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

• A quick word on the death of Charlie Kirk, Pentagon’s rebrand, US hope in decline, viral sports fails, US Open, NFL & Emmys weekend | Ep. 36

  Sadly, we start this episode with a brief update on the tragic killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. His death came after we recorded the episode, and we hope to offer more information on next week’s podcast.In this week’s brief: The Department of Defense has rebranded itself as the Department of War—yes, really—and tensions with Venezuela are heating up. We also didn’t miss the social media showdown between the Vice President and a powerful senator.We’ll unpack fresh polling that reveals America’s growing crisis of hope, and weigh in on viral clips of adults snatching souvenirs from kids at sporting events.Plus, quick takes on the latest from Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, the MTV Music Awards, Cracker Barrel, the US Open, the Emmys, and the NFL kickoff.It’s a packed episode in a wild week of headlines—join us as we frame it all through a Christian lens, helping you think biblically, live faithfully, and engage today’s culture with confidence.Topics(01:00): Department of Defense renamed to Department of War(07:30): US drone strike on Venezuelan cartel(12:59): Spiritual perspective on war and peace(16:11): A crisis of hope in America(25:45): The urgency of encouragement(29:46): The power of mindset(32:24): Viral moments in sports(35:31): Global political updates(37:51): Pop-culture and sports highlights(42:51): NFL season kickoffResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramSign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Charlie Kirk fatally shot at speaking event in Utah - Denison ForumDonald Trump on Truth Social: NarcoterroristsDonald Trump on Truth Social: DeportationsImage of Capitalism Slips to 54% in U.S.Millionaire CEO goes viral for stealing a hat from a child - Denison ForumPhillies home run ball stolenMedia Bias Headline: U.S. Open Crowd Booed Trump RepeatedlyMedia Bias Headline: President Donald Trump Gets Cheers at US Open Men’s FinalOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Trump signs order renaming Pentagon 'Department of War' - ABC NewsVenezuelan fighter jets flew over U.S. Navy ship in "show of force" - CBS NewsUS deploying 10 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in fight against drug cartels, as Trump threatens to 'shoot down' Venezuelan military planesTrump 2.0 refashions U.S. military muscleMorning Brew: September 9Belief in the American dream hits record lowAxios: September 3 NewsletterAbout 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 Senior 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 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.

  --------  

  58:06

  --------

  58:06
• Troops in US cities, popularity of sports betting, China's military parade & the NFL is back! | Ep. 35

  This week on Culture Brief, we’re looking at the deployment of federal troops in U.S. cities and what it means for crime, local authority, and national precedent. We’ll also dig into the rapid rise of sports betting across the country, how it’s reshaping culture, and its dangerous possibilities.Plus, a roundup of politics, world news, college football updates, some NFL predictions, and our favorite NFL theme songs.It’s the week’s top stories in culture, sports, and faith—all with a Christian perspective to help you think clearly and respond faithfully.Topics(00:40): Troops in American cities: Background & legal debate(13:09): Spiritual application: Navigating gray areas(14:49): Sports betting epidemic in America(20:45): Dangers & consequences of sports betting(26:46): Christian perspective on gambling(29:27): Weekly check-in: World & U.S. headlines(33:24): College football recap & upsets(36:01): NFL returns: Trades, predictions & rivalries(40:22): How to connect & closing thoughtsResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramSign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:The dangerous rise of sports gambling- Denison ForumFollowing Christ in a sports-obsessed world - Denison ForumOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Reuters: US judge blocks Trump from using troops to fight crime in CaliforniaCrime in Washington, DC: What You Need to Know - Council on Criminal JusticeD.C. mayor praises federal surge, angering residents and pleasing Trump - The Washington PostWhat Americans think about Trump's handling of crime, according to a new pollWhy March Madness can be both a joy and a danger - Denison ForumYoung gamblers place sports bets while showering, wager away student loan money, addiction therapist warnsFor a new generation of kids, sports and gambling now go hand in gloveSports Betting Activities Survey April 2023 Key FindingsMLB gambling investigation raises game integrity concernsJontay Porter pleads guilty in case tied to NBA betting scandal - ESPNAbout 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 Senior 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 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.

  --------  

  43:06

  --------

  43:06
• Cracker Barrel, US division, Taylor Swift - Travis Kelce engagement & college football returns! | Ep. 34

  This week, we’re breaking down Cracker Barrel’s rebrand disaster, what it says about cultural and brand identity in America, and how we, as Christians, should apply the lessons learned to our own faith and lives. We’ll also look at the nation’s growing divisions and ask what unity really means from a Christian perspective.Then, big news in sports and pop culture: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, the kickoff of college football season, National Championship predictions, and Coach Bill Belichick stepping onto the college field for the first time.All that and more in culture, sports, and faith—get caught up with a fresh Christian perspective!Topics(00:53): Cracker Barrel's rebrand controversy(08:13): Chili's revival and success(13:40): The Christian brand(16:01): The divided states of America(26:27): Revival and community renewal(29:42): Pop culture news: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce(34:27): Global affairs: Russia and Ukraine(35:15): College football season kickoffResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramSign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, and the Dallas Cowboys- Denison ForumOther articles on this week’s top headlines:How a Cracker Barrel Logo Change Spawned a Political Firestorm - WSJChili's was once a relic of the '90s. Then it blew past its competitors—and conquered casual American dining. In its Texas test kitchen, I saw how.CrackerBarrel on XTexas Senate passes redistricting bill, California counters - Denison ForumParty Affiliation | Gallup Historical TrendsDemocrats and Republicans live in partisan bubbles, study findsAbout 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 Senior 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 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.

  --------  

  45:24

  --------

  45:24
• When peace feels impossible: Ceasefire talks, Christ’s hope, and Summer’s biggest box office hits & misses | Ep. 33

  This week, we’re breaking down the recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, European leaders visiting the White House, and the next steps in bringing peace to Ukraine and Israel/Gaza. But what does it mean for US foreign policy and Europe’s stability? And how should Christians think biblically about peace and power on the world stage…and in our own personal lives? We share our own stories of finding peace in life’s very difficult moments.Then we dive into the summer box office – which movies flopped and which ones were blockbuster hits? Plus, who won our box office prediction game, Bust the Block?? Tune in to find out! You’ll even hear our go-to movie theater snacks. And of course, we have thoughts on the Texas Democrats coming back home and Scottie Scheffler’s insane win this past weekend. Get caught up on culture this week—with clarity, context, and a Christian perspective.Topics(01:05): Alaska summit: High hopes and disappointments(03:33): European leaders and the path to peace(07:45): Ceasefire talks in Gaza(10:08): Spiritual reflections on global conflicts(12:27): Personal conflicts and seeking peace(23:02): Personal testimonies of peace(29:48): Summer movie box office results(36:16): Texas House Democrats return(41:09): Scottie Scheffler's stunning victory(42:26): Conclusion and farewellResourcesMailbag: [email protected] Brief InstagramSign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Ending the war in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza? -Denison ForumOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Was the Alaska summit a success? - Denison ForumPolitico Playbook: How Trump and Zelenskyy hit resetHamas accepts latest Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal proposalHamas says it agrees to latest ceasefire proposal; Netanyahu sounds dismissivePro golfer Ben Griffin rebounds after “creatine overdose” - Denison ForumAbout 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 Senior 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 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.

  --------  

  43:08

  --------

  43:08
• Trump-Putin summit, Taylor Swift news, AI talent wars, & what is superintelligence? | Ep. 32

  This week, we’re previewing the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, unpacking what’s at stake for the US, Russia, Ukraine, and Europe, and what pursuing peace looks like spiritually. Then, we analyze AI talent wars across Silicon Valley where tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg are battling it out with eye-popping 9 to 10 digit salaries to snatch up top AI researchers as they race to be the first to achieve “superintelligence”...what does that even mean? We’ll tell you!Plus a few more national, pop-culture, and sports headlines, including this week’s big Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce news. Get caught up on culture with a fresh Christian perspective!Topics(00:56): US-Russia summit: Stakes and implications(05:49): Human cost and historical context of the Ukraine War(14:42): Spiritual and moral reflections on the conflict(17:40): AI talent wars: The race for superintelligence(25:34): Meta's AI ambitions(27:47): The concept of superintelligence(30:06): AI and human purpose(34:03): Listener responses to top fast-food burger list(36:23): Trump and pop culture headlinesResourcesMailbag: [email protected] Brief InstagramSign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Thanks for Your $1 Billion Job Offer, Mark Zuckerberg. I’m Gonna Pass. - WSJMark Zuckerberg Says ‘Superintelligence’ Is Imminent. What Is It?We're building personal superintelligence for everyone. Stay tuned 🚀 | Mark Zuckerberg | FacebookBiblical clarity on climate change, Ten Commandments in the classroom, and AI companions -Faith & Clarity Podcast Other articles on this week’s top headlines:What to know about the Putin-Trump summit in Alaska | AP NewsWhite House confirms Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, calling it 'listening exercise'Russian forces advance in Ukraine as Trump tempers outlook for Alaska summit - The Washington PostVladimir Putin and the problem of autocratic power- Denison ForumPresident Trump will meet with Vladimir Putin this week- Denison ForumIs Ukraine now willing to trade land for peace?One million and counting: Russian casualties hit milestone in Ukraine war | Russia | The GuardianIs Anyone Worth a Billion Dollars? - by Tyler CowenZuckerberg says AI superintelligence is 'in sight,' touts 'new era of personal empowerment'OpenAI gives some employees a ‘special’ multimillion-dollar bonus | The VergeAbout 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 Senior 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 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.

  --------  

  45:58

  --------

  45:58

More News podcasts

Trending News podcasts

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

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