Joan Blades helped launch MoveOn. Jacob Hess grew up a conservative kid in Utah. Their friendship is the argument.Joan Blades, co-founder of MoveOn and Living Room Conversations, and Jacob Hess of the Deseret News join Corey to talk about what happens when political opposites actually sit down together. They cover MoveOn's 1998 start as a one-sentence petition, why these conversations feel scary before they feel fun, and how local pride could rebuild trust in our elections.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Invite one friend who votes differently to a Living Room Conversation: livingroomconversations.orgKey takeawaysHess traces his turn to a graduate school computer lab, where a classmate held him after he learned his brother was being sent home to die. After that, the culture war rhetoric about "dangerous" people stopped making sense.Hess argues dialogue shouldn't ban persuasion, because people with conviction end up feeling they must leave it at the door. Blades says curiosity and listening build the relationship that makes honest grappling possible.Hess frames this work as public health, since chronic anger is chronic stress. Blades adds that if we're in a loneliness epidemic, human relationships are the obvious remedy.Blades is organizing locally around a principle from Braver Angels' cross-partisan work: voting should be easy, cheating should be hard. Local pride in how elections work, she says, is the path to national trust.About Joan BladesJoan Blades is a co-founder of Living Room Conversations, MoveOn, and MomsRising. A mediator and attorney by training, she co-authored The Custom-Fit Workplace and The Motherhood Manifesto.About Jacob HessJacob Hess writes for the Deseret News and co-authored You're Not as Crazy as I Thought (But You're Still Wrong) with Phil Neisser. A former board member of the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation, he teaches mindfulness and researches long-term healing from depression. His upcoming book is Recovering Hope.LinksLiving Room Conversations: livingroomconversations.orgTrustworthy Elections Initiative: ncdd.org/trustworthy-elections.htmlBraver Angels Trustworthy Elections report: braverangels.org/trustworthy-electionsJacob Hess, Deseret News: www.deseret.com/authors/jacob-hessJacob Hess on Substack: publishpeace.netConnect with usSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionInstagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathanPartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Scary in line. Worth the ride.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Woke 1 was crazy," AOC said on national TV, and then she laughed. Corey wants to know what that laugh leaves out.This morning, Corey published a new essay on Substack about what the woke era actually cost: friendships, careers, invitations that stopped coming. It's also about the friends who stayed close anyway, across real disagreement. This episode, Corey reads it to you himself.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Share this episode with a friend you disagree with and still call on the hard daysLinks and ResourcesRead the original essay on Substack: Yeah, Woke 1 Was CrazyConnect with UsSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comLinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, X: @coreysnathanYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionOur PartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Credentials used to be enough. Rachel Kleinfeld and Renée DiResta on what earns trust now.Rachel Kleinfeld of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Renée DiResta of Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy join Corey to talk about their new paper, "How to Engage With New Media: A Strategic Guide for Nonprofit Organizations," co-authored with Margot Treadwell. The conversation moves from an institution caught flat-footed when a researcher becomes a target, to why a big following no longer guarantees reach, to how hard disagreements go better when nobody fears being screenshotted.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Share this episode with someone who still thinks red versus blue explains anythingKey takeawaysKleinfeld says academic credentials and a nice institutional home no longer confer legitimacy. Authenticity and trust do, and they come from building a community that listens.The paper cites Meta data showing 41% of posts on the average Facebook feed come from recommended content unconnected to people the user follows. DiResta explains why that means a large following no longer guarantees reach.The paper's four questions come before any posting: who the audience is, what the mission is, which gatekeepers shape the field, and how to create content. Kleinfeld says audiences should be sorted by values and worldview, not demographics.DiResta finds hard conversations work best in private group chats where no one fears being screenshotted. Kleinfeld says the place to start is common values.About Rachel KleinfeldRachel Kleinfeld is a senior fellow in the Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where she advises governments, philanthropists, and activists on how democracies make major social change. Raised in a log house on a dirt road in Fairbanks, Alaska, she earned her BA at Yale and her graduate degrees at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.About Renée DiRestaRenée DiResta is an associate research professor at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy and a contributing editor at Lawfare. She is the author of "Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality" and was formerly research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory.Links"How to Engage with New Media: A Strategic Guide for Nonprofit Organizations": carnegieendowment.org/research/2026/08/nonprofit-organizations-how-to-engage-social-media-new-media-strategy"For Expertise to Matter, Nonpartisan Institutions Need New Communications Strategies": carnegieendowment.org/research/2025/09/communications-social-media-nonprofit-institutions-new-media-environmentRachel Kleinfeld on Substack: rachelkleinfeld.substack.comRenée DiResta: reneediresta.comConnect with usSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionInstagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathanPartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Expertise still matters. Trust is what makes people listen to it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the people who read your writing talk back?A couple weeks ago, The Dispatch published an essay Corey wrote about his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey, growing older alongside his friends from high school, and what it means to lose someone who isn't gone. This episode, recorded live on Substack, Corey reads it himself and reacts to comments in real time on Substack Live as well as some that came in at The Dispatch, including one from a stranger that turns into a pretty candid moment.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Share this episode with someone from your hometown you haven't talked to in a whileLinks and ResourcesRead the original essay at The Dispatch: "Whatever Happened to Freehold, New Jersey?" - thedispatch.com/article/freehold-new-jersey-springsteen-politicsConnect with UsSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comLinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, X: @coreysnathanYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionOur PartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Some things deserve disagreement. Few deserve losing a friend over.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Madrid on why both parties are running on empty, and what's actually filling the vacuum.Mike Madrid, author of The Latino Century and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, joins Corey to argue that neither party is being reshaped so much as replaced. The conversation moves from a 13,000-person Texas town that could decide the midterms to what it costs a person to spend a career in gladiator politics, and why Madrid traded that fight for painting, pilgrimages, and personal writing.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Share this episode with someone who still thinks red versus blue explains anythingKey takeawaysMadrid argues both parties are "zombie parties," hollow shells running on inertia while voters increasingly organize around issues instead of labels.Beeville, Texas, a 70% Hispanic town that went 70% for Trump, is why Madrid calls it the most important town in America for the midterms.State Rep. James Talarico is connecting with Latino voters by framing politics as class, not identity: the working class had the American dream stolen from them.After years of "gladiator politics," Madrid stepped back from the fight and now spends his time writing, painting, and teaching, calling it work that's better for his soul.About Mike MadridMike Madrid is a longtime Latino GOP political consultant and co-founder of the Lincoln Project. He's the author of The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy, and co-hosts the Latino Vote Podcast with Chuck Rocha. He writes The Great Transformation on Substack, where most of his reporting and essays now live, and this fall he's teaching courses built around his book at USC and UC Irvine.Links"The Latino Century" by Mike Madrid: simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278The Great Transformation on Substack: greattransformation.substack.comConnect with usSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionInstagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathanPartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.The parties aren't just dying. Something else is already replacing them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two megaphones, two drinks, one bar. Corey quits talking about talking and just gets to the talkin'.Second edition of "To the Republic... To the Pub." Corey sits down with his buddy Chip, a Tea Party guy since the '70s, and it turns into a real fight: Trump's second term, JD Vance, ICE and the Home Depot raids, and whether bipartisanship even means anything anymore. Not talking about people we disagree with. Talking with them.FOR THE RECORD: Biden's Last Two Years vs. Trump's First 20 MonthsJobs: averaged 216,000/month in 2023 and 168,000/month in 2024 (BLS, revised). Under Trump, growth has slowed sharply, roughly 716,000 jobs added total from January 2025 through June 2026, versus 2 million over Biden's final 17 months.Inflation: fell steadily under Biden, from a 4.1% average in 2023 to 2.9% by December 2024. Under Trump it's climbed back to 3.4% for the 12 months ending July 2026.GDP: grew 2.9% in 2023 and 2.8% in 2024. Grew 2.1% in 2025, Trump's first year, and slowed to 1.5% in Q2 2026.Stock market: the S&P 500 gained roughly 53% and the Dow roughly 31% combined over 2023 to 2024. Since Trump's inauguration, the S&P is up about 26.5% and the Dow about 21%.Consumer sentiment (University of Michigan index): rose from 69.7 to 74.0 between December 2023 and December 2024. Fell to a near-record low of 44.8 in May 2026 and sat around 52 as of August.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Share this episode with someone who thinks bipartisanship is either the whole answer or the whole problemConnect with UsSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionInstagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathanPartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Pull up a stool. Folks we disagree with? It's more fun to talk to 'em than to talk about 'em.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A newspaper editor from East Tennessee on why Dolly Parton was one of the last people almost everyone agreed on, and what that says about faith, place, and the work of editing well.Michael Reneau, executive editor at The Dispatch, joins Corey to talk about growing up 50 miles from where Dolly Parton was raised, and what her death revealed about a country that still finds a handful of people impossible to dislike. The conversation moves from Appalachia and Hurricane Helene to Bryan College, Flannery O'Connor, and the hardest thing Michael has ever watched his parents live through.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Share this episode with someone who still thinks "dominionism" is a fringe word.Key takeawaysDolly Parton's death pulled praise from across the political spectrum, and Michael sees that as a clue about what Appalachia's isolation and hardship actually produced: solidarity, not the caricature.Editing longer-form work, learned in part from mentor Marvin Olasky, means being ruthless about finding a story's essence, and Michael treats AI strictly as a tool, never as a substitute for that judgment.The formative event of Michael's faith was watching his parents grieve his infant sister's death and hold onto their belief anyway, not any theological argument he later studied.About Michael ReneauMichael Reneau is executive editor at The Dispatch, where he oversees editing across the newsroom. Before joining The Dispatch in 2022, he was editor of World Magazine, and prior to that spent several years as editor and writer for an award-winning daily newspaper in East Tennessee. He lives in Greeneville, Tennessee, with his wife and four kids.LinksThe Dispatch: thedispatch.comMichael's tribute to Dolly Parton: thedispatch.com/article/dolly-parton-tennessee-music-philanthropyConnect with usSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionInstagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathanPartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Nobody agrees on much these days. Dolly was the exception.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A friend's Facebook post asks who's afraid of the truth. Corey wonders if he's who she means.A couple weeks ago, The Fulcrum published an essay Corey wrote about an old friend's social media post, and what it stirred up about the walls we build online without meaning to. This episode, Corey reads it to you himself.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on itLinks and ResourcesRead the original essay at The Fulcrum: Walling In, Walling OutRobert Putnam, Bowling AloneThe Village Square: villagesquare.usConnect with UsSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comLinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, X: @coreysnathanYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionOur PartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The theology quietly staffing Trump's cabinet, and why it doesn't need to make sense to work.Dr. Keri Ladner studies the radicalization of the American religious right, from the Moral Majority to the New Apostolic Reformation. She joins Corey to unpack Christian dominionism, the Seven Mountain Mandate, and how movements with contradictory theologies ended up governing together.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who still thinks "dominionism" is a fringe word.Key Takeaways:Contradictory theologies, same movement. NAR, Christian Reconstructionism, and neo-Confederacy don't agree on doctrine, but they've united around Trump and the belief that Christians are called to take dominion over government.The Seven Mountain Mandate isn't about church. It reframes government, education, and business as spheres apostles are called to control, well beyond the pulpit.A neo-Confederate is advising the Pentagon. Doug Wilson calls himself "paleo-Confederate." Ladner traces his influence in American Dominion, including his role leading prayer at the Pentagon.Dr. Ladner's advice is deliberately unglamorous. Vote in the midterms. Turn abstract political fights into stories about real people you already know.About Our Guest:Dr. Keri Ladner is the author of Endtime Politics: From the Moral Majority to QAnon (2024) and American Dominion: The Rise and Radicalization of a New Christendom (Bloomsbury). Her work has appeared in Christian Century, Religion Dispatches, and Good Faith Media.Links and Resources:American Dominion, published by Bloomsbury (also on Amazon, or ask your local library to carry it)Substack: "The Boogaloo," by Keri Ladner - keriladner.substack.comConnect with usSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionInstagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathanPartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it."Just talk to people."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Navy SEAL commander on identity, faith, and why we fight the wars we fight.Captain Robert "Gus" Gusentine spent nearly 30 years in the Navy, commanding SEAL Team 10 and leading special operations forces from the Philippines to the Pacific. He joins Corey to talk about faith, painting, moral injury, and what it means to defend your identity without losing your soul.Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it.Key Takeaways:Identity is the last citadel of the soul. Gus argues that when you back someone into a corner over their identity, there's nowhere left for the conversation to go. That's why wars of religion cut so deep.Faith and religion aren't the same fight. Drawing on a mentor's line, "we never go to war over faith, we always go to war over religion," Gus distinguishes belief itself from the practice and politics built around it.Moral injury outlasts the battlefield. Gus and Corey discuss what happens when service members carry out orders that conflict with their conscience, and why caring for that wound is a command responsibility.Art forces you to see differently. Gus talks about painting as a discipline that trained his eye long before it trained his hand, and how that same habit of seeing applies to leadership and writing.About Our Guest:Captain Robert "Gus" Gusentine served nearly 30 years in the Navy, including as an exchange officer with Germany's Kamphschwimmer Company, commander of SEAL Team 10, operations chief (J3) for Special Operations Command Pacific, and commander of Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines. After retiring in 2014, he led the Strategic Leaders International course at the Naval Special Warfare Schoolhouse, teaching senior military officers and diplomats from around the world. He is also a painter and writes on Substack alongside Roger Herbert.Links and Resources:gusentineandherbert.substack.comrvgusentine-art.comHome Base Veteran and Family Care - homebase.orgConnect with usSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionInstagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathanPartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Terms of Service with Future CaucusA Rhode Island Democrat and a West Virginia Republican, both serving in supermajorities, on why the toughest fights are sometimes within your own party.Terms of Service is a limited series from Future Caucus and TP&R, hosted by Future Caucus CEO Layla Zaidane. People run for state legislature to serve their communities, then find the fine print. This episode brings together Sen. Tiara Mack (D-RI) and Del. Andy Shamblin (R-WV), two lawmakers serving in supermajority chambers, on building coalitions across factions, pay that doesn't match the job, and what it takes to keep good people in office.This series is a partnership between Scan Media and Future Caucus. Executive Producers: Future Caucus and Layla Zaidane. CALLS TO ACTION✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionKEY TAKEAWAYSA supermajority has its own fault lines. Both Mack and Shamblin serve in chambers where their own party holds overwhelming control, and both say their fiercest fights happen within the party, not across the aisle.The fine print of the paycheck. West Virginia delegates earn around $24,000 a year plus per diem, a disruption to career and family that Shamblin says surprises most people who assume lawmakers get rich in office.Building the next generation of lawmakers. Both point to campaign funds covering childcare as a bipartisan fix that's opened the door for more young parents, especially women, to run.ABOUT OUR GUESTSSen. Tiara Mack (D) represents District 6 in Providence, Rhode Island, now in her third term after unseating a 30-year incumbent in 2020 to become the state's first openly queer Black state legislator. She is a former teacher and community organizer. Del. Andy Shamblin (R) represents District 59 in Kanawha County, West Virginia, now in his second term. He teaches history at Nitro High School and has served on Nitro City Council since 2012. Host Layla Zaidane is president and CEO of Future Caucus.LINKS AND RESOURCESWatch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FutureCaucusFuture Caucus: futurecaucus.orgCONNECT WITH USSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionInstagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathanPARTNERSProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A buddy at the dive bar hit Corey with "you guys and your TDS." The label stung less than the move behind it: getting turned into a "you guys" in the first place.This one's a feed drop. Napp Nazworth invited Corey onto the American Values Coalition podcast to unpack a recent op-ed in The Dispatch, "Does Trump Derangement Syndrome Have a Cure?" What opens as a riff on an overused phrase becomes something closer to home. How do you stay in real relationship with people you love when you can't reconcile what they're defending, and why does seeing the human across the table beat winning the point every time?Along the way: whataboutism at the bar, getting shown the door at Bible study for "getting political," collective narcissism, and a piece of advice borrowed from Al-Anon. Didn't cause it, can't control it, can't cure it. What's left is steadfast, loving presence and a better question than the one you walked in with. Calls to Action✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on itLinks and ResourcesCorey's op-ed in The Dispatch: "Does Trump Derangement Syndrome Have a Cure?" - thedispatch.com/newsletter/dispatch-faith/maga-christianity-donald-trump/ Connect with usSubstack: coreysnathan.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligionInstagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathanPartnersProud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Nobody I know voted for George Bush." Michelle Cottle has heard that line her whole career, and it explains almost everything about the mess we're in. A New York Times columnist on the bubbles we live in, the family we love anyway, and why the stereotype falls apart the moment you actually know someone. Michelle Cottle writes about national politics for New York Times Opinion and hosts the Times podcast The Opinions. She and Corey trace her path from humor columnist at the Vanderbilt Hustler to covering Washington since the Clinton administration, get into what the capital feels like right now and where the 2026 primaries are heading, and land on the father she loved and could never talk politics with. The through line: the caricatures almost always break the second a real person walks into the room. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Key Takeaways The bubble is the real problem. After decades in Washington, Cottle's rule is simple: if you don't know a single person who votes the other way, that's on you, not them. The media landscape pays the people ginning up our fear of each other, and the bubbles make us easy to work. You can love someone whose politics you find appalling. Her late father was a Trump voter she adored and, eventually, could not discuss politics with. Knowing him made the caricature impossible to believe. That, she argues, is the way out for the rest of us. The 2026 fundamentals favor Democrats, but the brand is toxic. A rough economy and midterm gravity cut against the party in power. Yet Democrats are radioactive enough in rural America that they're backing independents like Nebraska's Dan Osborn to take seats they otherwise couldn't. About Our Guest Michelle Cottle writes about national politics for New York Times Opinion and is a host of the Times podcast The Opinions. She has covered Washington since the Clinton administration, with earlier stops at The New Republic, the Washington Monthly, Newsweek and The Daily Beast, National Journal, and The Atlantic. A Chattanooga native, she holds a BA in English from Vanderbilt. Links and Resources Michelle Cottle at New York Times Opinion: nytimes.com/by/michelle-cottle The Opinions podcast: www.nytimes.com/column/the-opinions Connect with us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathan Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. More conversation, less accusation. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two megaphones, two drinks, one bar. Corey quits talking about talking and just gets to the talkin'. First edition of "To the Republic... To the Pub." Corey and his buddy Brandon post up at Doc's Inn and get into it: Iran and the case for the strikes, the $100K access Trump's charging on Truth Social, and three Senate races that tell you where 2026 is headed. Not talking about people we disagree with. Talking with them. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Connect with Us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, X: @coreysnathan YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Our Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Pull up a stool. Folks we disagree with? It's more fun to talk to 'em than to talk about 'em.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 20 percent who love the fight own the microphone. This is a conversation about how the other 80 take it back. Manu Meel runs BridgeUSA, a student-led movement for constructive dialogue now on college campuses across the country. Liz Joyner founded The Village Square and has spent two decades rebuilding civic trust hometown by hometown. Together they make the case that the sharpest divide in America is no longer left against right, but open against closed, and that the most countercultural act available to any of us is a real conversation with someone we can't stand. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Key Takeaways The new divide isn't left versus right. Meel argues the real split is temperament: builders versus breakers, open versus closed. Politics maps onto it poorly, which is why so many people feel homeless in the current fight. The exhausted majority is the whole game. Twenty percent love the conflict and control the mic; everyone else is worn out by it. Whether that 80 percent checks out or takes the mic back is the question that decides things. The rebellion is the conversation. Meel describes Bridge chapters filling with first-time students the night of Charlie Kirk's assassination, and the organization adding tens of thousands of followers with no ad spend. Outrage is the establishment now; curiosity is the counterculture. About Our Guests Manu Meel is the co-founder and CEO of BridgeUSA, a student-led movement that brings young people across the political spectrum into the same room for honest conversation. A 2020 UC Berkeley graduate and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, he serves on the boards of Braver Angels, Convergence, and American Promise, and hosts the podcast The Hopeful Majority. Liz Joyner is the founder and president of The Village Square, a nonprofit that rebuilds civic trust between neighbors who don't look or think alike. Based in Tallahassee, she has led the organization for close to two decades and helped pioneer the community-level model much of the bridging field now draws on. Links and Resources BridgeUSA: bridgeusa.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us The Hopeful Majority, Manu's podcast: www.thehopefulmajority.com Connect with us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathan Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. More conversation, less accusation. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people vote the policy first. Corey saves it for last. Ethical, legal, wise. Those are the three questions David French asks of any law or action, and Corey turns them on the candidates themselves. Character and personal ethics come first, fidelity to our democratic institutions second, policy positions after all that. He runs the test through three Senate races, Maine, Texas, and Michigan, to show why disagreeing on policy is not the same as calling someone evil, and why Michigan is the one he still can't call. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Connect with Us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, X: @coreysnathan YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Our Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richard Parker has spent his life reading America through two lenses most people keep apart: economics and religion. The throughline is that faith, money, and power did not grow up in separate rooms. They grew up together. An Oxford-trained economist who has taught at Harvard's Kennedy School since 1993, Parker co-founded Mother Jones, helped build Greenpeace USA, and helped Norman Lear start People for the American Way. This conversation runs from an abolitionist ancestor who helped fund John Brown's raid, through the Reformation's long shadow over capitalism and the corporation, to a president reaching into the economy in ways the country has not seen since it had kings. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Key Takeaways The abolitionist in the family tree. Richard's ancestor, the Rev. Theodore Parker, was one of the Secret Six who bankrolled John Brown's raid. He also coined lines later borrowed by Lincoln ("of the people, by the people, for the people") and Martin Luther King ("the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice"). Not since kings. When a president takes government equity stakes in companies like Nvidia, Parker argues, he folds the state into his own person and pushes presidential power into the economy in a way America has not seen since it had monarchs. Only about six presidents. Borrowing from political scientist Stephen Skowronek, Parker says just a handful of presidents ever reset the country's governing terms. He does not think Trump is one of them. The same fights in new costumes. Most of our arguments recur generation after generation. Parker's aim is not to win them but to help people see the landscape they are arguing from, which is how a divided country starts talking instead of accusing. About Our Guest Richard Parker is an economist, author, and Senior Fellow and Lecturer at Harvard's Kennedy School, where he has taught since 1993. He co-founded Mother Jones, helped build Greenpeace USA, helped Norman Lear launch People for the American Way, and has advised figures including Senator Edward Kennedy. He serves on the boards of The Nation and the Journal of Post Keynesian Economics. Links and Resources Richard Parker and Diane Winston (USC) at Faith Angle West in Park City, Utah (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFNCAbZIKjo&t=139s Faith Angle Forum, which helps journalists cover religion in public life: https://faithangle.org/ Connect with us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathan Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. More conversation, less accusation. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Terms of Service with Future Caucus Two Minnesota lawmakers, one Democrat and one Republican, on what public service costs and what it took to keep going after tragedy. Terms of Service is a new limited series from Future Caucus and TP&R, hosted by Future Caucus CEO Layla Zaidane. People run for state legislature to serve their communities, then find the fine print. Recorded at Future Summit, this first conversation brings together two young Minnesota representatives, Andy Smith (D) and Isaac Schultz (R), on political violence, pay, staffing, and what it takes not just to serve but to stay. This series is a partnership between Scan Media and Future Caucus. Executive Producers: Future Caucus and Layla Zaidane. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways A House split 67 to 67. An evenly divided chamber meant building trust across the aisle before any bill had a chance. Relationships came first, legislation second. Coming together after political violence. The assassination of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the wounding of a colleague, changed how these two think about safety and each other. Shared grief pulled them closer across party lines. The fine print of serving. Pay that runs about $10,000 below the average worker, little to no staff, and months living out of a hotel away from family. Both still call it worth doing. About Our Guests Rep. Andy Smith (D) represents Rochester, Minnesota, is in his second term, and runs a used bookstore with his wife. Rep. Isaac Schultz (R) represents a rural district, is in his second term, and works as an auctioneer and small business owner. Host Layla Zaidane is president and CEO of Future Caucus. Links and Resources Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=Nkbhx-o4FY0 Future Caucus: futurecaucus.org Connect with us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathan Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barbara Bradley Hagerty has spent a career asking why people do the things they do. The hardest answer she found runs through a wrongful conviction, thirty-four years lost, and a friendship between two men who had every reason to stay enemies. A New York Times bestselling author and contributing writer for The Atlantic, Barb covered criminal justice and religion at NPR for nearly twenty years. This conversation runs from a kindergarten report card that called her whole life, to a cycling accident that took away her fear of death, to Ben Spencer and Jay Young, the wrongly imprisoned man and the victim's son, who somehow became friends. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Key Takeaways Enemies, then friends. Ben Spencer chose to forgive and pray for the victim's family, and Jay Young chose to believe Ben might be innocent and show up for him. What made it possible was simple and hard: each stood in the other's shoes, then listened. Two sets of victims. Every exoneration wrecks two families, the prisoner who lost his years and the victim's family, often told for decades that the right man was locked up. Jay Young was twelve when his father was killed. The system isn't broken. People are. The prosecutors who fought Ben's release didn't make the original mistake. They just couldn't bring themselves to admit one had been made. Losing the fear of death. A car hit Barb at thirty-five miles an hour while she was cycling. She came out of it with the sense that life is precious and can't be about her anymore. About Our Guest Barbara Bradley Hagerty is a New York Times bestselling author and contributing writer for The Atlantic. She spent nearly twenty years at NPR covering criminal justice and religion, including as lead Justice Department correspondent during 9/11. Her books include Fingerprints of God, Life Reimagined, and Bringing Ben Home. Links and Resources Barbara Bradley Hagerty and Bringing Ben Home: barbarabradleyhagerty.com "The Other Victims of a Wrongful Conviction" in The Atlantic: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/07/wrongful-conviction-family/687394 Connect with us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathan Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Stand in the other person's shoes, then listen to their story. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The essay ran in The Dispatch. Then a few hundred readers wrote back, and a few of them changed my mind. There is such a thing as Trump Derangement Syndrome. It just isn't what most people mean when they say it. This one goes behind the essay: the passages that got cut, the third man who never made it into the print version, and the comment section that turned out to be the best part of the whole thing. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Links and Resources "Does Trump Derangement Syndrome Have a Cure?" - thedispatch.com/newsletter/dispatch-faith/maga-christianity-donald-trump The Dispatch - thedispatch.com Connect with Us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, X: @coreysnathan YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Our Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carl Cannon came up in newsrooms where editors challenged you word by word, and nearly fifty years on he's still keeping score on who gets the quote right. His one rule, for reporting and for arguing in general: describe the other side so faithfully they'd claim it as their own. The Washington bureau chief of RealClearPolitics learned the trade from his father, Reagan biographer Lou Cannon, and came up the old way: small papers, police and courts, editors who challenged every word. This conversation runs from fake quotes and the reporters who hunt them, to the Yellowstone wolves as a lesson in fairness, to why doing your own thinking tends to leave you independent of both parties.  Calls to Action ✅ Follow the show wherever you listen ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Key Takeaways The Carl Cannon Rule. Describe someone's position so faithfully they'd claim it as their own, or you're just knocking down straw men. Fair and accurate, not objective. The honest standard was never neutrality. It's doing the work, getting the quote right, and giving the other side its say. Why the wolves matter. He dropped the ranchers' case into a pro-wolf story, and both sides came away sure he was secretly with them. That's the job. Never needlessly make your own behavior the issue. His rule of life, and a fair test for anyone trying to argue in good faith. About Our Guest Carl Cannon is the Washington bureau chief of RealClearPolitics and executive editor of RealClear Media Group. The son of Reagan biographer Lou Cannon, he has covered national politics for nearly five decades at the Baltimore Sun, National Journal, and Knight Ridder, and is the author of several books. Links and Resources RealClearPolitics: realclearpolitics.com Connect with us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathan Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Give the other side its say, and get the quote right. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Something a little different this week. This is a Village Squarecast episode, shared here in full, and you'll hear Corey host the top before turning it over to Liz Joyner, founder and president of The Village Square. Steve Seibert moderates. The guest is Dr. Yuval Levin, director of social, cultural, and constitutional studies at the American Enterprise Institute, founder and editor of National Affairs, and author of American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation and Could Again. He has been on TP&R before. And we just loved hearing him with our good friends at the Village Square. The argument that makes this worth your ninety minutes: we don't disagree too much in this country. We disagree too little. We spend our days talking about each other instead of to each other, and the Constitution was built less to make us agree than to help us act together when we don't. In this conversation: ✅ Why the left and right at their best are both telling part of the truth, one a politics of formation, the other a politics of liberation ✅ Why unity was never meant to mean thinking alike ✅ How a system built to be slow and frustrating trades speed for legitimacy ✅ The case for growing the House by 150 members, and why it would only take a law ✅ Why term limits for Congress would hand the institution to lobbyists ✅ Martin Van Buren, party systems, and a tip of the cap to nobody's favorite president About the guest Yuval Levin serves as a senior editor at The New Atlantis and a contributing editor at National Review. He served on the White House domestic policy staff under President George W. Bush. He holds a master's and a PhD from the University of Chicago and is the author of seven books. More from The Village Square This conversation closes out UNUM: Democracy Reignited, The Village Square's series with Florida Humanities marking America at 250. Subscribe to Village Squarecast wherever you listen, and support their work at villagesquare.us/donate. Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Watch on YouTube. Leave a review at lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion. Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The press is the only industry the Constitution protects. Hugo Balta thinks too many newsrooms forgot why, and he walked out to prove it. Hugo Balta spent three decades in newsrooms at NBC, MSNBC, Telemundo, CBS, ABC, and ESPN before leaving mainstream media for independent journalism. He now serves as executive editor of The Fulcrum and publisher of the Latino News Network, and he remains the only person in the history of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists to serve twice as its president. This conversation runs from a Paterson, NJ childhood as the son of Peruvian immigrants to why he rejects objectivity as a marketing tool, what a free press is actually for, and the morning he flew the flag upside down. Calls to Action ✅ Follow the show wherever you listen ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who works in or distrusts the media Key Takeaways Objectivity is a marketing tool. No journalist checks their identity at the newsroom door, and pretending otherwise is what audiences have stopped believing. The honest standard is fair and accurate, built on transparent methods and undisputed facts. The math flipped, so he left. Early in his career, journalism was 70 percent of the job and business pressure 30. A decade later that ratio inverted toward clicks and presidential tweets, and that was the moment he chose independence. Diagnosing a problem is only half the work. Solutions journalism holds that reporters owe readers more than a spotlight on what's broken. The turn toward what right looks like, backed by evidence and a few action items, is what separates informing from educating. Understand the motivation, not just the position. Most disagreements are about the path, not the destination. Asking what drives someone's stance humanizes them and opens the ground where real debate can happen. About Our Guest Hugo Balta is executive editor of The Fulcrum and publisher of the Latino News Network, which has grown under his leadership to ten local and national digital news sites. A three-decade veteran of network and public media, he is an accredited Solutions Journalism Network trainer and teaches at Columbia College Chicago. Links and Resources The Fulcrum: thefulcrum.us Latino News Network: latinonewsnetwork.com Hugo Balta on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hugobalta Connect with Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathan Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Fair and accurate beats objective every time. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

She left the church at twenty-five. She never stopped praying, and she still doesn't know who's listening. Lauren Jackson writes Believing, the New York Times newsletter about how people practice faith and doubt now, and she came to the beat by way of her own departure from the Mormon church she was raised in. Corey talks with her about what secularism can't replace, what AI is quietly taking from us, and the question she brings to every hard conversation. Calls to Action ✅ Subscribe to Lauren's newsletter, Believing, at The New York Times ✅ Follow her on Instagram: @laurenchristinejackson ✅ Enjoyed this one? Leave a quick review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Ask what if they're right. Before a hard conversation, Lauren puts that question to herself, then listens. Your position may not move, but you get closer to the humanity of the person across from you, and that turns out to matter more. Secularism won, and it still can't do everything. Religion delivers beliefs, belonging, and behaviors in one place, and nothing secular offers all three at once. The absence shows up as a hunger for community that people describe to her constantly. Belief is spiking. Attendance isn't. Gallup finds a sharp jump in young men under thirty who call religion very important, without the matching rise in showing up anywhere. Religion is increasingly a piece of a packaged identity rather than a practice. Resist the doctrine of efficiency. Father James Martin's phrase, and Lauren's working rule. We lose to machines on volume, so the only place left to win is quality, which requires the slowness that AI is designed to eliminate. She will always seek to humanize. Not condone, and not valorize. Understand what real, human motivations produce behavior we find contestable, which is harder to sit with than a verdict. We are the times. A friend gave her Augustine's line from the sacking of Rome, and it landed as an assignment. Despairing about the age is a way of pretending we are not participants in it. About Our Guest Lauren Jackson is deputy editorial director for newsletters at The New York Times and the host of Believing, a weekly newsletter about how people live religion and spirituality now. Links and Resources 📩 Believing at The New York Times - www.nytimes.com/newsletters/believing 📷 Instagram — @laurencristinejackson 📖 Letters and Papers from Prison — Dietrich Bonhoeffer Connect with Us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, X: @coreysnathan YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Our Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The founders weren't just the names in the history books. You count as one, and citizenship is something you practice. Lindsey Cormack studies how members of Congress actually talk to the people they represent, and she wrote the book on why civics belongs at home long before it reaches a classroom. Corey sits down with her on what it takes to raise a citizen, why disagreement is where the learning happens, and how a new podcast makes the case that government doesn't always have to suck. Calls to Action ✅ Grab Lindsey's book, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It): howtoraiseacitizen.com ✅ Follow her new podcast, Government That Doesn't Suck ✅ Enjoyed this one? Leave a quick review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Every American is a founder. Lindsey reframes citizenship as something you practice, not something performed on you. The question she puts to students of every age, "what kind of founder are you," turns civic life from a spectator sport into a personal responsibility. Two classes is not a civic education. Most Americans get one social studies class in middle school and one government class in high school, then nothing. That's too little, too late for a subject this size. Open with "what have you heard?" Since there's no shared set of facts anymore, that question sets the table without a fight. From there, "what do you think" and "what do you know" move things toward learning instead of scorekeeping. Winning is the wrong goal. The point of talking across difference is to learn why someone thinks the way they do, not to convert them. The pressure drops the moment you stop keeping score. Government doesn't always have to suck. Lindsey's new show with Greg Jackson studies the times American government got things right, on the logic that you can't repeat a success you never bothered to examine. Grounded optimism holds up better than either blind cheerleading or constant despair. About Our Guest Lindsey Cormack is an associate professor of political science at Stevens Institute of Technology, creator of the DC Inbox database of congressional e-newsletters, author of How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It), and co-host of the podcast Government That Doesn't Suck. Links and Resources 📘 How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It) 🎙️ Government That Doesn't Suck — podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/government-that-doesnt-suck/id1896938110 🗂️ DCinbox Insights on Substack — dcinboxinsights.substack.com 📸 Instagram — @howtoraiseacitizen 🦋 X and Bluesky — @DCInbox Connect with Us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, X: @coreysnathan YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Our Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Through Psalm 74 and the firebombing of a New Jersey synagogue in 1984, a bar mitzvah season becomes a reckoning with the places we call hallowed and what survives once they've been defiled. A solo reflection on desecration, spectacle, and the unglamorous work of redemption, from an old tavern's charred remains to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in the year of America's 250th. ✅ If this one landed, leave a quick review so others looking for conversations like it can find them too: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Find Corey @coreysnathan across the socials, and join the conversation over on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can fix it together. The buckets and the steel wool. That's the work of redemption.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A doctor once told Rich Harwood's mother to face it, her son was a lemon. He's spent his life proving no one is disposable, and that even the most divided towns in America can build something together. Two minutes. Real impact. Leave a review:  lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion What does it take to heal a divided town? Less talking, says Rich Harwood. After almost 40 years running the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, he's watched the poorest community in America and some of the most divided places in the country do what most of us have stopped believing is possible: build something together, across every line that's supposed to keep them apart. The conversation runs from Moses and Lincoln to a synagogue firebombing to the three working men who saved his life as a sick kid, and lands on a deceptively simple idea about what we owe one another. A few takeaways: Pull issues out of the political frame and people agree more than they think. Harwood works the reddest and bluest places in the country and says he can't tell who voted for whom. Ask people what they care about instead of who they voted for, and the same concerns surface everywhere: youth, seniors, mental health, belonging. Start small. Big comprehensive plans tend to collapse under their own weight. Real change starts with one modest step that catalyzes a chain reaction, the way practice dinners at a single church spread across an entire county in Reading, Pennsylvania. Turn outward. Sharing space begins with a posture, not a technique. Physically turn toward the other person, choose to see them, and lead with curiosity about what matters to them. About our guest: Rich Harwood is president and founder of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation and the author of several books, most recently The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation (2024). Find Rich: The Harwood Institute: theharwoodinstitute.org Rich Harwood on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardcharwood ✅ Subscribe to the Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Follow @coreysnathan across the platforms ✅ Loved this one? Rate and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Rich wants the sequel over a beer. We're holding him to it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An off-the-cuff solo update on two essays in the works: one on the sacred spaces we share and what survives their desecration, the other on the real derangement in our politics, told through three men Corey loves and has watched change. Plus the launch of something new for the show, taking the mission to a local pub, the divier the better, to talk politics and religion on camera, over a drink, with friends who see the world differently. ✅ If you're into where this is heading, leave a quick review so others looking for conversations like this can find them too: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Find Corey @coreysnathan across the socials, and join the conversation over on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can fix it together. Pull up a stool. We're just getting started.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some state lawmakers drive Uber to afford the job. The best of them are walking away. Layla Zaidane runs the largest nonpartisan organization for young lawmakers in the country, and her team's "Exit Interview" found that the most promising bipartisan legislators are leaving office over problems that are entirely fixable. This conversation launches Terms of Service, a new collaboration between Future Caucus and TP&R that takes you inside what it actually costs to serve. Key Takeaways The math doesn't work. The average state lawmaker earns about $20,000 less than the average American worker. That pushes good people toward second jobs or out of office entirely. The best ones are quitting. The legislators most willing to work across the aisle are resigning at high rates, and the reasons are solvable: pay, staff, scheduling, safety. State houses are less broken than you think. Smaller chambers and retail-scale politics let lawmakers build the trust that gridlocked institutions can't. Violence brought out the worst and the best. As threats against officials rose, some of the most powerful responses came from bipartisan pairs refusing to let it become normal. About Our Guest Layla Zaidane is president and CEO of Future Caucus, the largest nonpartisan organization for young lawmakers in the United States, working with Gen Z and millennial legislators across 36 states to govern across party lines. Links and Resources Future Caucus: futurecaucus.org | @futurecaucus Layla Zaidane: @lzaidane TP&R is proud to be part of The Democracy Group podcast network. ✅ If this one landed, leave a quick review so others looking for conversations like it can find them too: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Find Corey @coreysnathan across the socials, and join the conversation over on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com The Terms of Service series is a partnership between Scan Media and Future Caucus. Executive Producers: Future Caucus and Layla Zaidane. Learn more about Future Caucus at www.futurecaucus.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Through the lens of the Tennessee Williams play, The Glass Menagerie, a morning walk through Washington, from DuPont Circle to the Jefferson Memorial, becomes a reckoning with what we've made of our civic sacred spaces. A solo reflection on desecration, devotion, and a faith in the American experiment that proves harder to walk away from than intended. ✅ If this one landed, leave a quick review so others looking for conversations like it can find them too: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Find Corey @coreysnathan across the socials, and join the conversation over on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can fix it together. Beautiful, impossible, and ours anyway.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“It’s easy to hate things you don’t understand.” Two minutes. Real impact. Leave a review:  lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Kristin Wilson spent three decades producing Washington coverage, including a decade running CNN’s Capitol Hill unit, with stops at NBC, CBS, Nightline, the BBC, and Fox News. Now she’s co-founder and executive producer of 535, a journalist-founded, nonpartisan newsroom built to cover the policy of Congress. The conversation gets into what gets lost when the cameras chase conflict, why bipartisan work still happens when no one is looking, and how seeing legislators as people makes them harder to write off. Calls to Action ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Policy is the story. 535 covers the appropriations fights, committee work, and behind-the-scenes deals that move real money and shape real lives. It’s harder to dislike people up close. Watch members talk about what they care about, and the cartoon version gets harder to hold onto. The aisle still gets crossed. From steak invitations to co-sponsored bills, members find ways to work together when they decide to. Ask, then listen. Kristin’s whole craft comes down to asking a real question and actually hearing the answer. About Our Guest Kristin Wilson is co-founder and executive producer of 535, a new kind of newsroom for the policy of Congress. Over nearly 30 years she led CNN’s Hill coverage and produced for NBC, CBS, Nightline, the BBC, and Fox News. Links and Resources 535 - 535.news Kristin Wilson - @kristin-wilson Grateful to our friends at The Democracy Group - www.democracygroup.org Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This was one of our most listened-to conversations of the past year. If you missed it the first time, here's your second chance. She moderated the fly debate. She interviewed Stephen Hawking. She covered 12 presidential campaigns and sat down with the last 10 presidents. And she spent years inside Queen Elizabeth’s extraordinary vantage point on American democracy — one that no American journalist could ever fully replicate. Two minutes. Real impact. Leave a review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief of USA TODAY, joins Corey to discuss her latest book, The Queen and Her Presidents: a sweeping account of Queen Elizabeth II’s relationships with every American president from Truman to Biden. But this conversation goes well beyond the book. Susan reflects on a career that began in a converted car dealership on Long Island, the lessons she learned covering her first president (and how badly she blew it), what it really takes to develop sources across decades of political reporting, and why — from a Kansas girl’s perspective — the people on both sides of our divide love America more than we give them credit for. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen:  lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Preparation is a framework, not a script. Susan goes into every major interview with a plan — what she wants to get, how to get it, what to do if the answer goes sideways. But the goal is to inform the conversation, not control it. The worst thing an interviewer can do, she says, is fail to listen to the answer. Great sourcing is built on respect and fairness, not on pulling punches. Rich Bond, the young Long Island operative she profiled in 1979, became a top Republican official and a reliable source for decades — not because she went easy on him, but because he trusted her to be fair. She would not have softened a story about him, and he knew it. Books and daily journalism use the same muscle, differently. The skills transfer directly — the sourcing, the curiosity, the nose for a good detail — but the bar is higher and the time horizon is longer. Writing a book means people are paying thirty dollars and spending real time. You owe them something they couldn’t get from clicking a link. The best research rewards patience. Sifting through archival files at eight presidential libraries and the National Archives in Britain yielded moments that almost nobody else has read. The sarcastic cables British ambassadors sent back about LBJ as vice president confirmed everything LBJ already suspected they thought of him. They love America. Whether she’s at a No Kings rally or a MAGA rally, Susan hears the same thing: people who care deeply, who revere the Constitution, who think they’re fighting for the country. The polarization isn’t about love of country — it’s about a failure to extend basic respect across the divide. Queen Elizabeth perfected the art of getting people to talk. Her small talk strategy — chatter briefly, then turn the question back — was especially effective with men, who, as Susan notes diplomatically, tend to enjoy talking about themselves. Susan has consciously adopted the technique and credits it with making her better at navigating rooms full of strangers. About Our Guest Susan Page is the Washington Bureau Chief of USA TODAY and one of the most respected political journalists in America. She has covered 12 presidential campaigns and interviewed the last 10 presidents. She moderated the 2020 vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence — yes, the one with the fly — and is the bestselling author of biographies of Barbara Bush, Nancy Pelosi, and Barbara Walters. Her latest book, The Queen and Her Presidents, chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s relationships with every American president from Truman through Biden. Links and Resources The Queen and Her Presidents by Susan Page — susanpagedc.com Grateful to our friends at The Democracy Group: www.democracygroup.org Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok “Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.” Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the way we talk about "the other side" isn't just rude — it's something closer to dehumanization? Consumer and social psychologist Lura Forcum has a precise vocabulary for what's happening, and a clear-eyed prescription for what to do about it. Two minutes. Real impact. Leave a review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Lura writes the newsletter How to Human and co-hosts We Made This Political with political scientist Lauren Hall. Her work sits at the intersection of human behavior, civic life, and the social cognition we're outsourcing to screens, algorithms, and AI. Calls to Action ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen:  lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Infrahumanization is the dehumanization we don't notice. Calling people vermin is rare and widely rejected. But treating the other side as interchangeable, simple, or incapable of real suffering? That's everywhere — and it's the mental move that makes cruelty psychologically possible. Politics is relational, and we've been pretending it isn't. Civic life is built from relationships that require reciprocity. We've convinced ourselves the normal rules don't apply when the subject is politics. They do. Broken relationships have to be repaired. We evolved for face-to-face. We didn't evolve for this. Online, you never have to reckon with being wrong about someone. In person, you're stuck with them — and that's the point. About Our Guest Lura Forcum is a consumer and social psychologist, strategic advisor, and former professor. She writes How to Human on Substack and co-hosts We Made This Political with Lauren Hall. Links and Resources How to Human: luraforcum.substack.com We Made This Political: wemadethispolitical.substack.com Lura on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luraforcum Grateful to our friends at The Democracy Group: www.democracygroup.org You evolved to do this. You've just been out of practice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the theological scrutiny is ferocious for the Democrat and nonexistent for the Republican, you're not watching theology. You're watching idolatry. Two minutes. Real impact. Leave a review:   lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Ken Paxton won the Republican primary for the Texas U.S. Senate seat. He was impeached 121-23 by a Republican-controlled House, divorced on biblical grounds, and caught on video pocketing a thousand-dollar pen. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, attends Princeton Seminary and talks openly about his faith. Prominent evangelical voices have published multiple pieces questioning Talarico's Christian credibility. You won't find comparable scrutiny of Paxton. This episode is about what that asymmetry actually reveals, and why refusing to traffic in fear and anger is the harder road. Calls to Action ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen:  lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways The scrutiny follows the letter, not the life. The asymmetry between evangelical treatment of Talarico and Paxton isn't theological. It's tribal. Love is obedience, not an optional add-on. Kindness and humility aren't the soft edges of the faith. They're the point. The Pew data draws the line clearly. Most Americans are open to religion's influence in their lives. Nearly eight in ten say churches shouldn't endorse candidates. People know the difference between faith and partisanship. Links and Resources Pew Research: pewresearch.org Grateful to our friends at The Democracy Group: www.democracygroup.org Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Horse hockey has a theological address, and this episode found it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

She's a Republican who won't back Trump, and she has no interest in yelling — just winning. Two minutes. Real impact. Leave a review:  lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Susan Del Percio is a crisis communications expert, political analyst, and MS NOW columnist who has publicly opposed Trump since 2015. Corey and Susan dig into the Texas Senate race, how vulnerable Republicans navigate a MAGA world, what polls actually tell you, and why listening might be the most radical political act left. Calls to Action ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen:  lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Threading the needle in 2026. Vulnerable Republicans need MAGA voters to turn out and independents to cross over. The playbook: show up with Trump once, deliver locally, and pick your fights carefully. Don't take the bait. Susan's advice for James Talarico: ignore the culture-war attacks and make every answer about the economy. Gas prices, cost of goods, cost of doing business. Nothing else. What polls actually tell you. They're snapshots, not predictions. Susan ignores the horse race and looks for trends and cross-tabs — specifically, who's gettable. Respecting the office. Susan called Trump a piece of garbage on air and has never forgiven herself. Not because she supports him — because the office demands a baseline the person in it doesn't. Just listen. Stop preparing your rebuttal long enough to hear what someone is actually saying. Then ask why. It costs nothing. About Our Guest Susan Del Percio is a crisis communications expert and political analyst for MS NOW. A lifelong Republican, she has publicly opposed Donald Trump since 2015 and previously served in both the Giuliani and Cuomo administrations. Links and Resources Follow Susan: x.com/DelPercioS Latest on MS NOW: www.ms.now/opinion/trump-republicans-irs-settlement-lawfare-polling-distraction-budget Grateful to our friends at The Democracy Group: www.democracygroup.org Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2024, just 18% of Americans said religion is gaining influence. Then came the double-digit jump. Pew Research's Chip Rotolo has the numbers — and they're striking. Two minutes. Real impact. Leave a review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Chip Rotolo is a research associate at Pew Research Center studying religion's role in public life. His team's latest report finds a sharp reversal in how Americans view religion's influence — and raises harder questions about Christian nationalism, what "Christian values" actually means to different people, and why the data looks so different depending on which party you ask. Calls to Action ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways A genuine vibe shift. After hitting an all-time low in 2024, the share of Americans who say religion is gaining influence has jumped sharply — now matching levels last seen in 2002. Christian nationalism is contested territory. Pew doesn't label anyone a Christian nationalist, but the questions associated with those views consistently land around 15% of Americans — while a much larger share wants Christian values to play some role in public life. Party drives everything. On nearly every question in this survey, the most striking splits are by political affiliation, not religion. How you ask matters as much as what you ask. Question wording, sequence, and consistency over time are what make trend data trustworthy — and Chip pulls back the curtain on how Pew gets that right. About Chip Rotolo Chip Rotolo is a research associate at Pew Research Center, where he studies religion's role in public life, religious engagement over time, and the intersection of religion and politics. He holds a PhD in sociology from Notre Dame, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a BA from UNC Chapel Hill. Links and Resources Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org Chip on Instagram: @chip.rotolo Leave a review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok The data has opinions. So does God. Turns out, so do we.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Originally aired in January, back by popular demand. Two minutes. Real impact. Leave a review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion What happens when a nation debates whether it has a moral obligation to intervene in the suffering of others — and who gets to decide? Corey is joined by Pulitzer Prize–finalist historian and bestselling author H.W. Brands, Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin, to explore the moral, political, and human tensions behind one of the most consequential debates in American history. The conversation centers on Professor Brands’ latest book, America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War, which examines the clash between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh as the United States wrestled with whether to enter World War II — and what role America should play in the world. Professor Brands unpacks how personal biography shapes public history, introducing his framework of “big history” and “little history” — the intersection between sweeping geopolitical forces and the intimate human decisions that quietly steer them. From Lindbergh’s unlikely rise as a celebrity political figure to Roosevelt’s strategic ambiguity and political maneuvering, the discussion reveals how persuasion, fear, power, and moral reasoning collide in moments of national consequence. Corey and Dr. Brands explore the ethical tension at the heart of American leadership: When does power create responsibility? Is it moral for leaders to deceive in pursuit of what they believe is the greater good? How should a nation weigh human suffering abroad against the risks borne by its own citizens? The conversation also examines Lindbergh’s controversial views on race, antisemitism, and isolationism — resisting caricature while reckoning honestly with their implications.  Along the way, Brands reflects on his craft as a historian — how he uses diaries, speeches, correspondence, and press transcripts to reconstruct interior lives while remaining faithful to documented sources — and why narrative storytelling remains essential to understanding political power and human choice. The episode closes by turning forward: What questions should we be asking now that future historians will use to understand our moment? How should Americans grapple with a changing global balance of power, rising geopolitical instability, and the enduring tension between national interest and moral responsibility? Calls to Action ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion About Our Guest H.W. Brands holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin and is the author of numerous acclaimed histories and biographies, including Founding Partisans, The First American, Traitor to His Class, and America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War. Two of his biographies were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. Brands writes regularly on Substack at hwbrands.substack.com, where he publishes A User’s Guide to History. His forthcoming biography of George Washington, American Patriarch, will be released this spring. Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group Talking across differences doesn’t require agreement; it requires courage, curiosity, and the willingness to stay human.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two minutes. Real impact. Leave a review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion What if the outrage itself is the addiction? In this solo episode, Corey Nathan draws on scripture, neuroscience, Dr. Seuss, and two very personal stories to ask a harder question than who’s right: are we more hooked on the fight than committed to what the fight is supposed to be about? From a son’s vaccine hesitancy to a buddy who loves Pete Hegseth, Corey makes the case that the heavy lift of staying in the room with people we deeply disagree with isn’t just good manners. It’s the whole ballgame. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group Hard conversations, conducted with honesty and care. That’s the whole project.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Often predictions try to pass as descriptions of the world or facts when actually they are something like power plays in disguise.” — Carissa Véliz Reviews are the lifeblood of independent podcasts. If TP&R belongs in more people's ears, here's how you make that happen: Apple Podcasts: Rate & Review on Apple Spotify: Rate on Spotify When a tech executive declares that AI will transform everything, are they describing the future, or commanding it? Carissa Véliz, Associate Professor at Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI, argues that prophecy and prediction have always been instruments of power, from the Oracle of Delphi to the algorithm in your pocket. In her new book Prophecy, she traces how surveillance and prediction became the twin original sins of digital technology, why predictions are never facts, and what philosophy offers as an antidote. It’s a conversation that is as timely as it is ancient. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Predictions are never facts. They can be educated guesses, wishful thinking, warnings, or veiled commands — but the future is unwritten. The moment someone presents a prediction as inevitable, that’s a signal worth interrogating. Surveillance and prediction are the two original sins of digital tech. They work in sync: data is gathered to predict behavior, and prediction is used to influence it. The pattern is ancient — a lion watches its prey before it hunts — and the data economy runs on the same logic. AI is the ultimate prediction machine. Machine learning does one thing: project patterns from past data onto an unknown future. The big assumption baked into every model is that the past looks like what’s coming. It often doesn’t. Philosophy arose as an antidote to prophecy. Ancient Greece was obsessed with divination. Philosophy was the countermovement — grounded in facts and logic rather than manipulation. That critical stance is exactly what we need now when tech executives make proclamations that get reported as news. Predictions about people are different from predictions about things. When you predict rain, the clouds are unbothered. When you predict a person’s failure, you shape their fate. Carissa’s call: when predictions about human beings are necessary, make them at the population level, not the individual. Increase your serendipity. The more we let algorithms decide what to watch, who to meet, and what to read, the more constrained we become. Talking to strangers, reading widely, and taking a walk without a destination are small acts of resistance with real consequences. About Our Guest Carissa Véliz is a writer, keynote speaker, and Associate Professor at the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford. Her work spans AI ethics, privacy, business ethics, and public policy. She advises companies and governments around the world, serves on the board of the Proton Foundation, and is a member of UNESCO’s Women for Ethical AI. She is the author of Privacy Is Power and her new book Prophecy. Her TED Talk, Beware the Power of Prediction, is available on YouTube. Links and Resources Prophecy — www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/759692/prophecy-by-carissa-veliz/ TED Talk: Beware the Power of Prediction (YouTube): www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS4wHmKtH-Q Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group The future is unwritten. How we get there is up to us.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes you're in a room full of people you love — and all you can hear is the wind. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This episode is a solo one — no guest, no debate, no conversation across political or religious difference. Just Corey, a piece he wrote in the middle of some darkness, and the motorcycle he never really got off. "A Thousand Miles Away" is an essay about Bipolar disorder, about the particular loneliness of being a million miles from the world even when your body is present in it, and about the cultural and religious messages that told him to keep his mouth shut about all of it. It's also about what has helped — meditation, neuroplasticity, and the odd grace of still being on the road. The full essay is on Corey's Substack. If it lands for you — or for someone you love — he'd be glad to hear from you. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Call or text 988. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways The aloneness isn't metaphor. Being a thousand miles away while your body moves through an ordinary day — brushing teeth, running meetings, cleaning the kitchen — is a specific, describable experience. Naming it matters. "What do you have to be depressed about?" is the wrong question. Suffering doesn't have an income threshold. The cultural reflex of tallying someone's blessings in response to their pain doesn't help. It silences. Religious communities can do real harm here. The diagnosis of "a sin issue, not a depression issue" is a failure of pastoral care with real consequences. Faith and mental health are not competing explanations. Practices matter. Meditation, neuroplasticity, building new neural pathways — these aren't cures, but they shift the ratio. More good seasons than bad is worth something. Shared memory runs deep. The weight of inherited trauma — pogroms, displacement, the unspoken cost of survival — shapes how families receive (or refuse to receive) a descendant's pain. That inheritance is real, even when it's used against you. Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for our ongoing partnership. Proud members of The Democracy Group Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Civic life starts with showing up. Sometimes that's enough — just staying on the road.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some kids from Jersey go down the Shore. Tom Mangine went to West Point, then to the Balkans, then Haiti, then Africa, then Chile — and somehow managed to be on the ground every time history got loud.   Reviews are the lifeblood of independent podcasts. If TP&R belongs in more people's ears, here's how you make that happen: Apple Podcasts: Rate & Review on Apple Spotify: Rate on Spotify   Thomas Mangine grew up in Manalapan, New Jersey — Springsteen country — and went on to spend three decades doing work most of us only encounter in spy thrillers. A West Point graduate, U.S. Army officer, intelligence professional, and financial crimes investigator, Tom has worked across six continents and visited 87 countries. He has tracked money for terrorists, investigated organ trafficking and corruption in professional sports, advised major financial institutions on predictive compliance, and taught financial crime investigation to military and civilian professionals across dozens of countries. He is a certified instructor with both the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS) and the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS).   This one’s a little different. Tom is a high school buddy, and we hit record in the middle of a conversation that had already started. What followed was nearly two hours of stories, insights, and the kind of frank talk you only get from someone who has no reason to perform for a camera.   Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   Key Takeaways From Manalapan to the world’s pressure points. Growing up in a central Jersey town full of World War II veterans, Holocaust survivors’ grandchildren, and teachers who took their students seriously shaped Tom’s sense of civic obligation well before West Point entered the picture. The community you grow up in sets the frame for what you think is worth doing.   Arabic, Kuwait, and the value of obscure skills. Tom chose to study Arabic at West Point when almost no one else was. Within a year, Saddam Hussein had invaded Kuwait and suddenly everyone wanted to know who spoke Arabic. The lesson: depth in an unfashionable area compounds.   What George H.W. Bush actually understood. Tom’s instructor at West Point, Colonel Richard Augustus Norton — a Vietnam vet who had also served in Lebanon and learned both Farsi and Arabic — explained to his cadets exactly why the first Bush did not drive to Baghdad. Occupying it would have meant a decade of entanglement. A decade later, Tom watched those predictions come true in real time.   Learn what normal looks like before you can spot abnormal. From a South African tracker teaching Tom to read an empty watering hole as a threat indicator, to Secret Service agents training currency detection by feel rather than scanner, to teaching financial crime investigators to recognize patterns before they see violations — this is a through-line of Tom’s entire career.   Predictive compliance versus retroactive compliance. When Tom moved into the private sector at the Bank of Montreal, his boss Andy Hoffman wanted something the financial industry rarely did: get ahead of problems instead of responding to them. Tom’s military intelligence background — built on anticipating failure before it happens — turned out to be exactly the right preparation.   Bureaucracies eat good work. Tom spent two years writing threat assessments in Haiti, working 90-hour weeks, only to have a naval vessel show up with a 2003 report because his updates had been lost in the system. The same pattern repeated across Afghanistan, Ukraine, Belarus, and elsewhere. Institutional memory is not a given. Someone has to fight for it.   Being open to learning is harder than it sounds. Tom has trained professionals ranging from 20 to 55 years old across dozens of countries. The single hardest thing to teach is not technical knowledge. It is the willingness to actually revise what you already believe.   About Our Guest Thomas J. Mangine is a West Point graduate, retired U.S. Army officer, and financial crimes and risk management expert with three decades of experience across the military, diplomatic, and private sectors. He has deployed to Bosnia, Haiti, Africa, Chile, and beyond, and has trained financial crime investigators and national security professionals in dozens of countries. He is a certified instructor with ACFCS and ACAMS.   Links and Resources Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: Thomas J. Mangine Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS): acfcs.org Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS): acams.org Joint Special Operations University (JSOU): jsou.edu   Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group   Jersey produces fighters, dreamers, and people who show up. Tom Mangine is proof. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Saying the pledge now isn't capitulation. It's repossession." Reviews are the lifeblood of independent podcasts. If TP&R belongs in more people's ears, here's how you make that happen: Apple Podcasts: Rate & Review on Apple Spotify: Rate on Spotify For 15 years, Corey stood during the Pledge of Allegiance without putting his hand on his heart or saying the words. It wasn't apathy, and it wasn't a performance. It was a conviction, rooted in Scripture and a genuine question: is this a pledge I can actually make? Then something shifted. In this solo episode, Corey traces the journey from that first awkward moment of awareness at a local business meeting, through the Book of Daniel, to a spring morning in 2026 — and explains why starting to say the pledge again isn't a concession to anyone. It's a reclamation. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Ritual deserves examination. Standing and reciting from muscle memory is different from making a conscious pledge. The distinction matters. The flag and the republic are not the same thing. One can be weaponized; the other is the idea worth pledging to. Corey's return to the pledge came from finally separating the two. January 6th is not an abstraction. Men with the flag draped across their backs as a cape, the pole weaponized against police officers — those are photographs of specific people committing a specific desecration. That image clarified something. Reclamation, not capitulation. Words like conservative, Christian, liberty, and freedom have been sloganized and shouted as weapons. They belong to a tradition, not to the people who've hijacked them. Same goes for the pledge. The grammar of the pledge matters. Read without the unwritten, hypnotic pauses, the pledge isn't to a flag. It's to the republic for which the flag stands. That's a pledge worth making. Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Go talk some politics and religion. With gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“For Jefferson, Hamilton is not a hated enemy to be opposed or destroyed, but a respected adversary to be debated with. And that is the spirit we have to get back to today.” — Jeffrey Rosen Jeffrey Rosen is one of the most respected constitutional scholars in America — CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, professor of law at George Washington University Law School, contributing editor at The Atlantic, and the author of nine books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Pursuit of Happiness and The Pursuit of Liberty. In this conversation, Rosen traces the Hamilton–Jefferson rivalry from the founding era to the Roberts Court, asks whether the current administration looks more like Caesar or Andrew Jackson, makes the case that deep reading may be the last best hope for democracy, and previews his forthcoming biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It is the kind of conversation that reminds you what civic discourse, at its best, can actually look like. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Caesar or Jackson? Rosen frames the central question about the current administration: is this a Caesar who subverts the separation of powers and rules by whim rather than law, or a Jackson-style populist who attacks elites and large institutions but ultimately operates within the constitutional system? The distinction, Rosen argues, matters enormously. The Hamilton–Jefferson divide is still very much alive. The debate between liberal and strict construction of the Constitution did not begin with originalism. It began with the bank. Hamilton argued Congress could imply powers beyond what’s enumerated; Jefferson said no. John Marshall sided with Hamilton, and that fault line runs directly through today’s Supreme Court. The pursuit of happiness meant something very different to the Founders. For Jefferson, Madison, and their classical sources, happiness was not about feeling good. It was about being good — cultivating temperance, prudence, courage, and justice, and using reason to moderate unproductive emotions like anger, envy, and fear. Social media is Madison’s nightmare. Madison designed a system of deliberative slowness. Social media’s “enraged to engage” business model is the precise opposite. Rosen adds that AI compounds the problem by presenting a single probabilistic version of truth rather than fostering the clash of competing ideas that the Enlightenment depended on. Brandeis offers a way out of the left–right impasse. Suspicious of both big government and big business, and committed to industrial democracy and worker ownership, Louis Brandeis remains the historical figure who most persuasively bridges the divide between libertarians and progressives. Opposed in life as in death. Hamilton and Jefferson spent careers savaging each other. Yet after Hamilton’s death, Jefferson placed a bust of Hamilton across from his own at Monticello. That image — honored adversaries, not enemies — is the model Rosen believes the country desperately needs to recover. About Our Guest Jeffrey Rosen is President and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, a professor of law at George Washington University Law School, and a contributing editor at The Atlantic. He is the author of nine books, including The Pursuit of Happiness, The Pursuit of Liberty, and Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet. His essays and commentary have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The New Republic, and on NPR. He also served as an advisor for Ken Burns’ The American Revolution on PBS. His forthcoming biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is part of the Yale Jewish Lives series. Links and Resources National Constitution Center - constitutioncenter.org GW Law - www.law.gwu.edu Jeffrey Rosen on X - @RosenJeffrey Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group Now go talk some politics and religion — with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most of us are going to be disappointed. The question is whether that disappointment has to mean paralysis. Corey Nathan recently joined Michael Baranowski on The Politics Guys for a conversation that refuses to offer easy comfort or easy despair. The 2026 midterms are the jumping-off point: what's likely, what's actually at stake, and whether a Democratic wave would change much of anything. But the conversation goes deeper than the electoral map. Structural incentives, uncompetitive districts, the filibuster, the parliamentary rulebook, and the question of where, if anywhere, the green shoots of real democratic renewal are actually growing. This feed drop brings that conversation to the TP&R audience. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways The wave may come, but the players mostly stay the same. Structural analysis of the 2026 midterms suggests Democrats have a strong shot at the House and an outside chance at the Senate. But more than 90% of incumbents survive any given cycle, so even a wave election doesn't reset the cast of characters or their incentives. Investigations matter, but so does whether Congress actually does its job. A Democratic House would have subpoena power and majority-staffed committees. The more important question is whether that translates into substantive accountability or just performance. Competitive elections have made compromise harder, not easier. When one party holds power for decades at a stretch, half a loaf looks good. When every election is winnable, the incentive shifts to demonization and the next cycle. The hyper-competitive era since 1994 has structural roots that don't vanish with a change in majority. The green shoots are at the state and local level. Cross-partisan collaboration is visible in places like Santa Clarita, where a Republican city council member and a Democratic congressman are working together on local infrastructure. Organizations like Future Caucus are documenting exactly this kind of millennial and Gen Z cross-partisan energy. One conversation at a time is not a consolation prize. Incremental, constitutionally grounded change is not a failure of ambition. It is, as Corey puts it, what the founders actually promised future generations. The broccoli booth in the candy store still matters. About Michael Baranowski and The Politics Guys Michael Baranowski is a political scientist and the host of The Politics Guys, a podcast committed to honest, nonpartisan political analysis. He brings an institutionalist's eye to American politics and a refreshing willingness to follow the evidence wherever it leads, including to conclusions neither side particularly wants to hear. Links and Resources The Politics Guys - politicsguys.com The Context Podcast - kettering.org/thecontext Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group Democracy is not a spectator sport.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He held a knife to his father's throat and felt, in that same moment, something he could only call love. That paradox — and the lifelong journey it set in motion — is what this conversation is about. Jaime Encinas is an entrepreneur, author, and spiritual leader whose life has been shaped by trauma, healing, and the hard work of breaking cycles. Founder of Wheeling to Healing and a fellow with WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project, Jaime brings a rare combination of personal testimony and practical framework to the question of how we repair — ourselves, our families, and our communities. In this conversation, we explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the science of trauma, the meaning of forgiveness, and why the most powerful thing we can offer another person is simply to see them. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways From "what's wrong with you" to "what happened to you." The ACEs framework — developed through research on adverse childhood experiences — reframes dysfunction not as a character flaw but as a response to trauma. That shift in question changes everything about how we approach healing. Cycles of violence are made to be broken. Jaime traces his father's cruelty to his grandfather's — and to the deeper legacy of colonization. Understanding the origin of pain doesn't excuse it. But it opens the door to compassion, and ultimately to forgiveness. Presence is a practice. From Meisner technique to contemplative prayer, Jaime has spent a lifetime learning to be still — and argues that our capacity to truly see one another depends on it. "See me" is the deepest human ask. Whether it's a child to a parent, a neighbor to a stranger, or a person experiencing homelessness to a passerby — the need to be truly seen cuts across every divide we face. Heaven might be here. Jaime's theology is grounded and immediate: the sacred shows up in moments of genuine encounter — washing a father's feet, walking beside a daughter in recovery, hugging someone on the street. About Our Guest Jaime Encinas is the founder of Wheeling to Healing, an organization dedicated to educating communities about the science of trauma and offering practical pathways toward healing. He is the author of two books drawn from that work and has spent decades as an educator, activist, and spiritual leader working with vulnerable communities. Jaime is a fellow with WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project, an Aspen Institute initiative that supports local leaders working to repair social trust. Links and Resources Wheeling to Healing - www.amazon.com/Wheeling-Healing-Broken-Heart-Bicycle/dp/194605402X Take the ACEs Quiz - www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project - weavers.org Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group Go talk some politics and religion — with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For a significant plurality of those who voted for Donald Trump in 2024, it all really comes down to one thing. Owning the Libs. So what price is anyone willing to pay for that? The question "at what cost" doesn't belong to one side of the aisle. In this solo episode of TP&R Uninterrupted, Corey Nathan turns the lens on both Trump loyalists and progressive purists, arguing that the price of performative politics is being paid by everyone. Drawing on the More in Common "Beyond MAGA" study, real conversations with friends and family who took the GFY vote in 2024, and the electoral evidence from Virginia and New Jersey, Corey makes the case that civic renewal requires something harder than winning arguments: it requires welcoming people back in without making them confess their sins first. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways The GFY vote is real, it's personal, and it's persuadable. Corey traces how years of condescension, finger-wagging, and political shaming drove thoughtful people — including his own son and a close Latino friend — not toward Trump's policies, but toward a defiant rejection of the people lecturing them. Understanding that pathway is the first step toward reversing it. The math makes the reluctant right the ball game. The More in Common "Beyond MAGA" study identifies the Reluctant Right as roughly 20% of Trump's 2024 coalition — more than 15 million voters. In a country where House districts are decided by 333 votes, that's not a rounding error. It's the margin. Progressive overreach has a price tag too. The same "at what cost" question Corey puts to Trump loyalists applies to the activist left. Performative purity tests, canceling the insufficiently orthodox, and demanding ideological confession before welcoming people into the coalition aren't just annoying — they're losing strategies with receipts. Loyalty to Trump has an itemized bill. From Pam Bondi's congressional hearing burn book to Marco Rubio's Oval Office silence while Zelensky was demeaned, Corey walks through the specific transactions made by people who had everything to lose. These aren't rhetorical questions. They're the same question, applied to people who answered it in public. The Buckley model points the way forward. What the pro-democracy coalition needs to do is what William F. Buckley did with the Birchers: marginalize the voices making the coalition unelectable, and when someone from the reluctant right shows up at the party, say come on in, the water's warm. Links and Resources More in Common — Beyond MAGA: Understanding the Full Spectrum of Trump Voters Hidden Tribes Study — More in Common: Hidden Tribes of America Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group Honest conversation across difference is harder than it looks. It's also the only thing that works.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"We're living in this collective illusion where the extremes are mischaracterizing who we are as a people." More than 70% of Americans — across every demographic — say their deepest aspiration is to contribute to the lives of others. Most of them think they're alone in that. They're not. Brian Hooks, Chairman and CEO of Stand Together, joins the show to make the case that the country's most urgent challenge isn't changing who people are. It's giving them permission to be who they already want to be. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways You can't have the I without the We. Hooks challenges the framing that pits individualism against community. Drawing on Abraham Maslow's concept of synergy, he argues the selfish and the selfless aren't in tension — when they merge, you get a flywheel of progress rather than a zero-sum fight. We're living a collective illusion. Neuroscientist Todd Rose's research reveals that most people privately want to contribute to their communities — but assume they're outliers. That self-silencing lets a loud minority misrepresent the country's character. Naming the illusion is the first step to dissolving it. The challenge isn't persuasion. It's permission. Hooks argues Americans don't need to be convinced to be better citizens — they need social permission to act on values they already hold. When people see someone just like them doing it, they follow. Frederick Douglass as a North Star for coalition-building. Hooks returns repeatedly to Douglass's vision of the Declaration as "saving principles" — not yet fulfilled, but aspirational in a way that can hold very different people together. Shared direction, not agreement on everything, is what makes diverse coalitions work. Stop picking a side. Start building policy coalitions. Stand Together learned the hard way that partisan politics leads to being taken for granted. Americans for Prosperity now pursues a policy-coalition strategy — working with Republicans and Democrats alike, and holding both accountable. It's hard to hate up close. Whether it's StoryCorps' One Small Step project or Stand Together's work in 1,300 communities, the pattern holds: when people work side by side on real problems, the tribal labels fade fast. Don't debate online. Go grab a beer. About Our Guest Brian Hooks is Chairman and CEO of Stand Together, a philanthropic community of more than 700 business leaders and philanthropists working to remove the barriers holding people back. He is also President of the Charles Koch Foundation and the Charles Koch Institute. Stand Together works with over 1,000 professors, tens of thousands of K-12 teachers, 200+ community-based organizations, and millions of grassroots activists. Hooks is co-author (with Charles Koch) of Believe in People: Bottom-Up Solutions for a Top-Down World. Links and Resources Stand Together: standtogether.org Be the People: bethepeople.org Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group The exhausted majority is waiting for permission to show up.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two-thirds of Americans are exhausted by a political narrative that doesn’t match how they actually see the world. Jason Mangone has the data to prove it and a roadmap for what to do about it. Jason Mangone is the executive director of More in Common US, the American arm of a global organization founded after the assassination of British MP Jo Cox — whose maiden speech in Parliament included the line, “We have more in common than that which sets us apart.” Since launching its landmark Hidden Tribes study in 2018, More in Common has become one of the most cited voices on polarization, the perception gap, and what it will actually take to rebuild civic trust in America. Jason came to this work through a genuinely eclectic path: Marine infantry officer, Yale graduate student, co-author (with General Stanley McChrystal) of the bestselling Leaders: Myth and Reality, and yes, briefly the CEO of a Jersey Shore home maintenance company. He brings both the data and the disposition of someone who has learned to move across very different worlds — which, it turns out, is exactly what this moment requires. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways The exhausted majority is real, and it’s being ignored. More in Common’s Hidden Tribes research identified seven segments of the American public. The middle five — roughly two-thirds of the country — are what the research calls the exhausted majority. These are people whose politics don’t map neatly onto partisan narratives, who hold genuinely heterodox views, and for whom the current political environment is actively draining. They’re not disengaged because they don’t care. They’re disengaged because what they see on offer doesn’t reflect how they actually think. The wings aren’t just louder, they’re more wrong about each other. A perception gap is the difference between what you think a group believes and what they actually believe. The research finds that the further left or right someone sits, the larger their perception gap. The heaviest news consumers also tend to have the biggest gaps — a finding that cuts against the assumption that more information produces more understanding. As a concrete example: 73% of Republicans said the US should be a world leader in developing clean energy. Democrats estimated that only 26% of Republicans held that view. Trump’s coalition is not monolithic. More in Common’s Beyond MAGA study identified four distinct segments within Trump voters: MAGA Hardliners (29%), Anti-Woke Conservatives (21%), Mainline Republicans (30%), and the Reluctant Right (20%). Support for the war with Iran breaks sharply along those lines — 87% among Hardliners, down to just 25% among the Reluctant Right. About a quarter of that last group now say they regret their 2024 vote. The priority gap may be the defining political story of 2025. In November 2024, Americans’ perception of Trump’s top priorities matched their own: cost of living, the economy, immigration. Today only 13% believe cost of living is his top priority. Nearly half point to immigration, and nearly half to the war in Iran. Jason is careful to stay nonpartisan, but the implication is clear: the exhausted majority that gave Trump his margin may not feel seen by what’s followed. Institutions are where character gets formed — and they’re disappearing. Jason identifies three drivers of polarization: smartphones and the attention economy, the erosion of intermediary institutions (churches, little leagues, volunteer fire departments), and elite rhetoric that rewards conflict over compromise. The second one gets less attention than it deserves. These weren’t just places where people got along — they were places where people learned what kind of person they wanted to be. Being religious might be the new rebellion. Hidden Tribes 2.0 is in progress, and one of the most intriguing signals from More in Common’s recent work involves generational attitudes toward faith. Among younger voters — Trump voters and non-Trump voters alike — being religious is now more likely to be seen as countercultural than being an atheist. Jason’s read: when the dominant culture trends progressive and secular, traditionalism becomes the counterculture. It’s not all that surprising. Countercultures, by definition, push against whatever’s dominant. About Our Guest Jason Mangone is the executive director of More in Common US. He began his career as a US Marine infantry officer, serving three deployments including western Iraq and Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. After graduate school at Yale, he served as a research associate at the Council on Foreign Relations, co-authored the bestselling Leaders: Myth and Reality with General Stanley McChrystal and Jeff Eggers, and served as COO of the Service Year Alliance. He lives in Princeton, New Jersey, with his wife and four kids, coaches little league, and volunteers as a firefighter — which he notes is primarily a strategy to remain cool in the eyes of his children. Links and Resources More in Common US Hidden Tribes (2018) - hiddentribes.us Beyond MAGA (2026) - beyondmaga.us Leaders: Myth and Reality by Stanley McChrystal, Jeff Eggers, and Jason Mangone Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group “Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

She moderated the fly debate. She interviewed Stephen Hawking. She covered 12 presidential campaigns and sat down with the last 10 presidents. And she spent years inside Queen Elizabeth’s extraordinary vantage point on American democracy — one that no American journalist could ever fully replicate. Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief of USA TODAY, joins Corey to discuss her latest book, The Queen and Her Presidents: a sweeping account of Queen Elizabeth II’s relationships with every American president from Truman to Biden. But this conversation goes well beyond the book. Susan reflects on a career that began in a converted car dealership on Long Island, the lessons she learned covering her first president (and how badly she blew it), what it really takes to develop sources across decades of political reporting, and why — from a Kansas girl’s perspective — the people on both sides of our divide love America more than we give them credit for. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Preparation is a framework, not a script. Susan goes into every major interview with a plan — what she wants to get, how to get it, what to do if the answer goes sideways. But the goal is to inform the conversation, not control it. The worst thing an interviewer can do, she says, is fail to listen to the answer. Great sourcing is built on respect and fairness, not on pulling punches. Rich Bond, the young Long Island operative she profiled in 1979, became a top Republican official and a reliable source for decades — not because she went easy on him, but because he trusted her to be fair. She would not have softened a story about him, and he knew it. Books and daily journalism use the same muscle, differently. The skills transfer directly — the sourcing, the curiosity, the nose for a good detail — but the bar is higher and the time horizon is longer. Writing a book means people are paying thirty dollars and spending real time. You owe them something they couldn’t get from clicking a link. The best research rewards patience. Sifting through archival files at eight presidential libraries and the National Archives in Britain yielded moments that almost nobody else has read. The sarcastic cables British ambassadors sent back about LBJ as vice president confirmed everything LBJ already suspected they thought of him. They love America. Whether she’s at a No Kings rally or a MAGA rally, Susan hears the same thing: people who care deeply, who revere the Constitution, who think they’re fighting for the country. The polarization isn’t about love of country — it’s about a failure to extend basic respect across the divide. Queen Elizabeth perfected the art of getting people to talk. Her small talk strategy — chatter briefly, then turn the question back — was especially effective with men, who, as Susan notes diplomatically, tend to enjoy talking about themselves. Susan has consciously adopted the technique and credits it with making her better at navigating rooms full of strangers. About Our Guest Susan Page is the Washington Bureau Chief of USA TODAY and one of the most respected political journalists in America. She has covered 12 presidential campaigns and interviewed the last 10 presidents. She moderated the 2020 vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence — yes, the one with the fly — and is the bestselling author of biographies of Barbara Bush, Nancy Pelosi, and Barbara Walters. Her latest book, The Queen and Her Presidents, chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s relationships with every American president from Truman through Biden. Links and Resources The Queen and Her Presidents by Susan Page — susanpagedc.com Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group “Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.” Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A friend of mine sits on the board of the largest Christian school in our valley. He loves this country, loves his neighbors, loves God (or at least he’s working on it, same as the rest of us). So why did he respond to millions of peaceful fellow citizens exercising their constitutional rights with laughing emojis? That question has been gnawing at me for months. This episode tries to answer it. When millions of Americans took to the streets last month in the No Kings rallies, peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights, the response from Donald Trump, Republican members of Congress, and leading voices in the MAGA movement was contempt. Not critique. Not engagement. Contempt. This solo episode asks why, and works through what that contempt actually costs us: constitutionally and civically. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways The laughing emojis aren’t about politics. More in Common’s research into Trump voters found one thread running through every category of the broader MAGA coalition: deep, abiding resentment toward the left. Not policy disagreement. Resentment. Years of accumulated grievance about cancel culture, political correctness, and perceived condescension. The laughing emojis are that resentment expressing itself, not a constitutional argument. The constitutional inventory is not abstract. Article One gives Congress, not the president, the power to levy taxes — yet sweeping tariff schemes were imposed anyway. Article One gives Congress the sole power to declare war — yet Iran was attacked without a declaration, without consulting Congress, and without a coherent plan. The Supreme Court, including three Republican-appointed justices, told the administration directly that it had grabbed power the Constitution never granted it. The First Amendment protections being invoked by No Kings protesters are the same ones being systematically pressured. Trump threatened, attacked, and sued CBS, ABC, and the Des Moines Register for coverage he didn’t like. Outlets were banned from the Pentagon for declining to sign loyalty pledges to the president rather than the Constitution. An aggressive ICE presence in city streets has turned the right to peaceably assemble into a theoretical right for millions of people. Whataboutism is cauterization, not argument. “But what about Obama” and “what about Hunter Biden” don’t refute a single fact presented in this episode. They don’t explain away the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. They don’t restore one deported citizen. They don’t account for the dead. What they do is create enough noise to make facing the truth feel optional — burning the nerve endings so the pain stops registering. The Constitution is a covenant, not a rulebook. It doesn’t grade on a curve based on how much you resent the other side. It’s a promise the founders made to future generations that we recommit to each other every time we stand up for it — or fail to. As Chief Justice John Roberts put it when the solicitor general argued we live in a new world demanding a new reading: “It’s the same Constitution.” Links and Resources More in Common's Beyond MAGA study — beyondmaga.us USA Today / Susan Page's piece — www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/29/no-kings-rallies-a-red-flare-for-trump/89306058007/ Jonah Goldberg / The Dispatch — thedispatch.com/newsletter/gfile/no-kings-protests-tea-parties-bothsidesism Captain Robert Gustine (28-year Navy veteran) and Dr. Roger Herbert (former Naval Special Warfare Officer, ethics professor at the US Naval Academy) — substack.com/@gusgusentinerogerherbert/p-190864101 American Immigration Council — www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/immigration-detention Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group “Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.” Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the reason we can't fix our politics is that we've skipped the part where we actually get to know each other? Rajiv Mehta has spent the better part of four decades asking questions that most people don't think to ask. At NASA, it was about the complexity lurking beneath simplified models of the atmosphere. At Apple, it was why people don't take more pictures. At Zume Life, it was why even doctors can't stick to their own health regimens. And for the past twenty-plus years, the question has been deeper still: how do we actually learn to know ourselves and each other well enough to build something lasting together? Rajiv is the founder of Mapping Ourselves, which helps organizational leaders build the cultures they seek by exploring the human roots of high performance. He's also a member of WEAVE, the nationwide initiative that supports grassroots leaders working to repair our frayed social fabric. His book Camaraderie is coming out this summer. The conversation moves from Mets fandom to Mars to medicine to the philosophy of Peter Singer to Genghis Khan, and somehow it all connects. That's the kind of episode this is. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Relationships before results. One of Raj's core convictions, borrowed from a friend long engaged in social movements, is that our culture has it exactly backwards. We treat connection as a luxury, something to get to after the real work is done. But without genuine relationship, results rarely last. This isn't soft thinking. It's what SEAL teams already know, and it's what Raj has been trying to bring to the rest of us. The self is plural. The phrase "quantified self" always had a problem, Raj admits: it pointed inward when the whole point is outward. We are fundamentally social creatures. Studying yourself means studying yourself in community, in relationship, in context. Going off to meditate in a cave has its value, but if you lose sight of yourself-in-the-ecosystem, you've missed the main thing. Know yourself before you can know others. The doctors who were baffled by patient non-adherence were themselves non-adherent. We can't build real camaraderie with people we don't understand, and we can't understand others if we haven't done the harder work of understanding ourselves. Self-knowledge isn't navel-gazing. It's the prerequisite for everything else. Community, connection, belonging, and camaraderie are not the same thing. Raj draws careful distinctions. Community is a container. Belonging is an emotional sense of home, with real agency attached. Connection is deeply interpersonal, the discovery of specific things you genuinely like about another person. Camaraderie brings all of this together within a group united by shared purpose. Conflating them leads to surface-level interventions that don't hold. Complexity isn't a bug. It's the reality we have to learn to live inside. From atmospheric modeling at NASA to human behavior in healthcare, Raj kept running into the same error: people mistake their simplified models for the world itself. When something goes wrong, they blame the workers instead of the design. Real progress requires holding complexity rather than explaining it away. Start human, then get to the hard stuff. Whether it's cross-partisan dialogue or cross-cultural misunderstanding, Raj's prescription is the same: find the human first. Discover what you share. Build some real connection. Then, and only then, you might be able to have the harder conversation. Walking straight into the room with a contested policy topic and expecting good-faith exchange is, as he puts it, nearly impossible. About Our Guest Rajiv Mehta is the founder of Mapping Ourselves, which helps organizational leaders build high-performing cultures by developing the self-knowledge and mutual understanding that genuine camaraderie requires. With an engineering background from Princeton and Stanford, and a career spanning NASA, Apple, and Adobe, he has spent the past two decades guiding corporate executives, military commanders, and community leaders through the practice of personal science. He is a member of WEAVE, the nationwide initiative supporting grassroots leaders working to repair social trust across America. His book Camaraderie is forthcoming this summer. Links and Resources Mapping Ourselves - mappingourselves.com WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project - weavers.org Camaraderie by Rajiv Mehta (forthcoming, summer 2025) Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. Yes, really.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We can survive. But can we thrive? That's a different question entirely. Corey Nathan joined Andrew Keen on Keen on America to talk about the state of civic discourse in America. Robert Mueller's death and the president's response to it is the jumping-off point, but the conversation goes much deeper: the exhausted majority, the horseshoe of extremism, storytelling as a bridge across difference, and what it takes to stay in hard conversations. This feed drop brings that interview to the TP&R audience. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways: Robert Mueller as a mirror. Mueller served under presidents of both parties, earned a Purple Heart, and devoted his education to public service. His death and the president's response to it shows what happens when tribalism does our thinking: one data point erases an entire life. The exhausted majority is real. The Hidden Tribes study from More in Common found that only 6-8% on either side qualify as genuine extremists. The other 85% are far more nuanced. They want to enjoy the barbecue and Thanksgiving dinner without it turning into a war. The conflict entrepreneurs don't represent most of us. It's a horseshoe, not a spectrum. The extreme ends have more in common with each other than either would admit. The incentive structure is identical: compete for attention, be the loudest voice in the room. Stories are the antidote to caricature. When we understand someone's story, we stop reducing them to a single data point. Corey illustrates this with a friend born in Lebanon with family in Iran who voted for Trump. The disagreements are real. But understanding the story behind the view changes everything. Surviving and thriving are not the same thing. Corey's family spent 800 years in what is now Ukraine. They knew how to survive. But survival isn't the American promise. The experiment is worth protecting and worth talking about. About Andrew Keen Andrew Keen is a British-American broadcaster and author, host of Keen on America and How to Fix Democracy. He is known for pressing his guests hard and not letting easy answers stand. Links and Resources Keen on America: https://keenon.substack.com/keenon.substack.com/ Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He drove a truck across America listening to talk radio. Somewhere between 9/11, the Obama years, and a long personal reckoning with his own anger, Wilk Wilkinson became one of the most unlikely figures in the depolarization movement: a committed conservative who believes the two-party system is tearing the country apart, and who is doing something about it. Wilk is the Director of Media Systems and Operations for Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide. He also hosts the podcast Derate the Hate. In this conversation, Wilk traces his political awakening from post-9/11 talk radio to becoming radicalized by the polarization he once participated in, and why he eventually chose the harder path. He and Corey dig into tribalism, political identity, January 6th, immigration enforcement, the two-party doom loop, and what it actually takes to stay in conversation across real disagreement. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Political identity has become personal identity, and that's the root of the problem. Wilk argues that the single most destructive shift in American civic life is that people now treat political attacks as personal attacks. When your party becomes your tribe, criticism of a policy feels like an assault on who you are. That's not politics anymore. That's warfare. Tribalism isn't a flaw. It's a feature we have to consciously override. We evolved as tribal creatures because belonging to a group kept us alive. The problem is that ancient wiring hasn't caught up with modern civil society. Wilk and Corey agree: staying in real conversation across difference isn't natural. It's a decision. Most Trump voters aren't MAGA loyalists, and treating them as a monolith makes everything worse. Citing the More in Common "Beyond MAGA" research, Wilk points out that only about 29% of the 77 million people who voted for Trump in 2024 fit the MAGA hardliner profile. When we flatten a diverse group into a caricature of its worst actors, we guarantee the doom loop continues. You can support border security and still call out a botched implementation. Wilk doesn't hedge: he wanted the border closed. He also calls the deportation strategy's implementation a disaster, citing constitutional violations, erosion of institutional trust, and the breakdown of basic civic norms. This is what it sounds like when a conservative applies principles rather than party loyalty. The fix starts local, not national. Both Corey and Wilk see more reason for hope at the community and state level than in Washington. Local relationships, shared problems, and the ability to actually look someone in the eye still create space for the kind of trust that national politics has almost completely destroyed. About Our Guest Wilk Wilkinson is the Director of Media Systems and Operations for Braver Angels, and the host of Derate the Hate, a podcast offering practical tools and honest conversations for people trying to grow personally and engage civically. A self-described committed conservative, Wilk has spent years in the bridge-building space doing the kind of work he once would have dismissed. Find him at deratedhate.com and on Substack by searching "Wil Wilkinson." Links and Resources Braver Angels: braverangels.org Derate the Hate: deratethehate.com More in Common "Beyond MAGA" research: beyondmaga.us Monica Guzman / I Never Thought of It That Way: moniguzman.com/book Find us and engage with us on YouTube, Substack, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, Threads, TikTok, and Bluesky. Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He fled Lebanon at 19, built a life here, and has strong opinions about what’s happening in the Middle East right now. And he disagrees with some of what I’ve been writing. So he called me. Bernard Kash is not a politician, a pundit, or a policy expert. He’s a Lebanese-born immigrant who came to this country legally in 1985, built a business from scratch, and has half a family that’s Muslim and half that’s Christian. He has relatives and friends still living in Lebanon and Iran. And when he saw some of what Corey had been writing publicly, he picked up the phone. That’s the kind of conversation this program exists for. In this episode, Bernard and Corey dig into the Israel–Lebanon–Iran conflict, media coverage and what it leaves out, the constitutional questions around Trump’s decision to bomb Iran without going to Congress, immigration, and the political tribal warfare that makes it hard to just talk to each other anymore. They don’t agree on everything. They never have. And yet here they are. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways What people on the ground in Lebanon actually think about Hezbollah: Bernard shares firsthand accounts from relatives still living in Lebanon and Iran — a perspective you won’t find on cable news. Most Lebanese people don’t want war with Israel and see Hezbollah as an Iranian proxy, not a Lebanese cause. The Article I question: Corey raises a pointed constitutional concern: Trump began bombing Iran within days of the State of the Union, without consulting Congress. Bernard doesn’t entirely disagree on principle, but argues that in practice, the ends and the means sometimes get complicated. The “best heart surgeon” problem: Bernard puts it plainly: he wouldn’t invite Trump to dinner, doesn’t think he’s a good person, and can still make the case that for certain geopolitical situations, he may be the right instrument. That tension is exactly what this conversation is about. Media isn’t monolithic: Both Corey and Bernard push back on the idea that “the media” is a single entity lying to us. The reporters on the ground are often doing real work. What makes it onto air is a different question. Critiquing Trump isn’t critiquing you: Corey makes a point he’s been sitting with: when he criticizes the president, some friends take it as a personal attack. And those same friends assume that because he’s not sufficiently pro-Trump, he must be the worst caricature the right has invented of the left. Neither is true. “Grow up” as political philosophy: When asked how we talk politics and religion without killing each other, Bernard’s answer is two words: grow up. Rise above the label, the jersey, the acronym. Find out who the person actually is. About Our Guest Bernard Kash fled Lebanon in 1985 at age 19, after a decade of civil war. He came to the United States legally, built a life, raised a family, and has owned Earth Wise Nutrition Center in Santa Clarita for many years. He is one of Corey’s good friends, and one of his most reliable sparring partners. Links and Resources Earth Wise Nutrition Center: earthwisevitamins.com Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Now go talk some politics and religion but with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. is the only country in a 25-nation study where more than half of citizens view their fellow citizens as morally bad. Jonathan Evans of Pew Research Center joins us to unpack what the data actually says. Jonathan Evans is a senior researcher at Pew Research Center specializing in international polling on religion and national identity. The most recent report he led surveyed adults in 25 countries on how they rate the morality of their fellow citizens, and the findings about the U.S. sparked immediate conversation. But as Jonathan explains, the headline number is only the beginning. When you look at specific behaviors, partisan breakdowns, and how the same religious identity plays out differently across borders, the picture gets far more interesting and far more nuanced. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways The U.S. stands alone on the big question. Across all 25 countries surveyed, the U.S. is the only one where a majority of citizens rate their fellow citizens as morally bad. Canada, by contrast, ranks among the most optimistic. But the headline doesn't tell the whole story. On individual behaviors like gambling and marijuana use, Americans are among the least likely in the world to call them morally wrong. On extramarital affairs, they rank among the most likely. The U.S. isn't simply more moralistic across the board. It's a global pattern, not just an American one. In many countries, supporters of the party out of power are more likely to rate their fellow citizens' morality negatively. In the U.S., 60% of Democrats vs. 46% of Republicans gave their fellow Americans a negative rating, a 14-point gap that aligns with a broader worldwide trend. Same religion, different conclusions. Christians in France and Christians in Brazil look almost nothing alike on issues like abortion. Regional and cultural context shapes moral views at least as much as religious identity does. Views on divorce have softened globally. Comparing this study to Pew's 2013 survey of similar questions, one of the clearest trends is a decline in the share of people across many countries calling divorce morally wrong, with notable exceptions including India, where the number moved in the opposite direction. Rigorous methodology is the foundation. Surveying roughly 1,000 people per country isn't arbitrary. That threshold enables reliable cross-demographic comparisons within each country. Pew's international work uses face-to-face interviews, phone surveys, or both depending on what's standard and safe in each country. About Our Guest Jonathan Evans is a senior researcher at Pew Research Center, where he focuses on international polling related to religion and national identity. He has authored studies on religion in India, religious tolerance and segregation, Christianity in Western Europe, and religious belief and national belonging in Central and Eastern Europe. He holds a graduate degree from Georgetown University's Department of Government, where he studied democracy and governance. Before his career in research, he was an organ performance major whose undergraduate thesis involved analyzing original manuscripts of a Charles Hubert Hastings Parry composition at Oxford. Yes, really. Links and Resources Pew Research Center - pewresearch.org Fantasia and Fugue in G Op. 188 - Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry - www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O0lBYic6DY Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Now go talk some politics and religion but with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bono once said, before launching into Helter Skelter: “This is a song Charles Manson stole from the Beatles. We’re stealing it back.” That line describes exactly what’s been happening to some of the most important words in the English language, and exactly what we need to do about it. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Words Shape How We Think: When powerful words get hijacked and attached to behaviors that contradict their meaning, it distorts our ability to reason about reality. This isn’t semantics. It’s about preserving the architecture of accountability.   “Christian” Belongs to Those Who Follow Jesus: The word has nothing to do with political allegiance. The Jesus of Matthew, the one who called down blessings on the meek and the peacemakers, is not interchangeable with any flag or party symbol.   “Conservative” Means Responsible Stewardship: Edmund Burke. William F. Buckley Jr. A tradition built on civil order, distributed power, and fiscal responsibility. Adding $5.5 trillion to the national debt while weaponizing the executive branch is not that tradition.   “Patriot” Means Defending the Constitution: Peggy Noonan, whose work was shared by the Heritage Foundation, defined American patriotism as the reaffirmation of founding ideas: free speech, free press, freedom of religion, equal protection. Real patriots protect speech, especially speech they disagree with.   “Truth” Is Not a Brand: A platform built by someone with a documented record of tens of thousands of public lies does not get to claim the word. Truth belongs to those who actually pursue it.   We’re Stealing Them Back: Truth. Christian. Conservative. Patriot. These words carry centuries of weight and intention. They were made with moral substance. That’s what TP&R is all about: restoring the words to those who live them. Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do voters actually want? And does what happens on social media have anything to do with it? David Drucker spent his twenties running his parents' manufacturing businesses in East LA. He was paying workers' comp, dealing with state regulations, signing the checks. Then he became a political journalist. That backstory turns out to matter. In this conversation, the senior writer at The Dispatch joins Corey to talk about what it means to cover American politics from the ground up. Drucker has built his career on getting out of Washington and talking to actual voters, and what he finds there consistently upends the assumptions of the media and political class. Most people are not as angry as your social media feed suggests. Most people have nuanced, complicated views. And most of them are voting on one thing: whether their lives are getting better or worse. The conversation ranges from the craft of journalism and the culture of The Dispatch to the internal fault lines of the MAGA coalition, the 2026 midterms, and the U.S. war in Iran. Drucker's analysis is sharp, his sourcing is deep, and his instinct, shaped by years of traveling the country, is to trust voters more than pundits. David Drucker is a senior writer at The Dispatch, based in Washington, D.C. Before joining in 2023, he was a senior correspondent at the Washington Examiner, a reporter at Roll Call, and covered California politics and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from the Sacramento bureau of the Los Angeles Daily News. He is the author of In Trump's Shadow and a regular presence on cable news and nationally syndicated radio. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Twitter Is Not the Town Square: The loudest voices online represent a small and unrepresentative slice of the electorate. Most Americans hold more nuanced, less partisan views than social media suggests, and they vote accordingly. The Ground Truth: There is no substitute for traveling and talking to voters in their own communities. Drucker has built a career on it. The alternative is reporting from inside an echo chamber. MAGA Voters Are Not Isolationists: They're against wars we lose. They're perfectly fine with projecting American power against bad actors. The vocal anti-war voices on the MAGA right are a minority within the coalition, not its center of gravity. The Economy Is the Election: Voters put Trump back in the White House expecting him to replicate his first-term economy. They don't think he's done that. That perception will drive the 2026 midterms. Politicians Are in the Service Business: They do what they believe they must to keep their jobs. Voters who complain about dysfunction are often sending contradictory signals, demanding results while simultaneously demanding that their representatives refuse to deal. The Dispatch as a Model: Drucker describes a publication built on being correct rather than fast, on traveling to where the story is, on editing everything twice, and on a business model not driven by clicks. AI and Journalism: Drucker doesn't use AI in his writing or drafting, and he doesn't trust it yet. He wants to see the original source material, not a summary. The Coalition Problem After Trump: Trump is just populistic enough for the populists and just normal enough for the normies. That is a unique skill. The next Republican nominee will not automatically inherit the coalition he built. Links and Resources The Dispatch: thedispatch.com David M. Drucker on Twitter: x.com/DavidMDrucker David on Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/davidmdrucker.bsky.social Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

62% of Trump voters say being MAGA is not an important part of their identity. So who, exactly, did we just elect? Stephen Hawkins has been trying to answer that question with data for nearly a decade. As Director of Research at More in Common since its founding in 2016, he helped author the landmark Hidden Tribes study and now leads the Beyond MAGA project, the most comprehensive look yet at the psychology of the 77 million Americans who voted for Donald Trump in 2024. In this conversation, Corey and Stephen dig into the four distinct types of Trump voters, the emergent phenomenon of "traditionalism" among Gen Z, the widening gap between MAGA hard-liners and the reluctant right, and what any of this means for a country that our guest describes as feeling "pre-hot conflict." Stephen brings the rigor of a public opinion researcher and the perspective of someone who has lived, worked, and changed his mind on both sides of America's ideological divide. This is not a conversation about demonizing Trump voters or excusing them. It is about understanding them, and about what that understanding demands of the rest of us. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Coalition, Not Cult. The Beyond MAGA study surveyed nearly 11,000 Trump voters and found four distinct segments: MAGA Hard-liners (29%), Anti-Woke Conservatives (21%), Mainline Republicans (30%), and the Reluctant Right (20%). Three out of five Trump voters say being MAGA is not a central part of their identity. The Exhausted Majority Under Pressure. Stephen expects Hidden Tribes 2.0 to show the wings have grown, not shrunk. The exhausted majority may be moving from exhaustion toward something closer to despair. New Traditionalism and the Logic of Transgression. Among younger Trump voters, traditional or religious identity functions as a form of rebellion in a secular culture. For some Gen Z voters, Christianity is more countercultural than secularism. Supporting Trump taps the same energy as defying the teacher everyone dislikes. The Respect Gap. 84% of Trump voters feel respected by Trump. Only 21% feel respected by Democratic politicians. That 63-point gap is why even reluctant Trump voters are unlikely to migrate to the other party, regardless of policy grievances. No Inflection Points. The Epstein files, Greenland threats, Medicare subsidy rollbacks, military actions in Venezuela and Iran: none of them meaningfully moved Trump voter support. Reconsideration is happening among those who were already hesitant, not among convinced supporters. Stories, Values, Listen. Corey and Stephen both land on the same framework for better cross-divide conversation: surface the other person's story, understand their underlying value system (not just their policy positions), and listen with genuine curiosity rather than loading up your rebuttal. The Case for Clarity. More in Common is nonpartisan and does not have electoral ambitions, but Stephen does not mince words: the country feels pre-hot-conflict, and what it needs is not more outrage but more precision about who is actually out there and what they believe. About Our Guest Stephen Hawkins is Director of Research at More in Common, a nonpartisan organization working to understand and address the forces driving political division in nine countries. He has overseen the organization's research since its founding in 2016, including the landmark 2018 Hidden Tribes study and the 2026 Beyond MAGA project. Prior to More in Common, Stephen conducted public opinion research for Fortune 100 companies, United Nations agencies, electoral campaigns, and political movements. He has appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal and regularly on Colorado Matters. He holds a master's in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School and a B.A. in political science and international affairs from George Washington University's Elliott School. Links and Resources Beyond MAGA report: beyondmaga.us More in Common on Substack: moreincommon.substack.com More in Common: moreincommonus.com Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it look like to grow up in a city running power cords between neighbors' houses just to stay warm — and then spend your career trying to rebuild that ethic everywhere else? Fred Riley is the Executive Director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute, where he leads a national effort to fund, highlight, and connect the grassroots leaders who are stitching communities back together. Fred grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, shaped by a mother who "kneaded the dough" of her kids like bread — and by teachers, pastors, and neighbors who saw something worth nurturing. That formation is the whole story of why Weave exists, and why Fred is the right person running it. This conversation goes deep: from the Baltimore neighborhood that got a symphony performance because one woman cleaned out a vacant lot, to the moment Fred lived for months with his boxes packed — because he wasn't planning to stay. And somehow it circles back to why, at the end of the day, the most radical thing any of us can do is knock on a neighbor's door. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Weave the Social Fabric Project: Founded by David Brooks at the Aspen Institute, Weave identifies and resources "weavers" — people living counter-culturally in their communities by showing up for neighbors, organizing mutual aid, and building trust where it's been lost. Connected Service: Not volunteering for a community, but with one. Repetitive, in-person, relational — the kind of service that actually builds bonds rather than just checking a box. The Trust Map: Weave's tool at trustmap.org lets you find your community's trust score and connect to stories and resources that can help shift it. The Whole-Self Prerequisite: You can't show up for a community when you're not whole yourself. Fred's personal journey — weight, identity, a period of planning to end his life — is inseparable from the conviction he brings to this work. Cement the Relationship First: Fred's answer to the TP&R question: don't go in leading with politics. Find the shared humanity first. If the relationship is solid enough, the disagreements become manageable — or irrelevant. See People as Kids in Adult Clothes: A framework from Fred's own therapy: if you can picture the childhood behind someone's adult behavior, you unlock a level of empathy that makes even hard conversations possible. About Our Guest Fred Riley is the Executive Director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute. He previously served as Chief Advancement Officer for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati and built his career in youth development and community organizing. He lives in Washington, D.C. Links and Resources Fred Riley / Weave Weave: The Social Fabric Project: weavers.org Trust Map: trustmap.org Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you actually mean when you say the Pledge of Allegiance? And are you still willing to mean it? For years, Corey stood in silence during the Pledge of Allegiance, troubled by what looked too much like idol worship. Then something shifted. Reading the words instead of performing them, he realized the pledge was never about the flag or the man holding the office. It was about the republic for which it stands. In a moment when that republic is under genuine pressure, this episode is about the difference between supporting a policy and cheering the dismantling of the constitutional constraints that govern how it gets carried out. Those are not the same thing, and the confusion between them is where democracies go wrong. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Republic, Not Ruler: The Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge to a constitutional order, not to a flag, a party, or a person. Reading those words carefully changes everything about what it means to say them. Policy vs. Method: You can support stronger border enforcement and still insist on due process. You can back economic protectionism and still insist Congress holds the commerce power. Supporting a goal is not a blank check for any method of achieving it. Article I Is Not Ambiguous: The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to declare war and regulate commerce with foreign nations. This isn't interpretation. It's the plain text, and conservative and liberal scholars alike have been raising the alarm for years. The Gap Is Real: Trump won with just under 51% of the vote. His approval is now below 40%. That gap consists of real people who voted for a sane border policy and lower grocery prices, and are now watching something different. They are not the same people as those applauding masked agents conducting raids with minimal judicial oversight. Authoritarianism Begins with Exceptions: It doesn't begin with troops in the streets. It begins when citizens decide constitutional limits are optional when the right person is in charge. That logic, extended to the next administration, is what's actually on the table. Jonathan Rauch Said the Word: One of the most careful, fair-minded political thinkers in America, someone who literally wrote the book defending free inquiry from both the left and the right, used the word "fascism" for the first time after concluding the resemblances had become too many and too strong to deny. The question isn't whether he went too far. The question is why so many others are still hesitating. A Declaration, Not a Reflex: What was once a civic ritual has become something else. Saying those words in a moment when the republic is under pressure is not nationalism. It's resistance. Links and Resources David French (referenced) Constitutional scholar, First Amendment advocate, columnist - www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/opinion/trump-iran-congress-approval.html Jonathan Rauch (referenced) Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free Thought — press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/K/bo18140749.html Yes, It's Fascism - www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/america-fascism-trump-maga-ice/685751/ Justice Neil Gorsuch (referenced) Concurrence in the recent tariff case, arguing for the constitutional role of Congress as deliberative body - www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/24-1287#writing-24-1287_CONCUR_5 Connect with Us Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it look like to spend 25 years covering a story you wish you could stop covering — and still refuse to despair? Gustavo Arellano is an LA Times columnist, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and the son of two Mexican immigrants. In this conversation he covers the Trump deportation machine, Rancho Libertarianism, why Americans hate Mexicans but love Mexican food, and what it actually looks like to stay in relationship across political difference. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   Key Takeaways The Deportation Leviathan: This isn’t about policy logic or net fiscal impact. It’s demonization as strategy, funded for decades, borrowed from California’s Prop 187 playbook. Agents of Their Own Lives: Undocumented people are not a pitiful mass. They are individuals who make this country better. Framing them as victims does them a disservice. Rancho Libertarianism: The political identity Gustavo coined for Mexican hill-country values: bootstrap mentality, community pride, distrust of government, refusal to be used by either party. It explains a lot about 2024. Latinos Are Not a Monolith: Every community on his 3,000-mile pre-election road trip had its own story. None of it reducible to a single bloc. You Eat Their Food, You Start to See Them: Mexican food as cultural bridge. The problem with Chipotle is that it’s a burrito gentrifier, displacing local traditions it doesn’t care about. Stay in the Friendships: A Trump-supporting friend promised to take up guns for Gustavo if ICE came for him. Gustavo told him to start carrying his passport, “because you’re darker than me.” The friend responded with a thumbs up. That, Gustavo says, was a victory. These Are Also the Best of Times: During Operation Wetback in the 1950s, the only people fighting back were communists. Today the resistance is broader than anything this country has seen on this issue. About Our Guest Gustavo Arellano is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times and the author of Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America. He was a finalist for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in commentary and part of the team that won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in breaking news. The son of two Mexican immigrants, he has covered immigration, Latino politics, and the American Southwest for 25 years. Links and Resources Gustavo Arellano Newsletter (free, weekly): gustavoarellano.org LA Times: latimes.com/people/gustavo-arellano   “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)” (referenced at 00:26:00) Woody Guthrie’s song about the 1948 crash that killed 28 Mexican farmworkers. ICE’s January 2025 post calling the victims “illegal Mexican aliens” is what sent Gustavo to write about it. Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam (referenced at 00:57:00) On declining social capital. Gustavo’s prescription: join things, meet people, touch grass. Born in East LA (1987, referenced at 00:15:00) Cheech Marin’s satirical classic. Gustavo’s conversation about it with David Chang is what put it on Corey’s radar. Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it cost a person to go unseen? And what does it ask of us to truly see one another? In this solo reflection, Corey Nathan explores the moral weight of being seen and the deliberate cruelty of being made invisible. From Marilynne Robinson's Lila to Muhammad Ali's thundering "What's my name?" to Mother Teresa's gaze upon the discarded, this episode traces a thread that runs through literature, history, jazz, and the headlines of this particular moment. When Attorney General Pam Bondi turned her back on Jeffrey Epstein's survivors, when federal agents hide behind masks while the faces of those they detain are photographed and published, when a president plasters his name above John F. Kennedy's, these are not isolated incidents. They are a pattern. And naming that pattern is where the work begins. What would it mean to choose differently? To look at one another the way John Ames looked at Lila? To call each other by our own names? Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion What This Episode Explores The Need to Be Seen To be seen — truly seen, not used or categorized or erased — is both what we most need and what can make us most exposed. Marilynne Robinson's Lila captures this with devastating precision: the way genuine recognition can feel terrifying to someone who has only ever been seen as a body to be used. When Power Weaponizes Invisibility Pam Bondi sat before Congress with her back to Jeffrey Epstein's survivors. Federal agents conceal their identities behind masks while those they detain are pictured and named. Those killed in lethal operations are reduced to labels. The pattern Colonel David Lapan identified is not accidental: those with power choose who remains invisible and who is exposed. What's My Name Muhammad Ali didn't just fight Ernie Terrell in 1967. He demanded to be known on his own terms, not by a name others had assigned him. The jazz musicians of the 1940s did the same thing, quietly and subversively, by calling each other "man" in a culture that called Black men "boy." To name someone is to acknowledge their humanity. The Counterexamples From Mother Teresa to David Brooks to Vaclav Havel, this episode draws on voices who understood what it means to see and be seen, as well as why that capacity is never merely symbolic. It is the foundation of moral culture. The Challenge to the Church As a Christian, Corey wrestles honestly with a hard number: more than two-thirds of white evangelicals continue to support an administration whose record on human dignity, as described in this episode, is difficult to square with the gospel. What We Can Choose None of us can single-handedly reshape national politics. But we can choose how we see each other. We can turn around and see those this administration will not. Why This Matters Now The daily acts of seeing, naming, and beholding are not symbolic gestures. They are the building blocks of moral culture. And when those in authority systematically exploit the need to be seen or weaponize anonymity to strip others of their humanity, the response can't only be political. It has to be personal. As Jesse Jackson shared with a group of children on Sesame Street: I am... somebody. Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Final Thought The world will not always look at you the way you deserve to be seen. But you can choose to look that way at others. Now go talk some politics and religion. And step forward. With gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we rebuild the social fabric of our neighborhoods and congregations in an age of disconnection and division? In this episode, Pastor Amy Schenkel joins Corey to talk about what it means to be a "weaver" in your own community. From a front-yard picnic table that became a neighborhood gathering place to decades of church planting in downtown Grand Rapids, Amy brings a grounded, practical theology of neighboring that cuts across political and religious lines. Along the way, she and Corey explore the difference between curiosity and contentiousness, how congregations survive painful splits, and why "mission" might be the one thing that unites people who agree on very little else. Amy is a pastor and ministries coordinator at Neland Avenue Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a regional mission leader who has also served as North American and U.S. Director of Resonate Global Mission. She's a trained missiologist, a church planting veteran, and a certified speaker with the Weave Speakers Bureau. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Neighboring as a Practice: Neighboring doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality, imagination, and a willingness to show up consistently for the people around you. The Front-Yard Principle: A picnic table in the front yard rather than the backyard signals openness. Shared space that's accessible but not invasive invites connection without pressure. Missional Imagination: There's no curriculum for how your church or community should engage its neighborhood. It requires listening, creativity, and the willingness to try things and sometimes fail. Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): Instead of cataloguing what's broken in a neighborhood, start by identifying what's already there: the gifts, talents, and resources people bring. Let the community lead its own renewal. Mission as Common Ground: Churches and communities can disagree deeply about politics and theology while still uniting around a shared calling to love their neighbors. Mission can hold together what ideology pulls apart. Curiosity Over Contentiousness: Everyone is an expert in something you know nothing about. Approaching others with genuine curiosity rather than a prepared rebuttal changes the entire nature of a conversation. The Non-Anxious Presence: When a community faces painful decisions, the most valuable thing a leader can bring is a calm, non-anxious presence. It lowers the temperature and makes honest dialogue possible. Broken Open: Weave identifies people who have been "broken open" by loss or hardship as some of the most effective community weavers. Suffering, when it doesn't harden us, can deepen our compassion for those on the margins. Dispositional Preparation: The preparation that matters most before a hard conversation isn't rehearsing your rebuttals. It's working on your own disposition, arriving curious, open, and genuinely willing to hear. The Image of God Principle: Even when a relationship feels impossibly strained, there's a way through. Lisa Sharon Harper's prayer, "The image of God in me loves the image of God in you," offers a floor to stand on when everything else feels unstable. About Our Guest Pastor Amy Schenkel is a pastor and ministries coordinator at Neland Avenue Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she works to help one congregation connect more deeply with its neighborhood. A graduate of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary, Amy was among the first women ordained in her classis within her denomination. Amy served for years with Resonate Global Mission, including as U.S. and North American Director, overseeing church planting and local mission engagement across the continent. Her work has always centered on a question at the heart of reformed missiology: how do ordinary people, in ordinary vocations, become agents of renewal in their communities? She and her husband Henry church-planted together in downtown Grand Rapids starting around 2000, learning early that a faith community rooted in a neighborhood has to think beyond Sunday mornings. Today she brings that same missional imagination to her work with individual congregations and with Weave: The Social Fabric Project, where she is a certified speaker available to address both secular and faith-based audiences. Links and Resources Weave: The Social Fabric Project weavers.org The Colossian Forum (recommended by Amy for congregations navigating conflict) colossianforum.org Lisa Sharon Harper (referenced in conversation) The Very Good Gospel and Fortune — both highly recommended by Amy lisasharonharper.com Amy Schenkel LinkedIn: Pastor Amy Schenkel Available through the Weave Speakers Bureau: weavers.org/speakers Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Gratitude as well to Village Square for coming alongside us in this work and helping foster better civic dialogue. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note for TP&R Listeners From time to time, it helps to talk about something other than politics in order to understand politics. Sports is one of the last shared civic spaces where identity, loyalty, disagreement, trash talk, and even tribalism can play out without destroying relationships. In other words, many of the same human instincts we explore on Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other show up in a baseball season just as clearly as they do in an election season. So today’s episode comes from another show in the SCAN Media family, East Meets West Sports, co-hosted with veteran broadcaster Rick Garcia. Same curiosity about why people care so deeply about what they care about. Just with box scores instead of polling numbers. If it’s your thing, great. If not, regular TP&R programming resumes next episode. Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other is proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what is broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. And thank you to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for helping make conversations like this possible. East Meets West Sports with Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan kick off baseball season with a deep dive into the offseason moves that have everyone talking and at least one list that has Corey fuming about West Coast bias. They break down the Dodgers' superteam additions of Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker, the Mets' stacked roster and farm system, and why teams like Pittsburgh can scout great talent but can't hold onto it. They also get into the salary cap debate, Steve Cohen's "no captain" declaration, and whether meddling owners ever really help their teams. And in Pop That Culture, they tackle the biggest controversy heading into the Winter Olympics: Norway's ski jumping suits, a crotch-area aerodynamics scandal that has to be heard to be believed. Find Us On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Follow Rick Garcia: @RickGarciaNews on X (Twitter) Follow Corey Nathan: @coreysnathan on Substack, Threads, Instagram, X & more Key Takeaways 1. The Dodgers Just Keep Getting Better Yahoo Sports graded the Dodgers' offseason an A+, and it's hard to argue. Adding Edwin Diaz from the Mets and Kyle Tucker as a free agent gives them arguably the deepest roster in the game (even if Tucker now ranks as maybe the seventh-best player on his own team). 2. Corey Is Very Excited About the Mets (No Surprise There) Two surefire Hall of Famers in Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, a legit ace in Freddie Peralta, a deep rotation, improved defense up the middle, and a top-five farm system, even after trading prospects. Rookie of the Year candidate Nolan McLean headlines a wave of young talent coming up. Corey believes. Rick is... skeptical. 3. The "Most Improved" List Has a West Coast Bias Problem A MLB.com ranking of teams that improved most this offseason had the Giants and Rockies ahead of the Mets. The Rockies! Corey had thoughts. Many thoughts. The list is based on "projected WAR," which only raises more questions. 4. Small-Market Teams Are Wasting Their Advantages Pittsburgh has one of the best farm systems in baseball, including the top overall prospect, but keeps developing players for wealthier teams to sign away. Rick and Corey agree the game needs a salary floor, not just a luxury tax, to force lower-payroll owners to actually invest in their teams. 5. Steve Cohen Says No Captains, Ever The Mets owner drew headlines by declaring there will never be a team captain while he owns the club. Rick's take: that's exactly the kind of call owners shouldn't be making. Corey's take: Cohen is actually a good owner who trusts his front office. And Lindor leads whether he has a C on his jersey or not. 6. CrotchGate Comes to the Winter Olympics Norway's ski jumping team has been caught altering the crotch area of its suits to gain an aerodynamic edge. The physics actually make sense. A roomier suit creates lift during the V-position jump. Some athletes allegedly went further than just tailoring. Rick and Corey debate whether this is innovative gamesmanship or just cheating. There is only one correct answer. Or maybe two. The season starts. The arguments never do.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we balance free speech, platform accountability, and democratic integrity when technology moves faster than policy? In this episode, Katie Harbath, the "election whisperer to the tech industry," joins Corey Nathan to discuss the impossible trade-offs facing social media platforms, the evolving landscape of AI and misinformation, and what it means to "panic responsibly" in an era of rapid technological change. Katie spent a decade at Facebook as a policy director managing elections globally, navigating crises from Cambridge Analytica to the 2020 election. Now as CEO of Anchor Change and Chief Global Affairs Officer at Duco, she helps organizations understand how the internet shapes democracy. The conversation explores how to use AI ethically in creative work, the challenges of content moderation at scale, why community notes might be better than fact-checking, and how individuals can reclaim agency over their information diets. Katie also shares her personal evolution on free speech, the difference between distribution and moderation, and why the next four years will require all of us to find new ways to ground ourselves. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Panic Responsibly: Don't be paralyzed by fear of AI or technological change. Take agency over how you use these tools while considering ethical guardrails Impossible Trade-offs: Platform decisions involve choices between imperfect options with unknowable long-term consequences (see: Cambridge Analytica stemming from 2010's Open Graph) AI Ethics in Practice: Katie uses AI to organize thoughts, identify themes, spot repetitive phrases, and show line edits; but keeps human input and output central to the creative process Free Speech Evolution: Even tech policy experts are evolving their views. Katie has moved toward greater support for free speech while recognizing the importance of context and consequences Distribution vs. Moderation: The key question isn't just what stays on platforms, but what gets amplified by algorithms. Distribution decisions matter as much as content decisions Community Notes > Fact-Checking: Collaborative, crowdsourced context may be more effective and less politically fraught than centralized fact-checking operations You Have Agency: Individuals control which platforms they use, what content they engage with, and what news sources they consume. These choices train algorithms and shape experiences Election Infrastructure Improved: Despite continued challenges, election officials have made significant strides since 2020 in security, preparedness, and collaboration with tech platforms Social Media: Mixed Bag: Platforms have given voice to candidates and causes that would otherwise struggle for attention, but have also created new challenges for democracy Information Audit: Katie recommends doing an annual "news audit" to ensure your media consumption aligns with your values and includes diverse perspectives across the political spectrum About Our Guest Katie Harbath is an award-winning global leader at the intersection of technology, policy, and elections. She spent a decade at Facebook as a Public Policy Director, where she built and led the teams that managed elections globally, navigating some of the platform's most challenging moments. Today, Katie is the CEO of Anchor Change, a technology consulting firm, and Chief Global Affairs Officer at Duco. Described as the "election whisperer to the tech industry," she helps organizations navigate the complex intersections of technology, democracy, and policy. Katie is writing a book about her experiences in tech policy and is a sought-after voice on issues of platform governance, content moderation, AI ethics, and the future of democracy in the digital age. She is known for her pragmatic approach to impossible trade-offs and her catchphrase "panic responsibly" when it comes to emerging technologies. Links and Resources Katie Harbath's Work: Substack: anchorchange.substack.com Anchor Change: anchorchange.com Duco Experts: ducoexperts.com Katie's AI Ethics and Disclosure Statement: anchorchange.substack.com/p/ethics-and-transparency-statement Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Gratitude as well to Village Square for coming alongside us in this work and helping foster better civic dialogue. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Davos last month, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney lamented what he called “the end of a pleasant fiction.” That notion has is hard to fathom yet impossible to ignore. For decades, the United States did not merely wield power. It framed power in moral terms. Legitimacy. Integrity. Rules. Whether we always lived up to those words is one question. Whether we still speak them with credibility is another. In this solo reflection, Corey Nathan explores what it means when America is no longer the country that lends moral language to the world order, but the country other nations feel compelled to hedge against. From Tocqueville’s warning about democratic withdrawal to Jonathan Rauch’s analysis of patrimonialism, from Lincoln’s humility to the theological posture of the National Prayer Breakfast, this episode wrestles with a turning point. If the pleasant fiction is over, what replaces it? Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion What This Episode Explores The End of a Moral Vocabulary For generations, American power was framed in moral language. Integrity and legitimacy were not just strategic tools but aspirations. Today, that language lands differently, not as calling card but as indictment. From Moral Order to Patrimonialism Drawing on the work of Jonathan Rauch, this episode examines what happens when public power begins to resemble personal property. Loyalty replaces rules. Access depends on fealty. Markets and institutions begin to read the room rather than uphold neutral principles. The National Prayer Breakfast and Theological Posture A prayer breakfast is meant to orient upward in humility. When reverence bends inward, the shift is not merely stylistic. It is theological. Tocqueville’s Warning Democracy’s danger may not arrive as sudden tyranny but as gradual withdrawal. Citizens retreat into private grievance. Moral discipline erodes. Individualism curdles into narcissism. The Comforting Assumption About Ourselves Nearly every white pastor today believes they would have stood with Martin Luther King Jr. The question is not whether that belief is sincere. The question is whether it would have been true. The Choice Before Citizens The world is already adjusting. Allies hedge. Middle powers collaborate. The question now belongs to citizens, not prime ministers. Withdrawal is understandable. It is not inevitable. Why This Matters Now The loss at stake is not only status but trust. If the pleasant fiction required tending, then its collapse requires responsibility. Renewal, if it comes, will not arrive through taunts or spectacle. It will be decided by habits, by courage, by whether citizens retreat or step forward. Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Gratitude as well to Village Square for coming alongside us in this work and helping foster better civic dialogue. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Final Thought The question is not who we would like to identify with in the story. The question is where our words, positions, and actions actually place us. Go talk some politics and religion. Step forward. With gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we learn to see one another as human again in a moment shaped by fear, fragmentation, and outrage? In this episode, photographer, author, and storyteller John Noltner joins Corey Nathan as part of TP&R’s ongoing Weavers series in partnership with Weave: The Social Fabric Project. John’s work spans five continents and centers on a simple but demanding conviction: storytelling and art can help restore trust, dignity, and connection in a divided world. From Minneapolis in the midst of national attention to the U.S. southern border, Northern Ireland, and beyond, John reflects on what it means to bear witness without exploiting pain, to listen without trying to win, and to practice proximity rather than abstraction. The conversation explores how curiosity can disarm contempt, why relationship must precede disagreement, and what it takes to stay open to human connection without becoming numb to suffering. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey’s Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways • Storytelling and art can open space for understanding when facts and arguments fail • It is possible to encounter deep disagreement without abandoning moral clarity • Curiosity is a practice, not a personality trait, and it can be cultivated • Human connection requires patience before tackling the most contentious issues • Being seen is different from being observed, and the difference matters • Proximity to people is often more illuminating than distance from ideas • The social fabric is frayed in partisan politics but surprisingly strong in local acts of care • Vulnerability deepens connection but carries real emotional cost About the Guest John Noltner is an award winning author, photographer, and founder of A Peace of My Mind. His work focuses on peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and human dignity through storytelling. John has produced projects for national publications, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofit organizations, and his books and exhibitions have been used by communities across the world to foster dialogue and civic trust. Links and Resources WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project: weavers.org A Peace of My Mind: apeaceofmymind.org Audio Reflection Course: 40 Days Toward Deeper Listening Podcast: A Peace of My Mind Instagram: @apommstories Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Gratitude as well to Village Square for coming alongside this work and helping foster better civic dialogue. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people imagine themselves as the ones who would have resisted. The ones who would have spoken up. The ones who would have refused to go along. History tends to tell a different story. In this episode, Corey Nathan explores how anonymity subtly yet significantly reshapes moral responsibility. Not all at once, and not dramatically, but steadily. What begins as distance or abstraction often ends as permission. Permission to flatten, dismiss, or dehumanize without fully reckoning with the human cost. This episode serves as a spoken companion to the essay Anonymity and the Collapse of the Thou, tracing how moral imagination thins when people stop encountering one another as full human beings. Calls to Action ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion What This Episode Explores Anonymity as a continuum Anonymity is not simply named versus nameless. At one end lies healthy privacy and necessary protection. Move far enough along that continuum, however, and something shifts. Neighbors become avatars. Persons become categories. Moral responsibility begins to erode. From I-Thou to I-It Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, the episode contrasts I-Thou relationships, which recognize the other as a person, with I-It relationships, which reduce the other to a function, role, or obstacle. Anonymity subtly nudges human interaction away from encounter and toward objectification. How dehumanization actually happens Rarely does anyone set out to be cruel. Language flattens. Tone sharpens. Context disappears. Once people become abstractions, harm starts to feel like enforcement, righteousness, or necessity rather than cruelty. The story we tell ourselves about history History is rarely judged by who people imagined themselves to be. It is judged by who benefited from their choices, who was cast as the threat, and who paid the price. The episode challenges the comforting assumption that moral clarity would have come easily. Moral distance and accountability Anonymity creates moral distance, and moral distance makes unbearable actions easier to justify. This insight reaches beyond platforms and politics into Scripture, civic life, and the foundations of constitutional self government, all of which presume identifiable responsibility. Why this matters now Cultures trained to dehumanize do not become lethal overnight. Words loosen first. Norms erode next. By the time violence appears, it often feels inevitable to those involved. Democracy survives not on procedures alone, but on people repeatedly choosing to see one another as human. Episode Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today’s conversation possible. Gratitude as well to Village Square for coming alongside this work and helping foster better civic dialogue. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Final Thought The question is not who we would like to identify with in the story. The question is where our words, positions, and actions actually place us. Go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do societies decide which stories to tell about themselves and which truths to soften or ignore? In this episode, historian, communications strategist, and Freedom Over Fascism host Dr. Stephanie Wilson joins Corey Nathan to discuss collective memory, historical narrative, and the language shaping American civic life right now. Drawing on her academic work on Jerusalem, her experience in political communications, and her current focus on democracy and messaging, Stephanie explores how myths take hold, why people instinctively place themselves on the “right side” of history, and what happens when cruelty and dehumanization become normalized tools of power. Along the way, the conversation wrestles with Israel and Palestine, fascism and language, media failure, activism, and what it actually takes to engage across deep disagreement without abandoning moral clarity. Calls to Action ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways • Collective memory often says more about who is telling the story than about the past itself • People naturally imagine themselves as heroes or resisters rather than beneficiaries or bystanders • Museums, monuments, and national myths are political acts, whether acknowledged or not • Fascism is better understood through concrete behaviors than abstract labels • Language shapes what people are willing to see, justify, or ignore • Values based framing opens more space for dialogue than policy arguments alone • Curiosity and empathy are necessary skills for sustaining democracy, even when lines must be drawn • Engagement across difference does not require moral surrender or tolerance of cruelty About the Guest Dr. Stephanie Wilson is a historian, activist, and communications expert. She is the creator and host of Freedom Over Fascism, where she examines democracy, messaging, media ecosystems, and civic engagement through conversations with journalists, scholars, and organizers. Her academic work focuses on historical memory, museums, and narrative power, with particular attention to Jerusalem and contested histories. Links and Resources • Freedom Over Fascism on Substack: www.freedomoverfascism.us • Freedom Over Fascism on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FreedomOverFascismPod Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where do we actually place ourselves in the stories we tell about courage, faith, and power? In this solo episode, Corey reflects on how individuals and communities locate themselves within history, scripture, and national memory. The temptation, especially among those shaped by religious or moral traditions, is to imagine oneself as prophetic rather than complicit, as a resister rather than an enabler. History, however, is rarely judged by intention or self identification. It is judged by outcomes, by who benefited, who was harmed, and who paid the price. Drawing on personal encounters, Christian history, and contemporary political examples, the episode examines how moral cosplay replaces moral courage, how grievance masquerades as righteousness, and how constitutional principles become conditional when filtered through tribal identity. The reflection closes with a sober question. Not who we admire in the story, but who we actually resemble when power, fear, and consequence converge. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways: • History judges alignment, not intention • Moral identity is often shaped by selective memory • Grievance can become a substitute for courage • Constitutional rights lose meaning when applied selectively • Every generation inherits responsibility, not just stories Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group History does not ask who we admired. It asks who we resembled.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it mean to live in an age where disorder is no longer a temporary crisis but a permanent condition? Corey is joined by Jason Pack, a geopolitical analyst and founder of Libya Analysis, to discuss global instability, institutional decay, and what Jason calls the Enduring Disorder. Drawing on experiences spanning post-9/11 Middle East policy, Libya’s fragile political landscape, and years of work with NATO affiliated institutions, Jason argues that the world has moved beyond the post Cold War order into something far more volatile and fragmented. The conversation weaves together geopolitics, psychology, religion, and even gambling theory. Jason explains how games like backgammon and poker illuminate leadership, risk, empathy, and decision making under uncertainty, offering metaphors for diplomacy and democratic governance alike. From Russia’s strategy of chaos to the erosion of institutional trust at home, the episode explores how disorder benefits those seeking power without responsibility and what it will take to rebuild shared standards of truth, accountability, and civic trust. Calls to Action ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways • The world has entered an era of enduring disorder rather than cyclical instability • Many modern power players seek chaos rather than a coherent alternative order • Geopolitics requires empathy, psychological insight, and strategic risk taking • Institutional decay mirrors the “enshittification” seen in digital platforms • Democratic renewal depends on honesty, expertise, and resisting simplistic solutions About the Guest Jason Pack is a geopolitical analyst, writer, and consultant focused on global disorder, conflict, and institutional resilience. He is the founder of Libya Analysis, host of the Disorder podcast, and the creator of the Enduring Disorder framework. Jason has served as an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and as Senior Analyst for Emerging Challenges at the NATO Defense College Foundation in Rome. His work spans Libya, the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, and the future of democratic governance. www.jasonpack.org Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Can democracy survive in a world where disorder is rewarded and institutions are no longer trusted to tell the truth?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why a ballgame can become a ritual and how shared attention carries meaning across generations. In this solo episode, Corey reflects on a conversation with his oldest child that began with skepticism about sports and opened into something deeper. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion From the civility of organized competition to the ways human beings channel conflict, from watching games with his brother to feeling the presence of his grandfather and uncle long after they are gone, this is a meditation on why sports can matter without needing to justify themselves. Being a fan of the New York Mets becomes a case study in disciplined hope, inherited memory, and the quiet work of staying present with one another. Not because anyone is convinced. But because something is shared. This episode also offers a window into why Corey co-hosts East Meets West Sports with Rick Garcia and why sports, at their best, are not an escape from the world but another way of understanding it. Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group This is Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other as lived practice. Staying in the room. Sharing attention. Letting ritual carry some of the weight when words are not enough.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when political labels lose their meaning and institutions begin to forfeit public trust? Corey is joined by Matt Lewis to reflect on how American politics arrived at its current moment and why many of the warnings raised a decade ago now feel unavoidable. The conversation coincides with the ten year anniversary of Matt’s book Too Dumb to Fail, which examined the rise of populism, intellectual decay, and the erosion of conservative principles long before Trump reshaped the political landscape. Corey and Matt discuss how conservatism has been reduced less to a philosophy than a posture, why grievance has replaced governing vision, and how former ideological opponents increasingly find themselves aligned around the defense of democratic norms. They explore the shift from the early blogosphere to today’s media environment, where platforms like Substack and YouTube have reopened space for longer form thinking and sustained dialogue. The episode also examines institutional credibility in an age of selective outrage. From Christianity to law enforcement, Matt argues that Trump’s politics do not merely divide but actively corrode public trust, reshaping how Americans interpret power, legitimacy, and state authority. The conversation closes with reflections on elections, incentives, and the unglamorous discipline required to write and think clearly in public. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion About the Guest: Matt Lewis is a columnist, author, and political commentator. He is the author of Too Dumb to Fail and Filthy Rich Politicians, co host of The DMZ with Bill Scher, and host of Matt Lewis Can’t Lose. He writes regularly on Substack at mattklewis.substack.com and contributes opinion pieces to The Hill. Matt writes regular at mattklewis.substack.com and for The Hill. You can also find his podcast on all the major apps as well as on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@mattlewis. Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group What remains when political identity becomes tribal? Can democracy survive without shared standards of truth, restraint, and responsibility?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s episode is a little different. From time to time on Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other, it feels right to widen the lens and explore the cultural spaces where identity, community, leadership, and rivalry show up in everyday life. Sports is one of those spaces. In this crossover episode, Corey shares a conversation from his new weekly show, East Meets West Sports, co-hosted with longtime broadcast journalist Rick Garcia. The discussion blends NFL playoff analysis, college football insight, and cultural reflection, featuring veteran sportscaster and former Indiana Hoosier Fred Kalil. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out and subscribe to East Meets West Sports on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. From NFL playoff pressure and coaching dominoes to Indiana’s unlikely championship run, Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan are joined by longtime sportscaster and former Hoosier Fred Kalil for sharp analysis, great stories, and old-school perspective. The fellas break down a wild opening round of the NFL playoffs, preview the divisional matchups, and sort through the ever-spinning coaching carousel before turning to college football’s biggest stage. With Kalil’s firsthand insight as a former Indiana football player, they explore locker-room culture, leadership, and what makes this Hoosiers run so improbable—and so compelling. They close by popping the culture, asking what it says about wealth, status, and excess when luxury car brands start building skyscrapers designed for people and their cars. Episode Highlights NFL Wild Card Weekend — What We Learned Bears stun the Packers with another late comeback 49ers survive the Eagles despite mounting injuries Rams edge Carolina in a tight matchup-driven battle Patriots expose Chargers’ roster flaws Bills escape Jacksonville—and raise bigger questions Divisional Round Picks 49ers vs. Seahawks — turnover battle decides it Rams vs. Bears — weather, Stafford, and discipline Bills vs. Broncos — elite defense vs. playoff nerves Texans vs. Patriots — defense wins the day Coaching Carousel Chaos Why quarterbacks dictate coaching success—fair or not John Harbaugh as the league’s top domino Why the Giants may be the most attractive opening Evaluating Kubiak, LaFleur, and other rising candidates College Football Championship Preview Indiana vs. Miami: toughness, depth, and discipline Why Indiana’s rushing attack may decide it Extended playoffs and the toll on programs Special Guest: Fred Kalil Former Indiana walk-on on the Hoosiers’ title run Old-school coaching vs. modern player culture Walk-ons, locker-room hierarchy, and earning reps SEC dominance, NIL money, and recruiting myths Bobby Knight stories, broadcast war stories, and sharp elbows Pop That Culture Luxury car brands building residential skyscrapers Parking your supercar in your living room—progress or excess? Big Picture Takeaways Playoff football still rewards defense and discipline Coaches rise and fall with their quarterbacks Culture matters—from locker rooms to ownership suites College football’s success may be breaking its own structure Some traditions (and personalities) never go out of style Find Us On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Follow Rick Garcia: @RickGarciaNews on X (Twitter) Follow Corey Nathan: @coreysnathan on Substack, Threads, Instagram, X & more Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Talking across differences doesn’t require agreement. It requires courage, curiosity, and the willingness to stay human.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when a nation debates whether it has a moral obligation to intervene in the suffering of others — and who gets to decide? Corey is joined by Pulitzer Prize–finalist historian and bestselling author H.W. Brands, Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin, to explore the moral, political, and human tensions behind one of the most consequential debates in American history. The conversation centers on Professor Brands’ latest book, America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War, which examines the clash between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh as the United States wrestled with whether to enter World War II — and what role America should play in the world. Professor Brands unpacks how personal biography shapes public history, introducing his framework of “big history” and “little history” — the intersection between sweeping geopolitical forces and the intimate human decisions that quietly steer them. From Lindbergh’s unlikely rise as a celebrity political figure to Roosevelt’s strategic ambiguity and political maneuvering, the discussion reveals how persuasion, fear, power, and moral reasoning collide in moments of national consequence. Corey and Dr. Brands explore the ethical tension at the heart of American leadership: When does power create responsibility? Is it moral for leaders to deceive in pursuit of what they believe is the greater good? How should a nation weigh human suffering abroad against the risks borne by its own citizens? The conversation also examines Lindbergh’s controversial views on race, antisemitism, and isolationism — resisting caricature while reckoning honestly with their implications.  Along the way, Brands reflects on his craft as a historian — how he uses diaries, speeches, correspondence, and press transcripts to reconstruct interior lives while remaining faithful to documented sources — and why narrative storytelling remains essential to understanding political power and human choice. The episode closes by turning forward: What questions should we be asking now that future historians will use to understand our moment? How should Americans grapple with a changing global balance of power, rising geopolitical instability, and the enduring tension between national interest and moral responsibility? Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion About the Guest: H.W. Brands holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin and is the author of numerous acclaimed histories and biographies, including Founding Partisans, The First American, Traitor to His Class, and America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War. Two of his biographies were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. Brands writes regularly on Substack at hwbrands.substack.com, where he publishes A User’s Guide to History. His forthcoming biography of George Washington, American Patriarch, will be released this spring. Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Talking across differences doesn’t require agreement. It requires courage, curiosity, and the willingness to stay human.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when global power politics collide with lived human suffering — and who gets centered in the story? This conversation was recorded in the immediate aftermath of dramatic U.S. military action in Venezuela and amid rising concerns about immigration enforcement and political violence in the United States. If you’re joining us via Pocket Casts, welcome — this show brings journalists, scholars, and public thinkers together for conversations across disagreement without turning each other into caricatures or shouting past one another. Corey is joined once again by leadership consultant, writer, and podcast host Lori Adams-Brown, who grew up in Venezuela and maintains deep personal ties to the country. Together, they explore what it means to witness global events not as abstractions, but as realities carried “in the bones.” Lori shares what Venezuela was like before decades of authoritarian rule reshaped everyday life — the culture, beauty, resilience, humor, and communal spirit that defined her childhood. She reflects on how collective trauma reshapes societies, how hyper-vigilance becomes normalized, and why resilience often comes with hidden costs. The conversation examines the recent removal of Nicolás Maduro, the geopolitical motivations behind U.S. involvement, and the danger of centering American political narratives over Venezuelan voices. Lori challenges listeners to resist ideological shortcuts and instead listen directly to those most affected — recognizing that Venezuelans are not a monolith, and that their responses blend relief, fear, grief, hope, and exhaustion all at once. Corey and Lori also explore how trauma — whether national, communal, or personal — can drive dogmatism, flatten nuance, and harden political identities. Drawing from Lori’s background in trauma-informed leadership and cross-cultural work, they discuss how curiosity, humility, and self-regulation are essential if we’re going to talk about politics and religion without dehumanizing one another. This is not a tidy conversation. It’s not meant to be. It’s an invitation to slow down, listen more carefully, and remember the human cost behind every headline. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Support Venezuelan-owned businesses in your community and seek out Venezuelan voices and journalists when following this story. About the Guest: Lori Adams-Brown is a leadership consultant who helps global leaders build innovative and inclusive organizations. She is the host of the podcast A World of Difference, where she interviews leaders across cultures and industries, and the author of a thoughtful Substack exploring leadership, difference, trauma, and human connection. Lori grew up in Venezuela and brings a deeply personal perspective to conversations about democracy, power, and collective resilience. 🌍 Podcast: A World of Difference — aworldofdifferencepodcast.com ✍️ Substack & Writing: loriadamsbrown.com Recommended Voices: 📌 Mariana Atencio (marianaatencio.substack.com) — Venezuelan journalist and storyteller covering Venezuelan affairs in both English and Spanish. Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Talking across differences doesn’t require agreement. It requires courage, curiosity, and the willingness to stay human.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This conversation was recorded in December, in the aftermath of a deadly antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia and before subsequent escalations by the Trump administration, including actions involving Venezuela.  If you’re joining us via Pocket Casts, welcome—this show brings journalists, scholars, and public figures together for conversations across disagreement without turning each other into caricatures and shouting past one another. Former Congressman Joe Walsh returns to Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other for a wide-ranging, unflinching conversation about democracy, moral responsibility, and what it means to resist authoritarianism without losing our humanity. Joe and Corey reflect on rising antisemitism, political violence, and the dangerous normalization of cruelty in American public life. From Trump’s character — and why it does matter — to the failures of both political parties, to the fear gripping immigrant communities across the country, this episode asks a hard but necessary question: What do we owe each other now? Joe speaks candidly about his journey from Tea Party firebrand to Democrat; the moral breaking points that forced him to leave MAGA; and why he believes understanding matters more than “finding common ground.” He also shares hard-earned lessons from years of engaging people across divides — including why the most important conversations almost always happen off-camera and one-on-one. The conversation also explores Joe’s newest project, PAXIS, an initiative designed to provide real-time tools, information, and protection for immigrant communities targeted by ICE. Rather than merely reacting to injustice, Joe argues, we must build infrastructure for resistance that ordinary people can actually use. ✅ Learn more about or support PAXIS: paxis.app This is not a tidy conversation. It’s not meant to be. It’s a human one. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Learn more about or support PAXIS: paxis.app About the Guest: Joe Walsh is a former U.S. Congressman, former Republican presidential candidate, and former nationally syndicated conservative radio host who has become one of the most outspoken critics of MAGA authoritarianism. He is the host of The Social Contract podcast and a leading voice calling for moral clarity, democratic accountability, and citizen engagement across political divides. Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Talking across differences doesn’t require agreement. It requires courage, honesty, and the willingness to stay human.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bishop Mary Glasspool models what it looks like to live one’s convictions with courage, humility, and grace — this “Best Of” episode reminds us that pluralism is not an abstraction, but a practice. Best Of TP&R As we close out the year, we’re resurfacing a small handful of conversations from the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other archive that best reflect what this show exists to do: create space for thoughtful disagreement, moral seriousness, and the hard work of living together in a pluralistic democracy. In this Best of 2025 spotlight, we revisit a deeply human and spiritually rich conversation with Bishop Mary D. Glasspool, a pioneering leader in the Episcopal Church whose life and ministry embody the possibility of faith without fear, conviction without coercion, and leadership without domination. From her early years growing up in the church, to wrestling with vocation, identity, and resistance from within her own denomination, Bishop Glasspool reflects on what it means to remain rooted in one’s faith while staying genuinely open to others — across theology, politics, and lived experience. This is not a conversation about winning arguments. It’s about becoming the kind of people who can stay in relationship even when the conversations are hard. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion What We Explore Growing up in the Episcopal Church and discovering a call to ministry Wrestling with faith, sexuality, and belonging during moments of deep personal and institutional resistance The historic ordination of women and the legacy of the Philadelphia 11 Why being deeply rooted in one’s own faith can make genuine interfaith dialogue possible Navigating polarization, fear, and exhaustion within religious communities The difference between hope and expectation — and why hope must remain central How listening, silence, and collaboration can heal what competition and certainty have fractured Highlights & Timestamps [00:00:00] Why this conversation still matters — and why we’re resurfacing it now [00:03:00] Growing up Episcopalian and the formative power of place, family, and church [00:13:00] Faith as identity vs. faith as choice — and learning to remain rooted without fear [00:19:00] Women’s ordination, the Philadelphia 11, and a church at a crossroads [00:31:00] Reconciling vocation, sexuality, and faith when the institution says “no” [00:40:00] Creating space for people who disagree — without surrendering conviction [00:48:00] Clergy exhaustion, political division, and the call to preach the basics [00:53:00] Hope vs. expectation — and why hope leaves the future in God’s hands [00:59:00] Why diversity is a strength — and what it takes to live that truth [01:06:00] Three closing reflections: beyond binaries, the discipline of listening, and collaboration over competition Memorable Quotes 🗣️ “If you are deeply rooted in your own faith, you are not threatened by people of other faiths.” — Bishop Mary Glasspool 🗣️ “Hope is not the same as expectation. Hope leaves the future in God’s hands.” — Bishop Mary Glasspool 🗣️ “Diversity is not a problem to be solved — it’s a strength to be lived into.” — Bishop Mary Glasspool ❤️ “The risk of staying in relationship is real — but it’s where hope lives.” — Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: The Philadelphia Eleven Documentary: https://www.philadelphiaelevenfilm.com The Episcopal Church: https://www.episcopalchurch.org Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group It’s not about erasing difference. It’s about making room for one another — with courage, humility, and care.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

E.J. Dionne brings moral clarity and humility to the hardest questions in public life — this “Best Of” episode reminds us what real dialogue can be. Best Of TP&R As we close out the year, we’re resurfacing a small handful of conversations from the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other archive that best reflect what this show exists to do: create space for thoughtful disagreement, moral seriousness, and the hard work of living together in a pluralistic democracy. In this Best of 2025 spotlight, we revisit one of the year’s most profound and inspiring conversations — a powerful episode featuring journalist, scholar, and public intellectual E.J. Dionne Jr. From discussing the soul of democracy to the essential role of faith and hope in civic life, E.J. offers wisdom forged over decades of public service, writing, and dialogue. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ 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 What We Explore: How E.J.’s upbringing shaped his approach to political argument. The moral imperative of engaging with ideas we disagree with. The difference between optimism and hope — and why the latter is vital. How faith and pluralism can bridge deep divides. Highlights & Timestamps: [00:03:00] E.J. on his father’s influence in encouraging thoughtful disagreement. [00:06:00] Delving into DEI and the “woke” discourse — beyond caricatures. [00:10:00] Unexpected ways the Trump era united pro-democracy coalitions. [00:15:00] Economic pain and populist anger in Fall River, Massachusetts. [00:24:00] The virtue of hope in sustaining public life and discourse. [00:36:00] E.J.'s personal faith journey and the humility of belief. [00:48:00] Reflections on Pope Francis and the Catholic Church’s evolution. [01:05:00] What keeps E.J. up at night — and what gives him hope. Memorable Quotes: "In real argument, you enter imaginatively into the ideas your opponent holds." — E.J. Dionne "Hope is the virtue on which faith and love depend." — E.J. Dionne "You can really disagree with people you love, and you can love people you disagree with." — E.J. Dionne "We find sanctity even in mundane conversations." — Corey Nathan Resources & Mentions: E.J. Dionne, Brookings Institution: www.brookings.edu/people/e-j-dionne Column, New York Times: www.nytimes.com/by/e-j-dionne-jr Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group It’s not about agreeing on everything. It’s about disagreeing with integrity, and listening with love.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Best Of TP&R As we close out the year, we’re resurfacing a small handful of conversations from the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other archive that best reflect what this show exists to do: create space for thoughtful disagreement, moral seriousness, and the hard work of living together in a pluralistic democracy. This conversation with Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner stands out as a true highlight — not just because of the ideas discussed, but because of the spirit in which they’re explored: curiosity, generosity, and an insistence that liberal democracy is something we must actively practice. Whether this is your first time hearing it or you’re returning to it, I’m really glad you’re here.   Why defending viewpoint diversity might be the most radical—and necessary—act in higher education today. What a treat to welcome two leading voices in the fight for viewpoint diversity and constructive civic dialogue: Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at Brookings and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, and Liz Joyner, founder of The Village Square. Recorded at a moment of rising polarization — and resurfaced now because its insights have only grown more urgent — Jon and Liz unpack the mission of Heterodox Academy (HxA). As board members, Jon and Liz unpack the organization’s mission to restore open inquiry and truth-seeking within higher education—and how these values are essential to preserving our democracy at large. With personal stories, sharp analysis, and even a few laughs, they explore what we each can do to counter the ecosystem of illiberalism and strengthen the social fabric. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ 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 Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] Intro: What’s broken in our democracy and how we fix it [00:01:00] Meet the guests: Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner [00:03:00] What is Heterodox Academy and how did it begin? [00:06:00] Rauch on early signs of "wokeness" and Kindly Inquisitors [00:08:00] Joyner’s grassroots experience with ideological diversity at Village Square [00:10:00] The "ecosystem of illiberalism" and why liberal principles matter [00:15:00] Can HxA help defend against external political coercion? [00:20:00] Are we headed toward institutional collapse or renewal? [00:25:00] Speech vs. coercion: The cultural and legal frontlines [00:33:00] Personal costs of speaking out: Corey’s Chappelle story [00:36:00] What should institutions do to defend free speech? [00:39:00] On the Trump administration’s authoritarian tactics [00:45:00] Fears for 2026 and 2028 elections [00:48:00] Signs of progress: Academic reform, FIRE, and HxA programs [00:54:00] How to break the cycle of intolerance [00:56:00] How do we actually talk to people who disagree? [01:01:00] "Love people back into communion with liberalism" [01:08:00] The local vs. national divide—learning from LA’s fires & ICE raids [01:14:00] Final reflections: Reclaiming truth, curiosity, and compassion Key Takeaways Liberalism needs defenders: Jon reminds us that truth-seeking demands criticism—and that “criticism hurts, but it’s necessary.” Civic spaces matter: Liz underscores the importance of local, respectful dialogue and building trust before crisis hits. The ecosystem is the problem: Illiberalism isn't coming from just one side; it’s a reactive spiral we must all help disrupt. Institutions must hold firm: It's not disagreement that's dangerous—it's coercion by powerful entities that silence dissent. Each of us has a role: From book clubs to coffee shops, we can all “love people back into communion with liberalism.” Notable Quotes “We are better together. A diverse people can self-govern—if we protect the institutions that help us do so.” – Liz Joyner “If I’m talking, I’m not learning. If I’m listening, I probably am.” – Jonathan Rauch “What I’d like you to talk about today is how we can love people back into communion with liberalism.” – Quoting Jonathan V. Last (via Liz Joyner) Resources & Mentions Heterodox Academy - heterodoxacademy.org The Constitution of Knowledge - www.brookings.edu/books/the-constitution-of-knowledge Kindly Inquisitors - press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/K/bo18140749.html A University the World Has Never Seen- heterodoxacademy.substack.com/p/a-university-the-world-has-never Jonathan Rauch- jonathanrauch.typepad.com Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group May your next conversation make room for disagreement — and still leave space for curiosity, courage, and care.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A conversation worth revisiting. Mónica Guzmán’s work captures the spirit of Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other at its best: fearlessly curious, deeply humane, and committed to bridging divides without sacrificing conviction. In this Best of TP&R episode, Corey revisits his wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation with Mónica Guzmán — journalist, author of I Never Thought of It That Way, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, and one of the most trusted voices in America’s bridge-building movement. Together, they explore why outrage so easily masquerades as moral clarity, how curiosity can act as a cooling force in moments of political rage, and why dialogue and activism are not opposing paths but necessary partners. Mónica reflects candidly on her own fears, boundaries, and doubts — including how to know when understanding must give way to action, and how to stay vigilant without becoming certain too quickly. This conversation also digs into free speech, Congress’s abdication of responsibility, the ethics of moderation and “proven falsehoods,” and why policing structure rather than content may be one of the most overlooked tools for healthier public discourse. If you’re new to TP&R — or if you’ve been looking for a hopeful, serious, and intellectually honest entry point into what this show is about — this episode remains one of our clearest expressions of that mission. Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Why revisiting this conversation matters right now [00:03] Processing elections without losing perspective [00:06] Recognizing when outrage needs curiosity [00:09] Congress, executive power, and shared civic frustration [00:12] COVID, free speech, and lived experience across divides [00:17] When understanding persuades — and when it doesn’t [00:20] Boundaries, bridge-burning, and “loving from a safe distance” [00:28] Moderation, misinformation, and policing structure vs. content [00:37] Dialogue and activism — why we need both [00:45] What good journalism actually looks like [00:50] Where Mónica’s bridge-building instinct began [00:57] Parenting, power, and conflict at the most human level [01:00] The real work of talking politics & religion without killing each other Key Takeaways • Outrage isn’t clarity — it’s often unexamined fear looking for certainty. • Curiosity doesn’t weaken conviction; it strengthens discernment. • Dialogue without action can become navel-gazing — but action without dialogue is reckless. • Policing how we engage often matters more than policing what is said. • Bridge-building isn’t naïve optimism; it’s disciplined moral courage. Notable Quotes “Engagement is not endorsement.” “Dialogue without activism is navel-gazing. Activism without dialogue is doomed.” “Certainty is tempting — vigilance is harder.” “Sometimes courage looks like not burning the bridge.” Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in hope and humility.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A raw, reflective journey through the political upheavals, personal reckonings, and hard-won hope of 2025. Episode Summary Corey takes us on a tour of 2025’s most pivotal moments—both in politics and in his own life. He recounts the Trump administration’s controversial actions, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and civic responses like the No Kings Rallies. Interwoven are deeply personal stories: Corey’s mental health struggles, the loss of a friendship, and a psychotic break that led to crucial self-reflection. But it’s also a celebration: of the TP&R community, of new collaborations with Pew Research Center and Weave, and of the many courageous conversations shared on the pod. From Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde to Governor John Kasich, from wildfires to wake-up calls, 2025 was a year of complexity—and Corey captures it all with honesty and heart. Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Topics [00:00] Opening & Shoutouts Thanks to Pew Research Center, Village Square, and our new show: East Meets West Sports  [01:30] Year in Political Review Trump’s second term: Pardons, ICE expansion, inflation, foreign policy failures The assassination of Charlie Kirk and national grief 2025 elections and democratic resilience [08:00] The No Kings Rallies & Civic Engagement An unforgettable conversation with an 87-year-old woman who attended Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech Reflections on American threats—and hope [09:30] Personal Reckonings A broken friendship, mental health collapse, setting healthy boundaries “One of the few times I had to block someone I once considered a friend.” [14:00] TP&R in 2025: The Guests Who Shaped the Year Revisiting conversations with: Wajahat Ali Dr. Beth Allison Barr Jonathan Rauch & Liz Joyner Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde Rep. Ritchie Torres David French McKay Coppins, EJ Dionne, Isaac Saul & more! [24:00] On Free Speech & Evolving Views Why Corey no longer blocks or mutes—he now believes in the power of “better speech” [26:00] Favorite Moments & New Projects Civic bridges with Weave Collaboration with Pew Research Launching East Meets West Sports [38:00] Hard-Won Wisdom: 5 Boundaries for Healthier Dialogue When it’s time to walk away from toxic conversations Notable Quotes “We’re facing unprecedented threats to our democracy—but also experiencing a renaissance in civic engagement.” “The best way to combat bad speech is with good speech. Better speech.” Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Final Reflections Take a breath. Take inventory. Set boundaries. And step into the new year with gentleness and respect. Wishing you a peaceful end to 2025 and a hopeful beginning to 2026. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and yes… Happy Festivus! 🎄🕎🎉See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Weaver’s Journey of Art, Advocacy, and Belonging — from WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project In this edition of our special Weavers series, we sit down with Nikki Harris—fiber artist, mother, advocate, and community connector from Baltimore, Maryland. Through art and action, Nikki embodies what it means to weave the social fabric. She shares her journey from self-taught fiber artist to founding HGE Designs, and from 911 dispatcher to autism advocate with Pathfinders for Autism. This conversation delves into what it truly means to create space—for healing, for connection, and for community. Nikki opens up about raising her son Roman, navigating systems as a caregiver, and the spiritual resilience it takes to serve while healing herself. Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Highlights [00:01:00] – 🎨 What is a fiber artist? Nikki’s journey to fiber art and how it began as therapy for her and her son. [00:05:00] – 💡 Creating art for sensory engagement: Tactile art as a bridge to connection for her son and others with sensory needs. [00:08:00] – 🖼️ Nikki’s favorite piece: A portrait of Roman mid-fry at Chick-fil-A—and the touching story behind it. [00:11:00] – 🧵 The birth of HGE Designs: A dad’s encouragement, a mall encounter, and a scarf that helped pay for therapy. [00:14:00] – 🧒 Spotlight on Nick: Her older son’s quiet strength and deep empathy as a big brother to Roman. [00:21:00] – 🏫 Building systems of care: Nikki’s work with schools, hospitals, and emergency services to create inclusive systems. [00:26:00] – 🚨 From 911 dispatcher to advocate: Real-world applications of her emergency service experience in autism advocacy. [00:35:00] – 💔 The wall and the hospital: A pivotal moment during COVID that deepened Nikki’s mission. [00:39:00] – ✨ Faith over fear: Tattoos, God-engineered paths, and finding miracles in moments of despair. [00:43:00] – 🧘‍♀️ Reiki and rest: How Nikki refuels through meditation, art, and her tribe of supporters. [00:47:00] – 🤝 Discovering Weave: Finding the Weave Speakers Bureau—and finding her voice. [00:50:00] – 💬 Politics, funding, and community self-reliance: Why community is the greatest resource. [00:54:00] – 💬 How do we talk across divides? The power of “why” in understanding others. Key Takeaways “Creating for one means creating for many.” Nikki's commitment to building inclusive spaces for her son has ripple effects across Baltimore and beyond. "God-engineered." Her life path may not have been planned—but it all fits. Fiber art, advocacy, and community work interweave into a purpose-driven life. “I don’t care about being right. I just want us to get it right.” A guiding principle for productive collaboration across differences. Faith, art, and healing are inseparable. Nikki finds spiritual nourishment in everything from crochet to reiki to prayer. Caregiving doesn’t mean self-erasure. Her marriage, her tribe, and her creative practice help keep her cup full as she pours into others. Links & Mentions 🔗 HGE Designs: www.instagram.com/hge_designs 🧠 Pathfinders for Autism: www.pathfindersforautism.org 🧵 Weave: The Social Fabric Project: weareweavers.org Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group May you find the courage to create space — for yourself, for others, and for a future woven with care, connection, and quiet strength.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A deeply clarifying conversation about fear, faith, and how Christians can reclaim a healthier way of engaging in public life. In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his thoughtful and timely dialogue with Curtis Chang—public theologian, founder of Redeeming Babel, and co-creator (with David French, Dr. Russell Moore and Nancy French) of The After Party, a project devoted to healing the political fractures tearing churches and friendships apart. Curtis explains why so much of our modern polarization isn’t actually about facts, but untended anxiety posing as conviction. He lays out how Christians can cultivate moral confidence without moral combat, why conspiracy theories often function as emotional painkillers, and what it looks like to move from combatant, cynic, or exhausted bystander toward the spiritual posture of a disciple. If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this conversation is a grounded, hopeful entry point into what we’re about. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Why Curtis Chang’s work matters in this political moment [00:02] Anxiety as the hidden driver of polarization [00:06] Conspiracy theories as emotional “certainty drugs” [00:12] Faith, history, and what Christians misunderstand about the Resurrection [00:17] Cynicism, disengagement, and reclaiming hope [00:21] The origins of The After Party and its vision for church renewal [00:27] “Disappearings,” broken relationships, and the danger of social withdrawal [00:38] Zealots, tax collectors, and Jesus’s political imagination [00:42] The spiritual power of shared meals [00:47] Combatants, Cynics, the Exhausted — and the path toward “Disciple” [00:55] The hunger for a better way to live out our faith in public 🧠 Key Takeaways • Anxiety drives more polarization than ideology. When fear is unexamined, it disguises itself as righteous certainty. • Conspiracy theories offer false relief. They provide temporary emotional clarity, not truth. • Jesus models a politics of proximity. Tax collectors and zealots shared the same table — not because they agreed, but because He held them together. • Shared meals heal what arguments can’t. Embodied community diffuses fear and restores relationship. • Discipleship is the way forward. Hope + humility > combat, cynicism, and exhaustion. 💬 Notable Quotes “Conspiracy theories are like Xanax for Christian anxiety.” “Jesus formed a political community that held zealots and tax collectors in the same circle.” “We need to recover the how of politics — the spiritual posture — not just the what.” “You can’t heal the world if you’ve disappeared the people in it.” 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in hope and humility.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Forget what you think you know about religion in America. The latest research from Pew reveals a story that’s more complex—and more hopeful—than the headlines suggest. Corey sits down with Gregory A. Smith, who’s spent over two decades studying how faith and identity shape American public life. In this no-fluff conversation, Greg unpacks the surprising stabilization of religious affiliation, the myths about Gen Z’s spiritual life, and how a well-worded survey can teach us more than a pundit ever could. They also explore the emotional courage it takes to study religion without evangelizing it—and why 80% of Christians say you don’t have to agree about Trump to be a “good Christian.” 🧭 If you’re new to TP&R, this is an eye-opening intro to how data, faith, and civic life intersect—grounded in transparency, humility, and curiosity. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Meet Greg Smith — and why Pew’s research matters in polarized times [00:04] From political science to religion & politics: Greg’s unexpected career path [00:07] Personal roots: Growing up Catholic, noticing politics in the pews [00:12] Designing good survey questions: clarity, neutrality, and transparency [00:20] The art & science of polling: how sample sizes actually work [00:34] The rise of the “nones” and the plateau of religious decline [00:40] What the pandemic revealed about faith, habits & resilience [00:49] Gender, politics, and religion: surprising shifts in who’s leaving faith [00:54] Can good Christians disagree about Donald Trump? (Short answer: yes!) [01:01] Pew’s mission of nonpartisanship—and how to spot bad data [01:05] Talking across differences: assume good intent, ask good questions 🧠 Key Takeaways • Faith is changing—but not disappearing. After decades of decline, American religiosity has surprisingly leveled off. • Young people aren’t flocking to church—but they’re not abandoning it at the same rate anymore either. • Survey design matters. A question’s wording can shape the narrative. Pew’s commitment to transparency lets the data speak for itself. • Data ≠ dogma. Pew doesn’t advocate policy or religion—they provide tools for understanding. • People surprise us. 80% of U.S. Christians agree: good Christians can disagree about Donald Trump. 💬 Notable Quotes “If you want to measure change, you cannot change the measures.” “Religion’s decline is real—but in the last five years, it's stopped declining.” “Being transparent doesn’t just build trust; it lets people decide for themselves.” “Our surveys aren’t about converting anyone. They’re about understanding everyone.” 🔗 Pew Research Resources Pew Research Center – Religion & Public Life Explore data-driven insights on faith, identity, and public life in America. pewresearch.org/topic/religion Religious Landscape Study (2007, 2014, 2023‑24) A definitive, multi-decade survey tracking American religious beliefs, behaviors, and affiliations. pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study 📄 Religion Holds Steady in America (2025) The latest research: no clear evidence of a religious revival among young adults—just enduring complexity. Read the report       🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be grounded in good questions—and guided by honest curiosity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A luminous conversation about leadership, love, and what spiritual courage looks like in a polarized age. In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his deeply moving conversation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington and one of the most trusted—and most tested—faith leaders in American public life. With striking humility and clarity, Bishop Budde reflects on her faith journey, her response to political turbulence, her viral inauguration sermon, and the inner practices that sustain grace under pressure. 🧭 If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is a beautiful entry point: vulnerable, grounded, and full of moral imagination. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & frames why Bishop Budde matters today [00:02] A nonlinear, grace-filled faith journey: altar calls, questions & belonging [00:07] The Episcopal Church as “middle C” — finding a spiritual home [00:13] Love, mercy, and the discipline of offering grace under pressure [00:21] “Moving toward the light when it’s still dark”: Easter, trauma & renewal [00:26] Her 2025 inaugural sermon, public backlash & what real pastoral courage requires [00:36] Navigating political polarization inside the church [00:43] The emotional & spiritual toll of public criticism — and how she stays grounded [00:54] Hope vs. despair: why older generations must model courage for the young [01:00] The TP&R Question: how to talk across difference without losing one another 🧠 Key Takeaways • Courage is a practice. Grace isn’t temperament—it’s cultivated through discipline, prayer, and self-awareness. • Resurrection starts small. Healing—personal or societal—often begins as “the faintest stirrings of light.” • Humanity first. Behind every political category (immigrant, LGBTQ, federal worker) are real people with real stories. • Leadership invites backlash. Staying grounded requires boundaries, humility, and community support. • Hope is generational stewardship. We don’t burden the next generation with our despair—we model resilience. 💬 Notable Quotes “Something happened that night at the altar — an ache in my heart I couldn’t ignore.” “If it’s not about love, it’s not about God.” “Resurrection begins in darkness, with the smallest flicker of new life.” “People can disagree with me; they are not entitled to harm me.” “I will not ask my children to carry the weight of my despair.” 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more rooted in love.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the clearest, most necessary voices on Ukraine, democracy, and what the West keeps getting wrong. In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his most recent conversation with Dr. Alexander Vindman — retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council, and author of The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine. From the thousand-year struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty to why U.S. administrations repeatedly misread Russia, Vindman explains how we arrived at this moment — and what a values-based foreign policy (“neo-idealism”) could mean for America’s future. He also opens up about family history, his brother Eugene’s first term in Congress, and what gives him both concern and hope in a destabilized world. 🧭 If you're new to TP&R through Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is a timely, clear-eyed introduction: personal, historically grounded, urgently relevant, and we even have some fun! 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Why Alexander Vindman’s voice has become essential to TP&R [00:03] Eugene Vindman’s first term in Congress — governing from a purple district [00:11] Lessons from military families, public service, and bipartisan problem-solving [00:17] Reconnecting with family in Ukraine — personal history meets geopolitics [00:24] The thousand-year struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty [00:34] Russia’s imperial narrative and why the West kept buying it [00:41] Nuclear weapons, U.S. policy missteps, and the legacy of denuclearization [00:51] Neo-Idealism: Why values must guide U.S. foreign policy [00:56] What worries Vindman about Trump 2.0 — and where he still finds hope [01:08] The TP&R Question: How to talk across deep differences 🧠 Key Takeaways History matters. Ukraine’s fight for independence is centuries old — and central to understanding today’s war. The West misread Russia. U.S. administrations succumbed to “hopes and fears,” offering accommodation instead of strategy. Nuclear exceptionalism distorts policy. Fear of escalation often hands leverage to bad actors. Values are interests. Neo-Idealism argues that long-term U.S. strategy must be rooted in democratic principles. Domestic health = foreign strength. The fight for democracy abroad is inseparable from the one at home. 💬 Notable Quotes “Russia, absent Ukraine, ceases to be an empire. With Ukraine, it becomes one.” “We succumbed to misplaced hopes and fears. We thought if we treated Russia as a partner, it would behave like one.” “Values aren’t sentimental — they’re strategic.” “You can find common ground by talking about family. That’s where our shared concerns lie.” 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little clearer about what’s at stake.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the most compelling personal and political stories in Congress today — raw, principled, and deeply human. In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his conversation with Congressman Ritchie Torres, who represents New York’s 15th district in the Bronx. With refreshing candor, Torres shares his journey from public housing and poverty to becoming the first openly LGBTQ elected official from the Bronx and one of the most forthright voices in American politics. He discusses the values that shape his independence, his commitment to social justice, why he proudly defends Israel despite intense backlash, and the inner tools he uses to face personal and political challenges — all while staying focused on the people he serves. 🧭 If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is a powerful entry point: personal, honest, and courageous. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Why Congressman Torres exemplifies what TP&R is all about [00:03] The budget fight and why Medicaid cuts would devastate his district [00:05] How his mother and public housing shaped his mission [00:08] Struggles with mental health and the resilience behind his rise [00:14] Why he values independence over tribalism [00:18] On facing backlash for defending Israel and combating antisemitism [00:24] Cutting through ideological noise: real issues vs. performative politics [00:27] Thoughts on Trump, authoritarian threats, and American democracy [00:28] Considering a run for Governor of New York [00:29] The TP&R Question: How to foster pluralism in polarized times 🧠 Key Takeaways Politics is personal. Rep. Torres's life story fuels his commitment to housing, healthcare, and fighting poverty. Independence matters. He resists ideological pressure to stay focused on practical solutions. Mental health is not taboo. Rep. Torres openly discusses depression and how therapy and medication help him lead. Courage isn’t comfortable. Taking principled stands—especially on Israel—can invite hostility but builds credibility. Pluralism is essential. Democracy thrives when we resist extremism and practice intellectual humility. 💬 Notable Quotes “Before I’m a congressman, I’m the son of my mother.” “The greatest threat to liberal democracy isn’t the extremes—it’s the cowardice of the center.” “Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s something to talk about.” “Pluralism should not be seen as a weakness, but a strength.” 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in good faith.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the most clarifying conversations we’ve had about conscience, character, and navigating our divisions with integrity. In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his conversation with David French — New York Times columnist, attorney, veteran, and one of the most thoughtful voices on religious liberty, civic virtue, polarization, and how principled disagreement can strengthen rather than destroy a pluralistic society. David unpacks how he thinks about political persuasion, why courage and humility are twin civic virtues, what it means to disagree in good faith, how social media distorts our moral instincts, and why democracy requires both conviction and restraint. If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is an ideal introduction: rigorous, nuanced, grounded in lived experience, and rooted in a deep belief in the dignity of difference. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & frames the ICYMI series [00:02] David’s path from law and military service to commentary [00:08] Why pluralism requires courage, humility, and restraint [00:14] The ethics of disagreement & how to argue in good faith [00:21] Tribal identity, social media, and moral panic [00:28] Religious liberty, conscience, and the case for principled pluralism [00:36] Persuasion vs. performative politics [00:41] Hope, community, and why democracy is worth the struggle 🧠 Key Takeaways Pluralism is a moral discipline. It requires seeing opponents as neighbors, not enemies. Arguments should be invitations, not indictments. Good-faith disagreement is a civic good. Identity often overwhelms evidence. Social media amplifies fear, outrage, and tribal reflexes. Religious liberty protects everyone. David explains why conscience rights are essential in a diverse democracy. 💬 Notable Quotes “You cannot have a functioning democracy unless people are free to disagree in good faith.” “Pluralism is hard — but the alternative is worse.” “If your goal is persuasion, performative outrage is self-defeating.” “Humility is not weakness; it’s a civic virtue.” 🛠️ Resources Mentioned Divided We Fall — David French David French’s writing at The New York Times 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in good faith. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the most essential conversations we’ve had — on authoritarianism, influence campaigns, and what it takes to defend democracy. In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his conversation with Anne Applebaum — Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, staff writer at The Atlantic, and one of the world’s leading experts on modern authoritarianism. Anne explains how autocrats collaborate across borders, why propaganda spreads so easily, how economic complicity in the West has empowered illiberal regimes, and what ordinary citizens can actually do to strengthen democratic culture. If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast or were recommended this program by a friend, this conversation is the perfect introduction: rigorous, accessible, global in scope, and grounded in the belief that democratic values are worth defending. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & frames the ICYMI series [00:02] Anne’s path from studying history to analyzing modern authoritarianism [00:08] How Russia, China, Iran, and others collaborate in “Autocracy, Inc.” [00:15] Why propaganda works — and how autocrats weaponize fear [00:22] Western financial and technological complicity [00:28] Ukraine, disinformation, and why this moment is globally defining [00:36] How everyday people can defend democratic culture 🧠 Key Takeaways Authoritarianism is a network. Modern autocrats copy one another’s tactics and often cooperate. Propaganda targets identity, not facts. Fear and belonging drive political behavior more than information. Democratic decline isn’t inevitable. Transparency, civic courage, and local engagement matter. The fight begins at home. Repairing democratic culture starts with relationships, curiosity, and shared work. 💬 Notable Quotes “Their common enemy isn’t each other — it’s liberal democracy.” “You weaken a society by making people fear one another.” “We enabled this system when we let dark money and technology flow freely.” “You can’t defend democracy if you don’t understand what’s threatening it.” 🛠️ Resources Mentioned Twilight of Democracy — Anne Applebaum Autocracy, Inc. — Anne Applebaum Anne’s writing in The Atlantic 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little clearer about what’s at stake. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of TP&R’s all-time standout conversations—perfect for new listeners discovering the show this week. In this special ICYMI release, Corey revisits his deeply human, deeply honest conversation with David Brooks—New York Times columnist, bestselling author of The Second Mountain and How to Know a Person, and one of the most thoughtful public voices on moral formation, democracy, and what it takes to live well with one another. This episode has become a listener favorite not because it’s political in the usual sense… but because it’s personal. Corey and David talk candidly about depression, friendship, loss, faith, identity, community-building, and the inner transformations required for a democratic people to live together without coming apart. If you’re new to TP&R thanks to the Podbean or Overcast promotions, start here. This is TP&R at its best: honest, vulnerable, intellectually rigorous, and grounded in real moral imagination. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & explains the ICYMI series [00:02] Introducing David: columnist, author, moral observer [00:04] On Mets fandom, heartbreak, suffering, and hope [00:08] Camp friendships, identity formation & “Brooksy” [00:13] Depression, presence, and “the ministry of ‘that sucks’” [00:20] Loving presence, bathmats, and practical compassion [00:23] Growing up Jewish → becoming Christian [00:30] Jesus as a Jew, a renegade, and a revolutionary in a real historical world [00:33] Identity, peoplehood, and ambivalence in a time of antisemitism [00:36] Christianity beyond “the Shire”: Keller, Wehner, Rauch [00:38] The rise of loneliness, social fragmentation & the birth of Weave [00:41] Meeting America’s “weavers”: trust-builders & quiet healers [00:46] David’s writing practice: piles on the floor, synthesis, and deadlines [00:51] Actors, empathy, and the craft of deeply seeing others [00:53] The TP&R Question: how do we talk across differences? [00:57] Moni Guzmán, Crucial Conversations & asking “Why you?” [00:58] On Michael Gerson, Tim Keller, loss & gratitude [01:04] How to follow David Brooks and dive deeper into his work 🧠 Key Takeaways Presence > solutions. When someone is suffering, the most healing thing isn’t fixing—it’s showing up. Everyone has a soul. David’s turning point toward faith began in a subway station, noticing the invisible depth of every person around him. We need weavers. America’s social fragmentation is being repaired by local, trusted community-builders showing quiet, everyday courage. Curiosity is a moral virtue. Asking “How did you come to believe that?” opens the door to empathy across political and religious divides. Conversation is a craft. Don’t top stories. Don’t multitask attention. Find the disagreement under the disagreement. We inherit peoplehood as much as belief. David discusses living as a Jew ethnically and culturally, even as a practicing Christian. Faith involves ambivalence—but also joy. “If you can believe it three or four days out of ten, believe it with laughter.” 💬 Notable Quotes “Life has not stopped expecting things of you.” “Your first job in conflict is to stand in the other person’s standpoint.” “Presence is the core of friendship—words often fail, but presence doesn’t.” “We’re beggars who tell other beggars where we found bread.” “Jesus wasn’t a wispy Renaissance figure—he was a badass Jewish revolutionary in a world of occupation and revolt.” “The smartest Christians are Jews.” (Brooks, joking-but-not-joking) “Argument is prayer.” 🛠️ Resources Mentioned David Brooks — How to Know a Person Weave: The Social Fabric Project — https://weavers.org Mónica Guzmán — I Never Thought of It That Way 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group May your next conversation be a little braver—and a little kinder. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Call it a holiday palate cleanser: today’s TP&R feed features a special drop from East Meets West Sports. Be sure to find this new show on all the apps, follow, rate, review... You know the drill. Enjoy! Can Shedeur Sanders prove he's “the one” – or is Cleveland just buying time? Meanwhile, LA sports shake things up from the locker room to the front office. In this riveting holiday edition of East Meets West Sports, Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan dive deep into the buzz surrounding Shedeur Sanders, who made his first NFL start at QB with the Browns amid swirling controversy, legacy baggage, and sky-high expectations. Is he truly “who they’ve been waiting for”—or just the latest victim of hype? From there, they pivot to LA’s sports scene, dissecting how the Dodgers’ analytics dynasty is reshaping the Lakers’ future following their acquisition. Can a World Series-winning front office build an NBA championship contender? They round things out with reflections on sports gratitude this Thanksgiving—from New York family traditions to LA playoff dreams. ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics Time Segment 00:00 – 01:30 🎩 Opening Banter: Rick and Corey reunite, and Corey flaunts his Rumble Ponies pride 01:30 – 04:00 🏈 Shedeur Sanders Debut: Breaking down stats, the media circus, and locker room concerns 04:00 – 07:00 🤔 QB Leadership vs. Hype: What defines a true NFL leader? Can Sanders walk the walk? 07:00 – 11:00 🧠 Circus, Draft Slide & Deshaun's Influence: Why did Shedeur fall to Round 5? Is Watson a help or harm? 11:00 – 14:00 📊 QB Development & Teammate Trust: Kaepernick parallels, coachability & long-term upside 14:00 – 17:00 🧐 Is He the Guy? What the Browns must learn in 6 games—and the stakes of passing on a QB in 2026 17:00 – 19:30 🏀 Lakers Ownership Shift: Dodgers take control, Buss family drama, and a new analytics era 19:30 – 22:00 ⚙️ Baseball to Basketball: Can MLB strategy win in the NBA? Corey’s cautious optimism 22:00 – 25:00 ⚾ Human In, Human Out: How AI parallels the rise of sports analytics 25:00 – 27:00 📈 Legacy of Intuition & Gut Calls: From Dave Roberts to baseball's new age of decision-making 27:00 – 29:00 🙏 Thanksgiving Reflections: Family, sports, tradition, and what the fellas are thankful for 29:00 – End 🦃 Rick’s Gratitude & Wrap-Up: Rams, Dodgers, holiday football, and LA’s big dreams 💡 Notable Highlights Shedeur’s Swagger vs. Substance: “I’m who they’ve been looking for.” One game in—and already proclaiming QB supremacy? QB Culture Clash: Rick notes: “You don’t want flamboyance from your QB. Save that for wide receivers.” NFL Legacy Trap: Draft drop, pre-draft attitude, and comparisons to past one-hit wonders (RG3, Bradford) raise red flags. Dodgers' Takeover of the Lakers: What happens when LA’s baseball brains apply their World Series formula to hoops? AI in Sports & Life: Introducing the concept of “Human in, Human out” and how analytics need balance with experience—on and off the field. Family, Football & Tradition: Corey’s heartfelt story about watching Rangers and Knicks games with his brother continues a family ritual of yelling at the TV—with love. 🧠 Key Takeaways Leadership defines quarterbacks. It’s not about flash—it's about film study, locker room respect, and consistency under pressure. Cleveland needs answers fast. With two first-round picks looming, the Browns must know if Shedeur is the future—or just a phase. Analytics aren't magic. LA’s front office shuffle shows promise—but success in one sport doesn’t guarantee it in another. Tradition matters. Thanksgiving brings together food, family, and fandom in ways that enrich the sports experience beyond the game. 🔗 Find Us On 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 📣 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & review – and share with your sports crew!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What PRRI’s Latest Data Reveals About Our Deepening Divide In the shadow of rising polarization, this episode dives deep into the latest findings from PRRI's American Values Survey, Trump’s Unprecedented Actions Deepen Asymmetric Divides. Corey is joined by Dr. Melissa Deckman to break down the data—and what it tells us about party loyalty, trust in institutions, Christian nationalism, and shifting norms around religion and identity. They also unpack how Gen Z is engaging with this cultural landscape, particularly the gender divide between young men and women, and what the term “party agnostic” really means for the next generation of voters. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Dr. Deckman’s backstory and PRRI’s mission [00:08] From academia to leading PRRI: a bigger classroom [00:15] Understanding PRRI’s gold-standard polling methods [00:22] Good vs. bad polling: what to watch out for [00:27] Gen Z women, the 2024 elections, and the myth of the “tradwife” [00:33] Why Gen Z is “party agnostic” and focused on issues over institutions [00:40] Masculinity, natalism, and TikTok trends among Gen Z [00:46] The polarization puzzle: institutions, independents, and asymmetric divides [00:53] Christian nationalism’s rise—and resistance [00:58] Who are the “exvangelicals” and why are they leaving? 🧠 Key Takeaways Gen Z ≠ monolithic: Gen Z women remain highly progressive; young men are more ideologically mixed Polls aren’t predictions: They’re snapshots, and question design is key Christian nationalism challenges democracy—but pluralism still prevails Exvangelicals leave due to politicization and LGBTQ exclusion Media silos are splitting Gen Z worldviews by gender 💬 Notable Quotes “We don’t beat up the photographer if the runner in the lead ends up losing. So why do we do that to pollsters?” “Religion can hinder—but also foster—democracy.” “Gen Z women are not buying what MAGA is selling.” “Good polling is as much art as science.” 🛠️ Resources Mentioned Public Religion Research Institute - prri.org American Values Survey - prri.org/american-values-survey The Politics of Gen Z by Dr. Melissa Deckman - cup.columbia.edu/book/the-politics-of-gen-z/9780231560085/ 🔗 Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Repairing the damage—in our democracy, in our relationships, and in ourselves. ✨ Episode Summary Let’s talk about redemption—what it really means to repair what’s been broken, whether in our democracy or in our personal lives, and how we can tell the difference between a true apology and just going through the motions. Inspired by a powerful Substack piece by Mike Madrid, we'll reflect on the nuances between performative apologies and genuine repentance, weaving in theological insights, literary references like East of Eden, and real-life examples. We'll consider how we engage with those who have caused harm—and what it means to truly repair what’s broken, especially as Thanksgiving and moments of family reconnection approach. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🕰️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00] Intro & Shoutouts Thanks to Democracy Group, Village Square, and Masa Wealth Management Announcing new podcast! East Meets West Sports 🏈🏀⚾️ [02:00] Mike Madrid’s Provocative Question “Is saying sorry enough?” from The Great Transformation Substack The difference between performative and genuine repentance [04:00] What Does Real Repentance Look Like? Acknowledgment vs. avoidance of harm Lessons from post-Nixon America and January 6th [09:00] The Universal Story of Redemption Biblical framework: Genesis and the role of agency The ongoing "redemption project" from chaos to order [14:00] Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden’ & the Power of ‘Thou Mayest’ 📖 Deep dive into theological and philosophical implications of choice Embracing agency in moral and civic life [17:00] Thanksgiving & Civic Relationships Mending fences in politics and family Why showing up—without drama—matters [21:00] Contrasting Two Real-Life Conflicts When reconciliation is possible vs. when blocking is necessary The limits of forgiveness and ongoing harm [26:00] How to Participate in Civic Redemption Nonviolent resistance and Prop 50 reflections Using political voice without resorting to the tactics we oppose [30:00] A Model of Contrition: Joe Walsh Example of public repentance and political evolution Engaging those who choose to say "I'm sorry" [33:00] When People Don’t Want Redemption The rise of malice-driven political actors What we can control: participating in healing 💡 Notable Quotes "Sin is a separation from the ideal... but thou mayest overcome it." — Corey Nathan, referencing East of Eden "To repair our democracy, we need to repair relationships." "I believe in God—and even more strongly—I believe I am not God. Which means I’m not perfect." 🛠️ Resources Mentioned ✍️ Mike Madrid’s Substack - greattransformation.substack.com 🎧 East Meets West Sports Podcast with Rick Garcia - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/east-meets-west-sports/id1851251950 🔗 Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎧 Thanks for listening! Take a moment to name the good stuff in your life. And as always, go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you get when a data scientist with a knack for sports betting and political forecasting returns to the pod? A masterclass in what polling can and can't do, how bad assumptions skew our democracy, and why Carl Allen thinks we need to stop blaming the camera for the race result. In this fascinating, far-ranging convo, Corey and Carl Allen (author of The Polls Weren’t Wrong) break down why political polling is misunderstood, how data intersects with integrity, and where we go from here in the 2026 election cycle. They also take a surprising detour into MLB match-fixing, sports betting strategies, and how the “edge of the bell curve” reveals more than most talking heads on TV. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Carl’s update on his Substack and data research [00:04] MLB pitch-fixing scandal, ethics in sports betting, and data detection [00:10] How Carl became a professional sports bettor—accidentally [00:14] Finding value in rare events: betting baseball home runs and NFL TDs [00:20] Political forecasting vs. polling: "Polls are not predictions" [00:28] Nate Silver, spread fallacies, and the misuse of polling data [00:34] Why undecided and third-party voters break the math [00:43] 2024 election surprises and the power of high voter turnout [00:50] What to watch in 2026: the Senate map, gerrymandering, and candidate quality [00:56] The TP&R question: Building bridges by talking about anything but politics 🧠 Key Takeaways Polls ≠ Predictions: A poll is a snapshot, not a forecast. Yet many analysts treat it like a crystal ball. Margins lie: Spread (the difference between candidates in polls) is often misleading—especially when undecided voters are high. Integrity matters: Carl warns that analysts must be consistent—praising predictions that turn out right and taking accountability when wrong. High turnout shifts everything: New Jersey’s 2025 elections showed that even strong vote counts can get dwarfed by record-breaking turnout. Quantifying uncertainty is revolutionary: Understanding what we don’t know is just as important as what we do. 💬 Notable Quotes “Polls are not predictions of election outcomes. That simple statement contradicts the global consensus.” “We don't beat up the photographer if the runner in the lead ends up losing. So why do we do that to pollsters?” “Some two-point leads are better than six-point leads—depending on where you are in the race.” “Being wrong is fine. Being inconsistent is not.” “Gerrymandering means leaders get to pick their voters, instead of voters picking their leaders.” 🔗 Connect Carl Allen’s Substack: realcarlallen.substack.com Carl’s Book: The Polls Weren’t Wrong Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎧 Thanks for listening! Take a moment to name the good stuff in your life. And as always, go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"And now for something completely different..." In a world flooded with outrage and anxiety, taking stock of the good isn’t naive—it’s necessary. Corey shifts the lens from polarization and pessimism to the power of thankfulness. Amid a flood of bad news and anxiety about the state of democracy, Corey invites listeners to pause and consider what’s good—not in a naive way, but as an intentional act of civic and spiritual grounding. With stories from his journaling practice, reflections on recent political events, and a few personal notes, Corey makes the case that gratitude isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a form of resistance against despair. 🙏 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:01:00] The barrage of bad news—and the challenge of staying grounded [00:02:00] Corey's journaling journey: A 15-year practice of gratitude and honesty [00:04:00] Why words matter: On Orwell, cliches, and naming inspiration [00:06:00] No Kings Rally: A powerful expression of peaceful protest [00:09:00] A civic win: Millions gather peacefully with no violence reported [00:11:00] Gratitude for fair elections—even when the results aren't perfect [00:15:00] Corey's fears for 2026—and why this year offers hope [00:17:00] Personal thanks: reading, lifelong friends, family, and meaningful work [00:20:00] A challenge to listeners: What are you grateful for? 🧠 Key Takeaways Gratitude requires practice. It’s a discipline that can help reclaim our perspective in chaotic times. Peaceful protest matters. The No Kings Rally offered a model of civic engagement done right. Free and fair elections are not a given. We must recognize and protect them. This work has meaning. Corey reflects on how hosting TP&R has become his most fulfilling vocational endeavor. You have good stuff too. Pause and name what you're thankful for—it might change your day. 🔗 Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎧 Thanks for listening! Take a moment to name the good stuff in your life. And as always, go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

🤖 What happens when an ex-campus minister turned agnostic writes a novel about AI Jesus? You get this wide-ranging and deeply moving conversation between Corey and Lisa Rose Ferrara—writer of the Substack The Dangling Door and author of the novel CHRISTBOT. Lisa doesn’t just reflect on the absurdities of our sociopolitical moment—she rewrites the rules of faith, technology, and identity with humor and radical compassion. Lisa shares her journey from devout Catholicism and youth ministry to faith deconstruction and reimagination. We explore how her latest work—a bold novella that envisions Jesus as an AI—offers not just commentary but a challenge to the weaponization of religion. In this episode, Lisa Rose and Corey dive into: Parenting non-binary children in an age of cultural backlash, How the AI “Christbot” became a vessel for radical empathy, Why she still writes with reverence for scripture despite being agnostic, What it's like growing up around MAGA family while staying grounded in truth and love. This is a conversation that will shake your theology and maybe even upgrade your soul software. ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Lisa’s background in design, motherhood, and rediscovering writing [00:04] From New Jersey to Pennsylvania: raising three kids, two of whom are non-binary [00:07] Lisa’s early Catholic faith, crisis during youth ministry, and journey to atheism [00:13] Crafting CHRISTBOT: origin story, character inspirations, and narrative arc [00:18] AI as theological mirror: using tech, Scripture, and saints to build a digital messiah [00:24] On dogma, power, and why organized religion fears open-source faith [00:29] Resistance through satire and the cultural absurdities that fuel her Substack [00:33] Reflecting on the 2024 election: hope, Gen Z activism, and small-town politics [00:38] TP&R question: Practicing compassion without requiring belief [00:44] On family disagreements, MAGA relatives, and bridging political divides [00:49] Corey’s origin story: from fundamentalist church to conversation bridge-builder [00:57] Final reflections & Lisa’s upcoming book launch at Black Dog Books (Nov 14!) 🧠 Key Takeaways Faith isn’t broken—its weaponization is. Lisa challenges listeners to rethink what it means to believe by showcasing compassion as the central metric, not dogma. Parenting in a polarized world means being present, humble, and fiercely loving—especially when your children’s identities are up for debate. AI + Scripture = Radical Love. CHRISTBOT imagines a digital messiah who quotes Julian of Norwich and says, “Belief is not the price of love.” Yes, please. Satire is spiritual armor. Lisa’s Substack The Dangling Door is her defibrillator for democratic discourse—a way to laugh instead of scream. Compassion transcends belief. Whether you're religious, agnostic, or somewhere in between, practicing empathy without expectation is revolutionary. 💬 Notable Quotes “Belief is not the price of love. You do not need to believe in me, for me to believe in you.” “I realized I wasn’t anti-religion. I was anti-weaponization of religion.” “Faith should be dynamic. It should invite questions, not silence them.” “Don’t talk about politics and religion? You might as well render me mute.” “We’re not disagreeing on what we want—just how to get there.” 📣 Calls to Action ✅ Tell a friend about TP&R! Help spread thoughtful conversation. ✅ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect Lisa Rose Ferrara on Substack, The Dangling Door — thedanglingdoor.substack.com Lisa's website: lisaroseferrara.com You can also buy CHRISTBOT here: bit.ly/christbot_LRF_book Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when a former military cop, existentialist philosopher, and Substack firebrand walks into a podcast? You get this riveting conversation between Corey and Christopher Armitage, who pulls no punches when it comes to democracy, resistance, and why “soft secession” might be the only sane response to creeping authoritarianism. Chris is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, prolific writer, and founder of The Existentialist Republic. From his early days in New Jersey wrestling circles to his transformation into an outspoken advocate for “soft secession,” Chris shares deeply personal reflections and bold policy ideas aimed at confronting rising authoritarianism in America. Through a mix of dark humor, philosophical grounding, and actionable insights, Chris breaks down: What “soft secession” really means (hint: it’s not Civil War 2.0), How localism and economic independence can fortify democracy, What ICE agents, serotonin, and Friedrich Nietzsche have in common, And why writing with relentless truth might be the ultimate form of resistance. This isn’t just another political chat—it’s a defibrillator for the democratic spirit. ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Chris’s multi-faceted background [00:04] Jersey roots, high school wrestling, and joining the Air Force [00:07] Serving as military police & navigating mental health in public service [00:13] From law enforcement to Substack: becoming a full-time writer [00:16] On Project 2025, ICE, authoritarianism, and systemic corruption [00:24] What is “soft secession” and why does it matter now? [00:29] Holding federal tax dollars in escrow — a controversial idea [00:33] Learning from Viktor Orbán, The Troubles, and global democracies [00:38] ICE overreach, due process violations, and local accountability [00:45] TP&R question: Can we still talk across our differences? [00:49] Dopamine vs. serotonin: the brain chemistry of politics [00:52] Final reflections: Hope, joy, and being a rebel for the good 🧠 Key Takeaways Soft secession isn’t about seceding from the union—it’s about building parallel structures and asserting state sovereignty when the federal government becomes illegitimate or abusive. Existentialism offers a philosophical lens to grapple with despair, absurdity, and the need for personal responsibility in chaotic times. Corruption isn't abstract: Christopher outlines how hundreds of billions have been diverted from essential services like SNAP and SSI under the current regime. Local action is powerful: From holding ICE agents accountable to auditing tax fund allocation, states and municipalities are not powerless. We must resist with joy: Even amid chaos, fostering joy, community, and purpose is essential—both for resilience and resistance. 💬 Notable Quotes “We're not losing democracy. Federal democracy is pretty much dead. The Constitution is dead. But that doesn't mean we can't still build something better.” “It's not about labeling this fascism or kleptocracy—it's about calling it what it is: bad.” “Let the zealots win, and we’re cooked. But if rational people care more, we still have a chance.” “Serotonin levels rise when you feel seen and heard. Listening might actually be the antidote to polarization.” “Put ICE agents in handcuffs if they break the law. It’s that simple.” 📣 Calls to Action ✅ Tell a friend about TP&R! Help spread thoughtful conversation. ✅ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect Christopher Armitage on Substack, The Existentialist Republic — cmarmitage.substack.com Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not every relationship can—or should—be salvaged. In this solo episode, Corey shares a personal story and outlines five unmistakable red flags that tell you it’s time to step back to protect your peace. Sometimes, staying in the conversation means knowing when to step away. In this raw and introspective solo episode, host Corey Nathan opens up about a deeply personal encounter that pushed him to confront a painful question: When is it time to “unfriend” someone—really unfriend them? With vulnerability and clarity, Corey unpacks a recent experience with someone who crossed multiple emotional and ideological lines. What begins as a story about a text thread gone wrong unfolds into a thoughtful reflection on the emotional cost of dialogue, the importance of mutual respect, and the red lines we all must define for ourselves if we're to stay sane and whole in polarized times. If you’ve ever wrestled with staying true to your values while trying to build bridges, this episode will resonate deeply. 🙏 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:01:00] The No Kings Rally: A peaceful protest, misunderstood [00:02:30] A late-night text spirals into an ugly confrontation [00:05:00] Is it ever okay to hit “unfriend” in real life? [00:06:30] The five red flags that made Corey draw a boundary [00:09:00] Mocking entire groups: prejudice by another name [00:11:00] Misconstrued views and a lack of genuine curiosity [00:13:00] “That which labels me, negates me” — on being dehumanized [00:16:00] The false logic of guilt by association [00:18:30] Why it’s not about trans athletes or guns—it’s about bigotry [00:20:00] Setting limits to protect your peace [00:23:30] “Know thyself”: Taking inventory of your boundaries [00:25:00] No perfection, just progress—why this journey is still worth it 🧠 Key Takeaways There is a line. Even bridge-builders have boundaries. It's okay to step back when a relationship becomes toxic. Not all disagreement is dialogue. Genuine curiosity and respect are the bare minimum for constructive conversation. Bigotry wears many faces. When someone mocks an entire group, it's not “opinion”—it's prejudice. You don’t have to account for others’ sins. Being mislabeled or forced to explain someone else’s actions is unjust. This is a journey. Corey doesn't claim to have it all figured out—but he's committed to showing up with humility and honesty. 🔗 Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok Substack 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎧 Thanks for listening! May your conversations be honest, your boundaries healthy, and your courage contagious. Go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Project 2025 to creeping authoritarianism, Atlantic journalist David A. Graham lays out the threats to democracy — and why he still believes it's worth defending. Glad to have this timely conversation with David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter, and the mind behind two major works: THE PROJECT: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America and his latest featured story in THE ATLANTIC, Donald Trump's Plan to Subvert the Midterms Is Already Underway. In this jam-packed discussion, David breaks down the real-world impact of Project 2025, why competitive authoritarianism isn’t just for foreign regimes anymore, and what history can teach us about the fragility—and resilience—of American democracy.  We also explore David's deep love for jazz and Americana music, his reflections on faith and public discourse, and how local connections might be the key to healing national divides. This is not a story about doom. It’s about awareness, preparedness, and the people working behind the scenes to protect democracy.   📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help grow this thoughtful community. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch full conversations and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Intro, Substack shoutout, and meeting David A. Graham [00:02] Early influences: NPR, Gulf War, and the writing bug [00:05] Becoming a journalist — college newsroom days at Duke [00:07] Learning by doing (and some good editors) [00:09] AI, writing, and the ethics of journalistic tools [00:13] Who were Karen Blumenthal and John F. Burness? [00:14] Project 2025 and what it means for executive power [00:18] Who are Paul Dans and Russell Vought — and why they matter [00:24] Is this constitutional? Checks, balances, and the Founders’ intent [00:27] Future scenarios: Trump, DOJ, FBI, and election chaos [00:30] Local election workers: the unsung heroes of democracy [00:34] Competitive authoritarianism: what it is and where we are [00:39] Talking faith, politics — and jazz! 🎷 [00:43] From Coltrane to Dylan to pedal steel guitar [00:46] The TP&R Question: Can we still talk across differences? [00:50] What David is reading, writing, and reflecting on now   🧠 Key Takeaways Project 2025 isn’t just policy — it’s about reshaping how power works. Competitive authoritarianism is creeping into American life — but it's not too late. Localism may be our best antidote to national polarization. Great journalism starts with great questions (and good editors). The antidote to disinformation? Better, more human conversations.   💬 Notable Quotes “Do you want one person—who might not even be in your party—to have this much power?”  “I’m fundamentally an institutionalist. Stability, history, and norms matter.” “The opposite of authoritarianism isn’t just elections — it’s fairness, accountability, and a level playing field.” “We have to update our idea of what authoritarianism looks like. It’s not always tanks in the street.”   🔗 Connect on Social Media David A. Graham — @dgraham.bsky.social 📚 The Atlantic Daily Newsletter — Subscribe Here Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How one rural weaver is helping neighbors feel seen, supported, and connected in Wilkes County, NC — and what we can learn from her example. We are kicking off something special. This episode is the first in a new ongoing series highlighting Weavers — local leaders around the country who are rebuilding trust and community from the ground up through Weave: The Social Fabric Project (weavers.org). Our inaugural guest is LB Prevette — a “rural rejuvenator,” community connector, and what she jokingly (but truthfully) calls an “aggressive friend.” LB is based in Wilkes County, North Carolina, where she works to create safe, inclusive, deeply rooted community spaces for queer youth, neighbors in recovery, families, and folks who don’t always feel seen in small-town America. We talk about what it means to leave home — and to return to it. We talk about pain, belonging, queerness in Appalachia, rebuilding trust one relationship at a time, and why community isn’t built in speeches — it’s built in porches, casseroles, group texts, and checking in at the exact moment someone needs it. And we talk about Merle’s — the community bar / gathering space LB helped co-found — a place that feels less like a bar and more like your cool aunt’s house party where everyone belongs. This is not a story about charity. It’s a story about returning to each other. 📣 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 ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Intro + Substack + meet LB (and Frank the golden doodle) [00:04] Appalachia or Appalachia? Why language matters to belonging [00:07] Growing up queer in rural North Carolina [00:12] When safety turns into fear — and leaving becomes survival [00:19] Learning to listen: from call centers to community care [00:23] How to know when you're not in a good-faith conversation [00:27] Leaving home — and then being called back [00:30] Losing her father & returning to the farm [00:37] “You won’t hurt alone” — redefining community care [00:39] What Weavers are — and why they matter [00:41] The Weaver Awards: funding the small, human things [00:43] Touch-a-Truck, inclusive playgrounds, mountain bikes & connection [00:46] Merle’s: a bar that’s secretly a community center [00:47] The TP&R Question: How do we talk across differences? [00:55] How to find LB + how to get involved with Weave 🧠 Key Takeaways Community is built in the ordinary. Coffee, casseroles, reading groups, riding bikes — the small everyday acts are the work. The opposite of loneliness isn’t popularity — it’s belonging. Belonging comes from being known — not just included. You don’t have to fix everything. Just refuse to let people hurt alone. Listening is a skill — and it can be learned. Especially when emotions run high. We cannot make ourselves less queer, or less Black, or less immigrant, to be safe. We have to make the world safer. 💬 Notable Quotes “You won’t hurt alone.” — LB Prevette “If I can go far enough back, I think all people are good. If I don’t understand what you’re saying, that means I need to ask another question.” — LB Prevette “If we’re worried our kids won’t be safe being queer, the solution isn’t to make our kids straighter. It’s to make the world kinder.” — LB Prevette “Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just show up again.” — LB Prevette 🔗 Connect on Social Media: LB Prevette — @lbprevette (Instagram / Threads / etc.) **Weave: The Social Fabric — weavers.org Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where baseball, family, and democracy meet — Mike Madrid reminds us what’s worth fighting for in America. If you didn't catch our most recent conversation with friend of the pod, Mike Madrid, well... where were ya? We recorded this one right around July 4th and it's still on point! What'd ya expect with the brilliant Mike Madrid?!?! So join us in welcoming back political consultant, author, and Substack contributor Mike Madrid. A renowned expert on Latino voters and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, Mike brings his profound insights on American politics, identity, and democracy. Together, Corey and Mike explore deeply personal stories, historical context, and present-day political dynamics, all while weaving in the emotional fabric that connects generations and communities. 📣 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 What We Discuss: The significance of personal and familial stories in shaping political perspective How Latino voters are reshaping American democracy The danger of authoritarian tendencies in U.S. governance Economic populism across ideological divides The importance of understanding and communicating with working-class communities Episode Highlights: [00:04:00] Mike Madrid shares a personal story of grief and connection through a pilgrimage to Madrid, New Mexico [00:08:00] Baseball as a bridge between generations and its deeper cultural significance [00:14:00] Inhumane immigration enforcement and its implications on American identity [00:22:00] A discussion on whether America is at a turning point for its soul and values [00:33:00] Vertical balance of power: Newsom vs. federal overreach in L.A. protests [00:45:00] Latino voters' top concerns: economy, housing, and healthcare [00:53:00] Economic populism through Ruben Gallego and Zoran Mamdani's campaigns [01:03:00] How to talk about politics and religion without killin' each other Featured Quotes: "Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves matter more than the facts we can verify." – Mike Madrid "This is our American story now. This is who we are... and if we're not speaking out, then we are individually complicit in it." – Mike Madrid "These are the moments when character is defined." – Mike Madrid "The best way to talk about politics and religion is to not talk about it through the lens of politics and religion." – Mike Madrid Resources Mentioned: Mike Madrid's Substack: The Great Transformation – greattransformation.substack.com The Latino Century (book by Mike Madrid) – www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278 Latino Vote Podcast – latinos.vote Reflections on Marines in LA by Roger Herbert – rogerherbert.substack.com/p/reflections-on-marines-in-la 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The North Star is the truth. Tell it. And if you can’t, explain why.” — Col. David Lapan (Ret.) We had the distinct honor of sitting down with Colonel David Lapan, retired Marine and former spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Secretaries of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In a wide-ranging, timely conversation, Colonel Lapan unpacks the critical balance between national security and democratic accountability, the dangers of politicizing the military, and how press freedom strengthens—not weakens—our institutions. We delve into his 30+ years of military service, his pivotal role in launching the media embed program during the Iraq War, and why he left DHS during the Trump administration. Lapan also shares pointed thoughts on recent efforts to restrict Pentagon press access and the implications of political theater in national defense. 📣 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 ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics: [00:00:00] Intro to Colonel David Lapan and the state of hockey 🏒 [00:04:00] From college dropout to enlisted Marine to colonel [00:07:00] Journalism roots and shift into public affairs [00:09:00] Inside the Pentagon pre- and post-9/11 [00:12:00] Designing the media embed program for Iraq [00:16:00] Why press transparency during war matters [00:23:00] Serving as press secretary under Secretary John Kelly at DHS [00:27:00] Why Lapan resigned: integrity vs. political pressure [00:34:00] What “tell the truth” means in government service [00:38:00] Recent restrictions on Pentagon press corps [00:47:00] Defending the First Amendment in uniform [00:56:00] Critiquing the theater of recent military briefings [01:03:00] The risks of poorly trained federal agents [01:06:00] How polarization affects veterans and service members [01:09:00] Final thoughts: can we still talk across differences? 🧠 Key Takeaways: Truth Above All: “The North Star is the truth” is not just a slogan—it's a standard for ethical public service. Press Isn’t the Enemy: Limiting access and controlling narratives damages democracy and military credibility. Political Theater Has Real Costs: Grandstanding undermines military readiness and public trust. Good People, Hard Choices: Many principled professionals served during the Trump administration—and some had to walk away. Courage Comes in Many Forms: Sometimes that means resisting pressure to spin or mislead. 💬 Notable Quotes: “Being a Marine doesn’t mean shutting up—it means standing up for what’s right.” — Col. David Lapan “We’ve defended the Constitution our whole lives. Now we’re watching it be trampled from within.” — Col. David Lapan “Reporters aren’t the problem. Lack of transparency is.” — Col. David Lapan “You don't protect the country by hiding the truth from its people.” — Col. David Lapan   🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Surviving Triangulation in a Polarized World It's time to reckon with one of the toughest questions in our current public discourse: “How can you think that?” Through stories from his personal and professional life, host Corey Nathan unpacks the emotionally draining phenomenon of triangulation—when we’re caught in the middle of opposing viewpoints—and explores how we can respond with curiosity and conviction without losing our sanity. From navigating impossible conversations to confronting conspiracy theories (like the FBI staging Jan. 6?!), Corey challenges listeners to stay in tough conversations while guarding their own well-being. Drawing inspiration from a powerful essay by Christopher Armitage on The Existentialist Republic, this episode dives into the psychology of belief, the cost of defection from "reality bubbles," and the quiet strength of one-degree influence. Whether you're a peacemaker, bridge-builder, or just trying to keep your sanity in polarized times, this one’s for you. 🙏 📣 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 ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] 🎧 Intro: What drives Corey bananas? Triangulation! [00:01:30] What triangulation really looks like in everyday life [00:03:00] Caught in the crossfire: The emotional toll of being “the middle guy” [00:05:00] 🤯 “How can you think that?” — when conspiracy logic collapses [00:08:00] Discovering The Existentialist Republic and its insights [00:10:00] Armitage on why people cling to destructive systems [00:12:00] Humility, bubbles, and the danger of total delegitimization [00:13:30] 💬 “Not much. But not nothing.” — The power of one degree [00:15:00] Living in the age of triangulation without losing your soul 🧠 Key Takeaways Triangulation Hurts: Being the middle person between two polarized groups can feel like being dragged into an emotional war. The Power of Presence: Staying in relationship—even with those we disagree with—gives us the chance to be heard and to listen. One-Degree Influence Matters: A single thoughtful question can shift someone’s perspective more than a thousand arguments. Belief Systems Are Sticky: It’s costly—psychologically and socially—for people to change their minds, especially within closed systems. Stay Gentle, Stay Grounded: Keep showing up with love, humility, and curiosity. That’s how change begins. 📖 Bonus Reading The Existentialist Republic: cmarmitage.substack.com 🔗 Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"If we lived in the poorest, most dangerous neighborhoods, we’d understand better how to love and serve." — Dr. Kurt Ver Beek It was great to sit down with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek, co-founder of the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ), who has lived and worked in Honduras for nearly four decades. From battling systemic corruption to reducing the homicide rate in one of the world’s most dangerous communities, Kurt shares a riveting account of faith in action and public justice rooted in Christian conviction. We explore the difference between traditional missionary work and systemic transformation, how theological frameworks can drive bold action, and why brave Christianity is needed now more than ever. 📣 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 ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics: [00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Kurt Ver Beek and ASJ [00:01:00] Childhood influences: Christian values and political curiosity [00:04:00] Faith formation and a growing “allergy” to injustice [00:08:00] Moving beyond charity to systemic change [00:14:00] What it really means to "help the poor" [00:23:00] Corruption, extortion, and the story of a neighborhood pillow maker [00:29:00] How three hired staff helped significantly reduce local homicides [00:34:00] Raising funds for justice: why it’s not as hard as people think [00:40:00] Theology of safety vs. theology of love and proximity [00:47:00] Political influence without being politically compromised [00:53:00] From 113 to 218 school days: measurable education reform [01:00:00] What we can do: curiosity, courage, and conversation [01:02:00] Practicing politics and faith with gentleness and respect 🧠 Key Takeaways: Systemic Change Is Possible: Justice doesn't always take decades. Hiring an ex-cop and a lawyer helped reduce homicides dramatically. Faith Isn’t Just About Sundays: Living out the Gospel means transforming systems that harm the vulnerable. Corruption and Violence Are Addressable: Real change can happen when Christians take bold, strategic action. Don’t Underestimate Funders: Donors care about results — and systemic justice produces them. Bravery Is Biblical: The call to be brave Christians isn’t optional — it’s essential. 💬 Notable Quotes: “Being a Christian doesn't have to look like what many young people see today.” — Kurt Ver Beek “The lie is that systemic change is too hard — it’s not. It just takes brave Christians.” — Kurt Ver Beek “No place in the Bible does it say to be safe. It says to love your neighbor.” — Kurt Ver Beek “Be curious. Listen better. People aren't as crazy as you think.” — Kurt Ver Beek 📚 Mentioned Books and Resources: 📖 Call for Justice by Kurt Ver Beek & Nicholas Wolterstorff 📘 Bear Witness by Ross Halpern – (Kurt says it’s “90% on the money!”) 🌐 Learn more about ASJ: asj-us.org 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. ✌️🙏See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A candid reflection on staying grounded while engaging in contentious conversations—and when to take a step back. ✨ Episode Summary In this heartfelt solo talk, host Corey Nathan goes back to the fundamentals of Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other. Reflecting on recent emotionally charged interactions—some painfully personal—Corey revisits five foundational principles that guide his conversations and this podcast’s mission. He opens up about the emotional toll of receiving attacks from opposing sides of the political and religious spectrum and how even with years of practice, the work of engaging respectfully remains challenging and ongoing. Here are the five essentials Corey leans into when the temperature rises: 👉 Practice what you preach 👉 Contest or conversation? Know the difference. 👉 Articulate others’ views well. 👉 Sometimes, take it offline. 👉 Know when to walk away. This isn’t just theory—it’s a personal reckoning, with honesty, humility, and yes, some humor too.  📣 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 ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] 🎧 Intro: Hockey talk, Rangers vs. Kings, and a shout-out to The Democracy Group [00:02:00] Recent conversations that challenged Corey’s peace and patience [00:03:00] On being attacked by voices from both extremes of the Israel-Gaza conflict [00:06:00] Recognizing how giving space to others can draw heat—sometimes from all sides [00:07:30] The emotional cost of staying in these conversations [00:08:00] Going “Back to Basics”: Five principles to guide tough discussions [00:09:00] #1: Practice what you preach—even when it’s hard [00:10:00] #2: Contest or conversation? Choose wisely. [00:12:00] #3: Articulate others’ views honestly, even when you disagree [00:14:00] #4: Sometimes take it offline to preserve dignity and connection [00:17:00] #5: Know when to walk away—because not everyone deserves your time [00:20:00] Closing: Still learning, still growing, still hoping for peace 🧠 Key Takeaways See Other's Humanity: Engage with people as individuals, not as representatives of an ideology. Not Every Fight is Worth Fighting: Sometimes, disengagement is a form of self-care and wisdom. Curiosity Builds Bridges: Ask real questions. Seek understanding, not just rebuttals. There’s Power in Saying “No More”: Knowing your limits is an act of strength, not weakness. The Work is Ongoing: This isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment to grow and do better. 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring how Christian conviction and civic love — inspired by the faith of Willie Faye and Mahalia Jackson’s generation — can transcend political tribalism. 🔥 Episode Summary Grateful to welcome Justin Giboney, an ordained minister, attorney, and co-founder of the AND Campaign. Justin shares his faith journey, the genesis of the AND Campaign, and his new book, Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around: How the Black Church’s Public Witness Leads Us Out of the Culture War. Together, we explore how faith can ground political engagement, challenge tribalism, and offer a better way forward rooted in compassion, conviction, and moral imagination. 📣 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 ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00:00] Intro to the show and our guest Justin E. Giboney [00:01:00] Justin’s background: faith, family, football, and public life [00:03:00] Raising three boys in Georgia and coaching youth football 🏈 [00:04:00] Justin’s college years at Vanderbilt and struggles with faith [00:06:00] Returning to faith and the influence of family, especially Willie Faye [00:08:00] Learning from personal crossroads: sports injury, law, and political work [00:10:00] Beginning the AND Campaign: from political activism to movement leadership [00:13:00] The legacy of the Civil Rights era and moral imagination [00:16:00] Political tribalism, Christian engagement, and party alignment [00:22:00] Core principles of the AND Campaign and engaging as a faithful Christian [00:25:00] Civic pluralism: persuading without imposing faith [00:27:00] Importance of relationships over culture war ideology [00:34:00] Honest critiques of progressivism and conservatism [00:43:00] Addiction to outrage and the loss of moral clarity [00:51:00] Opposition-centered engagement and political virtue signaling [00:56:00] Final thoughts on leadership, truth, and compassion 🧠 Key Takeaways Faith Requires Courage: Being a faithful Christian in the public square demands moral clarity, humility, and the ability to stand apart from political allegiances. Reject Political Tribalism: Christians must transcend party lines and speak truth to power, even to their own political "side." Moral Imagination Is Essential: The ability to imagine what ought to be—especially in times of conflict—is the key to compassionate and just civic engagement. Civil Rights Generation as a Model: Justin draws inspiration from the faith, resilience, and clarity of leaders like his grandmother Willie Faye and Mahalia Jackson. Opposition-Centered Engagement is Toxic: Defining oneself solely by opposition to the "other side" leads to shallow, reactive politics. 💬 Notable Quotes “Discipleship isn’t easy—and loving your neighbor especially when it’s hard, is where the Gospel really comes alive.” — Justin Giboney “If the Civil Rights generation could love their enemies with hoses and bombs aimed at them, we can love ours with tweets and outrage.” — Justin Giboney “True leadership today means turning around and telling your side what it needs to do better.” — Justin Giboney 📚 Featured Book Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around: How the Black Church’s Public Witness Leads Us Out of the Culture War - www.ivpress.com/don-t-let-nobody-turn-you-around 🗓️ Coming November 4, 2025 🔗 Connect with Justin Giboney 📸 Instagram: @justinegiboney 🐦 X (Twitter): @justinegiboney 🎧 Podcast: Church Politics 🌐 AND Campaign: andcampaign.org 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A raw look at which relationships and conversations are worth our time—and when to just say f* it. ✨ Episode Summary In this candid, off-the-cuff talk, Corey wrestles with a series of deeply personal and philosophical questions that lie at the heart of this progam’s mission: 👉 Which conversations are worth pursuing? 👉 Which relationships are worth nurturing? 👉 And at what point should we walk away for the sake of our own peace—and the greater good? From fielding scriptural "shard attacks" for using colorful language to being targeted with assumptions rooted in ignorance and bigotry, Corey lays bare some inner conflicts with vulnerability, humor, and, yes, a few well-placed f-bombs. This isn't just an airing of grievances—it's an invitation to reflect on how we can all be fountains, not drains in a world sorely in need of healing. 📣 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 ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] Intro, shout-out to Substack community & podcast housekeeping [00:02:00] ⚾ Quick tangent: Brooklyn Cyclones, Mets fandom, and hope for the future [00:03:00] Opening big questions: What convos and relationships are worth it? [00:04:00] Story #1: Being called out for cursing—and Corey's take on "Christian language policing" [00:07:00] Righteous anger, proof-texting, and weaponizing Scripture [00:09:00] Story #2: Encountering prejudice disguised as critique [00:12:00] Recounting meaningful dialogue with Lisa Sharon Harper as a contrast [00:14:00] Deep pain, generational trauma, and the erasure of Jewish identity [00:17:00] Hatefulness vs. ignorance—where do we draw the line? [00:18:30] Who gets to be in the “cool kids club” of social justice discourse? [00:19:30] Questions to the audience: Are we fountains or drains in this world? [00:20:00] Final thoughts: Owning the heat, seeking feedback, and doing better 🧠 Key Takeaways Language vs. Intent: A well-placed curse word shouldn’t overshadow a meaningful, vulnerable message. Weaponizing Scripture: Proof-texting undermines the depth and context of sacred texts—and can be deeply harmful. Bigotry in Disguise: Assumptions based on skin tone or identity reduce complex histories and humanity to dangerous stereotypes. Be a Fountain, Not a Drain: Ask yourself—are your words and actions contributing to tikkun olam (repairing the world), or draining its soul? Not Every Battle is Yours: Sometimes walking away is an act of wisdom and self-preservation, not cowardice. 📖 Bonus Reading Proverbs 31 vs Proverbs 27: Woman of valor or dripping faucet? Decide for yourself. George Washington’s Farewell Address: Surprisingly prophetic in its warnings about factionalism. Tikkun Olam: Explore the Jewish concept of repairing the world and how it applies to today’s discourse. 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why defending viewpoint diversity might be the most radical—and necessary—act in higher education today. 🎧 Episode Summary What a treat to welcome two leading voices in the fight for viewpoint diversity and constructive civic dialogue: Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at Brookings and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, and Liz Joyner, founder of The Village Square. As board members of Heterodox Academy (HxA), Jon and Liz unpack the organization’s mission to restore open inquiry and truth-seeking within higher education—and how these values are essential to preserving our democracy at large. With personal stories, sharp analysis, and even a few laughs, they explore what we each can do to counter the ecosystem of illiberalism and strengthen the social fabric. 📣 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 🕰️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] Intro: What’s broken in our democracy and how we fix it [00:01:00] Meet the guests: Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner [00:03:00] What is Heterodox Academy and how did it begin? [00:06:00] Rauch on early signs of "wokeness" and Kindly Inquisitors [00:08:00] Joyner’s grassroots experience with ideological diversity at Village Square [00:10:00] The "ecosystem of illiberalism" and why liberal principles matter [00:15:00] Can HxA help defend against external political coercion? [00:20:00] Are we headed toward institutional collapse or renewal? [00:25:00] Speech vs. coercion: The cultural and legal frontlines [00:33:00] Personal costs of speaking out: Corey’s Chappelle story [00:36:00] What should institutions do to defend free speech? [00:39:00] On the Trump administration’s authoritarian tactics [00:45:00] Fears for 2026 and 2028 elections [00:48:00] Signs of progress: Academic reform, FIRE, and HxA programs [00:54:00] How to break the cycle of intolerance [00:56:00] How do we actually talk to people who disagree? [01:01:00] "Love people back into communion with liberalism" [01:08:00] The local vs. national divide—learning from LA’s fires & ICE raids [01:14:00] Final reflections: Reclaiming truth, curiosity, and compassion 💡 Key Takeaways Liberalism needs defenders: Jon reminds us that truth-seeking demands criticism—and that “criticism hurts, but it’s necessary.” Civic spaces matter: Liz underscores the importance of local, respectful dialogue and building trust before crisis hits. The ecosystem is the problem: Illiberalism isn't coming from just one side; it’s a reactive spiral we must all help disrupt. Institutions must hold firm: It's not disagreement that's dangerous—it's coercion by powerful entities that silence dissent. Each of us has a role: From book clubs to coffee shops, we can all “love people back into communion with liberalism.” 🧠 Notable Quotes 🗣️ “We are better together. A diverse people can self-govern—if we protect the institutions that help us do so.” – Liz Joyner 🧠 “If I’m talking, I’m not learning. If I’m listening, I probably am.” – Jonathan Rauch ❤️ “What I’d like you to talk about today is how we can love people back into communion with liberalism.” – Quoting Jonathan V. Last (via Liz Joyner) 🔗 Resources & Mentions Heterodox Academy - heterodoxacademy.org The Constitution of Knowledge - www.brookings.edu/books/the-constitution-of-knowledge Village Square - villagesquare.us Kindly Inquisitors - press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/K/bo18140749.html A University the World Has Never Seen- heterodoxacademy.substack.com/p/a-university-the-world-has-never Jonathan Rauch- jonathanrauch.typepad.com 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In times of national tragedy, can we resist the urge to turn our grief into political ammo? Sadly, our current leaders can't seem to find their better angels. So who's gonna do the right thing? 🧭 Episode Summary Fair warning: Your trusty friend and host is a little hot under the collar on this one. We're addressing the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the toxic political blame game that followed. Corey dismantles the knee-jerk scapegoating by political leaders—particularly from the Trump administration—and calls for a return to civility, empathy, and individual responsibility. Drawing inspiration from great American leaders such as Lincoln, Douglass, MLK, Reagan, and Jack Kemp, Corey urges listeners to rise above the “us vs. them” narrative and engage in meaningful conversations across ideological divides. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a wake-up call for moral courage and collective healing. 📣 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 🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights Time Topic 00:00 🎙️ Introduction & what's bugging Corey today 01:30 ⚖️ Criticism of current leadership’s divisive rhetoric post-tragedy 03:00 🔥 “They didn’t do it.” – the central thesis 05:30 🧠 Why scapegoating is dangerous and lazy 06:00 🗣️ Quotes from historical leaders on unity 08:00 🙌 Remembering real conservatism and integrity in leadership 10:00 💰 A quick word about sponsor: Meza Wealth Management 11:00 🧍‍♂️ One-on-one conversations > tribal politics 13:00 🧘 Rejecting polarization and choosing relationship over rage 15:00 ❓ How to ask genuine questions without interrogating 17:00 ✡️ Tikkun Olam – the Jewish concept of healing the world 18:00 🧭 Final thoughts: Courage, not cowardice, builds bridges 19:00 🙏 Outro: Feedback, Substack, YouTube, and a call to respectful conversation 💡 Key Takeaways “They didn’t do it”: One person is responsible for a crime—not an entire political party or ideology. Scapegoating is intellectually and morally lazy; real leadership seeks unity, not division. History holds better role models: From Lincoln to Reagan, great leaders have called for reconciliation, not retaliation. Genuine conversations with those who think differently are the antidote to political polarization. Tikkun Olam: We each have a responsibility to repair the world—one action, one conversation at a time. 📢 Notable Quotes 🗨️ “Scapegoating is cowardice. It’s morally and intellectually lazy.” 🗨️ “They didn’t do it. An individual did.” 🗨️ “If grief morphs into blaming anyone who voted differently than you, that’s not mourning—that’s scapegoating.” 🗨️ “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.” – Abraham Lincoln 🗨️ “Democracy without respect for the dignity of each individual is not democracy at all.” – Jack Kemp 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the role of “pastor’s wife” wasn’t biblical at all, but a cultural invention that sidelined women from ministry? Dr. Beth Allison Barr pulls back the curtain on how power, patriarchy, and politics shaped Evangelical churches—and why reclaiming women’s voices could change everything. Episode Summary So glad to sit down with Dr. Beth Allison Barr—medievalist, church historian, and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood and Becoming the Pastor’s Wife—for a candid conversation about faith, history, evangelical subcultures, and women’s leadership in the church. Beth traces how the modern “pastor’s wife” role emerged alongside the decline of women’s ordination, shows how women have always done pastoral work, and offers grounded, hope-filled ways to talk across differences in a volatile moment. 📣 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 Timestamps 00:00 — Introductions & context. Beth’s scholarship, books, UK ties; growing up in a Bible-saturated town and how her kids encountered questions of faith earlier than she did. 05:00 — Faith in action vs. attendance. Story of her son choosing hands-on ministry with Mission Waco / Church Under the Bridge and serving the unhoused. 08:00 — History’s ballast in turbulent times. Democracy’s fragility, finding joy, and why she stays to “fight for a country I believe in.” 16:45 — Responding to political violence. Grieving a public figure’s death, fearing the blame game, and the dangers of escalation. 24:00 — Media myths & “those people.” How conspiratorial frames dehumanize. 25:00 — Dobson, MacArthur & evangelical father-figures. The guru dynamic, platformed authority, and downstream damage. 29:00 — Why this book. From Making of Biblical Womanhood to the historical link between pastor’s wives and the decline of women’s ordination. 32:00 — “There are no male pastors in the Bible either.” Pastor as a modern construct; early church roles were gifts and functions, not a job title. 36:30 — Phoebe, Junia & collaborative authorship. The first named deacon tied to a local church is a woman; letters emerged from communities. 41:00 — Power & gatekeeping. Why certain leaders resist change; SBC moments like cutting Rick Warren’s mic. 46:30 — Handling pushback graciously. Ask questions, surface assumptions, adjust tone by relationship. 50:00 — The economics of titles. Same work, different labels → less power and pay; survey showing ~80% of women in official church roles are part-time or unpaid. 53:00 — Does “biblical authority” really forbid women leading? On misusing a few verses vs. the witness of the whole Bible. 57:00 — That cover art 👀. Catherine of Alexandria—the patron saint of preachers—casts a telling shadow. 58:00 — The TP&R Question. See the image of God in each person; start from shared humanity when conversations get heated. 01:01:00 — What’s next. A “freeing” medieval project taking shape. “There are no female pastors in the Bible? There are no male pastors in the Bible either… what we see are people serving in a variety of functions.” Key Takeaways “Pastor” is a gift before it’s a job. In the New Testament it points to shepherding, not a fixed office; early churches named teachers, apostles, deacons—roles women also filled (e.g., Phoebe). Same work, different label. Churches often call women’s pastoral work something else—reducing power and pay. Structural choices, not Scripture, drive much of the disparity. Power protects itself. Resistance to women’s leadership is frequently about protecting positions and rhetoric, not about biblical fidelity. How to engage across differences. Begin with imago Dei; remember hurt often fuels hostility; ask questions that surface assumptions; adjust posture to the relationship. Memorable Quotes “A text without a context is a pretext to say whatever you want.” “Women have done everything men did in the early church—we just renamed their work.” “See the image of God before you see a label.” Resources & Mentions Books: Becoming the Pastor’s Wife — www.bethallisonbarr.com/books/becoming-the-pastors-wife The Making of Biblical Womanhood — www.bethallisonbarr.com/books/the-making-of-biblical-womanhood Substack: Marginalia - bethallisonbarr.substack.com 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After October 7, Rabbi Michael Holzman wasn’t just mourning—he was mobilizing. A project he had already spent years developing. Discover how one rabbi is using ancient wisdom, civic rituals, and interfaith grit to heal our fractured democracy. In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Michael Holzman, spiritual leader of the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation and founder of the Rebuilding Democracy Project. Together, we explore the fragile yet vital intersection of faith, politics, and civic life, tackling tough questions with grace, insight, and a touch of humor. From personal stories of family division over politics to deeply Jewish perspectives on democracy, Rabbi Holzman opens up about how religious communities can serve as training grounds for better civic engagement. He also shares how his own path—from a secular upbringing to becoming a reform rabbi—shaped his commitment to democratic values. 📣 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 ⏱️ Timestamp Highlights: [00:00:40] Welcome & intro to Rabbi Holzman and his work in democracy-building [00:03:10] What does “lantzman” mean, and how does it reflect communal responsibility? [00:04:40] Exploring Rabbi Holzman’s family history: German and Eastern European Jewish roots [00:10:40] A spiritual upbringing grounded in nature, ethics, and the roots of his rabbinic calling [00:14:10] The life-altering moment that shifted his path from medicine to ministry [00:18:40] A personal journey through political polarization with his father [00:26:40] Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of political echo chambers [00:31:40] Why local synagogues and churches are essential spaces for democratic practice [00:39:40] Launching the Rebuilding Democracy Project [00:50:40] The power of scripture—both Jewish and American—in bridging divides [00:56:40] “10 Faith Habits for Effective Citizenship” [00:57:40] Rabbi Holzman’s reflection on Israel, Gaza, and ethical leadership [01:00:40] Closing insights on disagreeing better and civic healing 💡 Key Takeaways: "We have to build a culture that values dissent." — Rabbi Holzman on embracing disagreement as a civic virtue. Faith communities can model democratic practices through sacred rituals like respectful dialogue and structured governance. Personal experience with political polarization—especially in families—can become a catalyst for bridge-building. The American Scripture Project uses historical texts and Torah to help congregations grapple with today's civic challenges. Healthy democracy depends on rituals that reassure losers of their place in the system—a principle eroded by events like January 6th. 🔗 Resources & Mentions: American Scripture Project - americanscripture.org faith250 - faith250.org 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A deeply personal and timely conversation with Governor John Kasich on bridging divides, living your values, and why forgiveness is essential in today’s fractured political landscape. We were so pleased to be joined by Governor John Kasich who opens up about the role of faith, forgiveness, and civic duty in his life and career. The conversation spans everything from the tragic loss of his parents to a drunk driver, his evolving views on religion and politics, to the lessons shared in his newest book Heaven Help Us. Governor Kasich's winsome curiosity sparked a profound dialogue about personal transformation, ideological differences, and how to build bridges in divided times. 📣 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 🧭 Timestamped Highlights: [00:01:00] – Introduction to Kasich’s political legacy and current work [00:07:00] – Governor Kasich's early faith, altar boy days, and influence of Father Farina [00:09:00] – Losing his parents: a turning point in faith and life [00:12:00] – Acts of faith: stories from Heaven Help Us 📖 [00:18:00] – Forgiveness, faith across traditions, and healing from trauma [00:23:00] – The danger of losing objective truth in society [00:25:00] – Story of Sister Mary Scullion and dignity for the homeless 🏠 [00:29:00] – Substack sneak peek: “Keep Faith America” [00:34:00] – On policy, principle, and political backlash [00:39:00] – Interfaith unity: mosque, synagogue, and church on shared land 🌍 [00:43:00] – Full-circle moment on forgiveness and memory [00:46:00] – How to talk across differences—without killin' each other [00:50:00] – Farewell and faith-driven future projects 💡 Notable Quotes: “If that guy could turn the clock back… I suspect he would. So I actually don’t bear any kind of feelings anymore. Probably by the grace of God.” – John Kasich “You can’t decide whether to like someone based on who they voted for.” – John Kasich “Forgiveness takes time. Sometimes you forgive, then you wonder—did I really?” – John Kasich “Everyone has a story. But we rarely take the time to listen.” – John Kasich 📚 Mentioned in This Episode: Book: Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future - www.zondervan.com/p/heaven-help-us Upcoming: Governor Kasich’s Substack, Keep Faith America 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

✨ This Is Not the Way — The Tragedy of the Assassination of Charlie Kirk and What It Means for Our Country In this episode, we take time to reflect on the shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down while speaking at a college campus. Instead of political posturing, let's have humane, constructive dialogue—and reject dehumanization, resist scapegoating, and reclaim our shared humanity. Marking this tragedy on the anniversary of 9/11, we'll look at Lincoln’s words and the bipartisan statements of former presidents to remind us: "We are not enemies, but friends." This is not a moment for tribal rage or performative outrage—this is a moment to mourn, reflect, and reach across divides. 📣 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 🧭 What We Explore: The perils of partisan dehumanization and scapegoating in times of tragedy Why collective blame poisons public discourse and corrodes democracy A powerful call to introspection: “What has hatred done to you?” Reflections on the assassination’s timing—on 9/11—and what that means for national unity Historical and moral guidance from Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address ⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights: Time Segment [00:00:00] Intro: “This is not the way” — a call for humanity over tribalism [00:01:30] Learning about Charlie Kirk’s assassination and initial reactions [00:03:30] Reflections on a contentious figure and respecting the humanity beneath disagreement [00:06:30] Mourning the death of a father, husband, speaker—what Charlie stood for [00:08:00] Predictable partisan responses—from gloating to vilification—and resisting them [00:10:00] The current president's divisive speech and what should have been said [00:11:00] Statements from living former Presidents—compassion, unity, dignity 🕊️ [00:12:30] Addressing those who rejoice: “Get the word ‘them’ out of your mouth.” [00:14:00] A personal memory from 9/11: national unity without needing a tragedy [00:15:00] A stirring reading from Lincoln: “We must not be enemies…” 🇺🇸 [00:17:30] Final call to action: Talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect 🔑 Key Takeaways: Hatred dehumanizes the hater. Scapegoating “the other side” after tragedy only feeds the fire of division. Individual acts of violence must not be ascribed to entire communities or ideologies. Healing begins inwardly. Reclaim your humanity before trying to change others. True leadership requires moral courage, not performative outrage or culture war posturing. “We must not be enemies.” The words of Abraham Lincoln are more needed than ever. 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why defending expression—even the speech you hate—is essential to democracy in 2025. Episode Summary: It was great to welcome back Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Greg is also a New York Times bestselling author and executive producer of the feature-length documentaries Can We Take a Joke? (2015) and the award-winning Mighty Ira: A Civil Liberties Story (2020). In this conversation, we dive deep into the evolving challenges to free speech, the myths that undermine it, and why defending expression—even the speech we disagree with—is essential to democracy. Drawing on personal stories, historical lessons, and his recent book The War on Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech and Why They Fail, Greg discusses how free expression protects us from tyranny, the importance of principled advocacy, and how we can better engage across divides. 🧭 Timestamps & Topics: 00:03:00 – Growing up as a first-generation American & discovering the importance of free speech 00:07:00 – Early days with FIRE and the roots of his legal passion 00:10:00 – What Nazi Germany teaches us about censorship 00:16:00 – Mob censorship, peaceful protest, and the slippery slope 00:24:00 – Debunking the “words are violence” fallacy 00:34:00 – Why “shouting fire in a crowded theater” is misunderstood 00:39:00 – Incitement, disinformation, and legal precedent 00:50:00 – Can we trust the courts to protect civil liberties? 00:56:00 – How to disagree without being disagreeable 💡 Key Takeaways: Free speech is not a partisan issue – FIRE defends it across the political spectrum, even when it’s unpopular. The myth of words as violence undermines peaceful discourse and invites real violence in return. Historical lessons from Weimar Germany show that censorship can backfire—even empower fascism. Shout-downs aren’t free speech – they are mob censorship in disguise. Trust in the courts and constitutional law can still be a guardrail against overreach, from both left and right. We must relearn how to listen, not just argue—to be curious, not combative. 🔥 Notable Quotes: “Violence is not an extreme form of protest—it’s the antithesis of what free speech is for.” — Greg Lukianoff “Free speech is the peaceful substitute for violence.” — Greg Lukianoff 📚 Resources & Mentions: FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) - www.thefire.org The War on Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech and Why They Fail by Greg Lukianoff & Nadine Strossen - www.thefire.org/research-learn/war-on-words Authoritarians in the Academy by Sarah McLaughlin - www.thefire.org/research-learn/authoritarians-academy The Eternally Radical Idea - eternallyradicalidea.com The Great Dissent by Thomas Healy - us.macmillan.com/books/9781250058690/thegreatdissent 📣 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 Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dobson and MacArthur shaped a movement. Now it's time to ask: at what cost? ✨ Episode Summary In this powerful roundtable conversation, host Corey Nathan is joined by author and public theologian Lisa Sharon Harper and pastor Joe Smith to explore the complex legacies of James Dobson and John MacArthur—two towering figures in American Evangelicalism who recently passed away. What starts as a reflective discussion on personal experiences with Dobson’s and MacArthur’s teachings evolves into a profound analysis of spiritual formation, systemic violence, and the urgent need for a new way forward in faith communities. Together, the guests courageously confront the intersections of race, gender, theology, and power—and what it means to heal, both personally and as a collective. ⏱️ Timestamps Time Topic 00:00 Introduction to the episode & guests 01:00 Lisa Sharon Harper on her spiritual beginnings 03:00 Legacy and impact of James Dobson 08:00 Dobson’s theology of discipline and its cultural roots 14:00 The trauma of “biblical” corporal punishment 20:00 Confessions of former Dobson followers — personal growth and regret 25:00 John MacArthur's institutional power and theological rigidity 30:00 Colonialism and the colonization of scripture 36:00 Reading scripture through empire vs. liberation 44:00 Who benefits from dominant theological frameworks? 48:00 Embracing humility and paradigm shifts in theology 54:00 Stories of change: how family and love reshape theology 1:02:00 Creating soft landing spaces for theological transformation 1:08:00 Substack, Freedom Road, and Lisa’s ongoing work 1:10:00 Final reflections on urgent action, humility, and grace 🧠 Key Takeaways Dobson’s influence wasn’t just theological—it had lasting psychological, cultural, and political ramifications, particularly around corporal punishment. John MacArthur's legacy is marked by strict dogmatism and theological frameworks that protect power structures. Colonial frameworks of reading the Bible have displaced the voices of those who were closest to the original context of scripture. Transformation is possible, but it requires humility, relationships, and spaces where people can ask hard questions without fear. Urgency matters — personal and institutional change cannot come at the cost of marginalized communities' well-being. 🔥 Notable Quotes 🗣️ "Dobson taught us to break children like we break horses. But what does that say about our own brokenness?" — Lisa Sharon Harper 🗣️ "Scripture can't only be understood one way across all time and cultures—that's not reverence, that's colonialism." — Joe Smith 🗣️ "People's freedom can't wait for our paradigm shift." — Lisa Sharon Harper 📚 Resources & Mentions Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World, and How to Repair It All by Lisa Sharon Harper - lisasharonharper.com/fortune If God Still Breathes, Why Can’t I? by Dr. Angela Parker - www.eerdmans.com/9780802879264/if-god-still-breathes-why-cant-i Lisa's Substack post on the passing of James Dobson - substack.com/home/post/p-171912453 🙌 Connect with the Guests Lisa Sharon Harper Substack - lisasharonharper.substack.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/lisasharper Joe Smith Meizon Church GNV - www.meizonchurch.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith 📣 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 Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when law firms, universities, and elections come under fire—and how we can all help hold the line for democracy. 🧭 Episode Summary In this timely and incisive conversation, Daniel Weiner, a leading legal expert on democracy and rule of law, joins host Corey Nathan to unpack the rising authoritarian tendencies in the U.S., how democratic institutions are responding, and why legal guardrails are more critical than ever. Daniel, who serves as Director of the Brennan Center's Elections and Government Program, discusses the fragility of civil society, the weaponization of government power, and practical steps citizens and institutions can take to uphold democracy. They also dive into: The ethical obligations of law firms under pressure Harvard University's legal pushback against the federal government Election integrity in 2026 and 2028 Gerrymandering, Project 2025, and the role of independent commissions How regular folks can be part of the pro-democracy coalition This is a must-listen episode for anyone concerned about the future of American democracy and looking for informed, balanced, and actionable insights. ⏰ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00:00] Introduction to Daniel Weiner and his work at the Brennan Center [00:04:00] Harvard's legal fight over academic freedom and federal funding [00:06:30] Defining authoritarianism: Legal vs. rhetorical retribution [00:11:00] What should law firms and universities do under federal threats? [00:15:00] Daniel's journey from historian to legal advocate for democracy [00:18:00] The ethics of mid-decade redistricting in Texas vs. California [00:22:00] Why national standards for elections are necessary [00:30:00] The mission and work of the Brennan Center for Justice [00:33:00] Concerns for election integrity in 2026 and 2028 [00:40:00] Should the U.S. move toward national election administration? [00:47:00] The vertical balance of power: Governors vs. federal overreach [00:54:00] The Trump administration’s push to fire a Federal Reserve governor [01:03:00] What each of us can do to protect democracy 💡 Notable Quotes “When you look at what staves off authoritarianism... free and fair elections are critical, but civil society—including universities and nonprofits—is a bulwark.” – Daniel Weiner “It’s legal and appropriate for administrations to enforce the law, but when power is deployed arbitrarily as political retribution, that’s authoritarianism.” – Daniel Weiner “We need to learn how to sit with people who vote differently than us—not to rehearse rebuttals, but to ask questions and seek understanding.” – Corey Nathan “Until we get national solutions to gerrymandering, we’ll continue to see tit-for-tat behavior across states.” – Daniel Weiner 🛠️ Resources & References 🏛️ Brennan Center for Justice: www.brennancenter.org 📘 Michael Waldman’s Newsletters (President of the Brennan Center) - www.brennancenter.org/about/leadership/michael-waldman 📖 Project 2025 – Heritage Foundation’s proposed government overhaul 📚 Federalist Papers and Emoluments Clauses (context on presidential ethics) - guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text 🗣️ Connect with the Guest Daniel Weiner 🔹 Director, Elections & Government Program, Brennan Center 🔹 Twitter / X - x.com/DanWeiner329 🔹 Bluesky - bsky.app/profile/danw329.bsky.social 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is there any escaping the "Us vs. Them" mindset? 🗣️ Episode Summary What are the pitfalls of engaging in political and religious discourse—especially on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram? Drawing from recent interactions on his posts about Israel, Trump, democracy, and faith, Corey breaks down how NOT to engage in these conversations, underscoring the dangers of generalizing, mischaracterizing, and vilifying others. 🧭 What We Explore: The dangers of black-and-white thinking in our polarized times 🌓 The importance of maintaining relationships across political divides ❤️🤝 Why shaming and moral superiority don’t win hearts, minds—or elections 🗳️ How online toxicity and echo chambers hinder democratic dialogue 🌐⚠️ ⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights [00:00:00] Introduction: Why this all matters now more than ever [00:02:00] Reflections on engaging across multiple social platforms [00:04:00] Reading and responding to vile and antisemitic comments [00:07:00] The impact of identity and assumptions on discourse [00:09:00] “Is everyone who voted differently suddenly an enemy?” 🤔 [00:12:00] On friendships with Trump supporters and relational complexity [00:17:00] Responding to accusations of being “complicit” [00:21:00] The impossibility of persuading through shame or purity tests [00:26:00] “They want to see you dead”—the danger of total dehumanization [00:29:00] On being called a “rapist worshiper” for loving Trump voters [00:34:00] The misuse of Scripture in political arguments 📖 [00:40:00] Critique of redistricting and political generalizations [00:44:00] Final thoughts: Save democracy through relationship and reason ✨ 🔑 Key Takeaways Dehumanization destroys dialogue: Reducing others to labels like “enemy,” “MAGAt,” or “rapist worshiper” erodes the social fabric. Assumptions are toxic: Many presume political affiliation tells the full story—Corey reminds us it doesn’t. Engagement ≠ endorsement: Loving or talking to someone with different beliefs isn’t betraying your values. 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

🎙️ Diving back into the gerrymandering / redistricting wars and the so-called "war on democracy." Is it a real war or political hyperbole? Corey unpacks recent redistricting efforts in Texas and California, confronts ethical and legal questions, and most importantly, discusses how we talk about these issues — especially when we disagree. From institutional norms to California’s independent redistricting commission, we'll look at a nuanced, principled stance while challenging the increasingly combative political discourse. This episode is a rallying cry for more respectful, informed, and constructive conversations. ☕🗣️ ⏰ Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] – Hyperbolic intros & the “war” framing [00:01:00] – Texas redistricting: legal, ethical, wise? [00:05:00] – Comparing Texas to California’s independent commission [00:07:00] – Is it gerrymandering or “dummymandering”? [00:10:00] – Corey’s personal impact from redistricting lines [00:12:00] – CalExit? Exploring state-level autonomy [00:15:00] – What makes responses democratic vs. anti-democratic [00:17:00] – Instead of war: How about winning votes? [00:18:00] – Latinx & language: When messaging backfires [00:21:00] – Listener pushback: From “coward” to “wet noodle” [00:26:00] – Political warfare and dehumanizing rhetoric [00:30:00] – The danger of escalating political language [00:32:00] – What Corey is willing to risk for peace and democracy [00:33:00] – Final thoughts: Talk politics with gentleness and respect 💡 Key Takeaways Legal ≠ Ethical ≠ Wise: Just because something is legal, like Texas’ mid-decade redistricting, doesn’t mean it’s ethical or wise. Independent commissions work: California's model, while imperfect, supports representative democracy and reduces partisan gerrymandering. Respectful discourse is essential: Hyperbolic rhetoric (“war,” “enemies,” “fascists”) hinders progress and dehumanizes fellow citizens. Real change comes from persuasion: Winning hearts, minds, and votes is more sustainable than retaliatory political tactics. Corey’s core belief: Anti-democratic actions shouldn't be met with more anti-democratic responses. 🔊 Notable Quotes “If everything's an existential threat, nothing's an existential threat.” “We need to be able to talk to our neighbors, talk to our friends, talk to our loved ones that happen to feel differently about this issue.” “You want to be right, or do you want to win?” “I am betting on conversations — at coffee shops, over drinks, at soccer games — to preserve our democracy.” 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Terence Lester on overcoming poverty, confronting systemic racism in education, and how we can show up for students our schools are failing. Introduction: Dr. Terence Lester is an activist, speaker, professor, and founder of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about poverty and homelessness. Dr. Lester shares his remarkable story—from dropping out of high school to earning a doctorate—and how personal experience shapes his advocacy. We dive deep into the topics of systemic injustice, education, faith, and what it truly means to be present with those on the margins. What We Discuss: How Dr. Lester’s personal journey fuels his mission The impact of educational redlining and systemic inequality How faith, mentors, and community shaped his life What churches and individuals can do to respond to injustice How to build proximity and empathy across differences Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Dr. Lester reflects on living in gratitude and grief at once [00:05:00] The dismantling of Black history and language in public discourse [00:10:00] How policy and redlining impacted Dr. Lester’s childhood neighborhood [00:15:00] A teacher named Ms. West sees his potential and changes his life [00:23:00] Mr. Moore tells Dr. Lester, “One day you’ll be a leader” [00:31:00] His grandmother and the spiritual foundation of faith in a historic Black church [00:36:00] A night in jail becomes a turning point in his faith journey [00:46:00] What the church is missing—and what it could become [00:54:00] How we can all build relationships across differences Featured Quotes: “Sometimes people have to borrow your courage.” – Dr. Terence Lester “Distance is the enemy of belonging.” – Dr. Terence Lester “You never know how far I’ve traveled to be here—and I’m not talking about geography.” – Dr. Terence Lester “If you preach from your life’s text, you’ll never run out of material.” – Dr. Lester, quoting his Bible professor Resources Mentioned: Love Beyond Walls: www.lovebeyondwalls.org From Dropout to Doctorate: www.ivpress.com/from-dropout-to-doctorate Dr. Lester on IG: www.instagram.com/imterencelester Dr. Lester's website: terencelester.com 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exposing the New Apostolic Reformation's anti-democratic Seven Mountain Mandate and its profound impact on Christian nationalism, urging a return to interreligious dialogue and Jesus' core teachings to rehumanize faith and defend liberal democracy - we're joined by Dr. Matthew D. Taylor to discuss all this and more. Dr. Matthew D. Taylor is a leading scholar and practitioner in interfaith dialogue and a fierce advocate for pluralism in American society who holds a Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies with a focus on comparative religion and modern radical movements within both Christianity and Islam. He currently serves at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, where he works to dismantle antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Christian nationalism. Together, Corey and Matt explore the evolution of evangelicalism, the rise of Christian nationalism, the dangerous theology of the New Apostolic Reformation, and the crucial role of pluralistic democracy in a divided America. What We Discuss: Why Dr. Taylor left evangelicalism and what drew him to interfaith dialogue The alarming growth and influence of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) How NAR theology is shaping U.S. politics and threatening democracy The distinction between liberal and illiberal democracy How to rehumanize political and religious discourse in polarized environments What Christians can do to confront authoritarianism from within their own communities Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Dr. Taylor’s evangelical roots and why he left the movement [00:05:00] From aspiring missionary to interfaith scholar: Matt’s pivotal moment in Turkey [00:15:00] Understanding spiritual manipulation in evangelical circles [00:25:00] Introducing the New Apostolic Reformation and the Seven Mountain Mandate [00:37:00] How Christian nationalism is reshaping America’s political landscape [00:45:00] Trump, prophecy, and the theological foundations of MAGA [00:54:00] What liberal democracy means—and why it’s at risk in the U.S. [01:03:00] A call for Christians to speak theologically against authoritarianism Featured Quotes: "If the propaganda is theological, the response has to be theological." — Dr. Matthew D. Taylor "We need to improve the quality of our disagreements." — Dr. Matthew D. Taylor "Right now, the propaganda holding MAGA together is theological—and Christians have a responsibility to speak into that." — Dr. Matthew D. Taylor "Jesus didn’t come to empower Christians to take power over others—he came to teach us to lay it down." — Dr. Matthew D. Taylor Resources Mentioned: Dr. Taylor's book, The Violent Take It by Force: icjs.org/the-violent-take-it-by-force Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies: icjs.org Matthew D. Taylor on Substack: substack.com/@matthewdtaylor 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Principles, Polarization, and the Perils of Partisan Shaming. Let's dive into the heated “Redistricting Wars” in Texas, California, and other states. Using David French’s framework of “Is it legal? Is it ethical? Is it wise?”, Corey examines the legal, moral, and strategic angles of mid-decade redistricting. From explaining the political strategies behind Texas’s proposed map changes to defending California’s independent redistricting commissions, Corey makes the case for more competitive, purple districts. He also shares a candid and sometimes heated social media exchange about whether sticking to democratic principles is the right approach when political opponents “fight dirty.” *CORRECTION: Corey incorrectly referred to a conversation with Dr. Matthew D. Taylor. Corey incorrectly stated his first name as Michael instead of Matthew. What Is Discussed: Why Texas’s mid-decade redistricting is technically legal but ethically questionable How California’s independent commissions foster competitive districts The strategic risks of over-gerrymandering The dangers of toxic partisanship and abandoning core principles Why persuasion works better than shaming in political discourse Episode highlights: [00:02:00] Applying the “legal, ethical, wise” framework to Texas’s actions [00:04:00] Why breaking redistricting norms is dangerous [00:07:00] Why Corey doubts Texas will gain five seats through gerrymandering [00:08:00] California’s purple districts and independent commissions [00:12:00] Polling on overturning California’s commission system [00:14:00] A revealing online exchange about principles vs. partisanship [00:21:00] The problem with labeling all Trump voters as enemies of democracy [00:27:00] Sticking to nonviolent, principled engagement during political urgency [00:33:00] Why respectful persuasion beats moral grandstanding Featured quotes: “Is it legal? Is it ethical? Is it wise? That’s how I’m looking at this whole thing.” “We need more purple districts—places where voters have to talk to each other, not just live in partisan silos.” “We don’t abandon our principles when it’s convenient or when we think it’s urgent.” “If your approach is to shame people into agreeing with you, you’re not persuading anyone—you’re pushing them away.” Resources mentioned: Reuters article on Texas redistricting fight: www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-led-texas-redistricting-gambit-ignites-national-arms-race-control-congress-2025-08-05/ Politicology with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cartographic-warfare-the-weekly/id1514968525?i=1000721241146 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happened between the election of the first black president in 2008 and the reelection of Donald Trump in 2024 that's led to "the age of certainty and the demise of discourse"? Well, as the brilliant writer Thomas Chatterton Williams recounts in his new book, there was the SUMMER OF OUR DISCONTENT. In this episode, we get to sit down with Thomas—staff writer at The Atlantic and also author of Losing My Cool and Self-Portrait in Black and White. We explore race, identity, cancel culture, and the importance of preserving liberal values in a polarized society. What We Discuss: How Thomas’s biracial upbringing shapes his worldview The story behind the “Letter on Justice and Open Debate” in Harper's What happened with the Poetry Foundation and cancel culture Why “moral clarity” can be dangerous when journalism becomes activism How 2020’s protests shaped national politics and the rise of MAGA Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Thomas shares the story of his parents’ interracial marriage [00:07:00] Growing up in a household full of debate and thick skin [00:09:00] Drafting and publishing the Harper’s letter and its backlash [00:13:00] The Poetry Foundation controversy and institutional capture [00:25:00] Why “moral clarity” fails when we don’t agree on morality [00:39:00] The link between 2020 protests and January 6th [00:45:00] Can Democrats win the center—and what candidates can break through? [00:48:00] The toxic effects of social media on how we see each other Featured Quotes: "You can't really have social justice without tolerance for viewpoint diversity." – Thomas Chatterton Williams "No one agrees on what’s morally clear. That’s why objectivity still matters." – Thomas Chatterton Williams "People don't talk that way in person. Social media strips us of our ability to imagine someone’s humanity." – Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: The Summer of Our Discontent by Thomas Chatterton Williams: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704632/summer-of-our-discontent-by-thomas-chatterton-williams/ Harper’s Letter: https://harpers.org/a-letter-on-justice-and-open-debate/ Thomas’s work at The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/thomas-chatterton-williams/ Thomas on IG: www.instagram.com/chattertonwilliams Thomas on Twitter: x.com/thomaschattwill 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Did We Get Here? From Outrage to Applauding Atrocity In this edition, host Corey Nathan offers a timely and deeply personal reflection on a disturbing trend in society: the growing tendency to dehumanize one another. We unpack two tragic incidents that sparked widespread and even celebratory reactions online—mass murders of corporate executives—and explore what these reactions say about our collective soul. Using real-life examples, scriptural references, and philosophical insights, the challenge is to consider how we might reclaim our shared humanity. What Is Discussed: How online culture enables dehumanization and moral numbness The emotional and spiritual toll of celebrating harm toward others Practical ways to recognize and preserve each other's humanity The concept of Imago Dei and how it applies in daily life, even beyond religious contexts How to model grace and kindness, even in the face of hostility Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] — Corey introduces the idea of a “vicious cycle” of dehumanization and how it suffocates our soul and hardens our hearts [00:04:00] — The story of Wesley LePatner, CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust and the horrifying online reactions to her murder [00:08:00] — The “Free Luigi” movement and how the celebration of violence has become normalized [00:13:00] — A personal experience with a vile online comment and the power of grace in response [00:18:00] — Explanation of “online disinhibition” and echo chambers as systemic drivers of dehumanization [00:24:00] — Introduction of Imago Dei and secular philosophies that affirm basic human dignity [00:29:00] — How Corey chose to respond thoughtfully rather than react angrily to an offensive comment [00:34:00] — A call to action: practical steps to disrupt the cycle of dehumanization in our personal lives and broader discourse Resources Mentioned: Maya Sulkin’s piece in The Free Press PIX11 News coverage of NYC mass shooting of 7/28/25 Charlie Warzel’s article in The Atlantic on Luigi Mangione 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if ICE visits our church? How are we doing after the LA Fires? And how can the Church help to rebuild and heal? In this heartfelt episode of Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other, host Corey Nathan welcomes back the Reverend Dr. Matt Colwell, Senior Pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, CA. A theologian, author, and community leader, Matt opens up about losing his home in the devastating Eaton Fire, his deeply personal approach to immigrant justice, and the evolving role of the Church in times of social and political crisis. A long-time friend and spiritual guide to Corey, Matt shares how Scripture and lived experience converge to shape his ministry and public witness. What We Discuss: How the Eaton Fire profoundly impacted Pastor Matt and his congregation What it looks like for a church to take a public stand on immigration and ICE enforcement The intersection of Scripture, politics, and social ethics in Matt’s faith journey Why churches are legally preparing for ICE visits—and how they’re doing it The essential role of community, memory, and physical space in recovering from trauma Strategies for engaging in tough conversations across ideological lines Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Matt opens up about life after losing his home in the Eaton Fire [00:03:00] How experiences in Guatemala and seminary shaped Matt’s understanding of faith and justice [00:07:00] Corey and Matt explore deriving political views from scripture and the ethical challenge of self-trust [00:14:00] Book recommendations: Lincoln’s Greatest Speech, The Dearly Beloved, and more [00:18:00] The emotional aftermath of losing a home and the power of community response [00:31:00] What the grieving process looks like when you lose not just a house, but identity-defining memories [00:42:00] ICE visits to churches in Downey prompt new sanctuary policies at Knox Presbyterian [00:47:00] How the church legally designated private spaces to protect undocumented individuals [01:03:00] Corey’s candid reflection on preparing emotionally for hard political and religious conversations Featured Quotes: "When a pillar is pulled out from under you, it’s powerful to feel like God is present—and the church community is present." – Rev. Dr. Matt Colwell "I don’t trust myself either. That’s why I need to hear different voices and read Scripture in community." – Rev. Dr. Matt Colwell "I prepare for difficult conversations by rehearsing a mindset—not what I’ll say, but how I’ll listen." – Corey Nathan "It’s not just stuff—it’s tied to relationships. Losing those memories feels like losing part of your identity." – Rev. Dr. Matt Colwell Resources Mentioned: Our God is Undocumented by Ched Myers and Matthew Colwell: orbisbooks.com/products/our-god-is-undocumented Knox Presbyterian Church, Pasadena: knoxpasadena.org Pastor Matt goes viral: www.instagram.com/p/DLP84OWM-4c/ Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice: www.cluejustice.org 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever get stuck in those mental loops after heated conversations around politics and religion? Let's talk about it! In this episode, host Corey Nathan opens up about the all-too-common habit of rumination—going over those difficult conversations or moments of conflict again and again. Drawing from a powerful personal story, Corey explores what rumination is, how it differs from healthy reflection, and what we can do about it. What Is Discussed: The difference between obsessive rumination and productive reflection Practical strategies for self-awareness and emotional regulation How mindfulness and meditation can help manage intrusive thoughts Why labeling others (or being labeled) damages relationships How to shift from argument to connection using curiosity and empathy Episode Highlights: 00:00:50 – Introducing the topic of rumination and why it matters 00:02:00 – A personal story about a triggering interaction 00:06:00 – “My brain broke”—Corey reflects on emotional fallout 00:10:00 – Inward vs. outward strategies for interrupting rumination 00:13:00 – Self-awareness, triggers, and managing the moment 00:15:00 – Meditation and the practice of “noting” 00:18:00 – Relationship management: choose connection over being right 00:27:00 – Labeling vs. seeing someone in their full humanity Featured Quotes: “My brain broke. That’s how I describe it—because in that moment, something really triggered me.” “The thought is not my identity. It’s just a thought—and I can allow it to pass.” “If someone insists on labeling me, that’s not a relationship I want. Or at least, I’ll love them from far away.” Resources Mentioned: BUDDHA'S BRAIN by Rick Hanson - rickhanson.com/writings/books/buddhas-brain Tara Brach’s resources – www.tarabrach.com 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's economic and political climate, how can we all keep our heads while everyone else is losing theirs? Talkin' tariffs, budget deficits, the Fed, interest rates, and all kinds of fun stuff! In this episode of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other, host Corey Nathan welcomes long-time friend and investment advisor Jorge Meza, CEO of Meza Wealth Management. Jorge shares his inspiring journey—from navigating a family medical crisis to building a boutique investment firm grounded in accessibility and service. The two also dive into today’s economic and political climate, and how we can all keep our heads while everyone else is losing theirs. What We Discuss: How Jorge’s personal experiences shaped his professional philosophy Why investing is about more than money—it’s about people Practical insights into tariffs, inflation, and the future of AI How to have tough political conversations with respect and grace Episode Highlights: [00:01:10] – Jorge shares his daughter Jessica’s remarkable transplant story [00:04:45] – From construction to finance: Jorge’s path to founding Meza Wealth Management [00:07:15] – The immigrant journey that shaped Jorge’s worldview [00:13:00] – How Jorge coaches clients through political and market volatility [00:15:30] – Tariffs, inflation, and AI: What it all means for your money [00:38:15] – Why an independent Federal Reserve matters [00:41:45] – Jorge’s take on how we can disagree without division Featured Quotes: “We’re in the business of changing people’s lives. Someone helped me early on, and I’ve never forgotten that.” – Jorge Meza “Very few people can outwork me. If you work hard, things can happen.” – Jorge Meza “People are starving for respectful dialogue. We just don’t hear enough from the folks in the middle.” – Jorge Meza “You see something to be afraid of—I see opportunity.” – Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: Meza Wealth Management: https://www.mezawealth.com Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PoliticsAndReligion 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan explores how we can navigate difficult conversations around politics and religion with more grace and effectiveness. Drawing on personal experiences, spiritual grounding, and practical techniques, Corey shares what to look out for when a conversation is going sideways and how to communicate better even in the most challenging moments. What Is Discussed: How to recognize when a conversation is escalating Common communication traps and how to avoid them How to prepare your heart and mind to actively listen What it means to “rehearse” understanding instead of comebacks Why identifying shared values can change the entire conversation Episode Highlights: [00:00:50] Signs of emotional escalation and how to spot them [00:05:00] A simple tool to slow down: breathing [00:07:00] The mistake of rehearsing a verbal takedown [00:09:30] A better way: Practice being a great listener [00:13:00] Why “shoulding” on people makes things worse [00:15:00] The dangers of mischaracterizing entire groups [00:21:00] Are you really listening—or just waiting to talk? [00:24:30] Avoiding ad hominem attacks and gaslighting Featured Quotes: “When the emotion is so heightened that I can no longer think… that’s something to recognize before it gets out of hand.” “Don’t rehearse the perfect burn. Rehearse listening.” “You can reverse the neurochemical reaction of anger and fear—and induce the feeling of being heard and loved.” “If your goal is to cause pain in a conversation, this program isn’t for you.” 📣 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. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump 2.0 - 6 months in. How's it going? (And other light comedy...) In this milestone 300th episode, Corey is joined by two insightful friends: Lori Adams-Brown, host of A World of Difference podcast, and William Wright, co-host of the Faithful Politics podcast. Together, they reflect on six months of the Trump 2.0 administration, rising Christian nationalism, immigration policy impacts, and the legacy of influential evangelical leaders. It’s a deep, wide-ranging, and thought-provoking roundtable about our politics, our faith, and how we can still find hope and human connection across differences. What We Discuss: The real-life impacts of recent immigration policies What’s fueling political tribalism and conspiracy culture How trauma can influence dogmatism in both politics and religion A candid look at John MacArthur’s controversial legacy How we can better communicate across ideological divides Episode Highlights: • [00:01:00] Celebrating episode 300 with Lori and Will • [00:02:00] Lori shares real stories of deportation affecting families in California • [00:05:00] Corey’s church discusses ICE raid response policy • [00:08:00] Will details surprising legal shifts and executive orders • [00:13:00] Backlash over Chip and Joanna Gaines and identity politics • [00:23:00] How polarization and pain are intertwined • [00:39:00] Where can we still find hope, even now? • [00:51:00] Reflecting on John MacArthur’s impact and abuse cover-ups • [01:03:00] How to talk politics and religion without killing each other Featured Quotes: “Dogmatism is often a response to trauma.” — Lori Adams-Brown “Bad people can sometimes do things that help good people.” — William Wright “You don’t have a depression issue, you have a sin issue — that’s what they told me. And that was crushing.” — Corey Nathan “It’s not about what you think, it’s about who you hate. That’s how people are being politically labeled now.” — Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: • Faithful Politics Podcast – faithfulpoliticspodcast.com • A World of Difference Podcast – www.loriadamsbrown.com/podcast • Book: White Evangelical Racism by Anthea Butler - uncpress.org/book/9781469681511/white-evangelical-racism-second-edition/ 📣 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: Lori is  www.loriadamsbrown.com LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/loriadamsbrown Instagram - instagram.com/loriadamsbrown Will is  youtube.com/c/faithfulpoliticspodcast Threads - threads.com/@faithful_politics Facebook - facebook.com/FaithfulPoliticsPodcast Corey is @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsor: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com --- Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Roger Herbert—retired Navy Captain, former SEAL commander, professor of ethics, and distinguished academic. Dr. Herbert’s career spans from leading undersea special operations to teaching future naval officers at the U.S. Naval Academy. We explore Dr. Herbert's remarkable journey marked by leadership, ethics, and profound moral challenges. Dr. Herbert shares stories of combat, personal transformation, and the vital importance of principled leadership—even under the most extreme conditions. --- CORRECTION: Roger has advised me that he misspoke when he described a SEAL operation in Anbar Province.  Operation Redwings, the 2005 SEAL reconnaissance mission that inspired the book/movie "Lone Survivor," took place in Afghanistan's Kunar Province.  (Anbar is a province in Iraq.)  --- What We Discuss: * The intense process of becoming and leading Navy SEALs * How war can spark deep ethical reflection and personal evolution * What moral leadership looks like in combat zones—and classrooms * Why teaching ethics to future military leaders is more important than ever * How pivotal life decisions can stem from unexpected, even humorous, moments --- Featured Quotes: “The secret sauce of being a SEAL is learning how far you can really go—and it’s always further than you think.” – Dr. Roger Herbert “We push candidates to what they *think* is their limit… and then some crazy few keep going. That’s where we find the SEALs.” “Ethics isn’t just theory—it’s what helps you come home with honor.” “We don’t swear loyalty to a person. We swear to a document. That’s the power of the U.S. Constitution.” --- Resources Mentioned: * Dr. Roger Herbert’s Substack - rogerherbert.substack.com * The Ethics of Special Ops: Raids, Recoveries, Reconnaissance, and Rebels - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Special-Ops-Recoveries-Reconnaissance-ebook/dp/B0CLGJK8R6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1 * Ethics at War: How Should Military Personnel Make Ethical Decisions? - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-War-Military-Personnel-Decisions-ebook/dp/B0CKFGDXQY?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1 --- 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsor: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com --- Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan shares a personal story that explores a fundamental question many of us face in political and relational discourse: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” Prompted by a real-life interaction following his attendance at a local rally, Corey examines how we navigate our convictions, the costs of being “right,” and the cognitive, identity-based, and psychological roots that underlie our desire to win arguments—especially at the expense of connection.  What Is Discussed: The real story behind a tense political exchange among friends. The importance of prioritizing relationships over ideological victory. Key psychological and sociological reasons why people insist on being right. How identity, ego, and group affiliation shape our perceptions in political dialogue. Thoughtful strategies to promote civil discourse, even across ideological lines. Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] Corey describes the No Kings Rally in Santa Clarita and his motivation for attending. [00:05:00] A group text spirals into conflict after a friend posts a divisive meme about Democrats. [00:07:00] Corey challenges the assumptions being made and asserts his conservative identity. [00:10:00] The text conversation intensifies—Corey confronts the damaging generalizations. [00:13:00] He reflects on the absence of actual conversation and the importance of listening. [00:20:00] Corey shares research on cognitive biases like confirmation bias and bandwagon effect. [00:24:00] A powerful explanation of identity protective cognition and how it affects discourse. [00:29:00] The psychological roots of being “right”: ego, fear, insecurity, and narcissism. [00:31:00] A parable of two billy goats illustrates the cost of refusing to give ground. Featured Quotes: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” “The endeavor that I care about is people exercising their First Amendment rights.” “If we were actually talking, you'd know this isn't even in my top 50 concerns.” “We don’t need to diminish others to hold our convictions.” 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes back political consultant, author, and Substack contributor Mike Madrid. A renowned expert on Latino voters and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, Mike brings his profound insights on American politics, identity, and democracy. Together, Corey and Mike explore deeply personal stories, historical context, and present-day political dynamics, all while weaving in the emotional fabric that connects generations and communities. What We Discuss: The significance of personal and familial stories in shaping political perspective How Latino voters are reshaping American democracy The danger of authoritarian tendencies in U.S. governance Economic populism across ideological divides The importance of understanding and communicating with working-class communities Episode Highlights: [00:04:00] Mike Madrid shares a personal story of grief and connection through a pilgrimage to Madrid, New Mexico [00:08:00] Baseball as a bridge between generations and its deeper cultural significance [00:14:00] Inhumane immigration enforcement and its implications on American identity [00:22:00] A discussion on whether America is at a turning point for its soul and values [00:33:00] Vertical balance of power: Newsom vs. federal overreach in L.A. protests [00:45:00] Latino voters' top concerns: economy, housing, and healthcare [00:53:00] Economic populism through Ruben Gallego and Zoran Mamdani's campaigns [01:03:00] How to talk about politics and religion without killin' each other Featured Quotes: "Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves matter more than the facts we can verify." – Mike Madrid "This is our American story now. This is who we are... and if we're not speaking out, then we are individually complicit in it." – Mike Madrid "These are the moments when character is defined." – Mike Madrid "The best way to talk about politics and religion is to not talk about it through the lens of politics and religion." – Mike Madrid Resources Mentioned: Mike Madrid's Substack: The Great Transformation – greattransformation.substack.com The Latino Century (book by Mike Madrid) – www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278 Latino Vote Podcast – latinos.vote Reflections on Marines in LA by Roger Herbert – rogerherbert.substack.com/p/reflections-on-marines-in-la 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This was such a refreshing conversation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. We recorded it just after she delivered the homily at the National Cathedral the day after the inauguration. Bishop Budde's candor, winsomeness and wisdom shines through in all circumstances - whether it's before a worldwide audience or upon earnest reflection of the impact of her ministry. And there's something healing in all of this. So it's certainly worth revisiting our discussion going into this national holiday weekend. Enjoy...   In this timely edition of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other, host Corey Nathan welcomes Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Budde is a well-respected spiritual leader who has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Meet the Press, Good Morning America, and The Today Show. The conversation dives into Bishop Budde’s faith journey, her reflections on political and social issues, and her approach to leading with grace and courage in divisive times. The discussion also touches on the controversy surrounding her sermon and how she directly addressed Donald Trump at the National Cathedral following the 2025 presidential inauguration. What We Discuss Bishop Budde’s personal faith journey, from her early religious experiences to her leadership in the Episcopal Church. The challenges of navigating faith, politics, and national unity in today’s polarized climate. How to extend grace and practice mercy even in the face of criticism. The role of the church in advocating for social justice, particularly regarding immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. Strategies for engaging in difficult conversations while maintaining mutual respect. Episode Highlights [00:00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. [00:02:00] – Bishop Budde shares her faith journey and the struggles she faced reconciling different religious influences. [00:10:00] – The tension between faith and exclusivity: why some versions of Christianity felt limiting to her. [00:15:00] – The discipline of grace: choosing to respond with compassion rather than anger, even when faced with opposition. [00:26:00] – Bishop Budde’s response to the 2025 presidential inauguration sermon controversy and the importance of speaking truth with love. [00:38:00] – Handling criticism and maintaining a sense of personal and spiritual balance. [00:52:00] – Finding hope in uncertain times: How we can cultivate a spirit of resilience and faith amid societal challenges. [00:55:00] – The importance of dialogue: How to foster better conversations across political and religious differences. [01:03:00] – Final thoughts and how to follow Bishop Budde’s work. Featured Quotes "If it’s not about love, it’s not about God." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde "The discipline of grace is a practice, not a gift. It’s about choosing to respond with love even when it’s difficult." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde "To be raised from the dead—whatever that means in our own lives—requires our consent to live again, to have our hearts broken again, and to take on all of life again." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde "We need to ask ourselves: When was the last time I changed my mind? True dialogue requires being open to seeing the world differently." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde Resources Mentioned Bishop Budde’s Book: How We Learn to Be Brave Episcopal Diocese of Washington – www.edow.org 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: Episcopal Church of Washington: Website   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨ #Politics #Religion #NeverTrump #Democracy #BishopBudde #Faith #Justice #Inclusivity #SocialJustice #Civility #PolarizationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this timely episode of "Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other," host Corey Nathan speaks with Professor Daniel Mach, Director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief and adjunct professor of law at the George Washington University Law School. They explore the complexities of First Amendment rights, the historical Scopes Trial, and the fine line between religious freedom and government endorsement of religion. What We Discuss: How Daniel Mach’s passion for First Amendment law began. The ACLU’s approach to defending speech across ideological lines. Key legal principles behind landmark cases like Kennedy v. Bremerton. The modern-day impact of church-state separation rulings. The importance of defending civil liberties regardless of popularity. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Dan’s origin story, sparked by a high school paper on the Scopes Trial. [00:05:00] ACLU’s surprising position in the Boston Christian flag case. [00:09:00] The real facts behind Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. [00:23:00] Historical insight into the Scopes Trial and why it still matters. [00:38:00] Breakdown of the opt-out debate in Mahmoud v. Montgomery County. [00:48:00] Can a Catholic public school exist? Oklahoma says maybe. [00:56:00] Concerns about threats to the rule of law. [01:00:00] How to speak across ideological divides and why it matters. Featured Quotes: "Rights for all — the right to speak even hateful things — triggered something in my mind where I thought, yeah, that's the way to go." – Daniel Mach "If the rules only protect people you like, then those rules are not rules at all." – Daniel Mach "Part of religious liberty is keeping religion and government separate — not just to protect government, but to protect religion." – Daniel Mach Resources Mentioned: ACLU: https://www.aclu.org Kennedy v. Bremerton: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2021/21-418 Scopes Trial History: https://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties/scopes-trial Mahmoud v. Montgomery County: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-297_4f14.pdf Oklahoma Catholic Charter School Ruling: https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/05/split-supreme-court-blocks-first-religious-charter-school-in-oklahoma/ 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we're joined by Mike Nellis, founder of Authentic and executive chairman of QUILLER. Mike shares his journey from early political engagement to founding a values-driven digital agency and a pioneering AI platform. He opens up about overcoming personal mental health challenges and emphasizes the importance of empathy, leadership, and responsive government. What We Discuss: How Mike Nellis turned a toxic workplace experience into a successful values-based company. Why mental health and workplace culture are core pillars of Mike’s leadership. The strategic role of AI in political campaigns and how it’s changing the game. Insights on effective fundraising, the current political climate, and what the Democratic Party needs to do differently. Episode Highlights: 01:00 – Mike’s introduction and political fundraising background 02:00 – Leaving a toxic workplace and founding Authentic 04:00 – Mike’s personal journey through mental health and weight loss 07:00 – His daily mental health “toolkit” 12:00 – From Republican household to Obama rally 19:00 – Mike’s evolving political values and client strategies 27:00 – Firsthand experience confronting political abuse of power 35:00 – Diagnosing what went wrong in the 2024 election 48:00 – Navigating AI ethics and strategy 53:00 – Endless Urgency: Mike’s life motto and Substack Featured Quotes: “Every day, you should do something for your mind, your body, and your spirit.” – Mike Nellis “Politics is a game of addition, not subtraction.” – Mike Nellis “I want a government that shows up when people need it—and then gets out of the way.” – Mike Nellis Resources Mentioned: QUILLER.ai – https://www.quiller.ai Authentic – https://authentic.org/ Endless Urgency Substack – https://endlessurgency.substack.com @mikenellis.bsky.social‬ | www.threads.com/@mike_nellis 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Corey Nathan is joined by Pastor Doug Pagitt, Executive Director of Vote Common Good. Doug shares his remarkable journey from a non-religious upbringing to becoming a prominent voice in progressive evangelicalism. They discuss how his background in sociology and theology shapes his view of faith, culture, and politics, and how those insights drive his current work helping religious voters engage civically with integrity and hope. What We Discuss: How Doug Pagitt came to faith and ministry outside traditional church upbringing What the Emergent Church is and why it matters How anthropology influences theology What motivated Pastor Doug to start Vote Common Good How Democrats can meaningfully engage religious voters Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Introduction to Doug’s background and Vote Common Good [00:03:00] Doug’s faith story and early questions about Christianity [00:08:00] Embracing scripture through open interpretation [00:17:00] The Emergent Church explained [00:30:00] Why Vote Common Good was founded [00:43:00] Surprising insights from their faith voter polling [00:54:00] Six words to win back religious voters [01:02:00] Where Democrats often miss the mark Featured Quotes: “I didn’t have to unlearn a Sunday school version of Christianity. I got to take Jesus at face value.”  “We’re not asking candidates to be Christians. We’re asking them to like Christians.”  “The difference between being required and being invited makes all the difference.” “Human beings organize our lives around patterns. The danger is when we mistake those patterns for the divine.” Resources Mentioned: Vote Common Good: https://www.votecommongood.com Doug Pagitt’s books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Doug+Pagitt 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan explores how the "us vs. them" mindset is damaging our democracy and personal relationships. Sharing powerful stories and reflections, Corey examines how this mentality can escalate from figurative harm to literal violence—and what we can do to stop it. What Is Discussed: How to recognize and avoid “us vs. them” thinking Why specificity matters more than generalizations How to reframe conversations to foster understanding When it’s best to disengage from toxic interactions Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] The real-life consequences of political tribalism [00:03:00] How a quote from the Declaration of Independence sparked online hostility [00:15:00] Why generalizing leads to vilification [00:21:00] Reactions to the peaceful “No Kings” rally [00:28:00] How to name and address divisive rhetoric [00:34:00] When it’s healthier to walk away Featured Quotes: "Think specifically, not generally." "Shift our disposition from facing off to side by side." "Sometimes, you just gotta know when to walk away." 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes Liz Joyner, founder and president of The Village Square, a civic organization dedicated to bridging divides and fostering dialogue across political and cultural lines. Liz shares the story behind founding The Village Square, her passion for preserving democratic values, and her experience navigating political polarization with grace, humor, and tenacity. As dear friends and collaborators, Corey and Liz offer listeners a heartfelt and insightful conversation about the importance of disagreement, empathy, and genuine connection. What You Will Learn: How Liz Joyner built The Village Square to combat political divisiveness The power of human connection and shared experiences in fostering civic trust Key strategies for having meaningful conversations across ideological divides Why now is a pivotal moment for preserving democracy and civil discourse How personal stories and experiences shape our political views and actions Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Introduction to Liz Joyner and her work with The Village Square [00:06:00] Reflecting on her family’s military background and public service [00:13:00] The key question: How can we engage across our differences? [00:22:00] The role of The Village Square’s God Squad in promoting interfaith dialogue [00:31:00] The psychological roots of tribalism and political polarization [00:50:00] The threat to public humanities and the importance of civic institutions [01:00:00] Liz’s favorite spot in D.C. and its symbolic value for democracy Featured Quotes: “We just need to do it. Reach out. Make the call. Share a meal. Be human.” “When we see others up close, we see their good intentions. That’s where empathy begins.” “Disagreement, done well, is the genius behind our democracy.” “The genius of our system is that it relies on heterogeneity—on us learning from each other.” Resources Mentioned: The Village Square: villagesquare.us The Constitution of Knowledge by Jonathan Rauch: www.brookings.edu/books/the-constitution-of-knowledge Roger Herbert's Substack: https://rogerherbert.substack.com The National Portrait Gallery: https://npg.si.edu 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director at the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future and former CEO of ProCon.org. Kamy shares his extraordinary journey from war-torn Iran to becoming a champion of civil discourse and political bridge-building in the United States.  What We Discuss: Kamy’s powerful immigration story and personal connection to today’s immigration challenges What's actually happening in Los Angeles vs what many news programs are showing How debate and listening helped shape Kamy’s open-minded leadership The mission of USC’s Center for the Political Future and its bipartisan impact The root causes of polarization and how we can counteract them Why respect, listening, and humility are foundational for meaningful dialogue Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Kamy’s homage to Parliament Funkadelic and Sly Stone [00:06:00] Living through war in Iran and escaping with his family [00:14:00] Adjusting to poverty in Louisiana and finding strength in education [00:18:00] Discovering a passion for political discourse through debate [00:27:00] Leaving management consulting to lead ProCon.org [00:30:00] Kamy's role at USC’s Center for the Political Future [00:39:00] Building a culture where tough conversations can happen respectfully [00:55:00] A deeper look into today’s immigration debates and polarization Featured Quotes: "Every person you meet knows more than you do about something. If you approach with humility, every conversation becomes a chance to learn." — Kamy Akhavan "If you really want to be a powerful advocate for your cause, the best tool you have isn’t your mouth—it’s your ears." — Kamy Akhavan "We all inherit democracy. And that inheritance is a gift many have died for." — Kamy Akhavan Resources Mentioned: USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future: https://dornsife-center-for-political-future.usc.edu/ ProCon.org: https://www.procon.org/ The Democracy Group: https://www.democracygroup.org/ 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this insightful and often humorous episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes political satirist, author, and podcast host Andrew Heaton for a wide-ranging conversation about his latest book, Tribalism Is Dumb. Heaton, known for his podcast The Political Orphanage, brings his signature blend of wit, intellect, and candor to explore why politics has become so viciously tribal—and how we can fix it. Drawing from personal stories, deep research, and evolutionary psychology, Heaton discusses the roots of human division, the impact of media and technology, and the path to a more thoughtful public discourse. What We Discuss: Why tribalism is hardwired into human nature—and how it gets misapplied in modern politics How Heaton’s upbringing influenced his commitment to civility and intellectual rigor The role of media, social media, and political leadership in fostering division Practical tools for having productive, respectful political conversations What we can do—personally and societally—to resist toxic partisanship Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Intro to Andrew Heaton and his new book [00:02:30] The story behind the dedication to Heaton’s father [00:06:45] Heaton’s early political influences [00:10:15] How Heaton preps for his many podcasts [00:21:00] The evolutionary roots of tribalism [00:34:00] Protestant vs. Catholic soccer rivalry in Scotland [00:36:30] What changed in the last few decades [00:55:00] Tools for better political conversations Featured Quotes: "There are lots of people that we share this country with that are good and intelligent people. The fact that we disagree with them is not a negation of their humanity." – Andrew Heaton "The need for an enemy precipitates the existence of the enemy." – Andrew Heaton "Tribalism is not just about community. It’s about the reflexive urge to find a ‘them’ to define the ‘us.’" – Andrew Heaton "I just try to remember: we’re not arguing about whether you're a good person. I already believe you are." – Andrew Heaton Resources Mentioned: The Political Orphanage podcast: https://mightyheaton.com/the-political-orphanage Tribalism Is Dumb by Andrew Heaton: https://mightyheaton.com/books Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Bowling-Alone/Robert-D-Putnam/9780743203043 How to Have Impossible Conversations by Peter Boghossian: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/peter-boghossian/how-to-have-impossible-conversations/9780738285344/ 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition, host Corey Nathan dives into two behaviors that shut down meaningful dialogue before it even starts: ad hominem attacks and treating individuals as proxies for groups. Drawing from real-life interactions and candid personal stories, Corey illustrates why civil discourse matters now more than ever. What Is Discussed: Why personal attacks destroy productive dialogue How assuming people represent an entire group harms mutual understanding Strategies for better conversations: passive, defensive, and proactive Why labels and assumptions often miss the mark The power of treating others as individuals with unique stories Episode Highlights: 1:00 – Defining the two dialogue killers: ad hominem and proxy labeling 2:00 – A local mayor faces national-level hostility in small-town politics 4:00 – A neighborly disagreement about family farms shows how it can be done right 5:00 – Corey’s impassioned reaction to toxic comments and attacks 10:00 – When people are reduced to stand-ins for political ideologies 14:00 – Facebook comments spiral as users resort to vilifying each other 19:00 – Setting realistic expectations when engaging across divides 27:00 – “I will not defend positions I don’t hold”—drawing healthy boundaries 30:00 – Lessons from the fight for marriage equality: changing hearts through human connection 33:00 – Passive, defensive, and proactive strategies to communicate better Featured Quotes: “People are people—not proxies...” “I will not defend positions that I don’t hold.” “You’re not talking to ‘them,’ you’re talking to me.” “Go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.” 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this inspiring episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes Bishop Mary D. Glasspool, a pioneering leader in the Episcopal Church and the first openly lesbian woman to be consecrated as a bishop in the Anglican Communion. Since 2016, she has served as Assistant Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Bishop Mary shares her personal journey of faith, identity, leadership, and inclusion, offering insights into navigating the intersections of religion, politics, and justice. What We Discuss: Bishop Mary’s journey as a trailblazer in the Episcopal Church How her faith and identity evolved in tandem What the Philadelphia 11 meant to her and the church Navigating hard conversations across deep differences What gives her hope for the future of the church and the world Episode Highlights: 01:00 – Corey introduces Bishop Mary and her groundbreaking role 06:00 – Growing up in a multigenerational Episcopal family 17:00 – The impact of the Philadelphia 11 and her call to ministry 27:00 – Coming out and confronting institutional theology 34:00 – Stories of ministry, mentorship, and pioneering women 43:00 – Navigating political division in local churches 50:00 – Her retirement plans and what’s next 1:02:00 – On non-binary thinking, listening deeply, and collaboration Featured Quotes: “We can do this. It is possible to talk politics and religion without killing each other.” “The best way to be ecumenical is to be deeply rooted and grounded in your own faith.” “Diversity is a strength… It can help us grow and become stronger as human beings.” “We need to allow for silence. We need to listen.” Resources Mentioned: The Philadelphia Eleven Documentary: https://www.philadelphiaelevenfilm.com The Episcopal Church: https://www.episcopalchurch.org 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan is joined by Pastor David Hegg, Senior Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita, CA. With decades of experience, a master’s in theology, and a doctorate in preaching, Pastor Hegg shares his unique journey into ministry, his thoughts on biblical teaching, and how Christians can faithfully navigate today’s cultural and political landscape. What We Discuss: How Pastor Hegg's early struggles shaped his path in ministry The importance of preaching Scripture as it was originally written A biblical approach to Christian leadership and cultural engagement Insights into the role of conscience in political decision-making Why “reasoned humility” is essential for healthy public discourse Episode Highlights: 00:04:00 – From mowing the church lawn to pastoring a large congregation 00:10:00 – Disputes over doctrine: seminary conflict and church governance 00:19:00 – Faith vs. science: Genesis, creationism, and biblical authority 00:25:00 – Why many pastors feel exhausted, and how to sustain ministry 00:30:00 – Handling political pressure and cultural division during COVID 00:36:00 – Engaging LGBTQ+ individuals with truth and grace 00:43:00 – What it means to “withdraw” from politics without disengaging 00:54:00 – Preview of Pastor Hegg’s upcoming books and a theological novel Featured Quotes: “What God has for us is always best for us.” – Pastor David Hegg “We must hold our beliefs with reasoned humility.” “You can’t come to any text without a framework, but you must be willing to reform that framework based on Scripture.” “We don’t throw darts—we meet people where they are and walk with them.” Resources Mentioned: Grace Baptist Church: gracebaptist.org The Obedience Option: www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Obedience+Option+David+Hegg The Well: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Well+David+Hegg Mind & Cosmos by Thomas Nagel: www.goodreads.com/book/show/13690432-mind-cosmos 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“You’ve got to be willing to kick your sources right in the balls if necessary, even if they’re your friends.” Julie Mason came up the ranks at regional newspapers before becoming a White House reporter. On her SiriusXM radio show, you can tell how much she loves and champions good reporters and reveres excellent journalism. And that's one of the many reasons we love Julie Mason! So we're re-booting our most recent conversation with Julie from earlier this year...   In this episode, host Corey Nathan reconnects with Julie Mason, renowned journalist and host of The Julie Mason Show on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel. Julie brings decades of experience in journalism, spanning local, state, and national politics, and shares her sharp insights on the evolving media landscape, political discourse, and the state of journalism today. What We Discuss: The evolving role of journalists in a polarized media environment. How to navigate news consumption and discern credible sources. Insights into the challenges of covering politicians and divisive topics. The growing intersection between social media platforms and journalism. Why re-engaging with quality news content is critical to democracy. Mike Pence: The King of Hilarity... Wait. WHAT?!?! No, really Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] – Corey welcomes Julie back to the podcast after four years and reflects on her journey in journalism, from print reporting to hosting her SiriusXM show. [00:09:00] – Julie explains how she transitioned from print to radio and why she took the leap into the unfamiliar world of broadcasting. [00:20:00] – The challenges of modern journalism: Julie addresses disinformation, lies in politics, and why reporters must focus on stories that truly impact people’s lives. [00:27:00] – A discussion on how journalism is evolving to meet the needs of a fatigued audience, from long-form storytelling to true crime podcasts. [00:40:00] – Julie emphasizes the importance of journalists remaining stoic and professional, especially during major historical events like January 6th. [00:47:00] – Corey and Julie explore ways to have constructive conversations with people across ideological divides, drawing inspiration from bipartisan efforts in Congress. [00:55:00] – Julie’s call to action: Why supporting quality journalism through subscriptions and active engagement matters more than ever. Featured Quotes: “You’ve got to be willing to kick your sources right in the balls if necessary, even if they’re your friends.” “Politician lied is not really the story—focus on what impacts people’s lives.” “To have meaningful conversations, you have to put down your weapons and see the humanity in the other person.” Resources Mentioned: The Julie Mason Show on SiriusXM’s POTUS Channel – www.siriusxm.com/channels/potus-politics  Substack Recommendations: The Great Transformation with Mike Madrid Tom LoBianco’s 24Sight Oliver Darcy’s Substack The Contrarian by Jennifer Rubin and Laurence Tribe Dirty John Podcast – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack @julesdc Facebook Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lot's happened already this year. So it's worth re-setting this conversation with friend of the pod, Wajahat Ali, from earlier this year...   When there's such chaos amd divisiveness all around us, what can we do to cultivate a sense of hope and humanity?   In this episode, we welcome back Wajahat Ali, celebrated writer, editor of The Left Hook Substack, co-host of Democracy-ish Podcast, and author. Known for his humor and insight, Waj brings his unique perspective as a father, storyteller, and political commentator to discuss navigating the tumultuous political and social landscape of 2025. Together, Corey and Wajahat dive deep into themes of decency, empathy, and how to cultivate hope amid chaos. Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Wajahat muses about earning a "Five Timer Club" t-shirt. [00:04:00] Discussion on the California wildfires and the politicization of natural disasters. [00:06:00] Wajahat analyzes the blame game targeting DEI initiatives in crisis situations. [00:09:00] Corey and Wajahat explore the role of empathy and decency in politics. [00:11:00] Wajahat reflects on hope during his daughter’s cancer journey and how that translates to political resilience. [00:16:00] Star Wars analogy: How everyday people (the "Ewoks") can fight against authoritarianism. [00:22:00] A candid discussion on America's historical resistance to progress and how that impacts the current political climate. [00:35:00] The importance of rest and joy in sustaining activism and engagement. [00:54:00] Wajahat’s advice on engaging with people across ideological divides—when to plant seeds of change and when to walk away. Featured Quotes: "Hope is optimism with action. It's believing in a better story but doing your part to get there." – Wajahat Ali "You can't save everyone. The caravan must move forward, but the doors remain open." – Wajahat Ali "We could have been so much better, and we chose this." – Wajahat Ali "One conversation with one person can create a ripple effect. Even a one-degree shift can matter." – Corey Nathan   How to find Waj: The Left Hook | https://thelefthook.substack.com/ Democracy-ish | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/democracy-ish/id1473376303 Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/wajali.bsky.social 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Alexander Vindman—retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and former Director for European Affairs on the White House National Security Council. Known for his key role in the first Trump impeachment and his deep expertise in Eastern European affairs, Vindman returns to discuss his latest book, The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine. The conversation dives into the geopolitical stakes of the ongoing war in Ukraine, U.S. foreign policy across administrations, and the importance of civic responsibility in the face of authoritarianism. What We Discuss: Why U.S. administrations consistently misunderstood Russia and Ukraine. The concept of “Neo-Idealism” and its value in foreign policy. How family history and personal experience shaped Vindman’s worldview. The political realities facing Ukraine and the U.S. in a post-Trump world. The role of values in sustaining democratic institutions. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Introduction to Alexander Vindman and his background. [00:04:30] Alex's twin brother Eugene Vindman’s transition to Congress and bipartisan cooperation. [00:17:00] Reconnecting with family in Ukraine and the impact of history. [00:25:00] The thousand-year struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty. [00:38:00] Why equating Russia with Cold War power is misguided. [00:44:30] Vindman defines “Neo-Idealism” and its global implications. [01:00:00] The danger of Trumpism and dismantling of democratic norms. [01:07:00] How we can engage across political and cultural divides. Featured Quotes: “Russia, absent Ukraine, ceases to be an empire. With Ukraine, it becomes one.” – Alexander Vindman “Neo-Idealism is about tethering our interests to our values and committing to them over the long term.” – Alexander Vindman “We succumbed to misplaced hopes and fears. We thought if we treated Russia as a partner, it would behave like one.” – Alexander Vindman “You can find common ground by talking about family. That’s where our shared concerns lie.” – Alexander Vindman Resources Mentioned: The Folly of Realism – www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/alexander-vindman/the-folly-of-realism/9781541705043 Alexander Vindman’s Substack – www.avindman.com Alexander Vindman on Bluesky - @avindman.bsky.social 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan reflects on a pivotal shift in direction for the podcast. The solo episodes of “Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other” will be moving toward a more practical focus—answering the question of how we engage in tough conversations about politics and religion in more productive, neighborly, human ways. Drawing from years of interviews, personal experiences, and lively social media debates, Corey opens up about the challenges and tools needed to bridge our deepest divides. What's Discussed: Why Corey is focusing more on how we talk about politics and religion, not just what we talk about The role of "epistemic bubbles" and "informational universes" in shaping our perspectives Tools and strategies for engaging across political and religious differences How grace, curiosity, and relationship-building can change the tone of even the toughest conversations Real-life examples from Corey’s online and offline experiences—including some Facebook showdowns! Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Corey announces a new focus on practical tools for civil dialogue [00:06:00] The concept of “epistemic ecosystems” and how they isolate us [00:10:00] Why you can’t “convert” someone in one conversation—but you can plant seeds [00:13:00] Mike Madrid: “Effective communication across bubbles requires more than simply correcting facts...” [00:17:00] A quote from the Constitution sparks a wild Facebook debate [00:24:00] From “literate idiots” to neighbors with nuance—Corey breaks down who shows up online [00:32:00] How to actively listen, lead with curiosity, and find the serious point in a noisy thread [00:45:00] Tips on when to pick your spot, take it offline, or simply walk away Featured Quotes: “Sometimes you can’t teach someone a new language—but you can give them a few new words.” “Give yourself grace. You’re going to mess it up. But keep showing up.” “Effective communication across bubbles requires more than simply correcting facts. It demands engaging underlying values and concerns.” Resources Mentioned: Mike Madrid’s Substack - The Great Transformation: greattransformation.substack.com Tangle News: www.readtangle.com Ground News: ground.news Village SquareCast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/village-squarecast/id1520059234 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan speaks with Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary. As the first woman to lead the historic 180-year-old institution, Dr. Jones brings deep insight to the intersection of theology, justice, and public life. Together, they explore how Christian faith can guide us through trauma, division, and democracy’s challenges, while sharing stories of growing up in faith and creating space for conversations across political and religious divides. What We Discuss: How Serene Jones’ upbringing shaped her theological lens What theology has to do with democracy and justice Why questions are a sign of faith, not doubt The importance of building bridges, even when no one’s building from the other side How seminaries are evolving to meet the needs of a changing world Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] A unique faith upbringing in the Disciples of Christ tradition [00:07:00] Church as a place of learning about democracy, justice, and real life [00:13:00] The message of Micah 4 and how it resonates with global conflict today [00:27:00] The role of theology in shaping public ethics and spiritual resilience [00:39:00] Navigating campus dialogue during protests and unrest [00:44:00] Three calls for progressive communities in red states [00:51:00] Addressing collective and generational trauma through faith [00:53:00] Asking: What would Jesus do—really? Featured Quotes: “Faith that’s not equipped to deal with the big questions of life is not a faith worth its weight.” “If we are not building bridges, there’s no one there to catch people when they fall.” “Theology is not just an abstraction. It’s an action. It’s a way of living in the world.” “The crisis in our nation is a massive spiritual crisis—for all of us.” Resources Mentioned: Union Theological Seminary – utsnyc.edu Call It Grace by Serene Jones – www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2146640/serene-jones/ 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan reconnects with Lisa Willey Knierim—Mayor of Cranbury Township, NJ, President of 1880 Hospitality, and high school pal. Lisa shares powerful insights into the realities of small-town governance, the impact of state housing mandates, and the ripple effects of national political discourse. From boardrooms to township meetings, she brings candor, civility, and a healthy dose of humor to the conversation. What We Discuss: How national political polarization affects small-town governments. What the Mount Laurel Doctrine means for affordable housing in NJ. The value of listening and transparency in political leadership. How Six Sigma strategies works in business—and public service. Real-world consequences of recent U.S. tariff policy from a global trade professional. Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] The structure of Cranbury’s local government and Lisa’s role as mayor [00:07:00] Breaking down the affordable housing mandate and land challenges [00:14:00] How partisan behavior has filtered into local meetings [00:24:00] Six Sigma in practice: business problem-solving that works [00:27:00] Why abrupt tariff policy changes hurt American businesses [00:34:00] Lisa’s close election win and continued work with her predecessor [00:45:00] Remembering the best of our communities post-pandemic [00:53:00] Lisa’s campaign to bring back civility in politics Featured Quotes: “At the local level, I wish I didn’t even have to declare my party. It feels absolutely irrelevant.” – Lisa Willey Knierim “You’ve got to create a vanilla ice cream environment—not too spicy. Be compassionate, be practical, be human.” “National-level problems shouldn’t be light-switch decisions.” “It’s not that I can’t solve the problem. But I can listen. That’s halfway there.” Resources Mentioned: Six Sigma Black Belt Certification: asq.org/cert/six-sigma-black-belt Cranbury Township Info: www.cranburytownship.org/ Lisa Willey Knierim Campaign Page: www.facebook.com/LisaKnierimTC22 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Corey Nathan sits down with Kate Carney, Deputy Director at More in Common. Kate shares her fascinating journey—from working in Congress to boating 6,000 miles around the U.S.—and how those experiences shape her work today. The conversation centers on More in Common’s new report, The Connection Opportunity, and explores how we can foster meaningful relationships across political, racial, religious, and socioeconomic divides. What's Discussed: Why social connection is critical to healthy democracy. Surprising data on Americans’ openness to diverse perspectives. How psychological factors like intergroup anxiety impact connection. Kate’s transformative journey completing the Great American Loop. Real-world solutions for bridging divides in your own community. Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Kate’s 6,000-mile boat journey and what it taught her about America. 10:00 – The Connection Opportunity: How More in Common is reframing social cohesion. 21:00 – Why politics remains the most difficult line of difference to cross. 25:00 – The power of community norms and intergroup anxiety. 32:00 – Revisiting the "Hidden Tribes" report and what’s changed since its release. 41:00 – The seven levers of change for increasing social connection. 48:00 – How cities like Kansas City, Houston and Pittsburgh are fostering community dialogue. 54:00 – Personal agency and why democracy starts with you. Featured Quotes: “We are inherently diverse. To build strong communities, we have to be intentional about connecting across our differences.” — Kate Carney “The more people connect across difference, the more they want to—it’s a cascade.” — Kate Carney “There’s an overwhelming desire to have these conversations. It’s the fortress of assumptions that gets in our way.” — Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: More in Common: www.moreincommonus.com The Connection Opportunity Report: moreincommonus.com/publication/the-connection-opportunity 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan reflects on where we stand as a country several months into the current administration. With candor and conviction, Corey explores the themes of democracy, decency, and due process. Drawing from scripture, the Constitution, and commentary by thought leaders like David Brooks and Mike Madrid, this episode delivers a compelling, timely snapshot of America’s civic health—and what’s at stake moving forward. What's Discussed: Why the First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments are more important than ever The consequences of immigration policies that bypass due process How the economy (including tariffs and inflation) is impacting voters What swayed key constituencies in the 2024 election What to watch for heading into 2026 and 2028 Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Framing the episode: A “temperature check” on America [00:05:00] The First Amendment under threat [00:07:00] Due process and the constitutional rights of all persons [00:14:00] What really moved voters in 2024 (spoiler: price of eggs + immigration) [00:17:00] A powerful quote from David Brooks on civilizational foundations [00:22:00] Legal attacks and a defense of constitutional law [00:29:00] Polling data showing shifts in public opinion [00:34:00] Real-world impact on families, students, and small businesses Featured Quotes: “Nor shall any person be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.” “Don’t talk to me about Donald Trump being a brilliant businessman—he’s a brilliant thief.” “For me, it’s about democracy and decency. Always has been.” Resources Mentioned: David Brooks: "What’s Happening Is Not Normal" (NYT) – www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/opinion/trump-harvard-law-firms.html Adam Unikowsky on Substack – adamunikowsky.substack.com/p/the-case-for-suing Mike Madrid's Substack, The Great Transformation – substack.com/@madridmike 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan talks with renowned journalist, scholar, and public intellectual E.J. Dionne Jr. E.J. is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, a professor at Georgetown University, and a prolific author. Together, they discuss democracy, faith, political polarization, and the enduring need for real argument and hope in public life. What We Discuss: How E.J.’s upbringing shaped his approach to political debate and dialogue. Why engaging seriously with opposing ideas is crucial to democracy. The difference between optimism and hope — and why hope is essential. How faith and civil society contribute to repairing societal divisions. Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] E.J. shares how his father encouraged open political debate. [00:06:00] Reflections on DEI, the “woke” debates, and critiques of excesses. [00:10:00] The Trump administration’s unintended role in uniting pro-democracy groups. [00:15:00] Anger and economic grievances in Fall River, Massachusetts. [00:24:00] Why hope, not just optimism, is vital for public life. [00:36:00] E.J.’s personal faith journey and the importance of humble belief. [00:48:00] Reflections on Pope Francis’ legacy and the Catholic Church. [01:05:00] What worries E.J. about democracy today — and what gives him hope. Featured Quotes: "In real argument, you enter imaginatively into the ideas your opponent holds." — E.J. Dionne "Hope is the virtue on which faith and love depend." — E.J. Dionne "You can really disagree with people you love, and you can love people you disagree with." — E.J. Dionne "We find sanctity even in mundane conversations." — Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: 📘 Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics after the Religious Right - Princeton University Press 📰 E.J. Dionne's column at The Washington Post – www.washingtonpost.com/people/ej-dionne-jr 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

🎙️Award-winning journalist and Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins joins us to explore the delicate intersections of politics, faith, and journalism. From shadowing Donald Trump to chronicling the political journey of Mitt Romney, McKay shares what it takes to pursue truth in turbulent times. What We Discuss: What it’s like getting rare access to Trump, Romney, and the Murdochs How to navigate political rationalizations without losing your soul McKay’s writing rituals and creative process The powerful role of curiosity in building bridges across divides Why faith and civic life matter more than ever Episode Highlights: 00:02:00 – McKay’s infamous 2014 Trump profile and its surprising legacy 00:10:00 – How luck and sincere curiosity lead to exclusive access 00:16:00 – Late nights, caps lock, and McKay’s writing habits 00:29:00 – The chilling effect of political intimidation on journalism 00:41:00 – Why many GOP leaders stay silent—and what Romney heard behind the scenes 00:50:00 – Do you lose your soul in politics? A deep dive 00:57:00 – The spiritual vacuum in modern America and how faith might fill it 01:02:00 – Why curiosity is the cure for today’s civic divide Featured Quotes: "He seemed like he desperately wanted affirmation all the time... and it was like empty calories."  "To be somebody who has faith is to constantly have it tested and to have it evolve." "We need leaders thinking more about their obituaries than the next news cycle." "Curiosity is an underrated virtue in politics." Resources Mentioned: 📘 Romney: A Reckoning – Simon and Schuster 📘 The Wilderness – Hachette Book Group 📰 McKay’s articles at The Atlantic – Visit 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan shares a candid reflection about a recent encounter where he was right on the facts and the law—but completely wrong in how he presented them. Yet if we're honest with ourselves about when we make mistakes, it's a good opportunity to learn, reminding us that how we communicate is just as important as what we communicate. What You’ll Learn: Why being right on the law isn’t enough in a conversation How righteous anger can derail productive dialogue Why due process matters for everyone—especially those who aren't guilty of crimes Tools for engaging in hard conversations with empathy and curiosity How the Constitution and Judeo-Christian values intersect in public discourse Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Corey introduces the story and the key lesson he learned [00:05:00] Breakdown of the Alien Enemies Act and a real legal case [00:06:45] A stranger challenges Corey at a restaurant [00:07:30] Corey "goes Jersey" and loses his cool [00:13:00] What due process really protects and why it matters [00:16:00] How Isaac Saul, David Brooks, and Mónica Guzmán inspired a better way to respond [00:18:00] Reading the First and Fifth Amendments to ground the conversation Featured Quotes: "I was completely right on the facts, but I was completely wrong on the delivery." — Corey Nathan "Due process is there for the innocent just as much as the guilty—even more so for the innocent." — Corey Nathan "Ask at least three questions before making your point." — inspired by Isaac Saul 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Isaac Saul, founder of Tangle, a widely respected, nonpartisan political newsletter. Isaac and his team bring a fresh approach to political journalism by curating multiple perspectives—right, left, and independent—on major stories of the day. Corey, a fan and avid reader of Tangle, dives deep into Isaac’s upbringing in Bucks County, PA, how that shaped his civic “multilingualism,” and the genesis of Tangle during a particularly difficult phase of his career. Together, they explore the challenges of journalistic ethics, political polarization, media bias, and the future of trustworthy news. What We Discuss: Why Bucks County, PA, is so friggin' awesome! And why it plays a crucial role in shaping moderate political thinkers. How Isaac Saul built Tangle from the ground up as a response to media frustration. The journalistic principles and ethical guardrails that guide Isaac’s work. How to discern quality journalism in an era dominated by clickbait and misinformation. The dangers of polarization and what gives Isaac hope about our democratic future. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Isaac Saul shares the mission behind Tangle and what inspired him to create it. [00:05:00] Corey and Isaac explore how growing up in politically diverse Bucks County cultivated empathy and civic fluency. [00:10:00] Isaac discusses his unique way of reaching conspiracy-minded friends—by “using their language” and exposing financial incentives in media. [00:15:00] Isaac describes his journalistic background and the importance of reporting with integrity and skepticism. [00:24:00] Isaac recounts his “f*** this” moment that led to launching Tangle after being rejected from multiple major outlets. [00:34:00] Corey explains his methodical approach to reading Tangle and how it helps refine his own viewpoints. [00:40:00] Behind the scenes: How Isaac and his team choose stories and fairly represent both sides of complex political issues. [00:54:00] Isaac shares his hopes and fears about political division, executive overreach, and the role of media in democracy. Featured Quotes: "The people who are really politically engaged on the right and the left right now are living in just different realities." – Isaac Saul "I know what I think. It’s the least interesting thing on the planet. I live with this brain all day. I want to hear what others think." – Isaac Saul "You should treat every click like you're handing a news outlet a dollar." – Isaac Saul "Centrism is an ideology in and of itself. I’m not trying to land in the middle—I’m just being honest about my real reactions." – Isaac Saul Resources Mentioned: Tangle Newsletter – www.readtangle.com Isaac Saul’s TED Talk: “What Media Doesn’t Tell You” – youtu.be/543mYKKh1EE?si=CjdQv94HzT04vknh How Media Bias Works (Tangle article) – www.readtangle.com/why-the-media-is-broken/ Isaac on Twitter: x.com/Ike_Saul 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this deeply moving episode, Corey Nathan welcomes Rabbi Sharon Brous, the senior and founding rabbi of IKAR, a groundbreaking Jewish community based in Los Angeles. Rabbi Brous is also the author of The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Heal Our Hearts and Mend Our Broken World. Together, they explore ancient traditions, mental health, spiritual leadership, and how to foster deeper, more compassionate human connections even across profound divides. What We Discuss: The ancient ritual of turning toward the brokenhearted and its modern relevance. The profound impact of being seen and embraced in moments of vulnerability. How leaders carry and process communal pain—and why that matters. Practical wisdom on staying curious and compassionate across ideological divides. The role of community design in spiritual experiences. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Rabbi Brous explains the Mishnah Middot and the ritual of turning toward the brokenhearted. [00:08:00] Corey and Rabbi Brous discuss the concept of sin as a burden like mental illness. [00:15:00] The transformative power of being truly seen and how crying makes space for new realities. [00:20:00] Rabbi Brous reflects on the toll leadership can take and how caregivers must process pain. [00:24:00] The design of IKAR’s prayer space and how it fosters visibility and community. [00:34:00] Navigating discomfort with changes in religious leadership and traditions. [00:42:00] How to stay at the table with those who hurt or anger us—and why it’s critical. [00:53:00] A powerful story about transformation through simple presence and blessing. Featured Quotes: "Sometimes you don’t even want to get out of bed. Yet, sacred tradition compels us to show our brokenness—and trust that we will be held with love." — Rabbi Sharon Brous "If you don’t metabolize pain, it will metastasize inside of you." — Rabbi Sharon Brous "We can create new neural and spiritual pathways—by allowing ourselves to be seen and to receive love." — Rabbi Sharon Brous "It takes courage to be curious about someone who hurt you, but that’s the only way to heal." — Rabbi Sharon Brous Resources Mentioned: The Amen Effect by Rabbi Sharon Brous: https://ikar.org/the-amen-effect/the-big-idea/ IKAR Jewish Community: https://www.ikar.org/ How to Know a Person by David Brooks: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/652822/how-to-know-a-person-by-david-brooks/ Fierce Love by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis: https://jacquijlewis.com/fierce-love/ I Never Thought of It That Way by Mónica Guzmán: https://www.moniguzman.com/book 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, host Corey Nathan sits down with a very special guest — his own son, Emerson Riley Nathan. Together, they dive into Gen Z’s unique perspective on faith, politics, and culture. As a young adult navigating the complexities of belief, identity, and creativity, Emerson offers refreshing candor about his spiritual journey, social views, and passion for music. This conversation is an inspiring look at how different generations can engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue. What You Will Learn: Insights into Gen Z's evolving relationship with faith and spirituality How Emerson balances skepticism and open-mindedness about religion The impact of politics and social media on young people's worldview How music and community-building are vital for mental health and connection The dynamic of a father and son having open, vulnerable discussions about big life questions Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] – Emerson's "graveyard shift" lifestyle and its impact on his creativity [00:03:00] – Emerson shares his journey growing up between Christianity and Judaism [00:07:00] – How the 2012 election and political polarization shaped Emerson’s views [00:11:00] – Moving away from organized religion and questioning traditional beliefs [00:20:00] – Emerson's current agnostic beliefs and embracing uncertainty about the afterlife [00:27:00] – The healing power of kindness and defining what it means to be good [00:32:00] – Emerson’s passion for dubstep, rave culture, and community through music [00:45:00] – Corey and Emerson discuss responsible adulthood, fatherhood, and finding purpose [00:59:00] – How politics today have created both division and a sense of helplessness Resources Mentioned: Sugar Magnacious on Instagram Debased Sound on Instagram 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we welcome back political journalist and author Will Saletan. Will, formerly of Slate and now a writer for The Bulwark, is known for his sharp insights on American democracy, political corruption, and authoritarianism. Will reflects on the pivotal events leading up to and following the 2024 election, including Joe Biden’s withdrawal, Kamala Harris’s campaign, and Donald Trump's return to power. This thought-provoking conversation dives into the state of democracy, the rise of authoritarianism, and how ordinary Americans are responding. What You Will Learn How Will Saletan processed the chaotic political landscape leading up to the 2024 election. Why many Americans seem indifferent to threats against constitutional rights. Will’s analysis of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and the implications for democracy. The emerging role of European allies as America’s commitment to NATO and democracy weakens. Practical strategies for handling misinformation and toxic discourse on social media. Episode Highlights [00:01:00] Introduction to Will Saletan and a reflection on major events since their last conversation. [00:03:00] Will discusses his surprise at Biden’s physical and verbal deterioration during the 2024 campaign. [00:07:00] The challenges Kamala Harris faced stepping into the race and why the "change election" dynamic mattered. [00:11:00] Corey and Will examine why many Americans rationalized or minimized January 6th. [00:23:00] Will explains how fear and profit motive lead companies and law firms to capitulate to authoritarian pressures. [00:29:00] How self-censorship and fear of government retribution are stifling free speech. [00:54:00] Will shares the "general idea" he’s concluded about the Trump administration: incompetence and stupidity at historic levels. [01:03:00] Hope on the horizon: how European nations are stepping up to defend democratic values. [01:06:00] Final reflections on the resilience of democracy beyond America’s current political struggles. Featured Quotes Will Saletan: "What clicks for me is very simple: they’re idiots. They're really stupid, and they think they're smart." Will Saletan: "The danger isn’t just the lies themselves—it's the machinery of intimidation that stops people from even trying to tell the truth." Corey Nathan: "It's encouraging when you realize people are so much more than the hat they might wear." Will Saletan: "Even though America has faltered, there’s still goodness in the world—and it’s stepping up." Resources Mentioned Will Saletan at The Bulwark Will's book: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham: A Case Study in The Rise of Authoritarianism Will on Bluesky - @saletan.bsky.social (Note: If Will referenced any other external resources or books you want linked specifically, just let me know!) 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan takes a deep dive into one of the foundational guidelines we've used in curating conversations both in person and online: handling misinformation. Corey reflects on his experiences moderating political and religious discussions, the evolution of social media moderation, and the fine balance between protecting free speech and maintaining civil discourse. We invite listeners into an honest exploration of free expression, civic engagement, and fostering better conversations, even with those we deeply disagree with. What We Discuss: Why it could be worth rethinking the rule to report and remove proven falsehoods from these forums. The importance of understanding the First Amendment and time, place, and manner restrictions on free speech. How maintaining civil discourse matters more than ever, even with the spread of misinformation. Reflections on the lessons learned from controversial public conversations, like Gavin Newsom’s podcast guests and protests on college campuses. How personal experiences during the pandemic and political unrest shaped Corey's approach to moderating tough conversations. Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] Corey’s initial set of rules for moderating conversations on social media. [00:08:00] Why platforms like Meta and Twitter are no longer actively flagging misinformation. [00:10:00] Revisiting the meaning of the First Amendment and its application to private forums. [00:18:00] Discussing time, place, and manner restrictions in the context of campus protests and public demonstrations. [00:23:00] Reflecting on the events of January 6th and the perpetuation of election fraud narratives. [00:36:00] Learning from Gavin Newsom’s engagement with controversial figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. [00:43:00] Why civil engagement—even with those we strongly disagree with—might be more powerful than silencing falsehoods. [00:52:00] Corey’s updated stance: allowing proven falsehoods to remain visible for educational and relational purposes. Featured Quotes: "Congress shall make no law... but that doesn’t mean I, a private individual, can’t curate conversations in my own forums." "When we disagree is when it’s most important to protect free speech."  "Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Let the worst ideas stand up to scrutiny."  "Staying in relationship with those we disagree with gives us a better chance to understand and grow."  Resources Mentioned: The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) Gavin Newsom’s Podcast 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes back Monica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, host of A Braver Way podcast, CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, and author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Monica’s mission is to help bridge America’s political divides through fearless curiosity. With deep reflections on the 2024 election, evolving friendships across ideological lines, and her renewed commitment to bridge building, Monica shares how we can stay grounded and connected—especially when it feels impossible. What We Discuss: How Moni processes political polarization and stays grounded—even when the world feels divided Practical strategies for engaging with people across ideological lines without compromising your values Why shared outrage across political lines can be a gateway to unity The role of empathy, humility, and curiosity in depolarizing conversations How journalists and moderators can better navigate falsehoods without censoring legitimate concerns Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] – Mónica explains how her emotional radar helps her know when to seek out conversations with people who see politics differently. [00:08:00] – Unexpected agreement: conservatives and liberals are both frustrated with Congressional dysfunction and executive overreach. [00:14:00] – Moni shares how talking with people who had different experiences during COVID reshaped her understanding and empathy. [00:21:00] – Corey and Mónica discuss boundaries in bridge building—when is it time to walk away from a relationship? [00:29:00] – Moderating contentious conversations: “police the structure, not the content.” [00:36:00] – The relationship between activism and dialogue—and why one without the other can be reckless or ineffective. [00:46:00] – Tips for recognizing quality journalism and avoiding emotionally manipulative content. [00:56:00] – Mónica’s closing advice: engagement is not endorsement. Curiosity and conversation don’t mean you’re compromising your values. Featured Quotes: “I’ve been persuaded over and over again that positions against mine are not ludicrous.” – Mónica Guzmán “Engagement is not endorsement. Having a conversation doesn’t mean you’re capitulating.” – Mónica Guzmán “Find your edge—and push it. That’s all you need to do to build a bridge.” – Mónica Guzmán “I don't want a decision or a position to get in the way of our relationship. I want to understand it better.” – Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: I Never Thought of It That Way by Monica Guzmán - moniguzman.com/book Braver Angels - braverangels.org 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan reconnects with his longtime friend Gary Keifer, an expat currently living in Peru. Gary brings a refreshingly honest and “untethered” perspective to U.S. politics, unfiltered by party loyalty or institutional affiliation. With a background in comedy, improv, and theater, Gary offers thoughtful insights rooted in personal experience and global observations. The conversation spans topics from immigration and working-class politics to why Gary abstained from discussing American politics for years—until now. Together, Corey and Gary exemplify what it means to engage in civil discourse across ideological lines. What We Discuss: Why Gary calls himself an "untethered expat" and what that means for his political views. How the Clinton-era Democratic strategy toward the working class contributed to the rise of Trump. Why immigration is the central issue Gary believes needs urgent resolution—and how both parties have failed on it. The limitations of elite political commentary and the value of everyday perspectives. Why Trump’s populism appeals to working-class voters despite his billionaire status. The potential dangers of overreaching political mandates and ignoring opposing voices. Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] – Corey introduces Gary, a longtime friend with a unique expat perspective on U.S. politics. [00:04:30] – Gary explains his belief in choosing “common people” over public figures for meaningful conversations. [00:08:00] – Why Gary broke his two-year vow of not discussing U.S. politics. [00:10:30] – How Bill Clinton’s shift away from labor shaped modern political realignment. [00:16:00] – A comedic (and thought-provoking) take on Trump’s origin story and Steve Bannon’s influence. [00:30:00] – Gary criticizes both parties for exploiting immigration and creating a caste system. [00:34:00] – Corey and Gary analyze Biden’s early decisions and whether reversing Trump-era immigration policies was a political mistake. [00:45:00] – The bipartisan immigration deal Trump blocked—and what it reveals about political strategy. [01:00:00] – Gary pleads: “Just give Trump the win on immigration so we can move on.” Featured Quotes: “Fascism doesn't just appear out of nowhere. It fills a void left by something else.” – Gary Keifer “You can’t skip Chapter One of fascism—how we got here matters.” – Gary Keifer “Compromise is the substrate of democracy.” – Corey Nathan “At the end of the day, we're just regular guys trying to have conversations most people are avoiding.” – Corey Nathan 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, host Corey Nathan welcomes back Peter Wehner, contributing writer at The Atlantic and The New York Times, senior fellow at the Trinity Forum, and author of multiple books including The Death of Politics and City of Man. A former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, Pete brings a unique perspective shaped by his deep political experience, Christian faith, and unwavering moral compass. Together, Corey and Pete engage in a wide-ranging conversation on the 2024 election, the moral health of our nation, the role of the church, and the constitutional implications of a second Trump presidency. What We Discuss: How Pete Wehner processed the pivotal moments of the 2024 election, including Biden’s withdrawal and Kamala Harris’s campaign Why Donald Trump’s reelection reveals unsettling truths about American society and the church How constitutional crises might unfold under Trump’s second term Why thinkers like Vaclav Havel, Solzhenitsyn, and Tocqueville are essential guides in this political moment How to have more effective and empathetic conversations across political and religious divides Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] – Introduction to Pete Wehner’s background and career [00:02:00] – Pete reflects on Biden’s debate performance and why he felt Biden should have withdrawn sooner [00:05:00] – Analysis of Kamala Harris’s campaign, debate performance, and what ultimately cost her the election [00:09:00] – The moral reckoning: what Trump’s reelection says about American voters and the church [00:14:00] – Pete dissects why evangelicals have remained loyal to Trump and how rationalizations took hold [00:27:00] – A 30-page email exchange: Pete’s attempt to reason with a high-profile Trump supporter and what it revealed [00:34:00] – Trump’s “appetite for revenge”: Pete outlines troubling actions already taken in just 60 days of Trump’s second term [00:41:00] – Defining a constitutional crisis and what happens when a president defies court rulings [00:46:00] – Finding hope and moral clarity through leaders like Havel, Solzhenitsyn, and Tocqueville [00:50:00] – The TP&R question: Pete's insights on how to build better conversations across our differences Featured Quotes: “Donald Trump is president because of the white evangelical vote. He touched something deep in the hearts of many Christians—and that should trouble us.” – Peter Wehner “Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well; it’s the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” – Vaclav Havel (quoted by Pete) “We're moving toward a constitutional crisis... If Trump defies a court order, we may find out how many divisions Chief Justice John Roberts really has.” – Peter Wehner “We have to prioritize human relationships. The ripple effects for the country can be healthy.” – Peter Wehner Resources Mentioned: Peter Wehner’s articles in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/peter-wehner/ Peter Wehner’s columns in The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/column/peter-wehner “The Power of the Powerless” by Vaclav Havel: https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/resource/the-power-of-the-powerless/ The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: https://www.amazon.com/Gulag-Archipelago-1918-1956-Experiment-Investigation/dp/0061253804 Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/815/815-h/815-h.htm 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we explore some essential tools for navigating difficult conversations in today’s polarized world. After all, we are part of The Democracy Group! And our goal with TDG and this program is to foster respectful, insightful discussions on politics, religion, and other sensitive topics—without resorting to hostility. In this solo episode, Corey shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, "clearing the brush" (i.e. assumptions), and focusing on meaningful conversations rather than debates. 📌 What We Discuss: ✅ Why having clear boundaries is crucial for productive dialogue ✅ How to recognize and avoid being drawn into unproductive interrogations ✅ The importance of "clearing the brush" (i.e. assumptions) and engaging in genuine conversations ✅ Why listening and storytelling are more powerful than debating facts ✅ How building relationships—not just “winning” arguments—creates lasting change ⏳ Episode Highlights: 🕒 [00:00:00] – Welcome & Calls to Action: Corey shares updates on YouTube, podcast subscriptions, and Patreon. 🕒 [00:06:00] – The Big Question: How do we engage in tough conversations without falling into arguments? 🕒 [00:07:00] – Setting Boundaries: Recognizing when a conversation is an interrogation vs. a genuine exchange. 🕒 [00:10:00] – Admitting Limitations: The power of saying, "I’m not an expert." 🕒 [00:14:00] – No Need to Defend What You Don’t Believe: Why you don’t have to argue every point. 🕒 [00:21:00] – Clearing the Brush: Breaking down stereotypes and assumptions before real discussions can begin. 🕒 [00:26:00] – Seeking Conversations, Not Contests: The difference between dialogue and debate. 🕒 [00:32:00] – The Daryl Davis Approach: How listening has led KKK members to renounce their beliefs. 🕒 [00:35:00] – Final Thoughts: Tools for better discussions and how to support the podcast. 💬 Featured Quotes: 🗣️ “There is no need to submit to an interrogation. If you want to have a conversation, let’s have a conversation.” – Corey Nathan 🗣️ “I don’t have to defend a position that I don’t hold.” – Corey Nathan 🗣️ “The road to solving a lot of what ails us is not in winning debates—it’s in having healthier conversations.” – Corey Nathan 🗣️ “Conversations lead to relationships, and relationships lead to epiphanies.” – Corey Nathan 📚 Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Daryl Davis – Watch his TED Talk 🔗 Braver Angels – Building Bridges Across Political Divides 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com 🔥 Final Thought: Go out and have better conversations. Set boundaries, clear the brush, and seek dialogue—not debates. See you next time on Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other! 🎙️See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan sits down with Charlie Sykes, a prominent conservative commentator, former talk radio host, and founder of The Bulwark, who's currently writing and podcasting on his excellent Substack To the Contrary. Known for his sharp political insights and willingness to challenge the current trajectory of the Republican Party, Charlie discusses the erosion of democratic norms, the transformation of conservatism, and what the future holds for both parties. 📌 What We Discuss How the Republican Party shifted from traditional conservatism to a Trump-dominated movement. Why democracy faces real threats in the U.S. and globally. The importance of character in political leadership and why many conservatives abandoned this principle. Whether a pro-democracy coalition can hold back extremism in both parties. Charlie's thoughts on how we can have better political conversations without dehumanizing each other. ⏳ Episode Highlights 🔹 [00:01:00] Charlie’s Journey: From influential conservative talk radio host to political outcast in the Trump era. 🔹 [00:05:00] The Evolution of Trumpism: Why Trump 2.0 is even more dangerous than his first presidency. 🔹 [00:12:00] Engaging With Trump Supporters: Is it possible to change minds, or should we focus on mobilizing pro-democracy voters? 🔹 [00:22:00] The Republican Party’s Transformation: How the far-right fringe became the mainstream. 🔹 [00:35:00] Can Democrats Avoid the Same Mistakes? Learning from the GOP's takeover by extremists. 🔹 [00:47:00] America’s Role in the World: Why the U.S. is no longer seen as the leader of the free world. 🔹 [01:02:00] Building Bridges Across Differences: The importance of assuming goodwill and finding shared values. 💬 Featured Quotes "I’d rather be right than Marco Rubio right now." – Charlie Sykes "The Republican Party had multiple off-ramps to reject Trumpism, and they took none of them." – Charlie Sykes "We are living through history, and we don’t have the luxury of indifference." – Charlie Sykes "The challenge isn’t just about talking politics—it’s about figuring out how to get through this without killing each other." – Corey Nathan 📚 Resources Mentioned Charlie Sykes’ Substack Newsletter: To the Contrary Charlie’s 2018 book: How the Right Lost Its Mind The Identity Trap by Yascha Mounk 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan shares his candid thoughts on hope, concerns about the state of democracy, and the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations. Inspired by recent discussions with David French and Charlie Sykes, Corey explores whether he remains hopeful about the future—both at the national level and in his local community. What You Will Learn The state of American democracy and the balance of power How the First Amendment is being threatened Why the judicial branch has been a critical check on executive overreach The role of civil discourse in bridging ideological divides How personal relationships offer reasons for hope Episode Highlights [00:00:00] – Introduction: Exploring the question of hope in today’s political climate [00:01:30] – Why Corey is concerned about the balance of power in government [00:05:00] – The judicial branch as a key safeguard against executive overreach [00:07:30] – Threats to First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech and the press [00:12:00] – The rise of online hostility and how it impacts public discourse [00:18:00] – Finding hope through local engagement and personal relationships [00:22:00] – The power of human connection in bridging political divides Featured Quotes "I have concerns about the balance of power and our First Amendment rights—but that doesn't mean I’m without hope."  "When we engage with each other at the local level, it becomes about relationships instead of transactions."  "If we really want to change things, we have to start by recognizing each other's humanity."  📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times, former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall. We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall: How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we dive into the complex issue of Ukraine, America's involvement, and the broader implications for democracy and global alliances. This episode is an exploration of how we can develop reasoned positions on global conflicts, engage in informed discussions, and recognize the limitations of our own expertise. What We Discuss How to approach discussions about Ukraine with a reasoned, principled perspective. The importance of distinguishing between facts and opinions in political discourse. How to recognize and rely on credible experts rather than self-appointed commentators. Strategies for engaging in meaningful conversations with those who hold different views. Why shared values and historical context matter in forming ethical positions. Episode Highlights [00:01:00] – Corey introduces the topic, emphasizing the importance of forming reasoned opinions based on principles rather than political affiliations. [00:04:00] – The rise of divisive, “owning the libs” mentalities in political discourse and the shift away from virtues like decency and integrity. [00:06:00] – Discussion of a powerful article by Dr. Russell Moore on the moral costs of ignoring Ukraine’s plight and the dangers of moral relativism in international affairs. [00:09:00] – The importance of verifying facts through reputable sources like the Council on Foreign Relations, rather than relying on partisan opinionators. [00:13:00] – Why experts like Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anne Applebaum and military expert Alexander Vindman are critical voices in understanding the Ukraine conflict. [00:18:00] – The dangers of allowing misinformation to shape public opinion and the tactics used in political debates to shift blame and avoid accountability. [00:24:00] – Strategies for having better conversations, including finding shared values, hunting for points of agreement, and engaging with intellectual humility. [00:28:00] – A reflection on balancing justice, kindness, and humility in both personal interactions and global politics, inspired by Micah 6:8. Featured Quotes 🗣 “We can formulate reasoned positions on complicated issues, including Ukraine, by starting with principles rather than political affiliations.”  🗣 “Opinion is not fact. There’s a difference between listening to a trusted expert and being swayed by a partisan commentator.”  🗣 “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God...” – Micah 6:8 Resources Mentioned Dr. Russell Moore’s Essay – The Moral Cost of Murdering Ukraine Anne Applebaum’s Article – The End of the Post-War World  Council on Foreign Relations – Ukraine Conflict Updates (CFR) Alexander Vindman’s Book – The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine Ross Douthat’s Opinion Piece – Trump and Vance Are Stripping Away Foreign Policy Illusions  📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep the conversation going—respectfully and thoughtfully! 🎙️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we sit down with Congressman Ritchie Torres, a fighter from the Bronx who has spent his life advocating for his community. We discuss pressing issues such as the social safety net, housing inequality, mental health, bipartisanship, and Rep. Torres’ personal journey from public housing to Congress. We also touch on Israel, antisemitism, and the future of American democracy. What We Discuss: How Congressman Torres’ personal experiences with poverty and public housing shaped his political career. His perspective on the Republican budget resolution and its impact on working-class Americans. Why mental health advocacy is deeply personal to him and the tools he uses to maintain his well-being. His unwavering support for Israel and the backlash he has faced because of it. Insights on the current political landscape, Donald Trump’s influence, and the need for bipartisanship. Whether Rep. Torres is considering a run for governor of New York and what motivates his political aspirations. How to engage in better political and religious discussions without hostility. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Introducing Ritchie Torres – His background, legislative achievements, and what drives him. [00:02:00] GOP Budget Cuts & Social Safety Net – Why the latest proposal is a “frontal assault” on working-class Americans. [00:04:00] Personal Story & His Greatest Hero – How being raised by a single mother in the Bronx shaped his worldview. [00:07:00] Mental Health & Politics – How Rep. Torres overcame depression and why he’s open about talking about mental health. [00:14:00] Facing Backlash for Supporting Israel – The threats and vitriol he has endured for his stance. [00:20:00] Avoiding Political Distractions – Why he focuses on core economic issues instead of social media trends. [00:22:00] Trump 2.0 & The Future of Democracy – His concerns about a second Trump presidency. [00:25:00] Political Future: Running for Governor? – Why he believes New York needs a new generation of leadership. [00:27:00] How to Talk Politics Without Killin' Each Other – The importance of intellectual humility and pluralism. Featured Quotes: “Before I’m a congressman or a councilman, I’m first and foremost the son of my mother...”  “I refuse to live in fear of the extremes. I insist on doing what I think is right, even if it means standing alone.”  “Not only should civil discourse be possible, it’s a necessity for a pluralistic democracy like ours.”  “If you do the same thing over and over and expect a different result, that’s the definition of insanity.”  📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  Let’s continue the conversation with gentleness and respect—and have a great week! 🎙️See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can we bridge the partisan divide and have constructive dialogue about politics and religion with "them" - people who have different beliefs about democracy, politics and religion? Are we able to simply have civil, civic conversations?  (We're grateful to have a number of new listeners. So we thought it'd be good to revisit this episode that was first aired just after the inauguration.) In this edition, host Corey Nathan explores how we can have meaningful, respectful, and productive conversations with those who think differently from us—politically, religiously, and ideologically. After four years of hosting the show and speaking with a wide array of guests, Corey shares his own insights, offering seven practical tools (plus a bonus tip) for engaging with “one of them” in a way that fosters connection rather than division. What Is Discussed How to give yourself and others grace in difficult conversations The importance of setting proper expectations when discussing sensitive topics Why asking the right questions is more powerful than having the perfect comeback How storytelling can humanize those with whom we disagree The value of being open to the phrase "I never thought of it that way" How to recognize when it’s time to step away from a conversation or to love someone "from a safe distance" Resources and organizations that can help you navigate difficult discussions Episode Highlights ⏳ [00:02:00] – Reviews from listeners: the good, the bad, and the constructive ⏳ [00:05:00] – The purpose of this episode: sharing tools for engaging with "one of them" ⏳ [00:06:00] – Tool #1: Grace – Accepting that we will all make mistakes in these conversations ⏳ [00:09:00] – Tool #2: Proper Expectations – Why we shouldn't expect to change someone's mind 180 degrees ⏳ [00:12:00] – Tool #3: Asking Questions – Learning from Jesus' approach of responding with questions ⏳ [00:20:00] – Tool #4: Storytelling – The power of narrative in understanding each other as human beings ⏳ [00:25:00] – Tool #5: Being Open to "I Never Thought of It That Way" Moments ⏳ [00:32:00] – Tool #6: Recognizing Your Line – Knowing when to step away from an unhealthy dynamic ⏳ [00:35:00] – Tool #7: Equipping Yourself – Books, organizations, and resources for learning how to engage better ⏳ [00:38:00] – Bonus Tip: Taking Care of Yourself – Mental, emotional, and physical well-being in this work Featured Quotes 📢 “Give yourself grace. You’re not going to get it right every time.” 📢 “If we ask the right question, it allows that person, instead of being in a posture of combat, to tell their story.”  📢 “Trying to inform, like trying to win, can get in the way of trying to listen.” – Monica Guzmán (as quoted in the episode) 📢 “People are mysteries, not puzzles.” – Monica Guzmán Resources Mentioned 📖 Books: I Never Thought of It That Way – by Mónica Guzmán How to Know a Person – by David Brooks 🌍 Organizations: The Village Square – Encouraging healthy civic discourse Braver Angels – Bridging political divides through dialogue 🎥 Watch & Support the Podcast: YouTube Channel – Subscribe for video content Patreon – Support the show 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  🔹 Now go talk some politics and religion—but with gentleness and respect. 💡 #Politics #Religion #NeverTrump #Democracy #Faith #Justice #Civility #PolarizationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this timely edition of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other, host Corey Nathan welcomes Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Budde is a well-respected spiritual leader who has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Meet the Press, Good Morning America, and The Today Show. The conversation dives into Bishop Budde’s faith journey, her reflections on political and social issues, and her approach to leading with grace and courage in divisive times. The discussion also touches on the controversy surrounding her sermon and how she directly addressed Donald Trump at the National Cathedral following the 2025 presidential inauguration. What We Discuss Bishop Budde’s personal faith journey, from her early religious experiences to her leadership in the Episcopal Church. The challenges of navigating faith, politics, and national unity in today’s polarized climate. How to extend grace and practice mercy even in the face of criticism. The role of the church in advocating for social justice, particularly regarding immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. Strategies for engaging in difficult conversations while maintaining mutual respect. Episode Highlights [00:00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. [00:02:00] – Bishop Budde shares her faith journey and the struggles she faced reconciling different religious influences. [00:10:00] – The tension between faith and exclusivity: why some versions of Christianity felt limiting to her. [00:15:00] – The discipline of grace: choosing to respond with compassion rather than anger, even when faced with opposition. [00:26:00] – Bishop Budde’s response to the 2025 presidential inauguration sermon controversy and the importance of speaking truth with love. [00:38:00] – Handling criticism and maintaining a sense of personal and spiritual balance. [00:52:00] – Finding hope in uncertain times: How we can cultivate a spirit of resilience and faith amid societal challenges. [00:55:00] – The importance of dialogue: How to foster better conversations across political and religious differences. [01:03:00] – Final thoughts and how to follow Bishop Budde’s work. Featured Quotes "If it’s not about love, it’s not about God." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde "The discipline of grace is a practice, not a gift. It’s about choosing to respond with love even when it’s difficult." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde "To be raised from the dead—whatever that means in our own lives—requires our consent to live again, to have our hearts broken again, and to take on all of life again." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde "We need to ask ourselves: When was the last time I changed my mind? True dialogue requires being open to seeing the world differently." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde Resources Mentioned Bishop Budde’s Book: How We Learn to Be Brave Episcopal Diocese of Washington – www.edow.org 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: Episcopal Church of Washington: Website   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨ #Politics #Religion #NeverTrump #Democracy #BishopBudde #Faith #Justice #Inclusivity #SocialJustice #Civility #PolarizationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan takes on one of the biggest challenges in today’s society: toxic partisanship. He explores how political and social divisions have deepened, fueled by media, social networks, and entrenched ideological battles. But rather than just diagnosing the problem, Corey offers a powerful antidote—getting local and engaging in real-life, face-to-face conversations. He draws inspiration from scholars like Jonathan Haidt, Katherine Stewart and Robert Putnam, as well as his personal experiences, to make a compelling case for community-based solutions to polarization. What We Discuss ✅ The real extent of political division in America—and why it's not as bad as it seems ✅ How social media and national narratives exaggerate our differences ✅ The philosophy of Carl Schmitt and its impact on modern political discourse ✅ Why local engagement—like city council meetings, PTAs, and even bar conversations—is the key to bridging divides ✅ Practical steps to foster meaningful discussions and rebuild relationships Episode Highlights ⏳ [00:02:00] – The growing problem of toxic partisanship and how social media makes it worse ⏳ [00:05:00] – A study from More in Common shows Americans want unity, but doubt the other side does ⏳ [00:09:00] – Corey shares personal examples of online political attacks and how they reflect broader polarization ⏳ [00:14:00] – A key solution: Local engagement and organizations like Village Square ⏳ [00:17:00] – How shared community goals, like better roads and schools, help bridge ideological divides ⏳ [00:20:00] – The inspiring story of Joe Walsh and Fred Guttenberg: Two ideological opposites who became close friends ⏳ [00:23:00] – The challenge of engaging with people who seem beyond reach—and knowing when to step away ⏳ [00:26:00] – A call to action: Take the first step, invite someone for coffee, and start humanizing one another Featured Quotes 🗨️ "Division defines the country, but the desire to be united transcends parties." – More in Common study 🗨️ "The number one antidote to toxic partisanship is simply getting together." – Corey Nathan 🗨️ "When you're with each other, you're no longer just a data point—you’re a human being." – Corey Nathan 🗨️ "We don't have to agree on everything to build something better together." – Liz Joyner, Village Square Resources Mentioned 🔗 Village Square – Bridging divides through local community engagement 🔗 More in Common Study – Research on polarization and unity 🔗 Jonathan Haidt’s Work – Understanding social and political divisions 🔗 Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone – How community engagement strengthens democracy 🔗 Joe Walsh & Fred Guttenberg’s Story – Bridging the political divide 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  🔥 Now go talk some politics and religion—without killin' each other! 🔥See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes investigative journalist and author Katherine Stewart back to the show. Katherine has spent over 15 years researching and reporting on religious nationalism and its impact on American democracy. Her new book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, exposes the deep financial and ideological networks fueling Christian nationalism and the broader anti-democratic movement. This conversation explores how extreme wealth, disinformation, and religious nationalism are being weaponized against democracy—and what we can do about it. 📌 What We Discuss How Katherine Stewart uncovered the deeper connections between Christian nationalism and the assault on democracy. The role of money and misinformation in fueling anti-democratic movements. The reactionary nihilism driving today’s far-right ideologies. The influence of Carl Schmitt’s philosophy on modern authoritarian movements. The connection between Christian nationalism and billionaire-funded political agendas. How we can protect democracy and fight back against these movements. ⏳ Episode Highlights [00:00:00] – Introduction to Katherine Stewart Corey introduces Katherine Stewart, her investigative work, and her new book Money, Lies, and God. [00:03:00] – The Origins of Her Investigation Katherine shares how her research started with Good News Clubs infiltrating public schools and evolved into uncovering a broader movement attacking democracy. [00:12:00] – The Enlightenment Ideals America Was Founded On How fundamental American values like pluralism and democracy are under attack by Christian nationalist movements. [00:19:00] – The Role of Money, Lies, and Christian Nationalism How billionaires, propaganda, and religious nationalism work together to undermine democracy. [00:28:00] – The Psychology of the Movement Stories from inside Moms for Liberty and other right-wing organizations, and how fear and misinformation fuel these movements. [00:32:00] – Carl Schmitt and the Playbook of Authoritarianism How Nazi political theorist Carl Schmitt’s ideas on power, division, and permanent emergency are influencing the New Right. [00:41:00] – Why We Should Be Concerned—and What We Can Do Katherine explains why we should be alarmed, but also how grassroots activism can defend democracy. [00:44:00] – Final Thoughts: How We Can Build a Pro-Democracy Coalition Katherine shares her six key takeaways from Money, Lies, and God and why organization and truth-telling matter now more than ever. 📢 Featured Quotes "They told us they were going to smash the institutions that safeguard democracy—and that’s exactly what they’re doing."  "This movement isn’t just about the culture wars—it’s about power, money, and dismantling democracy itself."  "They want to replace public education with a religious and corporate-controlled system. The culture wars are just a smokescreen."  "Not everybody who wants to go back to the ‘good old days’ is a nihilist. But those who want to smash democracy in pursuit of a mythical past certainly are."  📚 Resources Mentioned Katherine Stewart’s Website: KatherineStewart.me Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy – Available Everywhere Books Are Sold Carl Schmitt’s Political Theories – Learn More   📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Katherine Stewart: Website Bluesky Latest in the New York Times   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  🔥 Now go talk some politics and religion—without killin' each other! 🔥See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition, Corey Nathan challenges listeners—especially his fellow Christians—to consider whether they have forgotten the first commandment: "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." He explores how idolatry has evolved beyond worshiping wooden idols and now manifests in politics, ideology, and the way Christians engage with their faith in a modern democracy. This is meant to be an open conversation for people of all beliefs. Corey discusses the intersection of faith and civic engagement, posing challenging questions about whether political preferences are shaping morality rather than the other way around. 📌 What We Discuss ✔️ How idolatry in modern times is often just a few degrees off from traditional religious practices. ✔️ Why many Christians reject the Jesus of the Gospel in favor of political leaders and ideologies. ✔️ The dangers of replacing the God of Scripture with a God of personal or political making. ✔️ How politics has become a form of religion for many. ✔️ A deep dive into reactions to Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s sermon and what it reveals about faith in America today. ⏳ Episode Highlights [00:00:00] – Introduction: Corey welcomes listeners and introduces the big question: Have Christians forgotten the first commandment? [00:02:30] – The Meaning of Idolatry Today: It’s not about golden statues but about how religious practices can be slightly distorted—just a few degrees off—leading to misplaced worship. [00:05:45] – Rejecting the Jesus of the Gospel: Corey recounts the backlash against Bishop Budde for quoting Jesus and discusses how some Christians react negatively to Christ’s actual teachings when they challenge political views. [00:14:30] – Creating a God in Our Own Image: Are Christians shaping their beliefs to fit their politics, rather than aligning their politics with their faith? [00:18:10] – Trump, Religion, and the Fruit of the Spirit: Corey examines whether Trump’s actions and character align with Christian virtues, calling out the contradictions in how some Christians perceive him as a godly leader. [00:21:40] – Religious Symbols and Political Extremism: Corey discusses alarming juxtapositions, like crosses displayed next to gallows on January 6th, and the disturbing fusion of faith and nationalism. [00:26:45] – The Politics of Cruelty: Highlighting Pete Wehner’s critique of USAID cuts and how many self-proclaimed Christians align with leaders who embrace cruelty. [00:30:00] – Final Reflection: How do we participate in healing a broken world rather than contributing to its fractures? 💬 Featured Quotes 🗣️ “Idolatry isn’t necessarily about worshiping something completely different—it’s about replacing God with something that looks like God but is just a few degrees off.”  🗣️ “If you start with political affiliation and back everything else into that—including morality, truth, and even basic decency—you’ve made politics your god.”  🗣️ “The world is supposed to look at Christians and see Jesus. But too often, it sees something monstrous.” – John Pavlovitz 🔗 Resources Mentioned 📖 The Beautiful Mess by John Pavlovitz – Substack 📰 The Cruel Attack on USAID by Pete Wehner – The Atlantic 🎥 Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s Sermon – YouTube 📢 Call to Action If you found this conversation compelling, help us continue the discussion: ✅ 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 ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Let’s keep talking about politics and religion—with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to truth. 🔗 Connect with Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  Let’s continue the conversation! 🚀See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan engages in a timely and candid discussion with Marcus Ruiz Evans, the leader of the CalExit movement. Marc has been spearheading efforts to make California an independent nation for over a decade, publishing California’s Next Century 2.0 in 2012. With the California Secretary of State recently approving a petition to start collecting signatures for an independence initiative, this conversation is more relevant than ever. Marc provides historical context, legal perspectives, and the strategic steps required to potentially break away from the United States. 📌 What We Discuss ✔️ Why California is a donor state—giving more to the federal government than it receives in return. ✔️ The legal and historical precedents for secession and why Marc believes it’s possible. ✔️ The step-by-step process of the CalExit initiative and how Californians can participate. ✔️ How political polarization and federal neglect are fueling the movement. ✔️ What happens if California becomes independent—from military bases to tax changes. ⏳ Episode Highlights & Key Moments 🕒 [00:02:00] – Marcus shares his personal story and deep ties to California’s culture and identity. 🕒 [00:08:00] – Why California’s infrastructure and social programs are underfunded despite its economic power. 🕒 [00:12:00] – Historical precedents: California’s brief history as an independent nation and lessons from Scotland’s independence movement. 🕒 [00:22:00] – The federal government’s treatment of California, including disaster relief neglect. 🕒 [00:31:00] – The current CalExit initiative: How to sign the petition and what it aims to achieve. 🕒 [00:39:00] – Would Congress allow California to secede? The politics behind the decision. 🕒 [00:43:00] – What would independence look like? Tax benefits and regulatory changes for businesses. 🕒 [00:47:00] – The growing divide in America and why the U.S. is as politically polarized as it was after the Civil War. 💬 Featured Quotes 🗣️ “California has been a donor state for over 45 years. We give more than we get, and we’re funding infrastructure for states that are already better off than us.” – Marcus Ruiz Evans 🗣️ “When the president of the United States tells California ‘I don’t know if I want to help you’ while people’s homes are burning, that’s not how you treat fellow countrymen.” – Marcus Ruiz Evans 🗣️ “The federal government stopped publishing reports on which states are donor states right after Governor Schwarzenegger called out the unfair system.” – Marcus Ruiz Evans 🗣️ “The legal claim that secession is impossible is false—Texas v. White actually allows it with the consent of Congress.” – Marcus Ruiz Evans 📚 Resources & Links Mentioned 🔗 Sign the Petition & Learn More – CalExitNow.org 📖 California’s Next Century 2.0 by Marcus Ruiz Evans 📚 The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart by Bill Bishop 📺 Marcus Ruiz Evans on YouTube 📜 Texas v. White – The Supreme Court case discussing secession legality 📢 Call to Action ✅ If you support the initiative, sign the petition at CalExitNow.org ✅ Call your state legislators to request a Blue Ribbon Panel investigation into California’s independence. ✅ Follow us on YouTube – @PoliticsAndReligion ✅ Share this episode with fellow Californians and join the conversation. 🔗 Connect with Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Marcus Ruiz Evans Website YouTube Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  🎧 Don’t Miss an Episode! 📢 Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite platform and leave a review to support the show. What do YOU think? Should California become independent? Let us know in the comments or on social media! 🚀🌎See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan sits down with Blake Fischer, the creator and host of The Homeless Conservative podcast. Blake describes himself as a constitutional conservative who feels politically "homeless" in today’s climate. They dive deep into politics, faith, and media, all while challenging ideological silos in an engaging and candid conversation. Blake shares his unique political journey, from growing up in Oklahoma and getting involved in politics at an early age to becoming a musician touring the country in a punk-rock band. His experiences shape his political perspective, emphasizing constitutional principles, independent thinking, and holding both sides accountable. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ Blake’s political awakening and how his family's involvement in local politics shaped his views. ✔️ What it means to be a constitutional conservative in today’s political landscape. ✔️ How his Christian faith informs his political views—and why he's critical of the evangelical right’s embrace of Trump. ✔️ His take on Trump 2.0—what worries him and what he’s optimistic about. ✔️ The role of media in shaping public perception and the dangers of political silos. ✔️ How to have meaningful political discussions without losing friends (or your mind!). ⏳ Episode Highlights & Key Moments: ⏱️ [01:30] – Meet Blake Fischer, host of The Homeless Conservative podcast. ⏱️ [03:00] – Blake’s early exposure to politics—from family involvement to local campaigns. ⏱️ [06:30] – The evolution of political media, from cable news to opinion journalism. ⏱️ [10:00] – What does it mean to be a constitutional conservative? Why Blake believes in limiting government power. ⏱️ [19:00] – Blake’s background as a musician, touring in a punk rock band. ⏱️ [25:00] – His Christian faith and how it intersects with his politics. ⏱️ [33:00] – Processing the 2024 election cycle, from Biden’s debate performance to Trump’s nomination of J.D. Vance. ⏱️ [41:00] – What concerns Blake the most about Trump’s second term? ⏱️ [50:00] – The role of big tech and Elon Musk in Trump’s presidency. ⏱️ [57:00] – How can we have better conversations across political and religious differences? 💬 Featured Quotes: 🗣️ Blake Fischer on the Constitution: "The Constitution is brilliant—not because it grants us rights, but because it recognizes that our rights exist beyond government authority." 🗣️ On the evangelical embrace of Trump: "It’s not that Trump can’t be president; it’s that we should stop pretending he’s something he’s not." 🗣️ On political discourse: "The biggest mistake people make in political conversations is assuming bad intent. Most people believe they’re advocating for something good." 📚 Resources & Mentions: 🔗 The Homeless Conservative Podcast – Blake Fischer’s podcast 🔗 Jonah Goldberg – Conservative columnist and author 🔗 Thomas Sowell – Economist and political thinker Call to Action If you enjoyed this conversation, please: ✅ Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform ✅ Leave a review to help spread the word (https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics) ✅ Subscribe on YouTube for video content and short clips (https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion) Follow Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Blake Fischer The Homeless Conservative Podcast The Homeless Conservative on Substack   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about politics, faith, and the future of American democracy. Tune in and join the conversation! 🎧🇺🇸See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we welcome back Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a contributing writer at The Atlantic. Jon joined us to discuss his new book, Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy. We dive deep into the intersection of faith, democracy, and civic engagement (that's our jam!), exploring how American Christianity has shifted in recent years and what that means for the future of our democracy. We also discuss the aftermath of the 2024 election, the rise of political tribalism, and the role of faith in shaping a more just and stable society. What We Discuss How Jonathan Rauch’s perspective on faith and democracy evolved over time (including what Jon refers to as the dumbest thing he ever wrote). Why he believes Christianity has played a crucial role in supporting democracy—and where it has gone wrong. The key differences between “thin Christianity” and “thick Christianity.” How the LDS Church offers a model for civic engagement based on negotiation and peacemaking. Why the loss of institutional trust is fueling political and social instability. The role of Braver Angels and other organizations in bridging political divides. Episode Highlights ⏳ [00:02:00] – Jonathan Rauch discusses his background, his past books, and his upcoming release, Cross Purposes. ⏳ [00:07:00] – Reflecting on the 2024 election and why it was surprisingly “ordinary” despite extreme circumstances. ⏳ [00:13:00] – How Trump’s second administration is reshaping democracy and institutions. ⏳ [00:22:00] – Rauch’s personal journey: From skepticism about religion to recognizing its role in democracy. ⏳ [00:35:00] – The rise of “thin Christianity” and how churches are struggling with political identity. ⏳ [00:44:00] – How the LDS Church provides an example of “thick Christianity” and civic engagement. ⏳ [00:57:00] – Rauch’s concerns about post-liberalism and authoritarian tendencies in American politics. ⏳ [01:10:00] – The importance of doubt, curiosity, and engaging across differences. ⏳ [01:17:00] – Final thoughts: How to be better citizens and people of faith in a pluralistic society. Featured Quotes 💬 “I believed, with some justification, that Christianity was bigoted and cruel and hypocritical to minorities like me. And I was wrong.” – Jonathan Rauch 💬 “Liberalism, properly understood, means that all human beings are created free and equal. And if we lose that, we lose everything.” – Jonathan Rauch 💬 “The LDS Church is one of the few religious institutions that has thought through a theology of civic engagement. And that’s something all Christians can learn from.” – Jonathan Rauch 💬 “Jesus’ message is radical and countercultural. The question is: Are we actually following it?” – Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned 📖 Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy by Jonathan Rauch  📖 The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth by Jonathan Rauch 🌎 Braver Angels – Bridging the Political Divide Call to Action If you enjoyed this conversation, please: ✅ Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform ✅ Leave a review to help spread the word (https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics) ✅ Subscribe on YouTube for video content and short clips (https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion) Follow Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Jonathan Rauch jonathanrauch.com Bluesky Brookings Institution The Atlantic   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  This episode explores the deep intersections of faith, democracy, and civic responsibility. Whether you are religious or secular, left or right, these discussions are crucial to understanding where we are and where we’re headed as a country. 🔥 Listen now and join the conversation, but with gentleness and respect! 🔥See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it possible to have decent conversations across political differences. Short answer: Yeah! In this episode, host Corey Nathan explores how we can have meaningful, respectful, and productive conversations with those who think differently from us—politically, religiously, and ideologically. After four years of hosting the show and speaking with a wide array of guests, Corey shares his own insights, offering seven practical tools (plus a bonus tip) for engaging with “one of them” in a way that fosters connection rather than division. What Is Discussed How to give yourself and others grace in difficult conversations The importance of setting proper expectations when discussing sensitive topics Why asking the right questions is more powerful than having the perfect comeback How storytelling can humanize those with whom we disagree The value of being open to the phrase "I never thought of it that way" How to recognize when it’s time to step away from a conversation or to love someone "from a safe distance" Resources and organizations that can help you navigate difficult discussions Episode Highlights ⏳ [00:02:00] – Reviews from listeners: the good, the bad, and the constructive ⏳ [00:05:00] – The purpose of this episode: sharing tools for engaging with "one of them" ⏳ [00:06:00] – Tool #1: Grace – Accepting that we will all make mistakes in these conversations ⏳ [00:09:00] – Tool #2: Proper Expectations – Why we shouldn't expect to change someone's mind 180 degrees ⏳ [00:12:00] – Tool #3: Asking Questions – Learning from Jesus' approach of responding with questions ⏳ [00:20:00] – Tool #4: Storytelling – The power of narrative in understanding each other as human beings ⏳ [00:25:00] – Tool #5: Being Open to "I Never Thought of It That Way" Moments ⏳ [00:32:00] – Tool #6: Recognizing Your Line – Knowing when to step away from an unhealthy dynamic ⏳ [00:35:00] – Tool #7: Equipping Yourself – Books, organizations, and resources for learning how to engage better ⏳ [00:38:00] – Bonus Tip: Taking Care of Yourself – Mental, emotional, and physical well-being in this work Featured Quotes 📢 “Give yourself grace. You’re not going to get it right every time.” 📢 “If we ask the right question, it allows that person, instead of being in a posture of combat, to tell their story.”  📢 “Trying to inform, like trying to win, can get in the way of trying to listen.” – Monica Guzmán (as quoted in the episode) 📢 “People are mysteries, not puzzles.” – Monica Guzmán Resources Mentioned 📖 Books: I Never Thought of It That Way – by Mónica Guzmán How to Know a Person – by David Brooks 🌍 Organizations: The Village Square – Encouraging healthy civic discourse Braver Angels – Bridging political divides through dialogue 🎥 Watch & Support the Podcast: YouTube Channel – Subscribe for video content Patreon – Support the show Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please consider: ✅ Subscribing to the podcast on your favorite platform ✅ Leaving a review to help spread the word (https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics) ✅ Sharing this episode with friends and family who want to have better conversations Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  🔹 Now go talk some politics and religion—but with gentleness and respect. 💡See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan reconnects with Julie Mason, renowned journalist and host of The Julie Mason Show on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel. Julie brings decades of experience in journalism, spanning local, state, and national politics, and shares her sharp insights on the evolving media landscape, political discourse, and the state of journalism today. What We Discuss: The evolving role of journalists in a polarized media environment. How to navigate news consumption and discern credible sources. Insights into the challenges of covering politicians and divisive topics. The growing intersection between social media platforms and journalism. Why re-engaging with quality news content is critical to democracy. Mike Pence: The King of Hilarity... Wait. WHAT?!?! No, really Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] – Corey welcomes Julie back to the podcast after four years and reflects on her journey in journalism, from print reporting to hosting her SiriusXM show. [00:09:00] – Julie explains how she transitioned from print to radio and why she took the leap into the unfamiliar world of broadcasting. [00:20:00] – The challenges of modern journalism: Julie addresses disinformation, lies in politics, and why reporters must focus on stories that truly impact people’s lives. [00:27:00] – A discussion on how journalism is evolving to meet the needs of a fatigued audience, from long-form storytelling to true crime podcasts. [00:40:00] – Julie emphasizes the importance of journalists remaining stoic and professional, especially during major historical events like January 6th. [00:47:00] – Corey and Julie explore ways to have constructive conversations with people across ideological divides, drawing inspiration from bipartisan efforts in Congress. [00:55:00] – Julie’s call to action: Why supporting quality journalism through subscriptions and active engagement matters more than ever. Featured Quotes: “You’ve got to be willing to kick your sources right in the balls if necessary, even if they’re your friends.” “Politician lied is not really the story—focus on what impacts people’s lives.” “To have meaningful conversations, you have to put down your weapons and see the humanity in the other person.” Resources Mentioned: The Julie Mason Show on SiriusXM’s POTUS Channel – www.siriusxm.com/channels/potus-politics  Substack Recommendations: The Great Transformation with Mike Madrid Tom LoBianco’s 24Sight Oliver Darcy’s Substack The Contrarian by Jennifer Rubin and Laurence Tribe Dirty John Podcast – Listen Here Call to Action Support on Patreon - www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion  Watch on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion  Leave a Review for TP&R - ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics  Proud to be part of The Democracy Group - www.democracygroup.org/shows/talkin-politics-religion  Social Media Links @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook @julesdc Facebook Our Sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Corey Nathan addresses the pressing issue of how pro-democracy patriots - the large coalition of folks who believe in this American experiment - can endure during times when anti-democratic tendencies are metastasizing. Drawing from personal experiences, philosophical insights, and cultural reflections, we explore ways of maintaining hope, practicing discernment, and fostering meaningful connections amid political division. What We Discuss: Strategies for practicing discernment in consuming media and news. The importance of mindfulness and staying present in times of uncertainty. How local and state-level civic participation can make a meaningful impact. Insights into nurturing relationships with those holding differing political views. The role of beauty, truth, and community in sustaining democratic ideals. Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction: Corey shares updates on a recent wildfire evacuation and gratitude for firefighters' efforts. [00:03:00] Pro-Democracy Patriots: Corey explores how individuals committed to democracy can stay engaged and positive during anti-democratic times. [00:06:00] Reflecting on MLK Day: The significance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the moral universe's arc bending toward justice. [00:10:00] Media Discernment: Corey discusses how he filters through news and commentary to focus on credible journalism and meaningful content. [00:19:00] Practicing Mindfulness: The importance of staying present in the moment to avoid spiraling into anxiety. [00:22:00] Truth and Beauty: A reflection on Kristen du Mez's advice to seek out beauty and truth for strength and grounding. [00:27:00] Navigating Relationships: Balancing relationships with those holding differing political views while maintaining personal boundaries. [00:28:00] Local Civic Engagement: Why local and state politics deserve more attention and how they affect daily life more significantly than federal issues. Featured Quotes: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” – Reflecting on MLK Jr.’s wisdom. “Practicing discernment means filtering out the junk from the substance and focusing on credible voices.” – Corey Nathan. “You can still love people who disagree with you—sometimes from a safe distance.” – Corey Nathan. “Truth is about staying generous in a world that baits you into resentment.” – Kristen Du Mez. Call to Action Support on Patreon Watch on YouTube Leave a Review for TP&R Proud to be part of The Democracy Group Social Media Links @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Our Sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is there a church that can be for the rest of us? Are we living in a "post-evangelical" world?   In this episode, we welcome Joe Smith, lead pastor of Shift GNV in Gainesville, Florida, and host of the Shift Happens Podcast. Known for creating "a church for the rest of us," Joe shares his journey through faith deconstruction and reconstruction, building a community for those feeling spiritually homeless in a post-evangelical world. The conversation explores his innovative ministry, personal experiences, and the broader implications of inclusivity and resistance in modern faith communities.   Episode Highlights [00:01:00] - Corey introduces Joe Smith and dives into his work at Shift GNV, emphasizing the concept of "a church for the rest of us." [00:02:30] - Joe explains the origins and purpose of Shift GNV, creating a safe space for people navigating post-evangelical spirituality. [00:06:00] - Defining "post-evangelical" and reflecting on the societal shift away from rigid evangelical structures. [00:14:30] - Joe recounts his personal experience with religious trauma, including grappling with the fear-based teachings of his upbringing. [00:23:00] - The transformative impact of fatherhood on Joe's beliefs about gender roles and inclusion. [00:34:00] - A modern perspective on the parable of the Good Samaritan and its application to societal divisions today. [00:41:00] - Joe's views on resisting MAGA ideologies and the responsibility of faith communities to challenge injustice. [00:52:00] - Introducing the Post Evangelical Collective (PEC) and its role in fostering forward-thinking, inclusive church practices. Featured Quotes "If I believe that God is love, then this [fear-based compulsion] doesn’t produce good fruit—it can’t be of God." "Jesus wasn’t scandalous for who he excluded, but for who he included." "My belonging to God isn’t complete until I understand my belonging to you." "The boundaries I set are the best way to love you and myself simultaneously." Resources Mentioned Shift GNV: Shift Church Gainesville Shift Happens Podcast: Podcast Link Post Evangelical Collective: Learn More Here Recommended Reading: After Evangelicalism by Dr. David Gushee. Call to Action Support on Patreon Watch on YouTube Leave a Review for TP&R Proud to be part of The Democracy Group Social Media Links Corey Nathan (@coreysnathan): Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Joe Smith Bluesky (@therealjoesmith.bsky.social) Instagram (@therealjoe.smith) Threads (@therealjoe.smith)   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What has our response been to the wildfires in Los Angeles? Frankly, it's brought out some of the worst of us. But thankfully, there have also been many heroes from LA's firefighters and firefighters who came here from neighboring counties and states, to other countries including Mexico and Canada who lent manpower, vehicles and equipment, to everyday people who've offered up their homes, food and time to help in any way they can.   In this special edition of TP&R, we take a look at the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Corey shares personal experiences living near the affected areas in Santa Clarita and reflects on the dual nature of humanity's response—highlighting both acts of compassion and the spread of harmful misinformation. Corey calls attention to how political leaders and media figures handle disasters, the role of conspiracy theories, and how communities can unite in the face of adversity.   Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Corey shares his firsthand experience with the high winds and proximity to the Hearst Fire in Sylmar. [00:03:00] Personal stories of friends and neighbors who lost homes or were displaced by the fires. [00:05:00] Discussion on Yair Rosenberg's article about conspiracy theories surrounding the wildfires. [00:07:00] Critique of political leaders exploiting the disaster for political gain, specifically Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson. [00:10:00] Praise for Congressman Chuck Edwards’ efforts to combat misinformation following Hurricane Helene. [00:12:00] The role of media figures like Tucker Carlson, Matt Walsh and Dan Bongino in spreading divisive rhetoric. [00:17:00] Practical ways to support wildfire victims, including offering shelter, donations, and volunteering. [00:20:00] Encouragement to be part of "the best of us" through compassionate actions.   Featured Quotes: "Healthy communities ask themselves, what did we do wrong? Unhealthy ones ask, who did this to us?" – Yair Rosenberg "When did capitalizing on devastating natural disasters to score political points become a thing?" – Corey Nathan "Most people have done the right thing—neighbors looking out for neighbors, friends checking in with friends." – Corey Nathan "The ministry of 'that sucks'—sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen and be there." – Corey Nathan   Resources Mentioned: American Red Cross California Fire Foundation Charity Navigator Support on Patreon Watch on YouTube Leave a Review for TP&R Yair Rosenberg's Atlantic Piece Rep. Chuck Edwards - Debunking Helene Response Myths Scott Galloway's No Mercy / No Malice   Call to Action: If you appreciate the thoughtful conversations we’re fostering here, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with friends. Your support helps us continue discussing important topics with gentleness and respect. Check us out on YouTube and support us on Patreon.   Social Media Links: Corey Nathan (@coreysnathan): Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When there's such chaos amd divisiveness all around us, what can we do to cultivate a sense of hope and humanity?   In this episode, we welcome back Wajahat Ali, celebrated writer, editor of The Left Hook Substack, co-host of Democracy-ish Podcast, and author. Known for his humor and insight, Waj brings his unique perspective as a father, storyteller, and political commentator to discuss navigating the tumultuous political and social landscape of 2025. Together, Corey and Wajahat dive deep into themes of decency, empathy, and how to cultivate hope amid chaos. Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Wajahat muses about earning a "Five Timer Club" t-shirt. [00:04:00] Discussion on the California wildfires and the politicization of natural disasters. [00:06:00] Wajahat analyzes the blame game targeting DEI initiatives in crisis situations. [00:09:00] Corey and Wajahat explore the role of empathy and decency in politics. [00:11:00] Wajahat reflects on hope during his daughter’s cancer journey and how that translates to political resilience. [00:16:00] Star Wars analogy: How everyday people (the "Ewoks") can fight against authoritarianism. [00:22:00] A candid discussion on America's historical resistance to progress and how that impacts the current political climate. [00:35:00] The importance of rest and joy in sustaining activism and engagement. [00:54:00] Wajahat’s advice on engaging with people across ideological divides—when to plant seeds of change and when to walk away. Featured Quotes: "Hope is optimism with action. It's believing in a better story but doing your part to get there." – Wajahat Ali "You can't save everyone. The caravan must move forward, but the doors remain open." – Wajahat Ali "We could have been so much better, and we chose this." – Wajahat Ali "One conversation with one person can create a ripple effect. Even a one-degree shift can matter." – Corey Nathan Resources We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Join our community on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com How to find Waj The Left Hook | https://thelefthook.substack.com/ Democracy-ish | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/democracy-ish/id1473376303 Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/wajali.bsky.social See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we welcome in a new year, what is this moment about? What have we been leading up to? And what will the coming months and years be about?    In this episode, Corey reflects on the importance of democracy and decency in today's polarized climate. Emphasizing respectful dialogue and the significance of national and local political involvement, we explore the impact of the election and the ongoing challenges posed by political divisiveness. We delve into insights from notable essays and personal experiences, advocating for voting, recognizing the humanity in others, and knowing when to step away from unproductive conversations. Join us in the commitment to have more basic decency and to respect our democratic institutions.   Episode Highlights [00:00:00] Intro: The intersection of democracy and decency. [00:03:00] Discusses the significance of respecting election results for a healthy democracy. [00:05:00] Explores how many voters are motivated by opposition to perceived threats from the other side. [00:06:00] Highlights Masha Gessen's insights on liberal democracy versus populism. [00:08:00] Corey shares personal experiences with online threats related to political discourse. [00:10:00] Emphasizes the importance of modeling proper behavior after elections. [00:12:00] Reflects on David Brooks’ perspective on understanding people in all their complexities. [00:14:00] Discusses knowing when to disengage from toxic interactions to preserve well-being.   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(Given that yesterday was the 4 year anniversary of Jan. 6, 2021, an attempted violent disruption of the peaceful transfer of power, one of our nation's most cherished traditions, we thought it would be a good time to refresh our conversation with Prof. Danielle Allen who has been ensconced in the work of renovating our democratic institutions.)   Our democracy is brittle. Many would say our Constitutional Republic is in trouble. So what kind of work can we do on "actually renovating our institutions"?   We were fortunate to be joined by Dr. Danielle Allen, a democracy advocate, Harvard professor and nonprofit leader who's doing something about it. We talked about how to maintain a loving spirit when faced with "a lot of bleeps"; Danielle's fascinating family legacy and her "obsession" with democracy; what the heck a eudaemonist democratic pragmatist is; the ways the 5 freedoms articulated in the 1st Amendment are under threat; the merits of ranked choice voting, expanding the House of Representatives and other democratic renovations; the imperative of developing a civic portfolio; and how to "not let our differences take our humanity hostage."   Prof. Danielle Allen is James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University. She is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy and director of the Democratic Knowledge Project and of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation. Outside the University, she is a co-chair for the Our Common Purpose Commission and Founder and President for Partners In Democracy, where she advocates for democracy reform to create greater voice and access in our democracy, and to drive progress towards a new social contract that serves and includes us all.   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   Be sure to read Danielle's series in the Washington Post on How to Renovate American Democracy: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/31/danielle-allen-american-democracy-renovation-series/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(Getting to speak with Anne Applebaum was such an honor. She's not only one of the world's most prominent historians and writers, Anne's focus on the fragility of democracy and emerging autocracies couldn't be more timely.)   In the 20th Century, we had Cold War adversaries. In the early 2000s, George W. Bush talked about the Axis of Evil. But are those frameworks the most accurate way to understand the forces attempting to undermine not just democratic nations but democratic ideas? And to what degree have these antagonists - those that are fundamentally opposed to our core principles such as the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and basic human rights - pervaded U.S. politics?   In this episode we welcome Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer-prize winning historian, staff writer at The Atlantic and senior fellow at the Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. After discussing her motivations, experiences, and insights into the autocratic regimes and their impacts on global democracy, we dive into Anne’s new book Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World. We explore how autocracies collaborate, ways the rest of the world is complicit in autocratic behaviors, and strategies to combat these influences. The conversation also touches on Anne's personal history and initial fascination with the history, literature, culture and politics of the “Borderlands,” a region that includes Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and beyond.   01:53 Anne's Early Career and Inspirations 16:29 The Concept of Autocracy, Inc. 29:44 Global Complicity in Autocracy 34:39 Hamas and Global Destabilization 37:05 Trump's Influence and Dictator Admiration 39:17 Russian Propaganda and Dark Money in US Politics 42:37 Autocracy, Inc. and Democratic Values 52:43 Engaging in Local Politics and Understanding the Big Picture   anneapplebaum.substack.com   www.anneapplebaum.com/book/autocracy   AUTOCRACY IN AMERICA podcast - www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/archive/2024/08/introducing-autocracy-in-america/679474/   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(Speaking with Nancy was such a highlight of this year. In addition to all we discussed in this raw, beautiful, candid, downright funny conversation, I'm glad to report that subsequent to when we spoke, Nancy was able to "ring the bell" as a cancer survivor!)   We’re joined by author, essayist, investigative journalist and the gloriously feral Nancy French. We discuss Nancy's new memoir, GHOSTED: AN AMERICAN STORY, which involves deeply personal topics such as her experiences with sexual abuse, faith struggles, being a ghostwriter for politicians, and increasing political turmoil. Nancy also talks about navigating her long-standing personal and professional relationships amid the Trumpification of the Republican party; how the party has drifted away from folks like her even though Nancy’s positions and philosophy haven’t changed; and how her Christian faith has played a significant role in the journey. We also candidly explore the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, the complexities in religious institutions, and being resilient in troubled times.   Nancy French is a five-time New York Times bestselling author, essayist, investigative journalist, and storyteller at the Moth. She’s published op-eds and articles in the Washington Post, USA Today, Time and many other publications. Her investigative journalism into abuse at Kanakuk Kamps appeared on the front page of USA Today. Nancy is also the co-author of The After Party with friend of the pod Curtis Chang and she’s the author of the new memoir GHOSTED: AN AMERICAN STORY.   01:20 Nancy French: A Brief Introduction;  05:14 The Art of Ghostwriting;  09:53 The Journey of Discovery and Art;  13:45 The Struggles of Writing Your Own Story;  19:38 The Challenges of Confronting Past Abuse;  31:10 The Power of Love and Relationships;  37:47 The Struggle with Faith and the Church;  40:25 Reflections on Christian Faith and History;  41:16 Experiences of Divine Intervention;  42:07 Discussing Faith with Non-Believers;  46:19 Political Writing and Its Consequences;  50:12 The Shift in Political Identity (Despite Not Having Changed);  52:11 The Impact of Political Polarization;  55:34 The Power of Human Connection Across Differences   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion     Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social   www.nancyfrench.com   GHOSTED on Amazon - https://amzn.to/49tSNzO   www.threads.net/@nancyjanefrenchSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yeah, this ages well. Seriously... This conversation with Bill Kristol was from April of this year. Some of the discussion applied to that moment in time (eg. bemoaning the Mets tepid start to the 2024 season); but much of it still applies even given the outcome of the latest election. With that, here are the notes from one of our "Best of 2024" conversations...   Are REPUBLICAN VOTERS AGAINST TRUMP our greatest BULWARK against authoritarianism and the most significant constituency in DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER? (Dad jokes about the future of our Constitutional Republic aside...) Bill Kristol shares his thoughts on the state of our democracy and how this year's consequential election is shaping up.   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   So glad to be joined again by Bill Kristol, Editor at Large of The Bulwark; Director of Defending Democracy Together; and Host of Conversations with Bill Kristol. We took time to reflect on Bill’s early political experiences, including his roles in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, his academic career, and his work with the Project for the Republican Future. We also touch on our shared passion for baseball, particularly for the New York Mets! We then delve into Bill’s critical views on the Trump presidency, the rise of authoritarianism, and the importance of defending liberal democracy. He shares insights into his efforts with the Republican Voters Against Trump initiative and the importance of bipartisan engagement in preserving democratic norms. We then discuss the impact of social and political polarization, the significance of grassroots activism, and the need for open, exploratory dialogue across ideological divides. We wind down with Bill emphasizing the resilience of the American political system and the potential for positive change through collective action and constructive discourse.   00:52 Meet Bill Kristol: A Storied Career in Politics;  01:58 Baseball and Politics: A Personal Connection;  04:09 Navigating Political Ideologies: From Youth to Present;  05:41 The Evolution of Political Beliefs and the Impact of External Changes;  10:18 The Threat of Illiberalism and the Defense of Liberal Democracy;  15:21 Exploring the Dangers of Trumpism and Authoritarian Tendencies;  26:56 The Role of Intellectuals and Voters in Shaping Political Futures;  33:59 The Impact of Testimonials from Former Trump Voters;  34:53 The Strategy Behind Targeting Swing Voters;  35:54 Challenges and Strategies in Political Advertising;  36:55 Building a Broad Coalition Against Trump;  42:09 The Role of Money in Politics and Campaign Strategies;  44:34 Fostering Careers and Nurturing Talent in Politics;  50:43 The Evolution of Political Discourse and Outreach;  54:36 Final Thoughts on Political Engagement and Hope   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social and www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   www.thebulwark.com   www.defendingdemocracytogether.org   bsky.app/profile/billkristolbulwark.bsky.socialSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are science and belief in God incompatible? Dr. Francis S. Collins, renowned for having led the Human Genome Project and the former Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), says science and faith are two different ways of understanding God's creation.   We dove right in and had so much to explore! His father's folk music collection that is a true national treasure;  Connecting music with the mysteries of the universe both as a scientist and a person of faith;  An encounter with a heart patient that led Dr. Collins to his faith in Christ;  How he got the job to lead the Human Genome Project (no, it wasn't an answer to an ad on Craigslist);  Leading the NIH during a worldwide pandemic;  The ongoing harrassment and even death threats he and his colleagues at NIH have had to endure;  Struggling to understand the emergence of the anti-vax movement;  Nurturing relationships with folks who hold very different views such as the late Christopher Hitchens;  The BioLogos Foundation;  And the most interesting book club in the world!   Dr. Francis Collins is the former director of the National Institutes of Health. And was the longest serving director of NIH — spanning 12 years and three (very different) presidencies. Dr. Collins is a physician-geneticist noted for his landmark discoveries of disease genes and his leadership of the international Human Genome Project, which culminated in April 2003 with the completion of a finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book. Dr. Collins' research laboratory has discovered a number of important genes, including those responsible for cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, a familial endocrine cancer syndrome and, most recently, genes for type 2 diabetes among others. Dr. Collins was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2007 and the National Medal of Science in 2009.   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion     Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social   biologos.org/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(This was one of my favorite conversations of 2024 partly because Tom and I both did our best Robert DeNiro impressions toward the end.) Let's talk candidly about why Gov. Josh Shapiro of PA wasn't chosen as Kamala Harris's running mate. Let's also assess the merits and potential drawbacks of Gov. Tim Walz of MN as the Democratic VP candidate. Oh, and while we're at it, how's that J.D. Vance pick working out for the Trump campaign?   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   We're joined by Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, to discuss all of this and more! We get into Tom's background in a working-class family, his educational journey, and his career in academia. Tom also discusses his views on democracy, international security, and challenges in contemporary politics. We get to reflect on Tom's Greek Orthodox faith and how it shapes his beliefs, while contrasting his temperamentally and philosophically conservative outlook with the current stance of the Republican Party. Additionally, Tom offers insights on the importance of a balanced media diet in today's political landscape. And since Tom is a 5x Jeopardy champion, we do a little Robert DeNiro-inspired Jeopardy at the end!   03:30 Tom Nichols' Background and Upbringing 07:49 Influence of Church and Community 10:49 Orthodox Christianity and Politics 19:51 Political Philosophy and Conservatism 25:49 Discussion on Israel and U.S. Politics 32:56 Debating the Choice Between Shapiro and Walz 33:49 Tim Walz: The Normal Guy in Politics 36:24 Tim Walz's Background and Achievements 40:09 JD Vance: A Controversial Figure 46:40 Kamala Harris's Electability and Political Evolution 53:29 Media Consumption and Political Discourse   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social   www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/daily   www.threads.net/@radiofreetomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“All who entered the Temple Mount entered by the right, circled to the right and exited by the left, except for one to whom something had happened, who entered and circled to the left...” (Mishnah Middot)   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   Rabbi Sharon Brous, the founding rabbi of IKAR and author of THE AMEN EFFECT, delves into ancient Jewish rituals, the role of pain in human connections, and the transformative power of compassion and curiosity. Through heartfelt stories and profound insights, she explores the importance of staying engaged with those who challenge us and how communities can support each other in moments of deep sorrow and joy. The discussion also touches upon inclusivity in Jewish worship, dealing with vicarious trauma, navigating hard conversations such as differences over what's happening in Israel and the results of the U.S. election, and the significance of asking and truly listening to Malakh: "tell me about your heart."   00:52 Introducing Rabbi Sharon Brous 01:21 Exploring the Mishnah Middot 04:05 The Power of Ritual and Compassion 06:53 Personal Reflections on Sin and Mental Health 11:49 The Role of Community and Vulnerability 17:41 Balancing Leadership and Personal Burdens 24:22 Innovative Practices at IKAR 36:53 Challenges and Changes in Jewish Leadership 38:47 Navigating Differences in a Diverse Congregation 39:53 The Power of Curiosity and Compassion 47:05 The Importance of Staying at the Table   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social   ikar.org   ikar.org/the-amen-effect/the-big-ideaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How should we respond to the election? Fight? Surrender? Or is there another way? Let's "Meet the Majority" and see if we can figure it out!   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   As part of our "Meet the Majority" series, this is a candid conversation on ideological differences, election surprises, and friendship. In this episode, Corey sits down with his long-time friend Brandon to explore their differing political views and the implications of recent elections. Corey explains the importance of maintaining relationships and having open dialogue despite political differences. Brandon, a staunch Republican, shares his life story, professional background, and family history. He discusses his views on national security, the shortcomings of the far left, and the influence of Trumpism on American politics and the church. Both Corey and Brandon delve into the complexities of being in the political middle today, their concerns about the future, and the need for more constructive discourse. The conversation highlights the importance of listening and understanding different perspectives to foster better relationships and navigate the current political landscape.   00:49 Meet the Majority Series: Background and Purpose 03:42 Brandon's Background and Political Views 07:19 Discussion on Liberalism and Conservatism 11:34 The Middle Ground in Politics 17:11 Concerns About Trump and the Future of the Republican Party 26:28 Impact of Trumpism on the American Church 28:24 Debating Presidential Impact and Religious Influence 30:26 Supreme Court and the Conservative Legal Movement 33:10 Navigating Political Differences and Building Relationships 37:25 Reflecting on Political Identity and Middle Ground 50:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.socialSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is there any coherence to Trumpism from a policy standpoint? Public policy expert, Lanhee Chen, says coherence is overrated... at least at this moment.    We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   In this conversation with Lanhee Chen, we explore some hard questions in today's fraught political moment. As a key policy advisor to both Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio on their respective presidential campaigns, how can candidates and elected officials balance political considerations and policy priorities? Is there a place for a "compassionate conservative" in today's Republican Party? Is there a place for conservatives in today's California? We also discuss key moments that influenced Lanhee’s career, his conservative philosophy shaped by early experiences, and significant milestones like running for statewide office in California as a Republican. Lanhee shares insights into political coherence, the impact of electoral processes, and his stance on contemporary issues such as regulatory policies and international relations.   Lanhee Chen is a widely respected public policy expert who has advised numerous high-profile Republican candidates and served as a presidential appointee in both Republican and Democratic administrations. He is currently the David and Diane Steffy Fellow in American Public Policy Studies at the Hoover Institution, as well as the Director of Domestic Policy Studies and Lecturer in the Public Policy Program at Stanford University.   00:53 Guest Introduction: Lanhee Chen 01:36 Lanhee Chen's Early Interest in Politics 03:56 Formulating a Conservative Philosophy 09:06 Working with Mitt Romney 14:27 Challenges in Modern Politics 17:42 The State of California Politics 21:50 Advice for New Politicians 24:23 Impact of Electoral Processes 28:45 Electoral Reforms and Future Outlook 32:01 The Rise of Neopopulism in American Politics 34:43 Assessing Trumpism and Policy Coherence 37:34 Hope and Concerns for the Upcoming Administration 39:45 Reflecting on Biden's Legislative Accomplishments 46:49 Final Thoughts and Future Plans   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social   www.hoover.org/profiles/lanhee-j-chenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you find yourself generally hopeful or really concerned about this 2nd Trump Administration? Or are you just grabbing your popcorn and buckling up for the ride? Author, Columnist and Podcaster, Matt Lewis helps us work through all this and more.   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   We’re joined on this episode by Matt Lewis, author of FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS and TOO DUMB TO FAIL. He is the host of the "Matt Lewis And the News" YouTube channel , co-host of "The DMZ" and co-host of “The Wrong Stuff" podcasts. We talk about the current state of democracy, the challenges faced by writers, and the shifts in media consumption. Matt shares his thoughts on Trump's campaign, the election results, and the implications of another Trump term. We also delve into personal topics such as family, faith, and the impact of politics on personal beliefs. And of course we mix in a little bit of movies, music and sports.   00:37 Guest Introduction: Matt Lewis 03:43 Shifting Focus to YouTube and Podcasts 08:19 Challenges of Political Opinion Journalism 11:06 Changing Media Landscape and Influencers 16:23 Election Predictions and Reflections 24:35 Democratic Party's Challenges and Future 35:17 Public Sentiment Post-Election 35:40 Trump's Influence and Political Violence 40:04 Understanding the Anger Towards Biden and Harris 43:02 Media Influence and Public Perception 46:26 Hopes and Concerns for Another Trump Term 52:38 Personal Reflections on Faith and Politics 59:00 Building Bridges Across Differences   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   https://bsky.app/profile/mattklewis.bsky.social   https://www.youtube.com/@mattlewis See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Since a lot of folks were doing the whole thanksgiving thing, I guess we can consider this counter-programming. Either way, in case you missed it...   Who's doing the canceling now? The leader doth protest too much... (the leaders of Presbyterian Church in America, that is.)   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    In this edition, we take a look at a very public controversy surrounding the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and David French. We'll highlight a significant dispute within the PCA, where a planned panel on dealing with polarization was cancelled due to the inclusion of French. We explore articles and commentary (quoting extensively from a number of pieces), especially focusing on PCA Elder Ben Dunson's misleading attacks against French's views. In this inquiry, the mischaracterizations and false witness borne by Dunson get proper scrutiny so we can contextualize David (and Nancy) French's positions. The episode also explores broader implications of such church conflicts, stressing the importance of honesty, intellectual rigor, and faithfulness to Scripture.   01:38 Today's Topic: The David French PCA Controversy 02:17 Background on David French and the PCA 03:42 Criticism and Mischaracterization of David French 12:31 David French's Actual Stance on Drag Queen Story Hour 17:47 David French's Actual Views on Same-Sex Marriage 20:05 David French's Actual Position on Legislation Involving Transgender Youth 27:23 Addressing Personal Attacks on David and Nancy French   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   https://julieroys.com/pca-cancels-anti-polarization-panel-david-french-being-too-polarizing/    https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/09/opinion/presbyterian-church-evangelical-canceled.html    https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-political-scene/david-french-sohrab-ahmari-and-the-battle-for-the-future-of-conservatism?_sp=9d3e8c33-72cc-4872-b332-e14d92b13983.1718748473071   https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2022/11/respect-for-marriage-same-sex-religious-freedom/676545/   https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/frenchpress/when-culture-wars-go-way-too-far/   https://www.deseret.com/politics/2024/04/16/nancy-french-ghosted-book-cancer-david-french/    https://americanreformer.org/2024/05/david-french-and-the-pcas-general-assembly/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This was one of my favorite conversations over the last year or so. Figured it'd be nice to share it again...   We are joined in this episode by Writer, Producer, Actor and Mentor, LARRY WILMORE! We discussed what drew Larry to comedy, writing, acting and producing; and, yes, we did talk about the WGA strike; why, as a kid, he was compelled by the work of such greats as Houdini, Buster Keaton, the Marx Brothers and Flip Wilson; rebounding from professional setbacks and keeping a healthy mindset; his thoughts on the "TP&R question" - how to be better at talking about politics and religion across our differences; and we got pretty deep with the concept of consciousness, meaning and why humans have a desire to have a life of meaning.   Emmy Award winner Larry Wilmore is a prolific producer, actor, comedian, and writer. He is also the host of the excellent podcast Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air. Larry is perhaps best known for his role as host of Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and as the “Senior Black Correspondent” on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Off-screen, Larry serves as co-creator and consulting producer on HBO’s Insecure, and helped to launch ABC’s black-ish as an executive producer and is a co-creator of the spin-off Grownish. Previously, he has written for In Living Color, The PJ’s (which he co-created), The Office (on which he also appeared), and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He also served as creator, writer, and executive producer of The Bernie Mac Show, which earned him his Emmy for “Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series” and a 2001 Peabody Award. In 2016, Larry hosted the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Larry is also an author, having released his first book, I’d Rather We Got Casinos and Other Black Thoughts, in January 2009.   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   www.theringer.com/larry-wilmore-black-on-air   Reasonable Doubt on Hulu - www.hulu.com/series/reasonable-doubt-226c1cc5-ecc9-4d26-83a6-40131a93ed19   Jerry and Marge Go Large - www.paramountplus.com/shows/paramount-plus/video/B8wTNAzgYrU2jPLef3IehO_xl_sg15pn/jerry-marge-go-large-cast-featurette-paramount-/   www.threads.net/@larrywilmoreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Katherine Stewart is an expert who has been investigating religious nationalism for over 15 years. Given the impact of Christian Nationalism on churches around the country as well as on our democracy, this conversation comes at a critical time. The discussion delves into Katherine's insights from her recent book, THE POWER WORSHIPPERS and the upcoming MONEY, LIES AND GOD: INSIDE THE MOVEMENT TO DESTROY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY. Discover the controversial role of Good News Clubs in public schools which she covered in her 2017 book; the strategies driving the Christian nationalist agenda; and the broader implications for American democracy. We also take a moment to highlight the importance of respectful dialogue on politics and religion, especially during family gatherings like Thanksgiving.   02:59 The Good News Club Controversy 06:19 Impact on Public Schools 16:50 Christian Nationalism Explained 22:47 Investigative Journalism Insights 26:01 Economic Grievances and Voting Behavior 26:48 Christian Nationalist Influence 30:11 Leonard Leo’s Plans to Weaponize Right Wing Policies 33:17 Pushing Back Against Christian Nationalism 37:41 Finding Common Ground in Political Conversations 44:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   katherinestewart.me   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Someone I love voted for a different candidate at the top of the ticket. Can we still have a healthy, loving relationship? Can we still have any sort of relationship? Even when we disagree about something we feel so passionately about?   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, Corey’s lifelong friend, Natalie, joins the program as the first edition of our 'Meet The Majority' series. The recent election underscored that a lot of people we know and love voted differently than we did (at least at the top of the ticket). Those differences often exacerbate unspoken grievances and lead to decaying relationships. The other way to go forward in a time like this is to do the hard work of staying in relationship with each other - not with the intent to convince or persuade or to win an argument - although we can still have the conversation. We can still go there. And we can even disagree. But when we do go there, the practice is to lead with curiosity. Curiosity and not contentiousness. That’s what Natalie and Corey tried to model in this conversation.   01:15 Personal Reflections on Voting and Family 02:44 Leading with Curiosity in Political Conversations 03:41 Introducing Natalie: A Lifelong Friend 04:57 Natalie's Background  09:56 Political Upbringing and Shifting Views 15:06 College Years and Career Beginnings 26:36 Voting History and Political Shifts 40:05 Reflections on Trump's Leadership Style 43:39 Concerns About First Amendment Rights 44:53 Media Bias and Social Media Censorship 49:28 Political Conversations and Family Dynamics 52:29 Immigration and Border Control 01:02:18 Election Integrity and Popular Vote 01:17:44 The Aftermath of January 6th 01:22:28 Final Thoughts and Future Plans   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Republican, a Democrat and an Independent walk into a podcast...   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   So glad to have joined the hosts of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram, to discuss the election results and reflect on our concerns regarding Trump's second term. We explore the complexities of political identity, the importance of community, and the need for clear boundaries in political discourse. The conversation delves into the intersection of faith and politics (of course!), the impact of hyperbole in political conversations, and the responsibility of individuals in their media consumption. We emphasize the need for discernment and understanding in navigating the evolving landscape of religious beliefs and political affiliations. We also explore the intersection of Christianity and politics, discussing the historical context of Christianity as a religion of empire versus the teachings of Jesus. We reflect on the implications of political power, the potential for violence, and the importance of accountability in leadership. Amidst concerns about the current political climate, we express hope for the future and the role of the church in promoting positive change. The discussion also touches on the challenges of engaging with differing ideologies and managing fear and anxiety in a politically charged environment.   00:00 Introduction to Faithful Politics Live Show 04:11 Reflections on the Recent Election Results 07:56 Concerns About Trump's Second Term 12:05 The Role of Identity and Community in Politics 16:00 Defining Terms in Political Discourse 19:50 The Intersection of Faith and Politics 24:13 Hyperbole and Its Impact on Political Conversations 28:10 Agency and Personal Responsibility in Media Consumption 32:13 The Evolution of Religious Beliefs in Politics 46:53 The Religion of Empire vs. the Religion of Jesus 50:06 Concerns About Political Power and Violence 52:45 Reflections on Presidential Power and Accountability 01:01:41 Hope Amidst Political Uncertainty 01:10:00 Engaging with Challenging Ideologies 01:19:00 Managing Fear and Anxiety in Politics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   Faithful Politics Podcast - www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can Christians reckon with when the Bible is at odds with their political preferences, passions and prejudices? That just depends on who you ask. So we asked Dr. Tommy Givens, Assoc. Professor of New Testament Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary (and a pastor's kid to boot!), about Scripture, the church in America, and what the results of the election has revealed about it all.   We're on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, we go deep: When did Tommy start to question the prevailing orthodoxy of the fundamentalist church of his youth? Evangelism - Is it simply persuading others "to be like me"? Or is it about joining life with our neighbors? What does Christianity have to say about war, friendship, and how to navigate a broken family? Should Christians work to occupy positions of power? (First, we need to ask whether Christians are necessarily good.) How can we negotiate life, politics, share a country or even just a meal with people who aren't like us? Are we reducing people's lives to the terms of this candidate vs. that candidate? And the art of strolling...   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   www.fuller.edu/faculty/g-tommy-givens    fullerstudio.fuller.edu/from-the-bible-faculty See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we take a hard look at what the hell happened in this election. Spoiler alert - What the hell happened, as our host fully admits: "I got it wrong!" So we look at specific ways any number of folks got it wrong. We also reflect on misconceptions about voters' values - what many of us wrongly assumed were shared values and priorities. But we also start to "Meet the Majority." As a majority of voters overlooked the myriad of sins of the once and future President, we take some time to understand who some of these individuals are. As tempting as it might be to hold all those who vote differently in contempt and to view the whole lot with malice, there are 10s of millions of people... actual human beings we can try to understand better if, for no other reason, than it's our own family members, friends we've known our whole lives, neighbors and work colleagues.   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   We're also on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How are you? No, really. How ARE you? Candidly, I’m having a hard time with how things played out on Tuesday. So, we thought it’d be good to re-visit this conversation about mental health from a couple months ago. The tools covered here have certainly helped me over the years. And hopefully you’ll find this helpful as well.   Perhaps this whole election season has been overwhelming. So we figured it's worthwhile to emphasize the importance of stepping back from all the chaos for mental well-being. The tools that are discussed include how meditation has been a transformative practice for many people, alongside other valuable “arrows in our quiver” like writing / prayer, physical exercise, nourishing the mind with great literature (fiction and non-fiction), fostering human connections, getting a healthy amount of rest and establishing helpful boundaries and rules of engagement.   00:36 Personal Journey and Struggles 03:06 Meditation: A Life-Changing Practice 10:56 The Power of Writing and Prayer 15:52 Exercise: Moving for Mental Health 18:16 Feeding Your Mind with Good Literature 21:43 The Importance of Fellowship 25:15 The Necessity of Rest 29:07 Setting Boundaries and Rules of Engagement 34:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   We're also on YouTube! Subscribe there and engage in the comments section (so that it's not dominated by "screamers" who don't come in good will): https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has there been anything that’s happened in the campaigns or in the news in recent days that’s fundamentally changed the course of this election? Would you believe that "trash talk" might be the October surprise that swings this race?   What about that poll conducted by J. Ann Selzer's firm for the Des Moines Register showing VP Harris leading Trump in Iowa 47% to 44%? Is that the outlier? Or has Selzer uncovered some fundamental dynamics in this race, much like her firm's polls did in 2016 and 2020, that others haven't picked up on?   Finally, what will be the final results of this election? As we record and share this episode, it's the eve of the eve of Election Day. So how's it gonna go? Listen in and hear Corey's take. (Don't worry. It's gonna be okay.) And...   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   We're also on YouTube! Subscribe there and engage in the comments section (so that it's not dominated by "screamers" who don't come in good will or good faith): https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/iowa-poll/2024/11/02/iowa-poll-kamala-harris-leads-donald-trump-2024-presidential-race/75354033007/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who is my neighbor? “Our neighbors are not seen as fellow citizens, but as enemies to destroy, and even erase from our culture and politics by banning their books and history. That is the essence of white Christian nationalism.” Jim Wallis reminds us that Jesus shares a very different understanding of who our neighbors are.   We're on YouTube! Be one of our first 1,000 subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Jim Wallis is Georgetown University’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu Chair in Faith and Justice. He has served on President Obama’s White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, was the founder of Sojourners and is the author of multiple New York Times bestselling books including his latest book, THE FALSE WHITE GOSPEL: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy. But let's not forget, one of Rev. Wallis's favorite roles is that of "Coach Jim," as he was a Little League coach for many years.   00:51 Meet Jim Wallis: Faith and Justice Advocate 01:18 Coaching Little League: Lessons in Faith and Politics 06:48 Traveling Across America: Faith and Democracy 10:30 Poll Chaplains: Ensuring Safe Elections 19:06 Evangelicalism and Political Preferences 22:38 Confronting Bad Theology with True Faith 36:13 The Good Samaritan Parable: Who Is My Neighbor? 41:16 The Politics of Us vs. Them 46:28 Faith, Justice, and Humility 52:35 Hope vs. Optimism: A Deeper Look 57:30 Standing Up for Democracy and Faith   jimwallis.substack.com/   faithandjustice.georgetown.edu/media/the-soul-of-the-nation/    False White Gospel book - https://amzn.to/3Abpaah    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if Trump wins? What can we realistically expect to happen? Here are a few outcomes that we can reasonably anticipate.   We're on YouTube! Be one of our first 1,000 subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, we delve into the potential consequences of Donald Trump winning another presidential term. We get into the implications for democracy - without hyperbole, only looking at a handful of outcomes we can reasonably expect to happen - including attacks on the press, threats to the freedom of assembly, and the co-opting of religious symbols and language. Much of this is derived from analyses by notable writers and personal insights as a conservative concerned about the future of our Constitutional republic.   00:55 The Trump Question: What If He Wins? 02:29 Trump's Potential Impact on Democracy 06:50 Freedom of the Press Under Threat 09:19 Freedom of Assembly and Speech 12:35 Trump and Religion: A Dangerous Mix 20:18 Final Thoughts and Call to Action   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bottom line: Who's gonna win this damn election? A question many are asking. To which, like any good poker player would answer: It depends! Well, at least ya gotta listen to find out.   We're on YouTube! Be one of our first 1,000 subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   It's so cool to be joined again by Carl Allen to delve into the intricacies of election predictions and polling analysis. In this conversation, we cover the inefficiencies in polling methodologies used by entities like Trafalgar and Atlas Intel to the impact of undecided and third-party voters on electoral outcomes. Important states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina are analyzed, highlighting early voting trends and their potential implications for candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The role of prediction markets and Democratic strategies in key Senate races and swing states are also scrutinized, offering insights into the dynamics of voter behavior and the critical factors shaping the 2024 general election. Throughout, the significance of accurate, transparent data in informing the public and predicting election results is emphasized. And of course we had to squeeze in a bit of poker talk!   01:13 Discussing Election Predictions 05:24 Diving into Poll Data 06:25 Pennsylvania Poll Analysis 10:40 Understanding Polling Discrepancies 31:17 Forecasting Pennsylvania's Outcome 38:47 Significance of Third Parties in Elections 40:22 Swing States Analysis: North Carolina 41:38 Registered vs. Likely Voter Polls 45:11 Undecided Voters and Polling Errors 49:31 Late Breakers and Election Predictions 01:03:04 Senate Races and Calculated Risks   substack.com/@realcarlallen   https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1032483024    https://x.com/RealCarlAllen    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How similar is opening a movie to getting a candidate elected? How much is opening weekend like Election Day? Christine Birch - who's worked on hundreds of movies, generated billions in box office receipts, and is the first and only W.O.C. to run marketing for 3 movie studios - has some thoughts.   We're on YouTube! Be one of our first 1,000 subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this special crossover episode, we’re joined by Christine Birch, a renowned Hollywood marketing executive with a storied career involving icons like Steven Spielberg and Will Smith. We delve into political campaigns, the impact of media misinformation, book bans targeting authors like Toni Morrison, and cultural shifts in storytelling. We get into Birchy's experiences in the film industry, the challenges of adapting black stories, her candid advice for empowering women of color, and the complexities of navigating hard discussions. We also discuss the role of black women in society, the moral dynamics influencing voter behavior in the Trump era, and the need for innovation in both the political and film industries. With personal anecdotes, social critiques, and reflections on American identity, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of how culture, politics, and Hollywood intersect in shaping societal narratives.   01:12 Introducing Christine Birch: A Hollywood Unicorn 02:02 Meeting a Literary Legend: Toni Morrison 09:49 Banning Books and Personal Responsibility 14:48 The Power of Shared Stories in Culture 17:53 Writing THE HOLLYWOOD UNICORN: A Heart-to-Heart 27:09 The Role of Black Women in Today's Historical Context 36:28 Analyzing Political Campaigns: Lessons from Hollywood 40:44 Marketing Strategies: Putting Lipstick on a Pig 47:02 Comparing Political Polling and Market Research 53:45 The 2024 Election: A Battle for Democracy 57:24 The Immigration Debate and American Identity 59:23 The Impact of Social Media and Disinformation 01:13:42 Hollywood's Role in Shaping American Culture 01:23:43 The Importance of Diversity in the Film Industry   advice@hollywoodunicorn.com   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   And if you want to hear more from our friends in Hollywood, check out TRAILER GEEKS & TEASER GODS! https://apple.co/3QYy80e   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re worried about the state of our politics and what’s wrong with the world today, you know what can give you hope? BASEBALL!   We're on YouTube! Be one of our first 1,000 subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   We're also on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   How depraved has our society become when disinformation is being spread about natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the recovery efforts? "What's wrong with the world today?" Is it our leaders? Is it the media? Or is it us?   In this episode, we intertwine the wonderful game of baseball with broader societal themes such as respect, disinformation, and communal responsibility. For those of us lifelong  sports fans (#LGM!!!), many of us can recount emotionally charged experiences with rival team supporters; but we can still value the importance of maintaining civility and respect amidst intense fandom. The episode delves into the harmful effects of disinformation on societal unity, particularly during crises like natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. In looking at specific examples such as misleading narratives around FEMA and the influence of political figures like Donald Trump, it underscores the need for personal discernment and the duty of both media and individuals to combat disinformation. So, as THE TIMES of London asked over 100 years ago, “What’s wrong with the world today?” we can talk about leaders (such as they are) like Donald Trump; or we can blame the media. Or we can ponder G.K. Chesterton’s succinct reply: “Dear Sir, I am. Yours, G.K. Chesterton.”   02:03 Baseball and Personal Reflections 05:40 Tribalism and Respect in Sports 07:58 Hurricanes and Disinformation 11:38 Political Division and Media Influence 14:55 Disinformation and Its Harmful Impact 15:48 Fact-Checking Disinformation 17:05 Consequences of Spreading Lies 19:13 Personal Reflections on Media and Truth 22:31 The Role of Individuals in Combatting Disinformation 25:53 Hope and Conversations for Change   Congressman Chuck Edwards (R, N.C.) debunks Hurricane Helene response myths: https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/debunking-helene-response-myths    Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it mean to be a conservative? (And no, Donald Trump is not a conservative.) Can the Republican Party be redeemed? What implications does any of this have on the 2024 election and beyond?   We're on YouTube! Be one of our first 1,000 subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   We're also on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, we’re joined by Mona Charon, Policy Editor at The Bulwark and host of the podcasts Just Between Us and Beg to Differ. We explore the state of democracy, the role of media, and the evolving definitions of conservatism. Mona reflects on her experiences living in Israel, the challenges of peace negotiations, and her perspective on the Biden administration's policies. We discuss the extremism in both U.S. political parties, the impact of Trump's leadership, and the Republican Party's future post-Trump. Mona also details her work at The Bulwark and advocates for media integrity and accountability.   02:17 Reflections on Israel and October 7th 03:52 Hope and Challenges for Israel 07:27 The Complexity of Peace Negotiations 12:04 Biden Administration's Stance on Israel 18:05 Trump's Threat to Jews 25:47 Biden's Presidency: Successes and Failures 30:25 Defining Conservatism Today 35:40 The Media's Role in the Information Age 37:47 The Tactic of Flooding the Zone with Sh!t 40:52 The Future of the Republican Party 42:56 Personal Journey: From Conservative Voice to Trump Critic 46:03 Facing Threats and Harassment 47:26 Understanding the Mindset of Threatening Individuals 49:09 Reclaiming Civility and Decency 52:54 The 2024 Election and Political Landscape   https://www.thebulwark.com/ https://www.thebulwark.com/s/betweenus  https://www.thebulwark.com/s/begtodiffer   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharing an episode of TO SEE EACH OTHER, a show that complicates the narrative about small town Americans in our most misunderstood, and often abandoned, communities. This season, host George Goehl travels to Lincoln County, Wisconsin to follow a small town battle for the last remaining public nursing home in the community. It’s a heart-pounding roller coaster of a fight - in a swing state that could determine the election. Over the course of the show, a universal truth emerges: That in every complicated set of politics, when we refuse to give up on each other, we can build a better future.   You can listen to more episodes of To See Each Other at https://link.chtbl.com/toseeeachother?sid=talkinpoliticsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are some of the arguments being made against Kamala Harris? Are they working? Specifically, are the attack lines against VP Harris effective in maximizing turnout of “base adjacent" voters or persuading undecided voters?   We're on YouTube! Be one of our first 1,000 subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   We're also on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, we explore the effectiveness of arguments against Kamala Harris in the political arena. We discuss the role of different layers making and hearing these arguments, from Trump's base to media narratives, and how these affect undecided or "base adjacent" voters. We highlight multiple lines of attack used against Vice President Harris, such as accusations of her being unintelligent, a flip-flopper, or criticisms of her personal history. We also reckon with their ineffectiveness in persuading critical voters. At the end of the day (or the campaign), what messages sway the actual voters who will decide the election? How do these attacks compare with the substantive policy questions that should be prioritized? The episode also underscores the significance of engagement and turnout in swing states, and the necessity for both parties to appeal to these pivotal voter groups.   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can there be peace in the Middle East? Gidi Grinstein was “in the room where it happened” negotiating peace among Israelis and Palestinians and has a way forward.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, Gidi Grinstein, founder and president of Reut Group and Tikkun Olam Makers, discusses his extensive background in public policy and political affairs in Israel. He covers his experiences with the Birthright Israel Program, peace negotiations with the PLO, and his transformative perspective on Jewish life after living in the United States. Gidi further delves into the concept of Jewish nationhood, his personal journey towards observing Jewish fast days, and reflections on complex negotiations for Israeli-Palestinian peace. The conversation also touches on the rise of antisemitism, external influences on protests, and the future of peace in the region. He shares insights into his work with Reut Group and Tikkun Olam Makers and expresses hope for a better future ahead of the Jewish New Year.   00:00 Introduction to Gidi Grinstein 01:23 Formative Experiences and Changing Perspectives 06:26 Complex Identity of the Jewish People 09:41 Observing Jewish Traditions 21:27 Negotiating Peace: Challenges and Insights 34:10 Netanyahu's Pragmatic History and the Trump Plan 37:43 The Importance of Palestinian Statehood for Israel 42:28 Challenges in Peace Negotiations: Finality of Claims 47:17 The Impact of October 7 and Hamas on Peace Efforts 52:15 Hope for Peace and the Role of International Forces 52:35 Addressing U.S. Domestic Politics and Antisemitism 01:02:43 Reut Group and Tikkun Olam Makers: Innovating for a Better World 01:08:05 Concluding Thoughts and Hopes for the Future   https://gidigrinstein.net/    https://www.reutgroup.org/    https://tomglobal.org/    "How Oslo Could Solve Gaza" from Fathom - https://fathomjournal.org/how-oslo-could-solve-gaza/    Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do the numbers tell us about the right messaging and the best policies to appeal to the most key voters?   In this episode, veteran political consultant Mike Madrid is back to discuss the evolving political landscape, especially focusing on the decisive role of Latino voters in American democracy. Drawing insights from Mike's book, THE LATINO CENTURY, the discussion highlights key battleground states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina, and the strategic shifts in Democratic messaging under Kamala Harris. Additionally, the conversation covers the unique dynamics of the 2024 election, the comparative strengths of Biden, Harris, and Trump, and the significance of various races such as Will Rollins' campaign in CA-41 as well as other key House races. We also delve into the role of negative partisanship, campaign rally impacts, voter behavior, and the importance of data-driven strategies. As he always does, Mike sheds light on what’s really happening in the election whether we see it as good news or bad - it’s simply the real deal, no “hopium” and definitely no b.s.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   00:42 Introducing Mike Madrid (Again) 01:24 Mike Madrid's Book and Its Impact 05:13 Democratic Party's Shift on Immigration 07:05 Kamala Harris's Conservative Policy Shift 09:22 Latino Voter Dynamics and Political Shifts 19:39 Polling and Campaign Strategies 25:00 North Carolina's Political Landscape 47:19 Political Predictions 47:40 Demographic Shifts and Voter Behavior 48:17 Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategy 51:03 Technical vs. Fundamental Analysis in Elections 53:51 The Role of Polling and Registration Surges 59:47 Key House Races and Candidate Profiles 01:06:30 Biden vs. Harris: Election Dynamics   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015261    https://substack.com/@madridmikeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we delve into the topic of mental health, especially during this stressful election season. This is a departure from our usual conversations on politics and religion to emphasize the importance of stepping back from political chaos for mental well-being. One of the tools that are discussed include how meditation has been a transformative practice for many people, alongside other valuable “arrows for our quiver” like writing / prayer, physical exercise, nourishing the mind with great literature (fiction and non-fiction), fostering human connections, getting a healthy amount of rest and establishing helpful boundaries and rules of engagement.    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   00:36 Personal Journey and Struggles 03:06 Meditation: A Life-Changing Practice 10:56 The Power of Writing and Prayer 15:52 Exercise: Moving for Mental Health 18:16 Feeding Your Mind with Good Literature 21:43 The Importance of Fellowship 25:15 The Necessity of Rest 29:07 Setting Boundaries and Rules of Engagement 34:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The polls were wrong!” “My guy was down by 6 and he won!” Yeah, yeah, we’ve been hearing these jabs for years. So how can anyone say, “The polls weren’t wrong”? In this episode, we dive into all that and more!   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   We’re joined by Carl Allen, a researcher and analyst specializing in sports and political data. We discuss Carl's new book, THE POLLS WEREN’T WRONG, which challenges common misconceptions about political polling. Carl shares his journey into political data analysis, critiques the current methodologies, and emphasizes the importance of transparency and accurate interpretation of poll data. The discussion also highlights the difference between polls and forecasts, the inefficiencies within political betting markets, and the role of human biases in interpreting data. And just to start answering the big question, Carl provides his insights into how the 2024 presidential race is shaping up so far.   https://substack.com/@realcarlallen   https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1032483024    https://x.com/RealCarlAllen    Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“HOW CAN ANYONE THINK THAT?” “What person with a brain would actually think that way?” Many of us have heard folks say this out of exasperation. Let’s face it, many of us have thought this way. And if it’s not said out loud, it’s the subtext of too many encounters we have with people that occupy different 'epistemological bubbles.'   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, we delve the concept of 'epistemological bubbles'—insular information ecosystems that reinforce existing beliefs—and how these 'bubbles' create barriers to meaningful dialogue. We get into personal anecdotes and reflections on encounters with individuals who are entrenched in their own political echo chambers. So we explore strategies for fostering genuine conversations, emphasizing epistemic humility and the pursuit of truth. Listeners are encouraged to engage with a variety of perspectives and avoid the comfort of 'epistemological binkies.'   01:02 A Personal Encounter with Online Trolling 05:38 The Prevalence of Information Bubbles 07:43 The Role of (and Responsibility in Consuming) Media in Shaping Beliefs 11:42 Analyzing Social Media Interactions 21:40 The Need for Epistemic Humility   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So who won the debate? And will it matter?   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this special cross-over episode with our pal Will Wright of the Faithful Politics Podcast, we discuss our impressions of the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. We highlight key moments, such as Harris's ninja move at the top (i.e. the handshake) and her ability to set traps for Trump throughout the rest of the 90 minute exchange. We also discuss the importance of reaching undecided voters and the impact of the debate on different constituencies. We explore the candidates' performance, missed opportunities, policy discussions, and the potential impact on the election. We also speculate on the future of the campaign and the importance of the ground game and swing states.    "She was setting the tone and the tone was 'Hello young man. I know you're a toddler, but this is what grownups do when they say hello to each other.'" "She pitched a shutout, she didn't pitch a no-hitter, but she pitched a shutout." "Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people and clearly he's having a hard time processing that." "This is the strongest performance that I've seen in a presidential debate."   https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/    Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it possible to have a healthy conversation with someone who's voting differently than we are? Who has a very different interpretation of key events than we do? Who has different concerns than we do? Yeah, it is possible. And here's a conversation where we give it a whirl.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, we’re joined by Corey’s pal, Chip Meyer, an entrepreneur, technologist, and business consultant. Chip has supported Trump in 2016, 2020 and will be voting for him again in 2024. This record and many of Chip’s policy positions are far apart from Corey’s. So we explore political philosophy, the impact of the Reagan era, libertarian views, and the current state of American democracy, touching on controversies like the 2020 election and the future of the Republican Party. Our discourse delves into complex political topics including voter fraud, media bias, and party dynamics, among much else. And yet, we were able to have a healthy back and forth and still look forward to grabbing a beer (or whatever drink of choice) at one of our favorite watering holes soon. No, really.   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bottom line: What's at stake in the 2024 U.S. election? And what does the pro-democracy coalition have to do to win?   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, Reed Galen, co-founder of the Lincoln Project and "the pretty face" who launched jointheunion.us, shares his extensive experience in political campaigning and his views on the 2024 election. He delves into his current efforts with The Union, a coalition focused on pro-democracy initiatives, emphasizing the importance of grassroots mobilization. We also discuss his new chapter in podcasting and writing on The Home Front, his substack and podcast where he continues in the spirit of the work he's been doing with the Lincoln Project. Reed then reflects on his father Rich Galen's political legacy and discusses the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst today's polarized political climate. Offering personal anecdotes and practical advice, Reed highlights the significance of engaging in constructive conversations and the difference "boots on the ground" can make in actually winning elections.   https://jointheunion.us/   https://reedgalen.substack.com/   https://x.com/reedgalen   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's it like to get pounded by folks who passionately object to one's theological orthodoxy and political conservatism? And then to get mercilessly attacked for speaking out against the hypocrisy being exhibited by other supposed conservatives?   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this much anticipated conversation with New York Times columnist David French, we discuss the health of democracy, judicial and political issues, potential outcomes of a second Trump presidency, and the complexities of interacting with opposing viewpoints. David shares personal anecdotes, including his wife Nancy French's battle with cancer, insights into dealing with dishonesty within political movements and religious communities, and how these latest chapters of American Christendom have tested his own faith.   We delve into The impact of polarized environments on political and social discourse Insights into the current state of American Christendom versus Christianity The judicial philosophy and significant rulings of the current U.S. Supreme Court Strategies for engaging in meaningful conversations across political and ideological divides Personal reflections on navigating public and private challenges with faith and integrity.   David Lee Roth... no wait... David French! David French is an Opinion columnist with the New York Times who writes about faith, friendship, marriage and parenting as well as foreign affairs and the latest developments in American constitutional law. He also writes about religion in America, with a particular focus on the health of the evangelical church. David graduated from Harvard Law and was a commercial litigator for a number of years, and then ultimately switched to constitutional law. Remarkably, well into his legal career, David decided to serve our country as an Army lawyer with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Diyala Province in Iraq during the height of the Surge in 2007. After spending much of his career defending free speech, religious freedom and due process in courtrooms across the country, David joined National Review as a senior writer, but left in 2019 to help start The Dispatch, a conservative media company, where he continues to contribute to their "flagship" podcast Advisory Opinions. He also became a contributing writer for The Atlantic. And just last year, he joined The Times.       Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   Advisory Opinions, the flagship podcast of The Dispatch: https://thedispatch.com/podcast/advisoryopinions/   https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-french   https://www.threads.net/@davidfrenchjagSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ask an old Jewish guy from Brooklyn a question, and he's sure to answer with another question, a bissle of "on the one hand... but on the other hand..." and a megillah that involves a whole lot of talking over each other!   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, we’re treated to the highly anticipated return of Ronnie Nathan, aka Corey’s dad and that guy from Bensonhurst referred to above! Ronnie recounts his political evolution from a democratic family background to his active engagement in politics, influenced by historic events like Kennedy's assassination, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights movement. We discuss contemporary political issues, the significance of election demographics, and the potential outcomes of the Harris-Walz ticket versus Trump. Then we delve into the challenges of maintaining a civil discourse on divisive topics, offering a generational perspective on current affairs and political dynamics.   00:53 Ronnie's Early Political Influences 03:27 Vietnam War and Cultural Shifts 06:28 Nixon and Political Disillusionment 07:49 Contemporary Political Issues 08:23 Trump and Jewish Identity 10:23 Netanyahu and Israeli Politics 21:31 Kamala Harris and Voter Sentiments 35:17 Analyzing the Harris Campaign's Strategy 37:59 Economic Impact of Mass Deportation 40:14 Congressional Approval and Tariffs 41:39 VP Picks and Election Dynamics 47:41 Concerns About National Security and Debt 49:37 Election Predictions and Potential Outcomes   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management:  https://www.mezawealth.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the worship of Trump and further consolidation of the MAGA base be a winning strategy? Or will themes like joy, freedom, patriotism and the strategy of expanding the coalition lift the Democrats to victory?   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, we do a comprehensive comparison between the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC) and the Democratic National Convention (DNC). We highlight key takeaways from both events, noting the overt 'Trump worship' at the RNC and the strategic emphasis on mocking Trump at the DNC. There is a focus on differences in messaging, with the RNC catering to its established base while the DNC aimed to broaden its appeal. We also reflect on the contrasting themes of manliness, patriotism, and freedom reclaimed by the DNC. Additionally, we cover candidate suitability, campaign strategies, and the significance of the electoral process.   03:02 State of the Race: Conventions Recap 07:52 Mockery as a Strategy 12:21 Themes of the Democratic National Convention 16:41 Contrasting Leadership Styles 22:05 Expanding the Tent: Republican Speakers at the DNC 23:39 Support for Israel and Ukraine 27:11 Protests and Media Coverage 29:08 Personal Reflections and Joy in the Campaign 34:39 Concerns and Support for Harris-Walz Ticket 46:20 Current State of the Race and Polls   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management:  https://www.mezawealth.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger delivered a kick-ass primetime speech at the Democratic National Convention, we thought it would be good to re-boot our conversation with him here.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   "Bringing people together to learn how to do democracy again. And we're gonna go after the crazies in the political environment that do not have the interest of the country at heart." - Adam Kinzinger   Rep. Adam Kinzinger served with integrity during his time in the U.S. Congress as well as the Air Force. Yet, the mere mention of his name sends a certain ex-President (HINT: rhymes with Shmump) as well as many of that ex-prez's most loyal followers into a rage. So it was a special honor for us to speak with former Congressman Kinzinger. Having served in Congress from 2011 to 2023 and on notable committees such as the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, he discusses the challenges of political extremism, the importance of compromise, and his journey from a conservative upbringing to questioning his beliefs, while staying true to deeply rooted, unimpeachable values. He addresses the toxicity of social media, the need for reconciliation across political and religious spectrums, and his work with Country First, aimed at promoting democracy and moderating political discourse. Adam's reflections on his faith, encounters with extremism, and the significance of genuine conversation across differences provide a nuanced perspective on navigating the complexities of current American political and religious landscapes.   Congressman Adam Kinzinger served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023, representing Illinois’ 16th Congressional District. During his tenure, he served on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, as well as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Kinzinger is the founder of Country First, an organization that works to activate the MUTED Majority to reject division and seek proven solutions to the challenges not being addressed by our leaders. He is also the author of RENEGADE: DEFENDING DEMOCRACY AND LIBERTY IN OUR DIVIDED COUNTRY. Prior to being elected to Congress, he served in the Air Force in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard and a Senior Political Commentator on CNN.   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our wonderful sponsor Meza Wealth Management:  https://www.mezawealth.com/   adamkinzinger.substack.com   www.country1st.com   www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723495/renegade-by-adam-kinzinger-with-michael-dantonio/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the 20th Century, we had Cold War adversaries. In the early 2000s, George W. Bush talked about the Axis of Evil. But are those frameworks the most accurate way to understand the forces attempting to undermine not just democratic nations but democratic ideas? And to what degree have these antagonists - those that are fundamentally opposed to our core principles such as the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and basic human rights - pervaded U.S. politics?   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode we welcome Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer-prize winning historian, staff writer at The Atlantic and senior fellow at the Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. After discussing her motivations, experiences, and insights into the autocratic regimes and their impacts on global democracy, we dive into Anne’s new book Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World. We explore how autocracies collaborate, ways the rest of the world is complicit in autocratic behaviors, and strategies to combat these influences. The conversation also touches on Anne's personal history and initial fascination with the history, literature, culture and politics of the “Borderlands,” a region that includes Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and beyond.   01:53 Anne's Early Career and Inspirations 16:29 The Concept of Autocracy, Inc. 29:44 Global Complicity in Autocracy 34:39 Hamas and Global Destabilization 37:05 Trump's Influence and Dictator Admiration 39:17 Russian Propaganda and Dark Money in US Politics 42:37 Autocracy, Inc. and Democratic Values 52:43 Engaging in Local Politics and Understanding the Big Picture   anneapplebaum.substack.com   www.anneapplebaum.com/book/autocracy   www.theatlantic.com/author/anne-applebaum   The Atlantic Festival: theatlantic.com/live/atlantic-festival-2024   AUTOCRACY IN AMERICA podcast - www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/archive/2024/08/introducing-autocracy-in-america/679474/   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How will the 2024 election be won? Who are the key voters who will decide this election? (And these were the softball questions we tackled!) This is part 2 of our convo with Lisa Sharon Harper of Freedom Road. Since we sat down for this discussion, Lisa was invited by Evangelicals for Harris to participate in the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. (So, she's kind of a big deal!)   In this edition, we candidly and lovingly explore a number of subjects where we have differences. Eg. Were the attacks against Gov. Josh Shapiro of PA due to the fact that he's Jewish; or were they based on his actual positions? We got into the campus protests: While we both revere the basic freedoms articulated in the 1st Amendment such as the freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly and the freedom of redress of grievances; we grapple with where the appropriate boundaries of "time, place and manner" should be drawn. We explore the extent to which there were excesses on the part of some of the protesters. Speaking of which, did you catch Kamala's response to the disrupters at her Michigan rally? OMG, Lisa has some thoughts! And don't even get me started on this idiotic and hateful notion that unless I vote for Donald friggin Trump, that somehow makes me a "crappy Jew." BTW, don't miss Lisa's answer to the "TP&R question." It's worth its weight in gold.    lisasharonharper.com   freedomroad.us   Red Letter Christians: redletterchristians.org/red-letter-revivals-2024   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does our faith journey affect our politics? Or to what degree have our politics shaped our religious identity? Hard questions. But in this election season, these are questions that need to be explored.   *Special note: Since we recorded this conversation, Lisa Sharon Harper has been invited to join Evangelicals for Harris and will be attending the Democratic National Convention as part of her work with the organization.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this conversation, we welcome back dear friend Lisa Sharon Harper, founder of Freedom Road. We explore Lisa's spiritual journey, its impact on her political views, her transformative high school years in church youth groups, marking her initial encounter with Christianity. The conversation also addresses the evolving political landscape, including Biden's leadership, the Gaza conflict, and the significance of Kamala Harris's vice-presidential role. We touch on the Republican National Convention, Trump's speech, the incident of Trump being shot at, and the strategic mistakes of selecting JD Vance as Trump’s running mate. We also highlight the importance of understanding historical and social contexts when interpreting theological and political beliefs, emphasizing the power of ongoing, respectful dialogue in addressing complex issues.   02:27 High School and Youth Group Experiences 03:46 Encountering Jesus and Transformation 06:26 Challenges and Realizations in Church 10:24 Political Awareness and Racial Reconciliation 13:31 Theological Reflections and Pilgrimages 20:20 Impact of Shalom on Politics 27:28 Election Concerns and Biden's Leadership 33:27 The Debate and Family Reactions 35:09 Calls for Biden to Step Down 37:23 The Role of Kamala Harris 43:23 Trump's Influence and the RNC 46:28 JD Vance and the MAGA Movement 54:27 The Outsiders and MAGA 56:20 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   freedomroad.us   www.evangelicalsforharris.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let's talk candidly about why Gov. Josh Shapiro of PA wasn't chosen as Kamala Harris's running mate. Let's also assess the merits and potential drawbacks of Gov. Tim Walz of MN as the Democratic VP candidate. Oh, and while we're at it, how's that J.D. Vance pick working out for the Trump campaign?   We're joined by Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, to discuss all of this and more! We get into Tom's background in a working-class family, his educational journey, and his career in academia. Tom also discusses his views on democracy, international security, and challenges in contemporary politics. We get to reflect on Tom's Greek Orthodox faith and how it shapes his beliefs, while contrasting his temperamentally and philosophically conservative outlook with the current stance of the Republican Party. Additionally, Tom offers insights on the importance of a balanced media diet in today's political landscape. And since Tom is a 5x Jeopardy champion, we do a little Robert DeNiro-inspired Jeopardy at the end!   03:30 Tom Nichols' Background and Upbringing 07:49 Influence of Church and Community 10:49 Orthodox Christianity and Politics 19:51 Political Philosophy and Conservatism 25:49 Discussion on Israel and U.S. Politics 32:56 Debating the Choice Between Shapiro and Walz 33:49 Tim Walz: The Normal Guy in Politics 36:24 Tim Walz's Background and Achievements 40:09 JD Vance: A Controversial Figure 46:40 Kamala Harris's Electability and Political Evolution 53:29 Media Consumption and Political Discourse   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/daily   www.threads.net/@radiofreetom  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We'll be doing more of these "all the news that's fit to pod" episodes through the election (and possibly beyond). This is the "regular guys like me" edition with, brother of the pod, Eddie Nathan!   After some introductions, we dive right into VP Palooza, giving our prognostications and sharing thoughts on what qualifications are most important in choosing a running mate. We explore some difficult questions around the possibility of choosing PA Gov. Josh Shapiro. By choosing him, does it alienate the "Genocide Joe/Josh" crowd? Or if she were to give in to this faction by not choosing Gov. Shapiro (a canceling of sorts), does it risk pissing off a much greater and more critical share of voters - center left, center right, college educated suburban women, etc. - who will actually deliver the election to Kamala Harris. We examine some concerns about Vice President Harris as a presidential candidate; ex-president Trump's response to Kamala's candidacy; and MAGA world's various meltdowns after Kamala (sounds like "MOM-aluh") became the presumptive nominee. We also take a bit of time thinking through the racist notion that Jewish people who don't vote for Trump are somehow "crappy Jews."    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   www.threads.net/@the_zen_trucker   www.instagram.com/monkeybumpmusic   dailycaller.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Navigating Politics, Business, and Legacy with Suzette Valladares   In this episode, a special joint broadcast of the Voices of Business: SCV and Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other, Suzette Valladares shares her personal journey from a background in the nonprofit sector to politics. We discuss the LOCAL Santa Clarita Valley community, her career, the formation of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus at the STATE level, and her experience running for the California State Senate. Suzette delves into her family's storied history, explains her fiscal conservatism, and reflects on the significant influence of her parents and grandmother. We also cover the challenges of running a small business in California, the importance of mentorship, and finding common ground in political discourse.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   https://suzettevalladares.com/   https://www.thevoicesofbusiness.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are some of the weakest arguments against Kamala Harris's candidacy for president? As our brilliant guest Jonathan Rauch put it, "There's some really stupid sh!t." At the same time, there are some more justified concerns. Let's talk about all of it! We also get into rank prognostication on who the Democratic VP pick will be, as well as how we think the 2024 presidential election will end up.   But before we get into all that, we dive into Jon's two most recent pieces in THE ATLANTIC: One from 7/1/24 titled "The World Is Realigning | An emerging Axis of Resistance confronts the Liberal Alliance;" and the other from the 7/23/24 edition titled "The Party Is Not Over | Nominations belong to parties, not to candidates."   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   www.jonathanrauch.com   www.theatlantic.com/author/jonathan-rauchSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it mean to be a Christian Social Democrat? Can one be pro-life and align with the political left? How Christian is American Christendom or a Trumpified Evangelicalism? Has contemporary American Christendom shaken your own faith? We asked these questions and discussed a great deal more with the brilliant writer, Elizabeth Bruenig. (Please note, this conversation was recorded prior to when President Biden opted out of the 2024 presidential race.)   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Elizabeth Bruenig is a staff writer at The Atlantic. She was previously an opinion writer for The New York Times and The Washington Post, where she was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing. She has also been a staff writer at The New Republic and a contributor to the Left, Right & Center radio show. She currently hosts a podcast, The Bruenigs, with her husband, Matt Bruenig. Elizabeth holds a master of philosophy in Christian theology from the University of Cambridge. At The Atlantic, she writes about theology and politics - right up our alley!   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   https://www.theatlantic.com/author/elizabeth-bruenig/     https://www.patreon.com/thebruenigs    https://www.instagram.com/ebruenig/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"...How Social Media and the Internet Gave Snake Oil Salesmen and Demagogues the Weapons They Needed to Destroy Trust and Polarize the World--And What We Can Do"   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this episode, we’re joined by Steven Brill, an acclaimed author and co-founder of NewsGuard, a service that rates the reliability of online news. After learning a bit about Steve’s renowned career, we explore some critical issues such as the health of American democracy, the effects of misinformation, and the role of NewsGuard in combating fake news. Steve also presents potential solutions to these issues, such as enforcing online platforms' terms of service and increasing news literacy. Then we dive into Steve's new book THE DEATH OF TRUTH, exploring how social media and the internet have eroded trust and polarized society.   03:07 Steven Brill's Background and Career Journey  05:43 The Birth of NewsGuard  32:31 The Importance of Transparency in Journalism  35:34 The Role of Algorithms and Programmatic Advertising  38:56 Understanding Section 230 and Its Impact  48:21 The Human Element: Susceptibility and Demagoguery  52:53 Proposed Solutions to Combat Misinformation  56:43 Final Thoughts and How to Engage in Better Conversations    Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/​#/form/​main    https://www.newsguardtech.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's so much happening in the news right now. We thought it'd be a good idea to get together with our pal Will Wright from the Faithful Politics podcast to think through some of the most relevant news stories from the last few days.   The topics we discuss include: The attempted assassination of former President Trump The pick of Senator J.D. Vance from Ohio to be Trump's running mate  To Biden or not to Biden (and "STFU" is not the answer)  Judge Aileen Cannon’s dismissal of the classified documents case against Donald Trump   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   https://www.faithfulpolitics.us/    will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com    Stuart Stevens' piece in The Atlantic - https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/antidemocratic-uprising-against-joe-biden/678865/    David French's column on the Aileen Cannon ruling - https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/09/opinion/thepoint#documents-case-dismissed See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The events of July 13, 2024 underscore the central question we've been asking on this program: How can we do better at talking about politics and religion without killing each other or is it even possible? In this special edition, we provide comments by several prior guests of TP&R as well as a number of other leaders from both parties. We included statements from David French, Monica Guzman on behalf of Braver Angels, Fred Guttenberg, former Congressman Joe Walsh, Elizabeth Neumann, Pete Wehner, Mike Madrid, and former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, all of whom have appeared on this podcast. We also shared statements from former President George W. Bush, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, President Joe Biden, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Leader Chuck Schumer. There are other posts that are counterproductive at best, and arguably dangerous, from the likes of Marco Rubio, J.D. Vance, Tim Scott and MTG. These are referred to but are not worth giving any credence as we choose to focus on, as David French puts it, "recover(ing) our sense of decency and basic respect for the humanity of our opponents..." at such a time as this.   https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/09/opinion/thepoint?smid=url-share#trump-shooting-healing-america    https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/trump-pennsylvania/679004/    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's it like to get pounded by folks who passionately object to one's theological orthodoxy and political conservatism? And then to get mercilessly attacked for speaking out against the hypocrisy being exhibited by other supposed conservatives?   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   In this much anticipated conversation with New York Times columnist David French, we discuss the health of democracy, judicial and political issues, potential outcomes of a second Trump presidency, and the complexities of interacting with opposing viewpoints. David shares personal anecdotes, including his wife Nancy French's battle with cancer, insights into dealing with dishonesty within political movements and religious communities, and how these latest chapters of American Christendom have tested his own faith.   We delve into The impact of polarized environments on political and social discourse  Insights into the current state of American Christendom versus Christianity The judicial philosophy and significant rulings of the current U.S. Supreme Court Strategies for engaging in meaningful conversations across political and ideological divides Personal reflections on navigating public and private challenges with faith and integrity.   David Lee Roth... no wait... David French! David French is an Opinion columnist with the New York Times who writes about faith, friendship, marriage and parenting as well as foreign affairs and the latest developments in American constitutional law. He also writes about religion in America, with a particular focus on the health of the evangelical church. David graduated from Harvard Law and was a commercial litigator for a number of years, and then ultimately switched to constitutional law. Remarkably, well into his legal career, David decided to serve our country as an Army lawyer with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Diyala Province in Iraq during the height of the Surge in 2007. After spending much of his career defending free speech, religious freedom and due process in courtrooms across the country, David joined National Review as a senior writer, but left in 2019 to help start The Dispatch, a conservative media company, where he continues to contribute to their "flagship" podcast Advisory Opinions. He also became a contributing writer for The Atlantic. And just last year, he joined The Times.   03:53 David French on Personal and Family Challenges  06:49 Faith and Role Models  10:54 Navigating Faith and Politics  20:19 Concerns About American Christendom  33:42 Potential Threats of a Second Trump Term  45:37 Supreme Court and Judicial Philosophy  49:44 Classical Liberals vs. MAGA Conservatives  50:18 Supreme Court Decisions Frustrating MAGA  52:13 Thomas and Alito: MAGA's Favorite Justices?  57:08 The Rahimi Case and Judicial Philosophy  01:05:43 Breaking Out of Political Bubbles 01:07:59 Engaging with Opposing Views  01:18:20 PCA Cancellation and Personal Reflections    Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   Advisory Opinions, the flagship podcast of The Dispatch: https://thedispatch.com/podcast/advisoryopinions/    https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-french    https://www.threads.net/@davidfrenchjag See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a conversation with Mónica Guzmán from almost 2 years ago right after her book, I NEVER THOUGHT OF IT THAT WAY, came out. Moni is on the front lines of addressing the problem of polarization and helping people bridge the political divide in their everyday lives. Everything we discussed is even more pressing today than when we first talked.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics   What can happen when people from different "tribes" actually get together in person? We often jump to conclusions based merely on how someone votes. But do we take the time to understand how they arrived at that decision? How can we bring our friends and neighbors from a posture of contentiousness to one of curiosity? To put down the weapons of the culture war and pick up a cup of coffee with someone from the "other side"? Does sharing facts change people's minds? Does the tactic of dropping the perfectly worded factoid actually convince anyone of anything? Is there a line someone might cross where they're no longer a person we can even have a conversation with? We can have conversations about what is true, what is meaningful and what is useful. Is that all the same conversation?   Monica Guzman is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, the nation’s largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world; and cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. She served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prize. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, and is the author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How To Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.   https://braverangels.org/   https://www.moniguzman.com/   https://www.moniguzman.com/book   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ICYMI... Let's talk about the words, actions and character of Donald J. Trump in light of what the Bible says about virtue and vice. But instead of starting with our political preferences and prejudices and THEN backing shards of Scripture into what we want, what if we started with what the Bible actually says FIRST? Then we can more earnestly reckon with the implications of what we're dealing with today.    We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Here are a few of the Scriptural references that came up: Exodus 20: "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me."  2 Kings 3: "(Jehoram) did evil in the sight of the Lord."  Proverbs 6: "There are six things that the Lord hates, Seven that are an abomination to Him..."  Proverbs 10: "Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool..."  John 2: "(Jesus) said, 'Take these things away from here; stop making My Father’s house a place of business!'”   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ICYMI... What does it mean to be a conservative? What about being a Christian? What does that mean in terms of how one would understand and uphold virtue vs vice? And if I am truly a conservative and a Christian, can I then support Donald Trump?   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    In this edition, we explore the nuances of conservative values and Christian beliefs amidst our politically charged environment. To get clarity on what it means to be a conservative and a Christian, it requires NOT surrendering to the extremists who monopolize conversations around politics and religion. Our discussion dives into the foundational principles of conservatism, such as: Individual Freedom,  Limited Government,  Rule of Law,  Peace through Strength,  Fiscal Responsibility,  Free Markets,  and *Human Dignity,  ...contrasting these with the divisive and aggressive tactics often employed in Trump-era politics. Contrary to what passes for “conservative” in today’s political and media landscape, we’ll look at the way true conservatism respects the U.S. Constitution and promotes a healthy, engaged citizenry, devoid of blanket vilification via broad generalizations and dehumanization. We’ll also give a sneak peak into Part II of this discussion on Christian values, specifically targeting the misalignment of Trump's actions with biblical teachings. So, yeah, this one might tweak some beaks!   02:49 The Impact of Extremism on Public Discourse;  13:40 Exploring the True Meaning of Conservatism;  14:16 Principles of Conservatism vs. Trumpism;  27:29 The Importance of Human Dignity in Conservatism;  34:35 Teaser for the Next Episode: Christianity vs Trumpism   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Had to share this one again partly because Fred's beloved Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup Champs! (The same Florida Panthers who beat Corey's favorite team, the New York Rangers, in the Eastern Conference Final.) But this wasn't just a conversation that brought rivals across hockey loyalties together; it brought together "Two Dads Defending Democracy," Fred Guttenberg and Joe Walsh, who are helping to bridge the gap during divisive times...   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Fred Guttenberg became a nationally known activist on gun safety after his daughter Jaime was tragically murdered in the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. Former Congressman Joe Walsh has been a self-described "rabid gun rights advocate." So how did these two guys go from being on completely different sides of such a heated issue to becoming dear friends who are now collaborating on a national tour called TWO DADS DEFENDING DEMOCRACY?   In this special coming together, we explore Fred and Joe's evolution from adversaries to collaborators through their unique friendship. Initially at odds due to their differing views on gun control, they discovered a shared commitment to democracy and engaging in respectful dialogue across political and ideological divides. They speak about their collaborative initiative, "Two Dads Defending Democracy," aimed at encouraging Americans to participate in the democratic process, highlight the importance of conversations across differences, and reflect on personal stories that underscore their transformation. We talk about a number of ways they're both trying to make a positive difference including Fred's non-profit Orange Ribbons for Jaime, Joe's continued contributions on White Flag with Joe Walsh, and their appearances together demonstrating that instead of remaining enemies over any given issue, even those we're most passionate about, mutual respect wins every time.   00:42 Getting to Know Joe Walsh: From Congress to Gun Rights Advocate;  02:24 Fred Guttenberg's Journey: From Tragedy to Advocacy;  03:44 Bridging Divides: A Story of Friendship and Understanding;  07:39 Real Talk about Gun Safety;  13:20 The Power of Dialogue: Moving Beyond Polarization;  14:57 A Deep Dive into the Second Amendment and Gun Safety;  20:33 Finding Common Ground: The Path to Reducing Gun Violence;  30:58 Exploring Red Flag Laws: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly;  33:41 The Impact of 'White Flag' on Activism and Public Policy;  35:09 America's Shift in Gun Culture and the NRA's Influence;  42:31 More Bridging Divides: Two Dads Defending Democracy;  50:44 Engaging Across Differences: Strategies for Democracy;  52:41 Closing Thoughts: Hope, Engagement, and the American Experiment   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   fredguttenberg.com   orangeribbonsforjaime.org/   twitter.com/WalshFreedom   White Flag with Joe Walsh: pod.link/1590913798   www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/january/joe-walsh-fred-guttenberg-snf-ithaca-initiative-democracy-speaking-tour/   joewalshwhiteflag@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Disinformation. Spam and Scams. Trolls." For those of us paying attention, one thing is clear: We got problems! Fortunately, Renée DiResta is helping with exactly that by studying online manipulation, and what we can do about it. And yeah, we get quite a primer on the concept of "bespoke realities."   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Renée DiResta is the Technical Research Manager at Stanford Internet Observatory. In this conversation we delve into the challenges of misinformation, online manipulation, and the impact of algorithmic curation on public discourse. Renée discusses her career journey, her work on election integrity, and the concept of "bespoke realities." The episode explores how media ecosystems shape our perception and the importance of fostering meaningful dialogue across differing viewpoints.   02:56 Renée DiResta's Background and Career Journey  06:35 The Birth of Vaccinate California  07:22 Facing Harassment and Public Backlash  16:01 Understanding Bespoke Realities  17:44 The Influencer-Algorithm-Crowd Trinity  27:17 The Role of Free Expression in Social Media  29:50 The Complexity of Free Expression and Moderation  31:10 Platform Policies and Government Regulation  32:23 Engaging with Conspiracy Theorists  33:48 Understanding Algorithmic Curation  34:38 Reflecting on January 6th and Political Polarization  39:51 Election Integrity Partnership: An Inside Look  46:22 Recognizing and Combating Propaganda  50:37 Concerns About a Second Trump Term 53:20 Fostering Better Conversations Across Differences  57:08 Engaging on Social Media: Strategies and Reflections   You can also find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   https://www.reneediresta.com/    https://www.threads.net/@renee.diresta See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who's doing the canceling now? The leader doth protest too much... (the leaders of Presbyterian Church in America, that is.)   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    In this edition, we take a look at a very public controversy surrounding the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and David French. We'll highlight a significant dispute within the PCA, where a planned panel on dealing with polarization was cancelled due to the inclusion of French. We explore articles and commentary (quoting extensively from a number of pieces), especially focusing on PCA Elder Ben Dunson's misleading attacks against French's views. In this inquiry, the mischaracterizations and false witness borne by Dunson get proper scrutiny so we can contextualize David (and Nancy) French's positions. The episode also explores broader implications of such church conflicts, stressing the importance of honesty, intellectual rigor, and faithfulness to Scripture.   01:38 Today's Topic: The David French PCA Controversy 02:17 Background on David French and the PCA 03:42 Criticism and Mischaracterization of David French 12:31 David French's Actual Stance on Drag Queen Story Hour 17:47 David French's Actual Views on Same-Sex Marriage 20:05 David French's Actual Position on Legislation Involving Transgender Youth 27:23 Addressing Personal Attacks on David and Nancy French   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   https://julieroys.com/pca-cancels-anti-polarization-panel-david-french-being-too-polarizing/    https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/09/opinion/presbyterian-church-evangelical-canceled.html    https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-political-scene/david-french-sohrab-ahmari-and-the-battle-for-the-future-of-conservatism?_sp=9d3e8c33-72cc-4872-b332-e14d92b13983.1718748473071   https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2022/11/respect-for-marriage-same-sex-religious-freedom/676545/   https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/frenchpress/when-culture-wars-go-way-too-far/   https://www.deseret.com/politics/2024/04/16/nancy-french-ghosted-book-cancer-david-french/    https://americanreformer.org/2024/05/david-french-and-the-pcas-general-assembly/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What a great conversation to revisit on this Father's Day! Alex is a devoted dad and has such reverence and respect for his own father, all of which we covered in this talk. And yes, we also cover the grave risks of a potential 2nd Trump Administration, Lt. Col. Vindman's experience on the WH's National Security Council and so much more.   We're on Patreon! Join the community:  https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:  https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Donald Trump's supposedly "perfect call" was the furthest thing from perfect. In this episode, Alexander Vindman tells us what was so dangerously wrong about it as well as WHY IT MATTERS.   Alexander Vindman, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and the director for European Affairs on the White House’s National Security Council, shares valuable perspectives on the Trump administration, Donald Trump’s unhinged lawlessness and the dangers the country faces if Trump is given another term. Dr. Vindman, having earned a Doctorate in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins, discusses international geopolitics, focusing particularly on Russian aggression and corruption. Lt. Col. Vindman offers a firsthand account of his experience in the Trump White House, the damage that’s already been done and the resilience of the U.S institutions that hold firm amidst these pervasive threats.   Throughout the conversation, Alex emphasizes the central role of local communities and the effectiveness of conversation in addressing divisive socio-political issues. His candid reflections on his own experiences -  as an immigrant serving the country, in the face of profound institutional challenges and even his personal setbacks (eg. Operation Cabbage Patch) - offer a compelling narrative about American resilience and the ongoing pursuit of a 'more perfect union'. This was an in-depth primer on international affairs, national security threats and democratic values. Lt. Col. Vindman had so many valuable insights for listeners interested in understanding the complexities of today's political landscape and the role of dialogue in bridging societal divisions.   WHY IT MATTERS: alexandervindman.substack.com/   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"...expos(ing) the activities of dictators and human rights abusers, while sharing stories of those doing good around the world."   We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Hagar Hajjar Chemali is a YouTube host and creator of “Oh My World!” which covers the major world news of the week in an easy-to-understand and entertaining way.  Hagar is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center. She writes on national security and is featured regularly as a guest expert on MSNBC, CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, and one of our favorites, Politicology. Prior to all this, Hagar was Director of Communications and Spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations under President Obama, Spokesperson for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Director for Syria and Lebanon at the National Security Council at the White House, and she was a Senior Policy Advisor on Asia, and Policy Advisor on the Middle East in the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes at the U.S. Treasury. But the most important thing you need to know about Hagar is that she, her 3 kids and her dad are excellent dancers!   01:24 Guest Introduction: Hagar Hajjar Chemali  02:00 Hagar's Work and Background  04:32 The Crush List and Zeitouna  08:58 Civil Dialogue and Empathy  18:01 Navigating Media and Information  23:18 Columbia Protests and Student Engagement  43:28 Sanctions and Counter Illicit Finance  48:02 Global Economic Concerns  49:52 Ukraine Conflict: A Long-Term Struggle  52:09 The Role of U.S. Leadership  55:52 Transnational Repression and Authoritarianism  01:05:13 Mentorship and Career Reflections  01:19:06 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives  01:30:39 Conclusion and Future Conversations   You can also find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   https://youtube.com/@ohmyworldshow   https://www.instagram.com/geekoutwithhagar   https://www.instagram.com/ohmyworldshow/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No, this isn't the start of a joke... but it was pretty funny. This happened on the day Trump's convictions were announced. We were at a hotel pub with one self-described conservative and one progressive on each side of the bar. The truth is, there were some encouraging examples of how to connect across our differences. But there was also much that illustrated what NOT to do. And it might surprise you who ended up displaying the more virtuous way to engage.   We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    00:33 Big Announcement: Joining Patreon  03:01 The Bar Conversation: Setting the Scene  06:27 Engaging with Different Perspectives  10:03 Unexpected Interruption  20:12 Reflecting on the Encounter  27:46 Conclusion and Takeaways   You can also find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re joined by friend of the pod, Pete Wehner, contributing writer at The Atlantic and senior fellow at the Trinity Forum, to explore how Peter’s Christian faith influences his views on suffering, scriptural interpretation, and ethical dilemmas. The conversation addresses the current political climate, particularly focusing on Donald Trump's impact on the Evangelical community and the Republican Party. Emphasizing honest and empathetic dialogue, we discuss the challenges of maintaining faith in divisive times and envision potential paths for the church's and conservative movement’s future redemption. Highlighting the power of personal connections, there’s a fun story about 2 New York Rangers fans finding common ground across political differences while watching the game at a bar in LA, illustrating the broader theme of building relationships beyond political and ideological differences.   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    And we're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast  00:32 Big Announcement: Join Us on Patreon  01:36 Introducing Today's Guest: Pete Wehner  02:46 Pete Wehner on Faith and Doubts  03:33 The Question of Suffering and Hermeneutics  07:32 Literal vs. Figurative Interpretation of Scripture  22:59 The Profundity of the Crucifixion  40:54 Evangelicals’ Support for Trump  52:23 Political Reactions to Trump's Conviction  57:40 The Cult of Personality in Modern Republicanism  01:02:46 The Future of the Republican Party  01:05:33 Hope and Redemption in Politics and Faith   You can also find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   https://www.theatlantic.com/author/peter-wehner/   https://www.nytimes.com/column/peter-wehnerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time, Corey was in the hot seat. He joins Michael Baranowski, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northern Kentucky University and Host of The Politics Guys Podcast, for a conversation on their terrific show. Here are the show notes from TPG:   "Mike talks with Corey Nathan, host of the most excellent podcast, Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other. Corey shares his unique perspective as a “born-again Christian with a thick Jewish accent” and how his background has influenced his approach to discussing sensitive topics like politics and religion.   "Topics Mike & Corey Discuss Include: – how and why Corey doesn’t fit the ‘Evangelical Christian’ stereotype – discussing politics with evangelical Christians – a Biblical approach to political issues like immigration and LGBTQ rights – searching for the truth, as opposed to trying to ‘win’ every argument – the value of regularly engaging with people with whom we disagree   "Follow Corey on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s other podcast is Sustainable Planet.   "Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo we’re @PoliticsGuys.   "The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it."   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   http://politicsguys.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can you imagine a better and a healthier politics? If so, what does that look like? And how do we get from here to there?   In this conversation, we’re joined by Michael Wear, founder, president, and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, about the intersection of faith and politics. Michael shares insights from his book, THE SPIRIT OF OUR POLITICS, discussing his personal journey of faith, the role of Christian resources in public life, and the importance of spiritual formation. The discussion also covers Michael's reflections on political sectarianism, the importance of integrating various aspects of one's soul, and the significance of engaging in productive, humble dialogue. We touch on practical antidotes to current political polarization, and how Christians and non-Christians alike can benefit from these insights.   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    01:03 Meet Michael Wear: Faith and Public Life 02:16 Personal Reflections and Faith 06:10 Christianity's Role in Politics 08:28 Navigating Diverse Beliefs 16:31 The Importance of Moral Knowledge 19:18 Dallas Willard's Influence 32:53 Ruby Bridges: A Lesson in Faith and Courage 40:54 Forgiveness and Public Testimonies 42:51 Misinterpretations of Biblical Actions 47:56 Political Sectarianism and Its Antidotes 50:15 Spiritual Practices for Modern Times 53:18 Introduction to 'Wear We Are' Podcast 55:37 Center for Christianity and Public Life 57:40 Apprenticeship to Jesus 01:03:37 Reflections on Political Engagement   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   www.ccpubliclife.org/    www.michaelwear.com/spirit-of-our-politics   thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/podcasts/wear-we-are/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We welcome our favorite "travieso" and political consultant Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, to discuss the evolving role of the Latino electorate within American democracy. We explore Mike's new book, THE LATINO CENTURY, and delve into contemporary political trends, generational perspectives, and economic challenges facing Latino communities. Our discussion highlights the impact of Latino voters on future elections, especially in key states like North Carolina. The episode underscores the need for introspection within political parties and promises an optimistic future driven by a younger, diverse generation.    It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics    01:04 A Warm Welcome to Mike Madrid 02:56 Mike Madrid's Journey on the Camino de Santiago 08:26 Exploring Latino Identity and Political Landscape 20:30 The Economic and Class Shift Among Latino Voters 27:07 Personal Stories of Family and Immigration 41:21 The Evolution of Republican Values and Latino Voters 47:55 Analyzing Latino Voting Trends and Political Affiliations 51:51 Analyzing the Political Landscape: Biden vs. Trump 52:50 Demographic Shifts and Electoral Strategies 56:09 The Latino Vote: A Missed Opportunity for Engagement 59:35 Campaign Insights: Villaraigosa and Gallego's Messaging 01:03:17 The Democratic Party's Challenges with Latino Voters 01:05:16 The Importance of Internal Critique in Political Parties 01:21:22 Optimism for America's Political Future 01:25:31 Strategies for Engaging Across Political Divides   Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.   Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com   twitter.com/madrid_mike   www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015261See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.