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

In this week’s brief: We’re breaking down the headlines shaping the year’s explosive start, beginning with Operation Absolute Resolve and the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. What does the move signal militarily? How does it reshape the global chessboard? Was it legal? Does this operation support Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda? And was it worth the risk? We discuss the questions much of America is asking.From there, we talk about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s mess, the latest in U.S. and global politics, and check in on the CFP and NFL playoff picture. Plus: listener mailbag questions, bold 2026 predictions across entertainment and influence, and a few wild cards no one saw coming. As always, we do it all from a Christian worldview!Topics(00:00): Introduction (01:46): Operation absolute resolve: execution and impact(02:27): Us military excellence and global perception(06:35): Legal and political implications(21:16): Pros and cons of the Venezuela operation(29:36): Spiritual application and historical context(30:45): Power vs. trust: a biblical perspective(33:23): Global events and the spread of the gospel(34:31): Mailbag: listener feedback and discussions(38:16): 2026 predictions: movies, music, and influential people(44:52): Current events: Nigeria, Minnesota, and more(51:04): NFL playoffs and faith in sportsResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:Pentagon Pizza Report X PostU.S. had 150 aircraft in the sky during Maduro raidFive questions about the US strike on VenezuelaWoman burned by pro-Maduro forces begs judge to lock up dictatorAbout 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.

In this week’s Brief: We take a wide-angle look at 2025, what we thought the year would hold, what actually happened, and what surprised us along the way, starting with a revisit to our predictions from January.Then we talk about the most influential people of 2025 followed by the biggest stories in fashion, food, pop-culture, sports, travel, nature, tech, global news, politics before landing on what we thought was the most defining story of the year. Plus the biggest biggest flops, most bizarre headlines,the best spiritual moments of 2025, and the lessons, both personal and collective, that emerged as the year unfolded.And as always, we zoom out to consider how Christians can look back honestly, discern wisely, and move forward with clarity and hope as culture continues to shift.Topics(00:00): Introduction(02:10): 2025 Predictions recap(06:42): Fun stats and tidbits from 2025(10:56): Most influential people of 2025(22:33): Prominent deaths in 2025(24:05): Biggest flops of 2025(28:48): Bizarre stories of the year(31:31): Pop culture highlights(34:24): Favorite movies of the year(35:47): Major sports stories(38:15): Travel disasters and aviation incidents(39:22): Natural disasters and government failures(41:58): Global headlines(43:08): Political shifts and controversies(45:53): Biggest story of the year(48:41): Reflections and lessons from 2025(51:45): Looking forward to 2026ResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:Prediction: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bubble Will Burst in 2025. Here's Why. | The Motley FoolAbout 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.

In this week’s Brief: We walk through a heavy news cycle that collided head-on with the Christmas season. We unpack an attack on U.S. troops, the shooting at Brown University, the terrorist attack in Sydney, the horrific murders of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and his wife, and a foiled NYE terror attack in California.Then, we shift gears to some lighter—but still meaningful—moments: favorite Christmas movies and traditions, reflections on what Christmas actually celebrates from a Christian perspective. Plus, quick-hit updates on the Candace Owens and Erika Kirk meeting, the Heisman trophy winner, Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore getting arrested, NFL updates, and predictions on this weekend’s College Football Playoff games.And as always, we step back to ask what it looks like for Christians to process real grief, stay informed, and still hold fast to hope and joy in a world that feels especially loud—and tender—this time of year.Topics(00:00): Introduction(01:46): US troops ambushed in Syria(02:53): Brown University shooting(06:07): Hanukkah attack in Australia(11:59): Rob Reiner's tragic murder(20:08): Foiled New Year's Eve terror attack(20:57): Christian response to evil(28:28): Top Christmas movies of all time(36:18): Reflecting on Christmas traditions(41:46): Candace Owens and Turning Point USA controversy(43:51): Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman(44:45): Sherrone Moore scandal(45:36): NFL injuries and playoff implications(46:50): College Football playoffs previewResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:Rob Reiner and his wife found dead; police probe homicide - Denison ForumRob Reiner’s son arrested in connection with parents’ deaths - Denison ForumTwo heroes of the Hanukkah massacre in Australia - Denison ForumWhat the controversial “God & Country” documentary gets right and wrong: Should you watch? - Denison ForumThomas Massie on XMike Lawler on XJenna Ellis on XAttorney General Pamela Bondi on XPatrick Mahomes on XAbout 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.

In this week’s Brief: We break down the massive Netflix and Paramount fight to out-bid one another in a multibillion-dollar purchase of Warner Bros.—a move that could reshape everything in Hollywood and change how Americans engage TV and movies. Is this a death knell for movie theaters? Are the streaming wars done or just getting started? What does a deal mean for average consumers? We tackle it all!Plus, hear our thoughts on Spotify’s annual “Wrapped” feature, updates on farmer relief packages, the latest on drug-running vessel strikes in the Caribbean, and more pressure being placed on Venezuela. And of course, we talk about the now finalized College Football Playoff bracket!And as always, we step back to ask what all this movement—on the field, in Hollywood, in Washington, and around the globe—means for Christians trying to stay wise, steady, and hopeful in a fast-shifting culture.Topics(00:00): Introduction(00:13): Philip Rivers' NFL comeback(01:58): Netflix and Warner Bros. deal(04:34): Paramount's competing bid(07:19): Implications for Hollywood and beyond(13:04): Streaming wars and market competition(22:46): Theater experience vs. home viewing(28:37): Spiritual reflections on media influence(32:32): Listener engagement and Spotify Wrapped(36:29): Global news and conflicts(39:42): Upcoming sports eventsResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:How a Netflix-Warner Deal Would Change Everything in Hollywood—Again - WSJWhat Netflix Gains From Buying Warner Bros.CNN: Paramount goes hostileNYT: DealBook: Does Netflix have a chance?Alex Sherman on XBehind Paramount’s Relentless Campaign to Woo Warner Discovery and President Trump - WSJAbout 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.

In this week’s Brief: We round up the top stories dominating the headlines, including the latest in peace negotiations in the Ukraine-Russia war, the tragic attack near the White House and its implications for U.S. immigration policy, and controversy around drone strikes on drug vessels in the Caribbean. We also zoom out for a 250-year look at the American worker: how wages, conditions, and protections have changed over time, and how emerging technologies like AI might reshape the future of work once again. And because culture includes the fun stuff too, we give our take on the wild college-football coaching carousel and celebrate a massive week at the box office.Through it all, we highlight why a Christian worldview matters in staying grounded, grateful, and wise as we navigate a noisy and complex world.Topics(00:00): Introduction(01:05): Foreign policy roundup: Ukraine and Russia(05:15): Domestic tragedy: attack near the White House(10:24): Military actions in the Caribbean and Venezuela(18:22): The evolution of the American worker(27:52): Gratitude and faith in changing times(34:19): A listener’s powerful immigration story(39:02): Box office report(41:22): College football chaosResourcesSend 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:Faith & Clarity Podcast: Managing holiday loneliness, controversial cloning, and the spiritual revival of Millennials and Gen ZOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Denison Forum: Has Pete Hegseth committed war crimes?Denison Forum: National Guard soldier dies a day after DC attackDenison Forum: Zelensky wants to finalize a deal with Trump over ThanksgivingDenison Forum: US sends Ukraine detailed plan to end the war with RussiaNYT: Lawmakers Suggest Follow-Up Boat Strike Could Be a War CrimeBBC: US halts all asylum claim decisions after National Guard shootingX: Secretary Kristi NoemPolitico: What Trump didn’t sayCNN: Pentagon playbook problemsWashington Post: Hegseth, with White House help, tries to distance himself from boat strike falloutWall Street Journal: 250 Years of Work in AmericaUS Bureau of Labor Statistics Report 1US Bureau of Labor Statistics Report 2US Census Bureau ReportAbout 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.