Politics and Religion. We’re not supposed to talk about that, right? Wrong! We only say that nowadays because the loudest, most extreme voices have taken over the whole conversation. Well, we‘re taking some of that space back! If you’re dying for some dialogue instead of all the yelling; if you know it’s okay to have differences without having to hate each other; if you believe politics and religion are too important to let ”the screamers” drown out the rest of us and would love some engaging, provocative and fun conversations about this stuff, then ”Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other” is for you!
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
E.J. Dionne brings moral clarity and humility to the hardest questions in public life — this “Best Of” episode reminds us what real dialogue can be.
Best Of TP&R
As we close out the year, we’re resurfacing a small handful of conversations from the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other archive that best reflect what this show exists to do: create space for thoughtful disagreement, moral seriousness, and the hard work of living together in a pluralistic democracy.
In this Best of 2025 spotlight, we revisit one of the year’s most profound and inspiring conversations — a powerful episode featuring journalist, scholar, and public intellectual E.J. Dionne Jr.
From discussing the soul of democracy to the essential role of faith and hope in civic life, E.J. offers wisdom forged over decades of public service, writing, and dialogue.
Calls to Action:
✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization.
✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.
✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics
✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com
✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
What We Explore:
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How E.J.’s upbringing shaped his approach to political argument.
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The moral imperative of engaging with ideas we disagree with.
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The difference between optimism and hope — and why the latter is vital.
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How faith and pluralism can bridge deep divides.
Highlights & Timestamps:
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[00:03:00] E.J. on his father’s influence in encouraging thoughtful disagreement.
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[00:06:00] Delving into DEI and the “woke” discourse — beyond caricatures.
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[00:10:00] Unexpected ways the Trump era united pro-democracy coalitions.
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[00:15:00] Economic pain and populist anger in Fall River, Massachusetts.
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[00:24:00] The virtue of hope in sustaining public life and discourse.
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[00:36:00] E.J.'s personal faith journey and the humility of belief.
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[00:48:00] Reflections on Pope Francis and the Catholic Church’s evolution.
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[01:05:00] What keeps E.J. up at night — and what gives him hope.
Memorable Quotes:
"In real argument, you enter imaginatively into the ideas your opponent holds." — E.J. Dionne
"Hope is the virtue on which faith and love depend." — E.J. Dionne
"You can really disagree with people you love, and you can love people you disagree with." — E.J. Dionne
"We find sanctity even in mundane conversations." — Corey Nathan
Resources & Mentions:
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E.J. Dionne, Brookings Institution: www.brookings.edu/people/e-j-dionne
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Column, New York Times: www.nytimes.com/by/e-j-dionne-jr
Connect on Social Media:
Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials...
Thanks to Our Sponsors:
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Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org
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The Village Square: villagesquare.us
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Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com
Proud members of The Democracy Group
It’s not about agreeing on everything. It’s about disagreeing with integrity, and listening with love.
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