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 presidential contenders in 2028. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and Mike sits down...
Jan 28, 2026•48 min•Ep. 247
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 others for their book Bring Back Our Girls, and wrote a 2021 cover story for Christianity Today in which ...
Jan 26, 2026•27 min•Ep. 246
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 an ICE field director. Pastor and community organizer Chris Butler helps us consider how Christians c...
Jan 23, 2026•55 min•Ep. 245
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 discuss these headlines, and Mike sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and journalist Anne...
Jan 20, 2026•57 min•Ep. 244
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 subpoenas regarding renovation costs for federal buildings. Charlie Sykes explains the backdrop of the...
Jan 16, 2026•52 min•Ep. 243
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 with Brad Edwards, CT’s Book of the Year winner, to talk about why the church matters. REFERENCED I...
Jan 13, 2026•44 min•Ep. 242
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 not been rebuilt. Finally, many say revival is happening in America, but it doesn’t seem to be showi...
Jan 09, 2026•55 min•Ep. 241
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 regime change, and what could come next for the US and Venezuela. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: - Join...
Jan 06, 2026•50 min•Ep. 240
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 the truth, no matter what the news cycle brings. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: - Join the conversation...
Dec 30, 2025•30 min•Ep. 239
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! GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: - Join the conversation at our Substack . - Find us on YouTube . - Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. TODAY’S VOICES: Russell Moore, Mike Cosper, and Clarissa Moll of The ...
Dec 23, 2025•13 min•Ep. 238
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 US has declined to a record low, Leslie’s words are more prescient than ever. READ THE WRITTEN VERSI...
Dec 21, 2025•29 min•Ep. 237
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 during the January 6 riots, his new documentary The Last Republican , and what true courage looks like....
Dec 19, 2025•48 min•Ep. 236
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 Robert Stearns. Then, Australian Steve Cuss of CT Media’s Being Human podcast drops by with a Christm...
Dec 16, 2025•29 min•Ep. 235
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 quite as quickly as in previous years. We ask veteran journalist Bob Smietana to help us interpret the...
Dec 12, 2025•50 min•Ep. 234
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 about the shifting historical narratives of the far right, why young men are drawn to authoritarian ide...
Dec 09, 2025•45 min•Ep. 233
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 war in Ukraine, despite indications that the proposal was overly favorable to Russia. Last, Mike an...
Dec 05, 2025•47 min•Ep. 232
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. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: - Join the conversation at our Substack . - Find us on YouTube . - Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Steve Cuss is...
Dec 02, 2025•37 min•Ep. 231
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 these headlines and share favorite gift ideas as the holiday season begins. This conversation featu...
Nov 28, 2025•28 min•Ep. 230
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. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: - Join the conversation at our Substack . - Find us on YouTube . - Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABO...
Nov 25, 2025•37 min•Ep. 222
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 the U.S. emerges from the government shutdown. Finally, CT ’s Sho Baraka joins us to talk about the Ti...
Nov 21, 2025•53 min•Ep. 228
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 the first major raids in southern states. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines. REFE...
Nov 18, 2025•24 min•Ep. 227
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 discourse about sexuality and political violence. REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: ‘ Promised Land ’ miniser...
Nov 14, 2025•53 min•Ep. 226
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 and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and Clarissa talks with Sara Billups about how to address ...
Nov 11, 2025•41 min•Ep. 225
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. We think you’ll love it. Settle in and enjoy! READ THE WRITTEN VERSION: - They Led at Saddleback Chur...
Nov 09, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 224
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 talk about German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s statement telling Syrian refugees it’s time to go hom...
Nov 07, 2025•53 min•Ep. 223
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 and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and Clarissa talks with Collin Hansen of The Gospel Coalit...
Nov 04, 2025•49 min•Ep. 222
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 spiritual formation for an AI world. REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: - The Bulletin 's AI Miniseries. GO DEEPER ...
Oct 31, 2025•55 min•Ep. 221
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 threat to Jamaica. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and Clarissa sits down with...
Oct 28, 2025•36 min•Ep. 220
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 his sentence for fraud, aggravated identity theft, and embezzlement. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: - ...
Oct 24, 2025•52 min•Ep. 219
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 VanderMeulen of the National Christian Foundation to discuss the great wealth transfer happening be...
Oct 21, 2025•38 min•Ep. 218
