Sadly, we start this episode with a brief update on the tragic killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. His death came after we recorded the episode, and we hope to offer more information on next week’s podcast.

In this week’s brief: The Department of Defense has rebranded itself as the Department of War—yes, really—and tensions with Venezuela are heating up. We also didn’t miss the social media showdown between the Vice President and a powerful senator.

We’ll unpack fresh polling that reveals America’s growing crisis of hope, and weigh in on viral clips of adults snatching souvenirs from kids at sporting events.

Plus, quick takes on the latest from Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, the MTV Music Awards, Cracker Barrel, the US Open, the Emmys, and the NFL kickoff.

It’s a packed episode in a wild week of headlines—join us as we frame it all through a Christian lens, helping you think biblically, live faithfully, and engage today’s culture with confidence.

Topics

• (01:00 ): Department of Defense renamed to Department of War
• (07:30 ): US drone strike on Venezuelan cartel
• (12:59 ): Spiritual perspective on war and peace
• (16:11 ): A crisis of hope in America
• (25:45 ): The urgency of encouragement
• (29:46 ): The power of mindset
• (32:24 ): Viral moments in sports
• (35:31 ): Global political updates
• (37:51 ): Pop-culture and sports highlights
• (42:51 ): NFL season kickoff

Resources

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Charlie Kirk fatally shot at speaking event in Utah - Denison Forum
• Donald Trump on Truth Social: Narcoterrorists
• Donald Trump on Truth Social: Deportations
• Image of Capitalism Slips to 54% in U.S.
• Millionaire CEO goes viral for stealing a hat from a child - Denison Forum
• Phillies home run ball stolen
• Media Bias Headline: U.S. Open Crowd Booed Trump Repeatedly
• Media Bias Headline: President Donald Trump Gets Cheers at US Open Men’s Final

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Trump signs order renaming Pentagon 'Department of War' - ABC News
• Venezuelan fighter jets flew over U.S. Navy ship in "show of force" - CBS News
• US deploying 10 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in fight against drug cartels, as Trump threatens to 'shoot down' Venezuelan military planes
• Trump 2.0 refashions U.S. military muscle
• Morning Brew: September 9
• Belief in the American dream hits record low
• Axios: September 3 Newsletter

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 Senior 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 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.