In this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, host Mark Turman kicks off 2025 by introducing listeners to the new Culture Brief podcast. Joined by Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella, the discussion covers the objectives and format of Culture Brief, highlighting its focus on news, sports, entertainment, and technology from a biblical perspective. The trio dives into current topics like the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the tragic murder of a healthcare CEO, and the excitement surrounding NFL and college football playoffs. They examine these events' cultural and spiritual implications, offering listeners a taste of what's to come with Culture Brief.

Topics

• (00:28): Introducing the New Podcast: Culture Brief
• (01:24): Meet the Hosts: Connor and Micah
• (03:07): What to Expect from Culture Brief
• (05:13): The Format and Audience of Culture Brief
• (12:16): Diving into the First Stories
• (18:07): The Tragic Story of Brian Thompson
• (28:10): Mental Health and Spiritual Influences
• (29:33): Syria's Political Upheaval
• (31:30): Impact on the Middle East
• (35:46): Prayers and Humanitarian Efforts
• (41:12): Football Season Highlights
• (50:54): Faith in Sports
• (53:57): Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources

• Culture Brief Podcast 
• Luigi Mangione charged with murder in death of insurance CEO
• The Health Care System Is Flawed. Let’s Fix It.
• Boise State’s faith-driven journey to the College Football Playoffs
• What Travis Hunter’s Heisman win says about our culture
• Civil war in Syria escalates as rebels take Hama
• What does the Syrian conflict mean for the world?

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 Dr. Mark Turman

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

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.