The Bulletin

Paul D. Miller, a Georgetown University professor and former White House staffer, and Matthew Lee Anderson, a theology professor at Baylor University, dive into the intricate U.S.-China trade tensions. They explore how tariffs affect not only economics but also the church's role during crises. The conversation shifts to a Christian response to cancel culture, emphasizing the need for open dialogue in academia. Finally, Justin Giboney inspires hope, urging proactive engagement in societal issues rather than paralysis amid political upheaval.

Lydia Dugdale, a Professor of Medicine at Columbia University and an expert in clinical ethics, joins the discussion about a significant measles outbreak in Texas. The conversation focuses on the vital role of vaccinations in preventing health crises and the impact of misinformation. They explore the complexities of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of community trust in public health. Additionally, Dugdale delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by medical practitioners and the need for informed public engagement to combat misinformation.

Ken Chitwood, a religion scholar and newswriter, discusses the rise of far-right populism in Europe, focusing on Marine Le Pen's legal troubles. Michael Wear and Harvest Prude break down Cory Booker's marathon Senate speech and its implications for the Democratic Party. Finally, Carmen Imes examines the controversial prosperity gospel espoused by televangelist Paula White, critiquing its promises of blessings while emphasizing the importance of communal spirituality over individualism.

Reflecting on the poignant experiences during the pandemic, heartfelt stories emerge from frontline workers grappling with loss and courage. Personal journeys highlight resilience, fostering community bonds amidst adversity. Amidst emotional turmoil, small acts of kindness arise, showcasing the profound connections formed during challenges. The discussion also centers on personal growth through grief, emphasizing faith and hope as guiding lights in dark times. Together, these narratives reveal unexpected hope and transformation in the wake of COVID-19.

Paul D. Miller, an academic and former White House staffer, joins the conversation this week. He shares insights on the Department of Defense's accidental war plan leak and the implications for national security. The discussion shifts to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's challenges regarding deported Venezuelans, including legal and security concerns. The podcast also critiques Disney's live-action Snow White, exploring its disappointing box office and the cultural relevance of modern adaptations. It's a lively exploration of current events and their broader impacts.

Reflecting on the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal stories from first responders reveal emotional complexities. The discussion delves into the initial responses from health officials and educators, highlighting the challenges of virtual learning. Resilience emerges as a theme, particularly in how students adapted to adversity. The evolving nature of science during crises is examined, emphasizing the importance of community and compassion in navigating the lasting impact of the pandemic.

Michael Wear, the founder of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, and Dalibor Rohac, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, dive into pressing political themes. They discuss Chuck Schumer's surprising bipartisan support, revealing implications for the Democratic Party. The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, especially concerning abducted children, is a poignant topic, as is the stigma around pilot mental health. Both guests explore how leadership should be rooted in maturity rather than fear, tying together faith and public life in a compelling way.

The Bulletin welcomes award-winning investigative reporter Caitlin Dickerson for a conversation with Marvin Olasky about her experience in Columbia’s Darién Gap.Find us on YouTube.In this special episode of The Bulletin, Executive Editor Marvin Olasky leads a conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Caitlin Dickerson. Dickerson spent weeks on the ground in the Darién Gap, a dangerous jungle passageway from Columbia to Panama that immigrants from all across the world take by foot as they make their way to the United States. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Read her article in The Atlantic, “70 Miles in Hell” Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUEST: Caitlin Dickerson is an award-winning investigative reporter and feature writer for The Atlantic. She won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for explanatory reporting.Over the course of more than a decade in journalism, Dickerson has also been awarded a Peabody, Edward R Murrow, Livingston, and Silvers-Dudley Prize for her writing and reporting. Before joining The Atlantic, she spent nearly five years as a reporter at The New York Times and five years as a producer and investigative reporter for NPR. Dickerson has reported on immigration, history, politics, and race in four continents and dozens of American cities. She is currently writing a book for Random House about the systemic impact of deportation on American society. ABOUT THE BULLETIN:The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.“The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayProducer: Clarissa MollAssociate Producer: Leslie ThompsonEditing and Mix: Kevin MorrisMusic: Dan PhelpsExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bulletin discusses Trump disruptions, university investigations, and the recent Syrian massacre.Find us on YouTube.Clarissa and Mike cover this week’s headlines as they ask, “Is this the MAGA Americans wanted?” Political commentator Charlie Sykes joins the show to talk about the disruptiveness of Trump’s first 50 days in office. Then, The Atlantic’s Peter Wehner stops by for a thoughtful conversation about the state of US universities, tribalism, and the uniquely Christian posture of hopeful inquiry. Finally, we consider Syria’s recent Alawite massacre and the future of peace in this war-torn region with research analyst Ahmad Sharawi.GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join us and go deeper on our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Peter Wehner is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a senior fellow at the Trinity Forum. He was formerly a speechwriter for George W. Bush and a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Wehner is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, and his work also appears in publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and National Affairs.Charles J. Sykes is one of the most influential conservatives in Wisconsin. Until he stepped down in December after 23 years, Sykes was one of the state’s top-rated talk show hosts. He is currently an MSNBC contributor. Sykes has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Salon, USA Today, National Review, The Weekly Standard, and other national publications. He has appeared on the Today Show, ABC, NBC, Fox News, CNN, PBS, and the BBC and has been profiled on NPR. He has also spoken extensively on university campuses.Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, focusing on Middle East affairs, specifically the Levant, Iraq, and Iranian intervention in Arab affairs, as well as US foreign policy toward the region. Previously, Sharawi worked at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where he focused mainly on Hezbollah. He created a map visualizing the border clashes on the Israeli-Lebanese frontier and authored articles on Jordan and Morocco. Sharawi previously worked at the International Finance Corporation and S&P Global. He holds a BA in international relations from King’s College London and an MA from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.ABOUT THE BULLETIN:The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.“The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayProducer: Clarissa MollAssociate Producer: Leslie ThompsonEditing and Mix: Kevin MorrisMusic: Dan PhelpsExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bulletin welcomes acclaimed travel writer Rick Steves for a conversation about how travel connects us to our global brothers and sisters.Find us on YouTube.For Rick Steves, travel offers an antidote to the false allure of nationalism, an opportunity to engage with world politics with humility, and for people of faith, a vital connection to our global brothers and sisters. Rick Steves has been the go-to guide for hundreds of thousands of travelers who pack their bags every year for Europe and beyond. In this episode, Clarissa Moll sits down with Rick to talk about his years on the road, how faith informs his travels, and how a posture of pilgrimage forms better global citizens.GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Find Rick’s new book, On the Hippie Trail. Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUEST: Rick Steves is a popular public television host and a best-selling guidebook author who encourages Americans to broaden their perspectives through travel. He is the founder and owner of Rick Steves’ Europe and the author of the new book On the Hippie Trail.ABOUT THE BULLETIN:The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.“The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayProducer: Clarissa MollAssociate Producer: Leslie ThompsonEditing and Mix: TJ HesterMusic: Dan PhelpsExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices