We all have opinions. And there are more ways than ever to voice those opinions. But before expressing those opinions, have we really taken the time to understand the complexity of any given issue? More specifically, have we taken the time to speak with and consider the views of folks who are on the “other side” of that issue?
 
In this edition, we’ll be looking at the widespread phenomenon of campus protests across the country and the world. The initial plan was to compare campus protesters to January 6th insurrectionists; but instead, it was more valuable to explore the topic more thoughtfully, aiming to avoid fueling conflicts. So we examine diverse aspects of protests, including their objectives, the media's focus on sensational aspects (“nut picking”), and the potential ineffectiveness of disruptive tactics as well as the historical record that indicates how many such protests ultimately did more harm than good to their own cause. It was helpful to share the personal account from a friend who participated in peaceful demonstrations, offering insights into the protesters' perspectives and demands. We also review the importance of understanding and respecting the rights to free speech and assembly while considering reasonable restraints on those rights such as “time, place and manner” restrictions, as well as the impacts of protests on broader society. More broadly, it’s important to emphasize the need for balanced and informed conversations around contentious issues, advocating for empathy and open-mindedness in evaluating differing viewpoints.
 
01:31 A Deep Dive into Campus Protests; 
05:58 Exploring the Other Side: Conversations with a Protest Participant; 
07:43 Understanding the Demands and Goals of Campus Protests; 
11:04 Reflecting on Free Speech and Its Complexities; 
27:45 The Role of Universities in Nurturing Democracy; 
35:26 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement for Dialogue
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
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
 
David French's 4/28/24 NYT piece "Colleges Have Gone off the Deep End. There Is a Way Out."
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/28/opinion/protests-college-free-speech.html
 
David Brooks 5/2/24 NYT piece "Why the Protests Help Trump"
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/opinion/student-protests-trump.html
 
Free Speech Center article on "time, place and manner" restrictions:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/opinion/student-protests-trump.html 
 
If Not Now Org - https://www.instagram.com/ifnotnoworg/ 

With Nikki Haley having dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination for president, why is she still getting so many votes in primaries all over the country? Even though it's been months since Haley suspended her campaign, she still gets significant percentages of the vote in the Republican primary contest. So where will those Haley voters turn in the general election? Robert Schwartz, the Co-founder and Senior Advisor to Haley Voters for Biden, is joining in a sweeping effort to persuade Nikki Haley supporters to vote for President Joe Biden this fall.
 
With a background in foreign affairs as a public policy professional focused on authoritarian regimes, Robert has a better understanding than many of what's at stake in 2024. So we were glad that he joined us to better understand this bloc of voters and so much more. Robert shares his journey from a politically curious teenager to a major advocate for bipartisan dialogue and action; his role in foreign policy and his time at Harvard's public policy program; and his efforts to promote democratic values against the backdrop of rising authoritarian tendencies. We also discuss the strategies and motivations behind the Haley Voters for Biden initiative, aiming to mobilize support among Republicans and independents who are disillusioned with Donald Trump's leadership. Then we get real as we explore the challenges facing American democracy, the potential impact of third-party candidates, and strategies for engaging voters across the political spectrum in meaningful conversations.
 
01:16 Introduction: Robert Schwartz, Co-Founder HV4B; 
05:17 Navigating Political Philosophy and Activism; 
08:17 Concerns Over American Democracy's Stability; 
10:35 Exploring the Impact of Project 2025 and Political Strategies; 
20:22 Analyzing the Republican Primary and Voter Dynamics; 
29:23 Strategic Messaging and Targeting for Political Influence; 
38:10 Decoding the Political Strategy: The Plus Two Concept; 
41:00 The Swing State Focus: Key States in the Presidential Election; 
58:26 The Challenge of Third-Party Voters in Swing States; 
01:06:35 Engaging Across Political Divides: Strategies for Conversation
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
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.haleyvotersforbiden.org/
And here are some of their socials:
- twitter.com/HaleyVote4Biden
- twitter.com/HaleyVotersWG
- www.instagram.com/haleyvote4biden/

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. 
 
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.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
 
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
 

Can an atheist and a Christian have a meaningful, friendly conversation? Can we explore our differences without being jerks to each other? Well, here's one atheist and one Christian who gave it a whirl!
 
Kate Cohen, a Washington Post contributing columnist, is a writer whose latest book, WE OF LITTLE FAITH, is "an impassioned call for nonbelievers to be honest with themselves and their families about their lack of belief—and help change the American cultural conversation." So, it was a special treat to have Kate on the program to discuss her journey to atheism and the implications of raising children as atheists in today's society. We explored a range of issues such as Kate's insights into the creative process, the importance of honesty in personal belief systems, and the intersection of atheism with culture, family, and politics. She also discusses the role of humor when tackling serious topics, the significance of understanding and openness in conversations about differing beliefs, and the perspective of facing mortality and legacy as an atheist. Additionally, we exchange personal stories, highlighting challenges and nuances in family dynamics when belief systems diverge, and explore the common ground atheists and religious folks can find in activism and moral responsibility.
 
01:46 The Art of Crafting a Book Title and Memoir Writing; 
03:24 A Special Presenation from Jesse Cohen-Greenberg; 
19:29 Navigating Family Dynamics and Beliefs; 
27:02 Engaging with Atheism and Theism; 
33:30 Understanding Atheism: Definitions and Personal Reflections; 
46:36 The Importance of Community and Morality Beyond Religion; 
48:25 Finding Awe and Wonder Without Supernatural Beliefs; 
50:29 Legacy, Memory, and Making an Impact; 
01:02:06 Navigating Family, Faith, and Identity; 
01:18:23 Reflecting on Atheism, Activism, and Social Responsibility
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
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
 
Kate's website: https://katecohen.net/
 
Her columnist page at the Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/kate-cohen/
 
Here's one of Kate's pieces in WaPo: Opinion | America doesn’t need more God. It needs more atheists. | https://wapo.st/3WaSjLl
 
A link to WE OF LITTLE FAITH: https://www.amazon.com/We-Little-Faith-Stopped-Pretending-ebook/dp/B0BV7MG25G?ref_=ast_author_mpb
 
And this is Jesse Cohen-Greenberg's music: When Will My Body Be Mine? | https://open.spotify.com/album/3GHFu2zZIBVzuwjhuK61j7?si=w_r4ZHGXQ8OJsVY3M2zYMg
 

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?
 
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!
 
00:40 Celebrating Listener Reviews and Engagement; 
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.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
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

From 9/11 to 1/6; from growing up as a Christian to reckoning with the current state of the Evangelical church in America; Elizabeth Neumann, the former Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention at the US Department of Homeland Security, has the experience and has done the work to understand what's at stake in our country. So it was an honor to have her back on the program to discuss all this and more.
 
Elizabeth Neumann had a first hand look at the inner workings of the Trump Administration. What's clear from her experience is that there were a lot of people who were hard working public servants doing their best to serve the country's interests while, at the same time, having to navigate the daily chaos that defined Trump's time in office. And Elizabeth certainly has an informed perspective, having also served in the George W. Bush Administration. (Spoiler Alert: Those 2 admins couldn't have been more different.) So we delve into the historic bookends of September 11th, 2001 and January 6th, 2021. We also candidly explore, as Christians, how so many of our friends from church have become radicalized; are sympathic to or are dismissive of acts of violent extremism; and some who have even participated in demonstrations of extremism. Most importantly, as the subtitle of Elizabeth's book indicates, we explore the path back to peace.
 
ELIZABETH NEUMANN served as the Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention at the US Department of Homeland Security. Elizabeth is an ABC News contributor and the Chief Strategy Officer at Moonshot which builds solutions for one of the most pressing challenges facing communities around the world: violent extremism. She is also the author of the important new book, Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace.
 
01:41 Elizabeth's Journey: From Counterterrorism to Author; 
04:12 Exploring the Roots of Extremism and Personal Faith; 
24:04 The Role of Media and Social Media in Shaping Views; 
29:16 Raising Informed and Engaged Citizens; 
33:51 Comparing the George W. Bush and Trump Administrations; 
42:48 Navigating Trump's Influence and Policy Challenges; 
44:09 Forecasting the Future: A Second Trump Administration; 
44:26 The Impact of Inexperienced Appointees and Ideological Shifts; 
45:15 The Global Implications of Withdrawing from NATO and Support for Ukraine; 
47:31 Analyzing the January 6th Insurrection and Its Precursors; 
55:24 The Role of Christian Extremism in Political Violence; 
01:03:36 Addressing Extremism and the Importance of Local Engagement; 
01:14:21 Conversations Across Differences: Strategies for Dialogue
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
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
 
elizabethneumann.org
 
elizabethneumann.org/book/

"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.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
 
Please support our wonderful sponsor Meza Wealth Management: 
https://www.mezawealth.com/
 
adamkinzinger.substack.com
 
www.country1st.com
 
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723495/renegade-by-adam-kinzinger-with-michael-dantonio/

Are REPUBLICAN VOTERS AGAINST TRUMP our greatest BULWARK against authoritarianism and the most significant constituency in DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER? (Dad jokes about the future of our Constitutional Republic aside...) Bill Kristol shares his thoughts on the state of our democracy and how this year's consequential election is shaping up.
 
So glad to be joined again by Bill Kristol, Editor at Large of The Bulwark; Director of Defending Democracy Together; and Host of Conversations with Bill Kristol. We took time to reflect on Bill’s early political experiences, including his roles in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, his academic career, and his work with the Project for the Republican Future. We also touch on our shared passion for baseball, particularly for the New York Mets! We then delve into Bill’s critical views on the Trump presidency, the rise of authoritarianism, and the importance of defending liberal democracy. He shares insights into his efforts with the Republican Voters Against Trump initiative and the importance of bipartisan engagement in preserving democratic norms. We then discuss the impact of social and political polarization, the significance of grassroots activism, and the need for open, exploratory dialogue across ideological divides. We wind down with Bill emphasizing the resilience of the American political system and the potential for positive change through collective action and constructive discourse.
 
00:52 Meet Bill Kristol: A Storied Career in Politics; 
01:58 Baseball and Politics: A Personal Connection; 
04:09 Navigating Political Ideologies: From Youth to Present; 
05:41 The Evolution of Political Beliefs and the Impact of External Changes; 
10:18 The Threat of Illiberalism and the Defense of Liberal Democracy; 
15:21 Exploring the Dangers of Trumpism and Authoritarian Tendencies; 
26:56 The Role of Intellectuals and Voters in Shaping Political Futures; 
33:59 The Impact of Testimonials from Former Trump Voters; 
34:53 The Strategy Behind Targeting Swing Voters; 
35:54 Challenges and Strategies in Political Advertising; 
36:55 Building a Broad Coalition Against Trump; 
42:09 The Role of Money in Politics and Campaign Strategies; 
44:34 Fostering Careers and Nurturing Talent in Politics; 
50:43 The Evolution of Political Discourse and Outreach; 
54:36 Final Thoughts on Political Engagement and Hope
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
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.thebulwark.com
 
www.defendingdemocracytogether.org
 
twitter.com/BillKristol