The World and Everything In It

Drones and explosions in Kyiv, peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, highlights of this year’s religious liberty rulings, and remembering Secretariat’s jockey. Plus, James Wood on Canadian anti-hate legislation, a baker’s critique of Mexican bread, and the Tuesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Commuter Bible, the work-week audio Bible. Available on podcast apps and commuterbible.org. New yearly plans begin January 5

David Bonson, a financial analyst and founder of The Bonson Group, discusses surprising GDP trends and the economic outlook for 2026, focusing on labor and tariff impacts. Mary Muncy, a reporter for World, shares the fascinating story of John Gurdon, whose pioneering work in cloning set the stage for advances like CRISPR, sparking ethical debates around gene editing. Together, they dive into the intersection of law, economics, and groundbreaking science.

David Bahnsen, a wealth manager, commentator, and author, dives deep into the intersection of work and purpose. He discusses the church's failure to teach the dignity of work and critiques the notion of 'work-life balance' as misleading. Sharing his personal journey, Bahnsen highlights how work can serve as therapy and recovery after trauma. He emphasizes that everyone is made to contribute meaningfully, linking this to biblical teachings, and advocates for a renewed vision of joyful, productive work in society.

Arsenio Orteza, a world music critic, discusses the intriguing album by Italian flutist Gian-Luca Petrucci, emphasizing its lyrical charm amidst an avant-garde backdrop. He explores Petrucci's vision of reclaiming forgotten musical traditions from the 20th century. The conversation dives into the Romantic influences in pieces like 'Passacalle' and the significance of interpreting older repertoire today. Alongside this, engaging listener feedback touches on cultural trends, church participation, and personal stories highlighting diverse community experiences.

Kristen Flavin, a reporter for WORLD, dives into the rich history of the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, revealing how presidential speeches have aimed to unite Americans during times of crisis. She highlights poignant moments from past presidents, from Coolidge to Bush, as they used Christmas to bring comfort. Additionally, Peter Mead shares insights on the apostles' view of the Incarnation, emphasizing transformative grace through John's Gospel. Together, they weave a narrative that blends festive tradition with profound theological reflections.

Hunter Baker, a political scientist and provost at North Greenville University, dives into the contentious issues surrounding medical authority and gender ideology. He discusses the implications of recent policy rollbacks and the ethical considerations of medical treatments for minors. Meanwhile, Janie B. Cheaney reflects on the significance of Christ's two advents, contrasting His first coming with the promise of the second. The podcast also takes listeners on a global tour of festive Christmas celebrations, including a heartwarming lunar Christmas Eve story from Apollo 8.

Travis Kircher, a field reporter, delves into the vibrant cultural life of Dearborn, Michigan's Muslim-majority community, highlighting the local faith expressions and challenges faced by converts. Juliana Chan-Erikson discusses the emergence of AI-enabled toys, addressing safety issues and the need for parental vigilance. Meanwhile, Lauren Smith uncovers the trend of Gen Z embracing homemade gifts, showcasing the personal touch and creativity behind these heartfelt presents. Together, they explore the rich tapestry of traditions and modern challenges during the holiday season.

David Bonson, a financial analyst and founder of The Bonson Group, discusses the recent shaky jobs and inflation data, emphasizing how the rising unemployment rate signifies a labor force increase. He critiques the reliability of the CPI due to data gaps from the government shutdown. Paul Butler, a seasoned narrator with a wealth of historical insights, reflects on a decade of significant events in the History Book segment, noting the importance of understanding our past as we look to the future.

Katie McCoy, an insightful author and speaker, delves into the recent surge of violence and the complexities of abortion messaging in today’s cultural climate. Collin Garbarino, an arts commentator, critiques the latest Avatar film, noting its repetitive nature despite some improvements. George Grant, a wordsmith, explores the fascinating origins of Christmas vocabulary, offering a linguistic celebration of the season. Additionally, Peter Mead reflects on Luke's account of the Incarnation, providing a rich understanding of the nativity narrative.

In this insightful discussion, Gil Guerra, an immigration policy analyst at the Niskanen Center, dives into U.S. naval actions against Venezuela, revealing how a shadow fleet connects it with adversaries like Iran and Russia. Kim Henderson, a senior writer and field reporter, shares inspiring stories of Christian ministry in Uganda, highlighting Pastor Robert's impactful church and school initiatives. Meanwhile, Cal Thomas critiques the notion of influence, emphasizing the significance of everyday heroes over celebrity culture.