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

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Is Gen Z okay? A student minister on purpose, sports betting, self-image & deadpanning | Ep. 88 Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: What are today's teenagers and young adults really wrestling with? Conner is joined by Cole Travis, a Student Minister with a decade of youth ministry experience, for a candid look at the good, the bad, and the ugly facing Gen Z and Gen Alpha in today’s world. This conversation is for young listeners seeking guidance and older listeners who want to learn how they can best minister to these generations in a challenging, digital-first culture.

They start with the question so many young people are asking: "What's my purpose?" From there, they dive into the concerning trends Cole sees most often — self-image among young women; lust, online sports betting, and NIL pressure among young men — along with how teen brain development shapes enduring suffering and how screens have changed the way they communicate (Cole even decodes Gen Z "deadpanning"). And Cole also shares what gives him real hope for these generations.

Plus, the guys debate iced coffee at job interviews, open the mailbag on college football, discuss two attempted terrorist attacks this week, and preview the MLB Wild Card round.

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(0:46) Why Gen Z matters
(4:38) Identity, calling, assignment
(6:51) Three career questions
(14:59) Cultural struggles overview
(16:04) Porn and gambling
(20:34) Girls' self-image
(23:32) NIL pressure on athletes
(27:43) Youth sports industry pressure
(28:21) NIL laws and boycotts
(30:15) Gen Z communication: deadpanning
(33:31) Teen brain and suffering
(38:05) Hope for next generation
(40:56) Iced coffee interview debate
(44:19) Terror plots and plane hijack
(48:10) Conclusion

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About Conner Jones

Conner is the Managing Editor of Denison Forum, host of the Culture Brief podcast and author of the In The Know newsletter. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 and has spent his career at the intersection of faith, culture, and current events. Outside the office, he can usually be found at the movies, watching sports, or traveling with his wife, Raigan, and their sons, Nolan and Nash.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast,the Faith & Claritypodcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

Why Trump banned CNN and MS Now, UN leaders can't agree & Ella Langley dethrones Mariah Carey | Ep. 87 Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Josh Miller, CEO of Denison Ministries to discuss President Trump's ban on CNN, Politico and MS Now from the White House. We break down the lawsuit, the rare show of solidarity from rival networks (even Fox News!), and the comical, silent helipad ribbon-cutting that followed. Then we tackle a bigger question: What do we do when we doubt God?

From there, we dive into the UN General Assembly, where world leaders from Brazil, France and Jordan — plus President Trump — all say they want peace but can't agree on how to get there. It serves as an illustration of pursuing unity in the body of Christ, even across dividing lines.

Plus, the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger clears a major hurdle (with CNN in the mix), Ella Langley's "Choosing Texas" dethrones Mariah Carey for the longest-running No. 1 in Billboard Hot 100 history, and the office fantasy football standings are totally upside down.

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(0:49) Trump bans media outlets
(5:03) Networks boycott pool coverage
(7:44) Helipad moment backfires
(10:13) Legal precedent and Acosta
(18:11) Doubt, God, and lament
(22:42) UN General Debate begins
(24:21) Guterres warns of fault lines
(24:53) AI replaces nukes
(25:37) Lula slams UN
(27:43) Trump-Iran tension
(34:58) Church unity call
(40:18) Grace over judgment
(43:24) Pray for leaders
(44:05) Media merger news
(46:57) Conclusion

Resources

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Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Managing Editor for Denison Forum 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 Josh Miller

Josh Miller is the Chief Executive 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 Denison Forum

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

Will AI destroy humanity? Plus: Netflix’s “Death of a Pastor’s Wife” & Hollywood’s massive summer | Ep. 86 Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Alex Kondratev to tackle a question that's suddenly everywhere: Is AI going to destroy humanity? A viral resignation thread from a former Anthropic researcher claiming that AI companies are “gambling with our lives” has Washington and Silicon Valley on edge. Conner and Alex dig into the timing, the money at stake, and why Christians can trust God even when the "smartest people in the room" say they're scared.

From there, Alex breaks down Netflix's "Death of a Pastor's Wife" — the docuseries dominating the platform's top spot — and what its story of spiritual abuse and unchecked authority means for how the church holds leaders accountable.

Plus, AJ Baxley returns to settle the score on “Bust the Block”, Conner and AJ's summer box office prediction game, revisiting record-breaking hits like "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" against Disney flops like "Moana" and "The Mandalorian and Grogu."

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(2:57) AI doom tweetstorm
(7:35) How AI could harm us
(12:14) Why keep building AI
(21:12) A Christian response to fear
(27:07) Netflix docuseries setup
(29:18) Mica Miller story begins
(36:57) Accountability in church
(40:07) Healthy leadership marks
(44:18) Speak up and get help
(46:15) Summer box office setup
(47:09) Why movies surged
(50:08) Films watched: favorites
(51:32) Bust the block rules
(56:47) Big winners: Odyssey, Spider-Man
(59:36) Conclusion

Resources

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Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

About Alex Kondratev

Alex Kondratev is the Chief Content Officer at Denison Ministries. Alex is passionate about creating content that helps people encounter God in practical, transformative ways. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and two sons, and finds inspiration in books, the ocean, and the art of good storytelling.

About AJ Baxley

Anna Joy Baxley is a Graphic Designer at Denison Ministries and an artist who seeks to know the Lord more deeply and glorify him in all she creates.

About Denison Forum

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

GOP’s risky midterm convention, fixing college sports, remembering 9/11 & an Emmys preview | Ep. 85 Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Parker Jones to unpack the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention, happening this week in Dallas with Trump and JD Vance headlining. Even GOP insiders are skeptical it'll land, especially scheduled opposite NFL opening week. Conner and Parker dig into what's driving voter frustration on both sides and land on Galatians 5:1: our freedom isn't found in any party, but in Jesus.

From there, Parker breaks down the Protect College Sports Act, the bipartisan bill aiming to rein in NIL chaos, the transfer portal, and the coaching carousel — tying it back to greed and instant gratification through Esau's bowl of soup.

Plus, a tragic Miami plane crash, the anniversaries of Charlie Kirk's death and 9/11, Emmy nominations, and a loaded NFL opening week.

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(1:25) Midterm convention explained
(4:49) Why the convention may flop
(12:50) House and Senate math
(15:28) Christian approach to voting
(19:41) College sports chaos begins
(26:03) NIL and transfer chaos
(27:20) Protect College Sports Act
(30:23) Will Congress pass the Act
(35:08) Listener feedback and mailbag
(36:22) Miami cargo plane crash
(37:59) Remembering 9/11
(40:15) Emmys and TV talk
(41:47) Football weekend preview
(43:50) NFL theme song debate
(44:26) Conclusion

Resources

Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
Watch on Youtube
Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

About Parker Jones

Parker is the Groups Pastor at Midway Church in Pilot Point, TX. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Dallas Baptist University and recently completed a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Southern Seminary.

About Denison Forum

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

Venezuela oil deal, Pentagon turmoil, Putin's desperation, foldable iPhone rumors & NFL returns! | Ep. 84 Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Josh Miller, CEO of Denison Ministries, for a whirlwind trip around the world. They start in Venezuela, where Trump's "biggest oil deal in world history" comes with a surprising backstory. And they parse through what the deal could mean for gas prices back home.

From there, they cover a rough week for U.S. military leadership, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation, the USS Lincoln's unprecedented nine months at sea, renewed U.S.-Iran strikes, and just how desperate Putin may be, given how badly Russia's war in Ukraine is going. It all leads to a pivotal question: where is our hope really built when nations and leaders keep falling short?

Plus, they speculate on what next week’s major Apple product announcements could entail (a foldable iPhone?). And with the NFL season kicking off next week, Conner and Josh make their early Super Bowl picks!

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(0:43) Venezuela oil deal setup
(8:01) Deal terms and Pentagon stake
(11:24) Will gas prices drop
(18:37) Pentagon resignation fallout
(22:11) USS Lincoln deployment strain
(27:01) War escalation and lessons
(30:41) Russia-Ukraine stalemate
(32:09) Drone war slaughterbots
(35:42) NATO nuclear fears
(38:55) Hope beyond politics
(44:09) Apple event rumors
(46:28) NFL returns predictions
(49:59) Conclusion

Resources

Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
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Sign-up for Denison Forum newsletters: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

About Josh Miller

About Denison Forum

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

Flock cameras are everywhere, Meta's $17B settlement, Dolly Parton & college football returns | Ep. 83 Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Clayton Harris to break down America's growing distrust of big tech starting with Flock cameras, the license-plate surveillance system now active in nearly every state, weighing real safety wins against wrongful stops and misuse, and asking who we can actually trust with our data (hint: not a camera).

From there, they unpack Meta's $17 billion settlement over child safety and social media addiction — a fraction of what states sought — and why personal responsibility beats any lawsuit.

Plus, they remember Dolly Parton, talk US-Canada tariffs, preview college football, and Conner announces his new newsletter, "In the Know."

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(1:30) Flock cameras explained
(5:43) Privacy risks and misuse
(11:15) Public pushback and Deflock
(19:28) Meta child privacy lawsuit
(26:44) Accountability vs. settlement
(29:19) Big Tobacco comparison
(30:29) Personal tech boundaries
(33:33) Scripture and renewal
(36:26) In The Know Newsletter announcement
(38:54) Dolly Parton tribute
(41:12) US-Canada tariff fight
(44:13) Sports and tune in
(46:59) Conclusion

Resources

Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
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Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Managing Editor for Denison Forum 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 Clayton Harris

Clayton is the husband to Haley, Chief Marketing Officer at Denison Ministries, and dad to their 2 year old daughter. He is originally from San Diego, CA but has called North Texas home for the last 10 years. While he is no longer in full time ministry, he does have a background leading High School and Young Adult Ministries.

About Denison Forum

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

Kathryn Krick’s viral “healing” videos, why Gen Z wants old-school worship & the Lakers' shock sale | Ep. 82 Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Jonathan Becker, a Denison Forum contributing writer and student minister to dive into his recent article on the viral rise of self-proclaimed apostle Kathryn Krick and the New Apostolic Reformation and why Jonathan says this movement is a real danger to evangelicalism. It's a conversation about discernment, false teaching, and why we bow to Christ alone.

From there, Jonathan breaks down his research on Gen Z and worship to offer answers to the question: why are a growing number of young Christians drawn to old-school, liturgical churches over flashy contemporary services?

Plus, the guys remember actress Hayden Panettiere, break down the stunning $12.5 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, and preview this weekend's IndyCar race around the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(2:47) Meet Jonathan Becker
(3:52) Katherine Krick explained
(6:23) Viral Katherine Krick deliverance videos
(11:02) Seven Mountain Mandate
(14:05) Why NAR is dangerous
(17:00) We bow only to Christ
(19:15) Discernment on deliverance
(22:06) Gen Z worship trends
(28:03) Advice for church leaders
(31:46) Check-in: celebrity loss
(34:19) Lakers billion-dollar sale
(37:03) Tune in: DC Grand Prix
(38:45) Conclusion

Resources

Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
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Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Managing Editor at Denison Forum 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 Jonathan Becker

Jonathan Becker is a student of Scripture and a lover of ecumenism. His greatest passion is theology and helping others unpack the Bible in the ways they can understand and apply it. He currently serves as the Student Minister at Marvin Methodist Church (GMC) in Tyler, TX and as Adjunct Faculty in Biblical Studies & Christian Ministry at Heritage Bible College (NC). He holds an MA in Biblical Literature from Wesley Biblical Seminary and plans to begin his PhD in Theology in 2027 after completion of his DMin from Truett Seminary.

About Denison Forum

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

U.S. missile shortage, Trump’s secret Air Force One swap, “Choosin’ Texas” & a new political party? | Ep. 81 Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: the U.S. has burned through a staggering share of its missile stockpile in the war with Iran — Patriot interceptors down over 50%, THAAD missiles depleted by 80%. Conner and Micah break down why replenishing these stockpiles takes years, and what it means for U.S. readiness. But they land on the reminder that while we can't control geopolitics, we can cast our anxieties on the God who holds it all.

From there, they dig into Tucker Carlson's rumored third-party ambitions and why there may actually be an appetite among Americans for a new political party with record-high frustration with both parties. Conner and Micah discuss whether this movement could actually reshape American politics, or if it's more style than substance.

Plus, Trump's secret Air Force One switcheroo over a credible assassination threat, two former NBA players filing for the WNBA draft to force a reckoning on eligibility, and Ella Langley's "Choosin’ Texas" closing in on the all-time Billboard record. Micah also says (see you later) as he steps back from his regular seat behind the mic.

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(1:58) Iran war context
(5:50) Missile stockpile crisis
(15:44) Geopolitical risks ahead
(17:10) Faith over anxiety
(22:29) Tucker and Greene fallout
(25:41) Polling fuels realignment
(27:16) Can third parties win
(34:38) Micah steps back
(38:17) A New Kind of News
(41:18) Air Force One switcheroo
(44:06) WNBA eligibility debate
(45:42) Song of the summer
(48:52) Conclusion

Resources

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Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

About Micah Tomasella

Micah 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 Forum

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

Sophie Cunningham, Spain's migrant crisis, record box office & the Dodgers' blockbuster trade | Ep. 80 Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Denison Forum writer Parker Jones to unpack the WNBA's summer of controversy, as Sophie Cunningham's stand for biological reality in women's sports proves that common sense still wins out.

From there, they break down the chaos on the Spanish-Moroccan border, where 72,000 migrants rushed into the enclave of Ceuta in a single day, driven largely by rumors on social media, and more than 80 people died crossing. Conner and Parker land on a call to pray for the gospel in a region that badly needs it.

Plus, Trump calls off a major strike on Iran, movie theaters post their biggest weekend ever behind "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey," and the Dodgers add ace Tarik Skubal amid MLB lockout fears — all pointing back to one truth: God's Word shows us what's best.

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(1:09) WNBA controversy setup
(3:26) Sophie Cunningham spotlight
(11:07) Common sense and faith lens
(17:19) Spain Morocco border crisis
(27:13) Human cost of migration
(30:04) Politics and EU backlash
(34:31) Mailbag and hot takes
(35:30) Iran strike called off
(38:29) Odyssey and Spider-Man
(41:31) MLB trades and lockout
(44:32) Conclusion

Resources

Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
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Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Parker Jones

Parker is the Groups Pastor at Midway Church in Pilot Point, TX. He received a Bachelor's degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Dallas Baptist University and recently completed a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Southern Seminary. Parker's main interests include baseball, football, history, and current events. He loves fishing, attending Texas Rangers games, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Managing Editor for Denison Forum 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 Forum

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

Should We Be Worried About Data Centers? & Why Is Everything So Expensive? | Ep. 79 Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Brief: Conner's out, so Micah and Josh take the reins for a deep dive on two questions everyone's asking. First: Should we be worried about data centers? They break down what one actually is, why North Texas is suddenly full of them, and the real pros and cons behind the fights breaking out over land, water, and power, landing on whether this technology is being built with integrity.

From there, they tackle why everything feels so expensive, running real numbers on gas, beef, electricity, and coffee since Culture Brief launched, and unpacking the causes: oil instability, a shrinking cattle herd, data centers straining the grid, and tariffs. They flag a striking Gallup stat showing that Americans feel worse about their finances now than in 2008 or during the pandemic.

Plus, a challenge from Scripture: when money's tight for everyone, it's a chance to be generous, not silent.

Topics

(0:00) Introduction
(1:37) Why data centers everywhere
(5:35) What is a data center
(8:30) The case for data centers
(15:26) The case against data centers
(20:43) Christian wisdom and integrity
(24:42) Why everything so expensive
(25:07) Price check since launch
(27:56) Everyday costs spike
(29:48) Polls show anxiety
(30:51) Stock market disconnect
(35:04) Why prices rise
(37:35) Electricity and data centers
(39:18) Tariffs and politics
(45:37) Church steps up
(48:26) Radical generosity
(49:57) Conclusion

Resources

Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
Watch on Youtube
Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Josh Miller

About Micah Tomasella

About Denison Forum

All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

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