Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

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

What do we say when others label us one way or another? Why do folks have a tendency to do that in the first place? Why is it important to engage when someone mischaracterizes our views? And, if we don't fall neatly into one category, what might be a more accurate way to describe how we do identify politically?    In this edition, host Corey Nathan goes through these questions including whether it's accurate to say he's part of THE LEFT and whether there would be anything wrong with such a political leaning. We go through recent right-wing podcasts and other media to better understand what many of our friends and neighbors are listening to and reading about THE LEFT including what Tucker Carlson's been up to and a couple of the recent episodes of Victor Davis Hanson's and Steven Crowder's shows. We look at defining principles of the MAGA movement and whether there are any principles so much as anti-partisanship. There's a response about those who've hijacked the ideas of conservatism as a philosophy and Christianity as an identity. We define what it means to be delusional and examine an illustration of it. And finally we look at what in the world a "French Davidian" is!   In all seriousness, we discuss writers, thinkers and leaders who see people with different positions not as enemies but as human beings that we can learn from and even befriend to arrive at a higher truth; people who can thrive in environments where their own views aren’t the dominant ones; those who leave room for the possibility of changing - who know that evolving one’s positions isn’t a sign of weakness but of having the strength that comes with humility; and people who can hold space for the complexity of our world.   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

Our democracy is brittle. Many would say our Constitutional Republic is in trouble. So what kind of work can we do on "actually renovating our institutions"?   We were fortunate to be joined by Dr. Danielle Allen, a democracy advocate, Harvard professor and nonprofit leader who's doing something about it. We talked about how to maintain a loving spirit when faced with "a lot of bleeps"; Danielle's fascinating family legacy and her "obsession" with democracy; what the heck a eudaemonist democratic pragmatist is; the ways the 5 freedoms articulated in the 1st Amendment are under threat; the merits of ranked choice voting, expanding the House of Representatives and other democratic renovations; the imperative of developing a civic portfolio; and how to "not let our differences take our humanity hostage."   Prof. Danielle Allen is James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University. She is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy and director of the Democratic Knowledge Project and of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation. Outside the University, she is a co-chair for the Our Common Purpose Commission and Founder and President for Partners In Democracy, where she advocates for democracy reform to create greater voice and access in our democracy, and to drive progress towards a new social contract that serves and includes us all.   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   partnersindemocracy.us   Be sure to read Danielle's series in the Washington Post on How to Renovate American Democracy: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/31/danielle-allen-american-democracy-renovation-series/

Fred Guttenberg became a nationally known activist on gun safety after his daughter Jaime was tragically murdered in the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. Former Congressman Joe Walsh has been a self-described "rabid gun rights advocate." So how did these two guys go from being on completely different sides of such a heated issue to becoming dear friends who are now collaborating on a national tour called TWO DADS DEFENDING DEMOCRACY?   In this special coming together, we explore Fred and Joe's evolution from adversaries to collaborators through their unique friendship. Initially at odds due to their differing views on gun control, they discovered a shared commitment to democracy and engaging in respectful dialogue across political and ideological divides. They speak about their collaborative initiative, "Two Dads Defending Democracy," aimed at encouraging Americans to participate in the democratic process, highlight the importance of conversations across differences, and reflect on personal stories that underscore their transformation. We talk about a number of ways they're both trying to make a positive difference including Fred's non-profit Orange Ribbons for Jaime, Joe's continued contributions on White Flag with Joe Walsh, and their appearances together demonstrating that instead of remaining enemies over any given issue, even those we're most passionate about, mutual respect wins every time.   00:42 Getting to Know Joe Walsh: From Congress to Gun Rights Advocate;  02:24 Fred Guttenberg's Journey: From Tragedy to Advocacy;  03:44 Bridging Divides: A Story of Friendship and Understanding;  07:39 Real Talk about Gun Safety;  13:20 The Power of Dialogue: Moving Beyond Polarization;  14:57 A Deep Dive into the Second Amendment and Gun Safety;  20:33 Finding Common Ground: The Path to Reducing Gun Violence;  30:58 Exploring Red Flag Laws: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly;  33:41 The Impact of 'White Flag' on Activism and Public Policy;  35:09 America's Shift in Gun Culture and the NRA's Influence;  42:31 More Bridging Divides: Two Dads Defending Democracy;  50:44 Engaging Across Differences: Strategies for Democracy;  52:41 Closing Thoughts: Hope, Engagement, and the American Experiment   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   fredguttenberg.com   orangeribbonsforjaime.org/   twitter.com/WalshFreedom   White Flag with Joe Walsh - pod.link/1590913798   www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/january/joe-walsh-fred-guttenberg-snf-ithaca-initiative-democracy-speaking-tour/   joewalshwhiteflag@gmail.com   And just to be clear... LET'S GO RANGERS! ;-)

Why is it that when there's a criticism of Donald Trump, that some folks who support him react as if it's an attack on them personally?    On this installment of our program, host Corey Nathan explores this phenomenon. There have been a number of times when Corey and/or the guests have examined the words, actions and character of Donald Trump - and let's face it, there's much to criticize. Like, every day. But it becomes problematic when a friend who happens to support Trump takes that critique as if it's an attack against them and their character. Corey shares several instances of when this has occurred in response to recent interviews and posts. He also scratches the surface of what's happening in right wing media as one possible explanation of where this is all coming from.    But by the end of this talk, we explore ways of how to engage with folks who do seem to take it personally when we openly critique something Trump says or does. Some of this includes setting clear understandings, finding ways to compliment the person, not tackling everything at once and, best of all, inviting them out for coffee or lunch!   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

What’s it like to be targeted by Donald Trump? What’s it like to be viciously attacked and to have one’s family under threat due to the ex-President’s middle of the night rage tweets?   This is a story of resilience. It's a story of making a difference. But it's also about life being unpredictable and messy - and even having a messy kitchen! Mostly, it’s about how to “keep moving forward.”   Rachel Vindman is Co-host of The Suburban Women Problem, an excellent and timely podcast produced by Red Wine and Blue. Rachel and her family faced personal safety issues when her husband, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman testified in the first Trump impeachment hearings. Despite the challenges, through the podcast and her beautifully candid Substack Keep Moving Forward, Rachel decided to speak out and use her voice to encourage women to stand up for policies and elected officials addressing issues important to women and families. #keepmovingforward    01:15 Introducing Rachel Vindman: A Voice for Democracy;  03:01 The Power and Pitfalls of Social Media;  08:16 Navigating Parenting in the Digital Age;  13:38 The Political Landscape and Suburban Women's Influence;  22:45 Exploring Family Backgrounds and Personal Journeys;  38:37 Election Day 2016: A Turning Point;  47:26 Navigating Hostility and Protecting Family;  53:19 Confronting Misinformation and Embracing Truth;  55:04 The Journey of Grief and Resilience;  01:06:18 Empowering Voices and Making a Difference;  01:24:22 Exploring Future Projects and Personal Reflections   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   redwine.blue/the-suburban-women-problem/   rachelvindman.substack.com/   redwine.blue/

How do we harness the power of communication in bridging societal divides? We spoke with Elliot Kirschner, an Emmy award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker, to help us “Through the Fog…”    Elliot shares his journey from CBS to his Substack “Through the Fog,” his dedication to science communication, and reflections on the role of journalism and science in democracy. We delve into his collaboration with Dan Rather, his academic pursuits in history and literature, and his current endeavors that strive to make science accessible to the public. Elliot also espouses the transformative potential of national service programs, science communication, and storytelling in healing our divisions, underlining the power of optimism and collaborative efforts in facilitating dialogue and understanding.   07:36 The Essence of Democracy and American Identity;  13:27 Transitioning from Producer to Personal Voice;  25:12 Cultural Heritage and Family Dynamics;  34:20 The Stakes of Democracy in Upcoming Elections;  40:47 Reflecting on Bipartisanship and Legislative Challenges;  42:24 Congressional Dysfunction and Its Impact;  46:26 The Evolution and Challenges of Modern Journalism;  53:15 The Potential of Hyper-Localized Journalism;  57:35 The Role of Science in Uniting People;  01:04:15 Fostering Conversations Across Divides   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   elliotkirschner.substack.com/   sciencecommunicationlab.org/

Some might be inclined to believe recent discussions about totalitarianism are hyperbolic. In fact, the U.S. has a long history in which law, culture, medicine and religion have all been in the mix on exactly such experiments.   In our latest visit with Jon Rauch, we go into depth on his recent piece in The Atlantic, THE U.S. SHOULD APOLOGIZE TO GAY PEOPLE, which profiles America's historical attempts at erasing homosexuality, the impact this pervasive practice had on people's lives and what should be done to make it right. We also delve into Jon's personal experiences and his work on creating frameworks for productive conversations across political and religious divides. It's always worth revisiting Jon's landmark book, The Constitution of Knowledge. Plus we learn more about his personal connection to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and her family.   05:12 The Happiness Curve: Personal and Societal Perspectives; 06:13 The Intersection of Religion, Democracy, and LGBTQ+ Rights; 08:28 Unveiling the History of Government-Led Discrimination Against Gay People; 32:24 The Importance of Acknowledging and Addressing Past Wrongs;  39:34 Personal Stories of Discrimination and Hope; 41:51 A Tribute to Sandra Day O'Connor: Personal Reflections; 51:11 The Constitution of Knowledge and Navigating Social Media Chaos   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   www.jonathanrauch.com   www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/01/lavender-scare-gay-people-public-service-erasure/677236/   www.amazon.com/Constitution-Knowledge-Jonathan-Rauch/dp/0815738862/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

If the goal here is to reach across our differences and at least to try and understand each other better, this was an epic FAIL!   This edition recounts an experience Corey had with someone he's known for a long time and has had many conversations with. But this pseudonymously named "Evan" did something after October 7th that put all subsequent dialogue on a much more strained path. Corey shares some of the comments that were made in the immediate aftermath of war breaking out in Israel as well as more recent exchanges with this individual. And the question is, how could this have gone better? Or is the right answer that sometimes you just have to know when to walk away... and stay away. As much as we might want to stay on the field, as much as we refuse to cede the entire village square to extremists, sometimes the best option is to simply know one's limitations and set healthy boundaries.   It's a sincere set of questions. So please 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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

Gotta admit: This was fun! Tina Nguyen, national correspondent for Puck and author of THE MAGA DIARIES, gives us an inside look at the complexities within the right-wing movement, Trump's influence, the dynamics at play in today’s Republican party and her behind-the-scenes perspective at different political events (yes, those events). She also talks about what it was like to write this book and her approach to handling social media and online interactions. Oh, and Corey couldn’t help asking Tina about working for Tucker Carlson, the influence he wields and how she views him today. Tina’s so candid about the worlds she’s navigated, whether it's the conservative movement on campuses, the siloed ecosystem of right-wing media and even fringe ideas like the Convention of States initiative. It was also good to hear how Tina found a foothold beyond those early experiences and into other publications like Vanity Fair, Mediaite, Politico and now Puck.   00:05 Introduction to Tina Nguyen;  04:43 Understanding the Dynamics of the Activist Right;  14:35 The Influence of Media on Politics;  21:52 The Impact of Tucker Carlson on American Discourse;  31:25 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Trajectories;  38:59 Influence and Social Pressure in DC;  41:10 The Consequences of Speaking Out;  46:07 The Importance of Relationships in Career Development;  48:40 The Challenges of Social Media and Public Perception;  53:55 The Threat of the Convention of States   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-MAGA-Diaries/Tina-Nguyen/9781982189693   puck.news/author/tina-nguyen/

In this episode we discuss the problem of vilifying and generalizing political and social groups. You know: “Them” or “those people.” Just as an exercise, Corey did a quick search of “top conservative podcasts” and it was quite revealing. There’s a consistent, pervasive use of sensationalist and divisive rhetoric to portray liberals, “leftists” and anyone not aligned with their respective views, which ultimately fosters misunderstanding and division. So it’s important to think of individual perspectives vs. the dangers of “nut picking”—highlighting extreme cases as representative of whole groups. We can engage in discussions about politics and religion with respect and patience. We can see people as individuals beyond their political beliefs. We also touch on the responsibility of media consumers to critically evaluate the sources and perspectives they engage with to avoid falling into the trap of “the perniciousness of them.”   01:12 The Perniciousness of "Them";  02:31 Exploring Top Conservative Podcasts;  03:53 The Impact of Media Consumption;  06:20 The Mischaracterization of "The Left";  06:54 The Question of Conservative Identity;  08:57 The Influence of Media on Perception; 09:58 The Decline of Traditional News Sites;  13:43 The Danger of Generalization;  28:00 Seeing the Individuality in Each Other   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Here's that article about the dropoff in traffic to news sites: https://www.therighting.com/therighting-unveils-2020-to-2024-election-year-traffic-comparison 

*What if, at a pinnacle of our civilization’s technological achievement, everything just broke — the institutions we’ve come to rely upon in navigating a modern complex world, the shared stories that hold a large and diverse democratic republic together, and even a common language through which to navigate the rising tide of crisis.  According to renowned social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt, this describes our current reality, one that he calls “After Babel.” In this new normal, we are scattered by a digital environment into feuding tribes that are governed by mob dynamics and driven by a minority of ideological outliers, made stupid at warp speed by group think, and — thanks to social media — armed with billions of metaphorical “dart guns” with which to immediately wound “the enemy” in ways that are hardly only metaphorical. What could go wrong?   Our very special guest, Dr. Jonathan Haidt, will delve into the profound impact of social media on democratic societies, dissecting the intricate web of challenges it poses to civic trust and civil discourse. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the foremost thought leaders of our time — one who has generously given his counsel to The Village Square, and countless efforts like ours — on this existential challenge of our time.    *The above was stolen lovingly from Village SquareCast's shownotes.   It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod   Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Read Why the Past Ten Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid in The Atlantic.   The program includes a preview of Haidt’s highly anticipated upcoming book The Anxious Generation, available at the end of March. You’re not going to want to miss it. The Village Square and TP&R are proud members 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.   jonathanhaidt.com/   www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/   www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729231/the-anxious-generation-by-jonathan-haidt/   tlh.villagesquare.us/    Village SquareCast - pod.link/1520059234

Have you ever posted something on social media only to have someone drop in to completely disagree with you? Well, that sort of thing is the genesis of this conversation. Corey's buddy from high school, Rich Weiss, joins us to discuss politics, education, media influence, and the impact of social media on public discourse. Rich Weiss, a musician with the band Guilty Pleasures and an 8th grade teacher, and Corey explore their differing viewpoints on various political and societal issues, including the role of the media, education system challenges, and specific policies from the Trump administration. The dialogue also touches on the importance of listening, the potential benefits of ranked choice voting, and the ways to nurture relationships across differences. And believe it or not, Corey and Rich demonstrate how engaging in meaningful conversations about contentious topics is both possible and beneficial. We can do this!   01:10 Introducing Rich Weiss;  02:17 The Genesis of the Conversation;  02:54 Rich's Political Awakening and Journey;  09:20 Rich's Teaching Experience and Views on Education;  13:10 Rich's Views on Current Political Issues;  31:05 Discussion on Media Consumption and Information Sources;  39:26 The Double-Edged Sword of Media Democratization;  40:44 The Importance of Discernment in Consuming Media;  41:41 Challenging Political Assumptions;  44:14 The Role of Principle in Politics;  01:03:43 The Importance of Process in Politics;  01:09:10 Conclusion: The Power of Listening and Understanding   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   Here's how you can follow Rich's band: www.instagram.com/guiltypleasuresmusic/   And here are just a handful of the articles and videos Rich shared: ourworldindata.org/grapher/united-states-rates-of-covid-19-deaths-by-vaccination-status  www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26079957  www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWX_ThcpIsQ  www.newsweek.com/balenciaga-bondage-child-abuse-allegations-photo-shoot-claims-social-media-1761519  www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2023/05/17/durham-report-vindicates-trump-fbi-russia-investigation/70222344007/

We’re joined by author, essayist, investigative journalist and the gloriously feral Nancy French. We discuss Nancy's new memoir, GHOSTED: AN AMERICAN STORY, which involves deeply personal topics such as her experiences with sexual abuse, faith struggles, being a ghostwriter for politicians, and increasing political turmoil. Nancy also talks about navigating her long-standing personal and professional relationships amid the Trumpification of the Republican party; how the party has drifted away from folks like her even though Nancy’s positions and philosophy haven’t changed; and how her Christian faith has played a significant role in the journey. We also candidly explore the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, the complexities in religious institutions, and being resilient in troubled times.   Nancy French is a five-time New York Times bestselling author, essayist, investigative journalist, and storyteller at the Moth. She’s published op-eds and articles in the Washington Post, USA Today, Time and many other publications. Her investigative journalism into abuse at Kanakuk Kamps appeared on the front page of USA Today. Nancy is also the co-author of The After Party with friend of the pod Curtis Chang and she’s the author of the new memoir GHOSTED: AN AMERICAN STORY.   01:20 Nancy French: A Brief Introduction;  05:14 The Art of Ghostwriting;  09:53 The Journey of Discovery and Art;  13:45 The Struggles of Writing Your Own Story;  19:38 The Challenges of Confronting Past Abuse;  31:10 The Power of Love and Relationships;  37:47 The Struggle with Faith and the Church;  40:25 Reflections on Christian Faith and History;  41:16 Experiences of Divine Intervention;  42:07 Discussing Faith with Non-Believers;  46:19 Political Writing and Its Consequences;  50:12 The Shift in Political Identity (Despite Not Having Changed);  52:11 The Impact of Political Polarization;  55:34 The Power of Human Connection Across Differences   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.   www.nancyfrench.com   GHOSTED on Amazon - https://amzn.to/49tSNzO   www.threads.net/@nancyjanefrench

"I'm the bad guy?" This is about the whole idea of being part of group - the word "tribe" is often used - that thinks of itself as the good guys and anyone outside of that group as the bad guys. But do we ever stop to ask whether "I'm the bad guy?"   Here's the reference from the movie FALLING DOWN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLmuF-0P4tk   In this episode, Corey discusses the concept of personal accountability in the context of political and religious engagement. He explores his experiences with political disagreements, how personal conduct can alienate and vilify, and how the refusal to accept one's role as the bad guy can fuel conflict. There are specific instances where Corey owns up to failing to uphold the principles of peaceable conversation and draws attention to the fact that acknowledging personal fallibility can be a significant step toward grace and understanding. Admitting it is the first step, right? 02:11 Reflections on the Movie 'Falling Down' 03:51 Political Polarization and the 'Good Guys vs Bad Guys' Mentality 04:50 Personal Experiences with Political Disagreements 12:23 Continuation of Personal Experiences and Reflections 20:09 The Role of Virtues in Political Engagement 27:14 Confessions, Grace, and the Journey Towards Understanding 28:54 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

Donald Trump's supposedly "perfect call" was the furthest thing from perfect. In this episode, Alexander Vindman tells us what was so dangerously wrong about it as well as WHY IT MATTERS.   Alexander Vindman, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and the director for European Affairs on the White House’s National Security Council, shares valuable perspectives on the Trump administration, Donald Trump’s unhinged lawlessness and the dangers the country faces if Trump is given another term. Dr. Vindman, having earned a Doctorate in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins, discusses international geopolitics, focusing particularly on Russian aggression and corruption. Lt. Col. Vindman offers a firsthand account of his experience in the Trump White House, the damage that’s already been done and the resilience of the U.S institutions that hold firm amidst these pervasive threats.   Throughout the conversation, Alex emphasizes the central role of local communities and the effectiveness of conversation in addressing divisive socio-political issues. His candid reflections on his own experiences -  as an immigrant serving the country, in the face of profound institutional challenges and even his personal setbacks (eg. Operation Cabbage Patch) - offer a compelling narrative about American resilience and the ongoing pursuit of a 'more perfect union'. This was an in-depth primer on international affairs, national security threats and democratic values. Lt. Col. Vindman had so many valuable insights for listeners interested in understanding the complexities of today's political landscape and the role of dialogue in bridging societal divisions.   WHY IT MATTERS: alexandervindman.substack.com/   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 sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com   Be sure to check out another great podcast, Beyond Politics. They've become friends of ours and are doing really important work.   You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.