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.

This week, Conner breaks down the sudden cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the theories surrounding the move, and what it means for the future of late-night TV. Then Micah explores the latest controversies surrounding Israel—what’s really happening, and how should Christians think biblically about the conflict and the nation of Israel? 

Plus some thoughts on the viral Coldplay concert saga, Ozzy Osbourne, movie stars, and SO much more. It’s a fast-moving episode with thoughtful insight and a steady reminder: even in the chaos, we’re called to think clearly and live faithfully.

• (00:56): Stephen Colbert's cancellation
• (01:41): Media lawsuits and settlements
• (06:08): Financial troubles in late night
• (10:26): The future of late night TV
• (15:55): The theology of Israel
• (25:03): Theological perspectives on Israel and the church
• (27:37): Praying for peace and rejecting antisemitism
• (30:41): Fun and games: Movie stars still matter
• (34:55): Check-in: Recent news and updates across culture

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

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Stephen Colbert responds to cancellation of The Late Show
• Is the conflict in Israel a sign of the end times?
• Are the Jews still God’s chosen people?
• The Coldplay Couple Did Something Bad. The Internet Did Something Worse.

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Morning Brew: Colbert’s show got canceled and TV may never be the same
• Politico:  Trump’s Epstein evolution
• Monday, July 21, 2025 - The Flyover
• Why Colbert got canceled - by Nate Silver
• Canceling ‘The Late Show’ Is Bad News for Late-Night TV, not Stephen Colbert - The New York Times
• All-star roster of comedians show solidarity with Stephen Colbert in first ‘Late Show’ after cancellation | CNN Business
• CNN Newsletter: Reliable Sources with Brian Stelter
• "He's a madman": Trump's team frets about Netanyahu after Syria strikes
• Financial Times: Mike Johnson shuts US House early to avoid Jeffrey Epstein vote

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.

On this episode of Culture Brief, we dive into the latest on the Jeffrey Epstein uproar, the White House’s mixed response and why it still matters to many Americans.

Then Micah breaks down new statistics indicating hopeful signs of revival—in the U.S. and around the world—and talks about the part we each play in this explosion of the Christian faith.

We also unpack the Christian backlash against Chip and Joanna Gaines, hit on the latest in NYC mayoral race, mark the one-year anniversary of the Trump assassination attempt, reflect on John MacArthur’s legacy, and celebrate a meaningful moment from the world’s best golfer, Scottie Scheffler, about where real purpose is found.

There’s lots happening in the world and as always, we’re grateful to walk through it with you.

• (00:54) Epstein Controversy: Unraveling the Mystery
• (05:44)  Government Transparency and Public Trust
• (17:09)  Spiritual Renewal and Revival
• (23:13)  Fresh Hunger for Jesus
• (31:02)  Chip and Joanna Gaines Controversy
• (35:33)  New York City Mayor Race
• (40:49)  Trump's Shift on Putin
• (42:02)  Scottie Scheffler's Perspective on Golf and Life

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

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Metadata Shows the FBI’s ‘Raw’ Jeffrey Epstein Prison Video Was Likely Modified
• The FBI's Jeffrey Epstein Prison Video Had Nearly 3 Minutes Cut Out
• 1 big thing: MAGA's siege mentality
• Denison Forum: “The clearest trend we’ve seen pointing to spiritual renewal”
• Barna: New Research: Belief in Jesus Rises, Fueled by Younger Adults
• Pew Research Center: Christian Movements and Denominations
• Denison Forum: Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new show features a gay couple
• ‘What’s the point?’ Scottie Scheffler gets existential in fascinating presser
• X Video: Scottie Scheffler just gave one of the best (and deepest) press conference answers ever heard.

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Denison Forum: Ghislaine Maxwell offers to testify before Congress about Epstein
• 3 ways Trump might try to defuse the Epstein mess
• Economy and Epstein: Gen Z MAGA wants results
• Trump Gets 'Ratioed' on Truth Social for First Time Amid Epstein Backlash
• Playbook: Trump’s Epstein headache isn’t going away
• MAGA media in revolt
• Case Closed on Epstein? Not So Fast
• NYT: How Do You Silence a Conspiracy Theory?
• 10 reasons the DOJ and FBI face backlash over Epstein files flop
• Lara Trump Interview
• Make Christianity cool again: Why Gen Z is flocking to church

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 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 of Culture Brief, we reflect on the devastating floods in central Texas, the heartbreak they’ve left behind, and the political blame game that’s already started. Then Denison Forum’s Executive Director, Dr. Mark Turman, joins us for a conversation on how we process tragedy, loss, and grief as followers of Jesus.

Plus, we offer our opinions on the viral (and controversial) New York Times’ list of the best movies since 2000, break down the fallout among MAGA following the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case, touch on Elon Musk’s latest political pivot, and brief you on other headlines making waves this week.

It’s a mix of hard questions, cultural hot takes, and spiritual insight—because navigating today’s world requires all three.

• (01:08): Texas floods: An overview of the tragedy
• (04:44): Honoring the victims
• (08:57): Heroes amidst the tragedy
• (13:34): Political finger-pointing
• (18:26): Spiritual guidance and coping
• (29:27): Connecting to the tragedy
• (32:18): Resources and support
• (35:01): Debating the best movies of the century
• (40:31): Political and social updates
• (47:11): Upcoming sports documentaries
• (49:19): 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:

• Texans on Mission
• Denison Forum Podcast: Why does God allow disasters like the Texas Hill Country floods?
• Christian Parenting: How to talk to your kids about the flooding at Camp Mystic
• Viral video shows Camp Mystic children singing while escaping Texas flood
• The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century - The New York Times
• Readers Choose Their Top Movies of the 21st Century - The New York Times

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Denison Forum: Coast Guard swimmer rescues 165 in deadly Texas floods
• Denison Forum: Camp Mystic director dies trying to save kids during flood
• Politico: Deep in the heart of Texas: The Storm After the Storm
• Playbook: Why Biden wanted the CNN debate - POLITICO
• X: Homeland Security
• In Texas region prone to catastrophic floods, questions grow about lack of warning
• How a Flash Flood Turned Camp Mystic Into a Disaster Zone - WSJ
• Harrowing Tales Emerge in Texas as Rescuers Keep Up Search for Missing - The New York Times
• Terrified Girls, Helicopters and a Harrowing Scene: A Rescuer's Account at Camp Mystic
• Texas flooding victims include Dallas Catholic school sisters, camp counselor, Walmart employee
• Camp Mystic counselor who died in Texas flooding remembered as 'loyal and beloved' - ABC News
• Texas Flood Hero, Camp Mystic Director Makes Ultimate Sacrifice: 'Just Who He Was'
• Texas flooding: at least 107 people have died as questions intensify over handling of disaster – as it happened
• Hopes fade for missing Texas flood victims as death toll hovers around 100 | Reuters
• Young Campers Seen Crying and Singing Campfire Songs in Videos as They Evacuated amid Devastating Texas Floods
• Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – The Texas Flyover
• Flood predictions could worsen when Trump’s cuts take hold - POLITICO
• Dems try blaming Trump for Texas flood death toll
• Trump spending cuts, his approach to climate change attacked as catalyst of catastrophic Texas flooding
• Denison Forum: Elon Musk announces the "America Party"

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.

On this episode of Culture Brief, we break down the headlines shaping your world—from politics to pop culture—with thoughtful, Christian insight. We unpack Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” the latest SCOTUS rulings, and why everyone suddenly has opinions about Chili’s. Plus: the Diddy verdict, UPenn’s apology to its female swimmers, Meta’s newest AI strategy, and a Fourth of July poem that’ll actually make you pause. It’s sharp, fast-moving, and grounded in truth—don’t miss it.

• (00:43): The Big Beautiful Bill
• (02:09): Senate's role and key players
• (06:10): Key provisions and impacts of the Bill
• (14:12): Spiritual Reflections on Political Decisions
• (17:05): Supreme Court decisions
• (23:33): Medicaid and Planned Parenthood funding
• (25:59): Free Speech Coalition vs. Paxton
• (29:57): Spiritual application and challenge
• (33:23): Listener mailbag: casual dining debate
• (36:30): Recent news highlights
• (40:21): 4th of July and American pride

• Mailbag: [email protected]
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• What Senate passage of “Big Beautiful Bill” says about the US
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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.

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.