Tariffs on trial, Nigerian Christian persecution, Dick Cheney, Mamdani and Dems win big & NFL trades | Ep. 44

Tariffs on trial, Nigerian Christian persecution, Dick Cheney, Mamdani and Dems win big & NFL trades | Ep. 44

Author: Denison Ministries November 6, 2025 Duration: 49:01

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 if the killings of Christians continue.

Plus updates on the death of Dick Cheney and the UPS plane crash in Kentucky before a recap of Tuesday’s elections across the country and what they mean for the future of both political parties. We also cover the ongoing US government shutdown, MLB World Series, and key NFL trade deadlines. Tune in to explore how culture, sports, and faith intersect in our daily lives.

Topics

  • (00:00): Introduction
  • (00:41): Tariffs, Supreme Court, and US economy
  • (06:57): Impact of tariffs on the economy
  • (18:09): Christian persecution in Nigeria
  • (28:23): Call to prayer for Nigeria
  • (29:29): Prayer for persecuted Christians
  • (31:12): How to help persecuted Christians
  • (32:08): Listener's hot take: 18-wheelers in express lanes
  • (34:52): Tragic plane crash in Louisville
  • (35:37): Dick Cheney's legacy and passing
  • (37:49): Election results and political implications
  • (42:01): Government shutdown: The longest in history
  • (45:18): Dodgers win the World Series
  • (46:33): NFL trade deadline highlights

Resources

Links mentioned in this episode:

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

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 Micah Tomasella

Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 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 Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.


Each week, the cultural conversation moves at a dizzying pace, leaving many wondering how to engage with it thoughtfully. That’s where Culture Brief comes in. Hosted by Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella of Denison Ministries, this podcast offers a grounded space to process everything from breaking headlines and major sports moments to the latest viral movie or celebrity trend. The approach isn’t about quick takes or echo chambers, but about applying a consistent Christian perspective to the stories everyone is talking about. You’ll find the discussions are both insightful and relatable, often punctuated with genuine laughter as the hosts navigate the complexities of modern life. Tuning in feels less like a lecture and more like joining a thoughtful conversation with friends who aren’t afraid to ask the bigger questions. Whether it’s a political shift, a new streaming sensation, or a tech innovation, Culture Brief aims to make sense of the noise, offering listeners a framework for understanding and engaging with the world around them. This is a Denison Ministries production for anyone looking for a more reflective take on the week that was.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 68

Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories
Podcast Episodes