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

Latest Episodes:

Netflix vs. Paramount fight for Warner Bros., Hollywood’s future, Spotify Wrapped & College Football Playoffs | Ep. 48 Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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 events

Resources

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Articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

Conner 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 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

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.

Ukraine, Hegseth, American work, box office booms & College-football chaos | Ep. 47 Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

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 chaos

Resources

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

Links mentioned in this episode:

Faith & Clarity Podcast: Managing holiday loneliness, controversial cloning, and the spiritual revival of Millennials and Gen Z

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

About Micah Tomasella

About Denison Forum

Epstein files, MAGA infighting, peace deals & Tom Cruise | Ep. 46 Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s Brief: we break down a whirlwind week in U.S. politics—from the fallout surrounding the newly released Epstein files to what the shifting narrative means for President Trump and the broader Republican landscape. We also take a closer look at the growing fractures within the MAGA movement, including the tension playing out among voices like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Then we zoom out to the global stage, diving into the UN’s response to Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan and renewed chatter about Ukraine peace talks. And we talk about Tom Cruise’s honorary Oscar and why he’s earned it.

Through it all, we’re asking: how do we stay faithful, discerning, and hopeful as followers of Jesus in the middle of so much political noise?

Topics

(00:00): Introduction
(00:57): Political Turmoil among Republicans
(03:02): MAGA Media Sphere and Internal Conflicts
(05:23): Trump's Controversial Stances
(16:10): Epstein Files: What We Know So Far
(24:32): Trump's Lame Duck Status
(28:30): Implications of the Epstein Files
(30:19): Justice for Epstein's Victims
(31:42): Spiritual Reflections and Challenges
(37:03): Global Updates: Peace Plans and Redistricting
(41:07): Tom Cruise gets an Oscar
(42:41): Tune in and Happy Thanksgiving

Resources

Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
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Links mentioned in this episode:

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About Conner Jones

About Micah Tomasella

About Denison Forum

Shutdown ends, Democrats’ identity crisis, Pelosi update, MLB pitchers indicted & Nico Harrison fired | Ep. 45 Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about the political maneuvering that happened to reopen the government. And Micah dives into the Democratic Party’s ongoing identity crisis, exploring questions of leadership, vision, and unity as the 2026 elections loom. Should they choose the socialist or moderate path?

Shifting gears, they cover a major week in sports and pop culture, including Nancy Pelosi’s retirement announcement, an MLB betting scandal involving top pitchers, and tragic losses across the NFL that have fans reflecting on life and legacy. And catch our thoughts on the firing of Nico Harrison, the Dallas Mavericks GM who was responsible for the worst trade in NBA history.

Through it all, we’re considering what this mix of chaos and change reveals about our culture—and why true stability and hope can only be found in Christ.

Topics

(00:00): Introduction
(01:10): Government shutdown: Current status and impacts
(03:36): Political maneuvering and shutdown resolution
(17:38): Democratic party dynamics and future challenges
(23:43): Democrats' identity crisis
(30:04): The American political system's distraction
(31:51): Spiritual reflections on leadership
(36:14): Nancy Pelosi's retirement announcement
(37:50): MLB pitchers' betting scandal
(40:21): NFL tragedies and legacies
(43:43): NBA's worst trade in history

Resources

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

Links mentioned in this episode:

Gov. Gavin Newsom X Post

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

About Micah Tomasella

About Denison Forum

Tariffs on trial, Nigerian Christian persecution, Dick Cheney, Mamdani and Dems win big & NFL trades | Ep. 44 Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking tariffs and how they’re not impacting the US economy nearly as much as experts predicted back in April. But this week’s SCOTUS hearing could change that. We also take a closer look at Christian persecution in Nigeria, where Trump is threatening military action if the killings of Christians continue.

Plus updates on the death of Dick Cheney and the UPS plane crash in Kentucky before a recap of Tuesday’s elections across the country and what they mean for the future of both political parties. We also cover the ongoing US government shutdown, MLB World Series, and key NFL trade deadlines. Tune in to explore how culture, sports, and faith intersect in our daily lives.

Topics

(00:00): Introduction
(00:41): Tariffs, Supreme Court, and US economy
(06:57): Impact of tariffs on the economy
(18:09): Christian persecution in Nigeria
(28:23): Call to prayer for Nigeria
(29:29): Prayer for persecuted Christians
(31:12): How to help persecuted Christians
(32:08): Listener's hot take: 18-wheelers in express lanes
(34:52): Tragic plane crash in Louisville
(35:37): Dick Cheney's legacy and passing
(37:49): Election results and political implications
(42:01): Government shutdown: The longest in history
(45:18): Dodgers win the World Series
(46:33): NFL trade deadline highlights

Resources

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

Links mentioned in this episode:

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

About Micah Tomasella

About Denison Forum

Trade deals, East Wing destroyed, NBA gambling scandal, election day preview & scented stamps | Ep. 43 Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about Trump’s whirlwind Asia tour, including stops in Qatar, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and an upcoming high-stakes meeting with China. And we take a look at what’s happening back at home with the White House’s East Wing demolition, a PR war with Canada, and the never-ending government shutdown.

We also dig into the NBA betting scandal involving Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier, looking at what it reveals about the larger issue of sports gambling.

Plus, we cover updates on Hurricane Melissa, drug boats in Venezuela, election day insights, and so much more. From politics and global affairs to sports and faith, listen now for grounded and thoughtful insights on what’s shaping the world right now—and what it means for believers.

Topics

(01:23): Political roundup: Trump's Asia tour
(07:55): Domestic affairs: Canada & East Wing
(13:02): Government shutdown: Impacts and reflections
(17:54): Betting scandal: NBA under scrutiny
(22:45): Mafia's involvement in high-stakes poker
(26:36): Major League Baseball's gambling issues
(28:08): NCAA and the culture of gambling
(36:25): Mailbag and scented stamps
(39:15): Current events and updates
(45:14): Halloween fun and YouTube announcement

Resources

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

Links mentioned in this episode:

Canada Tariff Ad
Conner’s article on the dangerous rise of sports betting
Culture Brief Ep. 35 - popularity of sports betting
Faith & Clarity Podcast ft. Conner & Micah - Following Christ in a sports-obsessed world

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

About Micah Tomasella

About Denison Forum

Rare earth minerals, Louvre jewelry heist, "No Kings" protests & a World Series preview! | Ep. 42 Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about the global tug-of-war over rare earth minerals and what the U.S. is doing to loosen its reliance on China. We also dive into the daring, Hollywood-worthy heist at the Louvre. And we tackle updates on the government shutdown, the "No Kings" protests, Ukraine and Israel before sharing our World Series predictions. Plus, don’t miss a big announcement at the end of the episode about what’s next for Culture Brief!

From politics and global affairs to pop culture and faith, Conner and Micah offer grounded, thoughtful insight on what’s shaping the world right now—and what it means for believers. Plus, don’t miss a big announcement at the end of the episode about what’s next for Culture Brief!

Topics

(00:47): What are rare earth minerals?
(05:54): US-Australia deal on rare earth minerals
(11:54): Spiritual application: Planning with faith
(15:26): The Louvre heist: A Hollywood-style robbery
(25:46): Reflecting on the value of human life
(29:16): Mailbag: Responses to last week’s audiobook hot take
(32:17): Ukraine's plea for Tomahawk missiles
(34:24): "No Kings" protest across the country
(36:41): Government shutdown and economic impact
(38:58): Fragile ceasefire in the Middle East
(41:06): World Series and NBA updates
(43:17): Big announcement!

Resources

Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe
NOTE - you can catch Conner & Micah on last week’s Faith & Clarity podcast episode discussing the spiritual implications of the AI Bible, euthanasia, congressional term limits and freedom of speech.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Can’t Believe the Louvre Robbery? These 6 Heist Movies Are Just as Wild.

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

About Conner Jones

About Micah Tomasella

About Denison Forum

Trailer Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Feeling overwhelmed by the endless stream of news, politics, and pop culture? Join Denison Forum’s Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they break down the week’s biggest stories from a Christian perspective.

Culture Brief dives into the topics that matter most, from the latest TV shows, movies, and celebrity buzz to trending stories in politics, sports, and technology. Expect laughs, insights, and honest conversations about navigating today’s fast-paced world with biblical discernment.

Whether you’re looking for entertainment, encouragement, or a fresh take on the culture around us, Conner and Micah are here to help you make sense of it all. New episodes drop every Thursday.

Hostages come home, Super Bowl halftime debate, Nobel Peace Prize, MLB playoffs & NBA and NHL are back! | Ep. 41 Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s Brief: Micah’s out on vacation, so we had Alex Kondratev join the show as guest co-host to break down the headlines!

We're talking about the Israel–Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, Donald Trump’s central role in the negotiations, the still unresolved issues, and Trump’s thoughts on if he’s “heaven-bound”.

Then we dive into the debate over Turning Point USA’s alternative Super Bowl halftime show, the heart behind it, and whether or not it’s the right move.

Plus, we discuss the Nobel Peace Prize, Diane Keaton’s death, the NHL coming back, the NBA’s return next week, and the MLB playoffs and that wild 15-inning game.

It’s a mix of geopolitics, pop culture, and thoughtful conversation—all through a biblical lens to help you navigate the week with clarity and faith.

Topics

(01:39): Hostage release in Israel and Gaza
(04:30): Trump's role in the peace deal
(07:58): Reflections on peace and conflict
(16:18): Trump's views on heaven and misunderstanding the Gospel
(21:36): Alternative Super Bowl halftime show by Turning Point USA
(24:16): Controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance
(29:53): The heart behind the alternative show
(38:32): Alex shares a hot take!
(42:44): Current events and updates

Resources

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

NOTE - you can catch Conner & Micah on the latest Faith & Clarity podcast episode discussing the spiritual implications of the AI Bible, euthanasia, congressional term limits and freedom of speech.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Other 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 son, and finds inspiration in books, the ocean, and the art of good storytelling.

About Denison Forum

Worship, anxiety, and identity with Landon Wolfe of Passion City Church and the voice behind “The Lord Will Provide” | Ep. 40 Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

This week, we welcome special guest Landon Wolfe, the voice behind the worship hit “The Lord Will Provide”!

We dive into Landon’s journey in music, his ministry at Passion City Church, leading NFL stadiums in worship at Passion Conferences, and the movement of young people turning to faith.

We talk through the story behind “The Lord Will Provide”, what goes into preparing for Passion Conferences, and why more and more of Gen Z is showing up hungry for God.

Plus, Landon shares practical wisdom on living a faithful life, trusting God’s plan, and shaping culture through the lens of Christ. It’s an inspiring, hope-filled conversation you won’t want to miss.

We’ll be back next week with trending headlines, but this conversation was well worth the pause!

Topics

(00:14): Introducing our special guest: Landon Wolfe
(00:54): Landon's journey and impact
(05:38): The Passion Conference experience
(12:08): The story behind “The Lord Will Provide”
(17:39): Landon's musical background and calling
(21:18): Advice for young listeners: Discerning God's call
(25:02): Impacting culture: Using your unique position
(29:03): Gen Z's struggles: Anxiety, depression, and social media
(33:38): Passion Conference: Preparation and excitement
(37:34): Final thoughts and encouragement

Resources

As always, send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org And make sure to sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

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