The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

What does it mean to live a just life in a society where the economic scales have been tipped for centuries? While protests, legislation, and boycotts are vital tools for justice, Dr. Boyce Watkins argues that there is another hammer we must pick up: Finance. In this episode, Benjamin Watson and Dr. Watkins move beyond the abstract and dive into the "science of wealth." From Dr. Watkins’ humble beginnings in Louisville to his tenure at Syracuse University, this conversation explores why true freedom isn't just the absence of chains, it's the presence of ownership. They discuss the looming threat of AI, the "gang-like" loyalty required to build family institutions, and why your time is more valuable than your bank account. The Journey to Financial Literacy: Dr. Watkins shares his personal story of being a young father and struggling student who chose to major in finance simply because he "needed" money. Time vs. Money: A deep dive into why wasting time is a greater "sin" than wasting money. Dr. Watkins explains that wealth is simply an accumulation of money across time. The Economic Storm of AI: Why Dr. Watkins believes Artificial Intelligence is the "White Walker" of the modern economy, threatening to widen the unemployment gap for those without ownership. Relationships as Wealth: A powerful perspective on how family loyalty, marriage, and community bonds are actually forms of "unseen" capital that can be leveraged to build institutions. The Flaw in Capitalism: Why capitalism, in its extreme form, leads to exploitation—and how to find a "healthy balance" that empowers the community without sacrificing virtue. Reparations and Realities: Addressing the $14 trillion racial wealth gap and the practical steps the community can take while waiting for systemic compensation. Check out the video version at  https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial  Connect with Benjamin at  https://benjaminswatson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Just Life, Leah Rothstein joins Benjamin Watson for a sobering and necessary conversation about the structural roots of racial segregation in America. Drawing from Just Action, the book she co-authored with her father, renowned academic Richard Rothstein, Leah challenges the popular belief that today’s segregated neighborhoods are simply the result of personal choice or market forces. Instead, she exposes the unconstitutional reality behind America’s divided landscape and how federal, state, and local governments deliberately engineered segregation through policies like the GI Bill, restrictive covenants, redlining, and the Interstate Highway System. Together, Leah and Benjamin unpack how these decisions systematically stripped wealth from Black communities while subsidizing white suburbs and why acknowledging that history matters for pursuing justice today. Key Topics Discussed: - From Awareness to Repair: Why it’s no longer enough to just "know" the history; we must actively redress the damage. - The Jewish-Black Connection: Leah shares how her upbringing in a Jewish activist household shaped her commitment to the idea that "we’re not safe unless everybody’s safe." - The Myth of "Natural" Segregation: A breakdown of how the FHA and local zoning laws intentionally separated resources and opportunities by race. - The Legacy of the GI Bill: How post-WWII housing subsidies created a massive, compounding wealth gap. - Modern Day Segregation: How "race-neutral" policies (single-family zoning, illegal practices, racial steering...) continue to enforce segregation today. Check out the video version at:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial⁠  Connect with Benjamin at:⁠https://benjaminswatson.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with Gary Haugen, Founder and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM). While many view poverty simply as a lack of resources, Gary argues that for the world’s poorest, the primary obstacle to survival is actually unchecked violence. From his upbringing in a "bubble" of affluence to investigating genocide in Rwanda, Gary shares his journey of discovering that justice is not optional, it is essential to living out the Gospel. They discuss the staggering statistics of modern slavery, the lingering impact of colonialism on justice systems, and how enforcing the law can break the cycle of poverty. Gary Haugen is the CEO and founder of International Justice Mission (IJM). A graduate of Harvard and the University of Chicago Law School, Gary formerly served at the U.S. Department of Justice and directed the U.N. investigation into the Rwandan genocide. He is the author of The Locust Effect and Just Courage. Key Topics Discussed: The Bubble vs. The Real World: Gary’s transition from a comfortable childhood in California to confronting racial tension at Harvard and apartheid in South Africa. A Lesson from Desmond Tutu: A powerful story of witnessing Bishop Tutu confront Dutch Reformed Church leaders about the sin of apartheid. The Rwanda Investigation: How investigating mass graves after the 1994 genocide revealed the desperate need for protection systems for the poor. The Poverty-Violence Connection: Why traditional philanthropy often fails if it doesn't address the "bullies" who steal resources from the poor. The Economics of Slavery: Understanding that slavery is a low-risk, high-reward crime fueled by a lack of law enforcement. Colonial Legacies: How colonial powers built justice systems designed to protect regimes rather than citizens, and the current efforts to re-engineer them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin sits down with historian, author, and speaker Dr. Jemar Tisby to discuss the inseparable link between faith and justice. Together, they dive deep into the American church's complicated history with racism and how understanding the past is essential for interpreting the present. Jemar challenges the traditional narrative of the Jim Crow era, reframing it as a time of Black institution building and resilience. They also tackle hot-button issues like DEI, the "Marxist" label in evangelical circles, and the difference between "repeating" and "rhyming" history. Whether you are looking for language to articulate your experiences or seeking practical steps to make wrong things right, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and hope. Key Topics Discussed: Reframing History: Why Jemar views the Jim Crow era not just as a time of segregation, but as the "Black Institution Building Era. Does History Repeat? The difference between history repeating and history rhyming, with examples from the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to modern immigration policies. The DEI Debate: Understanding the historical backlash to Black progress (from the Wilmington Coup to modern corporate boycotts). Jamar’s Journey: Growing up in Waukegan, the culture shock of the Mississippi Delta, and the tension of being a Black Christian in predominantly white evangelical spaces. Labels in the Church: Unpacking why terms like "Marxist" and "Woke" are weaponized against Christians pursuing social justice. Defining Racism: A clear working definition: Prejudice + Power. Hope for Repair: How we can unmake racism by forming communities of belonging. Check out the video version at: https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial  Connect with Benjamin at: https://benjaminswatson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with Ruth Malhotra, a key whistleblower in the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) scandal. Ruth’s journey is one of unexpected advocacy, sitting at the intersection of faith, justice, and public engagement. The conversation begins with Ruth’s early days at Georgia Tech, where she successfully sued the university for violating free speech rights, setting a precedent for students across the nation. However, the interview takes a somber and gripping turn as Ruth details her time as the Public Relations Manager for RZIM. She pulls back the curtain on the culture of fear, the "don't question Ravi" mandate, and the systemic abuse of power that allowed a global ministry leader to hide a double life. This is a raw look at what happens when institutions prioritize reputation over righteousness, and how to maintain faith when leaders fail. Key Topics & Takeaways: From India to Atlanta: How Ruth’s upbringing and exposure to the slums of India shaped her view of global injustice. The Georgia Tech Lawsuit: The story behind Ruth’s battle against university speech codes and the Dean who admitted to "indoctrinating" students. The RZIM Culture: The gradual realization of "optics" issues, financial extravagance, and the idolatry of leadership. The Turning Point: The 2017 allegations by Lori Ann Thompson and the accidental email that revealed the cover-up to Ruth. The 4 Stages of Cover-Up: Ruth breaks down how organizations hide abuse: Deny, Defy, and Defame. Surviving Gaslighting: How ministry leadership tried to label Ruth as mentally unstable to discredit her whistleblowing. The Definition of Justice: Why justice requires not just protecting the vulnerable, but exposing the darkness, even when it is within the church. Check out the video version at: https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial  Connect with Benjamin at:  https://benjaminswatson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Artist, author, and cultural commentator Sho Baraka joins Benjamin Watson to kick off Season 2 of The Just Life for a powerful conversation on faith, history, and justice. Drawing from his upbringing during the Rodney King era and his time at Tuskegee University, Sho shares how his understanding of injustice was formed. Together, they examine his Christianity Today article "The Broken Promise of 40 Acres and a Mule",  exploring the biblical and moral questions surrounding reparations, why these conversations remain so contentious, and what justice rooted in faith looks like beyond repentance, toward repair. The conversation also unpacks Sho’s idea of “the gold and the shadow,” challenging listeners to tell the whole truth about America, the church, and the stories we inherit. Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial  Connect with Benjamin at https://benjaminswatson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin Watson sits down with Jasmine Crowe-Houston, social impact innovator, TED speaker, and founder/CEO of Goodr, to reframe hunger as a justice issue, not just charity. Jasmine breaks down why 42–47 million Americans live with food insecurity, how “food deserts” and “food swamps” drive inequity, and why the poorest often pay the most for food. She explains Goodr’s tech platform that rescues surplus meals in 1–2 hours, the free in-school grocery stores and pop-up markets delivering dignified choice, and the 40M+ meals Goodr has provided to date. They dig into waste (40% of U.S. food; ~2% of GDP), policy fixes (universal school meals, don’t-landfill-food mandates), the spiritual and emotional toll of this work, and simple ways families, churches, and businesses can love their neighbors by feeding them—locally and sustainably.Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Connect with Benjamin at https://benjaminswatson.com/ Topics: Hunger as a justice issue Food deserts vs. food swamps 40% food waste, 2% of GDP Goodr’s surplus-to-nonprofit logistics Free school-based grocery stores Pop-up markets & senior deliveries Minimum wage, affordability, access Policy ideas: no-waste laws, school meals Churches & communities as feeders Practical ways to “love your neighbor” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin Watson and Geoff Duncan, former Georgia lieutenant governor, ex–pro baseball pitcher, entrepreneur, and author of GOP 2.0, talk about truth, courage, and leading with love. Geoff shares how his faith matured from “inherited” to personal, why he chose to call balls and strikes after 2020, and what it cost. They unpack his “honest umpire” approach, character in the Oval Office, rebuilding trust through policy-first problem solving, and practical justice: education, economic mobility, and dignifying our neighbors across party lines. Duncan also reflects on his DNC speech, being expelled by the GOP, and what kind of America he hopes to hand his three sons.Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Connect with Benjamin at https://benjaminswatson.com/ Topics: Honest umpire: call balls and strikes Faith maturing from inherited to personal Policy over politics: PET framework Character and tone in leadership Election integrity and January 6th Political homelessness and party extremism Justice as love of neighbor Education and economic mobility Bipartisan problem-solving and empathy Parenting, courage, and public witness Also check out https://benjaminswatson.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a time when politics feels like a tug-of-war for Christian allegiance, Benjamin Watson sits down with Justin Giboney, attorney, strategist, and president of the AND Campaign, to unpack how Christians can engage politics without losing their witness. Together they challenge partisanship and call for a faith that holds conviction and compassion in the same breath. From a whole-life ethic on abortion and maternal care to the role of fatherhood, family, and local leadership, this conversation confronts cultural idols and re-centers the Gospel in public life. Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial To learn more about the AND Campaign, visit: https://www.andcampaign.org Topics: A Biblical framework for public life Political homelessness Critiquing Left and Right Building Coalitions for the Common Good  Whole-life ethic on abortion and maternal care Family, marriage and fatherhood Political idolatry  Local engagement vs. national outrage HBCU tour and Lit City Forthcoming book on the Black Church’s orthodox public witness Also check out https://benjaminswatson.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin Watson sits down with Stephen Enada, president and co-founder of the International Committee on Nigeria, to unpack the crisis facing Nigeria’s persecuted church. They discuss undercounted death tolls, mass displacement, and why global and governmental inaction persists. Stephen challenges misleading “farmer–herder/climate” narratives, highlights corruption and terrorism, shares Leah Sharibu’s story, and explains the “Country of Particular Concern” designation. He also offers practical ways to pray, advocate, and support victims while pursuing religious freedom, peace and justice.  Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial For more information on the International Committee On Nigeria please visit: https://iconhelp.org/ Topics: Overview of Christian persecution in Nigeria by Islamic militants Undercounted killings and displacement Global silence and Global consequences Government complicity and corruption Misleading “farmer–herder/climate” narratives Leah Sharibu’s ongoing captivity Country of Particular Concern status Practical advocacy and victim support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Do Ordinary People Win Extraordinary Change? Organizer and strategist Tiffany Loftin unpacks student power, unionizing Delta flight attendants, abolishing the death penalty, and sustaining joy while fighting injustice. What began as a campaign to continue her own college education—and improve life for every student at UC Santa Cruz, has become a lifelong mission of advocacy. Tiffany shares practical steps for everyday people to take action, build power, and stay grounded in the struggles that move them to act. Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Topics Discussed: Unions and Worker Power Education as a right? College access and affordability Campus organizing and student leadership Meeting with President Obama Voting vs. grassroots organizing Abolishing the death penalty Making family proud Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Civil rights attorney and CNN analyst Bakari Sellers joins Benjamin to talk about growing up in South Carolina, what “hidden” injustices like heirs’ property reveal about policy, and why due process, health access, and strong local churches matter for real change. A thoughtful, nuanced convo on leading with empathy while pushing for reform. Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Topics Discussed: Rural inequities and the “Corridor of Shame" Financial literacy  Gullah Geechee land loss and Heirs property  Men’s health America’s role in the Israel- Gaza conflict  Due Process and the Immigration debate  Parenting Twins Gamecock Basketball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin Watson sits down with Grammy-winning artist, author, and philanthropist Lecrae for a candid conversation on faith that acts, how the gospel grounds justice, why silence wounds, and what hopeful, everyday courage looks like. Lecrae opens up about suffering, healing, and practical ways to love neighbors with integrity at home, in church, and in public life. From a childhood influenced by the Black Panthers to his arrival at the zenith of the music industry, Lecrae shares how he’s learning to live “the just life” beyond the stage. Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Just Life with Benjamin Watson, Dr. Cornel West, philosopher, public intellectual, and prophetic voice for justice, joins Benjamin for a wide-ranging conversation on love, truth, and the moral demands of our time. Drawing from his famous declaration that “justice is what love looks like in public,” Dr. West explores the meaning of prophetic love in an age marked by division, tribalism, and moral crisis.  From addressing human suffering in Israel and Gaza to American militarism and the power of the blues they examine why love grounds justice, courage resists fear, and faith shapes public action.  Rooted in the Black prophetic tradition, West urges us to reject double standards, find our voice and help make wrongs right. Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin Watson talks with Bruce Deel about justice with boots on the ground: moving toward pain, listening first, and building a “people plan” that turns triage into transformation. Anchored by faith, they unpack restoring neighborhoods without displacement, combining mercy with accountability, mobilizing men against exploitation, and creating real pathways to stability so families can flourish through housing, work, and dignity. Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin Watson sits down with Angela Stanton King to unpack what a “just life” looks like when convictions meet compassion.  Once incarcerated and shackled while giving birth, the Auntie Angie’s House founder has become a fierce advocate for criminal justice reform, family restoration, and maternal health. Exploring her journey from prison to purpose, they discuss the fight for dignity, responsibility, and bridge-building beyond party lines—how ordinary people can create extraordinary change and why serving moms and protecting children belongs at the heart of justice.  Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin Watson and Dr. Russell Moore consider what justice looks like as a way of life: awakening conscience, resisting tribalism, repenting and reforming, stewarding influence, and choosing small faithful actions over grandstanding. Through a Christian lens, they invite listeners to trade outrage for wisdom, recover the strangeness of the gospel, and build communities that embody truth, compassion, and hope. Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin Watson sits down with journalist, TV host, and bestselling author Brooke Baldwin (Netflix’s The Trust; author of Huddle) for a candid conversation about justice, empathy, and truth. Brooke revisits their first on-air meeting during Ferguson in 2014 and sets the record straight on a viral “cut-off” moment. She shares how major stories—from Parkland to George Floyd—reshaped her, why media lost public trust, and how compassion can bridge today’s divides. Brooke also opens up about corporate power dynamics, advocating for women, and rediscovering identity after leaving CNN. Practical takeaways include how to mentor across differences, listen without interrupting, and lead with dignity. “The just life,” Brooke says, “means living in the light—with truth and integrity.” Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices