Boys escalates into a battle against temptation,...
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Ep 49: Spiritual Discernment and Sinners
In this bonus episode, we revisit our original SMART analysis of Sinners after hearing an alternate experience with the film. We reflect on how media impacts our hearts and minds, sharing our own wrestlings with conviction, entertainment, and spiritual discernment. Our conversation explores the...
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Ep 48 Part 3: Beyond the Arena, The True Legacy
In the final episode of our Gladiator 2 series, we bring "A Touch of The Word" by connecting the film's themes to scripture. Our discussion centers on how biblical passages like Daniel 1–2, Matthew 10, Romans 13, Galatians 5, and Revelation 20 resonate with the movie's questions of power,...
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Ep 48 Part 2: Freedom in Gladiator 2
In Part 2 of our SMART analysis of Gladiator 2, we turn our focus to the Audience and offer a Rethink of the film's central themes. We talk about who might struggle with the movie's emphasis on manipulation, bitterness, and vengeance, and why others could actually find it to be a healthy…
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Ep 48 Part 1: Vengeance and Victory in Gladiator 2
In this episode, we begin our SMART analysis of Gladiator 2 with a focus on its Summary and Message. The story follows Lucius Verus Aurelius—secretly Maximus's son—whose life of peace is destroyed when Rome invades Numidia, killing his wife and enslaving him. Driven by vengeance, Lucius rises as…
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Ep 47 Part 3: Biblical Themes in Sinners
In Part 3 of our SMART analysis of Sinners, we explore the film's theology through the lens of scripture in our Touch of The Word segment. We draw on Bible passages—from Saul and the medium of Endor to the temptations of Jesus—to unpack the spiritual themes woven throughout the movie. Our...
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Ep 47 Part 2: Unity vs. Uniformity in Sinners
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,...
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Ep 47 Part 1: Is Art Dangerous? What Sinners Really Shows Us
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...
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Ep 46 Part 3: Biblical Reflections in Mufasa: The Lion King
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...
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Ep 46 Part 2: Welcoming and Wisdom in Mufasa: The Lion King
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...
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Ep 46 Part 1: Courage and Calling in Mufasa: The Lion King
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…
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Ep 45 Part 3: Biblical Wisdom in The Lion King
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...
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Ep 45 Part 2: Guilt and Restoration in The Lion King
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...
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Ep 45 Part 1: Embracing Responsibility in The Lion King
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...
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Ep 44: Truth and Manipulation in Wicked Part 1
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...
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Ep 43: Fighting for Reconciliation
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...
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Ep 42: Ethics and Leadership in Ender's Game
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...
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Ep 41: Sequel Fatigue and Parallels to the Church's Journey
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...
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Ep 40: Power and Control in Rollerball
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…
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Ep 39: Family Bonds in The Mitchells vs. The Machines
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...
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Ep 38: Balancing Whimsy and Responsibility with Hook
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,...
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Ep 37: Generational Humility and Brave (Mother's Day Episode)
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...
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Ep 36: Surviving Tragedy and A Good Person
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…
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Ep 35: Facing the Awkward and Turning Red
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Parable Arrows Podcast: Where hosts Josh and Femi wrestle with stories to seek deeper truths. The Parable Arrows team engages a story such as a movie or show, spends time self reflecting, then connects to ask questions inspired by the story to better understand God and others.Find their original short fiction and additional content at:https://www.parablearrows.com/
HOSTED BY
Josh K and Femi S
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast have?
Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast currently has 94 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast about?
The Parable Arrows Podcast: Where hosts Josh and Femi wrestle with stories to seek deeper truths. The Parable Arrows team engages a story such as a movie or show, spends time self reflecting, then connects to ask questions inspired by the story to better understand God and others.Find their...
How often does Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast release new episodes?
Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast has 94 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast?
You can listen to Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast?
Engage, Reflect, Connect: Parable Arrows Podcast is created and hosted by Josh K and Femi S.
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