Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories

LA wildfires, TikTok’s final days, playoff football, and a Christian podcast movement | Ep. 2

Jan 16, 2025

This week covers the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the community's resilience amidst the chaos. Tune in for thrilling highlights from college and NFL playoffs, including standout performances and key games. There's a dive into A.J. Brown's reading of the 'Inner Excellence' book, exploring its blend of sports and spirituality. The discussion extends to the evolving role of Christianity in politics and culture, as well as listener predictions for 2025 amid TikTok's uncertain future.

40:17

forum

Ask episode

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

chevron_right

Wildfires and Community Resilience

02:11 • 10min

chevron_right

Faith and Politics: A New Era

12:12 • 10min

chevron_right

Exciting Recap of College and NFL Playoffs

22:00 • 2min

chevron_right

Exploring 'Inner Excellence' and its Impact on NFL Culture

23:48 • 4min

chevron_right

Cowboys, Culture, and Predictions

Jim Murphy's "Inner Excellence" is a self-help book that emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude and emotional intelligence in achieving peak performance. The book delves into practical strategies for managing stress, cultivating inner peace, and developing resilience in the face of adversity. Murphy draws upon his experiences as a former athlete and his work with high-achievers to provide readers with actionable techniques for enhancing their mental game. The book's focus on mindfulness and self-awareness resonates with individuals seeking to improve their overall well-being and achieve their full potential. It offers a holistic approach to personal growth, combining mental training with practical life skills.

The case for Christ

a journalist's personal investigation of the evidence for Jesus

Lee Strobel

In 'The Case for Christ,' Lee Strobel, a former atheist and investigative journalist, conducts a comprehensive investigation into the claims of Jesus Christ. Using his background in law and journalism, Strobel interviews over a dozen experts with doctorates from prestigious institutions like Cambridge, Princeton, and Brandeis. He delves into questions such as the reliability of the New Testament, the existence of evidence for Jesus outside the Bible, and the validity of Jesus' resurrection. The book is a detailed and readable exploration of the evidence for Christ's divinity, making it a compelling resource for apologetics and those seeking to understand the Christian faith.

Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in the second episode of the Culture Brief podcast as they navigate top stories of the week. They provide updates on the Los Angeles fires, insight into the NFL playoffs and college football, and discuss the deep impressions Christianity is making in popular culture. Additionally, the episode covers trending topics in politics, technology, and entertainment, including listener predictions for 2025. Join them for a comprehensive and engaging discussion from a Christian perspective.

Topics

(00:45): Los Angeles Fires Update
(10:41): Political Updates
(14:08): Christianity in Modern Culture
(21:17): Football Playoff Highlights
(23:04): Eagles' AJ Brown and the Inner Excellence Book
(27:18): Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Shake-Up
(29:39): Listener Predictions for 2025
(34:49): TikTok's Uncertain Future
(36:36): Upcoming Presidential Inauguration
(37:36): College Football National Championship

Resources

Mailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
DenisonForum.org/subscribe
January 12, 2025: Los Angeles wildfires, wind warnings as Palisades, Eaton fires burn | CNN
See some of the most dramatic pictures of California wildfire devastation
Incidents | CAL FIRE
LA fires: What's happening in Los Angeles, and what caused the wildfires?
The Blood Is in the Water for Karen Bass - Puck
Firefighters battling “unprecedented” fires in California
DONATE: Deliver help, hope and healing to California · Texans on Mission
DONATE: Pray for the Victims of the California Wildfires
DONATE: Online Donations | American Red Cross
Donald Trump sentenced after losing Supreme Court decision
Special Counsel Report Says Trump Would Have Been Convicted in Election Case - The New York Times
YouVersion Bible App Breaks Record in Single-Day Downloads | CBN News
“Just to have the opportunity to glorify God on the football field it’s truly been an honor.” Jahdae Barron following Texas loss yesterday. Comment “Amen” down below! Athlete @officia1dae
Jahdae Barron Shares Faith After Texas Longhorns Loss | TikTok
Wesley Huff, PhD(c) - Apologetics Canada
Actor Mel Gibson tells Joe Rogan that gospels are 'verifiable history' - Premier Christian News
A Pastor's Reflections: The Case for Christ (the Movie) - Westminster Seminary California.
Joe Rogan interviews Wesley Huff, a Christian apologist
NFL scores and recaps for every wild-card playoff game
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl Recap: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Recap: Ohio State vs. Texas
Eagles receiver A.J. Brown was reading a book on the sidelines of team's playoff win
‘Inner Excellence’ writer Jim Murphy talks A.J. Brown, Eagles fans – NBC10 Philadelphia
TikTok Inc - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets

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.

Home Top podcasts Popular guests