Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella in the second episode of the Culture Brief podcast as they navigate top stories of the week. They provide updates on the Los Angeles fires, insight into the NFL playoffs and college football, and discuss the deep impressions Christianity is making in popular culture. Additionally, the episode covers trending topics in politics, technology, and entertainment, including listener predictions for 2025. Join them for a comprehensive and engaging discussion from a Christian perspective.

Topics

• (00:45): Los Angeles Fires Update
• (10:41): Political Updates
• (14:08): Christianity in Modern Culture
• (21:17): Football Playoff Highlights
• (23:04): Eagles' AJ Brown and the Inner Excellence Book
• (27:18): Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Shake-Up
• (29:39): Listener Predictions for 2025
• (34:49): TikTok's Uncertain Future
• (36:36): Upcoming Presidential Inauguration
• (37:36): College Football National Championship

Resources

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• January 12, 2025: Los Angeles wildfires, wind warnings as Palisades, Eaton fires burn | CNN
• See some of the most dramatic pictures of California wildfire devastation
• Incidents | CAL FIRE
• LA fires: What's happening in Los Angeles, and what caused the wildfires?
• The Blood Is in the Water for Karen Bass - Puck
• Firefighters battling “unprecedented” fires in California
• DONATE: Deliver help, hope and healing to California · Texans on Mission
• DONATE: Pray for the Victims of the California Wildfires
• DONATE: Online Donations | American Red Cross
• Donald Trump sentenced after losing Supreme Court decision
• Special Counsel Report Says Trump Would Have Been Convicted in Election Case - The New York Times
• YouVersion Bible App Breaks Record in Single-Day Downloads | CBN News
• “Just to have the opportunity to glorify God on the football field it’s truly been an honor.” Jahdae Barron following Texas loss yesterday. Comment “Amen” down below! Athlete @officia1dae
• Jahdae Barron Shares Faith After Texas Longhorns Loss | TikTok
• Wesley Huff, PhD(c) - Apologetics Canada
• Actor Mel Gibson tells Joe Rogan that gospels are 'verifiable history' - Premier Christian News
• A Pastor's Reflections: The Case for Christ (the Movie) - Westminster Seminary California.
• Joe Rogan interviews Wesley Huff, a Christian apologist
• NFL scores and recaps for every wild-card playoff game
• Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl Recap: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
• Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Recap: Ohio State vs. Texas
• Eagles receiver A.J. Brown was reading a book on the sidelines of team's playoff win
• ‘Inner Excellence’ writer Jim Murphy talks A.J. Brown, Eagles fans – NBC10 Philadelphia
• TikTok Inc - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets

About Micah Tomasella

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.

About Conner Jones

Conner 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.