Most of Us Are in the Middle — So Why Are the Extremes Controlling the Conversation?
Most of Us Are in the Middle — So Why Are the Extremes Controlling the Conversation?  
Podcast: Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other
Published On: Tue Aug 19 2025
Description: Not Right. Not Left. Not Crazy. Just Real Talk About Politics and People. 43% of Us Aren’t Partisan Left or Right. This Episode Is for You. Reflecting on what it means to be politically independent in a time of increasing polarization. Drawing on personal stories and hot-button issues like Israel/Palestine, redistricting, and public safety, host Corey Nathan makes a compelling case for the 43% of Americans who don’t fully align with the far right or progressive left—and offers guidance on how we can still talk to each other with grace and clarity. What Is Discussed: The 3 main categories of political identity in America Why a plurality of us fall into a misunderstood, complex “middle” How to approach political conversations without labeling What really motivates voters—and why economic messaging matters Practical ways to connect across divides without compromising your values Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Defining the “three buckets”: partisan right, left, and the independent middle [00:06:30] Mislabeling in political debates – a story about Israel and being misunderstood [00:12:00] How to hold multiple truths in the Israel/Palestine conflict [00:15:00] On crime, Trump, and false binaries [00:19:30] Redistricting in Texas—and why legal doesn’t mean ethical [00:23:00] Why cost of living, not slogans, will decide 2026 & 2028 elections [00:27:00] Do’s & don’ts for meaningful political conversations [00:33:00] Learning from mistakes and leading with respect Featured Quotes: 🗣️ “Go in with the goal of connecting, not convincing.” – Corey Nathan 🗣️ “The world is not black and white. The world is not Democrat or Republican.” – Corey Nathan 🗣️ “Just because we don't agree with your particular orthodoxy doesn't mean we're part of the other side.” – Corey Nathan 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsor: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨