Parable Arrows Podcast
45 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingThe Parable Arrows Podcast: Where hosts Josh and Femi wrestle with stories to seek deeper truths. By analyzing the stories of our culture and the Bible, they aim to teach and encourage Christians to use the media they consume as a tool for evangelism.
Find their original short fiction and additional content at:
https://www.parablearrows.com/
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Episodes
Ep 35: Facing the Awkward and Turning Red
April 01, 2024 01:50 - 1 hour - 76.5 MBUpcoming 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, 2024 - 10-12PM @ High Point Church in Madison 7702 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI 53717 Help guide our mission! Offer your feedback and ideas on the Google Form below: Survey: What would you like...
Ep 34: They Cloned Tyrone and Finding True Freedom
February 20, 2024 02:51 - 1 hour - 71.1 MBThey Cloned Tyrone is a modern sci-fi thriller that explores the lasting impacts of racism by following Fontain, a drug dealer in a neighborhood called the Glen and his terrifying discovery of who is pulling the strings behind some of the strange occurances he has witnessed. Josh and Femi are joined this week by Jac'Quon, Josh's friend from his church small group. Together, the guys discuss how we should seek to fix problems as Christians, building a trustworthy team, and how sin can limit o...
Ep 33: Discussing Media Literacy with a Missionary
January 13, 2024 14:00 - 1 hour - 76.8 MBZach is Josh's younger brother and a current full time missionary with the organization YWAM. (Youth with a Mission). When he's not doing the Lord's work (literally), he enjoys anime, manga, and fighting games. In this episode, Josh and Zach talk about their observations about media literacy in our current audience culture and why it is an important skill for fans of any media to learn. Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Sabbath of Sorrow: https://youtu.be/lW6urp-CW8M Store: https...
Ep 32: Why the Small Things Matter in It's a Wonderful Life
December 18, 2023 14:50 - 55 minutes - 63.9 MBA holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life follows George Bailey: family man and community pillar as he wrestles with the deep fear that he has wasted his life. In this episode of the podcast, Josh and Femi discuss why doing the little things in life well matters, the importance of encouraging loved ones sooner than later, and embracing the value God places on our lives. Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Sabbath of Sorrow: https://youtu.be/lW6urp-CW8M Store: https://parablearrows.s...
Ep 31: Loving Community and Lars and the Real Girl
November 20, 2023 01:19 - 49 minutes - 56.5 MBOn the surface, Lars and the Real Girl may seem like a film treading a fine line between real and raunchy. But, below the odd premise is a heart wrenching story about family and community sacrificing to radically love a deeply hurting Lars. In this episode, Josh and Femi discuss the role of the church, how we can love people going through uncomfortable trials, and when we need to challenge our intentions when trying to help. Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Sabbath of Sorrow: http...
Ep 30: Identity, Christianity, and Barbie
October 30, 2023 01:43 - 49 minutes - 56.6 MBBefore it was even released, Barbie was considered a contentious movie, especially among Christian circles. Now with it's digital release, the Parable Arrows team wanted to put this film to the test: Was Barbie really an anti-men film and feminist propaganda? Or was it a movie posing thought provoking questions about identity that are Biblically accurate? In this episode, Josh is joined by his fellow Philosophy and Christian Thought teacher Amy Heck-Collins, as well as Katie and Lydia, two s...
Ep 29: Seeing Potential in Others and Gifted
October 07, 2023 12:37 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBGod is the giver of all talents and gifts. When we see the gifts in others, it is logical and easy for us to want to encourage a certain life path. However, what if that is not the way the person wants their life to go? In this episode, Josh and Femi discuss the 2017 film Gifted with Chris Evans. They discuss the question above and more as they analyze the film and relate it to Scripture. Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Sabbath of Sorrow: https://youtu.be/lW6urp-CW8M Store: htt...
Ep 28: Interview with Byron of B-Rut Productions
August 29, 2023 15:40 - 58 minutes - 108 MBOver the summer, Josh and Parable Arrows first ever intern Aidan recorded video versions of our podcast. Our first discussion was with multimedia talent Byron, aka B-Rut. We covered the power of film, what it means to be shrewd in business as a Christian, the importance of faith AND action together, and the way God calls us to be about his mission. B-Rut's Website: https://brutmusic.com/ https://brutpro.com/ Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Sabbath of Sorrow: https://youtu.b...
Ep 27: God's Definition of Justice and Persona 5 Royal
July 29, 2023 18:20 - 44 minutes - 51.5 MBIf you are a long time fan, you may have noticed that most of our episodes revolve around the stories in movies. However, we believe that stories in any medium can be used to have deeper discussions around God and the human experience. In this episode, Josh is joined by Jordan Mefford, who played multiple roles in Parable Arrows' first short film, Sabbath of Sorrow. Josh and Jordan discuss the Japanese RPG Persona 5 Royal, a video game with complex themes around justice, changing the human h...
Ep 26: Haunted by the Past and Attack on Titan
July 02, 2023 01:04 - 41 minutes - 47 MBJosh often mentions on the podcast that his favorite show of all time is the anime Attack on Titan. It's a strange show that is characterized by visceral action, espionage, and themes that explore the depravity of humankind. In this episode, Josh K is joined by Josh S, co-worker and fellow mega-fan of Attack on Titan. In this episode, the Joshes do a deep dive into the three main characters of the show: Eren, Armin, and Mikasa. Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Why Josh loves Attac...
Ep 25: The Challenge to be a Good Leader and Black Panther (feat. John Larry)
June 11, 2023 23:06 - 54 minutes - 61.8 MBBlack Panther was a cultural moment upon its release. Featuring the late Chadwick Boseman as its titular protagonist, the film celebrated black culture, challenged what it looks like to be a good leader, and offered a look at how leaders can do a better job of serving the ones they are over. This episode, Josh and Femi are joined by the amazing John Larry, Josh's principal and officially unofficial mentor. Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Sabbath of Sorrow Details: https://www.par...
Ep 24: The Hearts of Children and JoJo Rabbit
April 22, 2023 22:34 - 1 hour - 69.2 MBWorld War 2 is a tricky moment in history to poke fun at. And yet, somehow, Director Taika Waititi does so in a way that is meaningful and challenges who and what we put our faith in. In this episode, Josh and Femi discuss how adults need to steward our relationships with youth, why Jesus is worth following, and how to be confident when we have found a leader like a potential spouse, boss, or pastor, who truly has their followers best interests at heart. Website: https://www.parablearrows....
Ep 23: Parable Arrows Team Hangout
March 20, 2023 16:21 - 48 minutes - 55 MBIn this unique episode, Femi and Josh are joined by some of the Parable Arrows' team to talk about their favorite movies, shows, and stories that have impacted them. Shoutouts to Josh Erickson (@itsjpk_), Jordan Mefford (@broken_tile_games), and Preston Bousley (@bousleyproductions) for joining us! Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Sabbath of Sorrow Details: https://www.parablearrows.com/sabbathofsorrow Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parabl...
Ep 22: Loving Your Neighbor and Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse
March 19, 2023 19:29 - 55 minutes - 63.9 MBRevolutionary in its flashy comic book style of animation, Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse was a hit across fans young and old. Following the story of new Spider-Man Miles Morales, Into the Spider Verse covers themes from finding your place in the world, identity, loving others, and having faith in your calling. Join Femi and Josh in this episode as the talk about the connection between the call of the Christian and Spider-Man: To love your neighbor. Website: https://www.parablearrows.co...
Ep 21: Embracing Emotions and Inside Out
January 30, 2023 13:24 - 51 minutes - 58.7 MBWhen Inside Out first released, the idea of little brightly colored charaters running around our brain space made so much sense. Feeling angry? Must be the little angry man inside my head--not me. Or, if you grew up in church, sometimes certain emotions were pinned to be all good or all bad. Sadness? No room for that. But, Inside Out offers an accurate message: how are each of our emotions important? And from a Biblical view, what was God's divine purpose for human emotions, and how can we b...
Ep 20: The Reason for the Season and VeggieTales - The Toy that Saved Christmas
January 13, 2023 14:00 - 48 minutes - 55.4 MBMerry Christmas from Parable Arrows! But, what is Christmas ACTUALLY about? Many church going folks would say the birth of Jesus, others might say getting together with family. In our modern age, how can we practically celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? This question and more are explored as Josh and Femi discuss an old time favorite from our childhood: VeggieTales - The Toy that Saved Christmas. Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon...
Ep 19: Redemption and Les Miserables
January 13, 2023 01:33 - 50 minutes - 57.9 MBWay back a few episodes ago, our fathers graciously made the time to join us on a podcast. Femi's dad shared that his favorite story is Les Miserables, and naturally, we had to spill the beans this episode was in the works. Now, it's finally here! A story of redemption, sacrificial kindness, restored hope, and second chances, Les Miserables covers it all. In this episode, Josh and Femi discuss the balance between accountability and grace for someone's past, how to remain flexible in a changi...
Ep 18: Interview with Preston Bousley @bousleyproductions
November 30, 2022 14:02 - 44 minutes - 50.5 MBThe Parable Arrows team has been blessed over the last few months by a number of talented individuals working behind the scenes to push our mission forward. One such person is Preston Bousley, a passionate film maker and freelancer. In this conversation, Preston and Josh cover the future of story telling, how Christians can continue to push creative boundaries while remaining faithful to Jesus, and why Christians have struggled to break into larger pop culture. Website: https://www.parable...
Ep 17: You are the Only You and Everything Everywhere All at Once
October 31, 2022 23:21 - 58 minutes - 66.5 MBEverything Everywhere All at Once is not a family friendly film. It has crass humor, dark themes, and a load of wacky violence that would make Grandma blush. And it is easily one of the best films that has been released in a number of years. This film is geared towards a mature audience and wrestles with ideas like the multiverse (no, not like Marvel's multiverse), nihilism, the power of real love and taking care of each other. In this episode, Femi and Josh discuss why it is important to un...
Ep 16: The Dads Pay a Visit to Talk about Story
October 06, 2022 16:42 - 47 minutes - 54.4 MBIn this special episode of the Parable Arrows podcast, Josh and Femi are joined by their Dads! The four of them talk about story, why we should care about who or what is the hero of a story, and how parents with different convictions of what media is ok or not ok can come together to honor and love each other amidst there differences. Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows Facebook: https://www.facebo...
Ep 15: Knowing Our True Selves and How to Train Your Dragon
October 01, 2022 14:13 - 51 minutes - 59 MBNow a Dreamworks mega-franchise, How to Train Your Dragon started as a humble story of one young man, Hiccup, standing up for what was right and using his gifts in a community that didn't accept him for who he was. By embracing his skills, even though they were different than the norm of his community, Hiccup inspired lasting change for his friends, family, and island. In this episode, Femi and Josh discuss how to seek who God has truly made us to be, what it looks like to stand for good eve...
PA Bolts: Romans 8:22-26 [Waiting for Christ Patiently]
September 27, 2022 01:25 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBEmail: [email protected] Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @parablearrows Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parablearrows Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows
PA Bolts: The Character Arc of Peter [Peter's Journey]
September 27, 2022 00:49 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MBPeter Bible Verses Google Slides Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HD_PoELDXpIrxT6rf_LdeIeCHGRgae9DSsshYzn9uh8/edit?usp=sharing Email: [email protected] Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @parablearrows Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parablearrows Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows
Ep 14: The Dangers of Bad Film Analysis and Fight Club
September 16, 2022 11:58 - 49 minutes - 56.2 MBIf anyone knows about Fight Club, they know that the first rule is you don't talk about it. Well, we recorded a podcast about it, so I guess we're out of the club. In this episode inspired by "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast, Josh and Femi talk about the themes of Fight Club, how lauding the film and its themes in a church context could be problematic, and why our understanding of the whole picture--from people to movies--is critical for having a truly deep understanding. One of t...
Ep 13: Seeing the Good in Others and Free Willy
September 05, 2022 10:37 - 47 minutes - 54.1 MBBuckle up 90s kids, we're taking a swim in the nostalgia tank! In Free Willy, a film where Jesse, a young boy, befriends Willy, a performing killer whale, the story revolves around seeing the good in others. The film explores how encouraging others and building up the good in them can help them reach new heights. In this episode, Femi and Josh discuss the age old adage "It takes a village to raise a child," what caused Jesse's change of heart, and how we can draw from our own experiences to ...
Bolts: Genesis 32:22-32
July 24, 2022 00:56 - 14 minutes - 20.2 MBEmail: [email protected] Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @parablearrows Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parablearrows Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows
Bolts: Acts 17:22-34
July 24, 2022 00:54 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MBEmail: [email protected] Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @parablearrows Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parablearrows Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows
Bolts: Luke 15:22-32
July 24, 2022 00:49 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MBEmail: [email protected] Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @parablearrows Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parablearrows Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows
Bolts: Mark 12:41-44
July 23, 2022 16:16 - 16 minutes - 23 MBEmail: [email protected] Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @parablearrows Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parablearrows Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows
Bolts: Matthew 25:14-30
July 23, 2022 16:15 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBEmail: [email protected] Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @parablearrows Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parablearrows Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows
Bolts: Matthew 7:1-6
July 21, 2022 18:09 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MBJesus tells the parable of two men: one with a speck in his eye and one with a plank. The parable was aimed at a specific audience of Jesus' day (Hint: They weren't big fans of him) and was intended to encourage a change in perspective and behavior towards ourselves. Join Josh and Femi as they discuss the Parable of the Plank and the Speck. Email: [email protected] Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @parablearrows Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebo...
Introducing: Bolts with Parable Arrows
July 21, 2022 16:45 - 5 minutes - 10 MBDon't worry, our deep dive discussions into stories are not going away! Rather, we are adding a new stream of content to the podcast! Introducing: Bolts. Bolts will be short, 15ish minute discussions of Bible stories and lessons we can learn from them. As a reminder, we are not doctorate theologians, just two guys who love God, his people, and the stories he has blessed us with in his Word. If you have a Bible story you would like us to analyze, send us an email or DM! Email: parablear...
Ep 12: The Power of Fear and V for Vendetta
June 13, 2022 12:02 - 1 hour - 92.2 MBRemember, remember, the 5th of November! The 2005 film starring Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman shows the dangers of fear to a society. Whether in the mind of the average citizen or a deranged dictator, fear drives us to selfishness and forgetfulness of the humanity in others. In this episode, Femi and Josh discuss the importance of Jesus as a real person rather than just an idea, how to balance sympathy and accountability for people's genuine fears, and how Christians should approach consp...
Ep 11: The Pressure of Expectations and Encanto
May 01, 2022 19:36 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBEncanto took the world by storm with its catchy soundtrack and lovable characters. Underneath its approachable exterior, Encanto addresses important issues like social pressure and exclusion when we don't measure up. In this episode, Femi and Josh discuss the film's themes of family, expectations, and generational healing. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 12:1-3 / Romans 12:3-8 / Galatians 6:2-6 / Ephesians 1:18-19 / James 2:1-13 / 1 Timothy 4:11-16 / 1 Timothy 5:1-2 / 1 Peter 5:5 Website...
Ep 10: Faith and Power in Book of Eli
April 18, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBBook of Eli is a film full of interesting themes about faith and power. Femi and Josh discuss how Book of Eli uses the Bible as a key player in one man's journey to selflessly preserve the sacred text and another's obsessive grasping for absolute power. Supporting Scripture: Acts 28:3-6 / James 5:17 / Daniel 1-6 / Hebrews 4:12 / 2 Timothy 4 Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows Facebook: https://www....
Ep 9: Respecting Experiences and Get Out
March 13, 2022 19:32 - 1 hour - 147 MBThe 2017 thriller Get Out took the film world by storm. Written and directed by Jordan Peele, Femi and Josh discuss how Get Out explores themes of knowing your traumas, the consequences of shallow relationships, and why vulnerability in interpersonal connections is important. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 39 / Judges 16 / Genesis 25-27 / Romans 10 / John 4 / Luke 10:25-37 Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/ Store: https://parablearrows.store/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parabl...
Ep 8: Accepting Reality and Toy Story
February 22, 2022 18:32 - 1 hour - 80 MBToy Story follows Buzz and Woody, two, well, toys, who are dragged into a dangerous adventure out of jealousy, insecurity, and an inability to tell reality from imagination. In this episode, Josh and Femi discuss how we can challenge our perception of how the world "should" be, so in a healthy way we can embrace how it "is." Supporting Scripture: 1 Samuel 15-18 / The Book of Job / 2 Samuel 11-12 / Genesis 20 / Luke 22:24-30 / 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Website: https://www.parablearrows.com...
Ep 7: Why Stories Matter with Justin Khoe @jkhoe
December 23, 2021 20:54 - 1 hour - 122 MBJustin Khoe (pronounced ku) is a Digital Missionary across YouTube and social media. In this episode, he and Josh discuss the importance stories play in our humanity, why God would craft most of the Bible narratively, and thematic ideas Christian storytellers can explore to capture more honest, authentic stories about what it means to follow Jesus. You can follow Justin on Instagram @jkhoe and on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustinKhoe/featured Website: https://www.parablearro...
Ep 6: Never Ceasing to Do Good and TENET
December 20, 2021 18:42 - 1 hour - 108 MBTENET, the most recent Christopher Nolan film, may seem like a confusing time romp. But, below the surface of time pincer movements and fights played in reverse, TENET is a story about hope, doing the right thing regardless of mounting dangers, and seeking the greater good over one's personal desires. Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 6 - Being Prepared Galatians 6 - Teamwork and Doing Good Matthew 22:41-46, Mark 12:35-37, and Luke 20:41-44 - Same Story from Different Perspectives Da...
Ep 5: The Consequences of No Plan in Parasite
December 06, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 133 MBParasite is an Academy Award winning film by director Bong Joon-ho that says a lot about social structures, inequality, and the consequences of both the poor and wealthy living without a plan. Like one of Jesus's parables, Parasite is complex, nuanced, and full of little details trying to open our eyes to the ills of our world. Supporting Scripture: Luke 16 - The Rich Man and Lazarus Matthew 18:21-35 - The Unmerciful Servant Isaiah 58:10 - Helping Those in Need Proverbs 21:6 - Stol...
Ep 4: Arrival and the Importance of Communication
November 02, 2021 01:59 - 1 hour - 186 MBLanguage and communication: we all know we use both to ask people where the bathroom is, what someone's name is, or how they are doing. But, language and communication are complicated. Both change across cultures, religious beliefs, etc. So, when talking about deep and substantial topics, shouldn't it be our primary goal to make sure we communicate clearly to the person listening? In this episode, Josh and Femi analyze the 2016 film Arrival for it's profound insights on language and communic...
Ep 3: Pixar's Soul and Defining Meaning
September 10, 2021 01:12 - 1 hour - 125 MBPixar's Soul departs from the studio's past works by telling a story that is whimsical to kids and deeply real for adults. Known most for fantastical tales and talking toys, Soul is an animated film wrestling with personal and complicated topics: meaning, purpose, and what in our life should define those terms. In this episode, Josh and Femi discuss how Christians can provide healthy and helpful guidance to anyone's search for meaning. Supporting Scripture: Romans 12 (Some are this, some...
Ep 2: How Raya and the Last Dragon Explores Unity
July 30, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 106 MB2020 and 2021 were years that will sadly be categorized by hate, division, and distrust. In Disney's 2021 fantasy movie Raya and the Last Dragon, the creative team tackled a huge and very relevant set of questions: What breeds distrust? What does it take to overcome personal wounds? How do we truly bring people deeply at odds back together? Using the film's questions for inspiration, Josh and Femi also ask: In 2021 America, how can we as Christians be forces for unity while not compromising ...
Ep 1: A Christian Discussion about Freedom
June 19, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 125 MBThe Bible talks a lot about freedom, but usually not in the way common to Americans, including the American church. In this follow up discussion to a video Josh and Femi recorded last year, they do their best to tackle the nuances surrounding America, Freedom, and the Gospel. What does the Bible suggest to be proper expressions of freedom? How should Christians—in order to stand out in our culture and be different—use their freedoms to glorify God? And what are some practical ways to persona...
The Parable Arrows Mission: Pilot Episode
June 18, 2021 13:00 - 21 minutes - 40 MBParable Arrows is an online collective of artists and deep thinkers using their love of creativity and Pop Culture to make better stories, analyze and dissect media, and train Christians to use the content they consume as a tool to build connections for the sake of sharing the Gospel. In this pilot episode, Josh and Femi explain the meaning of the collective's name, why art should matter to Christians, and what their hopes are for the future of the podcast and its audience. Website: http...