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

Denison Forum
  • 4.7 (42)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

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. World Cup tourists love America, Iran deal explained, Knicks win & SpaceX soars | Ep. 74

    1d ago

    World Cup tourists love America, Iran deal explained, Knicks win & SpaceX soars | Ep. 74

    In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Dr. Ryan Denison to break down the Iran memorandum of understanding—what we know, what we don't, and whether this war actually accomplished what it set out to do. With nuclear questions unresolved and trust in short supply, Ryan reminds us that the credibility of the gospel depends on the credibility of Christians. From there, we celebrate World Cup tourists falling in love with America. From Buc-ee's to biscuits and gravy to yellow school buses, foreign fans are reminding us of everything we take for granted—and it's a breath of fresh air in a country that's been told it's broken. We explore what this means for American pride and the biblical call to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. Plus, three tragic aircraft crashes including the loss of pop artist Oliver Tree, SpaceX soars past $2.6 trillion, the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup, the Knicks end a 53-year championship drought, the US dominates Paraguay 4-1, and the US Open tees off in 40 mph winds. Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:42) Iran deal explained(4:35) Ceasefire terms and stakes(7:41) Israel and war goals(12:31) Trust and Gospel credibility(16:03) World Cup tourists love America(24:19) World Cup reality check(30:13) Scripture and Gospel call(35:07) SpaceX IPO surge(36:00) Hurricanes win cup(38:15) Knicks end drought(39:28) USMNT and US Open(41:51) ConclusionResourcesCatch Conner and Ryan discussing AI and UFOs on this week’s episode of the Faith & Clarity podcastSubscribe to Ryan’s newsletter “The Focus”Send 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:A Sidelined G7 Awaits Trump’s Triumphant ArrivalThe Trump-Iran Deal Allows Tehran to Immediately Sell OilThese visitors’ viral World Cup videos are showing what really makes America greatU.S. World Cup hotel bookings are disappointing, and Trump is a major reasonWorld Cup tourists swoon over the real America — and they’re making us fall in love, tooAbout 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. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

    43 min
  2. World Cup preview, SpaceX IPO, helicopter shot down, Knicks-Spurs & UFC at the White House | Ep. 73

    Jun 11

    World Cup preview, SpaceX IPO, helicopter shot down, Knicks-Spurs & UFC at the White House | Ep. 73

    In this week's Brief: The World Cup kicks off on American soil and we break down why this isn't just a soccer tournament—it's the most-watched event in human history. We explore what 48 nations gathering together means culturally, highlight the players boldly sharing their faith on the world's biggest stage, and connect it all to Revelation 7:9 and the ultimate gathering of nations before the throne of God. From there, we dive into “Hot IPO Summer” as SpaceX prepares to become the most valuable IPO in history, potentially making Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire. With OpenAI and Anthropic also filing to go public, we talk about what this means for AI, the economy, and how to handle financial anxiety through the lens of Philippians 4:6. Plus, a U.S. helicopter is shot down over the Strait of Hormuz and rescued by a drone boat for the first time ever, Spencer Pratt falls short in the LA mayor race, Stanley Cup and NBA Finals updates, and UFC is coming to the White House lawn. Topics(00:00): Introduction (1:29) The World Cup explained(8:06) Europeans discover America(11:14) Why the World Cup matters(13:06) Faith on the world stage(19:18) SpaceX IPO and AI bets(24:37) Mind-blowing wealth(26:22) Is SpaceX worth it?(30:31) Faith over financial fear(35:12) LA mayor race update(37:04) Middle East drone rescue(39:43) Tune In: NHL, NBA, UFC at the White House ResourcesSend 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:Christianity Today: 14 World Cup Stars Who Follow JesusESPN: World Cup is almost here! Time for soccer to do the talkingMorning Brew: Is hosting the World Cup worth it?The Athletic: How big is the World Cup? In a word: colossalCNN: World Cup beginner’s guide: What you need to know for the biggest sporting event in the worldFreddy the German Soccer Fan discovers Waffle House - X PostFreddy the German Soccer Fan Goes to Auburn’s Football Stadium - X PostFreddy the German Soccer Fan discovers Buc-ees - X PostWSJ: Terms Revealed for SpaceX’s Unconventional $75 Billion IPOWSJ: OpenAI Files to Go Public in Test of Investor Appetite for Top AI StartupsWSJ: For a Select Few, IPOs Are Winners. Good Luck to Everyone Else.How Great Is Our God (World Edition)Dr. Jim Denison: When you fear for your finances: How to avoid the ‘prison of anxiety’Max Lucado: Anxiety Ain’t Fun 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. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

    45 min
  3. America's vice problem, Iran update, Gen Z box office boom, 60 Minutes turmoil & NBA Finals | Ep. 72

    Jun 4

    America's vice problem, Iran update, Gen Z box office boom, 60 Minutes turmoil & NBA Finals | Ep. 72

    In this week's Brief: The Iran deal negotiations feel like Groundhog Day—another week, another "we're almost there." We break down Trump's heated call with Netanyahu, the stalled peace talks, and a call to prayer for an end to the conflict. Then we look the vices that are quietly dominating American culture—sports gambling, marijuana, and online prostitution. We explore how instant gratification has turned every phone into a pocket Las Vegas—and what biblical stewardship looks like in response. Plus, Scott Pelley fired from 60 Minutes, the Spencer Pratt mayoral race update, Gen Z directors are blowing up the box office while Star Wars stumbles, Myles Garrett sent to the Rams in a blockbuster NFL trade, and the Stanley Cup and NBA Finals are here! Through it all, we're reminded that God is our refuge and fortress—and that the vices of this world were never meant to satisfy what only He can fill. Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:37) Iran deal stalemate(2:03) Trump and Netanyahu clash(7:50) Psalm 46 and prayer(15:22) Sports betting everywhere(22:46) Marijuana goes mainstream(25:05) Porn industry and AI(31:23) CBS 60 Minutes shakeup(33:48) LA mayor race update(40:03) NFL blockbuster trades(42:04) College baseball and softball(43:38) World Cup betting boom(44:34) Stanley Cup and NBA Finals(48:27) ConclusionResourcesSend 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:Trump ‘shouted and cursed Netanyahu over threat to resume Beirut bombing’The altars of our culture’s excessConfidence in InstitutionsThe Rattled Generation: A unified theory of this American momentBehind the Curtain: Scaling sinThe Future of Movies Is Here: ‘Backrooms,’ ‘Obsession’ Mark Turning Point for Hollywood | AnalysisAbout 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 Parker JonesParker is the Groups Pastor at Midway Church in Pilot Point, TX. He received a Bachelor's degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Dallas Baptist University and recently completed a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Southern Seminary. Parker's main interests include baseball, football, history, and current events. He loves fishing, attending Texas Rangers games, and spending time with his wife and two daughters. 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. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

    49 min
  4. Iran deal problems, Spencer Pratt for LA Mayor, Pope’s AI warning, Kyle Busch & New York Knicks | Ep. 71

    May 28

    Iran deal problems, Spencer Pratt for LA Mayor, Pope’s AI warning, Kyle Busch & New York Knicks | Ep. 71

    In this week's Brief: An Iran deal is close—but is it the deal the US went to war for? We break down the deal’s framework, why three Republican senators are publicly questioning the entire operation, and why the biggest objective of the war—preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon—may not even be in the agreement. From there, we dive into the enigma that is Spencer Pratt and his unlikely run for mayor of Los Angeles. How did a reality TV villain become a legitimate political force? We explore what's fueling his rise, the parallels to Zohran Mamdani in New York, and what it says about a culture that's desperate for someone—anyone—to finally fix what feels broken. Plus, Pope Leo's stark AI warning, Tulsi Gabbard's resignation, NASCAR legend Kyle Busch's sudden passing at 41, the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup matchups, and a reminder that no politician can fully heal what's ultimately a heart problem—true restoration comes only through Christ. Topics(00:00) Introduction (0:44) Iran war costs and stakes(2:45) Draft deal terms and nuclear gap(5:10) Midterms pressure and senator backlash(11:59) Negotiation snags and regional politics(17:52) Spencer Pratt LA mayor shockwave(25:03) LA disorder videos(26:22) Angry Angelinos surge(29:16) Election math runoff(32:09) Hope beyond politics(37:47) Pope warns on AI(39:20) Tulsi Gabbard resigns(40:42) Kyle Busch tribute(42:54) Sports finals preview(45:43) Conclusion ResourcesSend 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:Three Big Political Story Lines to Watch This WeekTrump Says a Deal for Talks With Iran to End War Is Near FinalizationRepublican MS Sen. Roger Wicker on XSen Lindsey Graham on XSen Ted Cruz on XUS Military says it carried out ‘self-defense’ strikes in Iran, including on missile launch sitesThe Pratt PackSpencer Pratt Is Running for LA Mayor. Could He Win?Everything is Reality TV. Spencer Pratt Knows It 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. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

    46 min
  5. Rise of antisemitism, America's AI backlash & the heart problem underneath it all | Ep. 70

    May 21

    Rise of antisemitism, America's AI backlash & the heart problem underneath it all | Ep. 70

    In this week’s Brief: Micah Tomasella and Dr. Ryan Denison tackle two pressing cultural conversations — and find a deeper spiritual thread connecting them both. First, they dig into a troubling trend: antisemitism is no longer lurking in the shadows. Drawing from pieces in The Free Press and Axios, they examine how weakly sourced accusations against Israel are quietly reviving ancient hatred in modern form, and how open threats against Jewish lawmakers are becoming disturbingly casual. They explore the historical and scriptural dimensions of why this hatred tends to rise in times of cultural pain — and why Christians should be paying close attention. Then Ryan unpacks a Wall Street Journal report showing that Americans' negative feelings about AI may be growing even faster than the technology itself. From graduation speeches getting booed to massive data centers reshaping rural America, they talk honestly about the anxiety AI is stirring — and what our reaction to it reveals about our hearts. The through-line? Whether it's antisemitism, AI, or any headline grabbing our attention, the deeper issue is the same: a culture losing its grip on truth, dignity, and trust in God. The invitation is to stop reacting and start surrendering. Topics(0:00) Introduction(0:47) Connor on vacation(2:07) Anti-semitism rising(14:55) Americans turning on AI(17:20) AI in daily life(21:53) Data centers and division(26:12) AI and surrender to God(28:33) Faith over control(31:48) Conclusion ResourcesSend 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:Jewish lawmakers face an explosion of antisemitismA Miscarriage of Journalism at “The New York Times”The American Rebellion Against AI Is Gaining SteamLet’s debate: Data centersFP Data CentersWhat Happens When a Data Center Comes to Town About Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan Denison 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.

    33 min
  6. Trump goes to China, summer box office predictions, Hantavirus & UFO files dropped | Ep. 69

    May 14

    Trump goes to China, summer box office predictions, Hantavirus & UFO files dropped | Ep. 69

    In this week's Brief: Trump lands in Beijing for the most consequential meeting of his presidency. We break down what's at stake as the world's two superpowers sit down—from trade and AI to Iran, Taiwan, and religious freedom for persecuted Chinese Christians—and why we should all be praying for what happens in that room. Then we preview the summer blockbuster season—from “The Mandalorian and Grogu” to “Toy Story 5”, Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey”, “Spider-Man”, and more. Conner is joined by guest competitor Anna Joy Baxley as Micah hosts them through predictions on which films will flop, break even, or bust the block in Year Two of our annual Bust the Block game. Plus, the Hantavirus scare hits American shores after a deadly cruise ship outbreak, the UFO file drop finally arrives and delivers… gray blurry videos, and a reminder that no matter what shakes the world this summer—our faith doesn't shake with it. Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:58) Trump heads to China(6:01) Pray and respond like Jesus(14:29) Summer movies kickoff(18:38) Mandalorian and Grogu(25:17) Toy Story 5 predictions(26:35) Screen addiction themes(27:31) Supergirl box office bet(31:17) Moana live action debate(33:03) Nolan Odyssey hype(40:32) Hantavirus cruise quarantine(44:33) UFO files faith check(46:32) ConclusionResourcesSend 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: 1 big thing: Trump's legacy weekXi’s China: Dazzling Technology, Military Muscle—and an Economic Mess2026 SUMMER MOVIE RELEASES: FULL CALENDARSummer 2026 movies: 12 of the biggest releases coming to theatresSummer U.S. Box Office Aims For The Sun With $4 Billion+, But Is Fewer Studio Films The Way To Go? – Season Preview About AJ BaxleyAnna Joy Baxley is a Graphic Designer at Denison Ministries and an artist who seeks to know the Lord more deeply and glorify him in all she creates. 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.

    48 min
  7. Spirit Airlines collapses, America's 250th, DHS shutdown ends, GameStop-eBay & Lively-Baldoni case | Ep. 68

    May 7

    Spirit Airlines collapses, America's 250th, DHS shutdown ends, GameStop-eBay & Lively-Baldoni case | Ep. 68

    In this week's Brief: Spirit Airlines is gone. We break down how America's seventh-largest airline collapsed overnight, the bad decisions that led to it, the far-reaching impact on jobs, airports, and travel—and what the wisdom of Scripture says about stewardship versus squeezing every last dollar out of people. From there, we take a deeper look at what America's 250th birthday should mean to us as Christians. In a culture where some defend the country blindly and others only see what's broken, we explore what Scripture says about God's role in establishing nations, and why our identity must be rooted in Jesus, not a political party or a flag. Plus, the 76-day DHS shutdown finally ends, Iran ceasefire tensions escalate again, Ted Turner passes away at 87, GameStop tries to buy eBay, the Kentucky Derby delivers an all-time finish, and the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni lawsuit settles. Topics(0:00) Introduction (1:09) Spirit Airlines shuts down and why (06:48) COVID Shift and JetBlue Merger Blocked (08:45) Oil Shock and Bailout Talks (12:58) Ripple effects on travel (15:48) Lessons on wisdom (19:41) America 250 big questions (22:27) God and nations in Scripture (24:11) Patriotism without extremes (25:12) Conner on loving America (25:40) Freedom and flaws (27:14) Identity over nation (28:54) Prayer and joy (31:14) Happiness and church (32:48) Merch and community (34:51) Share and subscribe (37:05) DHS shutdown ends (38:11) Middle East tensions (40:15) Ted Turner legacy (41:11) GameStop buys eBay (43:03) Derby comeback win (43:42) Hollywood lawsuit settled (45:11) Conclusion ResourcesSend 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: How the Trump Administration’s Spirit Airlines Rescue UnraveledSpirit Airlines shuts down as company says it can’t keep up with higher oil pricesAirlines reduce, cap fares for Spirit travelers looking to rebook canceled flightsRetiring Spirit Pilot Has Impromptu Celebration After His Final Career Flight Was Canceled Due to Airline’s ClosureX: NBC SportsDenison Forum: America 250About 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.

    46 min
  8. Assassination attempt, why we're becoming numb, Kimmel-Disney-Melania feud & King Charles in DC | Ep. 67

    Apr 30

    Assassination attempt, why we're becoming numb, Kimmel-Disney-Melania feud & King Charles in DC | Ep. 67

    In this week's Brief: Another assassination attempt on the president. We break down what happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner—how the evening played out, what we’ve learned about the gunman and how he got past security. More importantly, we dive into why political violence is becoming normalized, how dehumanizing language creates a pipeline to radicalization, and what it means that we're all becoming numb to these situations. We also check in on the new Jimmy Kimmel-Trump feud reigniting over a controversial joke about Melania being an expectant widow, the FCC threatening Disney's broadcast licenses, and King Charles arriving in Washington as an unlikely diplomatic bridge between the U.S. and Europe. Through it all, we're challenged to ask: in a culture training us to hate, are we being formed by Christ or by divisive rhetoric? Our identity belongs in Jesus, not a political party. Topics(0:00) Introduction (1:43) White House attack overview(5:53) Micah reacts and numbness(8:50) Security failures at the Hilton(14:20) Culture of political violence(18:18) Echo chambers and dehumanizing talk(20:34) News cycle moves on(23:10) Christian response to violence(28:27) Love your neighbor anyway(30:24) Identity beyond politics(31:55) Hope for national revival(33:17) Kimmel vs Trump fallout(36:56) Royals visit Washington(39:00) Derby Met Gala wrap(40:23) ConclusionResourcesSend 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: Suspect in White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting charged with assassination attemptThe White House correspondents’ dinner shooting.What we know about security measures at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinnerAccused attacker at Washington media dinner is a tutor and computer engineer from CaliforniaDenison Forum: White House Correspondents’ Dinner suspect to be charged todayDenison Forum: King Charles III to address joint session of CongressDenison Forum: Media Bias, the Met Gala, gorilla vs man debate & an Alcatraz theory | Ep. 18 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.

    41 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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