Cross Culture

Christmas Special and 2024 round up

It’s the final episode of season one of Cross Culture. Can you believe it?! Well, you can weep about it into your tub of celebrations because it’s also the Christmas Special, baby. 
 
We, Lauren and Belle, give you our review of 2024 - offering our biggest ‘moments’, ‘heroes’, ‘plot-twists’ and ‘trends’. And then, we get christmassy with it. We talk sit-com specials, cheesy Netflix Christmas films, advent content, and Gavin and Stacey predictions. All for your listening pleasure (and for ours too, if we’re honest).
 
We have truly loved spending these past couple of months with you and cannot wait to join you again in 2025. But until then, it’s a merry cheerio from us. 
Much love, 
The Twindles x 
 
For the advent books: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson, Morgan Harper Nichols | Waterstones 
Advent by Fleming Rutledge | Waterstones
 
For the Motherland Christmas special (it’s better than Belle made it sound, we promise): Motherland - Christmas Special - BBC iPlayer
 
For the Hallmark Christmas film connoisseurs among you: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81766198
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81764579
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81045305
 
For Seen and Unseen’s Christmas countdown: seenandunseen.com / Instagram 
Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Jordan Peterson, brat summers and homelessness

I know what you’re thinking: where oh where can I find a conversation that stretches from Rowan Williams’ theology to Charlie XCX’s ‘brat summer’?
 
Well, thank the Heavens - you’re in the right place. Welcome, dear friend, to episode 9 of Cross Culture. 
 
It’s another wonderfully-wide reaching episode where we chat about our friends, Rowan and Charlie, and also about manifesting, how it feels when God breaks your heart for something/someone, sober-curious-ness, and what we’re willing to watch with our parents. 
 
Links: 
 
For Rowan’s review of ‘We Who Wrestle With God’: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/nov/20/we-who-wrestle-with-god-by-jordan-b-peterson-review-a-culture-warrior-out-of-his-depth
 
Esquire’s ‘The Invisible Man’: https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a62875397/homelessness-in-america/?src=longreads
Cambridge and Collins’ words of the year: Cambridge Dictionary reveals Word of the Year 2024 - BBC News
Collins - The Collins Word of the Year 2024 is…
Millis Gooch’s ‘Booze-Less’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Booze-Less-Rethinking-Drinking-Curious_A/dp/1797231227/ref=asc_df_1797231227 
 
Netflix’s ‘Man on the Inside’: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81677257
Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Conspiracy theory special: Avril, Elvis and CCTV birds

Is Elvis really dead? Is Avril Lavigne actually Avril Lavigne? Did aliens build the pyramids? Did the Roman Empire truly exist? And if it didn’t, what the heck are men thinking about every day? Is Lauren actually Belle, and is Belle actually Lauren?
 
WHO’S TO SAY?!
 
Join us as we dive into the wild and wacky world of conspiracy theories. Honestly, it’s rabbit holes galore over here. 
 
Is Elvis Pastor Joyce?: https://youtu.be/Mi3CTPwIpSQ?si=vsFBpW2WK-prM4pg
 
Is Avril Lavigne really Avril Lavigne?: Avril Lavigne Death And Lookalike Conspiracy Theory Explained
 
Did Micheal Jackson secretly direct his own televised tribute concert?:  https://www.reddit.com/r/MichaelJackson/comments/bca9ft/is_michael_jackson_dead_think_twice_some_things/?rdt=43381
Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Trump, Baby Reindeer and the best mince pies

OK, we had to go there - unless you’ve been living under a blissful rock, you’ll know that this week has been a pretty historic one. We share our thoughts on the outcome of the American election - what it tells us about who we choose to believe in, and why.  
 
And then we promptly make ourselves feel better by talking about Christmas Adjacent content. It’s a thing, trust us. There’s also talk of sobbing on stages as we ask ourselves: how vulnerable is too vulnerable? 
 
If this episode had a catchphrase, it would almost certainly be: ‘laugh, cry and be merry (adjacent)’ 
 
Links: 
 
For Richard Gadd’s GQ piece: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/richard-gadd-interview-2024
 
For Good Housekeeping’s rundown of the best mince pies (you’re welcome): Best mince pies for Christmas 2024 UK, tried and tested
 
For Francis Collins’ book: The Road to Wisdom by Francis S. Collins | Waterstones
 
For information on Jubilee+: Jubilee+
 
Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Saoirse Ronan, The Australian Office and Sally Rooney

SHOW NOTES
 
To watch the Australian Office or not to watch the Australian Office? To read Sally Rooney or not to read Sally Rooney? These are just a couple of the questions we tackle on this week’s Cross Culture. Belle and Lauren also talk about the art and wonder of ‘Mothering’ plus actress, Saoirse Ronan’s, viral moment. Oh, and there’s a spot of chat about AI partners and sex parties at the end. 
 
We really pulled in a LOT of different directions this week. It’s a good’un. 
 
And listen, we’re not ignoring the news to beat all other news - we’ll be talking all about the brand-spanking-not-so-new President of the USA next week.
Links:
 
For the Australian Office: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.14c93ef2-0501-4cca-af55-9226a5c3648e?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb
 
For the Mothers: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/13/style/mother-internet-slang-lgbtq.html
https://www.thecut.com/article/martha-stewart-secret-to-staying-young-documentary.html
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/a62661477/dolly-parton-december-cover/
https://graziadaily.co.uk/celebrity/news/christmas-with-elizabeth-hurley/
https://graziadaily.co.uk/celebrity/news/philippine-leroy-beaulieu-sylvie-emily-in-paris/
 
For Sally Rooney’s new novel: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Waterstones
Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Chicken Shop Dates, Modern Love and more from the mystics

Normal service is resumed this week as Lauren and Belle dive into the New York Times’ column and podcast Modern Love. They discuss a selection of top tier books from Jade and John Reynolds, Frank C Laubach and Ferne Cotton. There’s a quick stop off with Belle at Chicken Shop dates before Lauren dips her toe into Netflix’s current true crime offering. Oh, and there’s a lot of Andrew Garfield. You’re welcome.
 
Links:
 
NYTs’ Modern Love The column: https://www.nytimes.com/column/modern-love
Amazon show: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Love/dp/B0875X93SN/ref=sr_1_1
The podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/03Er7mSPq9IEewOgbPD3vO
Letters by a Modern Mystic by Frank C. Laubach: https://www.waterstones.com/book/letters-by-a-modern-mystic/frank-c-laubach/9780281066124
Bigger Than Us by Fearne Cotton: https://www.waterstones.com/book/bigger-than-us/fearne-cotton/9781529108675
Jade and John’s Able To Laugh: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Able-Laugh-struggle-much-loved-interabled/dp/0281089817
Andrew Garfield’s Chicken Shop Date: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFS5vxYlfY8
Woman of the hour:Show: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81728818
Podcast: https://wondery.com/shows/the-dating-game-killer/
Sweet Bobby:Show: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81591286
Podcast: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/sweet-bobby/
Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Liam Payne, addiction and Russell Brand

Hey friends. Us again. We’re so glad you’re here. This episode is a little different - slightly lighter on the laughs, and heavier on the topics raised. We - your pals, Belle and Lauren - discuss the sad news about Liam Payne and break open our thoughts on Russell Brand’s pretty dramatic turn to Christianity. 
 
There’s a lot in there. And so, here’s what we need you to know - this episode contains talk of addiction, suicide, and sexual assault. If that feels a little too heavy for you, please do give this episode a miss. We’ll be back next week with our usual dose of tomfoolery. 
 
Much love, 
Windle and Tindall 
 
Links:
Rachel Newham’s ‘And Yet’: And Yet: Finding Joy in Lament: Amazon.co.uk: Newham, Rachael: 9780281085705: Books
Patrick Regan’s ‘Honesty Over Silence: Honesty Over Silence: It's OK Not To Be OK: Amazon.co.uk: Regan, Patrick: 9780281089291: Books
Lauren’s ‘Notes On Feminism’:Notes on Feminism: Being a woman in a Church led by men: Amazon.co.uk: Windle, Lauren: 9780281087679: Books
 
 
Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Boris vs Miranda, Nobody Wants This and Philip Schofield

WE’RE BACK. Episode two, baby! And this week it’s battle of the books - Lauren takes on Boris Johnson’s memoir, while Belle chooses Miranda Hart’s latest offering. And, my oh my, do they spark off some interesting conversations. In other news, it’s Gilmore Girls season - time for Belle to officially welcome Lauren into the ever-cosy, always quaint, Gilmore-gang. Plus, Philip Schofied, clingfilm, and Lauren’s Lorraine Kelly impression are all on offer in this week’s episode. 
 
It’s a corker. 
 
 
Links: Boris Johnson’s ‘Unleashed’: https://www.waterstones.com/book/unleashed/boris-johnson/9780008618209
Miranda Hart’s ‘I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You’: I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart | Waterstones
 
Netflix’s ‘Nobody Wants This’: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81591296
 
Gilmore Girls: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/70155618
 
Belle’s ‘Cosy Season’ article: Cosy season: creating meaning amid the mundane | Seen & Unseen (seenandunseen.com)
 
Channel Five’s ‘Phillip Schofield: Castaway’: My5 - Phillip Schofield Cast Away - Season 1 - Episode 1 / Episode 1 (channel5.com)
 
And King Charles shrieking at clingfilm, for good measure: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royals/king-charles-didnt-realise-what-33832141
 
Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Celibacy on MAFS, Spufford and War Room

What a time to be alive. It’s here, the pilot episode of Cross Culture with us, your trusty hosts - Lauren Windle and Belle Tindall. Welcome, pals. In this, our very first episode, we explore the beauty and absurdity of Married At First Sight, gush over how much we love Francis Spufford, learn about the sheer weirdness of Julian of Norwich, and ponder why cheesy faith-based films make so much darn money. 
 
Links
Channel 4’s Married At First Sight: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/married-at-first-sight-uk/on-demand/73974-001
 
Franics Spufford’s Unapologetic: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unapologetic-everything-Christianity-surprising-emotional/dp/0571225225
 
Spufford on Re-enchanting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brLcJQU2Q28 
 
Beth O’Leary’s ‘The Wake-Up Call: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wake-Up-Call-enemies-lovers-million-copy/dp/1529418267/ref=sr_1_1
 
Elizabeth Neep's books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Elizabeth-Neep/author/B0859KXK16 
 
Julian of Norwich’s ‘Revelations of Divine Love’: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/52958/52958-h/52958-h.htm
 
John Harris at The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/15/meaning-modern-life-nick-cave-chaotic-world
 
Stat-Significant Sub-Stack: https://www.statsignificant.com/p/the-rise-of-faith-based-films-a-statistical 
 
Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.