Texas floods, responding faithfully to tragedy, Epstein list fallout & best movies of the 2000s | Ep. 27

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 Times’ list of the best movies since 2000, break down the fallout among MAGA following the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case, touch on Elon Musk’s latest political pivot, and brief you on other headlines making waves this week.

It’s a mix of hard questions, cultural hot takes, and spiritual insight—because navigating today’s world requires all three.

Topics

• (01:08): Texas floods: An overview of the tragedy
• (04:44): Honoring the victims
• (08:57): Heroes amidst the tragedy
• (13:34): Political finger-pointing
• (18:26): Spiritual guidance and coping
• (29:27): Connecting to the tragedy
• (32:18): Resources and support
• (35:01): Debating the best movies of the century
• (40:31): Political and social updates
• (47:11): Upcoming sports documentaries
• (49:19): Conclusion and Farewell

Resources

• Mailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Texans on Mission
• Denison Forum Podcast: Why does God allow disasters like the Texas Hill Country floods?
• Christian Parenting: How to talk to your kids about the flooding at Camp Mystic
• Viral video shows Camp Mystic children singing while escaping Texas flood
• The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century - The New York Times
• Readers Choose Their Top Movies of the 21st Century - The New York Times

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Denison Forum: Coast Guard swimmer rescues 165 in deadly Texas floods
• Denison Forum: Camp Mystic director dies trying to save kids during flood
• Politico: Deep in the heart of Texas: The Storm After the Storm
• Playbook: Why Biden wanted the CNN debate - POLITICO
• X: Homeland Security
• In Texas region prone to catastrophic floods, questions grow about lack of warning
• How a Flash Flood Turned Camp Mystic Into a Disaster Zone - WSJ
• Harrowing Tales Emerge in Texas as Rescuers Keep Up Search for Missing - The New York Times
• Terrified Girls, Helicopters and a Harrowing Scene: A Rescuer's Account at Camp Mystic
• Texas flooding victims include Dallas Catholic school sisters, camp counselor, Walmart employee
• Camp Mystic counselor who died in Texas flooding remembered as 'loyal and beloved' - ABC News
• Texas Flood Hero, Camp Mystic Director Makes Ultimate Sacrifice: 'Just Who He Was'
• Texas flooding: at least 107 people have died as questions intensify over handling of disaster – as it happened
• Hopes fade for missing Texas flood victims as death toll hovers around 100 | Reuters
• Young Campers Seen Crying and Singing Campfire Songs in Videos as They Evacuated amid Devastating Texas Floods
• Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – The Texas Flyover
• Flood predictions could worsen when Trump’s cuts take hold - POLITICO
• Dems try blaming Trump for Texas flood death toll
• Trump spending cuts, his approach to climate change attacked as catalyst of catastrophic Texas flooding
• Denison Forum: Elon Musk announces the "America Party"

About Conner Jones

Conner 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 Tomasella

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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 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.