Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories

Denison Forum
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Feeling overwhelmed by the endless stream of news, politics, and pop culture? Join Denison Forum’s Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they break down the week’s biggest stories from a Christian perspective. Culture Brief dives into the topics that matter most, from the latest TV shows, movies, and celebrity buzz to trending stories in politics, sports, and technology. Expect laughs, insights, and honest conversations about navigating today’s fast-paced world with biblical discernment.  Whether you’re looking for entertainment, encouragement, or a fresh take on the culture around us, Conner and Micah are here to help you make sense of it all. New episodes drop every Thursday. 

  1. Iran war update, Kristi Noem out, Warner Bros. sold, Oscar predictions & Selection Sunday | Ep. 60

    1D AGO

    Iran war update, Kristi Noem out, Warner Bros. sold, Oscar predictions & Selection Sunday | Ep. 60

    In this week's Brief: We're now past day 10 of Operation Epic Fury and the picture is getting more complicated by the hour. We talk through the latest military updates on the conflict with Iran, their newly appointed Supreme Leader, the impact of oil prices surging as the Strait of Hormuz grinds to a halt, and Trump's mixed signals on when this ends. From there, we dive into the DHS shutdown mess—TSA agents working without pay, airports seeing massive delays, Kristi Noem's removal, and why it couldn't come at a worse time with domestic terror threats on the rise. Plus, the Paramount-Netflix-Warner Brothers saga finally has a winner! We break down what it means for Hollywood, movie theaters, and the even future of CNN. Plus, the Players Championship tees off, Selection Sunday and March Madness brackets are here, Oscar predictions, and a reflection on how believers can stay informed without becoming fearful, and why a calm, grounded faith may be the clearest testimony we can offer in a loud and uncertain world. Topics(00:00) Introduction(1:03) Iran war overview(4:18) Iran pressure strategy(5:27) Casualties and target updates(7:27) Israel strikes and stockpiles(11:34) Strait of Hormuz oil crisis(16:27) Why war is messy(18:55) Christian response and prayer(20:38) Shutdown airport chaos(23:43) DHS leadership shakeup(26:34) Faith over fear(30:39) Hollywood merger saga(35:14) Oscars predictions(37:39) Wrap upResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe Articles on this week’s top headlines: Denison Forum: Mojtaba Khamenei: How the “Shadow Prince” became Iran’s new leaderDenison Forum: Iran, war, and the surprising growth of ChristianityThe Long-Feared Persian Gulf Oil Squeeze Is Upon UsTrump Advisers Urge Him to Find Iran Exit Ramp, Fearing Political BacklashHow the War in Iran Is Disrupting the World’s OilUS airport security lines worsen as missed paycheck looms for screenersLong airport lines highlight concerns about unpaid security officers in the shutdownHouston flyers face TSA delays at Hobby AirportIran sends out suspected ‘operational trigger’ to activate sleeper cells abroad after Khamenei’s death, US officials warn About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    38 min
  2. U.S. & Israel strike Iran: Dr. Jim Denison on faith, war & what comes next | Ep. 59

    MAR 5

    U.S. & Israel strike Iran: Dr. Jim Denison on faith, war & what comes next | Ep. 59

    In this week's Brief: The U.S. and Israel launched simultaneous strikes on Iran in what's being called Operation Epic Fury, and the world changed overnight. We’re joined by Dr. Jim Denison, founder of Denison Ministries and author of The Daily Article to break down the latest updates on the conflict. Dr. Denison is one of the foremost Christian voices on faith and global affairs, especially when it comes to Israel, Iran, and radical Islam. He helps us unpack the history of Iran's Islamic Revolution, the Sunni-Shia divide, the apocalyptic theology fueling the regime, and the big questions Christians are wrestling with: Israel's role in prophecy and modern day geopolitics, the legality of the strikes, and how far a president can go without Congress. Plus, Dr. Denison shares how believers should be praying for our leaders, our soldiers, the innocents caught in the crossfire, and for the spiritual awakening in the Muslim world that he says has been quietly growing for decades.  We believe you will find this conversation educational, engaging and uplifting in the midst of a very tense global moment. Topics(0:00) Introduction & Meet Dr. Jim Denison(2:29) Rapid Iran conflict rundown(5:47) US politics and risks(9:56) Iran revolution history(13:58) Sunni–Shia divide explained(17:48) Why Iran hits neighbors(20:24) Iran missile strategy(21:43) Christian views on Israel(27:43) War powers legality(30:55) Conflict vs war debate(34:56) How believers should pray(39:08) Closing prayer and wrapResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines: Denison Forum: Ali Khamenei reportedly found dead in TehranDenison Forum: A biblical reflection on the death of Ayatollah Ali KhameneiDenison Forum:Possible terrorism in Texas and jihad against AmericansThe Focus: Is America’s war with Iran legal?The War in Israel (E-Book)Denison Forum: Will the Iran war forge a “very different” Middle East? About Dr. Jim Denison Dr. Jim Denison is a cultural theologian and the founder of Denison Ministries. He writes The Daily Article, a widely read commentary helping millions think biblically about the day’s most pressing headlines. Dr. Denison has studied Islam extensively and traveled to Israel many times, spending decades analyzing the spiritual and geopolitical forces shaping the Middle East. He holds a PhD in philosophy of religion, has taught apologetics at the seminary level, and is the author of more than thirty books, including The War in Israel and Radical Islam: What You Need to Know. About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    42 min
  3. USA hockey gold, State of the Union, tariff ruling, cartel takedown, Iran update & UFO files | Ep. 58

    FEB 26

    USA hockey gold, State of the Union, tariff ruling, cartel takedown, Iran update & UFO files | Ep. 58

    In this week's Brief: USA! USA! USA! Team USA wins gold in men's and women's hockey to cap off the best Winter Olympics performance in American history—and the men's overtime win over Canada felt like a generational moment. We break down the game, the 26 million viewers, and the tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau that had the whole country in tears. From there, we dive into the Supreme Court's major tariff ruling, what it means for presidential authority, and Trump's contingency plan. Plus, a full breakdown of the State of the Union—the bipartisan highlights, the jabs, the polls, and what Trump said about Iran as a third of the U.S. Navy sits off their coast. Plus, a major Mexican cartel leader is killed with U.S. intelligence support, Trump orders the release of UFO files, the Ukraine war hits four years, Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson are arrested, the latest on the Nancy Guthrie case, and a reflection on why feelings have replaced values—and what Scripture says about it. Topics(0:00) Introduction (2:01) USA Hockey gold thriller(7:31) Kash Patel locker room(8:15) Tariffs Supreme Court ruling(12:21) State of the Union highlights(14:18) Polling and speech takeaways(17:36) Iran tensions and buildup(23:01) Why hit Iran(24:08) Cartel kingpin fallout(26:51) UFO files push(29:35) Feelings versus values(33:39) Mailbag(36:49) War and scandals(40:05) Wrap-upResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe Articles on this week’s top headlines: Denison Forum: Why the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs is good newsDenison Forum: “Jack Hughes for President”Denison Forum: Who was “El Mencho” and why should his death matter to you?Denison Forum: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, four years laterThe Boys of Team USAOlympics: Medal Count Trump says he’ll raise tariffs to 15 percent after Supreme Court rulingSupreme Court rules most Trump tariffs illegal in major setback for economic agendaMarist Poll: The State of the Union60% disapprove of Trump ahead of State of the UnionTrump’s approval rating with independents hits a new low ahead of the State of the UnionWitkoff warns Iran is ‘a week away’ from 'bomb-making material' as Trump weighs actionThe biggest decision Trump will makeSurveillance of romantic partner led to El Mencho’s deadly capture, Mexican authorities sayTourists Stranded in Mexico After Cartel Violence Erupts: ‘I Watched Them Explode a Jeep’We asked scientists what they think we'll learn from the government's UFO files. Here's what they said. About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    42 min
  4. Is the American dream dead? Plus: James Van Der Beek, Robert Duvall, Jesse Jackson & Winter Olympics | Ep. 57

    FEB 19

    Is the American dream dead? Plus: James Van Der Beek, Robert Duvall, Jesse Jackson & Winter Olympics | Ep. 57

    ​​In this week's Brief: Is the American dream still alive? We dig into the data and what Americans actually mean by "the dream," why hope is more powerful than negativity, and how Christians can stay grounded while the loudest voices online try to convince us everything is falling apart. From there, we honor three cultural giants we lost this week—James Van Der Beek, Robert Duvall, and Rev. Jesse Jackson. We explore what their lives and legacies teach us about the difference between earthly impact and eternal significance. Plus, updates on the Winter Olympics medal count and fun facts on what athletes actually get paid, a mailbag question on finding clean TV shows, the DHS government shutdown, looming U.S. strikes on Iran, and the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal getting shaken up by Paramount.  Topics(0:00) Introduction(2:03) Cultural noise vs. reality: why the news feels so negative(3:07) Encouraging survey data: the American dream is more than wealth(6:14) History & hope: checks and balances, perseverance, and a crisis of hope(11:50) Freedom to live out faith: opportunity, religion, and a legacy tease-up(14:06) Remembering James Van Der Beek(17:02) Remembering Robert Duvall(19:37) Remembering Jesse Jackson(25:05) Gospel invitation: where your eternity (and legacy) begins(28:35) Winter Olympics check-in: medals, curling, and must-see moments(34:49) Mailbag: finding clean(ish) TV shows in a hyper-streaming culture(39:26) Checking in: DHS shutdown, Iran strike prep, and streaming mega-deals(41:55) Wrap-up: closing ceremonies, USA Hockey, and State of the UnionResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe Articles on this week’s top headlines: American Optimism Proves Its ResilienceNiall Ferguson: A Republic—If You Don’t Throw It AwayPeople: James Van Der Beek and Wife Kimberly Renewed Wedding Vows from Bed in 'Moving' Ceremony Days Before His Death (Exclusive)EW: James Van Der Beek secured down payment to buy family's Texas ranch just before his death with help from friendsDenison Forum: James Van Der Beek’s death and the path to true hopeWSJ: Robert Duvall, Oscar-Winning Actor, Dies at Age 95Facebook: Robert DuvallWSJ: Jesse Jackson, Civil-Rights Leader and Democratic Presidential Candidate, Dies at 84NYT: Jesse Jackson, Charismatic Champion of Civil Rights, Dies at 84Truth Social: Donald J. Trump About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    43 min
  5. Super Bowl recap, AI shakes Wall Street, Trump's Obama video, Epstein fallout & Winter Olympics | Ep. 56

    FEB 12

    Super Bowl recap, AI shakes Wall Street, Trump's Obama video, Epstein fallout & Winter Olympics | Ep. 56

    In this week's Brief: We break down Seattle's dominant Super Bowl win over the Patriots, the halftime show culture war between Bad Bunny and the Turning Point USA, and why this year's Super Bowl felt like an all-around stinker. But the moment that actually mattered most? Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba giving all glory to God at the pinnacle of success. From there, we dive into the AI arms race, from Super Bowl ad wars between Anthropic and OpenAI to the "SaaS-pocalypse" that rattled Wall Street. And we touch on one of the most disturbing political stories of the year: an AI-generated video shared from President Trump's account depicting the Obamas as primates. Plus, major Epstein file updates including Ghislaine Maxwell's testimony and international fallout, Winter Olympics highlights, the latest on the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping, and a reflection on what true success and failure look like through the lens of faith. Topics(0:00) Introduction (5:08) Halftime show controversy(12:37) AI in the spotlight(18:00) Trump's AI video controversy(22:50) Epstein files: dark revelations(31:03) Winter Olympics highlights(38:55) Savannah Guthrie kidnapping case(40:57) Tensions with Iran(41:54) Conclusion and call to actionResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe Articles on this week’s top headlines: X Post: Seattle Seahawks Jaxon-Smith Njigba’s faithX: Super Bowl ViewershipX: Super Bowl Halftime ViewershipDenison Forum: How to help kids process disturbing news in a digital age (Epstein files)Denison Forum: What Lindsey Vonn wrote after her crash at the OlympicsLawmakers Review Unredacted Epstein FilesA.I. Blitzes the Big GameDenison Forum: Should churches use AI?Tech-Stock Recovery Fuels Dow RecordDenison Forum: White House video depicts the Obamas as primatesCNN: Nancy Guthrie case live updates About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    44 min
  6. Bad Bunny, the Grammys, Super Bowl outrage, Don Lemon arrest & Epstein update | Ep. 55

    FEB 5

    Bad Bunny, the Grammys, Super Bowl outrage, Don Lemon arrest & Epstein update | Ep. 55

    In this week’s Brief, we step into one of those rare moments when it feels like everyone is watching—and arguing about—the same things. We discuss the Grammys’ most talked-about moments, including overt political messaging from Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, and other celebrities, and why so many Americans feel burned out by award shows that seem less about art and more about ideology. We then contrast that with the night’s most powerful moment: Jelly Roll’s reminder that Jesus doesn’t belong to a political party—but transforms lives. We also wrestle with the Super Bowl as a cultural battleground, asking why the halftime show sparks outrage every year and how Christians can keep their priorities straight when sports, politics, and identity collide. From there, we move into a fast-paced news roundup covering the latest Epstein document releases, rising tensions with Iran, and the Don Lemon arrest raising questions about protest, journalism, and religious freedom. Plus quick hits on the Clintons, Disney’s new CEO, and the Winter Olympics. Topics(0:00) Introduction (1:54) Grammys recap: performances and controversies(4:26) Bad Bunny’s political statement(9:46) Super Bowl halftime show controversies(14:51) Jelly Roll’s powerful Grammy speech(19:37) Epstein files: new revelations and reactions(23:55) Tensions with Iran: military and diplomatic developments(26:54) Don Lemon and the FACE Act controversy(29:52) Spiritual reflection: slowing down in a fast-paced world(33:19) Mailbag(41:20) Tune in: upcoming events and entertainmentResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines: Denison Forum: Should I have watched the Grammys?A smiling Cher laughs at her Grammys flubs in a good-natured, chaotic appearanceBAD BUNNY Wins BEST MÚSICA URBANA ALBUM | 2026 GRAMMYsBILLIE EILISH & FINNEAS O'CONNELL Win SONG OF THE YEAR | 2026 GRAMMYsJELLY ROLL Wins BEST CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY ALBUM | 2026 GRAMMYsX Post: Guitar Gods Unleashed (Ozzy)X Post: Sharon Osbourne Clintons to testify in Epstein congressional probe later this month, contempt vote on holdClintons finalize agreement to testify in House Epstein probe, bowing to threat of contempt vote About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    43 min
  7. Alex Pretti's death, immigration tensions & how Christians can respond with Dr. Ryan Denison | Ep. 54

    JAN 29

    Alex Pretti's death, immigration tensions & how Christians can respond with Dr. Ryan Denison | Ep. 54

    In this week’s Brief: we’re joined by Dr. Ryan Denison, Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum, to help us process one of the most sobering and emotionally charged stories in the country right now: the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. We walk through what we know, what remains unclear, and why Christians must be especially careful not to rush to judgment in moments that instantly become political flashpoints. Ryan helps us think biblically about the sanctity of life, protesting, law enforcement, and immigration while also addressing the spiritual cost of constant viral footage and outrage-driven narratives. We talk about accountability, de-escalation, and why humility may be one of the most countercultural Christian responses in a moment like this. Along the way, we also touch on the potential government shutdown tied to DHS funding, the growing bipartisan concern over ICE tactics, and how believers can discern whether they’re responding from faith or from partisanship.  Plus: quick hits on the winter storm, Greenland, the Super Bowl teams and Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub. Topics(0:00) Introduction (1:20) Main topic: Minneapolis shooting(2:33) Details of the incident(4:37) Public and political reactions(10:26) Christian perspective and response(14:05) Government shutdown and political fallout(23:51) Balancing political and biblical perspectives(27:46) The complexity of immigration policies(34:00) The importance of humility and prayer(38:22) Winter storm impact and listener stories(39:29) Greenland and U.S. sovereignty discussions(40:09) Super Bowl predictions and sports talk(43:14) Wrapping up and final thoughtsResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for Denison Forum newsletters (including The Focus): DenisonForum.org/newslettersArticles on this week’s top headlines: Ryan’s article: Reason for hope after the shooting of Alex PrettiThe Focus articlesDenison Forum: Was the ICE shooting in Minnesota justified?Timeline: A Moment-by-Moment Look at the Shooting of Alex PrettiX Post: Homeland Security X Post: Steven Miller X Post: Sen. Bill CassidyX Post: Bill MeluginCreators and communities everywhere take a stand against ICEDHS agents kill another Minneapolis protester About Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children. About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    45 min
  8. Greenland explained, Indiana’s Championship run, Iran updates, Minnesota tensions & Epstein files | Ep. 53

    JAN 22

    Greenland explained, Indiana’s Championship run, Iran updates, Minnesota tensions & Epstein files | Ep. 53

    In this week’s Brief: We start with Trump’s latest Greenland comments, why the island suddenly matters again, and we ask the question: how should Christians think about power, land, and national interest when everything feels like geopolitical brinkmanship? Then we pivot to one of the best sports stories of our lifetime: Indiana football winning the national championship, why Curt Cignetti’s “Google me” era is already legend, and how quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s faith-forward platform points to a deeper kind of legacy than wins and trophies. Plus we hit a bunch of the “everything else” that makes Culture Brief what it is: a 2016 photo trend, a rapid-fire military quiz, the latest on Iran and Minnesota. Oh, and where are the rest of the Epstein files?  Through it all, we’re trying to stay informed without being anxious, engage without being cynical, and remember that the earth still belongs to God—so our hope doesn’t rise and fall with headlines. Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:32) Trump’s Greenland speech update(3:35) Historical context of Greenland(5:37) Strategic importance of Greenland(8:06) Trump’s diplomatic moves and tariffs(15:26) Christian perspective on power and stewardship(20:09) Indiana football’s historic win(29:52) Faith and humility in sports(34:27) Hot takes and games(38:22) Current events and controversies(42:57) NFL playoffs and conclusionResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for Denison Forum newsletters: DenisonForum.org/newslettersArticles on this week’s top headlines: Denison Forum: Why is Greenland dominating the news?Denison Forum: Is Greenland worth what it will cost the United States?Denison Forum: President Trump to speak at the World Economic ForumThe Free Press: Will Trump Win Greenland or Lose Europe?WSJ: Why an Emboldened Trump Set His Sights on GreenlandDenison Forum: Faith at the center of Indiana’s title victoryCBS Sports: Where Fernando Mendoza's legendary fourth-down TD run ranks among greatest national championship game playsOn3: Curt Cignetti and Indiana have created a world of endless potential and hope for the rest of college footballX.com video: Fernando Mendoza’s Play of a Lifetime!Instagram Reel: This play is straight out of a movie Instagram Reel: Indiana’s rise: 2024-2025About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    45 min
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Feeling overwhelmed by the endless stream of news, politics, and pop culture? Join Denison Forum’s Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they break down the week’s biggest stories from a Christian perspective. Culture Brief dives into the topics that matter most, from the latest TV shows, movies, and celebrity buzz to trending stories in politics, sports, and technology. Expect laughs, insights, and honest conversations about navigating today’s fast-paced world with biblical discernment.  Whether you’re looking for entertainment, encouragement, or a fresh take on the culture around us, Conner and Micah are here to help you make sense of it all. New episodes drop every Thursday. 

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