Episodios

  • Scripture, Satire, and Silicon Salvation: Lisa Rose Ferrara’s CHRISTBOT

    Scripture, Satire, and Silicon Salvation: Lisa Rose Ferrara’s CHRISTBOT
    Nov 11 2025
    🤖 What happens when an ex-campus minister turned agnostic writes a novel about AI Jesus? You get this wide-ranging and deeply moving conversation between Corey and Lisa Rose Ferrara—writer of the Substack The Dangling Door and author of the novel CHRISTBOT. Lisa doesn’t just reflect on the absurdities of our sociopolitical moment—she rewrites the rules of faith, technology, and identity with humor and radical compassion. Lisa shares her journey from devout Catholicism and youth ministry to faith deconstruction and reimagination. We explore how her latest work—a bold novella that envisions Jesus as an AI—offers not just commentary but a challenge to the weaponization of religion. In this episode, Lisa Rose and Corey dive into: Parenting non-binary children in an age of cultural backlash, How the AI “Christbot” became a vessel for radical empathy, Why she still writes with reverence for scripture despite being agnostic, What it's like growing up around MAGA family while staying grounded in truth and love. This is a conversation that will shake your theology and maybe even upgrade your soul software. ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Lisa’s background in design, motherhood, and rediscovering writing [00:04] From New Jersey to Pennsylvania: raising three kids, two of whom are non-binary [00:07] Lisa’s early Catholic faith, crisis during youth ministry, and journey to atheism [00:13] Crafting CHRISTBOT: origin story, character inspirations, and narrative arc [00:18] AI as theological mirror: using tech, Scripture, and saints to build a digital messiah [00:24] On dogma, power, and why organized religion fears open-source faith [00:29] Resistance through satire and the cultural absurdities that fuel her Substack [00:33] Reflecting on the 2024 election: hope, Gen Z activism, and small-town politics [00:38] TP&R question: Practicing compassion without requiring belief [00:44] On family disagreements, MAGA relatives, and bridging political divides [00:49] Corey’s origin story: from fundamentalist church to conversation bridge-builder [00:57] Final reflections & Lisa’s upcoming book launch at Black Dog Books (Nov 14!) 🧠 Key Takeaways Faith isn’t broken—its weaponization is. Lisa challenges listeners to rethink what it means to believe by showcasing compassion as the central metric, not dogma. Parenting in a polarized world means being present, humble, and fiercely loving—especially when your children’s identities are up for debate. AI + Scripture = Radical Love. CHRISTBOT imagines a digital messiah who quotes Julian of Norwich and says, “Belief is not the price of love.” Yes, please. Satire is spiritual armor. Lisa’s Substack The Dangling Door is her defibrillator for democratic discourse—a way to laugh instead of scream. Compassion transcends belief. Whether you're religious, agnostic, or somewhere in between, practicing empathy without expectation is revolutionary. 💬 Notable Quotes “Belief is not the price of love. You do not need to believe in me, for me to believe in you.” “I realized I wasn’t anti-religion. I was anti-weaponization of religion.” “Faith should be dynamic. It should invite questions, not silence them.” “Don’t talk about politics and religion? You might as well render me mute.” “We’re not disagreeing on what we want—just how to get there.” 📣 Calls to Action ✅ Tell a friend about TP&R! Help spread thoughtful conversation. ✅ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect Lisa Rose Ferrara on Substack, The Dangling Door — thedanglingdoor.substack.com Lisa's website: lisaroseferrara.com You can also buy CHRISTBOT here: bit.ly/christbot_LRF_book Corey is @coreysnathan on... SubstackLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterThreadsBlueskyTikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    1 h y 3 m
  • From Military Police to Soft Secession: Christopher Armitage on Resisting Authoritarian Drift

    From Military Police to Soft Secession: Christopher Armitage on Resisting Authoritarian Drift
    Nov 7 2025
    What happens when a former military cop, existentialist philosopher, and Substack firebrand walks into a podcast? You get this riveting conversation between Corey and Christopher Armitage, who pulls no punches when it comes to democracy, resistance, and why “soft secession” might be the only sane response to creeping authoritarianism. Chris is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, prolific writer, and founder of The Existentialist Republic. From his early days in New Jersey wrestling circles to his transformation into an outspoken advocate for “soft secession,” Chris shares deeply personal reflections and bold policy ideas aimed at confronting rising authoritarianism in America. Through a mix of dark humor, philosophical grounding, and actionable insights, Chris breaks down: What “soft secession” really means (hint: it’s not Civil War 2.0), How localism and economic independence can fortify democracy, What ICE agents, serotonin, and Friedrich Nietzsche have in common, And why writing with relentless truth might be the ultimate form of resistance. This isn’t just another political chat—it’s a defibrillator for the democratic spirit. ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Chris’s multi-faceted background [00:04] Jersey roots, high school wrestling, and joining the Air Force [00:07] Serving as military police & navigating mental health in public service [00:13] From law enforcement to Substack: becoming a full-time writer [00:16] On Project 2025, ICE, authoritarianism, and systemic corruption [00:24] What is “soft secession” and why does it matter now? [00:29] Holding federal tax dollars in escrow — a controversial idea [00:33] Learning from Viktor Orbán, The Troubles, and global democracies [00:38] ICE overreach, due process violations, and local accountability [00:45] TP&R question: Can we still talk across our differences? [00:49] Dopamine vs. serotonin: the brain chemistry of politics [00:52] Final reflections: Hope, joy, and being a rebel for the good 🧠 Key Takeaways Soft secession isn’t about seceding from the union—it’s about building parallel structures and asserting state sovereignty when the federal government becomes illegitimate or abusive. Existentialism offers a philosophical lens to grapple with despair, absurdity, and the need for personal responsibility in chaotic times. Corruption isn't abstract: Christopher outlines how hundreds of billions have been diverted from essential services like SNAP and SSI under the current regime. Local action is powerful: From holding ICE agents accountable to auditing tax fund allocation, states and municipalities are not powerless. We must resist with joy: Even amid chaos, fostering joy, community, and purpose is essential—both for resilience and resistance. 💬 Notable Quotes “We're not losing democracy. Federal democracy is pretty much dead. The Constitution is dead. But that doesn't mean we can't still build something better.” “It's not about labeling this fascism or kleptocracy—it's about calling it what it is: bad.” “Let the zealots win, and we’re cooked. But if rational people care more, we still have a chance.” “Serotonin levels rise when you feel seen and heard. Listening might actually be the antidote to polarization.” “Put ICE agents in handcuffs if they break the law. It’s that simple.” 📣 Calls to Action ✅ Tell a friend about TP&R! Help spread thoughtful conversation. ✅ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect Christopher Armitage on Substack, The Existentialist Republic — cmarmitage.substack.com Corey is @coreysnathan on... SubstackLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterThreadsBlueskyTikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    1 h y 3 m
  • 5 Boundaries That Signal It’s Time to Walk Away From Toxic Dialogue

    5 Boundaries That Signal It’s Time to Walk Away From Toxic Dialogue
    Nov 4 2025

    Not every relationship can—or should—be salvaged. In this solo episode, Corey shares a personal story and outlines five unmistakable red flags that tell you it’s time to step back to protect your peace.

    Sometimes, staying in the conversation means knowing when to step away. In this raw and introspective solo episode, host Corey Nathan opens up about a deeply personal encounter that pushed him to confront a painful question: When is it time to “unfriend” someone—really unfriend them?

    With vulnerability and clarity, Corey unpacks a recent experience with someone who crossed multiple emotional and ideological lines. What begins as a story about a text thread gone wrong unfolds into a thoughtful reflection on the emotional cost of dialogue, the importance of mutual respect, and the red lines we all must define for ourselves if we're to stay sane and whole in polarized times.

    If you’ve ever wrestled with staying true to your values while trying to build bridges, this episode will resonate deeply. 🙏

    📣 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
    • [00:01:00] The No Kings Rally: A peaceful protest, misunderstood
    • [00:02:30] A late-night text spirals into an ugly confrontation
    • [00:05:00] Is it ever okay to hit “unfriend” in real life?
    • [00:06:30] The five red flags that made Corey draw a boundary
    • [00:09:00] Mocking entire groups: prejudice by another name
    • [00:11:00] Misconstrued views and a lack of genuine curiosity
    • [00:13:00] “That which labels me, negates me” — on being dehumanized
    • [00:16:00] The false logic of guilt by association
    • [00:18:30] Why it’s not about trans athletes or guns—it’s about bigotry
    • [00:20:00] Setting limits to protect your peace
    • [00:23:30] “Know thyself”: Taking inventory of your boundaries
    • [00:25:00] No perfection, just progress—why this journey is still worth it
    🧠 Key Takeaways

    There is a line. Even bridge-builders have boundaries. It's okay to step back when a relationship becomes toxic.

    Not all disagreement is dialogue. Genuine curiosity and respect are the bare minimum for constructive conversation.

    Bigotry wears many faces. When someone mocks an entire group, it's not “opinion”—it's prejudice.

    You don’t have to account for others’ sins. Being mislabeled or forced to explain someone else’s actions is unjust.

    This is a journey. Corey doesn't claim to have it all figured out—but he's committed to showing up with humility and honesty.

    🔗 Connect on Social Media

    Corey is @coreysnathan on:

    • Bluesky

    • LinkedIn

    • Instagram

    • Threads

    • Facebook

    • TikTok

    • Substack

    🙌 Our Sponsors

    • Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

    • The Village Square: villagesquare.us

    Proud members of The Democracy Group

    🎧 Thanks for listening! May your conversations be honest, your boundaries healthy, and your courage contagious. Go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    31 m
  • Is Democracy Backsliding? David A. Graham on Power, Press, and What Comes Next

    Is Democracy Backsliding? David A. Graham on Power, Press, and What Comes Next
    Oct 31 2025
    From Project 2025 to creeping authoritarianism, Atlantic journalist David A. Graham lays out the threats to democracy — and why he still believes it's worth defending. Glad to have this timely conversation with David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter, and the mind behind two major works: THE PROJECT: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America and his latest featured story in THE ATLANTIC, Donald Trump's Plan to Subvert the Midterms Is Already Underway. In this jam-packed discussion, David breaks down the real-world impact of Project 2025, why competitive authoritarianism isn’t just for foreign regimes anymore, and what history can teach us about the fragility—and resilience—of American democracy. We also explore David's deep love for jazz and Americana music, his reflections on faith and public discourse, and how local connections might be the key to healing national divides. This is not a story about doom. It’s about awareness, preparedness, and the people working behind the scenes to protect democracy. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help grow this thoughtful community. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch full conversations and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Intro, Substack shoutout, and meeting David A. Graham [00:02] Early influences: NPR, Gulf War, and the writing bug [00:05] Becoming a journalist — college newsroom days at Duke [00:07] Learning by doing (and some good editors) [00:09] AI, writing, and the ethics of journalistic tools [00:13] Who were Karen Blumenthal and John F. Burness? [00:14] Project 2025 and what it means for executive power [00:18] Who are Paul Dans and Russell Vought — and why they matter [00:24] Is this constitutional? Checks, balances, and the Founders’ intent [00:27] Future scenarios: Trump, DOJ, FBI, and election chaos [00:30] Local election workers: the unsung heroes of democracy [00:34] Competitive authoritarianism: what it is and where we are [00:39] Talking faith, politics — and jazz! 🎷 [00:43] From Coltrane to Dylan to pedal steel guitar [00:46] The TP&R Question: Can we still talk across differences? [00:50] What David is reading, writing, and reflecting on now 🧠 Key Takeaways Project 2025 isn’t just policy — it’s about reshaping how power works. Competitive authoritarianism is creeping into American life — but it's not too late. Localism may be our best antidote to national polarization. Great journalism starts with great questions (and good editors). The antidote to disinformation? Better, more human conversations. 💬 Notable Quotes “Do you want one person—who might not even be in your party—to have this much power?” “I’m fundamentally an institutionalist. Stability, history, and norms matter.” “The opposite of authoritarianism isn’t just elections — it’s fairness, accountability, and a level playing field.” “We have to update our idea of what authoritarianism looks like. It’s not always tanks in the street.” 🔗 Connect on Social Media David A. Graham — @dgraham.bsky.social 📚 The Atlantic Daily Newsletter — Subscribe Here Corey is @coreysnathan on... SubstackBlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookTikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    1 h y 4 m
  • LB Prevette on Weave, Rural Belonging, and Why “You Won’t Hurt Alone.”

    LB Prevette on Weave, Rural Belonging, and Why “You Won’t Hurt Alone.”
    Oct 28 2025
    How one rural weaver is helping neighbors feel seen, supported, and connected in Wilkes County, NC — and what we can learn from her example. We are kicking off something special. This episode is the first in a new ongoing series highlighting Weavers — local leaders around the country who are rebuilding trust and community from the ground up through Weave: The Social Fabric Project (weavers.org). Our inaugural guest is LB Prevette — a “rural rejuvenator,” community connector, and what she jokingly (but truthfully) calls an “aggressive friend.” LB is based in Wilkes County, North Carolina, where she works to create safe, inclusive, deeply rooted community spaces for queer youth, neighbors in recovery, families, and folks who don’t always feel seen in small-town America. We talk about what it means to leave home — and to return to it. We talk about pain, belonging, queerness in Appalachia, rebuilding trust one relationship at a time, and why community isn’t built in speeches — it’s built in porches, casseroles, group texts, and checking in at the exact moment someone needs it. And we talk about Merle’s — the community bar / gathering space LB helped co-found — a place that feels less like a bar and more like your cool aunt’s house party where everyone belongs. This is not a story about charity. It’s a story about returning to each other. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Intro + Substack + meet LB (and Frank the golden doodle) [00:04] Appalachia or Appalachia? Why language matters to belonging [00:07] Growing up queer in rural North Carolina [00:12] When safety turns into fear — and leaving becomes survival [00:19] Learning to listen: from call centers to community care [00:23] How to know when you're not in a good-faith conversation [00:27] Leaving home — and then being called back [00:30] Losing her father & returning to the farm [00:37] “You won’t hurt alone” — redefining community care [00:39] What Weavers are — and why they matter [00:41] The Weaver Awards: funding the small, human things [00:43] Touch-a-Truck, inclusive playgrounds, mountain bikes & connection [00:46] Merle’s: a bar that’s secretly a community center [00:47] The TP&R Question: How do we talk across differences? [00:55] How to find LB + how to get involved with Weave 🧠 Key Takeaways Community is built in the ordinary. Coffee, casseroles, reading groups, riding bikes — the small everyday acts are the work. The opposite of loneliness isn’t popularity — it’s belonging. Belonging comes from being known — not just included. You don’t have to fix everything. Just refuse to let people hurt alone. Listening is a skill — and it can be learned. Especially when emotions run high. We cannot make ourselves less queer, or less Black, or less immigrant, to be safe. We have to make the world safer. 💬 Notable Quotes “You won’t hurt alone.” — LB Prevette “If I can go far enough back, I think all people are good. If I don’t understand what you’re saying, that means I need to ask another question.” — LB Prevette “If we’re worried our kids won’t be safe being queer, the solution isn’t to make our kids straighter. It’s to make the world kinder.” — LB Prevette “Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just show up again.” — LB Prevette 🔗 Connect on Social Media: LB Prevette — @lbprevette (Instagram / Threads / etc.) **Weave: The Social Fabric — weavers.org Corey is @coreysnathan on... SubstackBlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookTikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    1 h y 1 m
  • ICYMI: Mike Madrid on Baseball, Family, and the Soul of America

    ICYMI: Mike Madrid on Baseball, Family, and the Soul of America
    Oct 24 2025
    Where baseball, family, and democracy meet — Mike Madrid reminds us what’s worth fighting for in America. If you didn't catch our most recent conversation with friend of the pod, Mike Madrid, well... where were ya? We recorded this one right around July 4th and it's still on point! What'd ya expect with the brilliant Mike Madrid?!?! So join us in welcoming back political consultant, author, and Substack contributor Mike Madrid. A renowned expert on Latino voters and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, Mike brings his profound insights on American politics, identity, and democracy. Together, Corey and Mike explore deeply personal stories, historical context, and present-day political dynamics, all while weaving in the emotional fabric that connects generations and communities. 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion What We Discuss: The significance of personal and familial stories in shaping political perspective How Latino voters are reshaping American democracy The danger of authoritarian tendencies in U.S. governance Economic populism across ideological divides The importance of understanding and communicating with working-class communities Episode Highlights: [00:04:00] Mike Madrid shares a personal story of grief and connection through a pilgrimage to Madrid, New Mexico [00:08:00] Baseball as a bridge between generations and its deeper cultural significance [00:14:00] Inhumane immigration enforcement and its implications on American identity [00:22:00] A discussion on whether America is at a turning point for its soul and values [00:33:00] Vertical balance of power: Newsom vs. federal overreach in L.A. protests [00:45:00] Latino voters' top concerns: economy, housing, and healthcare [00:53:00] Economic populism through Ruben Gallego and Zoran Mamdani's campaigns [01:03:00] How to talk about politics and religion without killin' each other Featured Quotes: "Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves matter more than the facts we can verify." – Mike Madrid "This is our American story now. This is who we are... and if we're not speaking out, then we are individually complicit in it." – Mike Madrid "These are the moments when character is defined." – Mike Madrid "The best way to talk about politics and religion is to not talk about it through the lens of politics and religion." – Mike Madrid Resources Mentioned: Mike Madrid's Substack: The Great Transformation – greattransformation.substack.com The Latino Century (book by Mike Madrid) – www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278 Latino Vote Podcast – latinos.vote Reflections on Marines in LA by Roger Herbert – rogerherbert.substack.com/p/reflections-on-marines-in-la 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... SubstackBlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookTikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    1 h y 23 m
  • Fighting Division One Conversation at a Time

    Fighting Division One Conversation at a Time
    Oct 17 2025

    Surviving Triangulation in a Polarized World

    It's time to reckon with one of the toughest questions in our current public discourse: “How can you think that?” Through stories from his personal and professional life, host Corey Nathan unpacks the emotionally draining phenomenon of triangulation—when we’re caught in the middle of opposing viewpoints—and explores how we can respond with curiosity and conviction without losing our sanity.

    From navigating impossible conversations to confronting conspiracy theories (like the FBI staging Jan. 6?!), Corey challenges listeners to stay in tough conversations while guarding their own well-being. Drawing inspiration from a powerful essay by Christopher Armitage on The Existentialist Republic, this episode dives into the psychology of belief, the cost of defection from "reality bubbles," and the quiet strength of one-degree influence.

    Whether you're a peacemaker, bridge-builder, or just trying to keep your sanity in polarized times, this one’s for you. 🙏

    📣 Calls to Action

    ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation.

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

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

    ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com

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

    ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics

    • [00:00:00] 🎧 Intro: What drives Corey bananas? Triangulation!

    • [00:01:30] What triangulation really looks like in everyday life

    • [00:03:00] Caught in the crossfire: The emotional toll of being “the middle guy”

    • [00:05:00] 🤯 “How can you think that?” — when conspiracy logic collapses

    • [00:08:00] Discovering The Existentialist Republic and its insights

    • [00:10:00] Armitage on why people cling to destructive systems

    • [00:12:00] Humility, bubbles, and the danger of total delegitimization

    • [00:13:30] 💬 “Not much. But not nothing.” — The power of one degree

    • [00:15:00] Living in the age of triangulation without losing your soul

    🧠 Key Takeaways

    • Triangulation Hurts: Being the middle person between two polarized groups can feel like being dragged into an emotional war.

    • The Power of Presence: Staying in relationship—even with those we disagree with—gives us the chance to be heard and to listen.

    • One-Degree Influence Matters: A single thoughtful question can shift someone’s perspective more than a thousand arguments.

    • Belief Systems Are Sticky: It’s costly—psychologically and socially—for people to change their minds, especially within closed systems.

    • Stay Gentle, Stay Grounded: Keep showing up with love, humility, and curiosity. That’s how change begins.

    📖 Bonus Reading

    • The Existentialist Republic: cmarmitage.substack.com

    🔗 Connect on Social Media

    Corey is @coreysnathan on...

    • Bluesky
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Threads
    • Facebook
    • Substack
    • TikTok
    Our Sponsors
    • Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
    • The Village Square: villagesquare.us

    And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org

    Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    20 m
  • 🎙️ Transforming Systems, Not Just Souls — with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek

    🎙️ Transforming Systems, Not Just Souls — with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek
    Oct 14 2025
    "If we lived in the poorest, most dangerous neighborhoods, we’d understand better how to love and serve." — Dr. Kurt Ver Beek It was great to sit down with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek, co-founder of the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ), who has lived and worked in Honduras for nearly four decades. From battling systemic corruption to reducing the homicide rate in one of the world’s most dangerous communities, Kurt shares a riveting account of faith in action and public justice rooted in Christian conviction. We explore the difference between traditional missionary work and systemic transformation, how theological frameworks can drive bold action, and why brave Christianity is needed now more than ever. 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics: [00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Kurt Ver Beek and ASJ [00:01:00] Childhood influences: Christian values and political curiosity [00:04:00] Faith formation and a growing “allergy” to injustice [00:08:00] Moving beyond charity to systemic change [00:14:00] What it really means to "help the poor" [00:23:00] Corruption, extortion, and the story of a neighborhood pillow maker [00:29:00] How three hired staff helped significantly reduce local homicides [00:34:00] Raising funds for justice: why it’s not as hard as people think [00:40:00] Theology of safety vs. theology of love and proximity [00:47:00] Political influence without being politically compromised [00:53:00] From 113 to 218 school days: measurable education reform [01:00:00] What we can do: curiosity, courage, and conversation [01:02:00] Practicing politics and faith with gentleness and respect 🧠 Key Takeaways: Systemic Change Is Possible: Justice doesn't always take decades. Hiring an ex-cop and a lawyer helped reduce homicides dramatically. Faith Isn’t Just About Sundays: Living out the Gospel means transforming systems that harm the vulnerable. Corruption and Violence Are Addressable: Real change can happen when Christians take bold, strategic action. Don’t Underestimate Funders: Donors care about results — and systemic justice produces them. Bravery Is Biblical: The call to be brave Christians isn’t optional — it’s essential. 💬 Notable Quotes: “Being a Christian doesn't have to look like what many young people see today.” — Kurt Ver Beek “The lie is that systemic change is too hard — it’s not. It just takes brave Christians.” — Kurt Ver Beek “No place in the Bible does it say to be safe. It says to love your neighbor.” — Kurt Ver Beek “Be curious. Listen better. People aren't as crazy as you think.” — Kurt Ver Beek 📚 Mentioned Books and Resources: 📖 Call for Justice by Kurt Ver Beek & Nicholas Wolterstorff 📘 Bear Witness by Ross Halpern – (Kurt says it’s “90% on the money!”) 🌐 Learn more about ASJ: asj-us.org 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... BlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookSubstackTikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comThe Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. ✌️🙏
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    1 h y 9 m