Podcast Summary: The World and Everything In It
Episode: 3.12.25 Washington Wednesday, World Tour, and Freestyle Bullfighters
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host: Lindsay Mast and Nick Eicher
Produced by: WORLD Radio

Introduction

In the March 12, 2025 episode of The World and Everything In It, WORLD Radio hosts Lindsay Mast and Nick Eicher delve into pressing national and international issues, explore unique cultural phenomena, and highlight inspiring stories that intertwine faith with daily life. The episode is segmented into key sections: Washington Wednesday, World Tour, Freestyle Bullfighters, and insights from world commentator Daniel Darling.

Washington Wednesday: Government Funding and Department of Education Dismantling

Key Topics:

• Government Funding Deadline: Congress faces an imminent deadline to pass a funding bill to avert a partial government shutdown.
• Department of Education: President Donald Trump is pushing to dismantle the Department of Education, aiming to shift its responsibilities back to the states.

Notable Discussions:

• Military Aid to Ukraine:
  Kent Covington reports on the restoration of U.S. military aid to Ukraine following Ukrainian leaders' readiness for a ceasefire.

  “Today we made an offer that the Ukrainians have accepted, which is to enter into a ceasefire and into immediate negotiations to end this conflict in a way.” ([01:01])

• House Funding Bill:
  Chip Roy of Texas discusses the House's passage of a funding bill extending federal agency funding through September without immediate spending cuts but includes selective budget adjustments.

  “The bill does contain a few changes to spending levels… a modest $7 billion in spending cuts.” ([06:28])

• Dismantling the Department of Education:
  Carolina Lumeta highlights President Trump's clear intent to abolish the Department of Education, which currently manages a $100 billion budget centered largely on student loans and discretionary programs.

  “He’s just going to deprive it of all of its powers and all of its people.” ([11:44])

• Implications and Challenges:
  Experts express concerns over the logistical and administrative challenges of dissolving a federal department, including potential disruptions in funding distribution and loss of educational research and standards.

  “If the Education Department's operations simply shift to other departments, it's likely that states and schools won't see an immediate change.” ([13:00])

World Tour: Global Conflicts and Social Issues

Key Regions Covered:

• Syria: Violence and sectarian clashes resulting in over a thousand deaths.
• Australia: Thwarted plot targeting a synagogue, amid rising anti-Semitic attacks.
• Poland: Pro-life demonstrations against the country’s first abortion center.
• Romania: Far-right candidate challenges exclusion from presidential polls.

Highlights:

• Syria's Civil War Escalation:
  Onize Odua reports on intensified clashes in Syria's coastal region between Syrian security forces and Assad loyalists, leading to widespread civilian casualties including Christians.

  “Nazem naji is a 70-year-old resident in Syria's capital of Damascus. He called for people to work together to save the country.” ([15:46])

• Australia's Anti-Semitic Threats:
  A suspected plot to bomb a Sydney synagogue was revealed to be a diversion by organized crime, reflecting a surge in anti-Semitic sentiment since the Hamas invasion of Israel.

  “It's about causing chaos within the community... to divert police resources away from their day jobs.” ([16:45])

• Poland's Abortion Center Protests:
  Pro-life demonstrators rally against Poland’s first legalized abortion center, emphasizing the country's restrictive abortion laws and the societal divide on reproductive rights.

  “Justin Vivenska... said women can order pills in advance and come into the center to have an abortion.” ([17:26])

• Romania’s Democratic Struggles:
  Onize Odua covers the exclusion of far-right candidate Kalin Jogescu from upcoming presidential polls, sparking protests and accusations of authoritarianism.

  “She says the protest is now about a fight for democracy, adding that Jajescu's exclusion shows that they now live in a dictatorship.” ([17:50])

Freestyle Bullfighters: Faith and Adrenaline in the Rodeo Arena

Key Topics:

• Freestyle Bullfighting: A modern adaptation of traditional bullfighting, emphasizing safety and athleticism.
• Faith Integration: Bullfighters like Luke Ballard and Luke Yancy see their participation as a mission field to witness for Christ.

Notable Stories:

• Luke Ballard’s Championship and Faith:
  Todd Vishen interviews Luke Ballard, the 2023 world champion freestyle bullfighter, who integrates his faith into his high-risk profession.

  “Having faith that the Lord will protect me... is one of the reasons I can even step in there in the first place.” ([23:11])

• Challenges and Injuries:
  Bullfighting remains a dangerous sport despite safety measures. Fighters often face injuries, yet their commitment remains strong.

  “I had an MCL tear last year, had to have surgery on it. Came back in July.” ([23:47])

• Community and Mentorship:
  Younger bullfighters like Luke Yancy benefit from mentorship, finding purpose and direction through their involvement in the rodeo circuit.

  “It took about two and a half years to really see the big picture. And the Lord showed me the PBR one day.” ([24:17])

Daniel Darling: The Opportunity for Bold Evangelism

Key Topics:

• Rise of Secularism and Spirituality: Despite a decline in traditional religious affiliation, Americans show increased interest in spirituality.
• Church’s Role: The church is positioned to capitalize on this shift by engaging in bolder evangelism, especially among younger demographics.

Insights from Daniel Darling:

• Survey Findings:
  Daniel Darling interprets recent Pew survey data indicating that 62% of Americans identify as Christians, with a stabilization in the decline of Christianity. Many Americans describe themselves as spiritual rather than religious, suggesting a nuanced shift in belief systems.

  “Eight in ten Americans believe humans have souls, while more than three quarters believe in a universal God or spirit.” ([27:45])

• Evangelism Strategy:
  Darling advocates for the church to embrace innovative evangelism strategies, focusing on family structure, teaching key doctrines, and maintaining distinct Christian symbols to attract those disillusioned with secularism.

  “We must show that a relationship with God through his Son is the gateway to fulfillment and true spirituality.” ([30:00])

• Addressing Myths and Misconceptions:
  He challenges the notion that conservative political ideologies alienate seekers, arguing that progressivism has been more detrimental to church attendance and religiosity.

  “It is left-wing Christianity that ends up keeping the political ideology but losing the gospel for the people of God.” ([30:45])

• Call to Action:
  The church is encouraged to double down on local and familial evangelism to counteract generational declines in faith and reinforce the importance of marriage and family structure in sustaining religious belief.

  “The decline of marriage results in a decline of faith generationally, and we should not rest from the task of evangelism.” ([31:10])

Lighthearted Segment: White Top the World's Oldest Llama

Amidst heavy political and social discussions, the hosts provide a heartwarming interlude featuring White Top, a 27-year-old llama who serves at Victory Junction, a camp in North Carolina. Known for his gentle demeanor and therapeutic presence, White Top continues to bring comfort to sick children, embodying a drama-free and loving nature.

“Old White Top just proves that when it comes to being a great llama, there is no drama.” ([20:35])

Conclusion and Teasers for Tomorrow’s Episode

The episode wraps up with a preview of upcoming content, including an interview with the brother of a recently released Israeli hostage and discussions on the impact of unpaid medical bills on credit reports. Hosts Lindsay Mast and Nick Eicher reaffirm the podcast’s mission to deliver biblically grounded journalism that informs, educates, and inspires.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Nick Eicher ([00:05]): “Good morning. Congress faces down another funding deadline and President Trump works to dismantle the Department of Education.”
• Daniel Darling ([27:45]): “Eight in ten Americans believe humans have souls, while more than three quarters believe in a universal God or spirit.”
• Luke Ballard ([23:11]): “Having faith that the Lord will protect me... is one of the reasons I can even step in there in the first place.”
• Carolina Lumeta ([09:14]): “President Donald Trump has given education secretary Linda McMahon a unique shut down her own department.”

This episode of The World and Everything In It offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of politics, faith, and global events, providing listeners with in-depth analysis and inspirational stories that reflect the podcast’s commitment to biblically grounded journalism.