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

In this week’s brief: We’re breaking down the headlines shaping the year’s explosive start, beginning with Operation Absolute Resolve and the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. What does the move signal militarily? How does it reshape the global chessboard? Was it legal? Does this operation support Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda? And was it worth the risk? We discuss the questions much...

In this week’s Brief: We take a wide-angle look at 2025, what we thought the year would hold, what actually happened, and what surprised us along the way, starting with a revisit to our predictions from January. Then we talk about the most influential people of 2025 followed by the biggest stories in fashion, food, pop-culture, sports, travel, nature, tech, global news, politics before landing on...

In this week’s Brief: We walk through a heavy news cycle that collided head-on with the Christmas season. We unpack an attack on U.S. troops, the shooting at Brown University, the terrorist attack in Sydney, the horrific murders of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and his wife, and a foiled NYE terror attack in California. Then, we shift gears to some lighter—but still meaningful—moments: favorite Chri...

In this week’s Brief: We break down the massive Netflix and Paramount fight to out-bid one another in a multibillion-dollar purchase of Warner Bros.—a move that could reshape everything in Hollywood and change how Americans engage TV and movies. Is this a death knell for movie theaters? Are the streaming wars done or just getting started? What does a deal mean for average consumers? We tackle it a...

In this week’s Brief: We round up the top stories dominating the headlines, including the latest in peace negotiations in the Ukraine-Russia war, the tragic attack near the White House and its implications for U.S. immigration policy, and controversy around drone strikes on drug vessels in the Caribbean.  We also zoom out for a 250-year look at the American worker: how wages, conditions, and prote...

In this week’s Brief: we break down a whirlwind week in U.S. politics—from the fallout surrounding the newly released Epstein files to what the shifting narrative means for President Trump and the broader Republican landscape. We also take a closer look at the growing fractures within the MAGA movement, including the tension playing out among voices like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene....

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about the political maneuvering that happened to reopen the government. And Micah dives into the Democratic Party’s ongoing identity crisis, exploring questions of leadership, vision, and unity as the 2026 elections loom. Should they choose the socialist or moderate path? Shifting gears, they cover a major week in sports and pop culture, including Nancy Pelosi’s...

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking tariffs and how they’re not impacting the US economy nearly as much as experts predicted back in April. But this week’s SCOTUS hearing could change that. We also take a closer look at Christian persecution in Nigeria, where Trump is threatening military action if the killings of Christians continue. Plus updates on the death of Dick Cheney and the UPS plane cras...

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about Trump’s whirlwind Asia tour, including stops in Qatar, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and an upcoming high-stakes meeting with China. And we take a look at what’s happening back at home with the White House’s East Wing demolition, a PR war with Canada, and the never-ending government shutdown. We also dig into the NBA betting scandal involving Chauncey Bill...

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about the global tug-of-war over rare earth minerals and what the U.S. is doing to loosen its reliance on China. We also dive into the daring, Hollywood-worthy heist at the Louvre. And we tackle updates on the government shutdown, the "No Kings" protests, Ukraine and Israel before sharing our World Series predictions. Plus, don’t miss a big announcement...

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...

In this week’s Brief: Micah’s out on vacation, so we had Alex Kondratev join the show as guest co-host to break down the headlines!  We're talking about the Israel–Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, Donald Trump’s central role in the negotiations, the still unresolved issues, and Trump’s thoughts on if he’s “heaven-bound”.  Then we dive into the debate over Turning Point USA’s alternative Sup...

This week, we welcome special guest Landon Wolfe, the voice behind the worship hit “The Lord Will Provide”! We dive into Landon’s journey in music, his ministry at Passion City Church, leading NFL stadiums in worship at Passion Conferences, and the movement of young people turning to faith. We talk through the story behind “The Lord Will Provide”, what goes into preparing for Passion Conferences,...

In this week’s Brief: The US government is officially shutdown, and it isn’t just about stalled budgets—it’s about the deeper dysfunction in Washington. We’re unpacking the fallout, the blame game, and what it means for everyday Americans. We’re also looking at President Trump’s 20-point Israel/Gaza peace proposal—the pros, the cons, and what it could mean for the region’s future. Plus, a viral UF...

In this week’s Brief: Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and return to late-night TV isn’t just about comedy—it’s about the FCC, political pressure, and what this says about the state of free expression in America. We’re unpacking the story, the fallout, and what it reveals about today’s media landscape. We’re also looking at the powerful moments from Charlie Kirk’s memorial service—especially Erica Kirk’s...

In this week’s brief: the cultural shockwave of Charlie Kirk’s assassination has rocked the nation—politics, media, public safety, and Americans are all grappling with the aftermath of his death. We’re breaking down the investigation, the cultural responses, and what his legacy means for a new generation of voters. We’re also digging into the rise of political violence, security for public figures...

Sadly, we start this episode with a brief update on the tragic killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. His death came after we recorded the episode, and we hope to offer more information on next week’s podcast. In this week’s brief: The Department of Defense has rebranded itself as the Department of War—yes, really—and tensions with Venezuela are heating up. We also didn’t miss the social...

This week on Culture Brief , we’re looking at the deployment of federal troops in U.S. cities and what it means for crime, local authority, and national precedent. We’ll also dig into the rapid rise of sports betting across the country, how it’s reshaping culture, and its dangerous possibilities. Plus, a roundup of politics, world news, college football updates, some NFL predictions, and our favor...

This week, we’re breaking down Cracker Barrel’s rebrand disaster, what it says about cultural and brand identity in America, and how we, as Christians, should apply the lessons learned to our own faith and lives. We’ll also look at the nation’s growing divisions and ask what unity really means from a Christian perspective. Then, big news in sports and pop culture: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s e...

This week, we’re breaking down the recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, European leaders visiting the White House, and the next steps in bringing peace to Ukraine and Israel/Gaza. But what does it mean for US foreign policy and Europe’s stability? And how should Christians think biblically about peace and power on the world stage…and in our own personal lives? We share our own stories of finding p...

This week, we’re previewing the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, unpacking what’s at stake for the US, Russia, Ukraine, and Europe, and what pursuing peace looks like spiritually. Then, we analyze AI talent wars across Silicon Valley where tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg are battling it out with eye-popping 9 to 10 digit salaries to snatch up top AI researchers as they race to be the first to achiev...

This week, we’re breaking down the headlines everyone’s talking about—from the Texas redistricting showdown to the internet’s uproar over American Eagle’s latest ad featuring Sydney Sweeney.  PLUS: Unpacking the ongoing crisis in Gaza, an Epstein saga update, a surprising Moon mission, the NFL/ESPN deal, and Micah’s very strong opinions on USA Today’s bold (and questionable) fast food burger ranki...

This week we’re breaking down the trending headlines and asking what it all means for Christians navigating today’s world.  Micah breaks down major shifts in U.S. trade policy with countries like China, Japan, and India.  Then Conner reflects on the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and the lesser-known story of his faith, before zooming out to look at the spiritual journeys of other public figur...

In this episode, Conner and Micah sit down with Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful roundtable conversation exploring the intersection of faith, sports, and culture. Together, they discuss the spiritual implications of sports gambling, the complexities of compensating college athletes, and what it means to follow Christ in the world of competitive athletics. They also reflect on...

This week, Conner breaks down the sudden cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , the theories surrounding the move, and what it means for the future of late-night TV. Then Micah explores the latest controversies surrounding Israel—what’s really happening, and how should Christians think biblically about the conflict and the nation of Israel?  Plus some thoughts on the viral Coldplay c...