PODCAST · religion
Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories
by Denison Ministries
The world moves fast. Every week brings new headlines, viral moments, political debates, sports stories, technological breakthroughs, and cultural trends competing for your attention. *Culture Brief* helps you stay informed, think biblically, and engage the culture from a Christian perspective.Join host Conner Jones and friends every Thursday as they break down the biggest trending stories of the week and explore what they mean for Christians. From elections and global events to movies, music, AI, sports, and internet trends, they offer thoughtful biblical insights, practical takeaways, and informed predictions about where today's headlines may lead tomorrow.No partisan spin. No outrage. Just honest, engaging conversations about the issues shaping our world and what Scripture has to say about them.If you want to keep up with what's happening, understand what's coming next, laugh a little along the way, and navigate today's culture with wisdom and conviction, this is the podcast for
Episodes
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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…
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Venezuela oil deal, Pentagon turmoil, Putin's desperation, foldable iPhone rumors & NFL returns! | Ep. 84
In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Josh Miller, CEO of Denison Ministries, for a whirlwind trip around the world. They start in Venezuela, where Trump's "biggest oil deal in world history" comes with a surprising backstory. And they parse through what the deal could mean for gas prices…
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Flock cameras are everywhere, Meta's $17B settlement, Dolly Parton & college football returns | Ep. 83
In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Clayton Harris to break down America's growing distrust of big tech starting with Flock cameras, the license-plate surveillance system now active in nearly every state, weighing real safety wins against wrongful stops and misuse, and asking who we can...
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Kathryn Krick’s viral “healing” videos, why Gen Z wants old-school worship & the Lakers' shock sale | Ep. 82
In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Jonathan Becker, a Denison Forum contributing writer and student minister to dive into his recent article on the viral rise of self-proclaimed apostle Kathryn Krick and the New Apostolic Reformation and why Jonathan says this movement is a real danger to...
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U.S. missile shortage, Trump’s secret Air Force One swap, “Choosin’ Texas” & a new political party? | Ep. 81
In this week's Brief: the U.S. has burned through a staggering share of its missile stockpile in the war with Iran — Patriot interceptors down over 50%, THAAD missiles depleted by 80%. Conner and Micah break down why replenishing these stockpiles takes years, and what it means for U.S. readiness....
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Sophie Cunningham, Spain's migrant crisis, record box office & the Dodgers' blockbuster trade | Ep. 80
In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Denison Forum writer Parker Jones to unpack the WNBA's summer of controversy, as Sophie Cunningham's stand for biological reality in women's sports proves that common sense still wins out. From there, they break down the chaos on the Spanish-Moroccan...
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Should We Be Worried About Data Centers? & Why Is Everything So Expensive? | Ep. 79
In this week's Brief: Conner's out, so Micah and Josh take the reins for a deep dive on two questions everyone's asking. First: Should we be worried about data centers? They break down what one actually is, why North Texas is suddenly full of them, and the real pros and cons behind the fights...
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World Cup reflections, Trump’s election speech, Middle East update & ‘The Odyssey’ | Ep. 78
In this week's Brief: We look back at a World Cup that exceeded every expectation. It brought millions together, introduced Americans to the world's biggest sport, and reminded us that shared joy is still possible in an increasingly divided culture. Why did this tournament resonate so deeply, and...
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Lindsey Graham dies, Charlie Kirk hearing, Trump’s address, RIP Sam Neill & World Cup Final | Ep. 77
In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Clayton Harris to process the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham at age 71. We walk through his legacy as one of the most influential and polarizing figures in modern politics, his role in shaping the Iran war, and the massive hole his absence leaves…
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SCOTUS recap, America's next 250, Taylor Swift wedding, World Cup heartbreak & Culture Brief news | Ep. 76
In this week's Brief: The Supreme Court dropped some of its biggest rulings of the year and we break down all four—campaign finance limits erased, mail-in ballots upheld, transgender athlete bans sustained, and birthright citizenship preserved. We explore what each means, where the justices…
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Reflecting pool mess, Air Force One drama, Clavicular, 'Maxxing' trends, World Cup & new studio! | Ep. 75
In this week's Brief: Welcome to our brand new studio! Conner is joined by Josh Miller, CEO of Denison Ministries, to tackle the reflecting pool drama in DC, the controversial new Air Force One, and how both expensive "birthday gifts" for America's 250th point us back to the one gift that truly...
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World Cup tourists love America, Iran deal explained, Knicks win & SpaceX soars | Ep. 74
In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Dr. Ryan Denison to break down the Iran memorandum of understanding—what we know, what we don't, and whether this war actually accomplished what it set out to do. With nuclear questions unresolved and trust in short supply, Ryan reminds us that the...
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World Cup preview, SpaceX IPO, helicopter shot down, Knicks-Spurs & UFC at the White House | Ep. 73
In this week's Brief: The World Cup kicks off on American soil and we break down why this isn't just a soccer tournament—it's the most-watched event in human history. We explore what 48 nations gathering together means culturally, highlight the players boldly sharing their faith on the world's...
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America's vice problem, Iran update, Gen Z box office boom, 60 Minutes turmoil & NBA Finals | Ep. 72
In this week's Brief: The Iran deal negotiations feel like Groundhog Day—another week, another "we're almost there." We break down Trump's heated call with Netanyahu, the stalled peace talks, and a call to prayer for an end to the conflict. Then we look the vices that are quietly dominating...
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Iran deal problems, Spencer Pratt for LA Mayor, Pope’s AI warning, Kyle Busch & New York Knicks | Ep. 71
In this week's Brief: An Iran deal is close—but is it the deal the US went to war for? We break down the deal’s framework, why three Republican senators are publicly questioning the entire operation, and why the biggest objective of the war—preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon—may not…
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Rise of antisemitism, America's AI backlash & the heart problem underneath it all | Ep. 70
In this week’s Brief: Micah Tomasella and Dr. Ryan Denison tackle two pressing cultural conversations — and find a deeper spiritual thread connecting them both. First, they dig into a troubling trend: antisemitism is no longer lurking in the shadows. Drawing from pieces in The Free Press and…
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Trump goes to China, summer box office predictions, Hantavirus & UFO files dropped | Ep. 69
In this week's Brief: Trump lands in Beijing for the most consequential meeting of his presidency. We break down what's at stake as the world's two superpowers sit down—from trade and AI to Iran, Taiwan, and religious freedom for persecuted Chinese Christians—and why we should all be praying for...
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Spirit Airlines collapses, America's 250th, DHS shutdown ends, GameStop-eBay & Lively-Baldoni case | Ep. 68
In this week's Brief: Spirit Airlines is gone. We break down how America's seventh-largest airline collapsed overnight, the bad decisions that led to it, the far-reaching impact on jobs, airports, and travel—and what the wisdom of Scripture says about stewardship versus squeezing every last…
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Assassination attempt, why we're becoming numb, Kimmel-Disney-Melania feud & King Charles in DC | Ep. 67
In this week's Brief: Another assassination attempt on the president. We break down what happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner—how the evening played out, what we’ve learned about the gunman and how he got past security. More importantly, we dive into why political violence is…
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Why Americans aren't having kids, Apple CEO steps down, Iran ceasefire & NFL Draft names to watch | Ep. 66
In this week's Brief: We give a quick update on the Iran ceasefire extension and Tim Cook's announcement that he's stepping down as Apple CEO after 15 years—and what his stewardship of the company teaches us about stewarding our own lives for God. Then we welcome Parker Jones, pastor, writer, and...
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Interview w/ NASA flight controller on Artemis II, faith in space missions & moon landing conspiracies. Plus quick hits on Iran, Trump, and Rory | Ep. 65
In this week's Brief: We look at the failed Iran negotiations, Trump's naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump's controversial posts attacking the Pope and posting an AI image of himself as Jesus, and why our true guiding light is neither a president nor a Pope—it's Jesus. Plus Rory McIlroy...
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Military rescue in Iran, Artemis moon mission, Cane's vs Chick-fil-A, March Madness champs & Masters predictions | Ep. 64
In this week's Brief: The incredible story of the downed American airman in Iran—injured, hunted, and alone for 36 hours behind enemy lines—and the massive rescue operation the U.S. military launched to bring him home. It's one of the most remarkable military stories in years, and it points...
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Tiger Woods DUI, TMZ vs Congress, Alan Ritchson fight, UConn's epic buzzer beater & moon launch | Ep. 63
In this week's Brief: “Jack Reacher” actor Alan Ritchson got into a real-life neighborhood fight and the internet lost its mind. Then we relive one of the greatest March Madness moments ever as UConn's Braylon Mullins hit a 35-foot buzzer beater to knock off Duke in a full-circle moment 34 years…
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Iran update, airport chaos, Bachelorette canceled, RIP Chuck Norris & Sweet 16 | Ep. 62
In this week's Brief: Trump pauses his ultimatum on Iran just as the markets open, and we break down what's really behind the mixed signals, including a rejected 15-point peace plan, a potential new negotiating partner in Tehran, and pressures for a US ground invasion. We also dive into airport...
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Why gas prices are rising, prediction markets exposed, Talarico's theology, Oscars recap & March Madness | Ep. 61
In this week's Brief: We break down why the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island are at the center of the global energy crisis right now—what they are, why they matter, and what happens when 20% of the world's oil supply gets choked off. From there, we dive into the rise of the Polymarket and Kalshi...
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Iran war update, Kristi Noem out, Warner Bros. sold, Oscar predictions & Selection Sunday | Ep. 60
In this week's Brief: We're now past day 10 of Operation Epic Fury and the picture is getting more complicated by the hour. We talk through the latest military updates on the conflict with Iran, their newly appointed Supreme Leader, the impact of oil prices surging as the Strait of Hormuz grinds…
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U.S. & Israel strike Iran: Dr. Jim Denison on faith, war & what comes next | Ep. 59
In this week's Brief: The U.S. and Israel launched simultaneous strikes on Iran in what's being called Operation Epic Fury, and the world changed overnight. We’re joined by Dr. Jim Denison, founder of Denison Ministries and author of The Daily Article to break down the latest updates on the...
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USA hockey gold, State of the Union, tariff ruling, cartel takedown, Iran update & UFO files | Ep. 58
In this week's Brief: USA! USA! USA! Team USA wins gold in men's and women's hockey to cap off the best Winter Olympics performance in American history—and the men's overtime win over Canada felt like a generational moment. We break down the game, the 26 million viewers, and the tribute to the…
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Is the American dream dead? Plus: James Van Der Beek, Robert Duvall, Jesse Jackson & Winter Olympics | Ep. 57
In this week's Brief: Is the American dream still alive? We dig into the data and what Americans actually mean by "the dream," why hope is more powerful than negativity, and how Christians can stay grounded while the loudest voices online try to convince us everything is falling apart. From...
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Super Bowl recap, AI shakes Wall Street, Trump's Obama video, Epstein fallout & Winter Olympics | Ep. 56
In this week's Brief: We break down Seattle's dominant Super Bowl win over the Patriots, the halftime show culture war between Bad Bunny and the Turning Point USA, and why this year's Super Bowl felt like an all-around stinker. But the moment that actually mattered most? Seahawks star Jaxon...
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Bad Bunny, the Grammys, Super Bowl outrage, Don Lemon arrest & Epstein update | Ep. 55
In this week’s Brief, we step into one of those rare moments when it feels like everyone is watching—and arguing about—the same things. We discuss the Grammys’ most talked-about moments, including overt political messaging from Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, and other celebrities, and why so many...
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Alex Pretti's death, immigration tensions & how Christians can respond with Dr. Ryan Denison | Ep. 54
In this week’s Brief: we’re joined by Dr. Ryan Denison, Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum, to help us process one of the most sobering and emotionally charged stories in the country right now: the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. We walk through what we know, what remains…
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Greenland explained, Indiana’s Championship run, Iran updates, Minnesota tensions & Epstein files | Ep. 53
In this week’s Brief: We start with Trump’s latest Greenland comments, why the island suddenly matters again, and we ask the question: how should Christians think about power, land, and national interest when everything feels like geopolitical brinkmanship? Then we pivot to one of the best sports...
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ICE shooting, Iran on edge, Golden Globes & postseason football | Ep. 52
In this week’s Brief: We touch on the ICE shooting in Minnesota and the nationwide protests unfolding in Iran, stepping back from the immediate outrage to talk about why these stories escalated so quickly and how Christians should respond with clarity, compassion, and prayer. We discuss why…
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Venezuela, 2026 culture predictions, Tim Walz & football playoffs | Ep. 51
In this week’s brief: We’re breaking down the headlines shaping the year’s explosive start, beginning with Operation Absolute Resolve and the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. What does the move signal militarily? How does it reshape the global chessboard? Was it legal? Does this...
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2025 recap: Most influential people, biggest stories, biggest flops, & spiritual highlights | Ep. 50
In this week’s Brief: We take a wide-angle look at 2025, what we thought the year would hold, what actually happened, and what surprised us along the way, starting with a revisit to our predictions from January. Then we talk about the most influential people of 2025 followed by the biggest…
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Australia attack, Rob Reiner, Christmas movies, Candace Owens & football updates | Ep. 49
In this week’s Brief: We walk through a heavy news cycle that collided head-on with the Christmas season. We unpack an attack on U.S. troops, the shooting at Brown University, the terrorist attack in Sydney, the horrific murders of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and his wife, and a foiled NYE terror...
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Netflix vs. Paramount fight for Warner Bros., Hollywood’s future, Spotify Wrapped & College Football Playoffs | Ep. 48
In this week’s Brief: We break down the massive Netflix and Paramount fight to out-bid one another in a multibillion-dollar purchase of Warner Bros.—a move that could reshape everything in Hollywood and change how Americans engage TV and movies. Is this a death knell for movie theaters? Are the...
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Ukraine, Hegseth, American work, box office booms & College-football chaos | Ep. 47
In this week’s Brief: We round up the top stories dominating the headlines, including the latest in peace negotiations in the Ukraine-Russia war, the tragic attack near the White House and its implications for U.S. immigration policy, and controversy around drone strikes on drug vessels in the...
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Epstein files, MAGA infighting, peace deals & Tom Cruise | Ep. 46
In this week’s Brief: we break down a whirlwind week in U.S. politics—from the fallout surrounding the newly released Epstein files to what the shifting narrative means for President Trump and the broader Republican landscape. We also take a closer look at the growing fractures within the MAGA...
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Shutdown ends, Democrats’ identity crisis, Pelosi update, MLB pitchers indicted & Nico Harrison fired | Ep. 45
In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about the political maneuvering that happened to reopen the government. And Micah dives into the Democratic Party’s ongoing identity crisis, exploring questions of leadership, vision, and unity as the 2026 elections loom. Should they choose the socialist or...
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Tariffs on trial, Nigerian Christian persecution, Dick Cheney, Mamdani and Dems win big & NFL trades | Ep. 44
In this week’s Brief: We’re talking tariffs and how they’re not impacting the US economy nearly as much as experts predicted back in April. But this week’s SCOTUS hearing could change that. We also take a closer look at Christian persecution in Nigeria, where Trump is threatening military action…
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Trade deals, East Wing destroyed, NBA gambling scandal, election day preview & scented stamps | Ep. 43
In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about Trump’s whirlwind Asia tour, including stops in Qatar, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and an upcoming high-stakes meeting with China. And we take a look at what’s happening back at home with the White House’s East Wing demolition, a PR war with Canada, and...
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Rare earth minerals, Louvre jewelry heist, "No Kings" protests & a World Series preview! | Ep. 42
In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about the global tug-of-war over rare earth minerals and what the U.S. is doing to loosen its reliance on China. We also dive into the daring, Hollywood-worthy heist at the Louvre. And we tackle updates on the government shutdown, the "No Kings" protests…
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Trailer
Feeling overwhelmed by the endless stream of news, politics, and pop culture? Join Denison Forum’s Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they break down the week’s biggest stories from a Christian perspective. Culture Brief dives into the topics that matter most, from the latest TV shows, movies…
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Hostages come home, Super Bowl halftime debate, Nobel Peace Prize, MLB playoffs & NBA and NHL are back! | Ep. 41
In this week’s Brief: Micah’s out on vacation, so we had Alex Kondratev join the show as guest co-host to break down the headlines! We're talking about the Israel–Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, Donald Trump’s central role in the negotiations, the still unresolved issues, and Trump’s thoughts...
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Worship, anxiety, and identity with Landon Wolfe of Passion City Church and the voice behind “The Lord Will Provide” | Ep. 40
This week, we welcome special guest Landon Wolfe, the voice behind the worship hit “The Lord Will Provide”! We dive into Landon’s journey in music, his ministry at Passion City Church, leading NFL stadiums in worship at Passion Conferences, and the movement of young people turning to faith. We…
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Government shutdown, peace in Gaza, UFO video, Tim Allen, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny & Ryder Cup results | Ep. 39
In this week’s Brief: The US government is officially shutdown, and it isn’t just about stalled budgets—it’s about the deeper dysfunction in Washington. We’re unpacking the fallout, the blame game, and what it means for everyday Americans. We’re also looking at President Trump’s 20-point...
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Jimmy Kimmel, free speech debate, Erika Kirk forgives, rapture thoughts, Tylenol update & a huge sports weekend | Ep. 38
In this week’s Brief: Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and return to late-night TV isn’t just about comedy—it’s about the FCC, political pressure, and what this says about the state of free expression in America. We’re unpacking the story, the fallout, and what it reveals about today’s media landscape....
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Cultural shockwave of Charlie Kirk’s death, America divided, free speech debate, viral revival, Robert Redford & Larry Ellison | Ep. 37
In this week’s brief: the cultural shockwave of Charlie Kirk’s assassination has rocked the nation—politics, media, public safety, and Americans are all grappling with the aftermath of his death. We’re breaking down the investigation, the cultural responses, and what his legacy means for a new...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The world moves fast. Every week brings new headlines, viral moments, political debates, sports stories, technological breakthroughs, and cultural trends competing for your attention. *Culture Brief* helps you stay informed, think biblically, and engage the culture from a Christian perspective.Join host Conner Jones and friends every Thursday as they break down the biggest trending stories of the week and explore what they mean for Christians. From elections and global events to movies, music, AI, sports, and internet trends, they offer thoughtful biblical insights, practical takeaways, and informed predictions about where today's headlines may lead tomorrow.No partisan spin. No outrage. Just honest, engaging conversations about the issues shaping our world and what Scripture has to say about them.If you want to keep up with what's happening, understand what's coming next, laugh a little along the way, and navigate today's culture with wisdom and conviction, this is the podcast for
HOSTED BY
Denison Ministries
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories have?
Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories currently has 90 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories about?
The world moves fast. Every week brings new headlines, viral moments, political debates, sports stories, technological breakthroughs, and cultural trends competing for your attention. *Culture Brief* helps you stay informed, think biblically, and engage the culture from a Christian perspective.Join...
How often does Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories release new episodes?
Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories has 90 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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Who hosts Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories?
Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories is created and hosted by Denison Ministries.
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