Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

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.

 

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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

 

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

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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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 

 

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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

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

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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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: 

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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

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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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

 

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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

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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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.com

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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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

 

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

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

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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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.com

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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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/@madridmike

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

“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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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.com

“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.'

 

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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.com

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.

 

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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.com

Bottom line: What's at stake in the 2024 U.S. election? And what does the pro-democracy coalition have to do to win?

 

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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.com

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?

 

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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/@davidfrenchjag

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!

 

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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/

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?

 

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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/

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.

 

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"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/

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?

 

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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.com

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

 

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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

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.

 

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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.com

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: 

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

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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

 

www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/daily

 

www.threads.net/@radiofreetom

 

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: 

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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.com

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: 

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

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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

 

https://suzettevalladares.com/

 

https://www.thevoicesofbusiness.com/

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: 

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

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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

 

www.jonathanrauch.com

 

www.theatlantic.com/author/jonathan-rauch

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.)

 

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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/

"...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"

 

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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/ 

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: 

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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 

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/ 

 

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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

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?

 

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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 

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.

 

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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.com

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. 

 

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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.com

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?

 

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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.com

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...

 

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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.com

"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."

 

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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 

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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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/ 

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.

 

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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.

"...expos(ing) the activities of dictators and human rights abusers, while sharing stories of those doing good around the world."

 

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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/

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.

 

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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.com

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:

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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-wehner

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/

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/ 

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/9781668015261

Some folks are worried about the conflicts of certain SCOTUS Justices (and their wives). Some are buying into conspiracy theories that have been distilled into talking points about a "weaponized Department of Justice." So we're taking a step back to say, "Relax. The judiciary branch is actually working well."

 

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

https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics 

 

In this episode, we start out with a brief assessment of conversations around Israel, the protests and review this complex set of issues. But then we get into concerns related to the U.S. judiciary's actions, including cases from January 6th and high-profile trials involving Donald Trump. Despite some flaws, the judiciary is functioning well. So we highlight instances where the justice system upheld democratic principles. We also cover misconceptions about media consumption among different political factions and how that skews our understanding of important events. 

 

01:48 Personal Reflections and Challenges in Civil Discourse; 

03:36 Navigating Political Nuances and Campus Protests; 

04:27 Examining the Anti-Left Sentiment and Media Ecosystem; 

06:47 Debunking DOJ Weaponization Claims and Judicial Integrity; 

10:24 Insight into January 6th Cases and the Judicial Process; 

25:02 Analyzing the Judiciary's Role in Upholding Democracy; 

36:03 Concluding Thoughts on Political and Religious Dialogue

 

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

 

x.com/MacFarlaneNews

Can we learn to disagree with empathy and respect? Yes we can. And if you disagree with that, you're wrong... JK ;-)

 

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

https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics 

 

Dr. John Inazu is a law professor and political theorist who teaches at Washington University in St. Louis, where he is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion. He teaches criminal law, law and religion, and various First Amendment courses. He writes and speaks frequently about pluralism, assembly, free speech, religious freedom, and other issues. John has written three books and published opinion pieces in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, USA Today, Newsweek, and CNN. Professor Inazu’s latest book is Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect which we discuss on this edition of TP&R.

 

00:59 Exploring Empathy and Disagreement with Dr. John Inazu; 

13:41 The Practice of Empathy in Disagreement; 

28:02 Understanding First Amendment Rights and Campus Protests; 

32:36 Exploring Civil Disobedience and Its Consequences; 

33:34 Personal Reflections: Reconnecting and Forgiving; 

38:04 Navigating Difficult Conversations and Disagreements; 

41:25 Choosing the Right Time and Place; 

47:03 The Complexities of Faith, Patriotism, and Forgiveness; 

57:30 Musical Influences and the Power of Jazz; 

01:00:59 Closing Thoughts and How to Follow the Work

 

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

 

johninazu.substack.com/

 

www.amazon.com/Learning-Disagree-Surprising-Navigating-Differences/dp/0310368014

Tim Alberta is not only an excellent writer, he's also a practicing Christian and the son of an Evangelical pastor. So it's no wonder his recent book THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY struck such a nerve as it "paints an expansive and profoundly troubling portrait of the American evangelical movement."

 

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

https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics 

 

We're joined by Tim Alberta upon the publication of his new book, The Kingdom, The Power and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism. After starting out with some fun banter about Tim's beloved Detroit Lions and veering off into kids' names, we delve into weighty topics such as whether Tim still considers himself an #evangelical - more specifically, if there are aspects of his faith he's begun to question. Much of this conversation is about the new book: "The main thing is no longer the main thing" for so many megachurch pastors; Donald Trump is "a creation of the culture gone crazy" (especially in the American Evangelical church); whether hucksters like Trump and Paula White, when they're behind closed doors, laugh at all their "suckers" that buy into their various schemes; who Tim thinks is the audience for THE KINGDOM, THE POWER, AND THE GLORY - and who he hopes the audience is; and we get to hear some input from Charles Mingus the 3rd!

 

Tim Alberta is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the former chief political correspondent for Politico, and has written for dozens of other publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, and Vanity Fair. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller American Carnage: On the Front Lines of the Republican Civil War and the Rise of President Trump and the newly released The Kingdom, The Power and the Glory. He co-moderated the final Democratic presidential debate of 2019 and frequently appears as a commentator on television programs in the United States and around the world. And as listeners will quickly learn, Tim is a big time Detroit Lions fan.

 

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.bytimalberta.com/

 

www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Power-Glory-Evangelicals-Extremism/dp/006322688X

 

www.theatlantic.com/author/tim-alberta/

On today’s edition, we shook it up a bit. Rachel Bitecofer, Ph.D. has dissected well-worn tactics that today’s Republican Party deploys with a great deal of success. Her latest book HIT ‘EM WHERE IT HURTS is about how to “beat Republicans at their own game.” As former RNC Chair, Michael Steele, has said, “Democrats and Republicans who care about democracy would be wise to pay attention to her work.” (Yeah, you read that correct and it wasn't a typo - that's from the guy who used to head up the Republican National Committee.)

 

Rachel Bitecofer is a political scientist and election forecaster turned political strategist. You may have seen her interviews and analysis in such outlets as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Salon, Politico, The New Republic, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, MSNBC, and many other prominent news sources. She worked with Democratic Party candidates and organizations to implement negative partisanship strategy in the 2022 midterms. Rachel is also the author of HIT ‘EM WHERE IT HURTS: HOW TO SAVE DEMOCRACY BY BEATING REPUBLICANS AT THEIR OWN GAME. But she came to prominence way before all this when she predicted the size (to the seat) of the Democrats’ Blue Wave in the 2018 midterms.

 

00:54 Spotlight on Rachel Bitecofer: From Political Scientist to Strategist; 

01:49 The 2018 Midterm Predictions and Political Shifts; 

05:31 Analyzing the 2024 Election Risks and Trump's Influence; 

08:23 The Urgency of Understanding Project 2025; 

15:16 Rachel Bitecofer's Personal Journey and Academic Background; 

20:29 Strategies for the Democratic Party: A New Approach; 

36:22 The Role of Journalism and Media in Democracy; 

38:22 The Impact of Right-Wing Ecosystem on Public Belief; 

38:41 The Role of Donald Trump in Shaping Public Distrust; 

39:12 Manipulation of Journalism and Public Perception; 

39:49 The Strategy Behind Republican Messaging; 

40:59 Observing Real-Time Messaging During the Mar-a-Lago Raid; 

41:14 The Power of Unified Messaging in Politics; 

41:41 Media's Role in Legitimizing Questionable Narratives; 

42:35 Challenging the Normalization of Extremism; 

45:47 The Art of Electoral War: Strategies and Countermeasures; 

47:14 Tackling Misinformation and Strategic Messaging; 

59:46 Engaging in Political Conversations: Strategies and Insights; 

01:01:50 Effective Communication Across Political Divides

 

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.hitemwhereithurts.com/ 

 

https://twitter.com/RachelBitecofer 

 

And please remember that review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics