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

• Epstein files, MAGA infighting, peace deals & Tom Cruise | Ep. 46

  In this week’s Brief: we break down a whirlwind week in U.S. politics—from the fallout surrounding the newly released Epstein files to what the shifting narrative means for President Trump and the broader Republican landscape. We also take a closer look at the growing fractures within the MAGA movement, including the tension playing out among voices like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Then we zoom out to the global stage, diving into the UN’s response to Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan and renewed chatter about Ukraine peace talks. And we talk about Tom Cruise’s honorary Oscar and why he’s earned it.Through it all, we’re asking: how do we stay faithful, discerning, and hopeful as followers of Jesus in the middle of so much political noise?Topics(00:00): Introduction(00:57): Political Turmoil among Republicans(03:02): MAGA Media Sphere and Internal Conflicts(05:23): Trump's Controversial Stances(16:10): Epstein Files: What We Know So Far(24:32): Trump's Lame Duck Status(28:30): Implications of the Epstein Files(30:19): Justice for Epstein's Victims(31:42): Spiritual Reflections and Challenges(37:03): Global Updates: Peace Plans and Redistricting(41:07): Tom Cruise gets an Oscar(42:41): Tune in and Happy ThanksgivingResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:X Video: Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein come together for a video calling on Congress to release the Epstein files.The Atlantic: Epstein Returns at the Worst Time for TrumpOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Denison Forum: President Trump says the House should release Epstein filesDenison Forum: Tom Cruise receives his first OscarNYT: Once He Was ‘Just Asking Questions.’ Now Tucker Carlson Is the Question.Axios: MAGA's metastasizing messAxios: Trump's Epstein U-turnPolitico: Trump’s message to MAGAPolitico: Greene turns a new leafPolitico: Why Trump can never win on EpsteinCNN: Exposing MAGA media’s cracksWSJ: How Marjorie Taylor Greene Alienated TrumpTIME: Who Else Was Mentioned in the Latest Epstein EmailsTangle: The Epstein emails.WSJ: What We’re WatchingAbout Conner JonesConner 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 TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

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• Shutdown ends, Democrats’ identity crisis, Pelosi update, MLB pitchers indicted & Nico Harrison fired | Ep. 45

  In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about the political maneuvering that happened to reopen the government. And Micah dives into the Democratic Party’s ongoing identity crisis, exploring questions of leadership, vision, and unity as the 2026 elections loom. Should they choose the socialist or moderate path?Shifting gears, they cover a major week in sports and pop culture, including Nancy Pelosi’s retirement announcement, an MLB betting scandal involving top pitchers, and tragic losses across the NFL that have fans reflecting on life and legacy. And catch our thoughts on the firing of Nico Harrison, the Dallas Mavericks GM who was responsible for the worst trade in NBA history.Through it all, we’re considering what this mix of chaos and change reveals about our culture—and why true stability and hope can only be found in Christ.Topics(00:00): Introduction(01:10): Government shutdown: Current status and impacts(03:36): Political maneuvering and shutdown resolution(17:38): Democratic party dynamics and future challenges(23:43): Democrats' identity crisis(30:04): The American political system's distraction(31:51): Spiritual reflections on leadership(36:14): Nancy Pelosi's retirement announcement(37:50): MLB pitchers' betting scandal(40:21): NFL tragedies and legacies(43:43): NBA's worst trade in historyResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Gov. Gavin Newsom X PostOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Lawmakers take step to end US government shutdown - Denison ForumPolitico: Dem Civil WarPolitico: The shutdown endgame gets clearer'A very bad night': Democrats face blowback from their own party over shutdown deal - ABC NewsGovernment shutdown end in sight as Senate approves funding package, sending it to HouseWhat to Know About the Deal to End the Shutdown | TIMEThese 8 senators broke with Democrats on the government shutdown deal. Here's how they explain itThe delicate dance of the DemocratsAbout Conner JonesConner 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 TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

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• Tariffs on trial, Nigerian Christian persecution, Dick Cheney, Mamdani and Dems win big & NFL trades | Ep. 44

  In this week’s Brief: We’re talking tariffs and how they’re not impacting the US economy nearly as much as experts predicted back in April. But this week’s SCOTUS hearing could change that. We also take a closer look at Christian persecution in Nigeria, where Trump is threatening military action if the killings of Christians continue.Plus updates on the death of Dick Cheney and the UPS plane crash in Kentucky before a recap of Tuesday’s elections across the country and what they mean for the future of both political parties. We also cover the ongoing US government shutdown, MLB World Series, and key NFL trade deadlines. Tune in to explore how culture, sports, and faith intersect in our daily lives.Topics(00:00): Introduction(00:41): Tariffs, Supreme Court, and US economy(06:57): Impact of tariffs on the economy(18:09): Christian persecution in Nigeria(28:23): Call to prayer for Nigeria(29:29): Prayer for persecuted Christians(31:12): How to help persecuted Christians(32:08): Listener's hot take: 18-wheelers in express lanes(34:52): Tragic plane crash in Louisville(35:37): Dick Cheney's legacy and passing(37:49): Election results and political implications(42:01): Government shutdown: The longest in history(45:18): Dodgers win the World Series(46:33): NFL trade deadline highlightsResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Donald Trump on Truth Social: Persecution of Christians in NigeriaDonald Trump on Truth Social: Message to NigeriaJihadists Persecute Christians in Nigeria. Is It Genocide?Open Doors21WilberforceThe Voice of the MartyrsWorld Evangelical AllianceFirst Liberty InstituteOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Denison Forum: What kind of Mayor will Zohran Mamdani be?Denison Forum: If spreading the gospel was as easy as ‘67’What’s at Stake as Trump’s Tariffs Go Before the Supreme CourtHow the U.S. Economy Has Defied Doomsday Predictions on TariffsWhat Have We Learned from the U.S. Tariff Increases of 2018-19?Trade | The Budget Lab at YaleTariffs | BrookingsTrump’s New Line of Attack Targets NigeriaDaily Brief on Persecution of Nigerian ChristiansJihadists Persecute Christians in Nigeria. Is It Genocide?The Government of Nigeria Versus Senator Ted Cruz | Council on Foreign RelationsAbout Conner JonesConner 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 TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

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• Trade deals, East Wing destroyed, NBA gambling scandal, election day preview & scented stamps | Ep. 43

  In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about Trump’s whirlwind Asia tour, including stops in Qatar, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and an upcoming high-stakes meeting with China. And we take a look at what’s happening back at home with the White House’s East Wing demolition, a PR war with Canada, and the never-ending government shutdown. We also dig into the NBA betting scandal involving Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier, looking at what it reveals about the larger issue of sports gambling. Plus, we cover updates on Hurricane Melissa, drug boats in Venezuela, election day insights, and so much more. From politics and global affairs to sports and faith, listen now for grounded and thoughtful insights on what’s shaping the world right now—and what it means for believers.Topics(01:23): Political roundup: Trump's Asia tour(07:55): Domestic affairs: Canada & East Wing(13:02): Government shutdown: Impacts and reflections(17:54): Betting scandal: NBA under scrutiny(22:45): Mafia's involvement in high-stakes poker(26:36): Major League Baseball's gambling issues(28:08): NCAA and the culture of gambling(36:25): Mailbag and scented stamps(39:15): Current events and updates(45:14): Halloween fun and YouTube announcementResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Canada Tariff AdConner’s article on the dangerous rise of sports bettingCulture Brief Ep. 35 - popularity of sports bettingFaith & Clarity Podcast ft. Conner & Micah - Following Christ in a sports-obsessed worldOther articles on this week’s top headlines:East Wing demolished for new White House State Ballroom - Denison ForumAn unstaffed air control tower and 42 million hungry Americans - Denison ForumWith Ronald Reagan ad, this Canadian leader beat Trump at his own gameOctober 26, 2025: Trump in Asia for diplomatic tour | CNN Politics.Betting scandal rocks the National Basketball Association - Denison ForumNBA player and head coach among 30 arrested in illegal US gambling investigationNBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'deeply disturbed' by gambling arrests of Billups and RozierMLB fires ump Pat Hoberg over betting violations | ReutersNCAA will allow college athletes to bet on professional sports starting Nov. 1What we know about the Billups-Rozier NBA gambling cases - ESPNExplaining the NBA gambling investigation involving Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier - CBS SportsThe Real Problem with Sports Betting - by Zac BissonnetteCategory 5 Hurricane Melissa brings flooding and catastrophic winds to JamaicaAbout Conner JonesConner 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 TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

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• Rare earth minerals, Louvre jewelry heist, "No Kings" protests & a World Series preview! | Ep. 42

  In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about the global tug-of-war over rare earth minerals and what the U.S. is doing to loosen its reliance on China. We also dive into the daring, Hollywood-worthy heist at the Louvre. And we tackle updates on the government shutdown, the "No Kings" protests, Ukraine and Israel before sharing our World Series predictions. Plus, don’t miss a big announcement at the end of the episode about what’s next for Culture Brief!From politics and global affairs to pop culture and faith, Conner and Micah offer grounded, thoughtful insight on what’s shaping the world right now—and what it means for believers. Plus, don’t miss a big announcement at the end of the episode about what’s next for Culture Brief!Topics(00:47): What are rare earth minerals?(05:54): US-Australia deal on rare earth minerals(11:54): Spiritual application: Planning with faith(15:26): The Louvre heist: A Hollywood-style robbery(25:46): Reflecting on the value of human life(29:16): Mailbag: Responses to last week’s audiobook hot take(32:17): Ukraine's plea for Tomahawk missiles(34:24): "No Kings" protest across the country(36:41): Government shutdown and economic impact(38:58): Fragile ceasefire in the Middle East(41:06): World Series and NBA updates(43:17): Big announcement!ResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramSign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeNOTE - you can catch Conner & Micah on last week’s Faith & Clarity podcast episode discussing the spiritual implications of the AI Bible, euthanasia, congressional term limits and freedom of speech.Links mentioned in this episode:Can’t Believe the Louvre Robbery? These 6 Heist Movies Are Just as Wild.Other articles on this week’s top headlines:U.S., Australia Deal Advances Critical Minerals Ambitions, While Detail Light - WSJReuters: ROI US-Australia critical minerals dealUS and Australia sign critical-minerals agreement as a way to counter ChinaAustralia and the US have signed a critical minerals deal to take on China’s monopoly. Here’s what you need to knowApple inks $500M deal with US-based rare-earth mine operator MP MaterialsUnited States-Australia Framework For Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths – The White HouseTime is running out to save stolen Napoleonic jewelry - Denison ForumHistoric jewels stolen in ‘national disaster’ for France: What we know about missing Louvre treasures | CNNHow the Louvre Jewelry Heist Unfolded - The New York TimesLouvre Robbery May Have Been More About Stones Than Art, Experts SayPolitico: 'No Kings' protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwideAbout Conner JonesConner 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 TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

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