A lot's happened already this year. So it's worth re-setting this conversation with friend of the pod, Wajahat Ali, from earlier this year...
 
When there's such chaos amd divisiveness all around us, what can we do to cultivate a sense of hope and humanity?
 
In this episode, we welcome back Wajahat Ali, celebrated writer, editor of The Left Hook Substack, co-host of Democracy-ish Podcast, and author. Known for his humor and insight, Waj brings his unique perspective as a father, storyteller, and political commentator to discuss navigating the tumultuous political and social landscape of 2025. Together, Corey and Wajahat dive deep into themes of decency, empathy, and how to cultivate hope amid chaos.
Episode Highlights:
[00:02:00] Wajahat muses about earning a "Five Timer Club" t-shirt.
[00:04:00] Discussion on the California wildfires and the politicization of natural disasters.
[00:06:00] Wajahat analyzes the blame game targeting DEI initiatives in crisis situations.
[00:09:00] Corey and Wajahat explore the role of empathy and decency in politics.
[00:11:00] Wajahat reflects on hope during his daughter’s cancer journey and how that translates to political resilience.
[00:16:00] Star Wars analogy: How everyday people (the "Ewoks") can fight against authoritarianism.
[00:22:00] A candid discussion on America's historical resistance to progress and how that impacts the current political climate.
[00:35:00] The importance of rest and joy in sustaining activism and engagement.
[00:54:00] Wajahat’s advice on engaging with people across ideological divides—when to plant seeds of change and when to walk away.
Featured Quotes:
"Hope is optimism with action. It's believing in a better story but doing your part to get there." – Wajahat Ali
"You can't save everyone. The caravan must move forward, but the doors remain open." – Wajahat Ali
"We could have been so much better, and we chose this." – Wajahat Ali
"One conversation with one person can create a ripple effect. Even a one-degree shift can matter." – Corey Nathan
 
How to find Waj:
The Left Hook | https://thelefthook.substack.com/
Democracy-ish | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/democracy-ish/id1473376303
Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/wajali.bsky.social
📣 Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, please:✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
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Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Alexander Vindman—retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and former Director for European Affairs on the White House National Security Council. Known for his key role in the first Trump impeachment and his deep expertise in Eastern European affairs, Vindman returns to discuss his latest book, The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine. The conversation dives into the geopolitical stakes of the ongoing war in Ukraine, U.S. foreign policy across administrations, and the importance of civic responsibility in the face of authoritarianism.
What We Discuss:
Why U.S. administrations consistently misunderstood Russia and Ukraine.
The concept of “Neo-Idealism” and its value in foreign policy.
How family history and personal experience shaped Vindman’s worldview.
The political realities facing Ukraine and the U.S. in a post-Trump world.
The role of values in sustaining democratic institutions.
Episode Highlights:
[00:01:00] Introduction to Alexander Vindman and his background.
[00:04:30] Alex's twin brother Eugene Vindman’s transition to Congress and bipartisan cooperation.
[00:17:00] Reconnecting with family in Ukraine and the impact of history.
[00:25:00] The thousand-year struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty.
[00:38:00] Why equating Russia with Cold War power is misguided.
[00:44:30] Vindman defines “Neo-Idealism” and its global implications.
[01:00:00] The danger of Trumpism and dismantling of democratic norms.
[01:07:00] How we can engage across political and cultural divides.
Featured Quotes:
“Russia, absent Ukraine, ceases to be an empire. With Ukraine, it becomes one.” – Alexander Vindman“Neo-Idealism is about tethering our interests to our values and committing to them over the long term.” – Alexander Vindman“We succumbed to misplaced hopes and fears. We thought if we treated Russia as a partner, it would behave like one.” – Alexander Vindman“You can find common ground by talking about family. That’s where our shared concerns lie.” – Alexander Vindman
Resources Mentioned:
The Folly of Realism – www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/alexander-vindman/the-folly-of-realism/9781541705043
Alexander Vindman’s Substack – www.avindman.com
Alexander Vindman on Bluesky - @avindman.bsky.social
📣 Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, please:✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect on Social Media
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Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡

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

In this episode, host Corey Nathan speaks with Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary. As the first woman to lead the historic 180-year-old institution, Dr. Jones brings deep insight to the intersection of theology, justice, and public life. Together, they explore how Christian faith can guide us through trauma, division, and democracy’s challenges, while sharing stories of growing up in faith and creating space for conversations across political and religious divides.
What We Discuss:
How Serene Jones’ upbringing shaped her theological lens
What theology has to do with democracy and justice
Why questions are a sign of faith, not doubt
The importance of building bridges, even when no one’s building from the other side
How seminaries are evolving to meet the needs of a changing world
Episode Highlights:
[00:03:00] A unique faith upbringing in the Disciples of Christ tradition
[00:07:00] Church as a place of learning about democracy, justice, and real life
[00:13:00] The message of Micah 4 and how it resonates with global conflict today
[00:27:00] The role of theology in shaping public ethics and spiritual resilience
[00:39:00] Navigating campus dialogue during protests and unrest
[00:44:00] Three calls for progressive communities in red states
[00:51:00] Addressing collective and generational trauma through faith
[00:53:00] Asking: What would Jesus do—really?
Featured Quotes:
“Faith that’s not equipped to deal with the big questions of life is not a faith worth its weight.”“If we are not building bridges, there’s no one there to catch people when they fall.”“Theology is not just an abstraction. It’s an action. It’s a way of living in the world.”“The crisis in our nation is a massive spiritual crisis—for all of us.”
Resources Mentioned:Union Theological Seminary – utsnyc.eduCall It Grace by Serene Jones – www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2146640/serene-jones/
📣 Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, please:✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect on Social Media
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Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡

In this episode, host Corey Nathan reconnects with Lisa Willey Knierim—Mayor of Cranbury Township, NJ, President of 1880 Hospitality, and high school pal. Lisa shares powerful insights into the realities of small-town governance, the impact of state housing mandates, and the ripple effects of national political discourse. From boardrooms to township meetings, she brings candor, civility, and a healthy dose of humor to the conversation.
What We Discuss:
How national political polarization affects small-town governments.
What the Mount Laurel Doctrine means for affordable housing in NJ.
The value of listening and transparency in political leadership.
How Six Sigma strategies works in business—and public service.
Real-world consequences of recent U.S. tariff policy from a global trade professional.
Episode Highlights:
[00:03:00] The structure of Cranbury’s local government and Lisa’s role as mayor
[00:07:00] Breaking down the affordable housing mandate and land challenges
[00:14:00] How partisan behavior has filtered into local meetings
[00:24:00] Six Sigma in practice: business problem-solving that works
[00:27:00] Why abrupt tariff policy changes hurt American businesses
[00:34:00] Lisa’s close election win and continued work with her predecessor
[00:45:00] Remembering the best of our communities post-pandemic
[00:53:00] Lisa’s campaign to bring back civility in politics
Featured Quotes:
“At the local level, I wish I didn’t even have to declare my party. It feels absolutely irrelevant.” – Lisa Willey Knierim
“You’ve got to create a vanilla ice cream environment—not too spicy. Be compassionate, be practical, be human.”
“National-level problems shouldn’t be light-switch decisions.”
“It’s not that I can’t solve the problem. But I can listen. That’s halfway there.”
Resources Mentioned:
Six Sigma Black Belt Certification: asq.org/cert/six-sigma-black-belt
Cranbury Township Info: www.cranburytownship.org/
Lisa Willey Knierim Campaign Page: www.facebook.com/LisaKnierimTC22
📣 Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, please:✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect on Social Media
@coreysnathan:
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Our Sponsors:
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Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡

In this episode, Corey Nathan sits down with Kate Carney, Deputy Director at More in Common. Kate shares her fascinating journey—from working in Congress to boating 6,000 miles around the U.S.—and how those experiences shape her work today. The conversation centers on More in Common’s new report, The Connection Opportunity, and explores how we can foster meaningful relationships across political, racial, religious, and socioeconomic divides.
What's Discussed:
Why social connection is critical to healthy democracy.
Surprising data on Americans’ openness to diverse perspectives.
How psychological factors like intergroup anxiety impact connection.
Kate’s transformative journey completing the Great American Loop.
Real-world solutions for bridging divides in your own community.
Episode Highlights:
02:00 – Kate’s 6,000-mile boat journey and what it taught her about America.
10:00 – The Connection Opportunity: How More in Common is reframing social cohesion.
21:00 – Why politics remains the most difficult line of difference to cross.
25:00 – The power of community norms and intergroup anxiety.
32:00 – Revisiting the "Hidden Tribes" report and what’s changed since its release.
41:00 – The seven levers of change for increasing social connection.
48:00 – How cities like Kansas City, Houston and Pittsburgh are fostering community dialogue.
54:00 – Personal agency and why democracy starts with you.
Featured Quotes:“We are inherently diverse. To build strong communities, we have to be intentional about connecting across our differences.” — Kate Carney“The more people connect across difference, the more they want to—it’s a cascade.” — Kate Carney“There’s an overwhelming desire to have these conversations. It’s the fortress of assumptions that gets in our way.” — Corey Nathan
Resources Mentioned:
More in Common: www.moreincommonus.com
The Connection Opportunity Report: moreincommonus.com/publication/the-connection-opportunity
📣 Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, please:✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect on Social Media
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Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡

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

In this episode, host Corey Nathan talks with renowned journalist, scholar, and public intellectual E.J. Dionne Jr. E.J. is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, a professor at Georgetown University, and a prolific author. Together, they discuss democracy, faith, political polarization, and the enduring need for real argument and hope in public life.
What We Discuss:
How E.J.’s upbringing shaped his approach to political debate and dialogue.
Why engaging seriously with opposing ideas is crucial to democracy.
The difference between optimism and hope — and why hope is essential.
How faith and civil society contribute to repairing societal divisions.
Episode Highlights:
[00:03:00] E.J. shares how his father encouraged open political debate.
[00:06:00] Reflections on DEI, the “woke” debates, and critiques of excesses.
[00:10:00] The Trump administration’s unintended role in uniting pro-democracy groups.
[00:15:00] Anger and economic grievances in Fall River, Massachusetts.
[00:24:00] Why hope, not just optimism, is vital for public life.
[00:36:00] E.J.’s personal faith journey and the importance of humble belief.
[00:48:00] Reflections on Pope Francis’ legacy and the Catholic Church.
[01:05:00] What worries E.J. about democracy today — and what gives him hope.
Featured Quotes:"In real argument, you enter imaginatively into the ideas your opponent holds." — E.J. Dionne"Hope is the virtue on which faith and love depend." — E.J. Dionne"You can really disagree with people you love, and you can love people you disagree with." — E.J. Dionne"We find sanctity even in mundane conversations." — Corey Nathan
Resources Mentioned:
📘 Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics after the Religious Right - Princeton University Press
📰 E.J. Dionne's column at The Washington Post – www.washingtonpost.com/people/ej-dionne-jr
📣 Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, please:✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media
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Our Sponsors:
Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
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Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡