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

Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in this episode of Culture Brief as they navigate top stories in news, politics, sports, pop culture, and technology from a Christian perspective. This week they discuss the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), its controversial actions, and the mixed public response. They also address the severe humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on the persecution of Christians and international reactions. Additionally, they cover upcoming events like the NFL Draft Combine, the Oscars, and Lent. Don't miss Conner's hot take on Star Wars and updates on the Ukraine and Russia peace talks.Topics(00:56): The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)(10:46): Spiritual and Personal Reflections(14:53): Humanitarian Crisis in the Congo(22:25): Weekly Highlights and Sports Update(24:56): Pope's Health Update(25:21): Clint Hill's Passing and JFK Files(26:17): Apple's Investment in American Infrastructure(27:31): Vivek Ramaswamy's Campaign Announcement(28:44): Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks and Minerals Deal(29:47): Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down from Lucasfilm(31:14): Spicy Hot Take(35:27): Parenting Stages and Advice(38:19): Upcoming Shows and EventsResourcesMailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgDenisonForum.org/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramChristian Parenting Denison Forum: Lent ResourcesOSCAR’s articles: Why did 'Emilia Peréz' actually receive 13 Oscar nominations?'A Complete Unknown' earns eight Academy Award nominationsWhy I hope you won’t see “Conclave”DOGE claims $55 billion in government cuts so far -- but the figure is hard to verify - ABC NewsDOGE: Department of Government EfficiencyA comprehensive look at DOGE's firings and layoffs so far | AP NewsWatson: DOGE’s youth is a feature, not a bugFederal agencies can ignore "What did you do last week?" email, Trump administration says - CBS NewsElon Musk claims federal employees have 48 hours to explain recent work or resign | The VergeLEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON FEDERAL WORKERSElon Musk on X: "Subject to the discretion of the President, they will be given another chance. Failure to respond a second time will result in termination." / XThe civil war in Congo could soon reach a tipping pointMore pressure on Rwanda as Congo says rebel uprising has killed over 7,000 people this year | AP NewsChildren face lethal violence, rape in east Congo war | ReutersRwanda-backed M23 rebels capture eastern DRC’s second-largest city | Democratic Republic of the Congo | The Guardian70 Christians found beheaded in church in DRC - Open Doors UK & Ireland70 Christians beheaded in the DRC - Denison ForumUS and Ukraine agree to terms on minerals and reconstructionJustin Trudeau's Comment on XAbout Micah TomasellaMicah 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 JonesConner 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 ForumDenison 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.

It’s been a busy week in news, politics, sports, and pop culture. So join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they brief you on the week’s biggest stories…all from a Christian perspective. This week, they discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the history and legality of executive orders, and a variety of recent events across culture. Highlights include diving into the U.S. deploying military resources against Mexican cartels, recent plane crashes, the SNL50 special, the new Captain America movie's underwhelming performance, and the thrilling U.S. vs. Canada hockey showdown and so much more!Topics(01:00): Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks(13:34): Executive Orders: History and Impact(23:16): Weekly Rundown: Sports, Crashes, and More(39:27): Overwhelming News and Spiritual Guidance(41:04): Listener Mailbag: Childhood Hobbies and Sports(45:59): Upcoming Shows and EventsResourcesMailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgDenisonForum.org/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramFirst15US and Russian officials meet today on war in UkraineTrump says talks to end Ukraine war to start ‘immediately’ after Putin call | South China Morning PostRussia and US agree to work toward ending Ukraine war in a remarkable diplomatic shiftUkraine will never accept Russia’s ultimatums, Volodymyr Zelenskyy saysEuropean leaders want a say in talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The US is brushing them offEuropean countries clash over sending troops to UkraineUkraine will never accept Russia’s ultimatums, Volodymyr Zelenskyy saysUkraine-US talks in Munich end without agreement on critical minerals deal | ReutersUS ‘could provide air defence’ to Ukraine peacekeeping forceWhat Is an Executive Order?Trump’s record number of executive orders are testing the limits of presidential powerAnalysis: Can diversity and inclusion survive Trump's war on 'woke' | Reuters‘This is a coup’: Trump and Musk’s purge is cutting more than costs, say expertsPresident Trump says the US government will only recognize two genders – ‘male and female’ (Video) | New York PostI work in global health. Trump ditching the World Health Organization might be the wake-up call it needs.Executive Order 13563 -- Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review | whitehouse.govThe Obama Orders: A Quick and Dirty AnalysisAnalysis: How Biden’s new executive order tackles AI risks, and where it falls short | PBS NewsBiden Issues Flurry of Executive Orders in Final Days. Trump Might Roll Them Back.Trump is not the radical — he’s simply undoing radical things Dems didExecutive Orders | The American Presidency ProjectGulf of Mexico - WikipediaFox News: Delta Plane Crash Video on X About Micah TomasellaMicah 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 JonesConner 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 ForumDenison 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.

This week on the Culture Brief podcast, Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella break down the biggest stories shaping our world. The guys start off with a deep dive into the latest Middle East tensions, unpacking the escalating conflict in Gaza and President Trump’s response to Hamas. Then, it’s a Hollywood check-in—what’s behind the Emilia Pérez controversy? And why is Blake Lively feuding with Justin Baldoni? After that, they break down the Super Bowl highlights, from the game itself to the halftime show and their favorite commercials. Plus, they take on a listener’s question: Is cryptocurrency reshaping our economy, and does it have prophetic significance? And don’t miss their take on Trump’s latest executive orders and what’s worth watching in the week ahead.Topics(01:00): Middle East Update: Gaza Conflict(12:24): Hollywood Check-In: Emilia Pérez Controversy(18:30): Hollywood Drama: Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni(29:05): Super Bowl Recap and Chiefs Dynasty(31:51): Halftime Show Review: Kendrick Lamar's Performance(34:12): Super Bowl Commercials: Hits and Misses(37:02): Jalen Hurts: A Story of Resilience(39:20): Executive Orders: Yay or Nay?(42:34): Mailbag: Cryptocurrency and the End Times(47:04): Upcoming Events and Final ThoughtsResourcesMailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgDenisonForum.org/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramPresident Trump declares that the US should “take over” GazaTrump warns Hamas to free hostages by noon Saturday or he will ‘let hell break out’Israel-Gaza ceasefire: Netanyahu will end deal if hostages not releasedTrump's chilling ultimatum to Hamas as he calls for ALL Gaza hostages to be freed this week or 'all hell will break out' | The US SunHamas says it's delaying next hostage release, alleging Israeli truce violations | The Times of IsraelJordan's King Abdullah tells Trump he will take in 2,000 Gaza childrenSpain's Gascon goes silent for sake of 'Emilia Perez' film ahead of Oscars | ReutersEmilia Pérez’s Oscar Hopes: Just How Badly Has Karla Sofía Gascón Hurt Them? | Vanity Fair‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear MachineA timeline of the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni sexual harassment caseBlake Lively vs Justin Baldoni: A timeline of the feud and lawsuit between It Ends With Us co-stars | The IndependentBlake Lively’s Grim Reaction to Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl Snub Revealed - Athlon SportsGot QuestionsAbout Micah TomasellaMicah 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 JonesConner 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 ForumDenison 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.

A recent tragic plane crash over the Potomac River has left a profound impact, highlighting the need for compassion and reflection. The discussion shifts to Trump's controversial tariff plans, intertwining economic implications with personal feelings around the shocking Luka Dončić trade. Special guest Dr. Ryan Denison dives into the emotional fallout from this trade, as fans express their heartbreak. The hosts also tackle political developments and weigh in on Super Bowl predictions, sharing amusing insights into celebrity appearances.

Welcome back to Culture Brief, a Denison Forum podcast where Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella break down the latest in news, politics, sports, pop culture, and technology from a Christian perspective. This week, they discuss the massive dip in AI stocks and its broader implications followed by a thoughtful conversation on the immigration policies under Trump's administration and striking the balance between law enforcement and compassion for immigrants. They also touch on the controversial Oscar nominations, including the film Emelia Peréz, and its focus on transgender issues. Lastly, the guys share their current favorite TV shows and look ahead to the Grammys and the Super Bowl.Topics(00:49): AI Market Predictions and Stock Market Impact(03:37): DeepSeek: The New AI Competitor(10:43): Biblical Perspective on AI(14:47): Immigration Policies Under Trump(26:11): Hollywood Controversies and Oscar Nominations(29:42): Biblical Perspective on Transgenderism(32:39): Impact of Pop Culture and Transgender Issues(37:06): Mailbag: Favorite TV Shows(45:10): Upcoming Events and Predictions(49:05): Conclusion and Call to ActionResourcesMailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgDenisonForum.org/subscribeDeepSeek Curveball Rattles Trump’s AI Strategy - BloombergTrillion-Dollar Companies: 10 Most Valuable Mega-Cap Stocks | BankrateDeepSeek sell-off: The winners and losers of Monday’s AI volatility | TrustnetWhy DeepSeek “turned tech and Wall Street upside down”ChatGPT and artificial intelligence: What you need to knowThe Strategic Chaos of Trump’s First Days - The AtlanticSelena Gomez Responds to Republican Politician Who Says She Should Be Deported After Tearful Video with Mexican FlagTrump tells officials to increase deportation raidsMilitary police, engineer units from Army, Marines deploy to the US-Mexico border | Stars and StripesThe State of Our Nation: 7 Critical Issues by Dr. Jim DenisonWhy did Emilia Peréz actually receive 13 Oscar nominations?New York Times PollAmericans’ Complex Views on Gender Identity and Transgender Issues | Pew Research Center‘Emilia Pérez’ and the Curse of Oscar Bait - by River PageWhat does the Bible say about transgenderism?About Micah TomasellaMicah 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 JonesConner 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 ForumDenison 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.

Dive into the latest on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, highlighting negotiations and the emotional release of hostages. Explore Biden's pardons and Trump's inauguration, reviewing political legacies and divisive reactions. The discussions also touch on thrilling NFL playoff moments and the excitement of college football championships. Plus, discover a new quirky candy called Soup Drops and engage in nostalgic fast food tales. It's a blend of faith, sports, and current events that keeps you entertained and informed!

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.

Discover a fresh take on current events through a Christian lens. The hosts tackle political shifts, including Justin Trudeau's resignation and the implications of Trump's bold moves. They delve into Meta’s change in content moderation, sparking conversations about free speech. The excitement builds as they venture predictions for major sporting events, including the Super Bowl. Listeners are encouraged to engage and share their thoughts, all while reflecting on the power of prayer amid contemporary challenges.

Feeling overwhelmed by the endless stream of news, politics, and pop culture? Join Denison Forum’s Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they break down the week’s biggest stories from a Christian perspective.Culture Brief dives into the topics that matter most, from the latest TV shows, movies, and celebrity buzz to trending stories in politics, sports, and technology. Expect laughs, insights, and honest conversations about navigating today’s fast-paced world with biblical discernment. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, encouragement, or a fresh take on the culture around us, Conner and Micah are here to help you make sense of it all. New episodes drop every Thursday.