Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories Tariffs, Hulk Hogan, Deion, Forrest Frank & Happy Gilmore 2 thoughts | Ep. 30
This week we’re breaking down the trending headlines and asking what it all means for Christians navigating today’s world.
Micah breaks down major shifts in U.S. trade policy with countries like China, Japan, and India.
Then Conner reflects on the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and the lesser-known story of his faith, before zooming out to look at the spiritual journeys of other public figures like Justin Bieber, George Clooney, Skip Bayless, Deion Sanders, and Forrest Frank.
Plus updates on Gaza, the NYC shooting, and more top headlines before our thoughts on Happy Gilmore 2, Fantastic Four, the proper protocol for evacuating an airplane and the return of sports events that are actually getting us excited!
It’s a fast-moving conversation that cuts through the noise—and invites you to think biblically about the stories shaping our culture.
Topics
- (00:53): US trade deals and tariffs update
- (16:07): Hulk Hogan's legacy and faith
- (19:46): Celebrity faith and influence
- (21:25): Skip Bayless and prioritizing faith
- (25:20): Deion Sanders: Balancing family and career
- (26:42): Forrest Frank's inspirational story
- (30:03): Gaza and global conflicts update
- (32:51): New York City shooting incident
- (33:59): Jay Leno & Coldplay scandal update
- (39:54): Happy Gilmore 2, Fantastic Four & Airplane evacuation etiquette
- (42:06): Upcoming sports events
Resources
- Mailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
- Culture Brief Instagram
- Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Hulk Hogan on Instagram: "Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love!"
- Aaron Filippone on X
- Skip Bayless 'jolted' by Scottie Scheffler prioritizing family over golf
- Forrest Frank Instagram
- Astronomer on X
- American Airlines fire evacuation video
Other articles on this week’s top headlines:
- Fox Business: July tariff revenues break monthly record
- Tax Foundation
- US customs duties top $100 billion for first time in a fiscal year | Reuters
- Trump’s New Trade Standard Takes Shape With 15% Tariff Deal - WSJ
- Chinese exports to the US could decrease by $488 billion without a trade deal, as the end of the tariff pause looms
- EU Reaches Tariff Deal With US to Avert Painful Trade Blow
- Trump tariffs: EU-US trade deal agreed | MoneyWeek
- EU fails to reduce 50% steel tariff in outline trade deal with US
- Trump strikes 'biggest deal ever made' with EU: Europeans will buy $750B in US energy, invest $600B after meeting with prez
- The death of Hulk Hogan and the transforming power of faith
- Are three-parent embryos a good idea?
- Hulk Hogan, Shirt-Shredding Superstar of Pro Wrestling, Dies at 71
- Skip Bayless 'jolted' by Scottie Scheffler prioritizing family over golf
- Deion Sanders Says He Kept Bladder Cancer Diagnosis From His Sons
- Deion Sander’s most recent struggle transcends football
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.