In this week’s Brief: Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and return to late-night TV isn’t just about comedy—it’s about the FCC, political pressure, and what this says about the state of free expression in America. We’re unpacking the story, the fallout, and what it reveals about today’s media landscape.

We’re also looking at the powerful moments from Charlie Kirk’s memorial service—especially Erica Kirk’s public act of forgiveness—and how grace in the public square can reshape our understanding of faith, politics, and culture. 

Plus, we offer thoughts on the viral movements around “revival” and “rapture”, Trump’s announcement regarding Tylenol and pregnancy, the looming government shutdown, the Ryder Cup, and this weekend’s must-watch football matchups.

We’re here to help stay grounded with biblical insight and thoughtful conversation as you navigate today’s culture. 

• (00:59): Kimmel's suspension
• (05:07): Public and political reactions
• (15:13): Kimmel's return and monologue
• (20:24): Erica Kirk's powerful speech at Charlie’s Memorial
• (24:33): Radical forgiveness and revival
• (30:46): Biblical mandate for forgiveness
• (35:51): Culture check-in: ICE shooting, Tylenol, UN meeting, Gov. shutdown
• (41:00): Sports tune-in

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Jimmy Kimmel suspended for comments on Charlie Kirk’s killer - Denison Forum

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Jimmy Kimmel is returning to ABC tonight - Denison Forum
• 400 Celebs Sign Open Letter Backing Jimmy Kimmel, Including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Aniston
• FCC’s Carr says Jimmy Kimmel ‘misled’ the public with remarks on Charlie Kirk’s killer
• ABC temporarily suspends Jimmy Kimmel's show
• Erika Kirk forgives her husband’s alleged assassin - Denison Forum
• For Erika Kirk, a Husband’s Life Cut Short by Violence He Seemed to Foresee - The New York Times
• Christian author Frank Turek describes being 25 feet away when Charlie Kirk was shot: 'Like a son to me'
• Why the alleged assassin killed Charlie Kirk - Denison Forum
• Key Moments From the Charlie Kirk Memorial
• Charlie Kirk’s Wife Erika Forgives His Killer at Memorial Service
• At Charlie Kirk memorial, Trump rallies MAGA against political opponents | Reuters
• Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, says she forgives man accused of murder
• Erika Kirk Forgives Charlie's Killer in Heartbreaking Memorial Speech: FULL TRANSCRIPT | CBN News

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

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 & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s brief: the cultural shockwave of Charlie Kirk’s assassination has rocked the nation—politics, media, public safety, and Americans are all grappling with the aftermath of his death. We’re breaking down the investigation, the cultural responses, and what his legacy means for a new generation of voters.

We’re also digging into the rise of political violence, security for public figures, and the thorny free speech fights sparked by Kirk’s death. And yes—there’s a spiritual awakening angle you’re not hearing anywhere else.

Plus, quick updates on Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza, a US drone strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, fresh updates from the Russia–Ukraine war, the Emmys, Larry Ellison leapfrogging Elon Musk, and the passing of Robert Redford. Oh, and we respond to listeners wanting to know if we’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah (iykyk).

We’re here to help you cut through the noise and make sense of a whirlwind news cycle. No spins—just biblical insights to help you stay grounded and engaged in today’s culture.

• (00:21): Deep dive into Charlie Kirk's assassination
• (08:26): Cultural impact and responses
• (16:35): Political violence and free speech
• (26:48): Kirk's posthumous influence
• (27:30): Spiritual awakening and revival
• (29:45): A call to action for believers
• (37:34): TSITP teams
• (40:35): Current events and pop-culture updates

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• White House on X 
• Can Bonton Farms show us a better way to restore hope to struggling communities? - Denison Forum

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Charlie Kirk fatally shot at speaking event in Utah- Denison Forum
• What does Charlie Kirk’s death mean for America? - Denison Forum
• Trump says suspect arrested in Charlie Kirk assassination - Denison Forum
• Three reasons Charlie Kirk’s murder is relevant to us all - Denison Forum
• Could Charlie Kirk’s death be a “turning point” for America? - Denison Forum
• How should Christians respond to the assassination of Charlie Kirk and rising violence in our culture? - Denison Forum
• Sources: Kirk suspect's transgender roommate "aghast," may be key to motive
• ‘It Will Scar This Generation.’ Charlie Kirk’s Death Ignites a Campus Reckoning
• Charlie Kirk Helped Republicans Break Through to Young People
• Axios: America's Violent Spiral
• The Assassination of Charlie Kirk - The Free Press
• Axios: Four ominous trends
• Suspect left note saying he planned to kill Charlie Kirk, later confessed in texts, prosecutor says
• Suspected gunman Robinson wrote note threatening Kirk, tied to scene by DNA, FBI director says | Reuters
• Charlie Kirk vigils held at universities across America following assassination of conservative activist

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

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 & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Sadly, we start this episode with a brief update on the tragic killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. His death came after we recorded the episode, and we hope to offer more information on next week’s podcast.

In this week’s brief: The Department of Defense has rebranded itself as the Department of War—yes, really—and tensions with Venezuela are heating up. We also didn’t miss the social media showdown between the Vice President and a powerful senator.

We’ll unpack fresh polling that reveals America’s growing crisis of hope, and weigh in on viral clips of adults snatching souvenirs from kids at sporting events.

Plus, quick takes on the latest from Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, the MTV Music Awards, Cracker Barrel, the US Open, the Emmys, and the NFL kickoff.

It’s a packed episode in a wild week of headlines—join us as we frame it all through a Christian lens, helping you think biblically, live faithfully, and engage today’s culture with confidence.

• (01:00): Department of Defense renamed to Department of War
• (07:30): US drone strike on Venezuelan cartel
• (12:59): Spiritual perspective on war and peace
• (16:11): A crisis of hope in America
• (25:45): The urgency of encouragement
• (29:46): The power of mindset
• (32:24): Viral moments in sports
• (35:31): Global political updates
• (37:51): Pop-culture and sports highlights
• (42:51): NFL season kickoff

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Charlie Kirk fatally shot at speaking event in Utah - Denison Forum
• Donald Trump on Truth Social: Narcoterrorists
• Donald Trump on Truth Social: Deportations
• Image of Capitalism Slips to 54% in U.S.
• Millionaire CEO goes viral for stealing a hat from a child - Denison Forum
• Phillies home run ball stolen
• Media Bias Headline: U.S. Open Crowd Booed Trump Repeatedly
• Media Bias Headline: President Donald Trump Gets Cheers at US Open Men’s Final

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Trump signs order renaming Pentagon 'Department of War' - ABC News
• Venezuelan fighter jets flew over U.S. Navy ship in "show of force" - CBS News
• US deploying 10 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in fight against drug cartels, as Trump threatens to 'shoot down' Venezuelan military planes
• Trump 2.0 refashions U.S. military muscle
• Morning Brew: September 9
• Belief in the American dream hits record low
• Axios: September 3 Newsletter

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

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 & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

This week on Culture Brief, we’re looking at the deployment of federal troops in U.S. cities and what it means for crime, local authority, and national precedent. We’ll also dig into the rapid rise of sports betting across the country, how it’s reshaping culture, and its dangerous possibilities.

Plus, a roundup of politics, world news, college football updates, some NFL predictions, and our favorite NFL theme songs.

It’s the week’s top stories in culture, sports, and faith—all with a Christian perspective to help you think clearly and respond faithfully.

• (00:40): Troops in American cities: Background & legal debate
• (13:09): Spiritual application: Navigating gray areas
• (14:49): Sports betting epidemic in America
• (20:45): Dangers & consequences of sports betting
• (26:46): Christian perspective on gambling
• (29:27): Weekly check-in: World & U.S. headlines
• (33:24): College football recap & upsets
• (36:01): NFL returns: Trades, predictions & rivalries
• (40:22): How to connect & closing thoughts

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• The dangerous rise of sports gambling- Denison Forum
• Following Christ in a sports-obsessed world - Denison Forum

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Reuters: US judge blocks Trump from using troops to fight crime in California
• Crime in Washington, DC: What You Need to Know - Council on Criminal Justice
• D.C. mayor praises federal surge, angering residents and pleasing Trump - The Washington Post
• What Americans think about Trump's handling of crime, according to a new poll
• Why March Madness can be both a joy and a danger - Denison Forum
• Young gamblers place sports bets while showering, wager away student loan money, addiction therapist warns
• For a new generation of kids, sports and gambling now go hand in glove
• Sports Betting Activities Survey April 2023 Key Findings
• MLB gambling investigation raises game integrity concerns
• Jontay Porter pleads guilty in case tied to NBA betting scandal - ESPN

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

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 & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

This week, we’re breaking down Cracker Barrel’s rebrand disaster, what it says about cultural and brand identity in America, and how we, as Christians, should apply the lessons learned to our own faith and lives. We’ll also look at the nation’s growing divisions and ask what unity really means from a Christian perspective.

Then, big news in sports and pop culture: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, the kickoff of college football season, National Championship predictions, and Coach Bill Belichick stepping onto the college field for the first time.

All that and more in culture, sports, and faith—get caught up with a fresh Christian perspective!

• (00:53): Cracker Barrel's rebrand controversy
• (08:13): Chili's revival and success
• (13:40): The Christian brand
• (16:01): The divided states of America
• (26:27): Revival and community renewal
• (29:42): Pop culture news: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
• (34:27): Global affairs: Russia and Ukraine
• (35:15): College football season kickoff

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, and the Dallas Cowboys- Denison Forum

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• How a Cracker Barrel Logo Change Spawned a Political Firestorm - WSJ
• Chili's was once a relic of the '90s. Then it blew past its competitors—and conquered casual American dining. In its Texas test kitchen, I saw how.
• CrackerBarrel on X
• Texas Senate passes redistricting bill, California counters - Denison Forum
• Party Affiliation | Gallup Historical Trends
• Democrats and Republicans live in partisan bubbles, study finds

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

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 & Clarity Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

This week, we’re breaking down the recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, European leaders visiting the White House, and the next steps in bringing peace to Ukraine and Israel/Gaza. But what does it mean for US foreign policy and Europe’s stability? And how should Christians think biblically about peace and power on the world stage…and in our own personal lives? We share our own stories of finding peace in life’s very difficult moments.

Then we dive into the summer box office – which movies flopped and which ones were blockbuster hits? Plus, who won our box office prediction game, Bust the Block?? Tune in to find out! You’ll even hear our go-to movie theater snacks. And of course, we have thoughts on the Texas Democrats coming back home and Scottie Scheffler’s insane win this past weekend. 

Get caught up on culture this week—with clarity, context, and a Christian perspective.

• (01:05): Alaska summit: High hopes and disappointments
• (03:33): European leaders and the path to peace
• (07:45): Ceasefire talks in Gaza
• (10:08): Spiritual reflections on global conflicts
• (12:27): Personal conflicts and seeking peace
• (23:02): Personal testimonies of peace
• (29:48): Summer movie box office results
• (36:16): Texas House Democrats return
• (41:09): Scottie Scheffler's stunning victory
• (42:26): Conclusion and farewell

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ending the war in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza? -Denison Forum

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Was the Alaska summit a success? - Denison Forum
• Politico Playbook: How Trump and Zelenskyy hit reset
• Hamas accepts latest Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal proposal
• Hamas says it agrees to latest ceasefire proposal; Netanyahu sounds dismissive
• Pro golfer Ben Griffin rebounds after “creatine overdose” - Denison Forum

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

Denison 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.

This week, we’re previewing the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, unpacking what’s at stake for the US, Russia, Ukraine, and Europe, and what pursuing peace looks like spiritually. Then, we analyze AI talent wars across Silicon Valley where tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg are battling it out with eye-popping 9 to 10 digit salaries to snatch up top AI researchers as they race to be the first to achieve “superintelligence”...what does that even mean? We’ll tell you!

Plus a few more national, pop-culture, and sports headlines, including this week’s big Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce news. Get caught up on culture with a fresh Christian perspective!

• (00:56): US-Russia summit: Stakes and implications
• (05:49): Human cost and historical context of the Ukraine War
• (14:42): Spiritual and moral reflections on the conflict
• (17:40): AI talent wars: The race for superintelligence
• (25:34): Meta's AI ambitions
• (27:47): The concept of superintelligence
• (30:06): AI and human purpose
• (34:03): Listener responses to top fast-food burger list
• (36:23): Trump and pop culture headlines

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Thanks for Your $1 Billion Job Offer, Mark Zuckerberg. I’m Gonna Pass. - WSJ
• Mark Zuckerberg Says ‘Superintelligence’ Is Imminent. What Is It?
• We're building personal superintelligence for everyone. Stay tuned 🚀 | Mark Zuckerberg | Facebook
• Biblical clarity on climate change, Ten Commandments in the classroom, and AI companions -Faith & Clarity Podcast 

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• What to know about the Putin-Trump summit in Alaska | AP News
• White House confirms Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, calling it 'listening exercise'
• Russian forces advance in Ukraine as Trump tempers outlook for Alaska summit - The Washington Post
• Vladimir Putin and the problem of autocratic power- Denison Forum
• President Trump will meet with Vladimir Putin this week- Denison Forum
• Is Ukraine now willing to trade land for peace?
• One million and counting: Russian casualties hit milestone in Ukraine war | Russia | The Guardian
• Is Anyone Worth a Billion Dollars? - by Tyler Cowen
• Zuckerberg says AI superintelligence is 'in sight,' touts 'new era of personal empowerment'
• OpenAI gives some employees a ‘special’ multimillion-dollar bonus | The Verge

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

Denison 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.

This week, we’re breaking down the headlines everyone’s talking about—from the Texas redistricting showdown to the internet’s uproar over American Eagle’s latest ad featuring Sydney Sweeney. 

PLUS: Unpacking the ongoing crisis in Gaza, an Epstein saga update, a surprising Moon mission, the NFL/ESPN deal, and Micah’s very strong opinions on USA Today’s bold (and questionable) fast food burger rankings. All of it, through a lens of biblical clarity!

• (00:19): Dallas Cowboys drama
• (01:21): Texas redistricting controversy
• (15:30): Spiritual reflections on political actions
• (18:04): American Eagle ad controversy
• (27:43): Christian perspective on sexual advertising
• (30:34): Top 10 fast food burgers of 2025
• (36:48): Trump's controversial moves
• (39:07): Gaza crisis and global politics
• (40:56): NFL and media updates
• (43:16): Closing remarks and listener engagement

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Texas governor orders arrests for Democrats who left the state
• President Trump comments on the Sydney Sweeney controversy
• Ted Cruz on X
• Craving a burger? Here are 10 fast food options you need to try

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• New York Mag: come and take it ‘If They’re Going to Cheat, We’re Not Going to Play’
• Blue-state Democrats face hurdles countering Texas GOP’s new election map - The Washington Post
• Democrats say GOP's Texas redistricting harms Black, Hispanic voters | AP News
• What Trump Has to Do With Texas Democrats Fleeing the State | TIME
• Live redistricting updates: Dems say there was a bomb threat made at their hotel
• History of Texas legislative quorum breaks from 1870 to now - Axios San Antonio
• Why Is the Sydney Sweeney ‘Great Jeans’ American Eagle Ad Causing a Social Media Firestorm? | Glamour
• Why Sydney Sweeney’s Body Is Causing a Total Meltdown
• Yahoo News: Sweeney Registered Republican
• BBC: Nasa to put nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030
• Jonny Root on Jared Allen Hall of Fame Inductee Speech

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

Denison 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.

This week we’re breaking down the trending headlines and asking what it all means for Christians navigating today’s world. 

Micah breaks down major shifts in U.S. trade policy with countries like China, Japan, and India. 

Then Conner reflects on the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and the lesser-known story of his faith, before zooming out to look at the spiritual journeys of other public figures like Justin Bieber, George Clooney, Skip Bayless, Deion Sanders, and Forrest Frank. 

Plus updates on Gaza, the NYC shooting, and more top headlines before our thoughts on Happy Gilmore 2, Fantastic Four, the proper protocol for evacuating an airplane and the return of sports events that are actually getting us excited!

It’s a fast-moving conversation that cuts through the noise—and invites you to think biblically about the stories shaping our culture.

• (00:53): US trade deals and tariffs update
• (16:07): Hulk Hogan's legacy and faith
• (19:46): Celebrity faith and influence
• (21:25): Skip Bayless and prioritizing faith
• (25:20): Deion Sanders: Balancing family and career
• (26:42): Forrest Frank's inspirational story
• (30:03): Gaza and global conflicts update
• (32:51): New York City shooting incident
• (33:59): Jay Leno & Coldplay scandal update
• (39:54): Happy Gilmore 2, Fantastic Four & Airplane evacuation etiquette
• (42:06): Upcoming sports events

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Hulk Hogan on Instagram: "Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love!"
• Aaron Filippone on X
• Skip Bayless 'jolted' by Scottie Scheffler prioritizing family over golf
• Forrest Frank Instagram
• Astronomer on X
• American Airlines fire evacuation video

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Fox Business: July tariff revenues break monthly record
• Tax Foundation
• US customs duties top $100 billion for first time in a fiscal year | Reuters
• Trump’s New Trade Standard Takes Shape With 15% Tariff Deal - WSJ
• Chinese exports to the US could decrease by $488 billion without a trade deal, as the end of the tariff pause looms
• EU Reaches Tariff Deal With US to Avert Painful Trade Blow
• Trump tariffs: EU-US trade deal agreed | MoneyWeek
• EU fails to reduce 50% steel tariff in outline trade deal with US
• Trump strikes 'biggest deal ever made' with EU: Europeans will buy $750B in US energy, invest $600B after meeting with prez
• The death of Hulk Hogan and the transforming power of faith
• Are three-parent embryos a good idea?
• Hulk Hogan, Shirt-Shredding Superstar of Pro Wrestling, Dies at 71
• Skip Bayless 'jolted' by Scottie Scheffler prioritizing family over golf
• Deion Sanders Says He Kept Bladder Cancer Diagnosis From His Sons
• Deion Sander’s most recent struggle transcends football

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

Denison 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.

In this episode, Conner and Micah sit down with Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful roundtable conversation exploring the intersection of faith, sports, and culture. Together, they discuss the spiritual implications of sports gambling, the complexities of compensating college athletes, and what it means to follow Christ in the world of competitive athletics.

They also reflect on the example of professional golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose quiet faith continues to speak louder than his success. Finally, the group offers biblical wisdom for families navigating youth sports and the challenge of keeping Christ at the center.

Whether you're deeply invested in the sports world or simply curious about its cultural impact, this conversation offers helpful, faith-first perspectives on one of the most influential forces in American life today.

• (00:24): Meet the hosts
• (02:17): Culture Brief podcast insights
• (05:33): The slowest sports day of the year
• (08:18): The ESPYs and sports media
• (11:22): Personal sports fandom
• (17:20): Scottie Scheffler's perspective on golf and life
• (23:32): Biblical perspectives on sports
• (27:57): The evolution of college sports compensation
• (33:34): Exploitation of families in NIL deals
• (35:34): Spiritual reflections on NIL inequities
• (41:12): The rise of sports gambling
• (46:10): The impact of gambling on athletes and fans
• (55:45): Balancing faith and sports in family life
• (01:05:07): Final thoughts and reflections

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Sports betting culture negatively impacts mental health; NCAA works to support student-athletes
• Scottie Scheffler before winning The Open: “This is not a fulfilling life”
• Why March Madness can be both a joy and a danger
• What watching sports says about our souls
• What Travis Hunter’s Heisman win says about our culture
• MLB’s Faith and Family events can expand our view of evangelism
• March Madness tips off today: How the NCAA tournament became a cultural phenomenon
• Babe Ruth, the curse of the Bambino, and seeking truth over perception

Ryan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.

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.

Micah Tomasella is the Senior 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.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison 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.