This week, we’re talking about the rise of antisemitism—why it’s on the rise, why it’s messy, and how it connects to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. We also peel back the layers on Vladimir Putin’s mysterious past and how his upbringing impacts his harmful decision-making today.

But it’s not all heavy! In the mailbag, we debate a fun hot topic (trust us, you’ll have feelings). Then we preview the second half of the summer movie slate in round 2 of Bust the Block! And so much more! Come hang out with us for a mix of serious takes, lighthearted moments, and thoughtful conversation—all with a Christian lens.

• (00:54): The rise of antisemitism
• (05:20): Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
• (09:20): Navigating complex emotions and faith
• (13:41): Prayer for peace
• (14:58): Who is Vladimir Putin?
• (30:26): Listener mailbag: Parking preferences
• (33:55): Bust the Block: Round 2
• (41:53): Sports updates: NBA, NHL, and College World Series
• (42:35): Joe Rogan's spiritual journey
• (43:51): Conclusion and call to action

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• Most anticipated movies of the summer
• What we know about the DC shooting where 2 staff members of the Israeli Embassy were killed
• Report: Antisemitic Incidents Reach Record High in Year Since Oct. 7 Attack
• Global antisemitism surged 340% in two years, report finds | The Times of Israel
• People in Gaza starving, sick and dying as aid blockade continues
• Israeli couple killed near Jewish Museum in Washington, DC
• Ukraine says Russia launched its biggest drone attack yet | AP News
• Trump Says Putin Is ‘Playing With Fire’
• Financial Times on X
• Why Russia “invaded” Ukraine: Explaining “Putin’s endgame”
• The inevitability of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: How Putin’s history reveals his destiny
• Why does Russia want Ukraine? A timeline of Russian aggression against Ukraine
• Pregnant Ukrainian woman wounded by Russian bombs has died: How much death and destruction will be enough for Putin?
• From Chasing Rats To Blood Baths: How Putin's Childhood Shaped His Leadership
• About a Boy: The Story of Vladimir Putin - Podcast
• The Best of Christian Compassion, the Worst of Religious Power - The Dispatch

Micah 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.

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.

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 diving into the headlines with our usual mix of curiosity and conviction. 

Conner runs down the latest updates on President Joe Biden: the “cover-up” accusations, the Hur tapes, his cancer diagnosis and how it’s all bubbling up into a tense political saga leading to one big question the nation is forced to ask– was he fit to serve in the world’s most powerful position?

Then Micah breaks down the disturbing federal charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs—and why some people are comparing his case to Jeffrey Epstein’s.

But don’t worry, it’s not all serious. We wrap things up with Bust the Block, our totally unofficial, probably-wrong-but-still-fun summer movie prediction game. Which blockbusters will blow up and which ones will bomb? We’ve got thoughts. Let’s get into it.

• (00:55): Nonpartisan stance and Biden's battles
• (02:58): Biden's book excerpts and media reactions
• (10:03): Biden's health and public appearances
• (16:08): Spiritual reflection on compassion
• (20:54): Introduction to Sean “Diddy” Combs trial
• (26:46): Media frenzy and misinformation
• (28:51): The dangers of hidden sin
• (32:57): Summer blockbuster predictions
• (39:59): Current events check-in
• (41:40): Memorial Day weekend send off

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• Joe Biden diagnosed with “high grade” prostate cancer
• Responding redemptively to President Biden’s cancer
• ‘Watch Me,’ Biden Said. But Hearing Him in Hur Interview Is More Revealing.
• Trump Suggests Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis Was Hidden From Public - The New York Times
• Biden-Hur interview: Special counsel audio shows Biden's memory lapses
• Doctor Who Worked With Biden Says He Had Cancer for Years
• Axios: Biden's Sudden Diagnosis
• Playbook: Saints and sinners
• Reliable Sources with Brian Stelter
• Amazon.com: Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again eBook
• The court of public opinion weighs in on Diddy trial
• Celebrities With Close Ties To Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Under Fresh Scrutiny
• 'He thought of himself as a king': The parties that led to Diddy's downfall
• The Sean Combs Trial - The New York Times
• Sean 'Diddy' Combs' White Parties: Celebs share wild stories of spiked drinks, drugs, and forced sexual acts - The Economic Times
• Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial is underway. Here's what to know about the charges, evidence and more. - CBS News
• Sean 'Diddy' Combs Legal Timeline
• Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial: A timeline of allegations | Ents & Arts News
• The 36 Most-Anticipated New Movies of Summer 2025

Micah 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.

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.

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, Micah navigates the latest tariff, hostage, and ceasefire agreements made between the US and nations around the globe alongside Trump’s Middle East tour. Then it’s “Aviation Corner with Conner” – understanding the chaos unfolding at Newark airport and the “free” Air Force One replacement. Plus quick hits on the first American Pope, Pete Rose’s Baseball Hall of Fame eligibility, and a wild theory about a deeper conspiracy in the NBA. As always, we offer spiritual reflections and a look at what’s coming up in culture. We’re here to help you discern the news differently—and seek God’s wisdom along the way!

• (01:00): Global deals and ceasefires
• (04:20): China-US tariff reductions
• (05:47): Russia-Ukraine talks
• (09:18): Trump's Middle East tour
• (16:28): “Aviation Corner with Conner”
• (25:09): Qatar's $400 million gift to America
• (30:04): Spiritual reflections on trust and sin
• (32:43): Check-in section: New pope and Disney's new theme park
• (35:21): Sports updates: NBA, NFL, and MLB
• (38:07): Tune-in section: New tax bill, explosive book, and PGA championship

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• Iran and US conclude a fourth round of negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program in Oman
• Iran says recent negotiations with U.S. useful, sanctions not compatible with talks | Reuters
• Sa’ar backs newly announced 'US aid plan' to bypass Hamas in Gaza | The Times of Israel
• India and Pakistan Agree to Full, Immediate Ceasefire: Trump | TIME
• China celebrates hard-line stance after trade deal with U.S.
• US agrees ceasefire with Houthis in Yemen after dozens killed in airstrikes
• Trump to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Touts Deals in Middle East Tour - WSJ
• Trump must realise Putin is obstacle to peace, Zelenskyy says
• Zelenskyy says he will be waiting for Putin in Ankara for talks | AP News
• Flying cars, flight delays, and the path to “life and peace”
• 5 things to know for May 12: Trade war, PKK disarms, Habeas corpus, Newark airport, Air Force One | CNN
• Airport Chaos - The New York Times
• See How a Communications Outage Affected Flights at Newark Airport
• Transportation Secretary Unveils Plan to Overhaul Aging Air-Traffic Systems - The New York Times
• How Lost Radar and Silent Radios Have Upended Newark Air Travel - The New York Times
• The FAA relocated 24 air traffic controllers. It caused 800 delays within 2 weeks at Newark Airport. - CBS New York
• Another Newark airport disruption as Trump's transportation secretary talks of reducing flights
• Ben Shapiro, Laura Loomer lead rare MAGA backlash to Trump's Qatari jet
• Trump set to receive $400 million ‘flying palace’ from Qatar to use as Air Force One: report
• Trump’s Disgraceful ‘Palace in the Sky’ - by The Editors
• Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again eBook

Micah 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.

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.

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 starting with a hard look at media bias. How does slanted coverage shape public trust—and are we part of the problem? Then it’s off to the red carpet (sort of) for a deep dive into the Met Gala. From its origins to its over-the-top outfits, we’re unpacking what this annual fashion spectacle says about our culture’s values.

And yes, we tackle the viral question the internet didn’t know it needed: Could a gorilla take on 100 unarmed men? 

Add in quick hits on the India–Pakistan conflict, Trump's announcements, rumors about Alcatraz reopening, and a closing challenge to rethink your media habits through a biblical lens. Tune in and enjoy a full episode of news, pop culture, and thoughtful Christian insight.

• (00:28): Media bias: Are we to blame?
• (05:54): The decline of trust in media
• (08:44): Balanced news sources and recommendations
• (13:04): The Met Gala: What is it?
• (21:32): Vanity and Ecclesiastes
• (25:33): Gorilla vs. 100 men debate
• (27:09): Check-in: Global and national updates
• (30:18): Tune-in: Upcoming events & Alactraz

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• Media Research Center finds 92% negative coverage of Trump in first 100 days
• Deputy Press Sec. slams 'comical' and 'unfortunate' negative media coverage of Trump
• The media owes Trump an apology — and an about-face in his second term
• At 100 Day Mark: Coverage of Biden Has Been Slightly More Negative Than Positive, Varied Greatly by Outlet Type
• Overview and key findings of the 2024 Digital News Report | Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
• AllSides Media Bias Chart
• Ground News
• The Flyover - Bias and Credibility - Media Bias/Fact Check
• Tangle News
• The 2025 Met Gala Will Celebrate Black Style Tonight. Here’s How to Watch.
• Met Gala Red Carpet Arrivals 2025: See Every Look [PHOTOS]
• Wait, What Actually Happens at the Met Gala Inside? Here's What Goes Down

Micah 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.

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.

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 unpack Donald Trump’s wild return to the Oval Office—yep, we’re talking executive orders flying left and right and policy pivots that have us all trying to keep up. Then we break down the unexpected NFL Draft freefall of Shedeur Sanders and what his fifth-round slide says about pride, pressure, and perception.

Join as we talk about humility and the subtle dangers of pride—with a surprise twist: one listener’s cringe-worthy oil change story that might just be the sermon illustration of the year. Plus, quick hits on what’s brewing in Canada’s political scene and rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

It’s a full table—pull up a chair and take a listen. 

• (01:13): Trump's first 100 days
• (17:31): NFL draft drama: Shedeur Sanders' story
• (35:39): Listener mailbag: Oil change mishap
• (38:45): Global news updates

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• Trump’s first hundred days and Judge Hannah Dugan’s arrest
• Promises kept, broken and TBD: Defining Trump's first 100 days - POLITICO
• All of the Trump Administration’s Major Moves in the First 100 Days - The New York Times
• Fox News Poll: The first 100 days of President Trump's second term
• Trump steams ahead on these campaign promises as he reaches 100 days in office
• Deion Sanders’ advice to his son Shedeur after draft slide
• Deion Sanders cites 'couple NFL teams' Shedeur Sanders will not play for in 2025 draft
• Why did Shedeur Sanders fall to the 5th round? 3 reasons to explain his slide | FOX Sports
• Truth Social Post by Trump
• Adam Schefter on X 
• NFL Network - Wikipedia

Micah 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.

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.

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.

Join Conner Jones and guest host Josh Miller on this week's episode of Culture Brief. With Micah on vacation, Josh joins Conner as they discuss the significant passing of Pope Francis and his progressive papacy, the intriguing process of electing a new pope, and the impact of antitrust cases against tech giants like Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon with a focus on the significance of humility. Josh also delivers a fiery hot take on a common American coffee habit and the guys offer quick insights into this weekend’s NFL draft!

• (00:31):  Special guest: Josh Miller
• (02:22): Remembering Pope Francis
• (04:18): The Conclave process
• (09:40): Pope Francis' legacy
• (19:16): Big Tech antitrust trials
• (27:23): Google's market dominance
• (28:50): Chrome and Safari: browser wars
• (30:42): The power of Big Tech
• (34:09): AI and the future of search
• (39:33): Coffee hot take
• (43:11): Updates on trade wars and the economy
• (46:06): NFL draft and sports highlights
• (49:10): Conclusion

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• Pope Francis dies at the age of eighty-eight
• The life and legacy of Pope Francis
• Pope Francis calls for same-sex civil unions: Why this is so important and how to respond biblically
• Why I hope you won’t see “Conclave”
• Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples
• Why should the death of Pope Francis matter to Protestants?
• Pope Francis, groundbreaking leader of Catholic Church, dies at age 88 - CBS News
• What Happens After the Pope Dies? A Visual Timeline of Rituals and Traditions - The New York Times
• Conclaves through time - the long and short | Euronews
• The Justice Department and Google battle over how to fix a search engine monopoly : NPR
• U.S. Asks Judge to Break Up Google - The New York Times
• Google could use AI to extend search monopoly, DOJ says as trial begins | Reuters
• Justice Department Sues Monopolist Google For Violating Antitrust Laws
• The Best Quotes from Pope Francis During His Pontificate - Exaudi
• E.U. Takes Aim at Big Tech’s Power With Landmark Digital Act - The New York Times
• Academy Sets New Oscars Rules for 2025: You Need to Watch All Nominated Films to Vote in a Category

Josh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy 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.

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.

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 of Culture Brief, Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella explore why more members of Gen Z are turning to Jesus, even as traditional religious affiliation continues to decline. They also talk through Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited victory at the Masters, the status of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, and what’s behind the ongoing trade tensions with China. Plus, they examine new developments in the Trump administration’s response to antisemitism on Ivy League campuses and what we’re learning from the latest JFK files release. All that and more—filtered through a biblical lens and designed to help you think clearly in a complex world.

• (00:50): Gen Z's growing commitment to Jesus
• (05:32): Mental health and faith among Gen Z
• (08:30): Resurgence in church attendance
• (14:36): Trump's tariff policies and trade war with China
• (25:42): Trump's battle with Ivy League universities
• (31:18) The broader implications of government-university conflicts
• (36:16): Listener mailbag: JFK files
• (39:29): Masters tournament recap
• (43:14): Trump administration's deportation controversy
• (44:59): US-Iran nuclear negotiations update
• (45:49): Movie box office highlights
• (46:54) Easter weekend reflections

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• New Research: Belief in Jesus Rises, Fueled by Younger Adults | Barna Group
• Commitment to Jesus Reaches Decade-High Levels | Barna Group
• Number of Americans who don't identify as Christian but claim 'personal commitment to Jesus' nears record high: survey
• Is Gen Z a lost cause for the church?
• Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?
• Why teens are growing up more anxious and depressed
• ‘The Quiet Revival’: huge increase in young people attending church - Religion Media Centre
• China suspends rare earth exports, kneecapping US industry reliant on Beijing's 'monopoly'
• China Exports to United States - 2025 Data 2026 Forecast 1992-2023 Historical
• US-China Trade Data: Import-Export Bilateral Trade Statistics - USImportData
• Trump threatens Harvard's tax-exempt status after freezing $2bn funding
• Trump Administration Will Freeze $2 Billion After Harvard Refuses Demands - The New York Times
• The Promise of American Higher Education - Harvard University President
• Barack Obama on X
• Rory McIlroy’s Masters win and a transforming life principle
• Rory McIlroy, Tom Cruise, and the power of persistence
• Exclusive: ICE decides who's linked to gangs, border czar says
• Is “The King of Kings” worth seeing?
• The God Who Feels Your Pain | Denison Ministries

Micah 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.

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.

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.

Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella for an insightful episode of Culture Brief. This week, they discuss some of the most pressing news topics with spiritual insight: The impact of new tariffs announced by President Trump and their potential effects on the US economy, stock market, and everyday prices. Get the latest sports updates, including a recap of March Madness, Alex Ovechkin's record-breaking goal in the NHL, and the excitement surrounding The Masters golf tournament and a related hot take. 

• (00:16): Economic chaos and tariffs
• (02:13): Impact of tariffs on everyday life
• (04:09): Market reactions and public sentiment
• (11:00): China and the trade war
• (12:51): Faith over fear: Finding peace in uncertainty
• (19:44): Sports update with Micah
• (22:42): Gretzky and Ovechkin: Celebrating hockey legends
• (23:46): Masters week: The pinnacle of golf
• (31:23): The spiritual side of sports fandom
• (34:56): Hot take: Wearing Masters apparel
• (41:15): Check-in section: Updates and news

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• Stocks fall, soar on “fake news,” then fall again
• Trump announces sweeping new tariffs to promote US manufacturing, risking inflation and trade wars | AP News
• Volkswagen’s Audi freezing all US imports due to Trump’s 25% autos tariff
• Jaguar Land Rover pauses shipments to US as Trump says impact of tariffs ‘won’t be easy’ – as it happened
• How a false X post about pausing tariffs led to multitrillion-dollar market swings
• Treasury Secretary Bessent says China's escalation was 'big mistake,' country playing with 'losing hand'
• 2025 Masters: Tee times, groupings announced for Rounds 1-2 - PGA TOUR
• Putin hails Ovechkin as 'legendary master' of ice hockey after he breaks NHL goal record | Reuters
• Florida roar back to break Houston hearts and capture third NCAA title | NCAA Tournament 2025 | The Guardian
• Houston Falls To Florida In The 2025 NCAA Championship, 65-63
• How to watch 2025 Masters: TV schedule, streaming, tee times
• What watching sports says about our souls

Micah 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.

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.

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.

Join hosts Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in this week's episode of Culture Brief, where they discuss hot topics from a Christian perspective. This week, they talk about the complex issues surrounding the deportation of immigrants under the Trump administration and the dismantling of the US Department of Education. Additionally, they discuss the innovative “torpedo” bats used by the New York Yankees, Senator Cory Booker's record-breaking Senate speech, the death of American icon Val Kilmer, and the latest developments in US-Iran tensions. Don't miss the listener mailbag segment and a teaser for the upcoming Masters week. Engage with today's top stories across politics, sports, pop culture, and technology, all while reflecting on how these issues intersect with faith and values.

• (00:41): Senator Cory Booker's record-breaking speech
• (02:27): Remembering Val Kilmer
• (03:13): Immigration controversies and deportations
• (19:10): Dismantling the Department of Education
• (26:47): Pros and cons of dismantling the US Department of Education
• (32:09): Shoutout to educators and Abbott Elementary
• (32:53): Listener mailbag: Fun stories and opinions
• (38:21): US-Iran tensions and nuclear deal
• (39:43): Trump's tariffs and Liberation Day
• (41:10): Trump's third term tease
• (42:06): TikTok deadline and March Madness
• (43:45): “Torpedo” bats in baseball
• (46:02): Masters Week and conclusion

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• Americans want Trump's focus more on prices, not tariffs; most approve of deportation efforts — CBS News poll
• Foreign-born population highest since 1890 — shock new figures show how much Biden changed America
• Border czar Tom Homan says he will visit Rochester cops who were blasted by their own city for helping ICE
• US Undocumented Population Increased to 11.7 Million in July 2023: Provisional CMS Estimates Derived from CPS Data - The Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS)
• Joe Rogan calls the possibility of non-criminals being deported with violent gang members 'horrific'
• Exclusive: How the White House ignored a judge's order to turn back deportation flights
• How the Trump administration is using tattoos to lock up immigrants in El Salvador | The Independent
• What to know about the wartime authority Trump invoked for mass deportations
• Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil will remain in ICE detention in Louisiana after first court hearing | CNN
• Should we support deportation?
• Who is Mahmoud Khalil and why is Trump trying to deport him?
• What to know about the wartime authority Trump invoked for mass deportations
• Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil will remain in ICE detention in Louisiana after first court hearing | CNN
• Damning nationwide test shows US kids’ reading levels plummeted to lowest level in 32-year history — and Republicans are blaming ‘woke’ education
• NAEP Long-Term Trend Assessment Results: Reading and Mathematics
• A Half Century of Student Progress Nationwide - Education Next
• Trump signs executive order to dismantle US Department of Education | Trump administration | The Guardian
• The cases for and against dismantling the Department of Education
• How Dismantling the Department of Education Would Harm Students | NEA
• US Education Department closure imperils law school finances, deans say | Reuters
• Coalition Sues Trump Administration For Dismantling Department of Education, Hurting All Students
• Val Kilmer, Top Gun and Batman actor, dies at 65

Micah 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.

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.

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.

Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in this episode of Culture Brief as they discuss the biggest stories of the week, starting with the significant security breach involving a Trump administration Signal group chat leak, its political fallout, and the comparisons to the Hillary Clinton email scandal. They also explore the cultural and political controversies surrounding the new Snow White movie and its box office performance. They share their own favorite Disney movies. Additionally, they highlight the start of the Major League Baseball season and the upcoming weekend of March Madness games. Tune in for insightful analysis and a Christian perspective on this week’s hot topics.

• (01:27): The Signal group chat leak
• (04:59): Political fallout and double standards
• (13:34): Snow White box office bomb
• (20:40): Controversy surrounding Disney's latest movie
• (22:46): Biblical perspective on the controversy
• (27:04): Favorite Disney movies discussion
• (29:07): Upcoming movie remakes
• (32:44): MLB Opening Day
• (35:27): March Madness and other sports updates
• (37:23): Conclusion and listener engagement

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Culture Brief on Instagram
• The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans - The Atlantic
• Here Are the Attack Plans That Trump’s Advisers Shared on Signal - The Atlantic
• First Thing: White House texts secret Yemen airstrike plans to reporter | JD Vance | The Guardian
• Pete Hegseth claims ‘nobody was texting war plans’ in first comments since Yemen strike group text scandal
• 'Sounds like a huge screwup': Top officials react to report about US leaders texting war plans in a Signal group chat
• Trump’s top team rips into Europe in leaked war texts group chat - raging they ‘loathe’ having to bail out freeloaders’ | The Sun
• Maybe J.D. Vance Isn’t Trump’s Puppet
• Top officials inadvertently shared war plans with Atlantic editor
• Inside Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Fiasco: Death Threats, Beefed-Up Security and a Social Media Guru for Rachel Zegler
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Micah 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.

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.

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.