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

• 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: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgDenisonForum.org/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: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgDenisonForum.org/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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• Astronauts return, Democrat party turmoil, JFK files, & March Madness | Ep. 11

  Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella on Culture Brief as they break down the week’s biggest headlines through a Christian lens. This week they discuss the newly released JFK files and the insights they may reveal, the extended mission of astronauts who were stranded for nine months aboard the ISS, the ongoing turmoil within the Democratic Party, the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, and wrap up with March Madness predictions and a related basketball hot take. And the guys offer eternal perspective and biblical wisdom for maintaining spiritual peace in tumultuous times.Topics(00:16): Breaking news: JFK files released(00:49): Astronauts' unexpected nine-month mission(01:19): Russia-Ukraine peace talks update(03:06): Astronauts' return: Challenges and triumphs(13:58): Democratic party in turmoil(24:18): Democratic party's internal struggles(30:52): Israel-Gaza conflict update(33:02): JFK files released(36:51): March Madness excitement(38:50): College Basketball vs. NBA(41:05): Listener engagement and conclusionResourcesMailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgDenisonForum.org/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramU.S. astronauts finally returning to Earth after 9 months in spaceHow NASA Astronauts Might Feel When They Return to EarthStranded astronauts Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams return to Earth in SpaceX capsule: Live updates'Butch and Suni' astronauts prepare for Tuesday homecoming after nine-month mission | ReutersDragon Undocks With SpaceX Crew-9 Members for Return to Earth - NASANasa astronauts back on Earth after being stuck months on ISS: ‘grins, ear to ear’ | Nasa | The GuardianDemocrats clear way for funding bill, end threat of shutdownChuck Schumer at the center of a “civil war” among DemocratsSchumer forced to cancel events over ‘threats’ after backing GOP bill & Dem insists she's LEAVING party in huge meltdown | The US SunDemocrats Clear Way for GOP Funding Bill, Ending Threat of Government ShutdownPlaybook: Reeling, fuming, gloating - POLITICOSchumer at center of civil war after funding fiascoChuck Schumer: Trump and Musk Would Love a Shutdown. We Must Not Give Them One. - The New York TimesWalz knocks Schumer over government funding blowup - POLITICOInside House Dems' furious anti-Schumer movementCNN Poll: Democratic Party’s favorability drops to a record low | CNN PoliticsAbout 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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• Stock market woes, Syrian murders, Tate brothers, NFL free agency & more trending stories this week | Ep. 10

  Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella on Culture Brief as they break down the week’s biggest headlines through a Christian lens. From the turbulence in financial markets to a new and deadly phase of the civil war in Syria and the latest developments surrounding the controversial Tate brothers, they cover the stories shaping our world. Plus, they unpack the latest player moves in the NFL’s open market, discuss updates on Gene Hackman’s death, check in on Canada’s new Prime Minister, mourn bags flying free on Southwest Airlines and preview two upcoming sporting events. Topics(00:23): Financial markets update(11:55): Civil war in Syria: Background and recent events(22:41): Introduction to the Tate brothers controversy(30:15): Biblical perspective on manhood(33:37): NFL free agency frenzy(42:39): Listener feedback and hot takes(44:42): Upcoming events and newsResourcesMailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgDenisonForum.org/subscribeCulture Brief on InstagramMorning Brew: International markets reversalWall Street suffers ‘ugly’ sell-off amid US recession fears, as Musk’s Tesla falls 50% from all–time high – as it happened | Business | The GuardianCharted: The U.S. Stock Market vs. Rest of World (1979-2025)International-Stock Funds Finally Wake Up - WSJCivil war in Syria escalates as rebels take HamaIntroducing Culture Brief: A new Denison Forum podcast on sports, pop culture, and moreThe Conflict in Syria: Causes and Biblical ResponsesChaos in Syria and the future of AmericaHundreds of Minorities, Including Christians, Killed in Syria—Reports - NewsweekHorror vids show 'brutal regime mutilations' & gunmen in Damascus after ‘1,500 die’ in 4 days of bloody clashes in Syria | The Sun2 days of clashes and revenge killings in Syria leave more than 1,000 people deadMore than 1,000 killed in Syrian crackdown on Alawite region, war monitor says | ReutersThe Tate brothers left Romania and are facing an active criminal investigation in Florida. Here’s what we know | CNNAndrew Tate timeline: From kickboxing and webcams to criminal probe in Florida | The IndependentAndrew Tate vs. Biblical Manhood | Summit 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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• 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: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgDenisonForum.org/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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