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

On this episode of Culture Brief , we dive into the latest on the Jeffrey Epstein uproar, the White House’s mixed response and why it still matters to many Americans. Then Micah breaks down new statistics indicating hopeful signs of revival—in the U.S. and around the world—and talks about the part we each play in this explosion of the Christian faith. We also unpack the Christian backlash against...

In this episode of Culture Brief , we reflect on the devastating floods in central Texas, the heartbreak they’ve left behind, and the political blame game that’s already started. Then Denison Forum’s Executive Director, Dr. Mark Turman, joins us for a conversation on how we process tragedy, loss, and grief as followers of Jesus. Plus, we offer our opinions on the viral (and controversial) New York...

On this episode of Culture Brief , we break down the headlines shaping your world—from politics to pop culture—with thoughtful, Christian insight. We unpack Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” the latest SCOTUS rulings, and why everyone suddenly has opinions about Chili’s. Plus: the Diddy verdict, UPenn’s apology to its female swimmers, Meta’s newest AI strategy, and a Fourth of July poem that’ll actual...

On this episode of Culture Brief , we break down the intense 12-day showdown between Israel and Iran—and the U.S. jumping in with surprise bombings with Operation Midnight Hammer (awesome name btw). Plus details on how the ceasefire came together, who brokered it (thanks, Qatar), and what it all means moving forward. Plus, a rapid-fire check-in on more top headlines in politics, entertainment, spo...

On this episode of Culture Brief , we unpack rising tensions between Israel and Iran—and whether America might get pulled into the mix. We also look at the growing MAGA divide over how the U.S. should respond. Then we shift to the future of AI: what's coming, who’s at risk, and how Christians should think ethically and spiritually about it all. Plus, the Pentagon Pizza Index theory, celebratio...

This week, we’re breaking down the headlines you can’t ignore—from riots in Los Angeles to Trump’s latest shots at Musk and Newsom. Plus, a look at the NCAA’s game-changing ruling on student-athlete pay and commentary on Simone Biles vs. Riley Gaines, NBA and NHL finals action, and a tribute to writer Jon Tjarks. Join us as we tackle politics, sports, and culture with honest Christian insight! Top...

This week, we’re breaking down the headlines shaping our world. We start with Pride Month and explore how corporations are responding this year—what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why it matters. Then, we shift to unpacking Ukraine’s latest drone strike inside Russia and what it signals for the future of warfare. Finally, we lighten things up with a round of “Would You Rather” and a quick analysis of...

This week, we’re talking about the rise of antisemitism—why it’s on the rise, why it’s messy, and how it connects to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. We also peel back the layers on Vladimir Putin’s mysterious past and how his upbringing impacts his harmful decision-making today. But it’s not all heavy! In the mailbag, we debate a fun hot topic (trust us, you’ll have feelings). Then we p...

This week, we’re diving into the headlines with our usual mix of curiosity and conviction.  Conner runs down the latest updates on President Joe Biden: the “cover-up” accusations, the Hur tapes, his cancer diagnosis and how it’s all bubbling up into a tense political saga leading to one big question the nation is forced to ask– was he fit to serve in the world’s most powerful position? Then Micah...

This week, Micah navigates the latest tariff, hostage, and ceasefire agreements made between the US and nations around the globe alongside Trump’s Middle East tour. Then it’s “Aviation Corner with Conner” – understanding the chaos unfolding at Newark airport and the “free” Air Force One replacement. Plus quick hits on the first American Pope, Pete Rose’s Baseball Hall of Fame eligibility, and a wi...

This week, we’re starting with a hard look at media bias. How does slanted coverage shape public trust—and are we part of the problem? Then it’s off to the red carpet (sort of) for a deep dive into the Met Gala. From its origins to its over-the-top outfits, we’re unpacking what this annual fashion spectacle says about our culture’s values. And yes, we tackle the viral question the internet didn’t...

This week we unpack Donald Trump’s wild return to the Oval Office—yep, we’re talking executive orders flying left and right and policy pivots that have us all trying to keep up. Then we break down the unexpected NFL Draft freefall of Shedeur Sanders and what his fifth-round slide says about pride, pressure, and perception. Join as we talk about humility and the subtle dangers of pride—with a surpr...

Join Conner Jones and guest host Josh Miller on this week's episode of Culture Brief. With Micah on vacation, Josh joins Conner as they discuss the significant passing of Pope Francis and his progressive papacy, the intriguing process of electing a new pope, and the impact of antitrust cases against tech giants like Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon with a focus on the significance of humility....

In this episode of Culture Brief , Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella explore why more members of Gen Z are turning to Jesus, even as traditional religious affiliation continues to decline. They also talk through Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited victory at the Masters, the status of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, and what’s behind the ongoing trade tensions with China. Plus, they examine new development...

Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella for an insightful episode of Culture Brief. This week, they discuss some of the most pressing news topics with spiritual insight: The impact of new tariffs announced by President Trump and their potential effects on the US economy, stock market, and everyday prices. Get the latest sports updates, including a recap of March Madness, Alex Ovechkin's re...

Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in this week's episode of Culture Brief, where they discuss hot topics from a Christian perspective. This week, they talk about the complex issues surrounding the deportation of immigrants under the Trump administration and the dismantling of the US Department of Education. Additionally, they discuss the innovative “torpedo” bats used by the New York...

Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in this episode of Culture Brief as they discuss the biggest stories of the week, starting with the significant security breach involving a Trump administration Signal group chat leak, its political fallout, and the comparisons to the Hillary Clinton email scandal. They also explore the cultural and political controversies surrounding the new Snow White movie...

Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella on Culture Brief as they break down the week’s biggest headlines through a Christian lens. This week they discuss the newly released JFK files and the insights they may reveal, the extended mission of astronauts who were stranded for nine months aboard the ISS, the ongoing turmoil within the Democratic Party, the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine peace...

Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella on Culture Brief as they break down the week’s biggest headlines through a Christian lens. From the turbulence in financial markets to a new and deadly phase of the civil war in Syria and the latest developments surrounding the controversial Tate brothers, they cover the stories shaping our world. Plus, they unpack the latest player moves in the NFL’s open mar...

Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella on the latest episode of Culture Brief as they discuss the Oval Office spat between Trump and Zelensky. They also explore the implications of U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China while considering the economic fallout and political maneuvering. Plus, the guys talk about the details of Gene Hackman’s death and offer a review of the Oscars, including the su...

Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in this episode of Culture Brief as they navigate top stories in news, politics, sports, pop culture, and technology from a Christian perspective. This week they discuss the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), its controversial actions, and the mixed public response. They also address the severe humanitarian crisis in the Democr...

It’s been a busy week in news, politics, sports, and pop culture. So join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they brief you on the week’s biggest stories…all from a Christian perspective. This week, they discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the history and legality of executive orders, and a variety of recent events across culture. Highlights include diving into the U.S. deploying mili...

This week on the Culture Brief podcast, Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella break down the biggest stories shaping our world. The guys start off with a deep dive into the latest Middle East tensions, unpacking the escalating conflict in Gaza and President Trump’s response to Hamas. Then, it’s a Hollywood check-in—what’s behind the Emilia Pérez controversy? And why is Blake Lively feuding with Justin...

Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they break down the week’s biggest stories: the tragic plane crash over the Potomac River, Trump's new tariff plans, and the shocking Dallas Mavericks trade of Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis. The episode features a special guest, Dr. Ryan Denison, who helps analyze the implications of the trade. They also cover upcoming news highlights, including Trump C...

Welcome back to Culture Brief, a Denison Forum podcast where Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella break down the latest in news, politics, sports, pop culture, and technology from a Christian perspective. This week, they discuss the massive dip in AI stocks and its broader implications followed by a thoughtful conversation on the immigration policies under Trump's administration and striking the b...