The World and Everything In It

Episode: 1.2.26
Date: January 2, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode explores the state of American civic and cultural institutions 250 years after independence, offers a preview of major 2026 movie releases, and announces a podcast leadership transition. Across thoughtful conversations, the hosts reflect on the “mediating institutions” that sustain democracy, analyze cultural trends, and chart the future for both Hollywood and their own program.

1. Culture Friday: The State of the Republic at 250

(Segment begins at 07:05)

Discussion with John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center

• Prompt: Benjamin Franklin's famous words: “We have formed a republic—if you can keep it.” How are we doing at keeping it 250 years later?
• Key Insight:
  • Decline of Mediating Institutions:
    • Stonestreet emphasizes the importance of local institutions—families, churches, voluntary associations—that mediate between individuals and the state.
    • Notably in America, these mediating bodies stayed robust longer than in Europe, fostering a culture of civic virtue and responsibility.
    • Now, there’s palpable loss of the local, the voluntary, and these supporting structures.
    • Quote:

      “I think one of the big differences today is that we’ve lost some of the institutional strength...that really matters.” – John Stonestreet [08:30]

  • Civic Education:
    • Stonestreet laments weakened civic education. He observes that even new immigrants often have a stronger understanding of American civic ideals than those raised here.
    • The narrative now centers on critical theory, casting American history largely as oppression.
    • Quote:

      “How can you expect to have citizens and behave as citizens...if they don’t know what the experiment is?” – John Stonestreet [09:35]

  • The “Super Centennial”:
    • The hosts joke about the awkwardness of the term “semi-quincentennial” (the official name for the 250th anniversary), noting President Trump’s simpler “super centennial.”
    • Quote:

      “We need to, at some level, take stock of those things. And we won’t be able to keep [the republic]…without those two things.” – John Stonestreet [10:56]

Christmas Messages and Government Use of Christian Language

(Segment begins at 11:15)

• Discussion of government officials referencing Christ and Christian ideals in holiday messages—sometimes, the speakers note, seemingly to score political points.
• Stonestreet finds this not new or alarming in itself, so long as the real concern is not misplaced.
  • Quote:

    “Biblical language, quoting scripture from government officials is pretty common… It’s more common to quote it in a utilitarian way, shoehorn scripture into a particular political cause.” – John Stonestreet [12:21]

• Bigger Worry:
  • Stonestreet is “way less concerned” about the state’s handling of Christian themes than the church’s own muddling of Christmas. Megachurch “consumerism” dilutes the true message more than anything from politicians.
  • Quote:

    “We ought not have too high of expectations of the state, but we should have high expectations of the church handling the Bible... I think the way this stuff is exploited muddles the message of Christmas way more than what I saw from any social media platform from a state official.” – John Stonestreet [13:32]

Gen Z’s “Soft Life” Trend

(Segment begins at 14:23)

• The hosts ask about Gen Z’s “soft life”—embracing relaxation and self-care over so-called hustle culture.
• Stonestreet ties work to calling, arguing avoiding work denies its created purpose. He sees confusion between meaningful work and “toil.”
  • Quote:

    “The problem is, it’s not just an issue of diligence or laziness. It’s actually a creation issue. Because the creation story presents to us work as an essential calling of all human.” – John Stonestreet [15:23]

  • Recommends David Bonson’s book on the meaning of work.
• Conclusion: The erosion of work ethic and misunderstanding of vocation stems from poor cultural formation, not just pandemic fatigue or economic pressure.

2. 2026 Movie Preview with Colin Garbarino

(Segment begins at 18:11)
Host: Myrna Brown introduces arts and culture editor Colin Garbarino for a look at the year’s highest-profile films.

Notable Family and Animated Films

• Super Mario Galaxy (April 3):
  • Animated adventure, same creative team as 2023’s hit. “I’m not expecting Super Mario Galaxy to be highbrow cinema, but I am expecting it to be lots of fun for anyone who grew up with these characters.” – Colin Garbarino [19:09]
• Pixar’s Hoppers (March 6):
  • Teenager saves habitats by becoming a beaver. Garbarino jokes “this sounds terrible.”
• Toy Story 5 (June 19):
  • Bonnie becomes obsessed with a tablet; Woody (Tom Hanks) returns. Garbarino hopes the series “gets back on track.”
• Moana (Live Action) (July 10):
  • Another Disney animated-to-live-action remake. While past remakes have been “lackluster despite raking in piles of cash,” Garbarino says he’ll see it for the music.

Major and Original Director-Driven Blockbusters

• Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day (June 12):
  • UFO film starring Emily Blunt, based on original source. “We need more original ideas in our entertainment.”
• Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey (July 17):
  • Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope. Garbarino’s expectations are high but doubts it will surpass his favorite adaptation (O Brother, Where Art Thou?).

Franchise and Superhero Films

• Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (May):
  • First Star Wars film in six years; longstanding fan discontent puts the pressure on Disney.
• Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (DC Studios)
  • Follows last year’s Superman reboot; described as a “True Grit” riff with Supergirl in the Rooster Cogburn role.
• Marvel’s Brand New Day (July 31):
  • Revisits Tom Holland’s Spider-Man post–No Way Home.
• Avengers: Doomsday (December 18):
  • Delayed twice. Downey Jr. returns—as Dr. Doom, not Iron Man; Chris Evans resumes as Captain America. Garbarino signals desperation: “That’s a sure sign the franchise is desperate to recapture the glory days.”
• Dune Part 3 (December 18):
  • Releases same day as Avengers: Doomsday—#DoomsdayDoubleFeature a possible phenomenon, riffing off “Barbenheimer.”
  • Quote:

    “It’s unusual for two tentpole movies to face off like this, but perhaps the studios are hoping to revive 2023’s Barbenheimer phenomenon.” – Colin Garbarino [23:53]

3. Podcast Leadership Transition

(Segment begins at 24:32)
Host: Nick Iker reflects on personal and institutional milestones.

• Announcement:
  • Nick Iker returns as executive producer, sharing day-to-day responsibilities with Lindsay Mast.
  • Pays tribute to previous executive producer Paul Butler, who is moving to direct internal training programs.
  • Recounts program origins: started with a 2011 demo, daily since May 2013, "never missed a deadline."
  • Memorable Quote:

    “From the beginning we committed with the Lord's help to showing up every single day. This program matters deeply to the future of World... and with enormous confidence in Lindsay leading our highly capable team. I am grateful for the challenge.” – Nick Iker [25:35]

  • Credits Paul Butler with more than 1,500 daily programs, 60 million downloads—emphasizing care for listeners and journalists alike.
  • Commitment to continuity:
    • “Careful reporting, thoughtful conversation and clear Christian worldview brought to bear on the news of the day.”
    • Looks forward to reaching new listeners and telling new stories as team expands.

4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the state of American democracy:

  “You know, on one hand, people have been saying it's coming apart for a long time... I think one of the big differences today is that we've lost some of the institutional strength.” – John Stonestreet [07:49]

• On holiday religious references by government:

  “Biblical language, quoting scripture from government officials is pretty common… It's more common to quote it in a utilitarian way, shoehorn scripture into a particular political cause.” – John Stonestreet [12:21]

• On churches marketing Christmas:

  “We ought not have too high of expectations of the state, but we should have high expectations of the church handling the Bible...” – John Stonestreet [13:32]

• On Gen Z and work:

  “The problem is, it's not just an issue of diligence or laziness. It's actually a creation issue. Because the creation story presents to us work as an essential calling of all human.” – John Stonestreet [15:23]

• On Hollywood’s struggle with originality:

  “We need more original ideas in our entertainment.” – Colin Garbarino [20:44]

• On the show's legacy and mission:

  “From the beginning we committed with the Lord's help to showing up every single day. This program matters deeply to the future of World...” – Nick Iker [25:35]

5. Timestamps for Key Segments

• 07:05: Culture Friday with John Stonestreet: Keeping the Republic
• 11:15: Christmas messages and government’s use of Christian language
• 14:23: Gen Z and the “soft life” trend
• 18:11: 2026 movie preview segment starts
• 24:32: Leadership transition announcement

Overall Tone & Takeaways:
The style is thoughtful, analytical, sometimes wry, and informed by a Christian worldview. The hosts are candid about challenges facing America’s institutions and culture but emphasize the importance of community, civic virtue, honest work, and storytelling—both in Hollywood and in their own newsroom. The transition at the podcast’s helm is framed as a continuation of careful stewardship and creative vision. The episode ends with gratitude and hope for the future.