The Pope’s death, Big Tech monopolies, NFL draft & a coffee hot take | Ep. 16

The Pope’s death, Big Tech monopolies, NFL draft & a coffee hot take | Ep. 16

Author: Denison Ministries April 24, 2025 Duration: 51:22

Join Conner Jones and guest host Josh Miller on this week's episode of Culture Brief. With Micah on vacation, Josh joins Conner as they discuss the significant passing of Pope Francis and his progressive papacy, the intriguing process of electing a new pope, and the impact of antitrust cases against tech giants like Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon with a focus on the significance of humility. Josh also delivers a fiery hot take on a common American coffee habit and the guys offer quick insights into this weekend’s NFL draft!

Topics

  • (00:31):  Special guest: Josh Miller
  • (02:22): Remembering Pope Francis
  • (04:18): The Conclave process
  • (09:40): Pope Francis' legacy
  • (19:16): Big Tech antitrust trials
  • (27:23): Google's market dominance
  • (28:50): Chrome and Safari: browser wars
  • (30:42): The power of Big Tech
  • (34:09): AI and the future of search
  • (39:33): Coffee hot take
  • (43:11): Updates on trade wars and the economy
  • (46:06): NFL draft and sports highlights
  • (49:10): Conclusion


Resources


About Josh Miller

Josh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. A Christian leader, author, and songwriter, Josh brings over 20 years of ministry experience—from global worship tours to pastoral leadership. He lives in Plano, Texas, with his wife and two sons, fueled by faith, craft coffee, and a love for tacos.

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.


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.
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