The Bulletin
The Bulletin is a podcast for Christians seeking insights into the events, questions, and people that are shaping their world. Each episode helps Christians consider the intersection of faith, culture and spiritual formation.
Episodes
Infidelity, Comedy, and How to Stay Married
This week we’re re-airing a conversation between Mike Cosper and Harrison Scott Key about marriage, community, and the gift of laughter in life’s darkest moments. Key’s latest book, How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Every Told, details his wife’s infidelity and the couple’s fight to save their relationship. Mike and Harrison talk about why it’s better to be the comedic hero than the
Funding to World Vision, Reflecting Pool Fiasco, and Tradwife Mania
This week, the Trump administration announced that $2 billion will be given to faith-based organizations providing humanitarian aid, including World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, and Compassion International. We’re re-airing a segment in which Mindy Belz discusses the shuttering of USAID during the second Trump administration and why the US has historically offered help abroad.
Then, President Trump
Cell Phones at School, The Power of Dopamine, and Attending to Beauty
As we enter the last few weeks of summer and students anticipate going back to school, we’re revisiting some favorite Bulletin segments about screens and technology. First, Krista Boan joins Russell Moore, Mike Cosper, and Clarissa Moll to discuss the rush to get technology into the classroom, and how it’s going as it’s slowly being moved out. Then, we air a special segment from The Russell Moore
Netanyahu Visits Trump, Measles Outbreaks, and Family Estrangement
This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited President Donald Trump in the White House. His visit highlights the drawn out war in Iran, as well as growing antisemitism in the US. We re-air a conversation between Russell Moore and Rabbi Michael Holzman about the difference between dislike for Netanyahu and antisemitism and the true definition of pluralism. Next, there have been more
Spiritual Not Religious, Sunday School Revival, and Why Go To Church?
We’re continuing our summer series with an episode about the state of the church, highlighting favorite conversations from The Bulletin archive. Daniel Silliman, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper discuss trends in Americans’ religiosity and spirituality from a 2025 Pew survey. Then, Beth Moore joins the show to talk about the importance of Sunday School for adults, and why small groups may not be mee
ICE Traffic Stop Deaths, Election Fraud Claims, and World Cup Bets
We’re continuing our summer series with a recap of the week’s top headlines and relevant conversation from The Bulletin archive. This week, two individuals were killed by ICE agents during traffic stops. We re-air a conversation with Emily Belz about her reporting on January immigration crackdowns in Minneapolis and how Christians are responding. Then, President Trump has been bringing up election
Platner's Allegations, Strait of Hormuz Conflict, and America's Royal Wedding
We’re continuing our summer series with a recap of the week’s top headlines and relevant conversation from The Bulletin archive. This week, Maine’s Democratic Nominee for US Senate Graham Platner suspended his bid for Senate after Politico reported a woman’s accusations of rape. We re-air a conversation with Charlie Sykes, Russell Moore, and Clarissa Moll about other politicians who have removed t
Patriotism vs Nationalism, Revisionist History, and Veterans' Mental Health
This 4th of July weekend, we are revisiting patriotic conversations from The Bulletin archive. Mike Cosper and The Bulwark’s Mona Charen discuss the difference between patriotism and nationalism. Then, Mike speaks with Hudson Institute’s Rebeccah Heinrichs about far-right podcasters who are promoting a counter-narrative about the US’s role in World War II. And last, we revisit a segment with forme
Birthright Citizenship, Bipartisan Housing Bill, and Christian Summer Camp
We’re continuing our summer series with a recap of the week’s top headlines and relevant conversation from The Bulletin archive. The Supreme Court is releasing a number of decisions prior to their summer break. One decision that is forthcoming is President Trump’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship. We re-air a conversation between Russell Moore, Clarissa Moll, and executive direct
Deal with Iran, Trump’s UFC Birthday, SBC Votes on Women, and Juneteenth
We’re continuing our summer series with a recap of the week’s top headlines and relevant conversation from The Bulletin archive. This week, President Trump signed a short-term deal with Iran, with many saying the US got the losing end of the deal. We re-air a conversation from May in which Russell Moore, Bonnie Kristian, and Clarissa Moll discuss the difficulty of negotiating with Iran. Then, Pres
Tribalism, Cancel Culture, and Loving the Enemy
This week, Maine’s Graham Platner won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate despite having a Nazi tattoo on his chest and recent relationship scandals surface from his past. As well, Texas’s Ken Paxton won the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, while having allegations of infidelity and securities fraud. How did these people gain popularity with voters and within their parties? This week on The
Truth in Media
As we continue our summer programming around a specific theme in the headlines, this week we’re focusing on the subject of truth in media with previous Bulletin guests Chris Stirewalt, Francis Haugen, Renee DiResta, and Francis Collins. This episode of The Bulletin weaves together three distinct conversations exploring the death of local reporting, the rise of algorithmic echo chambers, and a prac
Navigating Anxiety with Resilience
Here at The Bulletin, our summer programming is underway and we’re re-airing our best segments around a theme. This week: Clarissa sits down with author Sara Billups to unpack our collective societal anxiety and how to navigate it in our daily lives. Sheila Wise Rowe chats with Mike and Russell about managing pressure as a ministry leader and Steve Cuss explains healthy ways to handle workplace st
Higher Ed Survival, Political Tension with Family, and Screen Free Church
Here at The Bulletin, we’re beginning our summer programming. We’ll be re-airing the best segments from the past four years of the show. This week: Christian universities are closing at a notable rate. Alan Nobel joins Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll to discuss the reasons for this trend and the implications. Then, Clarissa talks with author and former Obama speechwriter David Litt about developin
Oil Is a Gift From God. Are We Squandering It?
The national average gas price has increased to $4.50 / gallon, reflecting skyrocketing crude oil prices due to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. While sticker shock at the gas pump is our most salient contact point, oil surrounds us from the moment we’re born. In today’s Long Read from the CT archives, writer Ken Baake traces the history of oil from its discovery to the transformation of our
Polling Data, Modern Vices, and the Drying of the Tigris and the Euphrates
This week, Russell Moore, Charlie Sykes, and Clarissa Moll break down new polling about Americans’ responses to changes in the economy, US involvement in foreign affairs, and their opinions on presidential hopefuls for 2028. Then, CT’s Sho Baraka joins to discuss how modern vices of marijuana use, AI porn, gambling look different with an undercurrent of loneliness and isolation. Finally, Sho and R
Rubio's Presidential Bid, College Cybercrime, and Psychiatric Med Skeptics
Secretary of State Marco Rubio posts a video that seems like a campaign ad. The cybercrime group ShinyHunters attacks an edtech platform for ransom. Russia’s annual celebration of its WWII victory against the Nazis is pared down. The Dispatch’s Michael Reneau joins Clarissa Moll to discuss these headlines, and then Clarissa sits down with Dan Allender of The Allender Institute to discuss Health Se
Midwest Primaries, Taiwan’s Ukraine Lessons, and Abortion Pill Case
On Tuesday, Indiana and Ohio held primary elections. Chris Butler joins Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll to discuss how Republican candidates endorsed by the Trump administration fared. President Trump heads to China next week to discuss trade with President Xi Jinping. Mark Tooley from the Institute on Religion and Democracy shares what these conversations mean for Taiwanese independence, and how
Voting Maps, DHS Funding, Troops in Europe, and Reclaiming ‘Evangelical’
The Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana’s congressional map was unconstitutional because it improperly considered race to create a majority-Black district. Congress voted to end the longest Department of Homeland Security shutdown in US history. And President Trump says he is considering a reduction in the number of US troops in Germany. Warren Cole Smith joins Clarissa Moll to discuss these headli
No Iran Deal, Russell Brand Reads the Bible, and Ben Sasse’s Public Dying
This week, President Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to end the war, saying he isn’t willing to accept Iran’s terms unless they agree to gut their nuclear capabilities. CT’s Bonnie Kristian joins Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll to discuss the status of the war. Eyes are on English celebrity Russell Brand assessing the authenticity of his conversion to Christianity. Why do Christians care so much wh
Trust in Higher Ed, Marijuana Status, NFL Draft, and West Bank Violence
Yale University releases its report on restoring trust in American colleges and universities. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signs an order to lower the official risk level of medical marijuana products. And, descendant of Cuban immigrants Fernando Mendoza is the number one NFL draft pick. CT’s editor in chief Marvin Olasky joins to talk about these headlines, and then Clarissa Moll speaks w
Attitudes Toward Israel, Kash Patel’s Lawsuit, and John Mark Comer’s Fame
This week, a photo circulated on social media that showed an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon smashing the face of a fallen statue of Jesus. Rabbi Michael Holzman joins Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll to discuss this incident and Americans’ shifting attitudes towards Israel. Then, FBI Director Kash Patel files a defamation lawsuit against reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick and The Atlantic for publishing a
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire; Trump's Big, Beautiful Ballroom; and the Strait of Hormuz
Last Thursday, a 10-day ceasefire began between Israel and Lebanon. Meanwhile, both the House and Senate reject measures to curb the war in Iran. President Trump proposes building a triumphant arch in Washington D.C., and a federal court of appeals greenlights his $400 million White House ballroom project. Warren Cole Smith from Ministry Watch joins Clarissa Moll to discuss these headlines, and Cl
Hungary’s Hopeful Election, Congressional Resignations, and Trump's AI Blasphemy
This week, Hungarian politician Peter Magyar gathered a politically diverse coalition to win an election against prime minister Viktor Orban, ending a 16-year autocratic rule. Dalibor Rohac joins Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll to talk about Orban’s connection with President Trump and what this indicates about the global far-right populist movement. On Tuesday, Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzale
Failed Iran Talks, Draft Registration, Orbán's Loss, and Revenge Addiction
President Trump announced that the US will engage in a blockade of Iranian ports after Vice President JD Vance’s negotiations fell flat and Iran refused to curb its nuclear program. Then, The New York Times reports that the US government will begin automatically registering men ages 18-25 with the Selective Service System. And, Hungary’s far-right prime minister of 16 years, Viktor Orbán, was defe
Trump Threatens Iran, Artemis II Returns, and Anthropic’s AI Triggers Fear
On Tuesday, President Trump posted inflammatory threats towards Iran on Truth Social. The Atlantic’s Pete Wehner joins Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll to discuss these words and how the Republican party has abandoned conservatism. Next, as Artemis II splashes down, Jim Bridenstine shares about the founding of the Artemis program during his time as the NASA administrator under the first Trump admin
Military Rescue in Iran, Pam Bondi, Artemis II, and Social Media Addiction Trial
Over the weekend, the US military rescues a weapons systems officer who was shot down in enemy territory over Iran. President Trump dismisses US attorney general Pam Bondi. And the Artemis II crew gets closer to the moon than any American astronaut since 1972. Michael Reneau from The Dispatch joins to discuss these headlines with Clarissa Moll. Then, Clarissa speaks with Mark, Rachel, and Sarah La
Therapists' Free Speech, Grads' Careers, and Hegseth’s Imprecatory Prayer
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected a Colorado law that restricted counselors from assisting clients who wished to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Luke Goodrich from The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty joins to discuss with Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll why the Supreme Court was nearly unanimous on the decision, and the implications for free speech. Then, CT’s Sho Barak
Classroom Tech, Anti-Trump Protests, Troops in Iran, and Crisis in Cuba
A jury rules that Meta and YouTube were responsible for damages to children’s mental health, and attention shifts to states and school districts that have lawsuits against social media companies. Will they be effective in regulating technology use in the classroom? Over the weekend, Millions of Americans attend anti-Trump No Kings Protests. And, the US has 50,000 troops stationed in Iran. Former C
ICE at Airports, School Shooting Convictions, and Ruling Against Meta
This week, President Trump posted on Truth Social that more ICE agents will be present at airports to address the long waits caused by the Department of Homeland Security partial shutdown. Elizabeth Neumann and Harvest Prude join us to discuss this and the ramifications of the shutdown. Then, a Georgia jury convicts a parent whose son murdered multiple people in a school shooting of second degree
War Projections, 2028 Hopefuls, AI Novels, and Men’s College Attendance
This week, President Trump announced that the end of the Iran war may be in sight, while news outlets report the US is deploying thousands of troops to the Middle East. Then, Democratic governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear hints at a 2028 presidential campaign while making jabs at Vice President JD Vance. And, book publisher Hachette found that a book that they were about to publish was 78% AI-genera
Joe Kent Resigns, Iranian Threats, and a Victory for Parents’ Rights
This week, top US counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigned, saying he could not support the ongoing war in Iran. Charlie Sykes joins Russell Moore, Mike Cosper, and Clarissa Moll to discuss Kent’s claims that Iran posed no imminent threat to the US. Then, Rebeccah Heinrichs from the Hudson Institute stops by to talk about global players in the war in Iran and what’s going on with US allies. Fin
IDF and Lebanon, Ukraine’s Fears, AI Data Centers, and a Korean Messiah
The Israeli Defense Force pushes Hezbollah further north into Lebanon to protect those living in the north of Israel. Meanwhile, Ukraine worries that American focus has drifted away from their war with Russia. And, how should we feel about AI data centers being built in towns and cities around the US? Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and then Mike sits down with The Wall Stre
Cost of Iran War, Quiet Southern Border, and Anglican Church Split
The first six days of the war with Iran have cost more than $11.3 billion, and 140 US troops have been injured, according to Pentagon officials. Tom Nichols, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College and staff writer at The Atlantic, joins Russell, Mike and Clarissa to discuss military strategy and the costs of war. Since President Trump’s inauguration, border crossings at the US’s southern
Kristi Noem Fired, Iran Chooses Leader, and Pakistan Fights Taliban
President Trump fires Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and chooses Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to take her place. Then, a parent from Georgia is convicted of second degree murder and involuntary manslaughter after giving his son a gun with which he shot four individuals at his school. And, the son of the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been chosen as the next sup
Birthright Citizenship, War’s Moral Hazards, and Can Literature Save Men?
Next month, the Supreme Court will be reviewing a case on birthright citizenship. Two Catholic organizations submitted an amicus brief explaining why those who are born in the US should be allowed to become citizens both from a constitutional framework and based on Catholic social teaching. Anna Gallagher, executive director for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, joins to discuss the brief. T
US and Israel Attack Iran
On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials. In the following days, Iran retaliated with attacks against US bases in neighboring countries, and three US planes were shot down in Kuwait. Mike Cosper sits down with journalist Yossi Klein Halevi to understand what this military action means fo
Tariff Takedown, War with Iran, and State of the Union
Last Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that the President is not authorized to impose tariffs, affirming that Congress alone has the power to tax. Entrepreneur and pastor Mark Franco joins Russell, Mike, and Clarissa to discuss the future of tariffs. Then, President Trump suggests that he would launch a strike on Iran if they do not back down from their nuclear weapons program. Jonathan Schanzer sto
The Bulletin Goes to Nashville!
This weekend, The Bulletin met up with Inkwell’s Young Storytellers Initiative in Nashville for a live recording of the show. Inkwell is a community within Christianity Today that explores the depths of Christian life through artful storytelling and cultural reflection. In this episode, recorded live, Russell Moore, Mike Cosper, and Clarissa Moll sit down with CT’s Sho Baraka to talk about the cha
Sunday Afternoon Reads: Lord of the Night
Antarctica experiences six months of darkness every year, but God is not absent from this desolate place. Brett Baddorf spent nine months as a missionary in the South Pole, and he saw God in the grandeur of the night sky and in taking time to withdraw from normal life. He also found that others on the station were open to spiritual conversations and wrestling with their faith. In this edition of S
AI Predictions, Climate Policy Rollback, and Obama’s Belief in Aliens
Last week, the CEO of AI company Anthropic spoke with The New York Times’ Ross Douthat about his predictions for the future of artificial intelligence. Notre Dame’s Meghan Sullivan joins us to discuss how we should ethically think about these ideas. Then, President Trump announced the elimination of a scientific ruling that said climate change endangered humans and the environment. Political consu
Rubio's Speech, Nancy Guthrie Missing, and Summer of Our Discontent
Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses the Munich Security Conference, calling Europe to a “new Western century.” The New York Times reports 57 cases of measles at a Catholic college in Florida and 50 students quarantined at a SBC-affiliated university in South Carolina due to a separate outbreak. And, NBC host Savannah Guthrie pleads for her mother’s release two weeks after she went missing. Mi
Nuclear Treaty Expires, Assisted Suicide in NY, and Gender Obsessed-Culture
Last Thursday, the last Cold War-era nuclear treaty between the US and Russia came to an end. Erin Dumbacher from the Council on Foreign Relations joins to help us understand the global nuclear situation. Then, the New York governor signs the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law, legalizing assisted suicide. Russell Moore and Mike Cosper consider the implications. Finally, CT’s Bonnie Kristian stops
Racist Memes, Vance at the Olympics, Epstein Files, and the Vanishing Church
On Thursday, President Trump posted a meme to his Truth Social account that depicted former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as apes. On Friday, JD Vance was booed at the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. And the Department of Justice released millions of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files, leading to revelations about those with connections to Epstein.
International Surrogacy, Midterm Forecasts, and Temple Mount Prayer
The practice of surrogacy is loosely regulated in the US, creating scenarios in which individuals can engage in “reproductive tourism.” Charles Hilu of The Dispatch shares his reporting on foreign nationals hiring surrogate mothers in the US. Then, Justin Giboney stops by to discuss US political developments that will influence the midterm elections coming in November. Finally, Seth Mandel of Comm
Rafah Crossing, Trump’s IRS Lawsuit, Don Lemon’s Arrest, and MAGA Jesus
The Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt opened for the first time in a year, a step that will allow some Palestinians to leave for medical care. Then, President Trump sued the IRS for $10 billion for leaking his tax returns in 2019. Finally, former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested in connection with the protest in Minnesota that interrupted a church service. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discus
Mercy in Minnesota, Pro-Life in Trump 2.0, and Syrian-Kurdish Conflict
Amidst protests and aggressive tactics by federal immigration agents, Christians in Minnesota are caring for their immigrant neighbors. CT’s Emily Belz joins us to talk about her reporting from the Twin Cities, with an eye to how churches are responding to those living in fear and at risk of deportation. Then, Harvest Prude stops by to give us an update on the annual March for Life, the largest ga
The Killing of Alex Pretti, Board of Peace, Ted Cruz Tapes, and The Body God Gives
On Saturday, a US Customs and Border Patrol agent shot nurse Alex Pretti in the street after he stepped between a woman and the ICE agent who was pepper spraying her. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump announced his new Board of Peace to rebuild Gaza. And on Sunday, recordings of Senator Ted Cruz were leaked to the press, distancing himself from potential GOP presid
Sunday Afternoon Reads: Kidnapped Girls, Whispered Prayers, Resilient Faith
In 2014, the Islamic terrorist organization Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from the small town of Chibok, Nigeria. One of the young women, Naomi Adamu, and her friends smuggled a Bible into captivity, and for seven years the Scriptures were a source of their strength to resist. Upon the hostages’ release, Wall Street Journal reporters Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson interviewed Naomi and many other
Greenland Ambitions, Worship Service Protest, and Talarico Shares His Faith
President Trump expresses his desire to possess Greenland, causing tension between the administration and European leaders. Noah Rothman of National Review sits down with Russell Moore, Mike Cosper, and Clarissa Moll to discuss the president's overtures and their implications on the post-WWII global order. A worship service in St. Paul, Minnesota is interrupted by protestors, where the pastor is a
Congressional War Powers, ICE Tactics, and Ukraine Update
Last week, a war powers resolution that would require congressional approval for military action in Venezuela died on the Senate floor after Vice President Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in cases regarding trans athletes participating in women's sports. And, ICE continues controversial immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll d
Iranians Speak Up, Jerome Powell Stands Strong, and Grok Under Scrutiny
This week, protests continued against the Iranian government with the death count rising to more than 3,000, according to Iranian health officials. Jonathan Schanzer joins Mike, Russell, and Clarissa to discuss why this is such an important moment for the Iranian people and for peace in the Middle East. On Sunday, the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell released a video responding to grand jury su
Iranian Protests, Minneapolis ICE Shooting, and The Reason for Church
Protests escalate in Iran, growing from frustrations about the country's economy to more general anger over the country’s authoritarian government. Last week, an ICE agent in Minnesota shot and killed US citizen Renee Nicole Good. And, deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller says power is the primary currency in the real world. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and Mike sits down
Venezuelan Oil, LA Fires Aftermath, and Revival In America
The world grapples with the US’s capture of Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro. The Hudson Institute’s Michael Sobolik joins the show to discuss how China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, and others might respond. January marks the one year anniversary of California’s devastating Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires. CT’s Mia Staub shares about her reporting on churches whose buildings burned down and have
US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
Over the weekend, American special forces captured and extracted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Attention shifts now toward New York where Maduro will appear in court for charges of drug trafficking and narcoterrorism. David French and Elizabeth Neumann join Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll to discuss possible reasons for the capture, America’s history with executing r
The Bulletin Remembers 2025
Russell Moore, Mike Cosper, and Clarissa Moll gather at the end of the year to reflect on 2025’s top news stories–what mattered, what didn’t, and what thoughtful media engagement means for Christians. Together, they consider the influential rise of artificial intelligence, the merging of politics with the pulpit, and the timeless call of Jesus–“Do not be afraid”--that anchors Christian hearts in t
The Christmas Story
Grab a loved one and gather round for a special reading of the Christmas story from your friends at CT Media podcasts. Music from The Porter’s Gate, poetry from Malcolm Guite, and more – shared by the voices you know and love from your favorite shows here at Christianity Today!
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Sunday Afternoon Reads: The Case for Kids
As a mom of six, author Leslie Leyland Fields was shocked when she first heard the term “breeder” to describe mothers of large families. In this edition of Sunday Afternoon Reads, Leslie reads her piece “The Case for Kids,” which was published nearly twenty years ago as a cover story for Christianity Today, offered today with all new statistics for contemporary listeners. As the birth rate in the
Brown University Shooting and The Last Republican
Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss the complexities of recent violence, including the shooting at Brown University and an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney. They explore the media's role in covering such incidents, the impact on affected communities, and the loss of empathy. Then, Mike sits down with former Representative Adam Kinzinger to talk about his experience on Capitol Hill dur
Hanukkah Attack in Australia and Christmas Hospitality
On Sunday, a Hanukkah celebration in Australia was interrupted by a horrific shooting which killed at least 15 people. At Brown University in Rhode Island, a gunman shot and killed two students and left nine injured at a Saturday exam study session. In light of these tragedies, we’re re-releasing a conversation about violence and antisemitism between Mike Cosper, Rabbi Joshua Stanton, and Bishop R
Pete Hegseth’s Future, Farmers on Tariffs, and Religious Decline Stalls
This week, officials examine Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s role in recent drug boat strikes. Charlie Sykes joins Mike and Clarissa to explain the legalities of the recent military action. Then, President Trump’s tariffs are beginning to affect US farmers. Gretchen Ronnevik shares perspectives from America’s heartland. Finally, a new Pew report says religiosity in America isn’t diminishing qu
Social Media Bans, Hep-B Vaccine, Notre Dame Snubbed, and the 1939 Project
This week, Australia bans kids under 16 from social media platforms. Should the US do the same? The CDC votes to change the recommendations for the hepatitis B infant vaccination schedule. Notre Dame is snubbed from the playoffs and rejects a bowl game. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines. Then, Mike sits down with Rebeccah Heinrichs of The Hudson Institute for a conversation abo
National Guard Shooting, a Bad Deal for Ukraine, and U.S. War Crimes?
This week, the Trump administration temporarily halted all asylum application decisions following the shooting of two National Guardsmen by an Afghan refugee. CT’s Andy Olsen joins Mike Cosper and Russell Moore to discuss the implications of this change. Then, Dalibor Rohac of the American Enterprise Institute stops by to talk about Russia’s rejection of the U.S.’s 28-point proposal for ending the
Welcoming Christmas with Russell Moore, Clarissa Moll, and Steve Cuss
Join us for the kickoff of Advent as Russell Moore, Clarissa Moll, and Being Human’s Steve Cuss discuss when they officially start listening to Christmas music, their favorite Christmas memories, nativity story characters that are meaningful to them, and what “Six White Boomers” means for Australians at Christmas.
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Kidnappings in Nigeria, Rep. Greene Resigns, Mamdani Meets Trump
This week, the kidnapping of children from a Catholic school in Nigeria prompted further discussions about Christian persecution in the country. Then, in a surprising turn of events, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will resign in January, while newly elected mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani held a friendly meeting with President Trump. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss
CT Appoints a New President & CEO
On Thursday, Christianity Today announced that Nicole Martin will be our new president and CEO. In this episode, Nicole and CT board member Walter Kim join Clarissa Moll for a conversation about the legacy of Billy Graham, the call to unity in the midst of division, the centrality of Christ and pro-life values, and the vision for CT’s future.
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Saudi Crown Prince Visit, GOP Realignment, and the Performative Male
This week, President Trump hosts the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for a formal White House visit, despite the prince’s responsibility for numerous human rights abuses. National security expert Elizabeth Neumann joins Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll to discuss how to interpret this visit. Then, New York Times columnist David French stops by to talk about shifts in the Republican party as th
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Communion at the White House, and Charlotte ICE Raids
Over the weekend, President Trump changed his tune about the Epstein files, calling for them to be released. Meanwhile, the rift between Trump and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene widens. Former Bethel worship leader Sean Feuchts hosts communion on state capitols around the country, and finally near the White House. And ICE arrests over 80 individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, in one of t
Israeli Settler Violence, Epstein Emails, and Bringing Back Purity
This week, Israeli settler violence continues against Palestinians; Mike, Russell, and Clarissa discuss the complex dynamics in the West Bank. Then, Congress releases emails from Jeffrey Epstein that mention President Trump. Nicole Martin stops by to consider how we can think about the new revelations. Last, CT contributor Luke Simon joins the conversation about the role of purity in Christian dis
SNAP Benefits, Iran Update, and Practices to Calm Anxiety
The federal government inches towards reopening as five Democratic senators signal they will join Republicans in passing legislation to fund the government. SNAP benefits were in question during the shutdown– how can Christians think about the role of the federal government in providing food assistance? And we haven’t heard much in the news about Iran recently; what’s going on there? Mike Cosper a
Sunday Afternoon Reads: An American Deportation
Nelson and Gladys Gonzalez snuck into the US in the 1980s from Colombia, rooted themselves in California where they became Christians, and eventually became lay leaders at Saddleback Church in Orange County, California. CT’s Andy Olsen got to know the Gonzalez family and recounts their complex and poignant story in his piece ‘An American Deportation.’ We’ve asked Andy to read his piece out loud. W
Dick Cheney Dies, Democrats Win Elections, and Merz Says ‘Go Home’
This week, former Vice President Dick Cheney died at the age of 84. Steve Hayes of The Dispatch stops by to discuss Cheney’s life and legacy. Then, CT’s Harvest Prude analyzes Tuesday’s elections in New York, Virginia, California, and New Jersey, and how the results signal voter frustrations with the Trump administration and the economy. Last, CT’s Ken Chitwood joins Russell, Mike, and Clarissa to
JD Vance’s Interfaith Marriage, Fighting in Nigeria, Nick Fuentes Interview
Vice President JD Vance comments about his interfaith marriage saying he hopes his wife becomes a Christian. Fighting in Nigeria continues, and President Trump remarks about possible intervention. Tucker Carlson hosts a friendly interview with alt-right Nazi sympathizer Nick Fuentes. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts defends the interview and re-ups his support for Carlson. Mike Cosper a
A Third Presidential Term, South American Boat Strikes, and ChatGPT Erotica
President Trump has been dropping hints that he will run for a third presidential term. Charlie Sykes joins Russell, Mike, and Clarissa to discuss if there’s any merit to these claims. Elizabeth Neumann stops by to talk about the US’s continued strikes on boats off the coast of South America. And, ChatGPT announces it will offer erotica content to adult users. Brandon Rickabaugh discusses spiritua
NYC Mayoral Race, Trump Softens to Ukraine, and Can Horror Films Edify?
As New York City heads into a mayoral election next week, progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani leads the polls over the former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Will his emphasis on the rising cost of living win him the race? Putin’s tactics in Ukraine show his desire for the war to continue, while President Trump softens towards Ukraine. And, Hurricane Melissa poses a t
Young Republican Texts, Anglican Split, and George Santos Released
This week, Trump’s nominee to the Office of Special Counsel, Paul Ingrassia, drops out after his racist texts are revealed. CT’s Harvest Prude joins Russell, Mike, and Clarissa to discuss. Then, Rev. Jady Koch joins us to talk about the Anglican Communion’s recent split to preserve biblical authority. Finally, former Congressman George Santos is released from prison after President Trump commutes
Israel-Hamas Violence, ‘No Kings,’ and The Great Wealth Transfer
This weekend, violence erupted between Gaza militants and Israeli soldiers, threatening the ceasefire. Millions joined No Kings protests, expressing a range of complaints against the current administration. And, a heist of precious jewels from the Louvre prompts questions about national identity and politics. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and Clarissa sits down with Kendra
Hamas Crackdown, Rural Hospitals, and Why Brides Wear White
This week, Hamas increased violence against Palestinians in response to the Israel-Gaza ceasefire. Jonathan Schanzer from Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins to discuss the feasibility of Hamas disarming according to the peace plan. Then, Kevin Stansbury, CEO of a rural hospital in Colorado, stops by to talk about how the government shutdown is exposing the challenges to and importance of
Hostages Come Home
This week, Israel and Hamas begin the first phase of a peace deal. Twenty Israeli hostages come home in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Gaza opens for a flood of international aid. President Trump travels to Saudi Arabia to continue negotiations. Haviv Rettig Gur, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Robert Nicholson join us to discuss this significant world event.
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Conversion Therapy, TikTok’s Algorithm, and Child Abuse Convictions
This week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that argued a Christian therapist in Colorado was restricted from counseling clients with unwanted sexual attractions. Adèle Keim from Becket joins Russell and Clarissa to discuss whether this is conversion therapy or a free speech issue. Then, Michael Sobolik from the Hudson Institute stops by to talk about the new TikTok deal between th
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