The 2016 Olympics in Rio, a Harry Potter themed podcast entitled Witch, Please, and Ken Ham’s Ark Encounter are up for nomination on this week’s episode of The 25. Jonathan and Sarah are back with special guests Joy Beth Smith and Allison Barron as the quartet adds the 24th nominee to the list for the year.

Listen to Episode 22:

Witch, Please is a fortnightly podcast with two lady scholars: Marcelle Mosman is a PhD student at the University of Alberta and Hannah McGregor is an assistant professor in Publishing at Simon Fraser University. Allison Barron brings the show about her beloved series of Harry Potter for its in-depth reading and watching of the respective books and movies. The Harry Potter series is Allison’s favorite book series (next to the Bible)  and the podcast has given her the eye opening experience of being able to see the often unknown cultural bias not just in Harry Potter but in other literature and movies as well.

The Ark Encounter is a giant recreation of Noah’s Ark in Kentucky. For Sarah Kelley, it is a perfect example of American Christianity as it intersects with American popular culture. The sheer size and spectacle of the multi-million dollar project transcends almost any religious aspect as it makes manifest the American way to approach faith when mixing it up with big bombastic entertainment, a trait unique to the United States.

Imagine Ron Swanson and Betsy Ross had a baby. To Joy Beth Smith, that baby would look like the 2016 Olympics in Rio. For Joy Beth, The 2016 Olympics gives us a glimpse of heaven (and not the muscle bound shirtless men glimpse). Every nation, tribe, and tongue is represented showing off the best thing their body can do after training for years to reach this level of physical strength, dexterity, and endurance. There is something for everybody, including those who love to watch Michael Phelps make funny faces. It is the perfect blend of sports, reality TV, and ‘Murica.

You can subscribe to “The 25” on iTunes and Stitcher Radio
You can follow Jonathan and Sarah on Twitter: @AlphaBovine and @s_d_kelly
You can follow Allison and Joy Beth on Twitter: @AllisonBarron12 and @JBsTwoCents

The CaPC 25 for 2016:

  • me_IRL (subreddit)
  • That Dragon Cancer (Video Game)
  • The X-Files (TV)
  • The Witness (Video Game)
  • Darkest Dungeon (Video Game)
  • The People vs. OJ Simpson (TV)
  • Better Call Saul (TV)
  • The Golden State Warriors (NBA Team)
  • The Art of Organized Noize (Movie)
  • Driverless Cars
  • Christianity Today’s The Church
  • Beyoncé 2016
  • You Are What You Love by by James K. A. Smith (Book)
  • Vinland Saga (Comic)
  • Star Wars Rebels (TV)
  • Muhammad Ali (Person)
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda (Celebrity)
  • Bill Cunningham
  • Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
  • Jesse Williams Speech @ BET Awards 2016
  • Pokémon Go (Video Game)
  • Stranger Things
  • Chance The Rapper – Coloring Book
Avatar for Jonathan Clauson

Jonathan Clauson

Jonathan Clauson (Podcast Producer) started his career with Clear Channel radio in the late 1990s as a producer and on-air talent. He later graduated from Full Sail University with a degree in Film & Video Production. After obtaining one IMDB credit to his name, he went to work for EA Sports Tiburon in Orlando, Florida. He is currently the Podcast Producer for CaPC, Christianity Today, and Love Thy Nerd and the host of #The25 for CaPC.
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