Greenland explained, Indiana’s Championship run, Iran updates, Minnesota tensions & Epstein files | Ep. 53

In this week’s Brief: We start with Trump’s latest Greenland comments, why the island suddenly matters again, and we ask the question: how should Christians think about power, land, and national interest when everything feels like geopolitical brinkmanship?

Then we pivot to one of the best sports stories of our lifetime: Indiana football winning the national championship, why Curt Cignetti’s “Google me” era is already legend, and how quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s faith-forward platform points to a deeper kind of legacy than wins and trophies.

Plus we hit a bunch of the “everything else” that makes Culture Brief what it is: a 2016 photo trend, a rapid-fire military quiz, the latest on Iran and Minnesota. Oh, and where are the rest of the Epstein files? 

Through it all, we’re trying to stay informed without being anxious, engage without being cynical, and remember that the earth still belongs to God—so our hope doesn’t rise and fall with headlines.

Topics

• (0:00) Introduction
• (1:32) Trump’s Greenland speech update
• (3:35) Historical context of Greenland
• (5:37) Strategic importance of Greenland
• (8:06) Trump’s diplomatic moves and tariffs
• (15:26) Christian perspective on power and stewardship
• (20:09) Indiana football’s historic win
• (29:52) Faith and humility in sports
• (34:27) Hot takes and games
• (38:22) Current events and controversies
• (42:57) NFL playoffs and conclusion

Resources

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Watch on Youtube 
• Sign-up for Denison Forum newsletters: DenisonForum.org/newsletters

Articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Denison Forum: Why is Greenland dominating the news?
• Denison Forum: Is Greenland worth what it will cost the United States?
• Denison Forum: President Trump to speak at the World Economic Forum
• The Free Press: Will Trump Win Greenland or Lose Europe?
• WSJ: Why an Emboldened Trump Set His Sights on Greenland
• Denison Forum: Faith at the center of Indiana’s title victory
• CBS Sports: Where Fernando Mendoza's legendary fourth-down TD run ranks among greatest national championship game plays
• On3: Curt Cignetti and Indiana have created a world of endless potential and hope for the rest of college football
• X.com video: Fernando Mendoza’s Play of a Lifetime!
• Instagram Reel: This play is straight out of a movie 
• Instagram Reel: Indiana’s rise: 2024-2025

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 Director of Advancement 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 Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.