Episodios

  • Faith Rising for Democracy: How to Show Up for No Kings, With Adam Friedman

    Faith Rising for Democracy: How to Show Up for No Kings, With Adam Friedman
    Oct 11 2025
    The latest episode of The State of Belief features Adam Friedman, organizing and election strategist at Interfaith Alliance. In this episode, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and Adam dive deep into the significance of the upcoming No Kings demonstration on October 18th and the vital role of faith communities in advocating for democracy. The discussion emphasizes: · The Power of Collective Action: Adam emphasizes that democracy is under threat, and now is the time to take to the streets and assert a commitment to a government "of the people, by the people, for the people." The No Kings demonstration is not just a protest; it's a celebration of democratic values and a powerful reminder that authoritarianism is not a foregone conclusion. · Faith as a Catalyst for Change: Adam highlights the essential role that people of faith play in social movements. Faith traditions have a rich history of advocating for justice, and by showing up, we can bring our moral voices to the forefront of the fight for democracy. · Know Your Rights and Stay Safe: In preparing for the NoKings demonstration, it's crucial to understand everyone’s fundamental rights as protesters. Adam reminds us that the rights to free speech, assembly, and religious expression are fundamental to our identity as Americans. Don’t miss the Interfaith Alliance webinar on The Sacred Tradition of Protest on Tuesday, October 14th. All the details are available at interfaithalliance.org
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    44 m
  • League of Women Voters CEO Celina Stewart: Courage is Not the Absence of Fear

    League of Women Voters CEO Celina Stewart: Courage is Not the Absence of Fear
    Oct 4 2025
    This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Celina Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters. They get into the way the League’s work has evolved over the past 105 years, with a focus on expanding access to the ballot, as well as on voter education, protecting voter rights, and strengthening civic engagement. Celina traces her own journey from discovering the League during her college years to leading it as a voting rights attorney. She reflects on the League's history, including its founding in 1920 and its progressive role in enfranchising women and marginalized communities. She emphasizes the organization’s current focus on voter protection and civic courage in the face of modern voter suppression tactics. Celina advocates for widespread participation in democracy through actions like the League's “Unite and Rise 8.5” initiative, aiming to mobilize millions of voters, as well as the national Vote 411 campaign. The conversation also highlights the importance of knowledge in reducing misinformation as well as combating disinformation, and underscores the civic duty to show up courageously against injustices – even if one has to do it in circumstances that can sometimes be scary. The episode also includes the comments of Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey (Ret.), reacting to the extraordinary gathering of our military's leaders from around the world to hear remarks from Secretary Pete Segheth and the nation's commander-in-chief. More about Celina Stewart Celina joined the League in 2018 as director of advocacy and litigation, and later served as senior director and chief counsel. Appointed CEO just three months before the 2024 election, she guided the organization through one of the most consequential election cycles in modern history. A creative legal strategist, Celina has led litigation to protect voters from intimidation and disinformation. Before joining the League, she served as chief operating officer and director of philanthropy at FairVote, where she advanced structural election reform and organizational growth. More about Charles D. Luckey Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey (Ret.) served in the US Army and Army National Guard for 43 years. He retired from the Army as its oldest Green Beret in uniform after serving as the Commanding General of the United States Army Reserve Command from 2016 to 2020. Charles is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Randi Weingarten, and Skye Perryman speak on Religious Freedom in Public Schools

    Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Randi Weingarten, and Skye Perryman speak on Religious Freedom in Public Schools
    Sep 27 2025
    Religious freedom and public education: how do these issues come together? This week on The State of Belief, we hear leading voices make a compelling argument for ensuring the latter comes with a healthy dose of the former: Labor leader Randi Weingarten, activist Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, and Democracy Forward's Skye Perryman. Most of this episode was recorded live in Dallas, Texas, at a Religious Freedom in Public Schools Summit convened by Interfaith Alliance. In dialogue with host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, who moderated the conversation, Rabbi Sharon stresses how important separation of Church and State has been to the full inclusion of people who confess minority religions, including Judaism, in our country. A cornerstone of that is ensuring that public education remains a neutral ground where children from diverse backgrounds can learn together. Randi highlights the immense pressure placed on teachers when faced with mandates for religious instruction. Teachers find themselves in a challenging position, often caught between differing parental beliefs and the need to create an inclusive environment for all students. Randi emphasizes the importance of supporting our educators, ensuring they have the resources and backing to foster critical thinking and respect for diverse beliefs without imposing any one ideology. Then we hear Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, offer eye-opening facts about the shifting global landscape of democracy. Marking International Democracy Day, Skye offers vital insights into how grassroots activism can counter the global drift toward autocracy - a trend affecting countries across the globe, including the United States, where she sees it playing out in public education policies, among other places. With compelling urgency, she underscores the importance of confronting extremism, misinformation, and regressive judicial decisions that threaten the very core of democratic principles, and the role of public schools in that struggle. More about the speakers: The longtime leader of the largest LGBTQ synagogue in the world, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City, Rabbi Sharon holds the title of Senior Rabbi Emerita and is now leading The Beacon, a nationwide grassroots movement of public witness. Rabbi Sharon is married to Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. AFT represents 1.8 million educators and health care professionals across the country. Randi has just released a brand-new book, titled Why Fascists Fear Teachers. Skye Perryman is the President and CEO of Democracy Forward, “working tirelessly every day to safeguard our enduring, yet fragile, democracy.” That’s the description Time Magazine included in listing Skye as one of the 100 most influential people of 2025. We hope you'll take the time to listen - and share this insightful episode with at least one person you think would benefit from hearing it!
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Confronting Antisemitism and Its Weaponization: The Nexus Project's Jonathan Jacoby

    Confronting Antisemitism and Its Weaponization: The Nexus Project's Jonathan Jacoby
    Sep 20 2025
    This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Jonathan Jacoby, National Director of the Nexus Project. The compelling conversation highlights Jonathan's unique insights on confronting antisemitism and fostering a pluralistic democracy. Drawing from his family history as the descendant of Holocaust survivors and his intrinsic connection to Israel, he provides a thoughtful examination of the challenges that arise when discussing Israel, especially within progressive communities. He makes clear the fine line between legitimate critique and antisemitism, guided by the influential Nexus Document's criteria. By spotlighting crucial distinctions like antisemitic tropes and the problematic imposition of collective responsibility on Jews for Israel's actions, Jonathan champions the power of informed discourse. The episode also ventures into the complex territory of Jewish identity and advocacy amid the ever-shifting political landscape. Jonathan candidly addresses the emotional and ethical dilemmas tied to Israel's policies, especially concerning Gaza and the potential for a Palestinian state, and how these issues resonate with the broader Jewish community. Highlighting the strength and guidance found in both religious and cultural Judaism, he also emphasizes the indispensable role of interfaith solidarity, particularly between Jewish and Christian communities, in combating antisemitism and advocating for peace. Jonathan's call for perseverance, respect, and open dialogue within the Jewish community itself offers a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and understanding in addressing both internal and external challenges. About Jonathan Jacoby: Jonathan is the National Director of the Nexus Project. He was the founding Executive Director of the New Israel Fund and founding President of the Israel Policy Forum. He also held leadership positions at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and Americans for Peace Now. Jonathan has pioneered new models for public-private partnerships in the field of rare disease research as a co-founder of SOAR (Support Of Accelerated Research.) About the Nexus Project: The Nexus Project works to fight antisemitism, uphold democracy, and protect free speech - and recognizes that these tasks are intertwined. The Nexus team takes all accusations of antisemitism seriously, which is why they also speak out when fears of antisemitism are cynically exploited to stifle legitimate criticism of Israel or US policy. The Nexus Document is a framework for understanding antisemitism, Israel, and Zionism, detailing what does and what does not constitute antisemitism. We hope you'll take the time to listen - and share this timely episode with at least one person you think would appreciate hearing it!
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    50 m
  • Libraries and Religious Freedom, with ALA President Sam Helmick

    Libraries and Religious Freedom, with ALA President Sam Helmick
    Sep 13 2025
    This week on The State of Belief - a conversation with Sam Helmick, the newly inaugurated president of the American Library Association. Sam and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush mark National Library Card Sign-up Month by discussing the importance of libraries in advocating for intellectual freedom and access to information, noting that libraries are far more than just books - they are spaces for shared experiences and understanding differences. Sam shares the personal journey from feeling libraries were not meant for them to falling in love with the library as a pivotal community space. Emphasizing the theme “Our stories are worth sharing,” Sam highlights the transformative power of libraries and the need for community involvement. The conversation covers challenges faced by libraries, including censorship and misinformation, and the essential role libraries play in supporting democracy, freedom of expression, and education. Paul and Sam also underscore the importance of faith communities in supporting libraries and librarians, suggesting practical steps like using libraries, joining library boards, advocating against censorship - and of course, getting a library card! Interfaith Alliance, together with Unite Against Book Bans, has released a resource titled Banned Books, Banned Beliefs, and is preparing to roll out a major initiative, Faith for Libraries. And as Paul says, there is so much to learn about the American Library Association’s work at www.ala.org. Sam Helmick (they/them) is the 2025-26 president of the American Library Association. Sam is a librarian, advocate, and community leader known for their work defending intellectual freedom and expanding library access. We'd love to have you listen to and share this gripping episode with at least one person you think would appreciate hearing it!
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    53 m
  • The Power of Community: Keya Chatterjee and the Vision for a Free DC

    The Power of Community: Keya Chatterjee and the Vision for a Free DC
    Sep 6 2025
    The Trump administration’s federal takeover of the nation’s capital is having a profound impact on Washington, DC’s 700,000 residents - and on our very democracy. That’s according to this week’s guest on The State of Belief, Keya Chatterjee. Keya’s the co-founder and executive director of Free DC, a civic campaign defending Washington, DC’s home rule and protecting the civil liberties and democratic dignity of its residents. In this episode, Keya and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush take an unflinching look at the current challenges facing Washington DC and the broader implications for democracy and civil liberties. Here are three key takeaways that are particularly noteworthy: The Importance of Listening and Believing: Keya emphasizes the critical need to take political rhetoric seriously. She highlights how the warnings from political leaders about authoritarianism should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric. Instead, we must listen and prepare for the potential consequences of their actions. Community and Collective Action: One of the most inspiring aspects of the conversation is Keya's focus on the strength of community. She shares how the people of DC and diverse organizations—including faith groups - are coming together to resist federal overreach and protect their rights. From training sessions to grassroots organizing, the emphasis on collective action is vital. As Keya states, "It is only in community that we will turn this around." Prioritizing Joy in Activism: Keya reminds us of the importance of joy in our activism. She discusses how Free DC incorporates joy into their organizing efforts, emphasizing that taking care of ourselves and each other is crucial for sustaining long-term resistance. This perspective is a reminder that while we fight for justice, we must also celebrate our victories and find joy in our shared humanity. After hearing this episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the current state of Washington DC, and the inspiring work being done by Free DC. The experiences Keya describes are a stark warning for other American cities, and for each of us. Learn more about the organization at www.freedcproject.org Keya Chatterjee has an impressive background in social and climate justice, having previously led the U.S. Climate Action Network, worked at World Wildlife Federation, USAID, and NASA. Under her leadership, Free DC has become a prominent voice opposing federal overreach - a very big job indeed, in the face of the Trump Administration’s forcing federal law enforcement on the district and expanding detention powers. Before the in-depth conversation with Keya Chatterjee, Paul spends a few minutes with Rev. Andy Oliver, pastor of Allendale United Methodist Church. He and a fellow clergyman were arrested this past week in St. Petersburg, Fla., while praying on a “Black History Matters” street mural - that was about to be destroyed - in front of the city’s Woodson African American Museum. We'd love to have you listen to and share this thought-provoking episode with at least one person you think would appreciate hearing it.
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    47 m
  • How the Christian Right is Taking Over America with Talia Lavin

    How the Christian Right is Taking Over America with Talia Lavin
    Aug 30 2025
    She's a Jewish woman who has spent countless hours undercover, impersonating the White supremacist, misogynistic, antisemitic extremists she was researching for her first book. She's also brought an outsider's view to the growing dominance of Christian Nationalism in our society and our government for her second. This week on The State of Belief, journalist and author Talia Lavin explains how the groups she covers in those two impactful books, Culture Warlords: My Journey into the Dark Web of White Supremacy, and Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America, in her words, "Got together and made the worst government ever." Three important additional points that emerge from the conversation: The Invisible Influence of Christian Hegemony: Talia discusses how Christian hegemony often goes unnoticed by those who grew up within it, while it remains glaringly obvious for those outside the faith - especially when it becomes more militant. This awareness is crucial for understanding the current political landscape and the implications of Christian nationalism. The Authoritarian Family Structure: One of the most striking aspects of Talia's research is her examination of how authoritarian parenting styles within certain Christian communities can shape broad societal attitudes. She highlights the works of influential figures like James Dobson, who died earlier this month. She sees his teachings on child-rearing as promoting a model of obedience and submission that can lead to accepting authoritarianism in adulthood. The Need for a Diverse Coalition Against Extremism: Talia emphasizes the importance of embracing a cacophony of voices in the fight against the rigid and coordinated forces of the Christian right. She advocates for a coalition that includes people of various faiths and those with no faith at all, working together to uphold the values of a multiracial democracy. We'd love to have you listen to and share this thought-provoking episode and reflect on these critical issues. Talia's newsletter is titled The Sword and the Sandwich.
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    49 m
  • "Curiosity, Not Contempt": Adam Nicholas Phillips on Bridging Divides

    "Curiosity, Not Contempt": Adam Nicholas Phillips on Bridging Divides
    Aug 23 2025
    What does it mean to build bridges amidst the turmoil of the second Trump Administration? How have interfaith communities moved forward with productive dialogue post-October 7th? Is there a more nuanced way to think about Christian Nationalism and the MAGA constituency? In this episode of The State of Belief, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenush and Interfaith America CEO Rev. Adam Nicholas Phillips explore these critical issues and much more. Adam's personal journey into interfaith work is compelling. He describes his upbringing in a non-traditional religious environment, his exploration of various faiths, and his eventual identification with evangelical Christianity. His experiences, including planting a church and getting through the consequences of advocating for LGBTQI+ inclusion, have shaped his understanding of faith and public life. Listen for an in-depth look at:• Interfaith America’s work on managing conflict in classrooms and workplaces, creating opportunities for groups to move beyond just coexisting and rather collaborating for a common cause.• How the inspiration of Live Aid and Adam’s past experience in leadership at USAID during the Biden-Harris administration, as well as as a faith leader, inform his current position as CEO at Interfaith America.• Navigating our polarized environment: “We find ourselves at a crossroads of sorts where the politicization of a number of our traditions has become quite difficult and untenable. But I keep trying to come at this with some sense of curiosity and not contempt.” Where to find Adam:• Check out his book, Love, Light, Joy & Justice: How To Be A Christian Now• Embrace the “power of pluralism,” and get involved with Interfaith America.• Hear more from Adam in his Ted Talk, “Inclusion: the ancient idea that just might save all of us.” There’s a lot to learn from this conversation. I hope you’ll share it with someone you know who’ll enjoy hearing it!
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    59 m