Podcast

The Bulletin

Two farmers standing in front of tractors and holding a sign that says "Help."

Illustration by Rick Szuecs / Source images: Gemini

Pete Hegseth’s Future, Farmers on Tariffs, and Religious Decline Stalls

Hegseth scrutinized for drug boat strikes, farmers react to Trump’s tariffs, and a Pew report says religious decline has slowed.

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 new data.

REFERENCED IN THE SHOW: 

GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Charles J. Sykes is a political commentator who hosted a conservative talk show in Wisconsin for 23 years. He was the former editor-in-chief of The Bulwark, and is currently an MSNBC contributor. Sykes has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Salon, USA Today, National Review, The Weekly Standard, and has appeared on the Today Show, ABC, NBC, Fox News, CNN, PBS, and the BBC. 

Gretchen Ronnevik is the author of Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted and the co-host of the weekly podcast Freely Given. She and her family live in Minnesota on the family farm.

Bob Smietana is a national reporter for Religion News Service based near Chicago, covering evangelicals, weird religion, and the changing religious landscape.

ABOUT THE BULLETIN

The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. 

The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. 

“The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today 

Producer: Clarissa Moll 

Associate Producer: Alexa Burke 

Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris

Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs

Music: Dan Phelps 

Executive Producer: Erik Petrik 

Senior Producer: Matt Stevens

Our Latest

The Bulletin

No Iran Deal, Russell Brand Reads the Bible, and Ben Sasse’s Public Dying

Clarissa Moll, Russell Moore

Trump insists on nuclear deal with Iran, Brand’s viral Bible faux pas, and Senator Sasse shares his dying and his faith.

News

The Christian Migrants Feeding the Displaced in Lebanon

Ghinwa Akiki and Hunter Williamson in Beirut, Lebanon

The war left many domestic workers jobless and homeless. Some Christians see a chance to serve their community.

Desperately Seeking Alternatives to Arrogance

The Trump administration’s critique of elite universities is worthwhile, but government control is problematic. Good news: Christian study centers are multiplying at major universities.

The Algorithm Is Changing How We Speak—and Strive

Griffin Gooch

“Algospeak” capitalizes on our desire for attention and status. We should turn to God for both.

Review

When Faith Feels Cloudy

Three books for the doubting Christian.

News

Black Churches Urge Congregants to Mobilize After Supreme Court Ruling

Denominational leaders say the latest weakening of protections for minority voters is discouraging but not cause for despair.

Black Hope Faces a Crisis

Thomas Anderson

An influential academic theory says anti-Black racism won’t change. As it trickles into popular culture, the church should be ready to respond.

We Need the Doctrine of Hell

The harsh reality shows us our depths of depravity and the depth of Christ’s redemption.

addApple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseellipseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squarefolderGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastprintremoveRSSRSSSaveSavesaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube