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 on if he’s “heaven-bound”. 

Then we dive into the debate over Turning Point USA’s alternative Super Bowl halftime show, the heart behind it, and whether or not it’s the right move. 

Plus, we discuss the Nobel Peace Prize, Diane Keaton’s death, the NHL coming back, the NBA’s return next week, and the MLB playoffs and that wild 15-inning game.

It’s a mix of geopolitics, pop culture, and thoughtful conversation—all through a biblical lens to help you navigate the week with clarity and faith.

Topics

• (01:39 ): Hostage release in Israel and Gaza
• (04:30 ): Trump's role in the peace deal
• (07:58 ): Reflections on peace and conflict
• (16:18 ): Trump's views on heaven and misunderstanding the Gospel
• (21:36 ): Alternative Super Bowl halftime show by Turning Point USA
• (24:16 ): Controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance
• (29:53 ): The heart behind the alternative show
• (38:32 ): Alex shares a hot take!
• (42:44 ): Current events and updates

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

NOTE - you can catch Conner & Micah on the latest Faith & Clarity podcast episode discussing the spiritual implications of the AI Bible, euthanasia, congressional term limits and freedom of speech.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Why didn’t God free the hostages two years ago? - Denison Forum
• Joe Biden statement
• Bill Clinton statement

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• The last twenty living hostages are released by Hamas - Denison Forum
• All 20 surviving hostages freed by Hamas under Gaza peace deal
• Politico: The hostages walk free
• Richard Haas: Two Years After October 7, Progress is Finally at Hand 
• Turning Point USA announces 'All-American' halftime show on Super Bowl Sunday
• MAGA rage over Bad Bunny at Super Bowl sparks an alternative show - The Washington Post
• The Bad Bunny Super Bowl 2026 Controversy, Explained
• THE ALL-AMERICAN HALFTIME SHOW

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 Alex Kondratev

Alex Kondratev is the Chief Content Officer at Denison Ministries. Alex is passionate about creating content that helps people encounter God in practical, transformative ways. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and son, and finds inspiration in books, the ocean, and the art of good storytelling.

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.