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Myrna Brown
Good morning. A Christian monk is jailed for praying, a viral video captures lawlessness in Cincinnati, and teens turn to artificial intelligence for companionship.
Lindsay Mast
That and more is just ahead on Culture Friday with Katie McCoy. Also, reviewer Joseph Holmes says the Bad Guys 2 brings laughs and a lesson about doing what's right.
Katie McCoy
All right, here we go.
Mark Mellinger
First time for everything right.
Lindsay Mast
And greeting one another with a holy hug.
Myrna Brown
It's Friday, August 1st. This is the world and everything in it from listener supported World Radio. I'm Myrna Brown.
Lindsay Mast
And I'm Lindsay Mast. Good morning.
Myrna Brown
Up next, the news with Mark Mellinger.
Mark Mellinger
White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee are surveying food distribution in Gaza firsthand today. This comes as the humanitarian situation there worsens. Desperate people in Gaza are fighting over air dropped and truck delivered food leading to injuries and deaths. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said there is no starvation, but President Trump breaks with him on that, saying he's seen pictures of starving children in Gaza with White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt.
Katie McCoy
President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart and that's why he sent special envoy Witkoff to the region in an effort to save lives and end this crisis.
Mark Mellinger
The White House says Witkoff and Huckabee will brief the president after they survey the food distribution and then work to finalize a plan to deliver more aid. Witkoff and Huckabee discussed the situation with Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders Thursday in a meeting the White House calls very productive. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says his country is planning to join France and the UK in formally recognizing a Palestinian state at the UN General assembly in September. It is widely seen as a latest push against Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli effort is aimed at eliminating the Hamas terror group. But Carney said Canada's recognition comes with conditions to hold General elections in 2026.
Lindsay Mast
In which Hamas can play no part.
Mark Mellinger
And to demilitarize the Palestinian state. Canada says Palestinians must also recognize Israel and renounce terrorism. Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country would become the first major Western power to recognize a Palestinian state. The UK Followed with a similar announcement this week. The US Says those announcements will only embolden Hamas. US Trading partners spent Thursday scrambling hoping to avoid higher tariffs. The White House's increased tariffs on most countries that haven't cut a deal are set to take effect in seven days under an order the president signed Thursday evening. The Trump administration did announce last minute deals with several countries and negotiated into the night with Canada. The president says the US Is being taken advantage of by its northern neighborhood.
Lindsay Mast
They have to pay a fair rate.
Joseph Holmes
It's all it's very simple.
Mark Mellinger
One country that won't be facing higher tariffs yet is Mexico. Its rates stay at 25% for now. Trump had a call with Mexico's president Thursday and afterward announced a new 90 day negotiating period between the two countries. August 8th, the White House confirms that is the date President Trump has set for Russia to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine or face increased sanctions. So State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott we have tried in good faith to approach these discussions to encourage both parties to come to the table. We have seen that happen, but also the fact, as the president said, we need to see action, not words. Russian missile and drone strikes killed at least 13 people Thursday in Ukraine's capital city, Kyiv, and left more than 130 hurt. At least 14 of the injured were children, the Associated Press reports. That is the most children injured in a single attack on Kyiv, six since the start of the war. It was a sea of blue in New York City as fellow officers honored the life of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who died during a gunman's shooting rampage in a midtown Manhattan skyscraper this week. During Islam's funeral in the Bronx, he was promoted posthumously to the rank of detective First Grade NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Katie McCoy
His watch may be over, but his impact will never be. And if there is any grace to be found in this grief, it is knowing that the light that he carried did not go out. It just moved forward and it shines within the family that he worked so hard to build.
Mark Mellinger
Islam was 36. He was remembered as a shining example of the best of the NYPD and a loving father. He leaves behind a pregnant wife and two sons. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is ready to tell the story of her 2024 presidential run. She will do that in a new book out September 23rd called 107, the length of her historically short losing campaign after Joe Biden dropped out.
Katie McCoy
I've spent a lot of time reflecting on those days, talking with my team, my family, my friends, and pulling my thoughts together. In essence, writing a journal.
Myrna Brown
That is this book.
Mark Mellinger
That's Harris making the announcement on social media about the new book. Earlier this week, the former vice president announced she will not be running for California governor next year. She hasn't commented on the possibility of making another presidential run in 2028. I'm Mark Millinger. Straight ahead, Culture Friday with Katie McCoy. Plus a review of DreamWorks latest animated film about when bad guys turn good. This is THE WORLD and everything in.
Myrna Brown
It'S Friday, August 1st. Glad to have you along for today's edition of the World and Everything In It. Good morning. I'm Myrna Brown.
Lindsay Mast
And I'm Lindsay Master. Time now for Culture Friday, and joining us is author and Speaker Katie McCoy. Good morning, Katie.
Katie McCoy
Good morning, ladies.
Lindsay Mast
So, Katie, let's start with what happened last weekend in Cincinnati. A violent brawl with multiple participants. There are videos that show a crowd milling about in the early hours of the morning. There was some inciting incident, and it devolved into several people punching and kicking, one man, a woman getting knocked to the ground, seemingly unconscious for a time. It's hard to watch, and I don't recommend that you do. But here's my question. There were multiple people who took videos and you can see bystanders, but the police chief says just one person, one called police. So are we standing at the intersection of lawlessness and voyeurism here? And if so, how did we get here?
Katie McCoy
This was horrific. It was one of those stories that when it came up on the news, I could barely watch it. Just staggering. The brutality and the violence and what you said, the lawlessness, it reminded me of a couple of things, and I think they're both a commentary on our culture today. First of all, if you read through the book of judges, start to finish, you see a correlation between godliness and violence. The more that that nation spiraled into ungodliness, into wickedness. You saw widespread violence, and not only violence, but callousness towards violence, callousness towards the value of a human life, of a vulnerable human being. And it is on display in that horrific story and as you said, people videoing it, just how, how almost heartless do you have to be? Because lawlessness is increased, the love of many will grow cold. And the way Pastor John Piper explains that, he says lawlessness is deep hostility to authority, especially God's authority. I think that's exactly what we saw in this horrific story. It is a completely disregard, not only for God's authority and the value of human life, but then consequently, we don't value God's authority. Why would we value the government's authority and refrain from breaking criminal or civil laws as well?
Myrna Brown
Well, Katie, moving now to another astonishing story. This week we reported on World Radio the story of the Christian monk who was jailed for silently praying outside of a Ms. Abortion facility that bars, quote, annoying public behavior. Now, we have talked on this program before about Christians in other parts of the world being treated like this, and now this very thing is happening on American soil. Katie, what is more disturbing to you? That this kind of persecution has found its way here or that very few people are talking about it first?
Katie McCoy
Hats off to the world and everything in it podcast for reporting on this, because you're exactly right. There is so much apathy related to these stories, if they are reported at all. You know, Myrna, one of the things that I find frustrating is so many in mainstream culture will say, you know, this is Henny Penny stuff. Look, the sky is not falling. Religious freedom is stronger than ever. And we're nowhere near, say, the United Kingdom or Finland or a nation like that. And thank God we're not. But what we need to remember is that liberty is eroded gradually. Thomas Jefferson said the natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground. And this is what our founding fathers sought to protect us from with our Constitution, with our Bill of Rights. So when we see stories like this, it is a progression. It's the proverbial frog in the pot. I think about the Kroger employees who were fired because they refused to wear a pride pin. Now, they were eventually reinstated, but they still lost their jobs. I think about the foster parents in the Northeast who were blacklisted because they would not affirm LGBTQ doctrine. These are small things that as a composite whole are trending in a direction now. Thank the Lord for organizations like Advocates for Faith and Freedom, First Liberty, the Alliance Defending Freedom, representing their cases thus far. I think we can reasonably hope, if not expect, the court to uphold this man's religious liberty. But you know, that's on the other side of protracted litigation, attorneys fees, not to mention the personal toll that it can have. And you know, Myrna, I cannot help but juxtapose this story of a praying silent monk with the panic, and I mean panic, expressed by some media outlets. After CBS announced that Stephen Colbert's late night talk show would not be renewed next spring, news anchors, pundits, they were lamenting it as, and I kid you not, the demise of our democracy. You know, never mind that he lost the network $40 million a year. It must be because there's this corporate chilling effect on people who are antagonist towards the President. That's apparently the only thing that can explain it. Never mind that no one was jailed for exercising a civil liberty. Never mind that there are plenty of other anti Trump comedians and pundits, but it speaks to the way that many news outlets on both sides whip up frenzy when it fits their narrative. But here's a simple Christian monk whose First Amendment freedom was violated and we don't even give it airtime.
Myrna Brown
Quick follow up to that, Katie. I use the word persecution in describing what's happening in Michigan. Is it fair to call it persecution? I mean, is that too strong?
Katie McCoy
That's a good question. I mean, to be jailed for praying silently. No, that's not too strong. That's absolutely appropriate. And God willing, it will be quickly overturned, his reputation will be restored and whatever legal means were used against him will also be corrected.
Lindsay Mast
Katie, you just got back from a weekend with college students at the Impact 360 Institute. If you don't mind, I'd like you to reflect on that experience in light of a disturbing report about teens and AI. Here are the key findings. More than 70% of teens have used AI companions at least once and 3 out of 10 use it for relationships. How is embracing this technology in this way impacting young people?
Lynn Vincent
Katie?
Katie McCoy
Well, all of our students connected at Impact 360 Institute are just so sharp. They've got the light on. They're asking deep, worldview oriented questions and they're interested in these topics like artificial intelligence and how it's going to affect the future. Our surgeon General a few years ago sounded the alarm saying that the teen mental health crisis was directly connected to social media and smartphone use. Here's a very simple concept that when you hear it, you're going to think, oh, well, that makes sense. No kidding. But we actually have people researching it to verify it. Eye contact Eye contact improves mood and emotional connectedness in the parent child relationship. Emotional connectedness helps form and shape our sense of self, our individual and our group identity. When you have a teen on a phone and let me just be really honest, Lindsay, I'm on my phone way too much. You miss those opportunities for eye contact, for emotional connectedness and from that sense of community and connectedness, and that is what we are missing in our culture. You'd think that after the COVID pandemic we would have recognized we need to fix this. But I'm afraid we've only gotten worse.
Lindsay Mast
Well, and of course there's a younger generation coming up behind them and it seems more people are starting to see the wisdom in delaying kids access to smartphones or social media. I'm thinking of the wait until 8th movement in which families at schools pledge together to hold out on giving access to their kids. And eighth grade is certainly better than sixth or fifth or fourth. But given what you just said, is that Enough.
Katie McCoy
Well, I'm not a parent, so I tell people I can serve parents by going down the rabbit hole of research and presenting to them what I found. I do think it's a great step to not only do that, wait till 8th grade, but with this program, the pledge, it seems like it's almost a community involvement of parents and families pledging together, which I would think also helps for, let's say that 8th grade teen or that 7th grade teen feeling left out, like she's the only one in her class without an iPhone. It helps build a little more community behind it and not feel isolated for the children whose parents won't let them have a smartphone. I'll tell you what, though, Lindsay. There is a reason that Silicon Valley execs do not let their children have smartphones. They know what it is doing. They know how addictive it is. And so the wait till 8th, they give some great suggestions on things like phones and watches that can only call and text. They're not connected to the Internet, but sounds like it's a great step. Maybe it's one of several steps. Maybe people wait until, let's say, 15 or 16, and then they can help their child set reasonable boundaries when they're using technology. Of course, that means that adults like us have to find some reasonable boundaries as well. So maybe we all kind of need to do some kind of wait till. Fill in the blank.
Myrna Brown
Yeah, you may be onto something, Katie. Before we let you go, I'd like to get your take on the new Planned Parenthood campaign. They're calling it Bros for Repro. And as I was reading up on it, one commentator had this. Planned Parenthood knows the Bro Choice. Not pro, but Bro Choice campaign can thrive in a void. And that void is the silence of the church.
Katie McCoy
Absolutely right. And one of the things that we see happening trending in our culture today is young men coming back to the church. Young men taking up what we would call conservative or traditional values. It's gonna be fascinating to see how Gen Z young men approach conversations like abortion. When I think about this silly, absurd campaign, it feels like they're kind of scraping the bottom of the barrel for some PR and marketing. But they also had one of these legislators, these state legislators, saying abortion support was almost a religious value for him. He said, real love honors choice. One of the many expressions in our culture of how love is not love. Love is not something that you get to make up whatever definition it is. Love is willing the good of the other person. And as Gen Z grows and comes into their full adulthood begins to be thinking about these cultural questions and what they are going to do with the culture that they've inherited. I'm fascinated to see how something like this would land with them. Because real men honor women. Real men honor the way God created women to nurture new life. Real men protect women from harm, including the harm of abortion. And we still are learning what some of those harms are, in part because once again, media suppresses it according to their narrative. And then finally, real men take responsibility for the vulnerable, both the unborn in the womb and the mother who might feel trapped alone or believe abortion is going to solve her problems and have no effect on her afterwards. So I would imagine that is going to come and go hopefully rather quickly.
Myrna Brown
Well Katie, it has been fun hanging with you this month.
Katie McCoy
It has three in a row. Let's do it again.
Myrna Brown
Until next time, author and Speaker Katie McCoy. Thank you.
Katie McCoy
Thank you both.
Mark Mellinger
Additional support comes From Nicaea Conference 2025, a historic gathering of church leaders from every inhabited continent.
Joseph Holmes
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Mark Mellinger
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Joseph Holmes
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Mark Mellinger
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Lindsay Mast
Today is Friday, August 1st. Thank you for turning to World Radio to help start your day. Good morning, I'm Lindsay Mast.
Myrna Brown
And I'm Myrna Brown. Coming next on the World and everything in it, a movie for all ages. DreamWorks latest animated film, The Bad Guys 2 is out starting today. Reviewer Joseph Holmes discusses how the film balances being entertaining for kids and adults as well as the film's positive messages.
Joseph Holmes
All family films have a tricky balancing act to pull off worthy of a movie heist. They have to be entertaining for kids and adults and they need to be good or at least safe for the kids. Happily, the film The Bad Guys 2 manages to hit most of these marks with flying colors. It's a funny, heartfelt, well animated heist movie. And it's a movie with a conscience that handles some deep topics about how hard it is to stand straight and narrow, but how worth it it is.
Myrna Brown
One last job.
Lynn Vincent
What you say?
Myrna Brown
What do we say?
Mark Mellinger
No is the short answer. But well, you were flattered. But the thing is, you know, we're good now.
Myrna Brown
Yeah, we don't steal stuff anymore.
Joseph Holmes
In the new action packed chapter about a crackerjack crew of animal outlaws from the first movie. Our newly reformed bad guys are trying very, very hard to be good. They instead find themselves hijacked into a high stakes globetrotting heist masterminded by a new team of criminals. They never saw the bad girls on an entertainment level. You know the Bad Guys two is gonna work. Within its first moments. The jokes fly a mile a minute. Silly enough for kids to enjoy, but smart enough for adults to appreciate. The heists are thrilling and give each character a chance to shine. The COM of 3D and 2D animation is gorgeous, exploding with energy and expression. The film doesn't rush through its more serious moments too, allowing the characters and themes to have weight.
Mark Mellinger
All right, here we go. First time for everything, right?
Joseph Holmes
Even better, the film's positive messages are deeper and more insightful than standard family fare. Having made the decision to stop a life of crime in the last film, Mr. Wolf and the bad guys team are forced to wrestle with the difficulties of continuing to stop. Stay on the straight and narrow path even when it's hard. The film spends a lot of time contrasting how much fun and how much success they had being criminals. With a dull life full of rejection and disrespect they face as law abiding citizens. The film allows its viewers to sit in this reality and empathize with the former criminals as they get tempted back into their old lives, but then celebrates them for resisting that temptation. This is something the scriptures talk about extensively. Also, why do the wicked prosper while good people so often suffer? Is a question common among the biblical authors struggling as well. And the Bible also warns that the enemy will come to try to take advantage of our suffering to tempt us toward evil. By telling a story that acknowledges this reality, The Bad Guys 2 reminds us that suffering for doing good isn't a sign we shouldn't be good, but that we should persevere through suffering anyway.
Katie McCoy
You know, I'm very hands on, especially.
Myrna Brown
When someone tries to frame my friends.
Katie McCoy
I know everything. The MacGuffinite, the magic. Hmm.
Myrna Brown
You talked marmalade.
Lindsay Mast
Actually, he did most of the talking.
Myrna Brown
I'm more of an action girl.
Joseph Holmes
The film isn't perfect. Some of the situations are a bit contrived to move the plot forward. And when the movie tries to land its message about why the good path is better than the bad path, it comes off a tad trite. Mr. Wolf says that doing what's right gets you respect and doing what's wrong gets you fear and the differences that respect is earned. But the film never develops that idea. The film also isn't entirely unobjectionable. Characters engage in innuendo in multiple instances, play for laughs, sometimes when flirting with another character, which also once leads to a sloppy makeout session. Also played for laughs, and sometimes when talking to or about luxury items like cars. Rude humor includes a running gag where a character passes gas when nervous, which actually becomes a major plot point in the third act. Lockpicking is like a romance. You gotta start gentle, playful work your way into its little cold heart until all those defenses melt away.
Lynn Vincent
Oh, sounds kinda fun.
Joseph Holmes
Are we still talking about the lock? In an age of the Internet where everyone's entertainment is individualized by algorithms, movies that everyone can watch together are harder than ever to come by. The fact that the Bad Guys two is able to provide a service like that which brings people together is worth celebrating. Hello, I'm Joseph Holmes.
Lindsay Mast
Today is Friday, August 1st.
Katie McCoy
Good morning.
Lindsay Mast
Good morning. This is the world and everything in it from listener supported World Radio, I'm Lindsay Mast.
Myrna Brown
And I'm Myrna Brown. Before we end today, a quick note from our daily video news program. For students, school is right around the corner, and as you plan for the academic year ahead, World Watch has a special offer for you. Sign up now and try it for the next 90 days for free. World Watch delivers trustworthy news that's made for families. No spin, no clickbait and no nonsense. Just solid reporting that helps kids think clearly and see God's hand at work in the world. Each episode builds discernment, sparks thoughtful conversations, and gives young minds the tools to engage confidently with current events. After the trial, it's just $6.99 per month. This offer for new subscribers ends September 30th. To learn more, visit Worldwatch Newsradio.
Lindsay Mast
Finally this week, a humorous look at a common cultural challenge facing many of us within our local churches. The hug. Here's World columnist Lynn Vincent with a few of her executive editor friends.
Lynn Vincent
World Editor in chief Les Sillers grew up attending Christian and Missionary alliance churches in Alberta, Canada. When he traveled south in 1990 to attend Dallas Theological Seminary, he noticed something different. Many of his stateside evangelical friends and classmates often greeted each other with a hug. He remembers thinking, what's with all the hugging?
Katie McCoy
It's weird.
Joseph Holmes
I don't want to do it.
Lynn Vincent
That admission left me wondering, do theological distinctions affect a person's approach to church based hugging? Between Calvinists and other evangelicals, one difference is often immediately obvious. That is extreme discomfort with the standard evangelical side hug or sesh. That's a term I just made up and in case you're wondering, it doesn't appear anywhere in Scripture. I've done some digging into the topic. I learned that the anti sesh phenomenon is pervasive among Reformed Christians, but not limited to them. For example, World Executive News editor Lindy Langdon is Lutheran and married to a Lutheran pastor. I asked her, do Lutherans hug? No, they definitely do not hug, only.
Katie McCoy
In very dire circumstances.
Lynn Vincent
Lindy explained that Lutherans, like Calvinists, tend to be more reserved, descended as they are from sober German and Scandinavian stock.
Katie McCoy
In fact, she said, they don't show emotion physically. If a Lutheran raised his hands in.
Lynn Vincent
Worship, it would mean Jesus was probably coming back. Properly executed, a sesh is actually less invasive than the early Christian practice of the Holy Kiss. In making so bold a statement, I pause here to explain proper sesh protocol. I don't think it's ever been written down, so you might want to take notes. When executing a sesh, the hugger should step one approach the huggie sideways, facing in the same direction. Step 2 Place one arm across the huggy's back, no lower than the shoulder blades. Step 3 Place the hand of the hugging arm on the huggies opposite shoulder. And finally, step four administer three brief shoulder pats. That's pat, pat, pat for pla ton nick together the apostles Paul and Peter mention the Holy Kiss five times in the New Testament in Romans first and Second Corinthians, First Thessalonians, and First Peter. While the Holy Kiss usually occurred between members of the same sex, the early Christian apologist Tertullian seemed to regard it as both relational and liturgical, regardless of gender. He wrote this about Christian fellowship We.
Mark Mellinger
Are united in mind and soul. We do not hesitate to share our earthly goods. All is common among us except our wives. We call each other brother and sister, and the kiss of peace seals our prayers.
Lynn Vincent
But history shows that Tertullian was in the minority, and gradually the Holy Kiss fell out of use. Then, somewhere along the way, probably during the Jesus movement, evangelicals became a very huggy culture. And that was the culture Les Sillers encountered in Texas. Now the prevalence of the standard evangelical side hug causes deep consternation for some of my dear Calvinist friends, like World Digital executive editor Tim Lamer. Tim wants nothing.
Mark Mellinger
Nope.
Lynn Vincent
Whatsoever. No thank you to do with the sesh?
Joseph Holmes
I'd rather not.
Lynn Vincent
The Thames of the church are in tricky waters, navigating between their ethics and offending overeager Baptists and non denoms who insist on hugging. Since the church is shot through with hug zealots I felt I should mention a couple of evasive maneuvers. A small child can serve as a human shield, but that might encourage the hugger even more. Another tactic is to take refuge behind some physical object, like a church pew. But beware, danger lurks. If the hugger is undeterred, you could wind up trapped. Therefore, I heartily endorse what I am calling the Gandolfian arm thrust. One day in Washington, D.C. i ran into a prominent Calvinist scholar whom I knew but hadn't seen for a while. Since I was saved in California, the ancestral land of touchy feely Jesus people, I moved in to express my joy at seeing him with a chaste and friendly hug. But with speed that seemed supernatural, the scholar thrust out his arm and blocked my way as powerfully as if he were thrusting down Gandalf's staff.
Mark Mellinger
You shall not pass us.
Lynn Vincent
We shook hands instead. Still, some seshers will find a way to hug you no matter what. If that happens, you can always do as the Romans do. That's the advice Ambrose reportedly gave Augustine regarding which day to fast when in Rome. And that's the route Les Sillers chose. He didn't like all the hugging, but he eventually got used to it. I can do it now if I have to.
Joseph Holmes
Flower, you fools.
Lynn Vincent
For world, I'm Lynn Vincent.
Lindsay Mast
All right, it's time to name the team who helped make it happen this week. Hunter Baker, David Bonson, Maria Baer, Lauren Canterbury, Nick Eicher, Joseph Holmes, Jenny Lind Schmidt, Katie McCoy, Carolina Lumeta, Arsenio Orteza, Mary Reichard, Cal Thomas, Lynn Vincent, Emma Eicher and Caleb Weldy. Thanks also to our breaking news team, Kent Covington, Mark Melling, Travis Kercher, Christina Grube, Steve Klosterman and Lindi Langdon. And thanks to the moonlight maestros, Benj Eicher and Carl Peetz. With assistance this week from Johnny Franklin. Paul Butler is executive producer, Harrison Waters is Washington producer, Kristin Flavin is features editor, and Les Sillers is our editor in chief. I'm Lindsay Mast.
Myrna Brown
And I'm Myrna Brown. The world, world and everything in it comes to you from World Radio. World's mission is biblically objective journalism that informs, educates and inspires. The psalmist writes, the Lord is the strength of his people. He is the saving refuge of his anointed. Oh, save your people and bless your heritage. Be their shepherd and carry them forever. Verses 8 and 10 of Psalm 28, your weekly reminder to worship with a Bible believing church. This weekend we're meant to live this Christian life together, be encouraged and be an encourager. And Lord willing, we'll be right back here with you on Monday. Go now in grace and peace. Sa.
Summary of "The World and Everything In It" Podcast Episode 8.1.25: Culture Friday, Bad Boys 2, and Side-Hugging at Church
Release Date: August 1, 2025
In this episode of "The World and Everything In It," hosted by WORLD Radio, listeners are treated to a blend of pressing global news, cultural analysis, and an engaging film review. The episode, titled "Culture Friday, Bad Boys 2, and Side-Hugging at Church," navigates through significant international events, societal issues, and contemporary cultural practices, providing insightful commentary grounded in Christian perspectives.
Timestamp: 00:57 – 03:07
The episode opens with a sobering update on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Mark Mellinger reports that White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee are on the ground, evaluating food distribution amidst increasing shortages and conflict-related casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that starvation is not a concern, while President Trump counters, stating, “I’ve seen pictures of starving children in Gaza” (01:30), highlighting the President's commitment to humanitarian efforts.
Timestamp: 02:30 – 03:21
Mark Mellinger further discusses Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's intent to join France and the UK in formally recognizing a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly. This move is seen as a strategic stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza, albeit with conditions like holding general elections and ensuring the new state’s demilitarization.
Timestamp: 03:21 – 05:39
The conversation shifts to U.S. trade policies, where President Trump announces increased tariffs targeting countries without trade deals, emphasizing fair rates: “They have to pay a fair rate” (Lindsay Mast, 03:21). Notably, Mexico remains exempt for now, with ongoing negotiations.
In parallel, the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates as Russian missile and drone strikes result in significant casualties in Kyiv, including children, marking the highest number of child injuries in a single attack since the war's onset.
Timestamp: 04:44 – 05:39
A poignant moment is shared as Katie McCoy reflects on the death of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who lost his life in a shooting assault in Manhattan. The community honors him, with his promotion to Detective First Grade during his funeral, underscoring his legacy: “His watch may be over, but his impact will never be” (04:44).
Timestamp: 05:01 – 05:41
Mark Mellinger announces that former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to release a new book titled "107," detailing her brief 2024 presidential campaign. Harris discusses her reflective process, describing it as “writing a journal” (05:28), and clarifies that she will not be pursuing the California gubernatorial race, leaving the door open for a potential 2028 presidential run.
Timestamp: 07:31 – 12:36
Lindsay Mast introduces a disturbing incident from Cincinnati involving a violent brawl captured on video. Katie McCoy delves into the cultural implications, drawing parallels with the Book of Judges from the Bible, which illustrates a society spiraling into violence and lawlessness as godliness declines. She references Pastor John Piper, stating, “Lawlessness is deep hostility to authority, especially God's authority” (08:59), emphasizing a societal disregard for moral and legal structures.
Timestamp: 12:36 – 13:07
The conversation shifts to a chilling report of a Christian monk being imprisoned for silently praying outside a Michigan abortion facility. Katie McCoy unequivocally labels this act as persecution: “No, that's not too strong. That's absolutely appropriate” (12:48). She underscores the gradual erosion of religious liberties in America, likening it to the proverbial “frog in the pot” scenario where liberty diminishes incrementally.
Timestamp: 13:07 – 17:17
Discussing the rise of artificial intelligence in teenagers' lives, Lindsay Mast highlights research indicating that over 70% of teens have interacted with AI companions, with significant usage for forming relationships. Katie McCoy explains the adverse effects on emotional connections and mental health, noting, “Eye contact improves mood and emotional connectedness in the parent-child relationship” (14:52). She advocates for initiatives like the “wait until 8th” movement to delay smartphone access, allowing teens to develop healthier interpersonal skills before engaging with digital technologies.
Timestamp: 16:49 – 19:12
Katie McCoy critiques Planned Parenthood’s new campaign, "Bros for Repro," suggesting it exploits a lack of church engagement: “Planned Parenthood knows the Bro Choice. Not pro, but Bro Choice campaign can thrive in a void. And that void is the silence of the church” (16:49). She highlights a resurgence of Gen Z men returning to church to embrace traditional values, particularly around sensitive topics like abortion, asserting, “Real men honor women. Real men honor the way God created women to nurture new life” (18:00).
Timestamp: 26:51 – 32:19
Transitioning to a lighter yet culturally pertinent topic, Lynn Vincent explores the varying perspectives on physical greetings within churches. She narrates experiences of discomfort among Reformed Christians regarding the standard evangelical side hug, coining the term “sesh” to describe this practice. Joseph Holmes and Katie McCoy add humor and practical advice, such as the “Gandalfian arm thrust,” to navigate these social interactions. This segment underscores the nuanced differences in worship practices and personal boundaries within diverse Christian communities.
Timestamp: 06:41 – 21:34
Joseph Holmes provides a comprehensive review of DreamWorks’ latest animated feature, "The Bad Guys 2." He lauds the film for its ability to entertain both children and adults while embedding meaningful messages. “The Bad Guys 2 is... a funny, heartfelt, well-animated heist movie. And it's a movie with a conscience that handles some deep topics about how hard it is to stand straight and narrow, but how worth it is” (21:09). The film’s blend of humor, action, and moral dilemmas is highlighted as successful in delivering its narrative.
Timestamp: 23:32 – 25:30
Holmes delves into the film’s underlying themes, paralleling them with biblical teachings. He notes how the characters’ struggles to maintain righteousness mirror scriptural discussions on perseverance and the battle between good and evil. The film’s reflection on why “the wicked prosper while good people so often suffer” resonates with biblical authors’ contemplations, reinforcing the notion that suffering while doing good should inspire continued righteousness rather than despair.
Timestamp: 24:45 – 25:30
While praising the film, Holmes also points out areas where it falls short. He mentions that certain plot elements feel contrived and that some messages come across as "a tad trite" (24:45). Additionally, he notes moments of humor and innuendo that may not align with all audience sensitivities, yet acknowledges that the film's ability to bring diverse viewers together is commendable.
The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team and a final nod to "The Bad Guys 2," encouraging listeners to enjoy the family-friendly animated film. Lynn Vincent’s humorous take on avoiding unwanted hugs in church adds a lighthearted finish to the episode, reinforcing the podcast’s blend of serious commentary and relatable cultural discussions.
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This episode of "The World and Everything In It" offers a balanced mix of global news, cultural insights, and entertainment reviews, all framed within a Christian worldview. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of contemporary issues and their intersections with faith, making it a valuable resource for those seeking informed and thoughtful perspectives.