Advertise on podcast: Faithspotting

Mike and Kenny discuss the latest collabortation between Brad PItt and director David Ayer (Fury), the survival thriller Heart of the Beast. In the film, James Belmont (Pitt) is a retired Special Forces officer who flies into the wild of Alaska with Odin (Uber) his retired German Shepherd partner. After spending two nights fishing and camping they are involed in a plane crash on the way home and must traverse 58 miles of rough terrain, wolves and bears, while overcoming injuries sustained in the crash and along the journey. The film shows the dedication James and Odin have for each other as they work together on their dangerous trek out of the Alaskan wild. Faith Spotted: As one might expect in a film about a difficult and dangerous journey, the film reflects the growth one can achieve in when persevering trials and suffering. In Romans 5 Paul teaches that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Such perseverance also leads to hope when journeying through the wilderness of the struggles faced in life.  In addition, the film depicts the role of a shepherd as told through the 23rd Psalm. Both James and Odin serve as shepherds to the other and are present together as they walk through the hills and valleys of the Alaskan wild which serve as the valley of the shadow of death. Both work to restore each other's souls as they are impacted by PTSD from the trauma experienced in the war in Iraq. Odin specifically leads James as the shepherd led the psalmist. The Psalm speaks of the loyalty and love of the shepherd for the flock, loyalty James and Olin have and that represents the faitfulness and love of God who is also present with us as we journey through dark valleys and green pastures and who restores our soul. Psalm 22 is also reflected in again showing that despite the dangers and enemies one faces, God is present and God turns loss and sure death into everlasting life. Another element reflected in the film is the power and place of purpose. As holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl expeienced and shares in his acclaimed book, Man's Search for Meaning it was the prisoners who found a purpose, not necessarily the strongest or initially healthiest, that were most likley to survive the horrors of the concentration camps. The call to ministry and discipleship offers that purpose that also gives meaning in both the struggles as well of joys of life.  Heart of the Beast is rated PG-13 Thank you WIT PR for the opportunity for Faithspotting to host a pre-screening in the Dallas area.

Kenny and Mike are joined by Director and Producer Sharon "Rocky Roggio for a discussion of her documentary film 1946: The Mistranslations That Shifted Culture.  The film chronicles the first time the word "homosexual" appears in the Bible, the Revised Standard Verson (RSV) which was first published in 1946.  The film stars Kathy Baldock and Ed Oxford, researchers who discover the translation committee that worked on the original Revised Standard Version Bible conflated and translated the Koine Greek words malakoi and arsenokoitai as "homosexual." Prior to 1946 major translations such as the King James Version (KJV) used the words for the sexual acts rather than an identity label. The work of Kathy and Ed cast light on the translation process used by the RSV committee leading up to their publication, and how changes were made to the original translastion. Interwoven throughout the film are the personal stories of Ed and Sharon and their struggles as persons of faith who faced rejection in or from their congregations. Sharon's father ,Sal Roggio, an Evangelical pastor who does not accept the mistranslation is also featured throughout parts of the film. While the film does depict tension, disagreement and pain between Sharon and her father, the film also shows that they still love one another and are in relationship, which is not always the case in families. This focus on being able to hold tension of disagreement while also maintaining a relationship is model of faith for others to consider to replicate.     Sharon Roggio In the discussion, Sharon also discusses how she produced and has distrubuted the film. 1946 won over 20 awards on the festival circuit including the prestigious Audience Award at the 2022 DOC NYC. It was also eligible for consideration for best feature documentary for the Academy Awards in 1924. In 2025 Sharon organized a "1946 Tour" where they showed the film in conservative communities in the United States as a way to speak for the LGTB community and have dialogue with others in the towns. Sharon has also shown the film internationally including Korea, Japan, various Eurpopean countries and is taking the film to South Africa as well.  There are also plans for  "Good Faith" tour in 2027 in the United States.   Kathy Baldock  Ed Oxford

Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elements in Christopher Nolan's latest epic film, The Odyssey. Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland lead a strong cast that also includes Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and John Leguizamo. Both Kenny and Mike think John Leguizamo's performance may result in an Academy Award Nomination for Supporting Actor.  Both the film and Christopher Nolan are most likely to be nominated as well.  Filmed with IMAX 70mm cameras and shown in a variety of formats including IMAX, which have sold out for a year, the The Odyssey fits the epic nature and scope of Homer's foundational literary work. Though not an IMAX screening Mike and Kenny shared their experience seeing the film in 70mm film rather than digital screening. Mike shared his appreciation for the rich contrast presented in the low light photography the IMAX film stock allows. Other technical aspects included the use of practical effects including forced perspective.  Kenny questioned why Nolan did not choose more accurate costumes and other production design elements as well as some more modern words and phrase that took him out of the film briefly. Faith Elements Reflected: Among the many elements of faith spotted in the story, Kenny discusses the very nature of faith from a Christian perspective is as an odyssey as one journeys through seasons of struggle and joy as we travel toward our spiritual home, the Kingdom of God. Calypso's instruction to Odysseus to surrender to and trust the ocean waves and tides rather than struggle against them is akin to surrendering to God's faithfulness, grace, and power rather than reliance of one's own abilities and power against the ooverwhelming power of sin and evil. Athena's care, presence, and guidance to Odysseus reflects God's presence and involvement through the Holy Spirit in the lives of individuals as well as the work of God in transforming the broken world into the Kingdom of God. Zeus's Law of Hospitality echoes the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament teachings on hospitality, especially the welcoming and caring for strangers and even enemies, Abram's hosting of Angels, Jesus's parable of the Good Samaritan. The need for humility in living a faithful life. Echoing the teaching of Paul in Philippians 2 to imitate the humility of Jesus. Odysseus's boasting set the stage for many of the struggles in his journey home.

Faithspotting Podcast hosts Mike and Kenny are joined in their conversation on the Netflix reboot of Little House On The Prairie by showrunner, producer, and screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine and actor Warren Christie who plays the Wilder's family friend, John Edwards. Rebecca and Warren are very engaging as they share information on the development and production of the series and as well as how the series fits within with the Little House books and original television series as well, and how it speaks to issues and challenges of current times. Faith Reflected: Mike and Kenny also discuss the faith elements reflected in the series which include the importance of community in life, both in the midst of challenges and joy. Christian teaching calls for persons to walk the walk of faith, ie to walk the talk of Christ including loving and welcoming of all peopls as neighbors as Jesus teaches in the Gospels.

Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith in the latest film by legendary filmmaker Steven Speilberg. Disclosure Day stars Emily Blunt as a Kansas City TV presenter Margaret Fairchild whose life is suddenly changed when she appears to have a neurological breakdown on air. Josh O'Connor co-stars as Cyber Security expert Daniel Kellner who is determined to disclose proof that Governments and other powers have been keeping proof of extra-terrestrial life away from the public. Government agencies race to capture Kellner before he can release the information.  Margaret Fairchild seeks to help Kellner succeed in releasing the information. One of the chief concers about releasing the information is how the public would accept the information that they are not alone as well as the truth that governments have kept this secret.  Faith Issues: Kellner's girlfriend, Jane (Eve Hewson) pushes Kellner if he and those supporting releasing the information have considered the impact on persons including, communities of faith, whether Aliens who may exist on a higher level than humans would impact the Judeo Christian faith in the existance of God, the place of humanity within creation, and if God is soverign over extra-terrestrials. The Hebrew Bible and New Testament teach that humanity is the top of the created order. Genesis 1 teaches God created all of the universe and that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, and Psalm 8 proclaims humans are described as just below the divine. Most theologians would accept that God is God of all the universe including extra-terrestrials. Even without the presence of extra-terrestrials, this conversation can serve to open the consideration of what responsibilities come with being the top of the created orderd, and as Genesis teaches, stewards of God's creation. Created in the image and likeness of God is that which separates humanity from the rest of creation. After considering what the impact of a disclosure of extra-terrestrials should be how should humanity live up to the honor and responsibility of being the highest order of creation

Mike and Kenny offer a double feature episode as they discuss and spot faith presented in the two box office leading supernatural horror films Obsession and Backrooms. Both films are directed by first time feature film directors Curry Barker (Obsession) and Kane Parsons (Backrooms.) Barker (26) and Parsons (20) gained very large followings by directing shorts on YouTube and represent new voices and ways of making and distributing films.   Obsession stars Michael Johnston (Baron "Bear" Bailey) and Inde Navarette (Nikki Freeman) with costars Cooper Tomlinson (Ian) and Megan Lawless Sarah). Inspired by an episode of The Simpsons (The Monkee Claw) the story is a modern parable on being careful what you ask or pray for. Bear is very attracted to Nikki yet is afraid to share his feelings to her, and allow her to decide how to respond, so in a moment of frustration he makes a wish using a novelty item, "One Wish Willow" which promises to grant the owner one wish. He wishes she would love him more than anyone in the world.  The wish is granted and she immediately responds and quickly becomes obsessed with Bear.   Faith Reflections: The destructive nature of obsession which equates with idolatry and coveting. Obsession grows from a desire to own and control and within relationships removes the agency of the target of the obsession. Love cannot be compelled. God offers every person the freedom to accept and return God's love. Romans 1:24-32 reflects the result when persons do not follow the example of God, and in this case is a perversion of the nature of love which seeks to build community, which reflect the essence, nature and desire of God.   Backrooms stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (Clark) and Renate Reinsve (in a Dr. Mary Kline). Clark is seeing Mary for therapy as he seeks to work through his anger, grief, from his divorce.  Mary is also dealing with trauma resulting from her mother's mental illness and distance. Clarke owns a failing discounted furniture store which is adding to his struggles and further fueling his struggle with alchohol. Clarke discovers an entry into a new realm of endless backrooms that are littered with pieces of furniture, cardboard people as well as other entities. Clarke tells Mary of his discovery and she does not believe him. In an effort to help Clarke, Mary visits the store and finds herself lost in the backrooms and chased by an entity.  Faith Reflections: Liminality, the margins of new space and time.  These can be very uncomfortable times and places. Living in the liminal time between the inauguration of God's Kingdom through the birth of Jesus, and the fulfillment of Kingdom, there is confusion, anxiety. While created in the image and likeness of God, through sin and the brokenness of creation, humanity is a deformed replica of what God created.

Kenny and Mike are joined by director Theo Avgerinos and cast / contributor Rev. Dr. Jason Coker for a discussion of Rising Hope, a documentary film about the struggles and hope exerpienced by the residents of several towns in the Mississippi Delta. The film examines the rich history, decline, struggles that depleated the area of it's wealth and many of its residents, but not the hope of those who are determined and build a new narrative for the region and people.  The film does not shy away from many of the causes of the regions decline including systematic racism and well as the effects of the NAFTA trade agreement. Faith Issues: Faith and hope are interwoven throughout the film and history of the region. In depicting the deternimation, courage and faith of residents the film can inspire others facing difficulties to not be defined by what is lacking but by what is present and the possibilities that grow out of determination, community and working together. Rising Hope echos the teaching in Hebrews 11 that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith in the popular film Project Hail Mary.  Based on the novel by Andy Weir (The Martian) The film was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and stars Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller, and James Ortiz. Named after the term for desperate, last minute plays in sports, the film tells the story of a desperate space mission to discover a way to stop a mysterious substance named Astrophage (Star-eater) that is killing the Sun and other stars.  Ryland Grace (Gosling) a Jr. High biology teacher is recruited by an Govenrment agent and scientist Eva Stratt (Huller) to work on a project to find a way to save the Sun. After discovering a nearby star (Tau Ceti) that seems not to be impacted by the astrophage, a mission is planned to travel to Tau Ceti and discover how it is combatting the astrophage.  Since there is not enough room for fuel for a return trip, the mission is considered to be a suicide mission.  Upon arrival, Grace discovers a spaceship has been sent by Eridani, another planet seeking to also find out how to save it's star. Grace and  Rocky, the pilot/scientist from Eridani must work together despite requiring different atmospheres and speaking different languages in order to discover the secret and save their planets' populations.  Faith Reflected: The major faith element reflected is the need for community, putting aside difference and working together for the common good. Accepting differences and working with other groups who have differing beliefs and practices does not mean that one is abandoning one's belief or practices. Community can and should be established with others faith communities, political organizations, nations, and social groups.

Faithspotting friend Ryan Parker joins Mike and Kenny for the annual Faithspotting Oscars Prediction and Preview episode. Overall we thought 2026 was a good year for films as represented by the nominees.  Of course there are some films and performances we would have liked to see get more attention but overall it was a strong, diverse year for cinema. Check out the Faithspotting episodes for 6 of the 10 Best Picture nominees:  Frankenstein, Bugonia, Train Dreams, Marty Supreme, Sinners, and F1, where we discuss the film and spot faith elements they reflect.  We are looking falready looking forward to the films that will be up for Oscars 2027.

Kenny and Mike review and disuss faith elements spotted in Guillermo del Toro's latest film and passion project. Frankenstein stars Jacob Elordi as the Creature and, Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, and co-stars Mia Goff and Christoph Waltz. The film received 9 Oscar nominations including best Picture, Supporting Actor, Adapted Screenplay. Frankenstein is a passion project for del Toro as he weaves elements from the Mary Shelley's novel, James Whale's original 1931 film, as well as his reinterpretation of the story.  Faith Spotted: Humanity's temptation to play or challenge God. This tempation dates to the book of Genesis 3 where Eve and Adam were tempted to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This desire was rooted in a mistrust of God to care for them.  For Victor Frankenstein, the drive to play or become like God was rooted in Victor's loss, grief, and pain associated with the death of his mother and the abuse and rejection from his father, and his father's inability to save his mother. He wanted to reverse his father's failure by not only saving life but restoring and recreating life. Such pain cannot be soothed by satisfying ego and pride. These motivations to create are in direct contrast to God's desire to create which was and is grounded in God's desire for love and community.  The film shows the place and purpose for processing grief and not rushing or suppressing the grief journey. Such processing can involve faith, theology as well as counseling and psychological tools. In Philippans 4 Paul speaks of peace which passes understanding, which includes peace in the midst of the pain and grief of loss of loved ones.  Victor's abuse of the creature models the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, reflecting the cycle of abusive relationships being passed down to future generations as taught in Exodus 20 and 34. The contrast of the music played during the process of Victor dismembering body parts to be used in the creature reflets the contrast between creation born out of love and that born out of anger and pain. Victor's comment, "It is finished" also reflects on the contrast of Christ's crucifixion which leads from death to eternal life and that of the eternal death the creature experiences in the life given from Victor. Martin Luther's concept of simul iustus et peccator (simultaneously saint and sinner). The human and monster qualities within both Victor and the Creature reflects the saint and sinner within humanity. This concept is at the core of Luther's teaching that righteousness is a gift of grace received through Christ and received by faith. It is Christ who justifies as an act of love and grace.  The film shows the power of forgiveness to bring about transformation and true peace.

Mike and Kenny review and spot faith presented in the Academy Award nominated and latest film by director Yorgos Lanthimos. Bugonia marks another colaboration between Lanthimos and two time Best Actress winner Emma Stone, whose second Oscar was for Lanthimos's film Poor Things. Stone stars as Michelle Fuller, a powerful CEO of a pharmaceutical company. Jesse Plemons, a 2021 Best Supporting Actor nominee co-stars as conspiracy theory obsessed beekeeper Teddy Gatz. Aiden Delbis also co-stars as Teddy's autistic cousin Don.  Likening her actions to Cology Collapse Disorder where healthy beehives suddenly collapse, Teddy believes Fuller is an Andromedan alien who is intent to destroy or force humanity into subserivence. Teddy convinces Don to assist him in kidnapping and holding Fuller hostage in an effort to be transported to the Andromedan spaceship.  Faith Spotted: As with bee hives, communities, whether faith or societal, can function, grow and live for an extended period and then quickly become dysfuntional collapse and die. Typically growth happens when the wellbeing of the collective is prioritized over the needs, fears, or desires of the individual. Fracturing happens when in response to the community facing challenge or change, and individuals or portions of the community begin to act in ways that offer them comfort and assurance based on memories of past glory and success.  Teddy resembles in the description of John the Baptist who comes in from the wilderness with a new message.  While John was preparing the way for the new message that was the Gospel of Christ, not every outsider with a new message is to be followed.  The patience of God not to do away with creation or humanity even though it is likely what is derserved. Although there is the flood account in Scripture, there have been other times when God has been tempted to do away with nations or communities, yet resisted the temptation. The continued rejection by humanity of God's grace, love and righteousness (desire) is a source of unimaginable pain to God. Because God's love is complete and perfect, the loss and pain God feels when we reject and retaliate are immeasureable. Yet God continues to love.  Dysfunctional communities such as cults etc. are based on and grow out of fear of real or perceived threats and challenges facing members. Such fear leads to a desire and need to seek to control or to follow those indviduals and groups who promise stability and control over that which is unknown or unstable, regardless of the cost. The promise of the Gospel is that life does not end in death, collapse and a tomb, but rather continues through the hope and assurance of ressurection to new life.

SOME SPOILERS. Kenny and Mike discuss the multiple Oscar nominated film by director Clint Bentley and starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kelly Condon, and William H Macy. Set in the early through mid 20th century, Train Dreams documents the story of Robert Grainer (Edgerton) a common man who life knows  simplicity, peace and joy and as well as tragedy and loss. Clint Bentley and production partner Greg Kwedar are nominated for an Oscar for best Adapted Screenplay.  The film is also nominated for Best Song, "Train Dreams" as well as Best Cinematography and Best Picture.  The film is currently on NETFLIX Faith Spotted: While Train Dreams is not considered a faith film, or faith based film, it is a film of faith lived out, both as individuals as well as communities of faith.  The film addresses, the joy of living a simple, contented life as well as working through grief and loss. Train Dreams also demonstrates the place of community and how persons of faith are called to notice and care for those in the midst of loss and grief and offer the ministry of presence, their presence and also the presence of God.  Not mentioned in the podcast, the film also presents guilt and how one's action or inaction an follow one throughout one's life.

Mike and Kenny review  Marty Supreme, the latest film by writer / director / producer Josh Safdie and Timothee Chalamet who stars as Marty Mauser, a shoe salesman who has greater ambition, to be the best Table Tennis star in the world. Gifted with great talent, Marty's determination leads him to take advantage of any and all situations and people to get what he believes he deserves, fame and money.  The film has so far received many awards nominations including 3 Golden Globes and 8 Critics Choice Awards and it is expected to receive many more Oscar nominations. Chalamet has won a Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards for Best Performance.  The film co-stars Gwyneth Paltro, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, and Fran Drescher.  Faith Spotted: A life of Contentment: There is more to life than fame and fortune, Hebrews 2, 1 Timothy 6, Psalm 46, The stillness and contentment of a righteous life of faith in and with God. Golden Rule:  Matthew7, Luke 6  Treat others as you would be like to be treated.  Regareless of the selfish, unrighteous life one has lived, there is always the hope and promise of Redemption, if one will receive and repent from the life one has led.

Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith in the hit Apple TV series from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan. Set in Albuquerque Plur1bus stars Better Call Saul co-star Rhea Seehorn (Carol) and co-stars Karolina Wydra ( Zosia) and Carlos-Manuel Vesga (Manousos) Carol is one of 13 people world wide who are immune from an extraterrestrial derived virus that has united all the worlds population into "The Others," a mind hive where everyone is interconnected, content and peaceful. Every individual "Other" can communicate with all "Others" and have knowledge of everything ever known.  While 11 of the immune are content with the change, as the Others provide everything they need or want, Carol and Manousos resist and are determined to reverse the virus and restore the world to the way things were prior to the arrival of the virus. Season 1 of Plur1bus is currently on Apple+TV. Faith Issues Spotted: Freedom to Choose: God's willingness to give people agency to make their own life decisions and act in ways that are counter to the life and desires God has for them. Such freedom is a part of the brokenness and suffering of creation and is the source of pain and suffering to all of creation as well as God.  This freedom to choose is also part of what makes humanity the highest level of creation as it is a part of being in the image and likeness of God.  Purpose and Power of Community: When individuals gather together to work together for the benefit of the community, suffering can be greatly reduced for persons inside and beyond the collective.  Acts 2:44-46, Acts 4:32-35 Individuality: While community is important and part of God's desire for humanity, each person is an individual, given unique interests, gifts, talents, and calling.  The place and purpose of Grief in being able to move through loss. The importance of satisfaction in life, being able to enjoy one's life and accomplishments.

Kenny and Mike review the Prime Video documentary The Merchants of Joy and speak with the director Celia Aniskovich.  The Merchants of Joy offers a look into the people and work behind the Christmas tree stands that seem to magically popup the day after Thanksgiving. Ankisovich presents the stories of the families, the competition that begins in the Summer as they bid on stand locations, their work the with tree farms, the financial risks, the month of 18 hour days managing and selling the trees that play an important part in their customers celebrating the joy of the season, and the community they have developed. Faith Reflected: The nature of calling, as represented by the five families as they not only to profit by the stands but help spread the joy of the season. Additionally, Kenny and Mike discuss with Celia her calling to likewise work long, hard and take financial risk to tell the story of the merchants.  The fullness and complexity of joy. Joy is more than happiness, it is also resistance and this aspect reflects the joy of the nativity, God's resisting the brokeness of the world through the inauguration of the Kingdom through the birth of Jesus.