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The Jim Wallis Podcast
The Jim Wallis Podcast
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The Jim Wallis Podcast explains how our faith should inform our politics, and not the other way around. Each episode, Wallis, a prominent Christian ethicist and social justice advocate, host conversations about faith and justice with activists, authors, scholars, spiritual leaders and prominent politicians.
225 Episodes
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In this episode, we pause the usual programming to ask a deeper question: what does it really mean for believers to answer God’s call in this cultural moment? We’ll introduce The Call for Christians, share why it matters, and invite you to consider how your faith can shape your public life in tangible, hopeful ways.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John Carr joins Jim Wallis to look back on five decades at the intersection of faith, politics, Catholic social teaching, and public life. From working with bishops, presidents, and popes to launching Georgetown’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, John has spent 50 years helping people connect what they say they believe with what they do in the world.He tells stories of pressing President Obama with Matthew 25 to protect “the least of these,” explains why human dignity, solidarity, and the common good offer an alternative to our “deeply broken, almost meltdown” politics, and proposes replacing a “sanity caucus” with a dignity caucus that puts the image of God at the center of public life. John also speaks candidly about surviving clergy sexual abuse, living 20 years in recovery from alcoholism, and what the serenity prayer, community, and Catholic social teaching have taught him about vocation, conversion, and courage in this moment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim Wallis talks with Minnesotan civic leader and Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative CEO Chris LaTondresse about how neighbors are stepping up amid ICE crackdowns, killings, and the climate of fear in Minnesota. From overnight vigils and mutual aid to churches inside security perimeters, they explore what it means to “bear witness,” follow a higher law of loving our neighbors, and resist the normalization of cruelty and lies. Chris reflects on raising his sons just blocks from active enforcement, his formation as a missionary kid in post-Soviet Russia, and why Minnesota has become “the beating heart of the nation” in the struggle for truth, decency, and democracy. Together, they invite people of faith and conscience everywhere to reclaim civic trust, rebuild community, and remember that “we the people” — not any political party or charismatic leader — will save America by showing up for one another.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome back to the Jim Wallis Podcast. Today we're focusing on Maine, where the threat of ICE operations is growing under the second Trump administration. The same federal enforcement that has disrupted communities and resulted in unlawful detentions and even death of civilians and legal residents now looms over a state known for tight-knit towns and neighbors who look out for each other.Jim talks with Billy Shore, founder of Share Our Strength, the No Kid Hungry campaign, and the host of the Add Passion and Stir podcast, who lives in Maine and serves as a volunteer firefighter. Billy describes the “tremendous amount of trepidation” across Maine, the state’s long history of immigrant welcome, and how ICE raids would be “a completely unnecessary, self-inflicted injury.” They discuss how federal tactics undermine school meals and summer grocery benefits, erode trust in first responders, and make “life harder for just about everybody in these communities”—and why now is the time to be “civil but not silent.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this episode of The Jim Wallis Podcast, Jim speaks with theologian and extremism expert Matthew D. Taylor about why Epiphany is a season of revelation that exposes both divine light and political lies. Together, they connect the Magi story, Herod’s tyranny, and the “slaughter of the innocents” to January 6, the second Trump administration, ICE violence, and the rise of White Christian Nationalism. They explore why Jesus’ incarnation is God “living under tyranny with us,” how the kingdom of God directly subverts empires, and why theology must be part of resisting authoritarianism in the United States and around the world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Christian ethicist David Gushee joins Jim Wallis for a sobering Advent conversation on moral empathy in an age of school shootings, antisemitic violence, and Trump’s callous public rhetoric. They discuss the Hanukkah massacre in Australia, the Brown University shooting, Trump’s vile response to the murder of Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer, the rise of authoritarian reactionary Christianity, and how to resist moral numbness while practicing “healthy politics” and Kingdom-of-God ethics in a deeply polarized nation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of the Jim Wallis Podcast, Jim is joined by Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, to talk about the Advent Welcome: Immigration Solidarity Initiative. They discuss how Latino and immigrant churches are facing indiscriminate immigration enforcement, why attendance in some congregations has dropped by up to 40 percent, and how pastors are responding with prayer, accompaniment, advocacy, and a renewed theology of hospitality rooted in the Christmas story. Rev. Salguero shares powerful stories from congregations across the country, explains why “hospitality is not optional for Christians,” and invites churches to practice “room at the inn” to welcome this Advent through concrete actions for immigrant families.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry joins Jim Wallis for a powerful Advent conversation on “patient impatience” — acting boldly for justice without believing we are in charge of history. They explore how Advent fuels long‑distance courage in the Trump era–from the parable of the persistent widow and slave‑preacher wisdom–to today’s struggles for democracy, racial justice, and a deeper revolutionary spirituality rooted in love.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this compelling Jim Wallis Podcast episode, Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami brings clarity, compassion, and challenge to the national conversation on immigration. Drawing from decades of pastoral experience among immigrant communities, Wenski discusses the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ urgent new message, underscores the core gospel call to defend the vulnerable, and urges action for justice and dignity. Listeners will hear firsthand stories, real policy solutions, and a passionate call for faith-led advocacy to change the narrative — and the future — for migrants and refugees in America.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Faith leaders Jim Wallis and Justin Giboney take on America’s toxic polarization—exploring compassion, conviction, and moral imagination in public life. Giboney, attorney, minister, and co-founder of the AND Campaign, shares insights from his new book, “Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around,” drawing wisdom from the Black church tradition and challenging listeners to rethink political binaries, face hard truths, and ground activism in faith-driven integrity. Discover practical disciplines, honest self-examination, and a call for courageous witness in turbulent times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Host Jim Wallis sits down with Claire Borzner, Director of Federal Government Relations for Share Our Strength, to discuss the latest developments on the (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Borzner reveals how benefit cuts and funding delays threaten 42 million Americans with crippling hunger—especially children, seniors, and working families. Hear first-hand stories of hardship and resilience, learn why SNAP must be fully restored now, and find out how you can make a difference.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim Wallis talks with Amelia Kegan, Associate General Secretary for Policy and Advocacy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, about the looming SNAP cuts during the government shutdown. They discuss the real-life impact on millions of families, the faith community’s powerful advocacy, and how “faith cover” can help Congress do the right thing. From personal stories to policy insights, this episode challenges listeners to take action and gives hope for a more just path forward—because feeding the hungry is a moral imperative, not a political option.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this compelling conversation, Jim Wallis speaks with Brian Kaylor, president and editor-in-chief of Word & Way and host of Dangerous Dogma, about his new book The Bible According to Christian Nationalists. Kaylor exposes how Scripture is being distorted to serve political ends—and calls the Church to reclaim biblical truth and moral courage in an age of rising authoritarianism. Together, they explore how to resist “worship-washing,” rebuild faith literacy, and keep Jesus—not partisanship—at the center of public life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim Wallis welcomes Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr.—author, moral thinker, and Princeton professor—for a timely, unfiltered conversation on the centrality of race in America’s current political and spiritual crisis. They dig beneath the headlines, exploring the “lie at the heart of America’s self-understanding,” the urgent need for multiracial democracy, and what spiritual renewal demands of us all. Eddie Glaude calls for truth-telling, moral courage, and a shared commitment to justice as the nation confronts crossroads that will define its future. Listen for honest answers, powerful challenges, and hope drawn from America’s deepest moral traditions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join Jim Wallis for an inspiring conversation with renowned contemplative activist Wes Granberg-Michaelson, author of The Soul Work of Justice. Discover how inner spiritual practices fuel lasting commitment to justice—even amid political turmoil. Wes shares stories from his fifty years of journaling, spiritual discipline, and advocacy, offering wisdom for anyone wrestling with despair, burnout, or the urgent questions facing faith-based movements in today’s America. Tune in for practical guidance to root your activism in hope, resilience, and the soul’s deep work for justice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of the Jim Wallis Podcast, Jim Wallis sits down with Dr. Reggie Williams, Bonhoeffer scholar and Associate Professor of Theology at St. Louis University, for a fearless exploration of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s radical life during the rise of Nazism in Germany. Williams draws a bold, unflinching line from Bonhoeffer’s resistance against Hitler-era fascism to the present-day surge of Trumpism, MAGA extremism, and White Christian Nationalism plaguing American democracy. Together, they illuminate how Bonhoeffer’s immersion in the Black Social Gospel at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church transformed his vision of faith and justice—offering urgent lessons for those who refuse to cower before today’s resurgent tides of Christianized authoritarianism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join Jim Wallis in a powerful conversation with Bishop Daniel Gutierrez of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Drawing from his journey from hardship to spiritual leadership, Gutierrez shares poignant insights on immigration, inclusion, and the transformative call of the Gospel to welcome the stranger. Explore how faith shapes our response to today’s political and social challenges—and how churches can embody radical compassion in this critical election year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this powerful episode, Jim Wallis sits down with national veterans’ leader Paul Rieckhoff. Together, they dive into the intersection of faith, military service, and the urgent need for moral leadership in American democracy. From combat zones to Capitol Hill, Rieckhoff shares candid stories about what fuels real service, the dangers of political division, and how faith can inspire change. This conversation challenges listeners—regardless of background—to find hope, stand up for justice, and rediscover values that unite.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this special reprise of the Jim Wallis Podcast, we revisit a vital conversation with Heather McGhee, author of The Sum of Us. As we navigate the turbulence of the second Trump administration—marked by escalating racial divisions, attacks on truth, and deepening inequality—Heather’s insights are more urgent than ever.This episode cuts to the heart of systemic racism’s cost—not just to people of color, but to all of us. Heather reveals how racial animus drains our collective resources and weakens our democracy, using powerful examples like the draining of public pools after desegregation—a metaphor for how fear and division erode the public good.With the nation facing unprecedented challenges to justice, truth, and faith, Heather’s call for healing, narrative change, and courageous policy action reminds us that our shared future depends on confronting these root issues—especially now.Replaying this conversation during a time of intense social and political upheaval is essential. It challenges us to move beyond zero-sum thinking toward a vision of America where we are truly better together.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join Jim Wallis in this compelling episode as he sits down with Reverend Carlos Malave, President of the Latino Christian National Network, to discuss the escalating impact of immigration enforcement, ICE militarization, and the courageous resistance rising from Latino communities and faith leaders. Drawing from powerful personal stories and urgent national developments, Rev. Malave exposes the deep fear gripping immigrant neighborhoods, the tangible effects on church life, and how Christians are responding with bold acts of compassion and nonviolent resistance. Discover how policy, faith, and human dignity intersect in today’s America and why unity, courage, and hope are more crucial than ever for a just future. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that challenges, inspires, and calls listeners to action.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.




