Astronauts return, Democrat party turmoil, JFK files, & March Madness | Ep. 11

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 talks, and wrap up with March Madness predictions and a related basketball hot take. And the guys offer eternal perspective and biblical wisdom for maintaining spiritual peace in tumultuous times.

Topics

• (00:16): Breaking news: JFK files released
• (00:49): Astronauts' unexpected nine-month mission
• (01:19): Russia-Ukraine peace talks update
• (03:06): Astronauts' return: Challenges and triumphs
• (13:58): Democratic party in turmoil
• (24:18): Democratic party's internal struggles
• (30:52): Israel-Gaza conflict update
• (33:02): JFK files released
• (36:51): March Madness excitement
• (38:50): College Basketball vs. NBA
• (41:05): Listener engagement and conclusion

Resources

• Mailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• U.S. astronauts finally returning to Earth after 9 months in space
• How NASA Astronauts Might Feel When They Return to Earth
• Stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams return to Earth in SpaceX capsule: Live updates
• 'Butch and Suni' astronauts prepare for Tuesday homecoming after nine-month mission | Reuters
• Dragon Undocks With SpaceX Crew-9 Members for Return to Earth - NASA
• Nasa astronauts back on Earth after being stuck months on ISS: ‘grins, ear to ear’ | Nasa | The Guardian
• Democrats clear way for funding bill, end threat of shutdown
• Chuck Schumer at the center of a “civil war” among Democrats
• Schumer forced to cancel events over ‘threats’ after backing GOP bill & Dem insists she's LEAVING party in huge meltdown | The US Sun
• Democrats Clear Way for GOP Funding Bill, Ending Threat of Government Shutdown
• Playbook: Reeling, fuming, gloating - POLITICO
• Schumer at center of civil war after funding fiasco
• Chuck Schumer: Trump and Musk Would Love a Shutdown. We Must Not Give Them One. - The New York Times
• Walz knocks Schumer over government funding blowup - POLITICO
• Inside House Dems' furious anti-Schumer movement
• CNN Poll: Democratic Party’s favorability drops to a record low | CNN Politics

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 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 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.