Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories DOGE's disruptions, Congo crisis, Oscars preview & a "Star Wars" hot take | Ep. 8
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 Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on the persecution of Christians and international reactions. Additionally, they cover upcoming events like the NFL Draft Combine, the Oscars, and Lent. Don't miss Conner's hot take on Star Wars and updates on the Ukraine and Russia peace talks.
Topics
- (00:56): The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
- (10:46): Spiritual and Personal Reflections
- (14:53): Humanitarian Crisis in the Congo
- (22:25): Weekly Highlights and Sports Update
- (24:56): Pope's Health Update
- (25:21): Clint Hill's Passing and JFK Files
- (26:17): Apple's Investment in American Infrastructure
- (27:31): Vivek Ramaswamy's Campaign Announcement
- (28:44): Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks and Minerals Deal
- (29:47): Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down from Lucasfilm
- (31:14): Spicy Hot Take
- (35:27): Parenting Stages and Advice
- (38:19): Upcoming Shows and Events
Resources
- Mailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
- DenisonForum.org/subscribe
- Culture Brief on Instagram
- Christian Parenting
- Denison Forum: Lent Resources
OSCAR’s articles:
- Why did 'Emilia Peréz' actually receive 13 Oscar nominations?
- 'A Complete Unknown' earns eight Academy Award nominations
- Why I hope you won’t see “Conclave”
- DOGE claims $55 billion in government cuts so far -- but the figure is hard to verify - ABC News
- DOGE: Department of Government Efficiency
- A comprehensive look at DOGE's firings and layoffs so far | AP News
- Watson: DOGE’s youth is a feature, not a bug
- Federal agencies can ignore "What did you do last week?" email, Trump administration says - CBS News
- Elon Musk claims federal employees have 48 hours to explain recent work or resign | The Verge
- LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON FEDERAL WORKERS
- Elon Musk on X: "Subject to the discretion of the President, they will be given another chance. Failure to respond a second time will result in termination." / X
- The civil war in Congo could soon reach a tipping point
- More pressure on Rwanda as Congo says rebel uprising has killed over 7,000 people this year | AP News
- Children face lethal violence, rape in east Congo war | Reuters
- Rwanda-backed M23 rebels capture eastern DRC’s second-largest city | Democratic Republic of the Congo | The Guardian
- 70 Christians found beheaded in church in DRC - Open Doors UK & Ireland
- 70 Christians beheaded in the DRC - Denison Forum
- US and Ukraine agree to terms on minerals and reconstruction
- Justin Trudeau's Comment on X
About Micah Tomasella
Micah Tomasella is the Advancement Officer 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 Conner Jones
Conner 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 Denison Forum
Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.