Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

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.

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Tuesday Jan 07, 2025

Best of 2024 | Renovating Democracy with Danielle Allen: Democracy Advocate, Harvard Professor and Nonprofit Leader

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025

(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.

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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.

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/31/danielle-allen-american-democracy-renovation-series/

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:

Thursday Jan 02, 2025

Best of 2024 | Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer-prize winning historian on AUTOCRACY, INC.: THE DICTATORS WHO WANT TO RUN THE WORLD

Thursday Jan 02, 2025

(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!

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.

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It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:

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

Sunday Dec 29, 2024

Best of 2024 | Nancy French: NY Times best selling author, investigative journalist, storyteller... yet still gloriously feral!

Sunday Dec 29, 2024

(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!

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:

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:

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/@nancyjanefrench

www.nancyfrench.com

GHOSTED on Amazon - https://amzn.to/49tSNzO

Thursday Dec 26, 2024

Best of 2024 | Bill Kristol: Director of Defending Democracy Together and Editor at Large at The Bulwark

Thursday Dec 26, 2024

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.

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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

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bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social and 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: www.mezawealth.com

You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as

www.thebulwark.com

www.defendingdemocracytogether.org

bsky.app/profile/billkristolbulwark.bsky.social

Sunday Dec 22, 2024

Best of 2024 | Dr. Francis S. Collins: Are science and faith at odds? Or two different ways of understanding God's creation?

Sunday Dec 22, 2024

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!

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:

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:

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

biologos.org/

Thursday Dec 19, 2024

Best of 2024 | Tom Nichols on Harris-Walz vs. Trump-Vance... and as a special bonus, some Robert DeNiro Jeopardy!

Thursday Dec 19, 2024

(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?

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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:

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:

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.theatlantic.com/newsletters/daily

www.threads.net/@radiofreetom

Monday Dec 16, 2024

Rabbi Sharon Brous, Founder of IKAR and Author of the AMEN EFFECT: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World

Monday Dec 16, 2024

“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)

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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

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It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:

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

ikar.org/the-amen-effect/the-big-idea

ikar.org

Thursday Dec 12, 2024

How should we respond to the election? Fight? Surrender? Or is there another way?

Thursday Dec 12, 2024

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!

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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

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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

Monday Dec 09, 2024

Lanhee Chen, Public Policy Expert: "Coherence is overrated."

Monday Dec 09, 2024

Is there any coherence to Trumpism from a policy standpoint? Public policy expert, Lanhee Chen, says coherence is overrated... at least at this moment.

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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:

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:

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.hoover.org/profiles/lanhee-j-chen

Wednesday Dec 04, 2024

Matt Lewis on Trump, Politics, Faith and Holiday Movies

Wednesday Dec 04, 2024

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.

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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

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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://www.youtube.com/@mattlewis

Monday Dec 02, 2024

ICYMI This American Church Chooses Neo-Crusaders Over Christ (and the Constitution)

Monday Dec 02, 2024

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.)

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https://julieroys.com/pca-cancels-anti-polarization-panel-david-french-being-too-polarizing/

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://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/

Thursday Nov 28, 2024

ICYMI - LARRY WILMORE: Writer, Producer, Actor, Mentor | black-ish, Black on the Air, ”Senior Black Correspondent” on The Daily Show and more

Thursday Nov 28, 2024

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.

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Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as

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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

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/@larrywilmore

Monday Nov 25, 2024

Unmasking Christian Nationalism: A Deep Dive with Katherine Stewart

Monday Nov 25, 2024

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

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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.

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Thursday Nov 21, 2024

Meet the Majority: Conversations Across Our Differences With Lifelong Friend, Natalie

Thursday Nov 21, 2024

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?

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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

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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

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024

Alternate Slate of Podcasters: A Republican, a Democrat and an Independent Reflect on the Election and a 2nd Trump Term

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024

A Republican, a Democrat and an Independent walk into a podcast...

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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

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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

Thursday Nov 14, 2024

Prof. Tommy Givens of Fuller | Q: "Are you an Evangelical?" A: "Yes. A bad one!"

Thursday Nov 14, 2024

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.

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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.

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www.fuller.edu/faculty/g-tommy-givens

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

fullerstudio.fuller.edu/from-the-bible-faculty

Monday Nov 11, 2024

What the hell happened?!?! Meet the Majority.

Monday Nov 11, 2024

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.

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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

Wednesday Nov 06, 2024

(In Case You Missed/Could Use It) Navigating Mental Health Amidst Election Stress: Practical Tools and Personal Insights

Wednesday Nov 06, 2024

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.

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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

Sunday Nov 03, 2024

Election 2024 Final Predictions: Battle of the Sexes and Trash Talk

Sunday Nov 03, 2024

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...

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https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/iowa-poll/2024/11/02/iowa-poll-kamala-harris-leads-donald-trump-2024-presidential-race/75354033007/

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

Thursday Oct 31, 2024

Jim Wallis, THE FALSE WHITE GOSPEL: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy

Thursday Oct 31, 2024

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.

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faithandjustice.georgetown.edu/media/the-soul-of-the-nation/

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/

False White Gospel book - https://amzn.to/3Abpaah

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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

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024

If Trump Wins: Projections and Impacts on Democracy

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024

What if Trump wins? What can we realistically expect to happen? Here are a few outcomes that we can reasonably anticipate.

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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

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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

Thursday Oct 24, 2024

Election Predictions and Polling Analysis: Key Insights with Carl Allen

Thursday Oct 24, 2024

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.

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substack.com/@realcarlallen

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

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1032483024

https://x.com/RealCarlAllen

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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

Friday Oct 18, 2024

Navigating Culture, Politics, and Hollywood: Insights with Christine Birch, the Hollywood Unicorn

Friday Oct 18, 2024

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.

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advice@hollywoodunicorn.com

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

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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.com

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024

Disinformation About Disasters: What’s Wrong with the World?

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024

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!

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https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/debunking-helene-response-myths

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:

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

Thursday Oct 10, 2024

Mona Charen, Policy Editor at THE BULWARK, on what it means to be conservative. And no, Trump / MAGA is not conservative.

Thursday Oct 10, 2024

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?

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https://www.thebulwark.com/

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/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

Monday Oct 07, 2024

You might also like: A Community Fight in Wisconsin, From TO SEE EACH OTHER

Monday Oct 07, 2024

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=talkinpolitics

Friday Oct 04, 2024

The Arguments Against Kamala Harris Aren’t Working

Friday Oct 04, 2024

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?

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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.com

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024

Gidi Grinstein was “in the room where it happened” negotiating peace among Israelis and Palestinians and has a way forward.

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024

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.

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https://gidigrinstein.net/

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://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.com

Thursday Sep 26, 2024

Mike Madrid gets inside the numbers on what it will take to win this election!

Thursday Sep 26, 2024

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.

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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

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https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015261

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://substack.com/@madridmike

Monday Sep 23, 2024

Navigating Mental Health Amidst Election Stress: Practical Tools and Personal Insights

Monday Sep 23, 2024

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.

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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.com

Thursday Sep 19, 2024

THE POLLS WEREN'T WRONG with Carl Allen: Understanding How Polls Work and Fixing the Flaws in Interpreting Poll Data

Thursday Sep 19, 2024

“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!

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