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
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
This was one of my favorite conversations over the last year or so. Figured it'd be nice to share it again...
We are joined in this episode by Writer, Producer, Actor and Mentor, LARRY WILMORE! We discussed what drew Larry to comedy, writing, acting and producing; and, yes, we did talk about the WGA strike; why, as a kid, he was compelled by the work of such greats as Houdini, Buster Keaton, the Marx Brothers and Flip Wilson; rebounding from professional setbacks and keeping a healthy mindset; his thoughts on the "TP&R question" - how to be better at talking about politics and religion across our differences; and we got pretty deep with the concept of consciousness, meaning and why humans have a desire to have a life of meaning.
Emmy Award winner Larry Wilmore is a prolific producer, actor, comedian, and writer. He is also the host of the excellent podcast Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air. Larry is perhaps best known for his role as host of Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and as the “Senior Black Correspondent” on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Off-screen, Larry serves as co-creator and consulting producer on HBO’s Insecure, and helped to launch ABC’s black-ish as an executive producer and is a co-creator of the spin-off Grownish. Previously, he has written for In Living Color, The PJ’s (which he co-created), The Office (on which he also appeared), and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He also served as creator, writer, and executive producer of The Bernie Mac Show, which earned him his Emmy for “Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series” and a 2001 Peabody Award. In 2016, Larry hosted the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Larry is also an author, having released his first book, I’d Rather We Got Casinos and Other Black Thoughts, in January 2009.
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Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social
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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
www.theringer.com/larry-wilmore-black-on-air
Reasonable Doubt on Hulu - www.hulu.com/series/reasonable-doubt-226c1cc5-ecc9-4d26-83a6-40131a93ed19
Jerry and Marge Go Large - www.paramountplus.com/shows/paramount-plus/video/B8wTNAzgYrU2jPLef3IehO_xl_sg15pn/jerry-marge-go-large-cast-featurette-paramount-/
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Katherine Stewart is an expert who has been investigating religious nationalism for over 15 years. Given the impact of Christian Nationalism on churches around the country as well as on our democracy, this conversation comes at a critical time. The discussion delves into Katherine's insights from her recent book, THE POWER WORSHIPPERS and the upcoming MONEY, LIES AND GOD: INSIDE THE MOVEMENT TO DESTROY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY. Discover the controversial role of Good News Clubs in public schools which she covered in her 2017 book; the strategies driving the Christian nationalist agenda; and the broader implications for American democracy. We also take a moment to highlight the importance of respectful dialogue on politics and religion, especially during family gatherings like Thanksgiving.
02:59 The Good News Club Controversy
06:19 Impact on Public Schools
16:50 Christian Nationalism Explained
22:47 Investigative Journalism Insights
26:01 Economic Grievances and Voting Behavior
26:48 Christian Nationalist Influence
30:11 Leonard Leo’s Plans to Weaponize Right Wing Policies
33:17 Pushing Back Against Christian Nationalism
37:41 Finding Common Ground in Political Conversations
44:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
We're on YouTube!
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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
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Someone I love voted for a different candidate at the top of the ticket. Can we still have a healthy, loving relationship? Can we still have any sort of relationship? Even when we disagree about something we feel so passionately about?
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In this episode, Corey’s lifelong friend, Natalie, joins the program as the first edition of our 'Meet The Majority' series. The recent election underscored that a lot of people we know and love voted differently than we did (at least at the top of the ticket). Those differences often exacerbate unspoken grievances and lead to decaying relationships. The other way to go forward in a time like this is to do the hard work of staying in relationship with each other - not with the intent to convince or persuade or to win an argument - although we can still have the conversation. We can still go there. And we can even disagree. But when we do go there, the practice is to lead with curiosity. Curiosity and not contentiousness. That’s what Natalie and Corey tried to model in this conversation.
01:15 Personal Reflections on Voting and Family
02:44 Leading with Curiosity in Political Conversations
03:41 Introducing Natalie: A Lifelong Friend
04:57 Natalie's Background
09:56 Political Upbringing and Shifting Views
15:06 College Years and Career Beginnings
26:36 Voting History and Political Shifts
40:05 Reflections on Trump's Leadership Style
43:39 Concerns About First Amendment Rights
44:53 Media Bias and Social Media Censorship
49:28 Political Conversations and Family Dynamics
52:29 Immigration and Border Control
01:02:18 Election Integrity and Popular Vote
01:17:44 The Aftermath of January 6th
01:22:28 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social
We're on Patreon! Join the community:
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Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
A Republican, a Democrat and an Independent walk into a podcast...
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So glad to have joined the hosts of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram, to discuss the election results and reflect on our concerns regarding Trump's second term. We explore the complexities of political identity, the importance of community, and the need for clear boundaries in political discourse. The conversation delves into the intersection of faith and politics (of course!), the impact of hyperbole in political conversations, and the responsibility of individuals in their media consumption. We emphasize the need for discernment and understanding in navigating the evolving landscape of religious beliefs and political affiliations. We also explore the intersection of Christianity and politics, discussing the historical context of Christianity as a religion of empire versus the teachings of Jesus. We reflect on the implications of political power, the potential for violence, and the importance of accountability in leadership. Amidst concerns about the current political climate, we express hope for the future and the role of the church in promoting positive change. The discussion also touches on the challenges of engaging with differing ideologies and managing fear and anxiety in a politically charged environment.
00:00 Introduction to Faithful Politics Live Show
04:11 Reflections on the Recent Election Results
07:56 Concerns About Trump's Second Term
12:05 The Role of Identity and Community in Politics
16:00 Defining Terms in Political Discourse
19:50 The Intersection of Faith and Politics
24:13 Hyperbole and Its Impact on Political Conversations
28:10 Agency and Personal Responsibility in Media Consumption
32:13 The Evolution of Religious Beliefs in Politics
46:53 The Religion of Empire vs. the Religion of Jesus
50:06 Concerns About Political Power and Violence
52:45 Reflections on Presidential Power and Accountability
01:01:41 Hope Amidst Political Uncertainty
01:10:00 Engaging with Challenging Ideologies
01:19:00 Managing Fear and Anxiety in Politics
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social
We're on Patreon! Join the community:
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Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Faithful Politics Podcast - www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Can Christians reckon with when the Bible is at odds with their political preferences, passions and prejudices? That just depends on who you ask. So we asked Dr. Tommy Givens, Assoc. Professor of New Testament Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary (and a pastor's kid to boot!), about Scripture, the church in America, and what the results of the election has revealed about it all.
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In this episode, we go deep:
- When did Tommy start to question the prevailing orthodoxy of the fundamentalist church of his youth?
- Evangelism - Is it simply persuading others "to be like me"? Or is it about joining life with our neighbors?
- What does Christianity have to say about war, friendship, and how to navigate a broken family?
- Should Christians work to occupy positions of power? (First, we need to ask whether Christians are necessarily good.)
- How can we negotiate life, politics, share a country or even just a meal with people who aren't like us?
- Are we reducing people's lives to the terms of this candidate vs. that candidate?
- And the art of strolling...
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
We're on Patreon! Join the community:
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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
www.fuller.edu/faculty/g-tommy-givens
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
In this episode, we take a hard look at what the hell happened in this election. Spoiler alert - What the hell happened, as our host fully admits: "I got it wrong!" So we look at specific ways any number of folks got it wrong. We also reflect on misconceptions about voters' values - what many of us wrongly assumed were shared values and priorities. But we also start to "Meet the Majority." As a majority of voters overlooked the myriad of sins of the once and future President, we take some time to understand who some of these individuals are. As tempting as it might be to hold all those who vote differently in contempt and to view the whole lot with malice, there are 10s of millions of people... actual human beings we can try to understand better if, for no other reason, than it's our own family members, friends we've known our whole lives, neighbors and work colleagues.
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
We're also on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:
https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics
We're on Patreon! Join the community:
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Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
How are you? No, really. How ARE you? Candidly, I’m having a hard time with how things played out on Tuesday. So, we thought it’d be good to re-visit this conversation about mental health from a couple months ago. The tools covered here have certainly helped me over the years. And hopefully you’ll find this helpful as well.
Perhaps this whole election season has been overwhelming. So we figured it's worthwhile to emphasize the importance of stepping back from all the chaos for mental well-being. The tools that are discussed include how meditation has been a transformative practice for many people, alongside other valuable “arrows in our quiver” like writing / prayer, physical exercise, nourishing the mind with great literature (fiction and non-fiction), fostering human connections, getting a healthy amount of rest and establishing helpful boundaries and rules of engagement.
00:36 Personal Journey and Struggles
03:06 Meditation: A Life-Changing Practice
10:56 The Power of Writing and Prayer
15:52 Exercise: Moving for Mental Health
18:16 Feeding Your Mind with Good Literature
21:43 The Importance of Fellowship
25:15 The Necessity of Rest
29:07 Setting Boundaries and Rules of Engagement
34:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
We're also on YouTube! Subscribe there and engage in the comments section (so that it's not dominated by "screamers" who don't come in good will):
https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:
https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics
We're on Patreon! Join the community:
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Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Has there been anything that’s happened in the campaigns or in the news in recent days that’s fundamentally changed the course of this election? Would you believe that "trash talk" might be the October surprise that swings this race?
What about that poll conducted by J. Ann Selzer's firm for the Des Moines Register showing VP Harris leading Trump in Iowa 47% to 44%? Is that the outlier? Or has Selzer uncovered some fundamental dynamics in this race, much like her firm's polls did in 2016 and 2020, that others haven't picked up on?
Finally, what will be the final results of this election? As we record and share this episode, it's the eve of the eve of Election Day. So how's it gonna go? Listen in and hear Corey's take. (Don't worry. It's gonna be okay.) And...
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
We're also on YouTube! Subscribe there and engage in the comments section (so that it's not dominated by "screamers" who don't come in good will or good faith):
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It would mean so much if you could leave us a review:
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We're on Patreon! Join the community:
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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
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Who is my neighbor? “Our neighbors are not seen as fellow citizens, but as enemies to destroy, and even erase from our culture and politics by banning their books and history. That is the essence of white Christian nationalism.” Jim Wallis reminds us that Jesus shares a very different understanding of who our neighbors are.
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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
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
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
What if Trump wins? What can we realistically expect to happen? Here are a few outcomes that we can reasonably anticipate.
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In this episode, we delve into the potential consequences of Donald Trump winning another presidential term. We get into the implications for democracy - without hyperbole, only looking at a handful of outcomes we can reasonably expect to happen - including attacks on the press, threats to the freedom of assembly, and the co-opting of religious symbols and language. Much of this is derived from analyses by notable writers and personal insights as a conservative concerned about the future of our Constitutional republic.
00:55 The Trump Question: What If He Wins?
02:29 Trump's Potential Impact on Democracy
06:50 Freedom of the Press Under Threat
09:19 Freedom of Assembly and Speech
12:35 Trump and Religion: A Dangerous Mix
20:18 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Bottom line: Who's gonna win this damn election? A question many are asking. To which, like any good poker player would answer: It depends! Well, at least ya gotta listen to find out.
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It's so cool to be joined again by Carl Allen to delve into the intricacies of election predictions and polling analysis. In this conversation, we cover the inefficiencies in polling methodologies used by entities like Trafalgar and Atlas Intel to the impact of undecided and third-party voters on electoral outcomes. Important states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina are analyzed, highlighting early voting trends and their potential implications for candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The role of prediction markets and Democratic strategies in key Senate races and swing states are also scrutinized, offering insights into the dynamics of voter behavior and the critical factors shaping the 2024 general election. Throughout, the significance of accurate, transparent data in informing the public and predicting election results is emphasized. And of course we had to squeeze in a bit of poker talk!
01:13 Discussing Election Predictions
05:24 Diving into Poll Data
06:25 Pennsylvania Poll Analysis
10:40 Understanding Polling Discrepancies
31:17 Forecasting Pennsylvania's Outcome
38:47 Significance of Third Parties in Elections
40:22 Swing States Analysis: North Carolina
41:38 Registered vs. Likely Voter Polls
45:11 Undecided Voters and Polling Errors
49:31 Late Breakers and Election Predictions
01:03:04 Senate Races and Calculated Risks
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1032483024
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
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
How similar is opening a movie to getting a candidate elected? How much is opening weekend like Election Day? Christine Birch - who's worked on hundreds of movies, generated billions in box office receipts, and is the first and only W.O.C. to run marketing for 3 movie studios - has some thoughts.
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In this special crossover episode, we’re joined by Christine Birch, a renowned Hollywood marketing executive with a storied career involving icons like Steven Spielberg and Will Smith. We delve into political campaigns, the impact of media misinformation, book bans targeting authors like Toni Morrison, and cultural shifts in storytelling. We get into Birchy's experiences in the film industry, the challenges of adapting black stories, her candid advice for empowering women of color, and the complexities of navigating hard discussions. We also discuss the role of black women in society, the moral dynamics influencing voter behavior in the Trump era, and the need for innovation in both the political and film industries. With personal anecdotes, social critiques, and reflections on American identity, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of how culture, politics, and Hollywood intersect in shaping societal narratives.
01:12 Introducing Christine Birch: A Hollywood Unicorn
02:02 Meeting a Literary Legend: Toni Morrison
09:49 Banning Books and Personal Responsibility
14:48 The Power of Shared Stories in Culture
17:53 Writing THE HOLLYWOOD UNICORN: A Heart-to-Heart
27:09 The Role of Black Women in Today's Historical Context
36:28 Analyzing Political Campaigns: Lessons from Hollywood
40:44 Marketing Strategies: Putting Lipstick on a Pig
47:02 Comparing Political Polling and Market Research
53:45 The 2024 Election: A Battle for Democracy
57:24 The Immigration Debate and American Identity
59:23 The Impact of Social Media and Disinformation
01:13:42 Hollywood's Role in Shaping American Culture
01:23:43 The Importance of Diversity in the Film Industry
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Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
And if you want to hear more from our friends in Hollywood, check out TRAILER GEEKS & TEASER GODS!
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
If you’re worried about the state of our politics and what’s wrong with the world today, you know what can give you hope? BASEBALL!
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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
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
What does it mean to be a conservative? (And no, Donald Trump is not a conservative.) Can the Republican Party be redeemed? What implications does any of this have on the 2024 election and beyond?
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In this episode, we’re joined by Mona Charon, Policy Editor at The Bulwark and host of the podcasts Just Between Us and Beg to Differ. We explore the state of democracy, the role of media, and the evolving definitions of conservatism. Mona reflects on her experiences living in Israel, the challenges of peace negotiations, and her perspective on the Biden administration's policies. We discuss the extremism in both U.S. political parties, the impact of Trump's leadership, and the Republican Party's future post-Trump. Mona also details her work at The Bulwark and advocates for media integrity and accountability.
02:17 Reflections on Israel and October 7th
03:52 Hope and Challenges for Israel
07:27 The Complexity of Peace Negotiations
12:04 Biden Administration's Stance on Israel
18:05 Trump's Threat to Jews
25:47 Biden's Presidency: Successes and Failures
30:25 Defining Conservatism Today
35:40 The Media's Role in the Information Age
37:47 The Tactic of Flooding the Zone with Sh!t
40:52 The Future of the Republican Party
42:56 Personal Journey: From Conservative Voice to Trump Critic
46:03 Facing Threats and Harassment
47:26 Understanding the Mindset of Threatening Individuals
49:09 Reclaiming Civility and Decency
52:54 The 2024 Election and Political Landscape
https://www.thebulwark.com/s/betweenus
https://www.thebulwark.com/s/begtodiffer
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Sharing an episode of TO SEE EACH OTHER, a show that complicates the narrative about small town Americans in our most misunderstood, and often abandoned, communities. This season, host George Goehl travels to Lincoln County, Wisconsin to follow a small town battle for the last remaining public nursing home in the community. It’s a heart-pounding roller coaster of a fight - in a swing state that could determine the election. Over the course of the show, a universal truth emerges: That in every complicated set of politics, when we refuse to give up on each other, we can build a better future.
You can listen to more episodes of To See Each Other at https://link.chtbl.com/toseeeachother?sid=talkinpolitics
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
What are some of the arguments being made against Kamala Harris? Are they working? Specifically, are the attack lines against VP Harris effective in maximizing turnout of “base adjacent" voters or persuading undecided voters?
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In this episode, we explore the effectiveness of arguments against Kamala Harris in the political arena. We discuss the role of different layers making and hearing these arguments, from Trump's base to media narratives, and how these affect undecided or "base adjacent" voters. We highlight multiple lines of attack used against Vice President Harris, such as accusations of her being unintelligent, a flip-flopper, or criticisms of her personal history. We also reckon with their ineffectiveness in persuading critical voters. At the end of the day (or the campaign), what messages sway the actual voters who will decide the election? How do these attacks compare with the substantive policy questions that should be prioritized? The episode also underscores the significance of engagement and turnout in swing states, and the necessity for both parties to appeal to these pivotal voter groups.
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Can there be peace in the Middle East? Gidi Grinstein was “in the room where it happened” negotiating peace among Israelis and Palestinians and has a way forward.
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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
"How Oslo Could Solve Gaza" from Fathom - https://fathomjournal.org/how-oslo-could-solve-gaza/
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
What do the numbers tell us about the right messaging and the best policies to appeal to the most key voters?
In this episode, veteran political consultant Mike Madrid is back to discuss the evolving political landscape, especially focusing on the decisive role of Latino voters in American democracy. Drawing insights from Mike's book, THE LATINO CENTURY, the discussion highlights key battleground states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina, and the strategic shifts in Democratic messaging under Kamala Harris. Additionally, the conversation covers the unique dynamics of the 2024 election, the comparative strengths of Biden, Harris, and Trump, and the significance of various races such as Will Rollins' campaign in CA-41 as well as other key House races. We also delve into the role of negative partisanship, campaign rally impacts, voter behavior, and the importance of data-driven strategies. As he always does, Mike sheds light on what’s really happening in the election whether we see it as good news or bad - it’s simply the real deal, no “hopium” and definitely no b.s.
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00:42 Introducing Mike Madrid (Again)
01:24 Mike Madrid's Book and Its Impact
05:13 Democratic Party's Shift on Immigration
07:05 Kamala Harris's Conservative Policy Shift
09:22 Latino Voter Dynamics and Political Shifts
19:39 Polling and Campaign Strategies
25:00 North Carolina's Political Landscape
47:19 Political Predictions
47:40 Demographic Shifts and Voter Behavior
48:17 Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategy
51:03 Technical vs. Fundamental Analysis in Elections
53:51 The Role of Polling and Registration Surges
59:47 Key House Races and Candidate Profiles
01:06:30 Biden vs. Harris: Election Dynamics
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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
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
In this episode, we delve into the topic of mental health, especially during this stressful election season. This is a departure from our usual conversations on politics and religion to emphasize the importance of stepping back from political chaos for mental well-being. One of the tools that are discussed include how meditation has been a transformative practice for many people, alongside other valuable “arrows for our quiver” like writing / prayer, physical exercise, nourishing the mind with great literature (fiction and non-fiction), fostering human connections, getting a healthy amount of rest and establishing helpful boundaries and rules of engagement.
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00:36 Personal Journey and Struggles
03:06 Meditation: A Life-Changing Practice
10:56 The Power of Writing and Prayer
15:52 Exercise: Moving for Mental Health
18:16 Feeding Your Mind with Good Literature
21:43 The Importance of Fellowship
25:15 The Necessity of Rest
29:07 Setting Boundaries and Rules of Engagement
34:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
“The polls were wrong!” “My guy was down by 6 and he won!” Yeah, yeah, we’ve been hearing these jabs for years. So how can anyone say, “The polls weren’t wrong”? In this episode, we dive into all that and more!
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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
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
“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
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
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In this special cross-over episode with our pal Will Wright of the Faithful Politics Podcast, we discuss our impressions of the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. We highlight key moments, such as Harris's ninja move at the top (i.e. the handshake) and her ability to set traps for Trump throughout the rest of the 90 minute exchange. We also discuss the importance of reaching undecided voters and the impact of the debate on different constituencies. We explore the candidates' performance, missed opportunities, policy discussions, and the potential impact on the election. We also speculate on the future of the campaign and the importance of the ground game and swing states.
"She pitched a shutout, she didn't pitch a no-hitter, but she pitched a shutout."
"Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people and clearly he's having a hard time processing that."
"This is the strongest performance that I've seen in a presidential debate."
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
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
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
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
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://reedgalen.substack.com/
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
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
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
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:
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
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:
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
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:
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723495/renegade-by-adam-kinzinger-with-michael-dantonio/
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
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
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
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
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.
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
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
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
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
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
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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
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
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."
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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.threads.net/@the_zen_trucker
www.instagram.com/monkeybumpmusic
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
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.
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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/
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
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."
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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
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
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
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
"...
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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
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
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
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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.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
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
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.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
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
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
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
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://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
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
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
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
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
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
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
White Flag with Joe Walsh: pod.link/1590913798
Sunday Jun 23, 2024
Sunday Jun 23, 2024
"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
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
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://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/
Sunday Jun 16, 2024
Sunday Jun 16, 2024
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.
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
"...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
Sunday Jun 09, 2024
Sunday Jun 09, 2024
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
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
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
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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/