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

In this episode, host Corey Nathan explores how we can navigate difficult conversations around politics and religion with more grace and effectiveness. Drawing on personal experiences, spiritual grounding, and practical techniques, Corey shares what to look out for when a conversation is going sideways and how to communicate better even in the most challenging moments.
What Is Discussed:
How to recognize when a conversation is escalating
Common communication traps and how to avoid them
How to prepare your heart and mind to actively listen
What it means to “rehearse” understanding instead of comebacks
Why identifying shared values can change the entire conversation
Episode Highlights:
[00:00:50] Signs of emotional escalation and how to spot them
[00:05:00] A simple tool to slow down: breathing
[00:07:00] The mistake of rehearsing a verbal takedown
[00:09:30] A better way: Practice being a great listener
[00:13:00] Why “shoulding” on people makes things worse
[00:15:00] The dangers of mischaracterizing entire groups
[00:21:00] Are you really listening—or just waiting to talk?
[00:24:30] Avoiding ad hominem attacks and gaslighting
Featured Quotes:
“When the emotion is so heightened that I can no longer think… that’s something to recognize before it gets out of hand.”“Don’t rehearse the perfect burn. Rehearse listening.”“You can reverse the neurochemical reaction of anger and fear—and induce the feeling of being heard and loved.”“If your goal is to cause pain in a conversation, this program isn’t for you.”
📣 Calls to Action:
✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation.
✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.
✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics
✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com
✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
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Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨

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

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Roger Herbert—retired Navy Captain, former SEAL commander, professor of ethics, and distinguished academic. Dr. Herbert’s career spans from leading undersea special operations to teaching future naval officers at the U.S. Naval Academy. We explore Dr. Herbert's remarkable journey marked by leadership, ethics, and profound moral challenges. Dr. Herbert shares stories of combat, personal transformation, and the vital importance of principled leadership—even under the most extreme conditions.
---
CORRECTION: Roger has advised me that he misspoke when he described a SEAL operation in Anbar Province.  Operation Redwings, the 2005 SEAL reconnaissance mission that inspired the book/movie "Lone Survivor," took place in Afghanistan's Kunar Province.  (Anbar is a province in Iraq.) 
---
What We Discuss:
* The intense process of becoming and leading Navy SEALs
* How war can spark deep ethical reflection and personal evolution
* What moral leadership looks like in combat zones—and classrooms
* Why teaching ethics to future military leaders is more important than ever
* How pivotal life decisions can stem from unexpected, even humorous, moments
---
Featured Quotes:
“The secret sauce of being a SEAL is learning how far you can really go—and it’s always further than you think.” – Dr. Roger Herbert
“We push candidates to what they *think* is their limit… and then some crazy few keep going. That’s where we find the SEALs.”
“Ethics isn’t just theory—it’s what helps you come home with honor.”
“We don’t swear loyalty to a person. We swear to a document. That’s the power of the U.S. Constitution.”
---
Resources Mentioned:
* Dr. Roger Herbert’s Substack - rogerherbert.substack.com
* The Ethics of Special Ops: Raids, Recoveries, Reconnaissance, and Rebels - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Special-Ops-Recoveries-Reconnaissance-ebook/dp/B0CLGJK8R6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1
* Ethics at War: How Should Military Personnel Make Ethical Decisions? - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-War-Military-Personnel-Decisions-ebook/dp/B0CKFGDXQY?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1
---
📣 Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, please:✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
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Our Sponsor:
Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
---
Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨

In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan shares a personal story that explores a fundamental question many of us face in political and relational discourse: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” Prompted by a real-life interaction following his attendance at a local rally, Corey examines how we navigate our convictions, the costs of being “right,” and the cognitive, identity-based, and psychological roots that underlie our desire to win arguments—especially at the expense of connection. 
What Is Discussed:
The real story behind a tense political exchange among friends.
The importance of prioritizing relationships over ideological victory.
Key psychological and sociological reasons why people insist on being right.
How identity, ego, and group affiliation shape our perceptions in political dialogue.
Thoughtful strategies to promote civil discourse, even across ideological lines.
Episode Highlights:
[00:03:00] Corey describes the No Kings Rally in Santa Clarita and his motivation for attending.
[00:05:00] A group text spirals into conflict after a friend posts a divisive meme about Democrats.
[00:07:00] Corey challenges the assumptions being made and asserts his conservative identity.
[00:10:00] The text conversation intensifies—Corey confronts the damaging generalizations.
[00:13:00] He reflects on the absence of actual conversation and the importance of listening.
[00:20:00] Corey shares research on cognitive biases like confirmation bias and bandwagon effect.
[00:24:00] A powerful explanation of identity protective cognition and how it affects discourse.
[00:29:00] The psychological roots of being “right”: ego, fear, insecurity, and narcissism.
[00:31:00] A parable of two billy goats illustrates the cost of refusing to give ground.
Featured Quotes:“Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?”“The endeavor that I care about is people exercising their First Amendment rights.”“If we were actually talking, you'd know this isn't even in my top 50 concerns.”“We don’t need to diminish others to hold our convictions.”
📣 Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, please:✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
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Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨

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

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

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