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

• AI market crash, immigration crackdown, 'Emilia Peréz' & Hollywood’s cultural push | Ep. 4

  Welcome back to Culture Brief, a Denison Forum podcast where Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella break down the latest in news, politics, sports, pop culture, and technology from a Christian perspective. This week, they discuss the massive dip in AI stocks and its broader implications followed by a thoughtful conversation on the immigration policies under Trump's administration and striking the balance between law enforcement and compassion for immigrants. They also touch on the controversial Oscar nominations, including the film Emelia Peréz, and its focus on transgender issues. Lastly, the guys share their current favorite TV shows and look ahead to the Grammys and the Super Bowl.Topics(00:49): AI Market Predictions and Stock Market Impact(03:37): DeepSeek: The New AI Competitor(10:43): Biblical Perspective on AI(14:47): Immigration Policies Under Trump(26:11): Hollywood Controversies and Oscar Nominations(29:42): Biblical Perspective on Transgenderism(32:39): Impact of Pop Culture and Transgender Issues(37:06): Mailbag: Favorite TV Shows(45:10): Upcoming Events and Predictions(49:05): Conclusion and Call to ActionResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeDeepSeek Curveball Rattles Trump’s AI Strategy - BloombergTrillion-Dollar Companies: 10 Most Valuable Mega-Cap Stocks | BankrateDeepSeek sell-off: The winners and losers of Monday’s AI volatility | TrustnetWhy DeepSeek “turned tech and Wall Street upside down”ChatGPT and artificial intelligence: What you need to knowThe Strategic Chaos of Trump’s First Days - The AtlanticSelena Gomez Responds to Republican Politician Who Says She Should Be Deported After Tearful Video with Mexican FlagTrump tells officials to increase deportation raidsMilitary police, engineer units from Army, Marines deploy to the US-Mexico border | Stars and StripesThe State of Our Nation: 7 Critical Issues by Dr. Jim DenisonWhy did Emilia Peréz actually receive 13 Oscar nominations?New York Times PollAmericans’ Complex Views on Gender Identity and Transgender Issues | Pew Research Center‘Emilia Pérez’ and the Curse of Oscar Bait - by River PageWhat does the Bible say about transgenderism?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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• Israel ceasefire, pardons, Trump’s inauguration, executive orders & all things football | Ep. 3

  Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they navigate a jam-packed news week on Culture Brief, a Denison Forum podcast. They discuss the political climate, including Joe Biden's final days as president, a significant ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, TikTok's brief shutdown, and Biden's last-minute pardons followed by Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President, his executive orders, and reactions from his supporters and opponents. Then, they dive into the latest sports news, including the NFL divisional round, the college football national championship, and key moments of sportsmanship. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions, faith perspectives, and even a fun segment on a new candy called Soup Drops!Topics(01:03): Biden's Final Days and Middle East Ceasefire(05:51): TikTok Shutdown and Revival(07:13): Biden's Last-Minute Pardons(13:21): Trump's Inauguration and Executive Actions(24:12): Trump's Legacy and Unconditional Love(25:57): NFL Playoffs Recap(30:07): College Football Championship Highlights(34:30): News You Can Use: Soup Drops(36:2):2 Listener Mailbag and Fast Food Favorites(40:43): Big Upcoming Events in CultureResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeWhat We Know About the Hostage Release - The New York TimesJanuary 19, 2025: First Israeli hostages, Palestinian prisoners freed as Gaza ceasefire takes force | CNNHow the Biden and Trump teams worked together to get the Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal done | CNN PoliticsBiden declares decades-old Equal Rights Amendment law — but what happens next? | CBC NewsTikTok starts restoring service in the U.S. after shutting down over divest-or-ban law - CBS NewsTikTok is back online after Trump pledged to restore it | CNN BusinessBiden Pardons 5 Members of His Family in Final Minutes in OfficeBiden sparks outrage with last-minute commutation of man convicted of killing FBI agents - ABC NewsFBI Agents Association Statement on Commutation of Leonard PeltierBiden’s Catholic faith both key and complex part of his legacy - OSV NewsTrump and Vance to honor tradition with service at DC's historic St. John's ChurchBidens Bring Donald and Melania Trump to the White House for Tea Before the Inauguration: 'Welcome Home'Donald Trump’s inauguration — as it happenedTrump signs flurry of executive actions and memos on Day 1 - CBS NewsPresident Trump’s Historic First DayWhat would be President Trump’s “proudest legacy”?NFL fans spot Josh Allen's classy gesture immediately after winning huge Bills-Ravens showdown in AFC playoffs | The US SunNFL Playoffs Briefing: From the expected (Chiefs) to the unexpected (Jayden Daniels) | FOX SportsOhio State holds off Notre Dame to win college football national championship | Fox NewsProgresso launches Soup Drops, a hard candy that's 'soup you can suck on'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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• LA wildfires, TikTok’s final days, playoff football, and a Christian podcast movement | Ep. 2

  Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in the second episode of the Culture Brief podcast as they navigate top stories of the week. They provide updates on the Los Angeles fires, insight into the NFL playoffs and college football, and discuss the deep impressions Christianity is making in popular culture. Additionally, the episode covers trending topics in politics, technology, and entertainment, including listener predictions for 2025. Join them for a comprehensive and engaging discussion from a Christian perspective.Topics(00:45): Los Angeles Fires Update(10:41): Political Updates(14:08): Christianity in Modern Culture(21:17): Football Playoff Highlights(23:04): Eagles' AJ Brown and the Inner Excellence Book(27:18): Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Shake-Up(29:39): Listener Predictions for 2025(34:49): TikTok's Uncertain Future(36:36): Upcoming Presidential Inauguration(37:36): College Football National ChampionshipResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeJanuary 12, 2025: Los Angeles wildfires, wind warnings as Palisades, Eaton fires burn | CNNSee some of the most dramatic pictures of California wildfire devastationIncidents | CAL FIRELA fires: What's happening in Los Angeles, and what caused the wildfires?The Blood Is in the Water for Karen Bass - PuckFirefighters battling “unprecedented” fires in CaliforniaDONATE: Deliver help, hope and healing to California · Texans on MissionDONATE: Pray for the Victims of the California WildfiresDONATE: Online Donations | American Red CrossDonald Trump sentenced after losing Supreme Court decisionSpecial Counsel Report Says Trump Would Have Been Convicted in Election Case - The New York TimesYouVersion Bible App Breaks Record in Single-Day Downloads | CBN News“Just to have the opportunity to glorify God on the football field it’s truly been an honor.” Jahdae Barron following Texas loss yesterday. Comment “Amen” down below! Athlete @officia1daeJahdae Barron Shares Faith After Texas Longhorns Loss | TikTokWesley Huff, PhD(c) - Apologetics CanadaActor Mel Gibson tells Joe Rogan that gospels are 'verifiable history' - Premier Christian NewsA Pastor's Reflections: The Case for Christ (the Movie) - Westminster Seminary California.Joe Rogan interviews Wesley Huff, a Christian apologistNFL scores and recaps for every wild-card playoff gamePlayoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl Recap: Notre Dame vs. Penn StatePlayoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Recap: Ohio State vs. TexasEagles receiver A.J. Brown was reading a book on the sidelines of team's playoff win‘Inner Excellence’ writer Jim Murphy talks A.J. Brown, Eagles fans – NBC10 PhiladelphiaTikTok Inc - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg MarketsAbout 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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• DC & Canada, Meta’s announcement, 2025 predictions, and the Gulf of America? | Ep. 1

  Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in the inaugural episode of Culture Brief, a Denison Forum podcast, as they navigate through the latest news, politics, sports, entertainment, pop culture, and technology—all from a Christian perspective. This episode features an introduction to Denison Forum, discussions on U.S. and global political updates, including President Biden's final days and Justin Trudeau's resignation. They also cover the latest shifts in social media moderation by Meta, predictions for 2025, and a look ahead at upcoming sports events. Lastly, they remind listeners about the power of prayer and encourage responses through their mailbag segment.Topics(01:08): What is Denison Forum?(03:17): Meet Micah (04:43): Meet Conner(05:55): Diving into Politics: Inauguration and Congress(08:40): Trump's Bold Moves and Announcements(13:42): Prayers and Reflections(16:08): Justin Trudeau's Resignation(21:29): Meta's Major Overhaul(24:55): Cultural Tipping Point and Free Speech(27:33): Prayers for Natural Disasters(28:15): Fun Predictions for the New Year(31:04): Masters and Movie Predictions(35:30): Wildcard Predictions for 2025(37:34): Mailbag and Listener Engagement(38:21): Upcoming Events and Football ScheduleResourcesMailbag: [email protected]/subscribeGulf of AmericaPanama & GreenlandTrump warns ‘all hell will break out’ if Gaza hostages aren’t released before his inauguration | CNN PoliticsTrump says he will revoke Biden offshore drilling ban immediately | ReutersDonald Trump wins US presidencyTrudeau says he's not the right choice to lead party in next election, promises to resign as PM | CBC News(USD) Dollar Falls Most in Two Months on Report Trump to Limit Tariffs - BloombergCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Says He Is Resigning: Live Updates - The New York TimesMore Speech and Fewer Mistakes | MetaElon Musk Is Positioning X Behind the New Trump PresidencyMeta to End Fact-Checking on Facebook, Instagram Ahead of Trump Term: Live Updates - The New York TimesPrediction: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bubble Will Burst in 2025. Here's Why. | The Motley Fool.Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100About 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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• Trailer

  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. 

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