The Defining Truth Podcast

Something is shifting in our culture—and it’s happening fast. In this episode, we confront the growing wave of antisemitism emerging within today’s culture wars—and more concerning, how it’s beginning to creep into spaces that claim to be Christian. This isn’t just a political issue. It’s a theological one. We break down how unbelievers—and even compromised voices within the Church—are hijacking b...

In this episode of Defining Truth, Josiah O’Neil breaks down the latest global developments surrounding Iran, rising geopolitical tensions, and the broader implications for the United States and its allies. But beyond the headlines, this conversation asks a deeper question: How should Christians think about war, government authority, and international conflict through a biblical worldview? In Epis...

In Episode 64 of Defining Truth, we break down the biggest headlines dominating the news cycle — from Trump’s controversial push around Greenland, to the growing unrest in Minnesota tied to federal immigration enforcement and protests, to the ongoing demonstrations in Iran and why conservatives should support them. We unpack the latest developments, offer a grounded conservative perspective, and b...

In Episode 63 of Defining Truth, we confront a rising problem inside the conservative world — not a civil war, but a loud fringe of conspiracy-driven voices attacking Israel, promoting antisemitic narratives, and rejecting biblical truth. We call it what it is: a demonic, age-old hatred of the Jewish people resurfacing through modern platforms and personalities. True Christians must stand against...

In this episode, we unpack the breaking news surrounding U.S. strikes inside Venezuela and what this means for America’s role on the world stage. We also break down the recent government shutdown—its political fallout, financial impact, and what it reveals about leadership in crisis. Finally, we step back and ask the deeper question: What is the biblical role of government? Drawing on thinkers lik...

In this episode of Defining Truth, we cut through the noise surrounding two major headlines: 1.) The Gaza Ceasefire — We call Hamas what it is: a brutal terrorist organization using civilians as shields in its genocidal war against the Jewish people. While Israel has gone to unprecedented lengths to minimize civilian casualties, Hamas manipulates the world with propaganda and staged narratives. We...

What happened, what’s verified, and how we respond. On Sept 10, 2025, Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a campus event at Utah Valley University. On Sept 12, police announced the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect; the investigation is ongoing and motive is still being established. We break down the timeline, confront the climate of political violence, and walk thro...

In this powerful episode of Defining Truth, we break down the recent tragic shooting at a Catholic school by a trans-identified individual—and expose the deeper cultural and ideological forces at work. We explore the rising violence within the trans community, the mental health crisis being manufactured and weaponized by the left, and how progressive ideology creates chaos only to blame Christians...

In this episode of Defining Truth, we unpack two major stories shaking the nation: President Trump’s new push to ban mail-in ballots ahead of 2024—what it means, who it affects, and why the Left is fighting so hard to keep them. California’s controversial AB495—a bill that threatens parental rights under the guise of protecting minors, and why Republicans and human trafficking experts are raising...

This July 4th on Defining Truth, hosts Josiah O’Neil and Brandon Jones unpack America’s founding ideals and their gospel foundation. We dive into Jefferson’s Declaration, its Enlightenment and biblical roots, and how 1776 inspired revolutions from Paris to Latin America. Then we explore Scripture’s vision of true freedom—from God’s deliverance in Exodus to Jesus’s promise, “the truth will set you...

En el Episodio 56 de Defining Truth, recibimos como invitado especial al Pastor Fredy Morocho desde Cuenca, Ecuador. Acompáñanos mientras exploramos: 🌎 La Iglesia en la Sociedad y la Política: ¿Qué principios bíblicos guían el papel público de la iglesia? ✝️ Compromiso Fiel: ¿Cómo pueden los creyentes influir en las políticas con gracia y verdad? 🛂 Realidades de la Inmigración: Una perspectiva s...

In Episode 56 of Defining Truth, we welcome special guest Pastor Fredy Morocho from Cuenca, Ecuador. Join us as we explore: 🌎 The Church in Society & Politics: What biblical principles guide the church’s public role? ✝️ Faithful Engagement: How can believers influence policy with grace and truth? 🛂 Immigration Realities: A sensitive, on-the-ground perspective from Latin America—what Western...

DOGE’s voter-fraud bombshell, an Iraqi national indicted under 18 U.S.C. § 611, hard-line SSN deactivations, CA’s trans-sports “next-qualifier” pilot & SB 94’s early parole push. We tie it all back to the core battle: secularism vs. biblical truth.

In Episode 54 of Defining Truth, we dive into Chapter 10 of my book Defining Truth: Articulating America’s Worldview, unpacking how secular humanism views “sacrifice” as a means of self-advantage, versus the biblical worldview, which calls us to sacrificial love for others and an eternal focus on God’s will. 🔍 In This Episode: We define “sacrifice” through two lenses—why self-interest is the hear...

In Episode 53 of the Defining Truth Podcast, Josiah O’Neil and Brandon Jones unpack the biggest headlines of the week and what they mean for America’s future. 🇺🇸 Trump’s new tariffs shake global trade—supporters say it's about protecting American jobs, but critics are crying inflation. 🎓 Campus protests intensify as Mahmoud Khalil, tied to anti-Israel activism, faces deportation—what this reveals...

In Episode 52 of the Defining Truth Podcast, hosts Josiah O'Neil and Brandon Jones dive deep into the biggest headlines of the week—and expose a bombshell document leak from the group Friends of Democracy, revealing they paid protestors to disrupt conservative events and manipulate public perception. We also unpack major developments across politics, culture, and national security: 🚨 The unveilin...

In Episode 51 of the Defining Truth Podcast, hosts Josiah O'Neil and Brandon Jones dive deep into Chris Hedges' latest article — a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist's dark warning about America's cultural collapse. We break down what he gets right, what he misses, and what the church's role must be in this battle for truth. We also tackle the high-profile arrest and pending deportation of Mahmoud...

🚨 Major Developments from the White House & Congress! 🚨 In this milestone 50th episode of the Defining Truth Podcast, hosts Josiah O'Neil & Brandon Jones break down President Trump's recent Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—what was discussed, what it means for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and how Trump's "America First" foreign policy is shaping global a...

🚨 The confirmation hearings in Washington have been nothing short of explosive! In Episode 49 of Defining Truth, hosts Josiah O’Neil and Brandon Jones break down the biggest moments from the latest cabinet nomination battles and how they could reshape America for years to come. 💥 Inside this episode: ✅ Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Can he handle Health and Human Services despite his controversial vac...

This week on Defining Truth, we dive into the California wildfires and expose how flawed policies and cultural priorities have fueled this crisis. From environmental regulations to government mismanagement, we break down the battles shaping California's future. Don’t miss this critical discussion.

In this episode of Defining Truth, we are joined by Pastor Garid Beeler from Vision Calvary Chapel in Irvine, CA. Pastor Garid shares his journey of faith, the mission behind Vision Calvary Chapel, and the challenges and rewards of leading a growing church in today’s world. We discuss how to stay grounded in biblical truth while navigating modern culture and inspiring the next generation. Don’t mi...

In Episode 46 of Defining Truth, we tackle two major breaking stories making headlines. First, we dive into the unprecedented presidential pardon of Hunter Biden—what it means for justice, politics, and the legacy of the Biden administration. Then, we turn to the shocking shooting of United Healthcare's CEO, examining the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and its potential ripple effects...

In this powerful episode of Defining Truth, we sit down with Brian Ortiz, Commissioner of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention in Riverside County, CA. Brian’s story is one of redemption, transformation, and unwavering faith. From a life marked by prison and drugs to becoming a Christian leader and advocate for at-risk youth, Brian shares his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and findin...

In this episode of Defining Truth, we sit down with Joe Jordan, Pastor and President of Fred Jordan Ministries. Join us as Joe shares his journey, the mission behind the ministry, and the powerful lessons he's learned about faith, service, and leadership. This inspiring conversation delves into the heart of what it means to live a life defined by truth, compassion, and unwavering purpose. Don't mi...

With so much at stake, this election is shaping up to be the most significant of our lives. In this episode, we dive into why every vote counts more than ever, what’s driving historic levels of attention, and how the results could impact everything from our economy to our rights. Whether it's your first time voting or you're a seasoned voter, join us to understand what makes this election so criti...