This July 4th on Defining Truth, hosts Josiah O’Neil and Brandon Jones unpack America’s founding ideals and their gospel foundation. We dive into Jefferson’s Declaration, its Enlightenment and biblical roots, and how 1776 inspired revolutions from Paris to Latin America. Then we explore Scripture’s vision of true freedom—from God’s deliverance in Exodus to Jesus’s promise, “the truth will set you free.” Finally, we reflect on the unfinished work of abolishing slavery, winning women’s suffrage, a...
Jul 02, 2025•9 min•Ep. 57
En el Episodio 56 de Defining Truth, recibimos como invitado especial al Pastor Fredy Morocho desde Cuenca, Ecuador. Acompáñanos mientras exploramos: 🌎 La Iglesia en la Sociedad y la Política: ¿Qué principios bíblicos guían el papel público de la iglesia? ✝️ Compromiso Fiel: ¿Cómo pueden los creyentes influir en las políticas con gracia y verdad? 🛂 Realidades de la Inmigración: Una perspectiva sensible y de terreno desde América Latina—lo que a menudo las iglesias occidentales pasan por alto. ...
Jun 30, 2025•45 min•Ep. 56
In Episode 56 of Defining Truth, we welcome special guest Pastor Fredy Morocho from Cuenca, Ecuador. Join us as we explore: 🌎 The Church in Society & Politics: What biblical principles guide the church’s public role? ✝️ Faithful Engagement: How can believers influence policy with grace and truth? 🛂 Immigration Realities: A sensitive, on-the-ground perspective from Latin America—what Western churches often miss. Pastor Fredy shares insights from decades of ministry in Ecuador—where economic...
Jun 29, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 56
DOGE’s voter-fraud bombshell, an Iraqi national indicted under 18 U.S.C. § 611, hard-line SSN deactivations, CA’s trans-sports “next-qualifier” pilot & SB 94’s early parole push. We tie it all back to the core battle: secularism vs. biblical truth.
May 30, 2025•34 min•Ep. 55
In Episode 54 of Defining Truth, we dive into Chapter 10 of my book Defining Truth: Articulating America’s Worldview, unpacking how secular humanism views “sacrifice” as a means of self-advantage, versus the biblical worldview, which calls us to sacrificial love for others and an eternal focus on God’s will. 🔍 In This Episode: We define “sacrifice” through two lenses—why self-interest is the heart of humanist sacrifice, and why Christ-centered sacrifice is other-focused and rooted in eternity. ...
May 16, 2025•36 min•Ep. 54
In Episode 53 of the Defining Truth Podcast, Josiah O’Neil and Brandon Jones unpack the biggest headlines of the week and what they mean for America’s future. 🇺🇸 Trump’s new tariffs shake global trade—supporters say it's about protecting American jobs, but critics are crying inflation. 🎓 Campus protests intensify as Mahmoud Khalil, tied to anti-Israel activism, faces deportation—what this reveals about our universities. 🛰️ A Space Force commander is removed, sparking concerns of political pu...
Apr 11, 2025•41 min•Ep. 53
In Episode 52 of the Defining Truth Podcast, hosts Josiah O'Neil and Brandon Jones dive deep into the biggest headlines of the week—and expose a bombshell document leak from the group Friends of Democracy, revealing they paid protestors to disrupt conservative events and manipulate public perception. We also unpack major developments across politics, culture, and national security: 🚨 The unveiling of the F-47 sixth-generation fighter jet 🚨 Rumors of Casey DeSantis running for Florida governor ...
Mar 21, 2025•52 min•Ep. 52
In Episode 51 of the Defining Truth Podcast, hosts Josiah O'Neil and Brandon Jones dive deep into Chris Hedges' latest article — a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist's dark warning about America's cultural collapse. We break down what he gets right, what he misses, and what the church's role must be in this battle for truth. We also tackle the high-profile arrest and pending deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University student connected to pro-PLO protests. Is this about free speech, or...
Mar 15, 2025•34 min•Ep. 51
🚨 Major Developments from the White House & Congress! 🚨 In this milestone 50th episode of the Defining Truth Podcast, hosts Josiah O'Neil & Brandon Jones break down President Trump's recent Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—what was discussed, what it means for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and how Trump's "America First" foreign policy is shaping global affairs. We also take a hard look at Trump’s historic Joint Address to Congress, unpacking key policy...
Mar 07, 2025•52 min•Ep. 50
🚨 The confirmation hearings in Washington have been nothing short of explosive! In Episode 49 of Defining Truth, hosts Josiah O’Neil and Brandon Jones break down the biggest moments from the latest cabinet nomination battles and how they could reshape America for years to come. 💥 Inside this episode: ✅ Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Can he handle Health and Human Services despite his controversial vaccine views? ✅ Tulsi Gabbard – Will her past meeting with Assad and unconventional foreign policy hurt...
Jan 31, 2025•40 min•Ep. 49
This week on Defining Truth, we dive into the California wildfires and expose how flawed policies and cultural priorities have fueled this crisis. From environmental regulations to government mismanagement, we break down the battles shaping California's future. Don’t miss this critical discussion.
Jan 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 48
In this episode of Defining Truth, we are joined by Pastor Garid Beeler from Vision Calvary Chapel in Irvine, CA. Pastor Garid shares his journey of faith, the mission behind Vision Calvary Chapel, and the challenges and rewards of leading a growing church in today’s world. We discuss how to stay grounded in biblical truth while navigating modern culture and inspiring the next generation. Don’t miss this impactful conversation with a dynamic leader dedicated to transforming lives through the Gos...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 47
In Episode 46 of Defining Truth, we tackle two major breaking stories making headlines. First, we dive into the unprecedented presidential pardon of Hunter Biden—what it means for justice, politics, and the legacy of the Biden administration. Then, we turn to the shocking shooting of United Healthcare's CEO, examining the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and its potential ripple effects in the corporate and healthcare world. Join us for an in-depth analysis of these pivotal events sha...
Dec 07, 2024•54 min•Ep. 46
In this powerful episode of Defining Truth, we sit down with Brian Ortiz, Commissioner of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention in Riverside County, CA. Brian’s story is one of redemption, transformation, and unwavering faith. From a life marked by prison and drugs to becoming a Christian leader and advocate for at-risk youth, Brian shares his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and finding his true calling. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about hope, change, and the power of fait...
Nov 27, 2024•2 hr 1 min•Ep. 45
In this episode of Defining Truth, we sit down with Joe Jordan, Pastor and President of Fred Jordan Ministries. Join us as Joe shares his journey, the mission behind the ministry, and the powerful lessons he's learned about faith, service, and leadership. This inspiring conversation delves into the heart of what it means to live a life defined by truth, compassion, and unwavering purpose. Don't miss this impactful discussion filled with wisdom and insights from one of today's influential faith l...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 44
With so much at stake, this election is shaping up to be the most significant of our lives. In this episode, we dive into why every vote counts more than ever, what’s driving historic levels of attention, and how the results could impact everything from our economy to our rights. Whether it's your first time voting or you're a seasoned voter, join us to understand what makes this election so critical. Now is the time to make your voice heard!
Oct 30, 2024•34 min•Ep. 43
In this episode of Defining Truth, we sit down with author David Daubenspeck to discuss his powerful book, The Shocking Disconnect: Why Christians Fail to Impact Culture and Politics and How to Make a Comeback. David delves into the reasons why many conservative Christians in the U.S. are not engaging in the political process, despite the prevalence of social and moral issues in today's headlines. We also explore why pastors are hesitant to address political topics from the pulpit and what can b...
Oct 11, 2024•32 min•Ep. 42
In this episode of Defining Truth, we sit down with veteran political consultant Chris Faulkner to discuss the upcoming election and the current state of politics in America. With decades of experience in the political arena, Chris shares valuable insights on campaign strategies, voter behavior, and the challenges facing candidates in today’s polarized environment. We dive deep into what’s at stake in the next election, the role of media, and how political discourse has evolved over the years. D...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of Defining Truth, we sit down with TVUSD Board Member Jen Wiersma to discuss the urgent battle for our children's education. As a dedicated advocate for conservative values, Jen shares her firsthand experience standing up against policies she views as a threat to traditional educational principles. Join us as we explore the challenges facing today's school boards, the ideological conflicts within our education system, and the strategies Jen is employing to defend the future of o...
Sep 10, 2024•52 min•Ep. 40
In today's episode, Josiah and Brandon recap the first three days of the DNC and give an update on the war in Israel.
Aug 22, 2024•20 min•Ep. 39
In today's episode, Josiah and Brandon delve into a pressing issue at the heart of California's political scene: the homelessness crisis. Governor Gavin Newsom has recently expressed frustration over the state's slow progress in addressing homelessness, going so far as to threaten cuts to funding for counties that fail to show improvement. He has already followed through on this threat by redirecting $10 million in grant money from San Diego County to San Jose. The episode also explores a recent...
Aug 09, 2024•38 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, Josiah and Brandon discuss the rising tensions in the Middle East as U.S. and Global Markets decline.
Aug 05, 2024•26 min•Ep. 37
In this episode, we dive deep into the latest political headlines shaping our nation. First, we explore the ongoing discussions around President Joe Biden's mental health, analyzing the concerns and implications surrounding his cognitive decline. Next, we cover the shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, examining the details of the incident and its potential impact on the political landscape. Finally, we provide a comprehensive recap of the recent Republican National Co...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 36
THEY TRIED TO KILL TRUMP!! What Happened? What do we know? What went wrong? Catch all this and more in this special recap and breakdown surrounding the events of the failed assassination attempt against President Donald Trump.
Jul 15, 2024•28 min•Ep. 35
In today's episode, Josiah and Brandon discuss the aftermath of the Trump v. Biden Debate and the "Big Boy" conference that followed, the results of the snap French elections and the implications across France and Europe, and the proposed RNC platform changes that mirror the failed attempt by the California GOP to soften the party platform.
Jul 13, 2024•52 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Josiah recaps the Trump-Biden Presidential Debate and its aftermath.
Jul 12, 2024•11 min•Ep. 33
In today's episode, Josiah and Brandon discuss President Trump's ongoing legal battles and its impact on the 2024 election.
Jun 01, 2024•43 min•Ep. 32
On today's podcast, Josiah and Brandon discuss the imminent threat from Iran towards Israel.
Apr 12, 2024•28 min•Ep. 31
In today's episode, Josiah and Brandon delve into chapter 4 of Josiah's book, "Defining Truth," which is aptly titled "Pride." Is pride a virtue, a vice, or perhaps both? Navigating through the intricate layers of this emotion, they explore its origins in both Christian-Judaic and secular perspectives. Throughout this chapter, Josiah endeavors to unveil the multifaceted nature of pride and its contemporary societal ramifications.
Apr 05, 2024•16 min•Ep. 30
Listen as we discuss the astonishing admission from the FBI Director that the United States is aware of ISIS-linked Human Trafficking Organizations exploiting the lack of security at the southern border! Also, we touch briefly on one mega church's announcement that they will not use phrases like "Blood of Jesus" or "Calvary" on Easter for fear of "driving people away", and what a shame and travesty that is.
Mar 29, 2024•30 min•Ep. 29
