GOP’s risky midterm convention, fixing college sports, remembering 9/11 & an Emmys preview | Ep. 85

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Parker Jones to unpack the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention, happening this week in Dallas with Trump and JD Vance headlining. Even GOP insiders are skeptical it'll land, especially scheduled opposite NFL opening week. Conner and Parker dig into what's driving voter frustration on both sides and land on Galatians 5:1: our freedom isn't found in any party, but in Jesus.From there, Parker breaks down the Protect College Sports Act, the bipartisan bill aiming to rein in NIL chaos, the transfer portal, and the coaching carousel — tying it back to greed and instant gratification through Esau's bowl of soup.Plus, a tragic Miami plane crash, the anniversaries of Charlie Kirk's death and 9/11, Emmy nominations, and a loaded NFL opening week.Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:25) Midterm convention explained(4:49) Why the convention may flop(12:50) House and Senate math(15:28) Christian approach to voting(19:41) College sports chaos begins(26:03) NIL and transfer chaos(27:20) Protect College Sports Act(30:23) Will Congress pass the Act(35:08) Listener feedback and mailbag(36:22) Miami cargo plane crash(37:59) Remembering 9/11(40:15) Emmys and TV talk(41:47) Football weekend preview(43:50) NFL theme song debate(44:26) ConclusionResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected] Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:Republicans are hoping ‘Trump-a-palooza’ isn’t only about TrumpPolitical universe centers on Dallas this week as Trump, Vance, Speaker Johnson and cabinet secretaries rally near downtownPreparing for your first voteBehind the Curtain: Trump's quicksandYour congressional cheat sheet ahead of the midtermsIs Congress Trying to Save College Athletics?H.R. 9137: Protect College Sports Act of 2026About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Managing Editor for Denison Forum 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 Parker JonesParker is the Groups Pastor at Midway Church in Pilot Point, TX. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Dallas Baptist University and recently completed a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Southern Seminary.About Denison ForumDenison 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.All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.