On this episode of Culture Brief, we unpack rising tensions between Israel and Iran—and whether America might get pulled into the mix. We also look at the growing MAGA divide over how the U.S. should respond. Then we shift to the future of AI: what's coming, who’s at risk, and how Christians should think ethically and spiritually about it all.

Plus, the Pentagon Pizza Index theory, celebrations of the Stanley Cup champs and JJ Spaun’s surprise US Open win, and a fun mailbag question. Listen in for our usual blend of headlines, culture, and biblical perspective—with a side of sarcasm. Let’s get into it.

Topics

• (00:59): Israel vs Iran overview
• (05:35): Israel's strategic strikes and global reactions
• (14:02): The MAGA movement's internal conflict
• (21:29): AI: The future and its implications
• (25:17): AI job market predictions
• (30:17): Human responsibility in AI development
• (34:35): Fun theories: Pentagon Pizza Index
• (38:25): Sports highlights: US Open, Stanley Cup and NBA Finals
• (41:27): Mailbag question!

Resources

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Dr. Jim Denison: Why is Iran the world’s most dangerous regime?
• Dr. Jim Denison: “Today, it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York”
• Dr. Jim Denison: Why does Iran hate Israel?
• An update from Israel: Let my people sleep
• Axios PM: 1 big thing: Trump considers joining war
• WSJ: The Conflict in the Middle East Continues
• Time: The 5 Groups Hoping to Sway Trump on Iran
• Iran confronts Trump with toughest choice yet
• The Denison Forum Podcast: Could AI be the unexpected tool in spreading the gospel?
• The Denison Forum Podcast: Artificial Intelligence: Tool or threat?
• Dr. Jim Denison: The peril of AI and the path to transcendent hope
• AI CEO says the tech could replace 50% of entry-level jobs
• Axios: Trump's America-First AI risk
• Axios: White-collar bloodbath
• Axios: The Great Fusing
• Axios: Your AI survival kit
• Axios: Anthropic's new AI model shows ability to deceive and blackmail
• Axios: The scariest AI reality
• NYT Podcast: An Interview With the Herald of the Apocalypse
• WSJ: AI Is Learning to Escape Human Control
• X: Pentagon Pizza Report

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.

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.