Best Chora Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Blessed Carlo Acutis: Interview with Sabrina Ferrisi 27:47

6d ago27:47

27:47

The Media Project board member Jody Hassett Sanchez interviews journalist Sabrina Ferrisi to learn about Carlo Acutis, who will be canonized as the first millennial saint in April 2025.By The Media Project

1
Are Faith-Based Films Now Mainstream? 1:08:32

14d ago1:08:32

1:08:32

"The Chosen," "House of David" and "King of Kings" are just a few of the faith-based movies and TV shows out this Easter which are garnering major publicity in mainstream trades and publications. Have faith-based films finally become mainstream? What is the future of the industry? Religion Unplugged Culture Critic Joseph Holmes, Religion Unplugged …

1
Redefining Heresy and Tolerance: Interview with Hung Tak Wai 23:41

20d ago23:41

23:41

How did the Qing dynasty's treatment of Muslims and Christians shape modern Chinese political practice? Matthew Peterson speaks with Hung Tak Wai about his recent book, "Redefining Heresy and Tolerance," to explore the historical struggles of Muslims and Christians in China.By The Media Project

1
Inside The Story: Interview with Angela Youngman 24:17

28d ago24:17

24:17

Angela Youngman is a regular contributor to Religion Unplugged, covering everything from animals in churches to religious cyclists. Matthew Peterson sat down with Angela to learn how she finds her unique story ideas, why she likes to focus on the positive, and what she's working on next.By The Media Project

1
The Chosen: Interview with Luke Dimyan 12:48

1M ago12:48

12:48

Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews actor Luke Dimyan about why he relates to his role as Judas Iscariot in "The Chosen," the smash-hit TV show about the life of Jesus.By The Media Project

1
Inside The Ongoing Battle Over Religion in US Public Schools 35:43

1M ago35:43

35:43

Is religion allowed at public schools? This is one of many questions created by the simultaneous American commitments to refrain from establishing a national religion while also protecting freedom of religious expression. Matthew Peterson speaks with June Everett of After School Satan Club/HAIL and Joel Penton of LifeWise Academy to better understa…

1
Thoreau's God: Interview with Richard Higgins 23:34

2M ago23:34

23:34

With "Walden," Henry David Thoreau presented fresh viewpoints about materialism, independence and community which have challenged readers for well over a century. But what did the famed American writer believe about religion? Matthew Peterson speaks with Richard Higgins about his recent book, "Thoreau's God," to find out.…

1
The Unbreakable Boy: Interview with Kevin Downes 17:55

2M ago17:55

17:55

Religion Unplugged's Culture Critic, Joseph Holmes, interviews Kevin Downes, CEO of Kingdom Story Company, to learn about the company's new film, "The Unbreakable Boy," starring Zachary Levi and directed by Jon Gunn.By The Media Project

1
Before You Climb Any Higher: Interview with Jonathan McReynolds 20:22

2M ago20:22

20:22

Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds speaks about his new book, "Before You Climb Any Higher." Jonathan tells Matthew Peterson what he has learned about God and success on his journey to becoming a major figure in the gospel music scene.By The Media Project

1
What is Religion's Role in The 2025 Oscars? 1:07:37

2M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

Culture Critic Joseph Holmes, Culture Editor Jillian Cheney, and "Theme Park Theologian" Houston Coley talk about what this year's Oscars say about religion in 2025.By The Media Project

1
Inside The Story: Interview with Audrey Jackson 20:53

3M ago20:53

20:53

Last year, Audrey Jackson travelled to Antakya, Turkey to document the efforts of churches and faith-based relief organisations a year after severe earthquakes shook the region. Matthew Peterson interviewed Audrey to learn more about her reporting process and the vast implications of the disaster.By The Media Project

1
How To Think Impossibly: Interview with Jeffrey J. Kripal 37:00

3M ago37:00

37:00

All over the world and for many years, people have claimed to see objects in the sky, prophesy the future, and speak with mythical beings. Impossible experiences happen all the time, but what do we do with them? To find out, Matthew Peterson speaks with Jeffrey J. Kripal about his recent book How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief…

1
Between Borders: Interview with Elizabeth Tabish 26:38

3M ago26:38

26:38

Film critic Joseph Holmes sits down with Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene from The Chosen) to discuss her career in film, how the faith-based film industry is different, and how her new film Between Borders contributes to the conversation around representation and refugees.By The Media Project

1
Experiments in Mystical Atheism: Interview with Dr. Brook Ziporyn 33:00

3M ago33:00

33:00

For decades, New Atheism has been characterized by "the humanistic rejection of religion." But Dr. Brook Ziporyn's new book, Experiments in Mystical Atheism, argues instead for "the religious rejection of God." Matthew Peterson speaks to Dr. Ziporyn in order to understand what this means and how it differs from more dominant atheistic writing.…

1
Habits For a Sacred Home: Interview with Jennifer Pepito 24:22

3M ago24:22

24:22

The new year brings new opportunities and new obligations by the boatload. As calendars fill up and to-do lists get longer, home life can get rocky. Matthew Peterson speaks with Jennifer Pepito about her recent book Habits For a Sacred Home to understand her views on what a healthy home might look like.…

1
Mary: Interview with D.J. Caruso 26:06

4M ago26:06

26:06

Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews director D.J. Caruso about his new Netflix film "Mary." They discuss what inspired Caruso to make a story about the mother of Jesus, why Mary is so inspirational, how one balances quality with faithfulness to the source material, and the future of faith-based films.…

1
Rediscovering Christmas: Interview with AJ Sherrill 21:07

4M ago21:07

21:07

The Christmas season is often packed to the brim with parties, concerts, gift-buying, and general holiday busyness. But does it have to be that way? Religion Unplugged's Matthew Peterson interviews AJ Sherril about his recent book Rediscovering Christmas to understand his perspective on how Christians can more thoughtfully engage with the season.…

1
Is the Future of Christmas Movies Faith-Based? 48:28

5M ago48:28

48:28

Newsletter and Culture Editor Jillian Cheney and Film Critic Joseph Holmes discuss why there hasn't been a Christmas classic in 20 years, the rise of Christmas action movies, and if "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" signals the start of a faith-based renaissance in the Christmas movie genre.By The Media Project

1
Should Christians Support Returning Land to Native Americans? 39:46

5M ago39:46

39:46

After centuries of oppression and mistreatment by the American government, Native Americans have had enough. In recent years the Land Back Movement has gained popularity. Land Back presents the idea that returning U.S. land to indigenous communities would be a just action. In order to understand how Christians should approach Land Back, Matthew Pet…

1
Present in Prayer: Interview with Jennifer Tucker 33:43

5M ago33:43

33:43

The Christian life is so often a busy one. Work, family, and even church commitments can often leave believers completely burnt out. Matthew Peterson speaks with Jenn Tucker about her new book Present in Prayer to learn about Biblical meditation practices meant to bring peace and stillness to the distracted Christian.…

1
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Interview with Andrew Erwin 21:49

5M ago21:49

21:49

Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews faith-based filmmaker and Kingdom Story Company founder Andrew Erwin (I Can Only Imagine) about his company's new Christmas film The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the past 20 years of faith-based filmmaking, and what comes next.By The Media Project

1
Joseph Smith and The Mormons: Interview with Noah Van Sciver 27:44

6M ago27:44

27:44

Joseph Smith is one of the most controversial religious figures in American History. In an attempt to understand who he was, Matthew Peterson interviews author and illustrator Noah Van Sciver about his recent biographical graphic novel: Joseph Smith and The Mormons.By The Media Project

1
Exhibiting Forgiveness: Interview with Titus Kaphar 22:46

6M ago22:46

22:46

Culture Critic Joseph Holmes interviews renowned painter and filmmaker Titus Kaphar about his new film Exhibiting Forgiveness and how one balances Biblical commands of forgiveness while avoiding repeated abuse.By The Media Project

1
Strange Religion: Interview with Nijay K. Gupta 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

Despite being a cornerstone of the American establishment in the minds of many westerners, Christianity was once very much against the grain. In order to understand the complexities of Christianity in the ancient world, Religion Unplugged’s Matthew Peterson speaks with Nijay K. Gupta about his recent book, Strange Religion.…

1
A Conversation With An Exorcist 33:52

6M ago33:52

33:52

Exorcisms and those who perform them have become a familiar theme of numerous horror films and stories. But, what does exorcism actually look like? To find out, Religion Unplugged’s Matthew Peterson interviews Exorcist Dan Todd to learn about his experiences with demons, ghosts and even a homicidal doll.…

1
Understanding Israel and Palestine on Campus 29:22

7M ago29:22

29:22

A year after the October 7 attack, the war rages on in the middle east and tensions have persisted on American college campuses. In response to recent Jewish harassment at Baruch College, Religion Unplugged's Matthew Peterson speaks with Ilya Bratman of Baruch's Hillel and Ben Ginsburg and Tasneem Noor From NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership fo…

1
Staying Human In an Era of Artificial Intelligence: Interview with Dr. Joseph Vukov 29:50

7M ago29:50

29:50

AI tells us what to write in our emails, shows us what we want to watch, and fills our social media feeds. In an increasingly computer-run world, how can society maintain its integrity and its humanity? To find out, Matthew Peterson interviews Loyola philosophy professor Dr. Joseph Vukov about his recent book Staying Human In an Era of Artificial I…

1
Tips For Church Growth: Interview with Bill Tenny-Brittian 43:11

7M ago43:11

43:11

Religion Unplugged's Matthew Peterson interviews writer and church planter Bill Tenny-Brittian about the principles found in his recent book entitled 101 Things You Can Do To Help Grow Your Church. Bill speaks on how different generations view church, problems with how churches reach out, and what individual congregation members can do to make a di…

1
God Bless Bitcoin: Interview With Brian and Kelly Estes 25:47

7M ago25:47

25:47

Brian and Kelly Estes, creators of the new documentary God Bless Bitcoin, sit down with culture critic Joseph Holmes to discuss their view that believers of all faiths need to get behind cryptocurrency to make the world a better place.By The Media Project

1
Can Canceled Pastors Return to Ministry? 27:45

7M ago27:45

27:45

There have been some major celebrity pastors who have been canceled. Yet, some of these men turned right around and started a new church after their scandal. In addition, many evangelicals personally know a pastor who has disqualified himself for ministry. These pastors, too, often find new jobs leading churches. But, what does the Biblical process…

1
Raging Fire of Love: Interview with Dr. Kelly James Clark 37:43

8M ago37:43

37:43

Matthew Peterson speaks with Dr. Kelly James Clark about his recent book, Raging Fire of Love: What I Learned From Jesus, The Jews, and The Prophet, which explores the ideas that unify the Abrahamic religions.By The Media Project

1
Bringing Ben Home: Interview with Barbara Bradley Hagerty 29:00

8M ago29:00

29:00

The Media Project's Jody Hassett Sanchez speaks with author and journalist Barbara Bradley Hagerty about her new book, Bringing Ben Home: A Murder, a Conviction, and the Fight to Redeem American Justice.By The Media Project

1
The Supreme Court and Religious Liberty: Interview with Chelsea Langston Bombino 28:45

8M ago28:45

28:45

The Media Project's Melissa Harrison sits down with attorney, Center for Public Justice fellow, and Fetzer Institute Program Officer Chelsea Langston Bombino to discuss how recent Supreme Court decisions could impact religious freedom.By The Media Project

1
Sing Sing: Interviews with Greg Kwedar, Colman Domingo and Divine G 31:54

8M ago31:54

31:54

Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews the makers of the new film Sing Sing, including Director Greg Kwedar, star Colman Domingo, and the real-life inspiration for the film, "Divine G." They discuss the making of the film, and the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program in American prisons that the film portrays.…

1
Herod and Mary: Interview with Kathie Lee Gifford 13:32

9M ago13:32

13:32

Kathie Lee Gifford speaks with Religion Unplugged's Matthew Peterson about her new book Herod and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior. They cover how the book was written, why it was written, and Kathie Lee's goal to inspire hope in all of its readers.By The Media Project

1
Shepherds for Sale: Interview with Megan Basham 24:03

9M ago24:03

24:03

Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews Daily Wire reporter Megan Basham on her new book Shepherds for Sale. They discuss whether secular progressive politics have taken over Evangelical institutions, whether there's a difference between conservative and progressive politics in Evangelicalism, and how Christians should navigate them.…

1
Loor: Interview with Founder Marcus Pittman 26:53

9M ago26:53

26:53

Joseph Holmes interviews the founder of new faith-based streaming service "Loor" on what makes his platform different and how he's hoping to shake up the faith-based media industry.By The Media Project

1
Gospel Graffiti Crew 50:47

9M ago50:47

50:47

Religion Unplugged's Matthew Peterson investigates the history of Christian graffiti and speaks with members of Gospel Graffiti Crew, a community of artists seeking to spread the gospel through urban graffiti.By The Media Project

1
Fleur de Lis: Interview with Showrunner Ethan Hill 44:05

10M ago44:05

44:05

Joseph Holmes interviews programmer, writer, and animator of the new faith-based TV show "Fleur de Lis". The two talk about how to make authentic Christian art, and the ethics of using AI for making art.By The Media Project

1
Why the Bible Began: Interview with Jacob L. Wright 31:49

10M ago31:49

31:49

Matthew Peterson speaks with Emory Professor Jacob L. Wright about peoplehood, the role of women in the Bible, and more subjects covered in his recent book Why The Bible Began.By The Media Project

1
Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film - Director Joseph Josselyn Interview 22:05

10M ago22:05

22:05

Joseph Holmes interviews Joseph Josselyn, director of the new Jesus film done entirely through American Sign Language. They discuss the making of the film, what they hope to convey about Jesus, and what the church can do better to partner with the deaf community.By The Media Project

1
Interview with Vanessa Rosa 43:53

10M ago43:53

43:53

Joseph Holmes interviews online influencer Vanessa Rosa (known online as "Gothix") on the new documentary about her, and how she went from being canceled to becoming Christian.By The Media Project

1
The Moral Challenges Posed By AI 23:19

10M ago23:19

23:19

Machines all around us are becoming more intelligent. Like all technology, this can be used for good or evil. Matthew Peterson interviews Religion Unplugged Executive Editor Clemente Lisi this week about whether artificial intelligence can change humanity for the better, what people of faith think about it and how journalism can play a role.…

1
Great American Pure Flix: Interview with Bill Abbot 11:57

11M ago11:57

11:57

CEO of Great American Media explains why his company merged with Pure Flix to launch Great American Pure Flix and how they plan to raise the quality of family-friendly faith-based content.By The Media Project

1
Taking the Church’s Temperature on the Climate Crisis 43:18

11M ago43:18

43:18

Religion Unplugged’s Matthew Peterson talks to several Christians affiliated with organizations that are dealing with climate change to evaluate their nuanced perspectives on the issue.By The Media Project

1
The Exvangelicals: Interview with Sarah McCammon 29:35

11M ago29:35

29:35

Sarah McCammon is a National Political Correspondent for NPR and cohost of The NPR Politics Podcast. Matthew Peterson interviews Sarah on the contents of her recent book, The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church.By The Media Project

1
Roma Downey Interview - The Baxters 14:30

12M ago14:30

14:30

Actress and producer Roma Downey joins Joseph Holmes at Religion Unplugged to discuss her new Prime Video show The Baxters, and why making faith-based content in mainstream spaces is important to her.By The Media Project

1
A History of Istanbul’s Chora Church 1:49:26

12M ago1:49:26

1:49:26

Istanbul’s Chora Church, which has stood for 17 centuries and famous for its mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Jesus and Mary, will be reopened as a mosque in May as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan moves forward with plans to convert iconic Byzantine churches into Islamic houses of worship. Roberta Ahmanson interviews Alexei Lidov, …

1
Interview with Ashley Bratcher about Movie "Finding Faith" 10:10

12M ago10:10

10:10

Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews actress Alshey Bratcher (Unplanned) about her new faith-based movie with Great American Pure Flix streaming "Finding Faith", and how her own faith drives her career decisions.By The Media Project

1
VR Ministry: Souls Inside the Headsets 45:06

1y ago45:06

45:06

Matthew Peterson, Religion Unplugged's intern, talks to several Christians involved in ministries which utilize Virtual Reality in order to understand why they believe it is important and how it works.By The Media Project

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