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

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.