Best Ryan Darling Podcasts (2025)

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CineNerds Episode 106 - Gremlins 1:00:31

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6h ago1:00:31

1:00:31

Get ready for a Mogwai mayhem! CineNerds dives into the bizarre, dark, and wildly funny world of Gremlins (1984). We're talking Gizmo, Stripe, and the chaos that ensues when the rules are broken. Join us as we unpack the twisted humor, retro horror, and memorable mayhem of this cult classic. Buckle up, it's gonna get wild! #CineNerdsPodcast #Gremli…

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Ep. 542: Data Guru Ryan Burge Laments “The Vanishing Church” 41:23

2d ago41:23

41:23

Regular readers of MinistryWatch know that I’m a bit of a Ryan Burge fan-boy. His weekly Substack column, “Graphs About Religion,” is required reading for me. I cite it often in my weekly “Signs and Wonders” column. That’s why I’m kind of geeking out today, now that we finally have him on the podcast. The occasion for this get-together is his new b…

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Ep. 541: Bishop Ruch Acquitted of All Charges, Elevation Church Launches College, iServants and Belize 28:52

6d ago28:52

28:52

On today’s program, the judicial commission of the Anglican Church in North America has handed down its long-awaited verdict in the months-long trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch. And that verdict is, “Not Guilty.” We’ll have details. And, International Servants has been making big claims about its decades of ministry work in Belize—but verifying those c…

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CineNerds Episode 105 - Jack Frost 54:16

7d ago54:16

54:16

Get chillin' with CineNerds as we dig into the icy grip of Jack Frost! We're talking winter terror, frosty kills, and the campy charm of this 1997 cult classic. From the snowy woods to your spooky screen, join us as we thaw out the secrets of Jack Frost. Tune in now! #CineNerdsPodcast #JackFrost #HorrorMovies #WinterHorror #CultClassic #PodcastNewE…

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Ep. 540: Elizabeth Urbanowicz on God’s Good Design for Sexuality and Gender 31:08

8d ago31:08

31:08

We live in a polarized world today, and one of the hallmarks of that polarization is the tendency to fight what we are against. That’s sometimes necessary, of course. But often fighting what we are against distracts us from clearly understanding and simply saying what we are for. That tendency shows up in our conversations about gender and sexualit…

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Ep. 539: DOJ Sues Life Surge, Lawsuits Against Greg Laurie and Harvest, Missionary Plane Crash Report 28:02

13d ago28:02

28:02

On today’s program, the Department of Justice is suing the founder of Life Surge, Joe Johnson, for his alleged part in a scheme to cheat the government out of over $46 million in taxes through abusive bargain sale transactions. We’ll take a look. And, a new report reveals the final moments of missionaries Alex and Serena Wurm before their plane cra…

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CineNerds Episode 104 - Alma and the Wolf 56:01

15d ago56:01

56:01

Wolf in the Shadows! Join the CineNerds gang as they sink their teeth into the 2025 American horror film "Alma and the Wolf". Get an in-depth analysis of this dark and atmospheric tale of grief, survival, and the supernatural, starring Ethan Embry and Li Jun Li. Tune in for CineNerds' expert discussion on the film's blend of psychological horror, d…

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Ep. 538: Daniel Darling In Defense of Christian Patriotism 33:51

14d ago33:51

33:51

We have heard a lot of discussion in the past few years about Christian Nationalism. But for all the talk, the books, and the social media traffic, there’s less clarity than ever around the term. But one of the worst outcomes we have seen amidst this talk has been a dismissal of what my guest today, Daniel Darling, calls Christian patriotism. While…

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Ep. 537: Understanding MinistryWatch’s Donor Confidence Score 15:32

15d ago15:32

15:32

On today’s EXTRA episode, MinistryWatch President Warren Smith explains our Donor Confidence Score and answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the DCS and about the MinistryWatch 1000 database. Some of the links mentioned in today’s program include: You can find the ministry you’re looking for by clicking here. A growing number of…

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Ep. 536: The Skit Guys, Renihan Resignation, Religious Liberty Wins 29:18

20d ago29:18

29:18

On today’s program, The Skit Guys is calling it a wrap after nearly 3 decades of ministry because one of the co-founders admitted to ‘moral failure.’ We’ll have details. And, an Arizona church got the green light to resume its food distribution ministry after the city of San Luis had attempted to shut it down, citing zoning violations. We’ll take a…

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CineNerds Episode 103 - Strange Darling 52:54

22d ago52:54

52:54

Join the CineNerds gang as they sink their teeth into the twisted thriller "Strange Darling", a film that blends romance with a serial killer's chilling game of cat and mouse. Get an in-depth analysis of the film's suspenseful plot, shocking twists, and the terror that unfolds when love turns deadly. Tune in for CineNerds' expert discussion on the …

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Ep: 535: Understand Before You Give: Matching and Challenge Gifts 16:08

21d ago16:08

16:08

We’ve entered year-end giving season, and you’re likely to see a lot of emails in your in-box promoting matching or challenge gifts. What are matching gifts? How do they differ from challenge gifts? Are they legitimate fundraising tools, and do they make a difference? MinistryWatch attempts to briefly answer these questions in this special EXTRA ep…

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Ep: 534: Doug Cobb and The Finishing Fund on “Venture Capital Philanthropy” 31:14

22d ago31:14

31:14

Earlier this year I heard Doug Cobb speak about the organization he leads, The Finishing Fund, and I was intrigued. The Finishing Fund is like a venture capital fund for evangelical work around the world. Like a venture capital fund in the secular space, it doesn’t fully fund a work, but provides seed capital to get the work started. It works throu…

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CineNerds Episode 102 - ThanksKilling 45:05

29d ago45:05

45:05

Gobble Up Some Horror! Join the CineNerds gang as they sink their teeth into the holiday horror film "Thankskilling". Get an in-depth analysis of this twisted tale of terror that puts a dark spin on the traditional Thanksgiving gathering. Tune in for CineNerds' expert discussion on the film's blend of humor, horror, and holiday cheer (or lack there…

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Ep. 533: Andrew Osenga Calls Us To The “Old Paths” 31:19

1M ago31:19

31:19

Regular listeners to MinistryWatch know that I’m a music fan. Even though music is not really a part of our work here, I can’t help but let it seep into some of the podcast episodes. That’s why I’m delighted to have as my guest on the program today Andrew Osenga. If you know anything about Christian music, you have probably heard Andrew. In additio…

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Ep. 532: Vineyard Controversy, ACNA Archbishop Suspended, My Faith Votes 33:34

1M ago33:34

33:34

On today’s program, Duluth Vineyard cleared Interim Pastor John Kliewer of misconduct after an investigation found him innocent…but his wife is crying foul, saying Kliewer was forced to sign an NDA as part of his settlement agreement. We’ll have details. And, a look at where the My Faith Votes is today a year after its former CEO Jason Yates was ch…

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CineNerds Episode 101 - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles 48:06

1M ago48:06

48:06

Road to Laughter! Join the CineNerds gang as they take a wild ride with the classic comedy "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles". Get an in-depth analysis of this iconic film, starring Steve Martin and John Candy as two mismatched travelers on a disastrous journey to Thanksgiving dinner. Tune in for CineNerds' expert discussion on the perfect blend of …

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Ep. 531: Caleb Morell and Capitol Hill Baptist Church 34:27

1M ago34:27

34:27

Capitol Hill Baptist Church, located just blocks away from the center of American power, has a rich 150-year history. Its members have participated in significant world events, advocated for religious freedoms, and spoken out against the moral failings of the times. There’s no doubt this church has had a unique impact on evangelicalism from a signi…

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Ep. 530: Moody Bible Institute Sue, Camp Mystic Parents Sue, Latest ACNA Accusations 27:27

1M ago27:27

27:27

On today’s program, Moody Bible Institute is suing the Chicago Public School system for excluding its students from the student-teaching program due to its religious hiring practices. We’ll take a look. Plus, a second woman has come forward claiming ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood sexually harassed her. We’ll have details. And, a new partnership shows h…

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CineNerds Episode 100 - Bring Her Back 59:32

1M ago59:32

59:32

Double Celebration! Join the CineNerds gang as they mark a major milestone - their 100th episode! To commemorate this achievement, they're diving into the 2025 horror film "Bring Her Back". Get an in-depth analysis of the film's complex characters, dark themes, and unexpected twists. Tune in for a special episode of CineNerds, featuring discussion,…

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Ep. 529: Remembering Our Veterans – And Ministries That Serve Them 11:31

2M ago11:31

11:31

The day before Veterans Day this year is another holiday, less known to the public but celebrated religiously by those in the Marine Corps. That day, November 10, is the Marine Corps birthday. On today’s extra episode, I remember our veterans and the ministries that serve them. Stick around to the end for the names of a few ministries that serve ac…

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Ep. 528: Gen Z and Missions, ACNA’s Archbishop Takes Leave, Churches Deal With Gov’t Shutdown 31:40

2M ago31:40

31:40

On today’s program, an Oklahoma pastor was fired after reporting missing church funds—this, despite the fact that he followed denominational rules in raising his concerns. Now, his bishop has been arrested for embezzlement. We’ll take a look. And, Gen Z is bringing a new paradigm to traditional missions. A new report examines what they value—and wh…

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CineNerds Episode 99 - Top 5 1980's Sci-Fi Films 40:39

2M ago40:39

40:39

Blast to the Past! Join the CineNerds gang as they count down their Top 5 Sci-Fi Films of the 1980s. From iconic time-travel adventures to dystopian futures, these classic films shaped the genre. Tune in for CineNerds' expert discussion on the most influential and beloved sci-fi films of the 1980s. #CineNerdsPodcast #SciFi80s #Top5 #RetroTech #Time…

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Ep. 527: Recommendations For Fixing ACNA 17:23

2M ago17:23

17:23

The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) is a small but mighty denomination. As I have written elsewhere, Anglicanism has the potential to breathe new life into the evangelical movement. But the denomination is facing challenges on many fronts, some of them self-inflicted. Archbishop Steve Wood, the senior leader of ACNA, has been credibly accus…

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CineNerds Episode 98 - Interview Kill Giggles Writer/Director Jaysen Buterin 58:55

2M ago58:55

58:55

Laughter and Bloodshed! Join JP Cross as he sits down with Writer/Director Jaysen Buterin from the twisted horror film "Kill Giggles". Get an inside look at the making of this dark and irreverent film, and hear about Jaysen's inspirations and creative process. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation about horror, comedy, and the art of making audien…

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Ep. 526: Churches and Autism, Samaritan’s Purse and Gaza Airlift, The Law and Restricted Gifts 26:34

2M ago26:34

26:34

On today’s program, an Ohio ministry dedicated to addiction recovery is being used for alleged misuse of funds. The Ohio Attorney General says Lamb’s House hasn’t served any charitable purpose since at least 2017. We’ll have details. Plus, with a growing number of children being diagnosed with autism, churches are developing strategies to make thei…

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CineNerds Episode 97 - The Amityville Horror 59:23

2M ago59:23

59:23

House of Horrors! Join the CineNerds gang as they explore the haunted halls of 112 Ocean Avenue in their discussion of the 1979 horror classic "The Amityville Horror". Get an in-depth analysis of the film's chilling story, based on the alleged true events of the DeFeo murders. Tune in for CineNerds' expert discussion on this horror staple, featurin…

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Ep. 525: What Is True Revival? 13:28

2M ago13:28

13:28

There’s been a lot of talk about revival lately. On today’s EXTRA episode, Warren Smith asks some important questions: What’s going on in America today? What do the facts say? Also, what are the signs of true revival, and are we seeing those signs in American life. Here are some links I mentioned in today’s program: Ryan Burge seems particularly sk…

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Ep. 524: Olivet University, The Anglican Church, and Possible closing of 100 thousand Churches 30:16

2M ago30:16

30:16

On today’s program, Federal officials have declined to file charges against Olivet University. The Christian school in California has faced accusations of human labor trafficking and visa fraud—accusations the school denies. We’ll have details. Plus, both news and scandal from the Anglican church. After the Church of England appointed Sarah Mullaly…

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CineNerds Episode 96 - Top 5 Scream Queens 47:57

2M ago47:57

47:57

Scream Queens Supreme! Join the CineNerds gang as they count down their Top 5 Scream Queens who ruled the horror genre. From iconic final girls to terrifying villains, these queens of horror have left their mark on the genre. Tune in for CineNerds' expert discussion on the legendary actresses who made horror history. #CineNerdsPodcast #ScreamQueens…

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Ep. 523: Peter Greer on Finishing Well 28:58

2M ago28:58

28:58

Peter Greer, the CEO of Hope International, started noticing a disturbing trend among his fellow ministry leaders. Too few of them finished their lives and careers well. He observed many of the succumb to moral failure, oversee organizations with substantial financial or governance issues, or have other major problems. He started asking…why? And is…

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Ep. 522: Sean Feucht & Rob McCoy, Amy Grant, Danny Akin Announces Retirement 31:31

2M ago31:31

31:31

On today’s program, musician Sean Feucht and pastor Rob McCoy are joining forces for The Courageous Christianity Tour in honor of the late Charlie Kirk. Feucht has been accused in recent months of major moral, ethical, and financial failures. We’ll take a look. Plus, Contemporary Christian Music legend Amy Grant and her family have settled a case o…

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CineNerds Episode 95 - Top 5 Clowns of Horror 42:42

2M ago42:42

42:42

Circus of Creeps! Join the CineNerds gang as they count down their Top 5 Clowns of Horror. From terrifying to iconic, these painted-on smiles will haunt your dreams. Get an in-depth analysis of what makes these clowns so chilling and debate which one is the scariest of them all. Tune in for CineNerds' expert discussion on the horror legends that ma…

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Ep. 521: How Ministry Leaders Should Respond To A PR Crisis 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

Here at MinistryWatch, we often report on organizations in crisis. One of the things that continues to interest me about these situations is the way Christian organizations respond to these crises. Some of them do a good job of staying in front of the crisis, or at least attempting to do so. But others are either caught by surprise, don’t know what…

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Ep. 520: Franklin Graham Trashes The “Modesto Manifesto” 11:28

2M ago11:28

11:28

In October of 1948, Billy Graham and his ministry team — Cliff Barrows, George Beverly Shea and Grady Wilson — held evangelistic meetings in Modesto, Calif. These men gathered in their spare time to write what Barrows came to call the “Modesto Manifesto.” That document outlined the standards they would follow regarding “financial integrity, sexual …

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Ep. 519: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritan’s Purse Exit ECFA, Pro-Life in a Post-Roe World 29:17

3M ago29:17

29:17

On today’s program, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Its sister ministry, Samaritan’s Purse, joined soon after. Now, both ministries have voluntarily resigned due to a newly added leadership requirement. We’ll have details. And, pro-life ministries continue to a…

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CineNerds Episode 94 - Ready or Not 53:47

3M ago53:47

53:47

Game's On! Join the CineNerds as they play "Ready or Not" with the 2019 horror-comedy film starring Samara Weaving and Mark O'Brien. Get an in-depth analysis of the film's dark humor, clever twists, and commentary on class and relationships. Tune in for CineNerds' discussion on this critically acclaimed film, featuring a bride-to-be who must surviv…

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Ep. 518: Thinking Out Loud About The Dissident Right 12:50

3M ago12:50

12:50

Canon Press, the publishing arm of Pastor Douglas Wilson’s ministry, made an unsolicited and unsuccessful offer to buy Christianity Today (CT) for $10 million. CT responded by saying the magazine “is not for sale and has never been for sale.” That has gotten Warren Smith thinking about the dissident right and the role of journalism. Here is a link …

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Ep. 517: The Future of Christian Higher Education with Ed Stetzer 29:00

3M ago29:00

29:00

Regular listeners to this podcast, or regular readers of MinistryWatch, know that we have spent a lot of time covering Christian education. The reasons for our coverage are many. Christian colleges are among the largest Christian institutions in the country, taking in billions of dollars each year. Secondly, what happens in Christian colleges and s…

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Ep. 516: IHOP, Ethnos 360, Camp Mystic Parents Unhappy 25:07

3M ago25:07

25:07

On today’s program, an investigation dug into abuse allegations at IHOP-KC—and now a pastoral team charged with making recommendations based on that investigation has determined Mike Bickle is ‘permanently disqualified’ from church office. We’ll take a look. And, a sexual abuse lawsuit against the missionary agency Ethnos360 has been dismissed. Plu…

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CineNerds Episode 93 - Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday 50:47

3M ago50:47

50:47

Blood, Guts, and Possession! Join the CineNerds as they dissect the 1993 horror film "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday" directed by Adam Marcus. Get an in-depth analysis of the film's over-the-top kills, dark humor, and supernatural twists. Tune in for CineNerds' discussion on this cult classic, featuring Kane Hodder as Jason Voorhees in one of…

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Ep. 515: The Triumphs, Troubles, and Tragedies Faced by Retiring Grove City College President Paul McNulty 51:06

3M ago51:06

51:06

Paul McNulty has had at least three careers. After graduating from law school, he spent 20 years in public service, rising to the top levels of the U.S. Department of Justice. Then he moved to one of the nation’s – some might say the world’s – top law firms. But service was in his blood, and in 2014 he became president of his alma mater, Grove City…

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Ep. 514: Voddie Baucham’s Advice to Parents 11:59

3M ago11:59

11:59

In 2015 I sat down with Voddie Baucham and had a wide-ranging conversation. We talked about homeschooling, what it means to be a man, the duties of fatherhood, and Brazilian jui-jitsu! On today’s podcast, I share with you excerpts of that conversation. To read an edited transcript of our 2015 conversation, click here. The producer for today’s progr…

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Ep. 513: Burk Parsons, Christopher Yuan, David Sills and Jennifer Lyell, ACNA Military Chaplains 28:04

3M ago28:04

28:04

On today’s program, St. Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, has refused to reveal the salaries of its pastors—even to its own board of elders. But a new whistleblower report shows that at least three of its pastors receive compensation that’s raising eyebrows. We’ll take a look. Plus, the use of celebrities to promote causes is not new—but ministr…

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CineNerds Episode 92 - The Descent 52:16

3M ago52:16

52:16

Crawling into Darkness! Join the CineNerds gang as they explore the 2005 claustrophobic horror film "The Descent" directed by Neil Marshall. Get an in-depth analysis of the film's tense atmosphere, intense performances, and the terrifying underground nightmare that unfolds. Tune in for CineNerds' discussion on this critically acclaimed, female-led …

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Ep. 512: Justin Murff and Digital Church’s Role in Reaching Closed Countries 38:47

3M ago38:47

38:47

Justin Murff is one of those guys I turn to when I want to sort out what is going on in the world. He has been, or is currently, an Anglican priest, a media executive, and advocate for religious freedom, a former Southern Baptist pastor, and a whole lot more. His innovative work has reshaped how faith communities engage unreached or poorly reached …

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Ep. 511: Why Christian Ministries Should Pay Attention to The Jimmy Kimmel Debacle 12:15

3M ago12:15

12:15

Christian ministries, especially Christian broadcasters, should pay attention to the Jimmy Kimmel situation. What’s happening to Kimmel now could be happening to Greg Laurie, David Jeremiah, Alistair Begg, Erwin Lutzer, or dozens of other broadcasters in a future administration. The Wall Street Journal I reference in this episode can be found here.…

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Ep. 510: World Vision, Largest Christian Schools, Why Pastors Quit Ministry 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

On today’s program, an anti-trafficking group based in North Carolina is being accused of exploiting the very women it is supposed to be helping. We’ll take a look. And, World Vision’s CEO discusses humanitarian work in a post USAID world. We’ll have details. Plus, factors that are forcing pastors to quit the ministry. But first, eight leaders at t…

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CineNerds Episode 91 - V for Vendetta 1:03:12

3M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Revolution in the Shadows! Join the CineNerds gang as they dissect the 2005 dystopian thriller "V for Vendetta" directed by James McTeigue. Get an in-depth analysis of the film's themes of freedom, rebellion, and the power of ideas in a totalitarian society. Tune in for CineNerds' expert discussion on this visually stunning and thought-provoking fi…

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Ep. 509: A Few Thoughts on the Life and Legacy of Charlie Kirk 13:38

3M ago13:38

13:38

The death of Charlie Kirk has caused a lot of soul searching by those on the left and the right, as it should. Al Mohler, writing for WORLD, said, “Every generation has its own formative moments. Yesterday is now one of those days.” Charlie Kirk changed over the years. His near-permanent scowl, perhaps a young man’s attempt to be taken seriously, w…