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

• The Pope’s death, Big Tech monopolies, NFL draft & a coffee hot take | Ep. 16

  Join Conner Jones and guest host Josh Miller on this week's episode of Culture Brief. With Micah on vacation, Josh joins Conner as they discuss the significant passing of Pope Francis and his progressive papacy, the intriguing process of electing a new pope, and the impact of antitrust cases against tech giants like Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon with a focus on the significance of humility. Josh also delivers a fiery hot take on a common American coffee habit and the guys offer quick insights into this weekend’s NFL draft!Topics(00:31):  Special guest: Josh Miller(02:22): Remembering Pope Francis(04:18): The Conclave process(09:40): Pope Francis' legacy(19:16): Big Tech antitrust trials(27:23): Google's market dominance(28:50): Chrome and Safari: browser wars(30:42): The power of Big Tech(34:09): AI and the future of search(39:33): Coffee hot take(43:11): Updates on trade wars and the economy(46:06): NFL draft and sports highlights(49:10): ConclusionResourcesMailbag: [email protected] to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim DenisonCulture Brief on InstagramPope Francis dies at the age of eighty-eightThe life and legacy of Pope FrancisPope Francis calls for same-sex civil unions: Why this is so important and how to respond biblicallyWhy I hope you won’t see “Conclave”Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couplesWhy should the death of Pope Francis matter to Protestants?Pope Francis, groundbreaking leader of Catholic Church, dies at age 88 - CBS NewsWhat Happens After the Pope Dies? A Visual Timeline of Rituals and Traditions - The New York TimesConclaves through time - the long and short | EuronewsThe Justice Department and Google battle over how to fix a search engine monopoly : NPRU.S. Asks Judge to Break Up Google - The New York TimesGoogle could use AI to extend search monopoly, DOJ says as trial begins | ReutersJustice Department Sues Monopolist Google For Violating Antitrust LawsThe Best Quotes from Pope Francis During His Pontificate - ExaudiE.U. Takes Aim at Big Tech’s Power With Landmark Digital Act - The New York TimesAcademy Sets New Oscars Rules for 2025: You Need to Watch All Nominated Films to Vote in a CategoryAbout Josh MillerJosh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. A Christian leader, author, and songwriter, Josh brings over 20 years of ministry experience—from global worship tours to pastoral leadership. He lives in Plano, Texas, with his wife and two sons, fueled by faith, craft coffee, and a love for tacos.About 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 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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• Gen Z turns to Jesus, trade war with China, Harvard conflict & Rory McIlroy | Ep. 15

  In this episode of Culture Brief, Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella explore why more members of Gen Z are turning to Jesus, even as traditional religious affiliation continues to decline. They also talk through Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited victory at the Masters, the status of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, and what’s behind the ongoing trade tensions with China. Plus, they examine new developments in the Trump administration’s response to antisemitism on Ivy League campuses and what we’re learning from the latest JFK files release. All that and more—filtered through a biblical lens and designed to help you think clearly in a complex world.Topics(00:50): Gen Z's growing commitment to Jesus(05:32): Mental health and faith among Gen Z(08:30): Resurgence in church attendance(14:36): Trump's tariff policies and trade war with China(25:42): Trump's battle with Ivy League universities(31:18) The broader implications of government-university conflicts(36:16): Listener mailbag: JFK files(39:29): Masters tournament recap(43:14): Trump administration's deportation controversy(44:59): US-Iran nuclear negotiations update(45:49): Movie box office highlights(46:54) Easter weekend reflectionsResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramNew Research: Belief in Jesus Rises, Fueled by Younger Adults | Barna GroupCommitment to Jesus Reaches Decade-High Levels | Barna GroupNumber of Americans who don't identify as Christian but claim 'personal commitment to Jesus' nears record high: surveyIs Gen Z a lost cause for the church?Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?Why teens are growing up more anxious and depressed‘The Quiet Revival’: huge increase in young people attending church - Religion Media CentreChina suspends rare earth exports, kneecapping US industry reliant on Beijing's 'monopoly'China Exports to United States - 2025 Data 2026 Forecast 1992-2023 HistoricalUS-China Trade Data: Import-Export Bilateral Trade Statistics - USImportDataTrump threatens Harvard's tax-exempt status after freezing $2bn fundingTrump Administration Will Freeze $2 Billion After Harvard Refuses Demands - The New York TimesThe Promise of American Higher Education - Harvard University PresidentBarack Obama on XRory McIlroy’s Masters win and a transforming life principleRory McIlroy, Tom Cruise, and the power of persistenceExclusive: ICE decides who's linked to gangs, border czar saysIs “The King of Kings” worth seeing?The God Who Feels Your Pain | Denison MinistriesAbout 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 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 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’s tariffs, financial anxieties, a Masters preview & hot take, plus more trending news | Ep. 14

  Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella for an insightful episode of Culture Brief. This week, they discuss some of the most pressing news topics with spiritual insight: The impact of new tariffs announced by President Trump and their potential effects on the US economy, stock market, and everyday prices. Get the latest sports updates, including a recap of March Madness, Alex Ovechkin's record-breaking goal in the NHL, and the excitement surrounding The Masters golf tournament and a related hot take. Topics(00:16): Economic chaos and tariffs(02:13): Impact of tariffs on everyday life(04:09): Market reactions and public sentiment(11:00): China and the trade war(12:51): Faith over fear: Finding peace in uncertainty(19:44): Sports update with Micah(22:42): Gretzky and Ovechkin: Celebrating hockey legends(23:46): Masters week: The pinnacle of golf(31:23): The spiritual side of sports fandom(34:56): Hot take: Wearing Masters apparel(41:15): Check-in section: Updates and newsResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramStocks fall, soar on “fake news,” then fall againTrump announces sweeping new tariffs to promote US manufacturing, risking inflation and trade wars | AP NewsVolkswagen’s Audi freezing all US imports due to Trump’s 25% autos tariffJaguar Land Rover pauses shipments to US as Trump says impact of tariffs ‘won’t be easy’ – as it happenedHow a false X post about pausing tariffs led to multitrillion-dollar market swingsTreasury Secretary Bessent says China's escalation was 'big mistake,' country playing with 'losing hand'2025 Masters: Tee times, groupings announced for Rounds 1-2 - PGA TOURPutin hails Ovechkin as 'legendary master' of ice hockey after he breaks NHL goal record | ReutersFlorida roar back to break Houston hearts and capture third NCAA title | NCAA Tournament 2025 | The GuardianHouston Falls To Florida In The 2025 NCAA Championship, 65-63How to watch 2025 Masters: TV schedule, streaming, tee timesWhat watching sports says about our soulsAbout 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 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 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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• Immigration and education anxieties, “torpedo” bats, Val Kilmer & one listener’s embarrassing story | Ep. 13

  Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in this week's episode of Culture Brief, where they discuss hot topics from a Christian perspective. This week, they talk about the complex issues surrounding the deportation of immigrants under the Trump administration and the dismantling of the US Department of Education. Additionally, they discuss the innovative “torpedo” bats used by the New York Yankees, Senator Cory Booker's record-breaking Senate speech, the death of American icon Val Kilmer, and the latest developments in US-Iran tensions. Don't miss the listener mailbag segment and a teaser for the upcoming Masters week. Engage with today's top stories across politics, sports, pop culture, and technology, all while reflecting on how these issues intersect with faith and values.Topics(00:41): Senator Cory Booker's record-breaking speech(02:27): Remembering Val Kilmer(03:13): Immigration controversies and deportations(19:10): Dismantling the Department of Education(26:47): Pros and cons of dismantling the US Department of Education(32:09): Shoutout to educators and Abbott Elementary(32:53): Listener mailbag: Fun stories and opinions(38:21): US-Iran tensions and nuclear deal(39:43): Trump's tariffs and Liberation Day(41:10): Trump's third term tease(42:06): TikTok deadline and March Madness(43:45): “Torpedo” bats in baseball(46:02): Masters Week and conclusionResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramAmericans want Trump's focus more on prices, not tariffs; most approve of deportation efforts — CBS News pollForeign-born population highest since 1890 — shock new figures show how much Biden changed AmericaBorder czar Tom Homan says he will visit Rochester cops who were blasted by their own city for helping ICEUS Undocumented Population Increased to 11.7 Million in July 2023: Provisional CMS Estimates Derived from CPS Data - The Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS)Joe Rogan calls the possibility of non-criminals being deported with violent gang members 'horrific'Exclusive: How the White House ignored a judge's order to turn back deportation flightsHow the Trump administration is using tattoos to lock up immigrants in El Salvador | The IndependentWhat to know about the wartime authority Trump invoked for mass deportationsPalestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil will remain in ICE detention in Louisiana after first court hearing | CNNShould we support deportation?Who is Mahmoud Khalil and why is Trump trying to deport him?What to know about the wartime authority Trump invoked for mass deportationsPalestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil will remain in ICE detention in Louisiana after first court hearing | CNNDamning nationwide test shows US kids’ reading levels plummeted to lowest level in 32-year history — and Republicans are blaming ‘woke’ educationNAEP Long-Term Trend Assessment Results: Reading and MathematicsA Half Century of Student Progress Nationwide - Education NextTrump signs executive order to dismantle US Department of Education | Trump administration | The GuardianThe cases for and against dismantling the Department of EducationHow Dismantling the Department of Education Would Harm Students | NEAUS Education Department closure imperils law school finances, deans say | ReutersCoalition Sues Trump Administration For Dismantling Department of Education, Hurting All StudentsVal Kilmer, Top Gun and Batman actor, dies at 65About 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 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 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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• The Signal group chat heard round the world, Snow White’s box office trouble, MLB Opening Day, and more top headlines | Ep. 12

  Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in this episode of Culture Brief as they discuss the biggest stories of the week, starting with the significant security breach involving a Trump administration Signal group chat leak, its political fallout, and the comparisons to the Hillary Clinton email scandal. They also explore the cultural and political controversies surrounding the new Snow White movie and its box office performance. They share their own favorite Disney movies. Additionally, they highlight the start of the Major League Baseball season and the upcoming weekend of March Madness games. Tune in for insightful analysis and a Christian perspective on this week’s hot topics.Topics(01:27): The Signal group chat leak(04:59): Political fallout and double standards(13:34): Snow White box office bomb(20:40): Controversy surrounding Disney's latest movie(22:46): Biblical perspective on the controversy(27:04): Favorite Disney movies discussion(29:07): Upcoming movie remakes(32:44): MLB Opening Day(35:27): March Madness and other sports updates(37:23): Conclusion and listener engagementResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramThe Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans - The AtlanticHere Are the Attack Plans That Trump’s Advisers Shared on Signal - The AtlanticFirst Thing: White House texts secret Yemen airstrike plans to reporter | JD Vance | The GuardianPete Hegseth claims ‘nobody was texting war plans’ in first comments since Yemen strike group text scandal'Sounds like a huge screwup': Top officials react to report about US leaders texting war plans in a Signal group chatTrump’s top team rips into Europe in leaked war texts group chat - raging they ‘loathe’ having to bail out freeloaders’ | The SunMaybe J.D. Vance Isn’t Trump’s PuppetTop officials inadvertently shared war plans with Atlantic editorInside Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Fiasco: Death Threats, Beefed-Up Security and a Social Media Guru for Rachel ZeglerAfter poisonous PR, ‘Snow White’ has ‘heigh-ho’pes for a fairy tale ending at the box office | CNNRachel Zegler celebrates ‘Snow White’ being ‘#1 movie in the world’ despite sleepy box office debutAbout 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 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 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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