Episodios

  • Bishop Mary Glasspool on Faith, Courage, and Making Room for One Another (Best Of TP&R)

    Bishop Mary Glasspool on Faith, Courage, and Making Room for One Another (Best Of TP&R)
    Jan 2 2026
    Bishop Mary Glasspool models what it looks like to live one’s convictions with courage, humility, and grace — this “Best Of” episode reminds us that pluralism is not an abstraction, but a practice. Best Of TP&R As we close out the year, we’re resurfacing a small handful of conversations from the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other archive that best reflect what this show exists to do: create space for thoughtful disagreement, moral seriousness, and the hard work of living together in a pluralistic democracy. In this Best of 2025 spotlight, we revisit a deeply human and spiritually rich conversation with Bishop Mary D. Glasspool, a pioneering leader in the Episcopal Church whose life and ministry embody the possibility of faith without fear, conviction without coercion, and leadership without domination. From her early years growing up in the church, to wrestling with vocation, identity, and resistance from within her own denomination, Bishop Glasspool reflects on what it means to remain rooted in one’s faith while staying genuinely open to others — across theology, politics, and lived experience. This is not a conversation about winning arguments. It’s about becoming the kind of people who can stay in relationship even when the conversations are hard. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion What We Explore Growing up in the Episcopal Church and discovering a call to ministry Wrestling with faith, sexuality, and belonging during moments of deep personal and institutional resistance The historic ordination of women and the legacy of the Philadelphia 11 Why being deeply rooted in one’s own faith can make genuine interfaith dialogue possible Navigating polarization, fear, and exhaustion within religious communities The difference between hope and expectation — and why hope must remain central How listening, silence, and collaboration can heal what competition and certainty have fractured Highlights & Timestamps [00:00:00] Why this conversation still matters — and why we’re resurfacing it now [00:03:00] Growing up Episcopalian and the formative power of place, family, and church [00:13:00] Faith as identity vs. faith as choice — and learning to remain rooted without fear [00:19:00] Women’s ordination, the Philadelphia 11, and a church at a crossroads [00:31:00] Reconciling vocation, sexuality, and faith when the institution says “no” [00:40:00] Creating space for people who disagree — without surrendering conviction [00:48:00] Clergy exhaustion, political division, and the call to preach the basics [00:53:00] Hope vs. expectation — and why hope leaves the future in God’s hands [00:59:00] Why diversity is a strength — and what it takes to live that truth [01:06:00] Three closing reflections: beyond binaries, the discipline of listening, and collaboration over competition Memorable Quotes 🗣️ “If you are deeply rooted in your own faith, you are not threatened by people of other faiths.” — Bishop Mary Glasspool 🗣️ “Hope is not the same as expectation. Hope leaves the future in God’s hands.” — Bishop Mary Glasspool 🗣️ “Diversity is not a problem to be solved — it’s a strength to be lived into.” — Bishop Mary Glasspool ❤️ “The risk of staying in relationship is real — but it’s where hope lives.” — Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: The Philadelphia Eleven Documentary: https://www.philadelphiaelevenfilm.com The Episcopal Church: https://www.episcopalchurch.org Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... SubstackLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterThreadsBlueskyTikTok Thanks to Our Sponsors: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group It’s not about erasing difference. It’s about making room for one another — with courage, humility, and care.
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    1 h y 12 m
  • Real Argument, Real Hope with E.J. Dionne (Best of 2025)

    Real Argument, Real Hope with E.J. Dionne (Best of 2025)
    Dec 29 2025

    E.J. Dionne brings moral clarity and humility to the hardest questions in public life — this “Best Of” episode reminds us what real dialogue can be.

    Best Of TP&R

    As we close out the year, we’re resurfacing a small handful of conversations from the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other archive that best reflect what this show exists to do: create space for thoughtful disagreement, moral seriousness, and the hard work of living together in a pluralistic democracy.

    In this Best of 2025 spotlight, we revisit one of the year’s most profound and inspiring conversations — a powerful episode featuring journalist, scholar, and public intellectual E.J. Dionne Jr.

    From discussing the soul of democracy to the essential role of faith and hope in civic life, E.J. offers wisdom forged over decades of public service, writing, and dialogue.

    Calls to Action:

    ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization.

    ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.

    ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics

    ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com

    ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

    What We Explore:

    • How E.J.’s upbringing shaped his approach to political argument.

    • The moral imperative of engaging with ideas we disagree with.

    • The difference between optimism and hope — and why the latter is vital.

    • How faith and pluralism can bridge deep divides.

    Highlights & Timestamps:

    • [00:03:00] E.J. on his father’s influence in encouraging thoughtful disagreement.

    • [00:06:00] Delving into DEI and the “woke” discourse — beyond caricatures.

    • [00:10:00] Unexpected ways the Trump era united pro-democracy coalitions.

    • [00:15:00] Economic pain and populist anger in Fall River, Massachusetts.

    • [00:24:00] The virtue of hope in sustaining public life and discourse.

    • [00:36:00] E.J.'s personal faith journey and the humility of belief.

    • [00:48:00] Reflections on Pope Francis and the Catholic Church’s evolution.

    • [01:05:00] What keeps E.J. up at night — and what gives him hope.

    Memorable Quotes:

    "In real argument, you enter imaginatively into the ideas your opponent holds." — E.J. Dionne

    "Hope is the virtue on which faith and love depend." — E.J. Dionne

    "You can really disagree with people you love, and you can love people you disagree with." — E.J. Dionne

    "We find sanctity even in mundane conversations." — Corey Nathan

    Resources & Mentions:

    • E.J. Dionne, Brookings Institution: www.brookings.edu/people/e-j-dionne

    • Column, New York Times: www.nytimes.com/by/e-j-dionne-jr

    Connect on Social Media:

    Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials...

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    • Facebook
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    • Twitter
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    Thanks to Our Sponsors:

    • Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org

    • The Village Square: villagesquare.us

    • Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com

    Proud members of The Democracy Group

    It’s not about agreeing on everything. It’s about disagreeing with integrity, and listening with love.
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    1 h y 19 m
  • Making Room for Disagreement: Jonathan Rauch & Liz Joyner on Heterodox Academy and the Courage to Keep Talking

    Making Room for Disagreement: Jonathan Rauch & Liz Joyner on Heterodox Academy and the Courage to Keep Talking
    Dec 26 2025
    Best Of TP&R As we close out the year, we’re resurfacing a small handful of conversations from the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other archive that best reflect what this show exists to do: create space for thoughtful disagreement, moral seriousness, and the hard work of living together in a pluralistic democracy. This conversation with Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner stands out as a true highlight — not just because of the ideas discussed, but because of the spirit in which they’re explored: curiosity, generosity, and an insistence that liberal democracy is something we must actively practice. Whether this is your first time hearing it or you’re returning to it, I’m really glad you’re here. Why defending viewpoint diversity might be the most radical—and necessary—act in higher education today. What a treat to welcome two leading voices in the fight for viewpoint diversity and constructive civic dialogue: Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at Brookings and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, and Liz Joyner, founder of The Village Square. Recorded at a moment of rising polarization — and resurfaced now because its insights have only grown more urgent — Jon and Liz unpack the mission of Heterodox Academy (HxA). As board members, Jon and Liz unpack the organization’s mission to restore open inquiry and truth-seeking within higher education—and how these values are essential to preserving our democracy at large. With personal stories, sharp analysis, and even a few laughs, they explore what we each can do to counter the ecosystem of illiberalism and strengthen the social fabric. Calls to Action: ✅ If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] Intro: What’s broken in our democracy and how we fix it [00:01:00] Meet the guests: Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner [00:03:00] What is Heterodox Academy and how did it begin? [00:06:00] Rauch on early signs of "wokeness" and Kindly Inquisitors [00:08:00] Joyner’s grassroots experience with ideological diversity at Village Square [00:10:00] The "ecosystem of illiberalism" and why liberal principles matter [00:15:00] Can HxA help defend against external political coercion? [00:20:00] Are we headed toward institutional collapse or renewal? [00:25:00] Speech vs. coercion: The cultural and legal frontlines [00:33:00] Personal costs of speaking out: Corey’s Chappelle story [00:36:00] What should institutions do to defend free speech? [00:39:00] On the Trump administration’s authoritarian tactics [00:45:00] Fears for 2026 and 2028 elections [00:48:00] Signs of progress: Academic reform, FIRE, and HxA programs [00:54:00] How to break the cycle of intolerance [00:56:00] How do we actually talk to people who disagree? [01:01:00] "Love people back into communion with liberalism" [01:08:00] The local vs. national divide—learning from LA’s fires & ICE raids [01:14:00] Final reflections: Reclaiming truth, curiosity, and compassion Key Takeaways Liberalism needs defenders: Jon reminds us that truth-seeking demands criticism—and that “criticism hurts, but it’s necessary.” Civic spaces matter: Liz underscores the importance of local, respectful dialogue and building trust before crisis hits. The ecosystem is the problem: Illiberalism isn't coming from just one side; it’s a reactive spiral we must all help disrupt. Institutions must hold firm: It's not disagreement that's dangerous—it's coercion by powerful entities that silence dissent. Each of us has a role: From book clubs to coffee shops, we can all “love people back into communion with liberalism.” Notable Quotes “We are better together. A diverse people can self-govern—if we protect the institutions that help us do so.” – Liz Joyner “If I’m talking, I’m not learning. If I’m listening, I probably am.” – Jonathan Rauch “What I’d like you to talk about today is how we can love people back into communion with liberalism.” – Quoting Jonathan V. Last (via Liz Joyner) Resources & Mentions Heterodox Academy - heterodoxacademy.org The Constitution of Knowledge - www.brookings.edu/books/the-constitution-of-knowledge Kindly Inquisitors - press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/K/bo18140749.html A University the World Has Never Seen- heterodoxacademy.substack.com/p/a-university-the-world-has-never Jonathan Rauch- jonathanrauch.typepad.com Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... ...
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    1 h y 25 m
  • Mónica Guzmán | Fearless Curiosity in a Time of Outrage

    Mónica Guzmán | Fearless Curiosity in a Time of Outrage
    Dec 23 2025
    A conversation worth revisiting. Mónica Guzmán’s work captures the spirit of Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other at its best: fearlessly curious, deeply humane, and committed to bridging divides without sacrificing conviction. In this Best of TP&R episode, Corey revisits his wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation with Mónica Guzmán — journalist, author of I Never Thought of It That Way, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, and one of the most trusted voices in America’s bridge-building movement. Together, they explore why outrage so easily masquerades as moral clarity, how curiosity can act as a cooling force in moments of political rage, and why dialogue and activism are not opposing paths but necessary partners. Mónica reflects candidly on her own fears, boundaries, and doubts — including how to know when understanding must give way to action, and how to stay vigilant without becoming certain too quickly. This conversation also digs into free speech, Congress’s abdication of responsibility, the ethics of moderation and “proven falsehoods,” and why policing structure rather than content may be one of the most overlooked tools for healthier public discourse. If you’re new to TP&R — or if you’ve been looking for a hopeful, serious, and intellectually honest entry point into what this show is about — this episode remains one of our clearest expressions of that mission. Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Why revisiting this conversation matters right now [00:03] Processing elections without losing perspective [00:06] Recognizing when outrage needs curiosity [00:09] Congress, executive power, and shared civic frustration [00:12] COVID, free speech, and lived experience across divides [00:17] When understanding persuades — and when it doesn’t [00:20] Boundaries, bridge-burning, and “loving from a safe distance” [00:28] Moderation, misinformation, and policing structure vs. content [00:37] Dialogue and activism — why we need both [00:45] What good journalism actually looks like [00:50] Where Mónica’s bridge-building instinct began [00:57] Parenting, power, and conflict at the most human level [01:00] The real work of talking politics & religion without killing each other Key Takeaways • Outrage isn’t clarity — it’s often unexamined fear looking for certainty. • Curiosity doesn’t weaken conviction; it strengthens discernment. • Dialogue without action can become navel-gazing — but action without dialogue is reckless. • Policing how we engage often matters more than policing what is said. • Bridge-building isn’t naïve optimism; it’s disciplined moral courage. Notable Quotes “Engagement is not endorsement.” “Dialogue without activism is navel-gazing. Activism without dialogue is doomed.” “Certainty is tempting — vigilance is harder.” “Sometimes courage looks like not burning the bridge.” Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... SubstackLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterThreadsBlueskyTikTok Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in hope and humility.
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Wrapping Up 2025 with Reflection, Reckoning, and Resolve

    Wrapping Up 2025 with Reflection, Reckoning, and Resolve
    Dec 19 2025

    A raw, reflective journey through the political upheavals, personal reckonings, and hard-won hope of 2025.

    Episode Summary

    Corey takes us on a tour of 2025’s most pivotal moments—both in politics and in his own life. He recounts the Trump administration’s controversial actions, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and civic responses like the No Kings Rallies. Interwoven are deeply personal stories: Corey’s mental health struggles, the loss of a friendship, and a psychotic break that led to crucial self-reflection.

    But it’s also a celebration: of the TP&R community, of new collaborations with Pew Research Center and Weave, and of the many courageous conversations shared on the pod. From Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde to Governor John Kasich, from wildfires to wake-up calls, 2025 was a year of complexity—and Corey captures it all with honesty and heart.

    Calls to Action

    ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation.

    ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.

    ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen

    ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com

    ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

    Timestamps & Topics

    [00:00] Opening & Shoutouts Thanks to Pew Research Center, Village Square, and our new show: East Meets West Sports

    [01:30] Year in Political Review Trump’s second term: Pardons, ICE expansion, inflation, foreign policy failures The assassination of Charlie Kirk and national grief 2025 elections and democratic resilience

    [08:00] The No Kings Rallies & Civic Engagement An unforgettable conversation with an 87-year-old woman who attended Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech Reflections on American threats—and hope

    [09:30] Personal Reckonings A broken friendship, mental health collapse, setting healthy boundaries “One of the few times I had to block someone I once considered a friend.”

    [14:00] TP&R in 2025: The Guests Who Shaped the Year Revisiting conversations with:

    • Wajahat Ali

    • Dr. Beth Allison Barr

    • Jonathan Rauch & Liz Joyner

    • Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

    • Rep. Ritchie Torres

    • David French

    • McKay Coppins, EJ Dionne, Isaac Saul & more!

    [24:00] On Free Speech & Evolving Views Why Corey no longer blocks or mutes—he now believes in the power of “better speech”

    [26:00] Favorite Moments & New Projects Civic bridges with Weave Collaboration with Pew Research Launching East Meets West Sports

    [38:00] Hard-Won Wisdom: 5 Boundaries for Healthier Dialogue When it’s time to walk away from toxic conversations

    Notable Quotes

    “We’re facing unprecedented threats to our democracy—but also experiencing a renaissance in civic engagement.”

    “The best way to combat bad speech is with good speech. Better speech.”

    Connect with Corey

    Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials...

    • Substack
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    • Facebook
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    • Twitter
    • Threads
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    • TikTok
    Our Sponsors

    • Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org

    • The Village Square: villagesquare.us

    • Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com

    Proud members of The Democracy Group

    Final Reflections

    Take a breath. Take inventory. Set boundaries. And step into the new year with gentleness and respect.

    Wishing you a peaceful end to 2025 and a hopeful beginning to 2026. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and yes… Happy Festivus! 🎄🕎🎉
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    46 m
  • Weaving Light into Chaos with Nikki Harris

    Weaving Light into Chaos with Nikki Harris
    Dec 15 2025
    A Weaver’s Journey of Art, Advocacy, and Belonging — from WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project In this edition of our special Weavers series, we sit down with Nikki Harris—fiber artist, mother, advocate, and community connector from Baltimore, Maryland. Through art and action, Nikki embodies what it means to weave the social fabric. She shares her journey from self-taught fiber artist to founding HGE Designs, and from 911 dispatcher to autism advocate with Pathfinders for Autism. This conversation delves into what it truly means to create space—for healing, for connection, and for community. Nikki opens up about raising her son Roman, navigating systems as a caregiver, and the spiritual resilience it takes to serve while healing herself. Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Highlights [00:01:00] – 🎨 What is a fiber artist? Nikki’s journey to fiber art and how it began as therapy for her and her son. [00:05:00] – 💡 Creating art for sensory engagement: Tactile art as a bridge to connection for her son and others with sensory needs. [00:08:00] – 🖼️ Nikki’s favorite piece: A portrait of Roman mid-fry at Chick-fil-A—and the touching story behind it. [00:11:00] – 🧵 The birth of HGE Designs: A dad’s encouragement, a mall encounter, and a scarf that helped pay for therapy. [00:14:00] – 🧒 Spotlight on Nick: Her older son’s quiet strength and deep empathy as a big brother to Roman. [00:21:00] – 🏫 Building systems of care: Nikki’s work with schools, hospitals, and emergency services to create inclusive systems. [00:26:00] – 🚨 From 911 dispatcher to advocate: Real-world applications of her emergency service experience in autism advocacy. [00:35:00] – 💔 The wall and the hospital: A pivotal moment during COVID that deepened Nikki’s mission. [00:39:00] – ✨ Faith over fear: Tattoos, God-engineered paths, and finding miracles in moments of despair. [00:43:00] – 🧘‍♀️ Reiki and rest: How Nikki refuels through meditation, art, and her tribe of supporters. [00:47:00] – 🤝 Discovering Weave: Finding the Weave Speakers Bureau—and finding her voice. [00:50:00] – 💬 Politics, funding, and community self-reliance: Why community is the greatest resource. [00:54:00] – 💬 How do we talk across divides? The power of “why” in understanding others. Key Takeaways “Creating for one means creating for many.” Nikki's commitment to building inclusive spaces for her son has ripple effects across Baltimore and beyond. "God-engineered." Her life path may not have been planned—but it all fits. Fiber art, advocacy, and community work interweave into a purpose-driven life. “I don’t care about being right. I just want us to get it right.” A guiding principle for productive collaboration across differences. Faith, art, and healing are inseparable. Nikki finds spiritual nourishment in everything from crochet to reiki to prayer. Caregiving doesn’t mean self-erasure. Her marriage, her tribe, and her creative practice help keep her cup full as she pours into others. Links & Mentions 🔗 HGE Designs: www.instagram.com/hge_designs 🧠 Pathfinders for Autism: www.pathfindersforautism.org 🧵 Weave: The Social Fabric Project: weareweavers.org Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... SubstackLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterThreadsBlueskyTikTok Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group May you find the courage to create space — for yourself, for others, and for a future woven with care, connection, and quiet strength.
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    1 h y 11 m
  • ICYMI: Curtis Chang on Fear, Faith & Healing Our Political Witness

    ICYMI: Curtis Chang on Fear, Faith & Healing Our Political Witness
    Dec 11 2025

    A deeply clarifying conversation about fear, faith, and how Christians can reclaim a healthier way of engaging in public life.

    In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his thoughtful and timely dialogue with Curtis Chang—public theologian, founder of Redeeming Babel, and co-creator (with David French, Dr. Russell Moore and Nancy French) of The After Party, a project devoted to healing the political fractures tearing churches and friendships apart.

    Curtis explains why so much of our modern polarization isn’t actually about facts, but untended anxiety posing as conviction. He lays out how Christians can cultivate moral confidence without moral combat, why conspiracy theories often function as emotional painkillers, and what it looks like to move from combatant, cynic, or exhausted bystander toward the spiritual posture of a disciple.

    If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this conversation is a grounded, hopeful entry point into what we’re about.

    📣 Calls to Action

    ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation.

    ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.

    ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen

    ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com

    ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

    ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics

    [00:00] Why Curtis Chang’s work matters in this political moment [00:02] Anxiety as the hidden driver of polarization [00:06] Conspiracy theories as emotional “certainty drugs” [00:12] Faith, history, and what Christians misunderstand about the Resurrection [00:17] Cynicism, disengagement, and reclaiming hope [00:21] The origins of The After Party and its vision for church renewal [00:27] “Disappearings,” broken relationships, and the danger of social withdrawal [00:38] Zealots, tax collectors, and Jesus’s political imagination [00:42] The spiritual power of shared meals [00:47] Combatants, Cynics, the Exhausted — and the path toward “Disciple” [00:55] The hunger for a better way to live out our faith in public

    🧠 Key Takeaways

    • Anxiety drives more polarization than ideology. When fear is unexamined, it disguises itself as righteous certainty. • Conspiracy theories offer false relief. They provide temporary emotional clarity, not truth. • Jesus models a politics of proximity. Tax collectors and zealots shared the same table — not because they agreed, but because He held them together. • Shared meals heal what arguments can’t. Embodied community diffuses fear and restores relationship. • Discipleship is the way forward. Hope + humility > combat, cynicism, and exhaustion.

    💬 Notable Quotes

    “Conspiracy theories are like Xanax for Christian anxiety.” “Jesus formed a political community that held zealots and tax collectors in the same circle.” “We need to recover the how of politics — the spiritual posture — not just the what.” “You can’t heal the world if you’ve disappeared the people in it.”

    🔗 Connect with Corey

    Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials...

    • Substack
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Threads
    • Bluesky
    • TikTok
    🙌 Our Sponsors

    • Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org

    • The Village Square: villagesquare.us

    • Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com

    Proud members of The Democracy Group

    🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in hope and humility.
    Más Menos
    59 m
  • Pew Research’s Gregory A. Smith on What Americans Really Believe—and Why the Data Might Surprise You

    Pew Research’s Gregory A. Smith on What Americans Really Believe—and Why the Data Might Surprise You
    Dec 9 2025
    Forget what you think you know about religion in America. The latest research from Pew reveals a story that’s more complex—and more hopeful—than the headlines suggest. Corey sits down with Gregory A. Smith, who’s spent over two decades studying how faith and identity shape American public life. In this no-fluff conversation, Greg unpacks the surprising stabilization of religious affiliation, the myths about Gen Z’s spiritual life, and how a well-worded survey can teach us more than a pundit ever could. They also explore the emotional courage it takes to study religion without evangelizing it—and why 80% of Christians say you don’t have to agree about Trump to be a “good Christian.” 🧭 If you’re new to TP&R, this is an eye-opening intro to how data, faith, and civic life intersect—grounded in transparency, humility, and curiosity. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Meet Greg Smith — and why Pew’s research matters in polarized times [00:04] From political science to religion & politics: Greg’s unexpected career path [00:07] Personal roots: Growing up Catholic, noticing politics in the pews [00:12] Designing good survey questions: clarity, neutrality, and transparency [00:20] The art & science of polling: how sample sizes actually work [00:34] The rise of the “nones” and the plateau of religious decline [00:40] What the pandemic revealed about faith, habits & resilience [00:49] Gender, politics, and religion: surprising shifts in who’s leaving faith [00:54] Can good Christians disagree about Donald Trump? (Short answer: yes!) [01:01] Pew’s mission of nonpartisanship—and how to spot bad data [01:05] Talking across differences: assume good intent, ask good questions 🧠 Key Takeaways • Faith is changing—but not disappearing. After decades of decline, American religiosity has surprisingly leveled off. • Young people aren’t flocking to church—but they’re not abandoning it at the same rate anymore either. • Survey design matters. A question’s wording can shape the narrative. Pew’s commitment to transparency lets the data speak for itself. • Data ≠ dogma. Pew doesn’t advocate policy or religion—they provide tools for understanding. • People surprise us. 80% of U.S. Christians agree: good Christians can disagree about Donald Trump. 💬 Notable Quotes “If you want to measure change, you cannot change the measures.” “Religion’s decline is real—but in the last five years, it's stopped declining.” “Being transparent doesn’t just build trust; it lets people decide for themselves.” “Our surveys aren’t about converting anyone. They’re about understanding everyone.” 🔗 Pew Research Resources Pew Research Center – Religion & Public Life Explore data-driven insights on faith, identity, and public life in America. pewresearch.org/topic/religion Religious Landscape Study (2007, 2014, 2023‑24) A definitive, multi-decade survey tracking American religious beliefs, behaviors, and affiliations. pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study 📄 Religion Holds Steady in America (2025) The latest research: no clear evidence of a religious revival among young adults—just enduring complexity. Read the report 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... SubstackLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterThreadsBlueskyTikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be grounded in good questions—and guided by honest curiosity.
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