This week's Culture Translator was led off by a stunning survey from Josh Shipp showing...

1) ...what teens lied about most to their parents. Wouldn't you all like to know? We were fascinated by this - mainly because everyone's top guess - sexually related topics - came in second!  The most popular topic was, in fact, and sadly so, suicidal thoughts. (31.6% suicide vs. 19.6% sex) 

The cause behind this? That's too big of a question to have any succinct answer, but surely most people will give you their thoughts on it.  We would answer with another question as to the relationships we're seeing with teens and their parents...teens and their technology...and the expectations placed on most maturing young minds today. What does their everyday world really look like?  Do you feel like you have a good grasp of your teen's internal world as well as their external?  Dive deep with them today - if you have the trust and relational equity, ask them something challenging but warm today. 

2) A good foot in the door to ask them that challenging but warn question is this list of 50 pieces of advice from the elderly: https://thehustle.co/50-Pieces-Of-Life+Advice-From-People-Over-50 

This thought came about because retired MLB pitcher Rick Ankiel penned a letter to his younger self https://www.theplayerstribune.com/rick-ankiel-letter-to-my-younger-self-cardinals/ and we wonder if you might consider something similar passed to your children or grandchildren - or even that young fella or lady that sticks out to you in town or church.  Give it a try.  When presented kindly, not many young minds will actually reject the offer of free truth from someone more experienced. 

3) Our letter to you come this week and from now on in our newest project at Axis: Parent Guides.  These are simple and clear 5-7ish page walk throughs of difficult and sometimes scary topics in the teen realm that you need to be talking about but just might not feel informed enough about to have brought it up yet in the car or while watching the game. Check them out here: https://axis.org/guides 

To date, we've given you an introduction to the world of Snapchat, sexting, eating disorders, and a good window of understanding for teen slang (this year, it will change, you can be sure). They're $1.99 right now since we're just testing them out.  That will go up in the future - but before that happens, shoot jason@axis.org a message with the topics you would want to see us tackle for these parent guides! 

Bonus: If you're confused by the phrase ‘Cash Me Outside, Howbow Dah?’ feel free to be. It's an intriguing bit of pop culture that popped up earlier this year and has now resurged with the appearance of Bhad Bhabie.  Yep.  You've probably heard of her and you don't even know it.  Check out this article to learn how an internet star is made today. http://nymag.com/selectall/2017/02/what-is-cash-me-outside-howbow-dat-meme-from-dr-phil.html 

If you watched the Facebook version this week, what did you think about the floating video format?! Shoot us a message at support@axis.org

As always, you can reach us anytime at axis.org or especially right now find our best newest resources on this material at axis.org/guides

What Your Kids Lie About Most - Culture Translator Podcast - 10.9.17

That title is not intended to be diminutive of Netflix, but I have no problem speaking out at the content and message of this show which the conclusion can be: It's profane visually, verbally, and simply deviant -- but "halfway to the gospel" (credit: David at Axis). 

1) Last week, Netflix dropped the first season of its new animated show "Big Mouth." It's our job at Axis to offer you "culture translation" so here you go.  This is a show children should not watch. That much is clear. It's rated 18+for good reason: open discussion and portrayal about anything and everything sexually related with mature depictions of the same any and every. That said, the show focuses around the topic of puberty and the extremities of sexual awakenings wrapping each character's motivations and identity within that blanket. Teens will be drawn to this like other mature animated shows before it such as Archer and BoJack Horseman. This is the more extreme artifact, though. 

The writer of the Parent Guide on it (axis.org/guides) calls it everything above but also "halfway to the gospel" because the last few minutes of the show give a strong and emotional depiction why everything the show has focused on so far, all deviate sexual behaviors and the satisfaction each of them offered - are ultimately empty and meaningless without something more in one's life. 

Take that how how you will and wrap a conversation about this show around to the gospel if you can.  That conversation has to go deeper than "don't these people need Jesus?" though. Because the show shows this behavior to be fun but harmful, exciting but scary, and satisfying but empty. It gives a deep look at the topics. We have to take a conversation about Jesus or the Gospel related to "Big Mouth" equally as deep - and it's far from impossible.  This is not something to be fearful of. 

2) Clearly #1 is a favorite. If it's a favorite for you and you don't want to subject yourself to watching the show, get out guide to it (8 pages of summary and explication far better than you're getting in these show notes.) axis.org/guides 

Now...really #2. Kids feel like they need to curate an individual brand centered around their name online.  This is nothing new, but here's the research and presentation by Donna Freitas: http://qideas.org/videos/social-media-relationships/ 

One striking thing here is that when posting or appearing with their real name, there's a universal expectation that the material produced must appear happy of fulfilled. When using a pseudonym or anonymous on social media, these same teens were far more honest. A dated reference for you, think the notebooks in "Freedom Writers." 

3) Amazon Households now let children have a separate but connected account from their parents with almost unrestrained purchasing power (parent has 30 minutes to veto a purchase) so I'll leave you to imagine the product of this development. 

If you're techy or a parent who uses Amazon and might see this enter your family's life, here are two articles from CNN and Amazon to explain this new development a bit more: 
 - http://money.cnn.com/2017/10/11/news/amazon-prime-for-teens/index.html 
 - https://www.amazon.com/b/?&node=17249393011

Bonus: In the Culture Translator newsletter (this is the expansion, want the real, succinct version? https://axis.org/ct/ ) we like to occasionally update you on trending shows, music, movies with just a top 10 list.  This was one of those weeks.  Check it out in our archives: https://axis.org/ct/archive/ 

As always, we'll be live on Facebook (facebook.com/axisideas/) and post this podcast every week.  If you're a regular you know how to reach us for our resources on "culture translation." 

If you are a regular, though -- let us know! Drop a comment here so we can see who you are and how you're using this podcast.  That helps us know how to produce it better and serve you and yours as best as we can. Thank you!

Netflix Opens Its Big Mouth about Puberty - Culture Translator Podcast -  10.16.17

Meet the team today!  Logan, Courtney, Reesey, and Jason are on the road right now in Texas, and they're bringing you The Culture Translator this week from...what sounds like a water-side cafe. (Drop a comment if you're interested in joining a traveling team some day and speaking about these topics around the world!)

1) It's almost too easy to scare-monger with the topic of suicide, and we don't want to do that, but it MUST be acknowledged that the rates of teen (and younger) suicide are rising sharply over the last couple years (see article for more articulate stats: https://axis.org/vol-3-issue-42/) 

If you're not talking about the stresses, pressures, and anxiety that seem overwhelmingly prevalent in the teen life today and causes/cures behind it with the teens in your world - please start today.  Here's a little tool to help. https://axis.org/suicidepreview 

2) Juuling, e-cigaretts, and vaping. It's a "brave new world" (Aldous Huxley, anyone?)

Please hear we're not preaching agains the evils of smoking with this section. "Smoking won't send you to hell, it'll just make you smell like you been there, Amen?" said a parody of a Southern preacher once...but parodies aside - there's a great deal of "the good life" discussion, peer pressure, what is "cool," and health/mind/body that can be brought in to this topic with your teen. 

Ask them about juuling.  Do they know what it is? Ever tried it out? Have you ever had a similar experience in your youth with smoking or substances?  Here's a great opportunity to lead with vulnerability (and if that's not normal, try something new) and build some trust with your teen. 

3) Destiny 2 is a visually spectacular and brand new game released recently.  Everybody's loving it and everybody's playing it.  It brings up old questions about retreating from reality, intentional sabbath, and how can video games be used well? 

"Very good but cursed." - Axis

*** Search #metoo on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram ***
You'll see an immense amount of social media conversation around the topic of sexual harassment.  This has emerged strongly in recent weeks as a conversation that stemmed originally from Hollywood circles and celebrities leading the talk to now the everyman and woman. 

Check out that article for a more in-depth look at the current climate of the conversation on sexual harassment in the everyday world, how it might change and bring change, and some practicals for engaging this topic of cultural sexual treatment of genders and equality - it's a loaded one!  This break down might help: https://axis.org/vol-3-issue-42/ 

PS - Need help with tricky teenage conversations about culture, substances, technology and sexuality axis.org/guides can help.

The Magnitude of the #MeToo Movement - Culture Translator Podcast - 10.23.17

Yes, it's Stranger Things. If you're not sure what that is, get on Netflix or do that free trial they offer. Basically, your teens will know about this happening and very likely watch it - so I would encourage you to do that as well. We have an upcoming Parent Guide on "Stranger Things", and we just released our new one to help teens who struggle with suicide. Check it out! https://axis.org/guides

1) #NoPornovember: Raising awareness for the harm of pornography is always important, and this month we can join the movement on social media by using the hashtag #NoPornovember. 

2)Instagram Butlers: Oddly enough, you can now purchase a butler to take photos of you on your vacation to post to instagram. What does this say about the culture we live in? It's a real thing! http://news.conradhotels.com/index.cfm/news/conrad-maldives-rangali-island-introduces-instagram-trail

3) Einstein's Theory of Happiness: Although he was an influential genius, are a few of his scribbles about happiness worth $1.56 million? Apparently someone thinks so! As Christians, should we have a different view of happiness? https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/are-you-chasing-happiness-or-holiness

4) Stranger Things season 2 is out on Netflix and millions of people will be watching over this next while. It takes a darker turn, but may have some redeeming qualities that can start conversations on being a conscious consumer.

Stranger Things to Consider - Culture Translator Podcast - 10.30.17

As you've seen and heard if you're a follower, we often talk about balancing the scary in culture and the life of teens with the hopeful. 

This week is a good week of that balance. 

1) There's good to be said for Gen-Z in their astuteness of academic prioritization as well as other areas of life, frugality included, and it's pretty cool!  

All of these links are worth checking out if you want to understand Gen-Z: 
 - http://www.chronicle.com/article/The-Kids-Are-Still-Alright/241603 
 - http://defymedia.com/2017/03/20/separates-gen-z-generations/
 - http://axis.org/guides 
 - https://studentloanhero.com/featured/gen-z-5-important-money-lessons/ 
 - http://www.chronicle.com/article/Small-Changes-in-Teaching-The/234869 

2) There's also a new app on college campus that we can see jumping to the high school pool in a year or less. It's called "Islands." The goal: Integrate all your social media into one place and push you into new real-life social groups you're not part of. 

What they're trying to do is remove anonymity from their social media (although, they have an anonymous option that currently 1/3 of their users are utilizing) to avoid the cyber-bullying that Yik-Yak and After School fell into and create new connections for people in different real-life social groups. Whereas Facebook, Twitter, etc. show you people you're similar to or Snapchat showing you people in your contacts already, these guys at Islands want to expand circles into new circles. 

3)Taylor Swift cannot possibibly new name to you. She's been dropping song after song from her upcoming album recently, and we're seeing a theme: "Old Taylor can't come to the phone right now. Why? Because she's dead." 

Whatever part of Taylor is "dead" in music and public image right now is not necessarily the bad part - we're not going to draw a hard line on that and judge her public persona.  However, in her music there is a long history of vindictiveness/revenge being taken.  For someone with such a strong platform to speak to, particularly, young girls and form their vision for what love and relationships look, like we have have to ask whether or not the darker response to suffering is the best message to proliferate. 

Isn't forgiveness an option? https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/forgive Yes, that's right. I just sent you to a quote site.

4) Punisher (aka Nick Castle) was a character in Netflix's "Daredevil" series that inspired his own spin-off show by them.  I'm going to let you read the Culture Translator article for this one: https://axis.org/vol-3-issue-44/

Pro tip: After that, add the question, "Does it translate?" to your pop culture vocabulary.  

Find the podcast and subscribe: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/axis-ideas/id1167709389?mt=2 
Watch the recording every Monday 4:00 MST: https://www.facebook.com/axisideas/ 
Get an introduction to serious topics for teens: https://axis.org/guides

The Power Of Swift (Punishment and) Forgiveness - Culture Translator Podcast - 11.7.17

Teens Redeeming Teens - Culture Translator Podcast - 11.10.17

Parent's Guide to Thanksgiving and Black Friday - Culture Translator Podcast - 11.24.17

Binge Worthy Books - Culture Translator Podcast - 11.24.17

Allison and Bryan take a tour of the new Axis Offices while discussing the Rose Bowl, End of the F***ing World, Looking forward to 2018, and Black Mirror!

1. Roses are Georgia Red
What it is: The Georgia Bulldogs won the Rose Bowl in an historic come-from-behind win against the Oklahoma Sooners on New Year’s Day.

2. The End of the F**ing World
What it is: I’m James. I’m 17. And I’m pretty sure I’m a psychopath.” That’s the opening line from Netflix’s new series that reviewers are calling “a violent, un-nostalgic look at teens on the run” (warning: graphic language).

3. What to Expect in 2018
What it is: Last year, our community of “CT” readers grew from 19,000 subscribers to 38,000! And, thanks to your financial partnership, we were able to keep the “CT” free. Thank you!

Season 4 of the controversial show Black Mirror released to Netflix recently, bringing with it more disturbing-yet-not-unrealistic portrayals of what might lie in our not-so-distant future. Episode 2, titled “Arkangel,” is no exception.

Want more? Check out axis.org/ct !

Roses Are Red & The Mirror Is Black - Culture Translator Podcast - 1.8.18

Drew and Kaitlin dive into College Masculinity, the trending app Friendo, and Rites of Passage for Teenage Girls, and welcome a special guest to discuss the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and what Dr. King's nonviolent activism can mean for today's world.

1. Redefining College Manhood
What it is: Male university students enroll less, misbehave more, and graduate at a slower pace than their female counterparts due in large part to distorted cultural notions of masculinity.

2. FriendO
What it is: “Sure, you’re a ‘friend’, but are you a true Friendo?”

3. A Voice Becoming
What it is: Moms, what if there was a framework for creating rites of passage for our daughters that draw them into deeper, purposeful, life-changing faith in Christ as they become women? As of this month, there is!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1478974656/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=axisideas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1478974656&linkId=7624a1f9fdc3a23ebca88a9014350581

Dr. King's Dream:
In his book The Stride Toward Freedom, Dr. King lays out the six principles for resisting evil nonviolently.
1. Nonviolence is resistance not passivity.
2. Nonviolence seeks an end to hostilities by winning a friend.
3. Nonviolence attacks injustice not people.
4. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.
5. Nonviolence believes suffering is redemptive and transformative.
6. Nonviolence believes the universe is on the side of justice.

Want more? Check out axis.org/ct

Dr. King's Dream - Culture Translator Podcast - 1.15.18

Translating pop culture to help parents and faith leaders understand and disciple their teenagers. 

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