Assemblies of Pop: Recent Episodes
Colleen & Celia
Celia and Colleen have been friends for almost 20 years. This is a podcast space that reflects on culture, religion, and two girls’ experience growing up in the evangelical church.
What is hell? Where is hell? Who goes to hell?
These questions have been asked by Christians and non-Christians for centuries and there have been many schools of thought on the topic. Listen along as Colleen and Celia discuss the concept of hell. Hear what they thought as kids growing up in the evangelical church, and how their thoughts have changed (or not?) as deconstructed adults.
Share your ideas with us on socials! Find us at @AssembliesofPop
In this episode, Colleen and Celia dive into the past and present of 2000's darling, Katy Perry. We cover everything including her personal life, music, family, and how she transitioned from contemporary Christian to pop superstar.
What's your favorite Katy song? Share with us on socials @AssembliesofPop
In this episode, Colleen and Celia discuss the evangelical idea of being "on fire" for God. What does it really mean? How does it feel? And what do they think about it now?
Share your thoughts with us! Find us on socials at @AssembliesofPop
Surprise! Today's episode is another Low Rise Fit because we just couldn't wait to talk about Rihanna's Super Bowl 57 halftime performance. This is completely selfish and we are not sorry.
We couldn't wait to release this new Low Rise episode! In honor of Justin Timberlake's 42nd birthday today and Miley Cyrus' megahit that is currently topping the charts, Colleen and Celia got together to discuss some of the best all-time breakup songs. Follow along on our journey!
Is there any particular song that has helped you through a breakup? Which notable songs did we miss? Share with us on social media @AssembliesofPop!
It's a new year and what else would we talk about, but highlights of the year that just ended? Join Colleen and Celia as they review 2022 and look forward to what's coming in 2023.
What were your top moments in 2022? Share with us on social media @AssembliesofPop
In this special New Years Eve episode, Celia and Colleen discuss a few fundamentalist pastors and the churches they lead. Listen along to what these pastors are passionate about and how they guide those in their congregations.
Bonus: Share with us your reflections on 2022 and/or your goals for 2023!
And don't forget to find us on socials @AssembliesofPop
In this month's Low Rise Fit, Colleen and Celia discuss some of the best pop Christmas songs. These are not your traditional Christmas carols or hymns (imagine singing them in church though.. it's a funny thought experiment!)
Which Christmas songs do you enjoy listening to? Did we miss any notable songs? Find us on socials @AssembliesofPop
Join Colleen and Celia in this episode as they talk about the evangelical poster boy, Kirk Cameron. How did he go from Growing Pains to Left Behind to homeschool advocate? Listen and find out!
Follow us on socials - @AssembliesofPop
We're going rogue this week and having a discussion on something that isn't directly evangelical-related but affects the United States in many ways... the prison system. Join us as we wade through the history and dysfunctionality.
Follow us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
We're back with another deep dive into another celebrity (can we call him that?): Logan Paul! Who is this dude who came from grassroots vine creator to WWE Superstar?
Don't forget to follow us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
This week, Colleen and Celia talk about religion in schools including clubs, activities, and youth pastor visits. What was it like when they were in school, and what do we see happening now?
Connect with us on social media! Find us at @AssembliesofPop
It's been one year since our first discussion on Halloween and the evangelical church! This week, take some time to listen again in celebration (or not) of the upcoming holiday.
Remember to follow us on social media! @AssembliesofPop
Her influence has been with us since the very beginning, and this week we talk all about her - Miley Cyrus! In this episode, Colleen and Celia dive into Miley's past and present, including her personal life, music, family, and how she evolved from teen Disney star into adulthood.
What's your favorite Miley song? Share with us on socials @AssembliesofPop
In the final installment on televangelists, Colleen and Celia discuss a more contemporary pastor, Joel Osteen. Dive into his theology, his church, and his impact on the evangelical church.
Follow us on socials! We love hearing from you and continuing these discussions!
@AssembliesofPop
It's finally time to talk about the princess herself, Rihanna! In this episode, Colleen and Celia dive into Rihanna's past and present, including her personal life, music, business ventures, and what's coming in her future.
What's your favorite Rihanna song? Share with us on socials @AssembliesofPop
This week we continue our series on televangelists by learning about The PTL Club host and fraudster Jim Bakker. What was going on with him in the 80's? What about his famous wife Tammy Faye? Listen to find out!
Follow us on socials @AssembliesofPop!
In this week's Low Rise Fit, Colleen and Celia discuss the top songs through the first half of 2022. Look for the updates to our playlist on Spotify!
Which songs have you been jamming to this year? Share with us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
You thought we were done with the Falwells? Not a chance! We learned about Jerry Sr in Episode 32 and this week we are diving into his son, Jerry Jr. Listen to hear how the son of the Moral Majority leader continued the legacy (or didn't?).
Want to follow on socials? Find us at @AssembliesofPop
In this week's Low Rise episode, Colleen and Celia celebrate the return of football season by discussing the best (and worst) football movies.
Which football movie is your favorite? Do you think the sports movie genre is tired, or could you always watch more?
Connect with us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
In this week's episode, Colleen and Celia learn about Pastor Jerry Falwell. If you don't know his name, you probably have heard about some of the movements that he's been behind, including the Moral Majority of the 1980's. Listen along to learn a bit more about the history of this Baptist pastor and his influence on evangelical culture in the US.
Also don't forget to follow us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
If you're anywhere north of 30 years old, you probably remember a time when myspace was more than just a weird wannabe music platform. You also probably remember doing a myspace survey or two. Join Colleen and Celia this week as they reminisce about the simpler myspace days!
Follow us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
In this week's episode, Colleen and Celia tackle a tough topic as they talk through their thoughts and feelings on the recent overturn of Roe V Wade by the Supreme Court. While we may not always have answers, we think it's important to push ourselves into discussions that challenge us. This is one of those times; we hope you are also encouraged to deconstruct your opinions and see if you still hold them or if they need reconstruction.
Connect with us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
In this week's Low Rise Fit, Colleen and Celia discuss the best of summer. Which TV shows, movies, and music reminds you of summer? What do you crave when the sun starts shining?
Share with us! @AssembliesofPop
We've officially made it one year into our podcast! In this week's episode, Colleen and Celia celebrate the one-year anniversary by checking in on how they've changed and/or grown in the last year.
What about you? Take some time today to inventory yourself and recognize ways in which you've changed, adapted, grown, or maybe even adjusted your life in the last year. Share it with us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
In this week's Low Rise Fit, Colleen and Celia reflect back on music from TWENTY YEARS AGO. The discussion includes nominations for Best New Artist at the 2002 Grammys, albums released in 2002, and of course several off-topic rabbit trails.
Follow us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
In this week's episode, Celia and Colleen learn all about a type of hysteria that began in the 80's regarding satanic ritual abuse. This anxiety of the Christian Right is commonly referred to as the Satanic Panic. What led up to it, who contributed to the panic, and did it ever really go away?
Don't forget to follow us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
In this week's Low Rise Fit, Colleen and Celia discuss teen hotties from the 90's and early 00's. Who were the dreamboats of TV, movies, and music? Listen to hear where they are now!
Be sure to follow us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
How have our current denominations come to be? What are the major differences between them? Do they all have a common ancestor? Listen along as Celia and Colleen discuss these questions and more about Christian denominations and church history.
Want more? Follow us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia discuss the best two hours of TV every week: ABC's TGIF lineup.
Which shows were your favorites? Share with us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
In this week's episode, Celia and Colleen talk through Beth Allison Barr's book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood. Dr. Barr highlights several aspects of historical evidence to clearly display how "biblical womanhood" isn't biblical. This book is a USA Today bestseller - check it out when you have time!
Don't forget to follow us on socials @AssembliesofPop
Stacie Orrico was climbing the Christian pop charts in the early 00's and seemed to be primed to make the switch to mainstream pop stardom. Listen to Celia and Colleen discuss the singer, her early start and bright but unfortunately too-short career. Plus, which were their favorite songs?
Listen and follow us at @AssembliesofPop on socials!
Trigger Warning: this episode includes conversation involving sexual abuse and assault. Please only listen if you are able.
This week, Celia and Colleen discuss the Southern Baptist Convention and the report known 'round the country about abuse cover-ups. As non-Baptist outsiders, what do they think and how do they react? Listen to find out.
Do you have any thoughts or insights to share? Find us on socials @AssembliesofPop
In this week's Low Rise Fit, Colleen and Celia discuss arguably the greatest WWE match of all time: Bret Hart vs Stone Cold Steve Austin at Wrestlemania 13 (1997). Listen along as they walk you through the lead-up to this match, epic moments mid-event, Steve Austin's commentary, and the outcome that catapulted Austin into the Attitude Era.
Connect with us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
This week Celia and Colleen discuss what it's like to be single in the evangelical church. Is marriage the ultimate life goal? What about Paul's writing on singleness, or the fact that Jesus never married? How can we relate to each other in different life statuses?
Listen along and share with us your thoughts! Find us on socials @AssembliesofPop.
BUTTONS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! Send us your address and keep an eye on your mailbox.
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia go back to the early 00's flash website days of homestarrunner.com. Listen along as they discuss their favorite characters and episodes.
Did you ever watch these shorts? Find one or two and let us know what you think!
Summer is right around the corner (49 days, to be exact) and this week Celia & Colleen are talking all about summer camp! Each went yearly in their youths and have some religious and non-religious experiences to talk through.
Did you ever go to a sleep-away camp? Share a story or two @AssembliesofPop!
Colleen and Celia finish their series concurrent to Race featuring a slightly lighter topic: top high school movies!
They're back with another Amanda Bynes banger, Easy A! This under-appreciated movie is a true work of art, and has the highest Rotten Tomatoes score of the four movies in this series! What do you think about it?
Let us know your thoughts! Find us on socials @AssembliesofPop
Join Colleen and Celia as they wrap up the race series! They invite Jessica Fripp PhD, NCC for an honest and vulnerable discussion on what it means to be an ally, how to empathize with the oppressed, and what the Church can do to support positive change. Jessica is an Associate Professor at Austin Peay State University. We are grateful for her conversation and willingness to engage in this work with us.
Don't forget to follow us on socials! @AssembliesofPop
Colleen and Celia continue their series concurrent to Race featuring a slightly lighter topic: top high school movies!
Listen along as they discuss the Amanda Bynes gem, She's the Man. Follow along with their conversation about which characters are the best and who had their breakout role. Also, do you think this movie is problematic in today's world?
Let us know your thoughts! Find us on socials @AssembliesofPop
In part 3 of the race series, Celia and Colleen discuss the connection between white evangelicals and US nationalism. They also talk through the theory of Critical Race and what it actually means in the education world.
In what ways are you working to be better?
Don't forget to connect with us on social media! @AssembliesofPop
Colleen and Celia continue their series concurrent to Race featuring a slightly lighter topic: top high school movies!
Listen along as they discuss the cult classic, Mean Girls. This move is full of one-liners.... can you catch them all?
Share with us your favorite character from Mean Girls! Find us on socials @AssembliesofPop
In part 2 of the race series, Celia and Colleen discuss the history of race in the United States. Keep in mind that there is MUCH more history that could not be included in this length of episode but several important themes and dates emerge and will drive further discussion.
We understand this is a tough topic and hope we are treating it with the respect it deserves.
While they start the Race series, Colleen and Celia are embarking on a concurrent series featuring a slightly lighter topic: top high school movies!
Listen along as they discuss the iconic cheerleading movie, Bring It On. Transport yourself back to the year 2000 and remember this cheesy yet hilarious teen movie!
Share with us your favorite scene or line from Bring It On! Find us on socials @AssembliesofPop
Colleen and Celia are digging into a tough topic: race. In this first episode of a series, they talk about their backgrounds, growing up, and how they've connected to (or disconnected from) race. Listen for a working definition of race, racism, and microaggressions that will be used in the following episodes.
Do you have thoughts or reactions to share? Reach out to us on socials! Find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter @AssembilesofPop.
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Celia and Colleen discuss past Super Bowl halftime shows, including which they thought were successes and which they thought were failures. They also include a dream Super Bowl halftime performance proposal!
Watch some of the highlights:
1993 Michael Jackson
2001 Aerosmith (with Britney and NSync)
2004 Timberlake & J Jackson
2014 Bruno Mars
2018 Justin Timberlake
2020 Jennifer Lopez and Shakira
2021 Snoop, Dre, Eminem, MJ Blige
In this episode, Colleen and Celia discuss Evangelical America's financial guru, Dave Ramsey. What is his background, how did he gain influence, and how do we feel about his "Biblical Money Principles?"
As always, follow us on socials @AssembliesofPop and let us know what you think!
This week Celia and Colleen visited an Episcopal church for the first time. Celia has been attending church but this is Colleen's first Sunday back since March 2020. Listen as they process through the service and how they experienced the liturgical vibe. Plus: Would they attend again?
Also! Today begins the season of Lent! Here is a link to the study they mentioned by Erin Moon, "Every Broken Thing." You are welcome to join (even if you're a few days late.. no shame anywhere to be found)
Move aside JT and JC, today we're talking about the hidden gem of 'NSync, Joey Fatone! Colleen and Celia discuss his early life, contributions to 'NSync fame, and his many (many, many, many) ventures afterwards.
What do you think? Is Joey the best??
This week, Colleen and Celia discuss worship music! Catch them reminiscing on 90's and 00's bangers as well as touching on current worship trends.
What are your all-time favorite worship songs or groups? Is it even okay to have a favorite band??
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia compare and contrast the two biggest stars of NSYNC: Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez. Who's the better singer? Who's the better dancer? What about songwriting?? Listen to hear our opinions on all of the above.
Don't forget to check out our running playlist on Spotify! New songs added weekly. Link Here
Colleen and Celia invite another special guest and longtime friend, Rachel, into a discussion on the Enneagram! The enneagram is a model used by many to understand the human psyche through nine different personality types.
If you're interested in learning more, visit the Enneagram Institute website here. They provide a reliable questionnaire for helping you determine which type you might be. We also suggest reading through the different type descriptions - it's very likely that one of them will sound like someone is reading your innermost thoughts.
As always, reach out to us with your thoughts and opinions!
This week Colleen and Celia finishing watching Chaotic with episode 5: "Veil of Secrecy." In this episode, Britney and Kevin get married! We get to see the behind-the-scenes of their super surprise wedding event and all that unfolds.
Want to watch along?
Episode 5 Link
In this episode, Colleen and Celia are joined by a friend and special guest, Tiffany! They share their memories of growing up as young girls in Missionettes, and then pick Tiffany's brain about her thoughts on raising her own kids.
We want to hear your thoughts and reactions! Follow us on twitter, instagram, and tiktok @assembliesofpop
This week Colleen and Celia watch Chaotic, episode 4: "Magic Happens." In this episode, Britney realizes she is in love with Kevin and we learn their engagement story.
Want to watch along?
Episode 4 Link
Celia and Colleen dive into a conversation about emotional abuse within churches and relationships. How are emotional abuse and spiritual abuse similar? How are they different? How does each show up in Christian communities? Listen along to the conversation and let us know how you connect with these ideas!
This week Colleen and Celia watch Chaotic, episode 3: "Scared To Love You." In this episode, Britney and Kevin continue to develop their new relationship while on tour. We see cracks start to show through as both express fear in fully opening up.
Want to watch along?
Episode 3 Link
In this advent season, Colleen and Celia explore the history and theology of popular Christmas song, Mary Did You Know? Follow along with their debate and draw your own conclusion: did Mary know?
In this installment of Colleen and Celia watch Chaotic, episode 2: "Who Said Anything About Love?" We are still with Britney on tour in 2004 and get to experience the developing relationship between Britney and Kevin.
Want to watch along?
Episode 2 Link
In this advent season, Colleen and Celia explore the history and theology of O Holy Night, one of the most popular Christmas songs of the last two centuries.
Which version is your favorite? Share with us on twitter @britandtheo!
For the next several Low Rise episodes, Colleen and Celia will be watching and discussing "Britney & Kevin: Chaotic" This installment features episode 1 titled, "Can You Handle My Truth?" We follow Britney on tour in 2004 and introduced to Kevin Federline.
Want to watch along?
Episode 1 Link
Thanksgiving is this week (in case you didn't know) so Celia and Colleen are taking time to talk about their favorite foods, the miseducation of the first Thanksgiving meal, ways to decolonize your Thanksgiving, and things they're grateful for.
Links:
Thanksgiving Myths Fact Check
10 Ways to Decolonize Your Thanksgiving
Dr. Caroline Leaf TedTalk
Benefits of Gratitude
The Sage is On Fire
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia go back in time to "The All-New Mickey Mouse Club" days with Britney, Christina, Justin, Ryan, JC, and others.
Watch some of the sketches on YouTube:
I'll Take You There performance
I Feel For You performance
Best of Britney
A quick update and chat on the ruling in Britney's legal case against the conservatorship. Enjoy this bonus episode before the next full length Low Rise releases!
What is Multi-Level Marketing? And how do these organizations relate to Christianity? Colleen and Celia discuss MLMs and how they relate to American culture as well as American Christian culture.
Links:
The Downfall of the "GIRL BOSS" on Youtube
Anti-MLM playlist on Youtube
Amway video on Youtube
9 Signs That Exciting New Job Opportunity Is Really An MLM Scam
LuLaRich on Amazon Prime
(Un)Well episode on Essential Oils on Netflix
Celia and Colleen take a Buzzfeed quiz all about Britney Spears! Are they fans or stans?
Play along at https://www.buzzfeed.com/christianzamora/britney-stan-test
It's spooky season, at least for some. In this episode we discuss Halloween, including it's believed origins, our personal experiences, the church's response, and other personal conversations.
Notes to follow along:
- Verses on Halloween https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/g32971927/bible-verses-about-halloween/
- Halloween Trap music for your listening pleasure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9NJwvRXOMo
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia discuss Britney's fashion over the course of her career. Discussion includes personal fashion choices as well as performance outfits, iconic looks, and graphic tees.
In this episode, Colleen and Celia discuss language, specifically focusing on "bad" words. What makes certain words bad? How much does culture influence the way we speak? What's the history of language? And what does the Bible say about it all?
"Jamie's gone???"
Colleen and Celia discuss the latest news in Britney's ongoing conservatorship battle.
Colleen and Celia reminisce about youth group and Fine Arts Festival: an annual performance competition in the name of ministry and giftings. If you've never heard of a Human Video, this is the episode for you!
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia reveal Britney's top standalone single! Topics include lyrics, music video, critical reception, and personal views.
Colleen and Celia delve into the topic of Purity Culture, the 90's movement that encouraged evangelical teens to follow strict lifestyle expectations. Many leaders discouraged dating and promoted virginity until marriage.
In the finale of this four-part series, Colleen and Celia open up the Bible and look for what it actually says on the topics of purity and modesty. What did Jesus actually say about purity?
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia deep dive Britney's top standalone single, My Prerogative. Topics include lyrics, music video, critical reception, and personal views.
Colleen and Celia delve into the topic of Purity Culture, the 90's movement that encouraged evangelical teens to follow strict lifestyle expectations. Many leaders discouraged dating and promoted virginity until marriage.
In part 3 of this four-part series, Colleen and Celia talk about the drawbacks of purity culture and where the Church is now.
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia deep dive one of Britney's top standalone singles, 3. Topics include lyrics, music video, critical reception, and personal views.
Colleen and Celia delve into the topic of Purity Culture, the 90's movement that encouraged evangelical teens to follow strict lifestyle expectations. Many leaders discouraged dating and promoted virginity until marriage.
In part 2 of this four-part series, Colleen and Celia cover the history of "purity" in culture and in the church. This very brief history helps us understand how we arrived at the purity expectations of the 90's and beyond.
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia deep dive one of Britney's top standalone singles, Do Somethin'. Topics include lyrics, music video, critical reception, and personal views.
Colleen and Celia delve into the topic of Purity Culture, the 90's movement that encouraged evangelical teens to follow strict lifestyle expectations. Many leaders discouraged dating and promoted virginity until marriage.
In part 1 of this four-part series, Colleen and Celia introduce purity culture, talk about their experiences growing up, and how it affected celebrities in pop culture.
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia deep dive Britney's iconic "I'm a Slave 4 U" from 2001. Topics include lyrics, music video, critical reception, and personal views.
Colleen and Celia take on the topic of mental health: in pop culture, in the Church, and in their own lives.
Topics on mental health subjects can be triggering. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, reach out for help at 1-800-272-8255.
In this Low Rise Fit episode, Colleen and Celia rank Britney Spears' albums based on album chart, singles, and US sales. Then they talk about their personal favorite albums and songs!
Meet Colleen and Celia! This first episode includes a bit about their friendship, how they grew up in church, and their connections (or disconnections) to secular music. What was it like to balance conservative evangelical teachings with influences from pop music and public school? What dissonance did they have to work through? Join a couple of post-evangelical millennials as they talk through Britney Spears fandom, youth group, Plus One, and the Culture War of the 90's/00's.