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

• Oval Office showdown, more tariffs, Oscars results & a landscaping hot take | Ep. 9

  Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella on the latest episode of Culture Brief as they discuss the Oval Office spat between Trump and Zelensky. They also explore the implications of U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China while considering the economic fallout and political maneuvering. Plus, the guys talk about the details of Gene Hackman’s death and offer a review of the Oscars, including the surprising wins and cultural reflections. Lastly, Micah shares a hot take on mowing your lawn. Tune in for thoughtful insights on navigating all the week’s top headlines through a Christian lens.Topics(00:22): Overview of Today's Topics(00:51): Longest Joint Session of Congress(02:23): Oval Office Exchange: Trump, Zelensky, and Vance(14:52): US Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China(23:14): Gene Hackman's Legacy and Mysterious Death(24:54): Oscars Recap: Highlights and Surprises(27:17): Controversial Wins and Cultural Reflections(31:17): Christian Perspectives on Hollywood(32:54): Listener Mailbag: Hot Takes and Debates(38:12): Upcoming Events and Final ThoughtsResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramPresident Trump addresses joint session of CongressTrump administration pauses all aid to UkraineTrump pauses all US military aid to Ukraine after heated Oval Office meeting with ZelenskyWhat US lawmakers are saying about the White House clash between Trump and ZelenskyyBiden lost temper with Zelenskyy in June phone call when Ukrainian leader asked for more aidWhy Russia “invaded” Ukraine: Explaining “Putin’s endgame”2. How partisans view each other | Pew Research CenterTrump’s stiff new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China take effectTrump ‘open to deals with Canada and Mexico’ to avoid trade warChina and Canada retaliate after Trump trade tariffs come into effectTrump’s tariffs will take their toll on fresh fruit and vegetables — that’s bad news for low-income Americans - MarketWatchWall Street falls again as losses wipe out all post-election gains for the S&P 500 | AP NewsLutnick says Trump tariff with Canada, Mexico likely ends with meeting in the middle, possible deal soon“Anora” wins Oscar for Best PictureAdrien Brody’s second Oscar puts him in rare companyOscars 2025: Morgan Freeman gives heartfelt eulogy for friend Gene HackmanOscars 2025: 'Anora' cleans up, Adrien Brody and Zoe Saldana make historyWhy did 'Emilia Peréz' actually receive 13 Oscar nominations?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.

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• DOGE's disruptions, Congo crisis, Oscars preview & a "Star Wars" hot take | Ep. 8

  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: [email protected]/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.

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• Trump and Putin negotiate without Ukraine & other top headlines you may have missed this week | Ep. 7

  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: [email protected]/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.

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• Israel-Gaza update, Baldoni vs. Lively drama, Super Bowl recap & a crypto question | Ep. 6

  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: [email protected]/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.

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• Plane crash, tariffs, Super Bowl predictions, & processing the Luka Dončić trade with Dr. Ryan Denison | Ep. 5

  Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they break down the week’s biggest stories: the tragic plane crash over the Potomac River, Trump's new tariff plans, and the shocking Dallas Mavericks trade of Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis. The episode features a special guest, Dr. Ryan Denison, who helps analyze the implications of the trade. They also cover upcoming news highlights, including Trump Cabinet confirmations and plans for Gaza, and share their Super Bowl predictions.Topics(01:01): Tragic Mid-Air Collision in Washington, D.C.(02:53): Impact and Reactions to the Plane Crash(13:33): Trump's Tariff Plan(21:39): Dallas Mavericks Shocking Trade(24:16): Ryan's Perspective on the Trade(26:22): Fan Reactions and Emotional Impact(30:33): Subtitles Debate: Listener Responses(34:29): Upcoming News and Gaza update(37:37): Super Bowl Predictions and MVP FavoritesResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeTragedy over the PotomacRecognizing the 28 Lost on Flight 5342 | U.S. Figure SkatingStudents, Olympic skaters, families and more. A tribute to lives lost in the DC plane crashThe triumphant final days of the skaters killed in D.C. crash - ESPNAir traffic controller 'left work early' before deadly crash as helicopter's flight height comes into question | The IndependentSouth Korea reports initial findings of Jeju Air crash | CNNWashington DC plane crash: investigators probe wreckage and flight logs | ReutersWhat caused the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan? Here's what we know so far. - CBS NewsTariffs Definition | TaxEDU Glossary.Inside the Luka Doncic-Mavericks feud that preceded blockbuster tradeLuka Dončić’s father attacks Mavericks’ ‘hypocrisy’ after shock Lakers tradeAxios-Trump’s wild Middle East vision​​President Trump declares that the US should “take over” GazaAbout 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 Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.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.

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