A Weaver’s Journey of Art, Advocacy, and Belonging — from WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project In this edition of our special Weavers series, we sit down with Nikki Harris—fiber artist, mother, advocate, and community connector from Baltimore, Maryland. Through art and action, Nikki embodies what it means to weave the social fabric. She shares her journey from self-taught fiber artist to founding HGE Designs, and from 911 dispatcher to autism advocate with Pathfinders for Autism. This conversation delves into what it truly means to create space—for healing, for connection, and for community. Nikki opens up about raising her son Roman, navigating systems as a caregiver, and the spiritual resilience it takes to serve while healing herself. Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Highlights [00:01:00] – 🎨 What is a fiber artist? Nikki’s journey to fiber art and how it began as therapy for her and her son. [00:05:00] – 💡 Creating art for sensory engagement: Tactile art as a bridge to connection for her son and others with sensory needs. [00:08:00] – 🖼️ Nikki’s favorite piece: A portrait of Roman mid-fry at Chick-fil-A—and the touching story behind it. [00:11:00] – 🧵 The birth of HGE Designs: A dad’s encouragement, a mall encounter, and a scarf that helped pay for therapy. [00:14:00] – 🧒 Spotlight on Nick: Her older son’s quiet strength and deep empathy as a big brother to Roman. [00:21:00] – 🏫 Building systems of care: Nikki’s work with schools, hospitals, and emergency services to create inclusive systems. [00:26:00] – 🚨 From 911 dispatcher to advocate: Real-world applications of her emergency service experience in autism advocacy. [00:35:00] – 💔 The wall and the hospital: A pivotal moment during COVID that deepened Nikki’s mission. [00:39:00] – ✨ Faith over fear: Tattoos, God-engineered paths, and finding miracles in moments of despair. [00:43:00] – 🧘♀️ Reiki and rest: How Nikki refuels through meditation, art, and her tribe of supporters. [00:47:00] – 🤝 Discovering Weave: Finding the Weave Speakers Bureau—and finding her voice. [00:50:00] – 💬 Politics, funding, and community self-reliance: Why community is the greatest resource. [00:54:00] – 💬 How do we talk across divides? The power of “why” in understanding others. Key Takeaways “Creating for one means creating for many.” Nikki's commitment to building inclusive spaces for her son has ripple effects across Baltimore and beyond. "God-engineered." Her life path may not have been planned—but it all fits. Fiber art, advocacy, and community work interweave into a purpose-driven life. “I don’t care about being right. I just want us to get it right.” A guiding principle for productive collaboration across differences. Faith, art, and healing are inseparable. Nikki finds spiritual nourishment in everything from crochet to reiki to prayer. Caregiving doesn’t mean self-erasure. Her marriage, her tribe, and her creative practice help keep her cup full as she pours into others. Links & Mentions 🔗 HGE Designs: www.instagram.com/hge_designs 🧠 Pathfinders for Autism: www.pathfindersforautism.org 🧵 Weave: The Social Fabric Project: weareweavers.org Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group May you find the courage to create space — for yourself, for others, and for a future woven with care, connection, and quiet strength.
A deeply clarifying conversation about fear, faith, and how Christians can reclaim a healthier way of engaging in public life. In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his thoughtful and timely dialogue with Curtis Chang—public theologian, founder of Redeeming Babel, and co-creator (with David French, Dr. Russell Moore and Nancy French) of The After Party, a project devoted to healing the political fractures tearing churches and friendships apart. Curtis explains why so much of our modern polarization isn’t actually about facts, but untended anxiety posing as conviction. He lays out how Christians can cultivate moral confidence without moral combat, why conspiracy theories often function as emotional painkillers, and what it looks like to move from combatant, cynic, or exhausted bystander toward the spiritual posture of a disciple. If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this conversation is a grounded, hopeful entry point into what we’re about. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Why Curtis Chang’s work matters in this political moment [00:02] Anxiety as the hidden driver of polarization [00:06] Conspiracy theories as emotional “certainty drugs” [00:12] Faith, history, and what Christians misunderstand about the Resurrection [00:17] Cynicism, disengagement, and reclaiming hope [00:21] The origins of The After Party and its vision for church renewal [00:27] “Disappearings,” broken relationships, and the danger of social withdrawal [00:38] Zealots, tax collectors, and Jesus’s political imagination [00:42] The spiritual power of shared meals [00:47] Combatants, Cynics, the Exhausted — and the path toward “Disciple” [00:55] The hunger for a better way to live out our faith in public 🧠 Key Takeaways • Anxiety drives more polarization than ideology. When fear is unexamined, it disguises itself as righteous certainty. • Conspiracy theories offer false relief. They provide temporary emotional clarity, not truth. • Jesus models a politics of proximity. Tax collectors and zealots shared the same table — not because they agreed, but because He held them together. • Shared meals heal what arguments can’t. Embodied community diffuses fear and restores relationship. • Discipleship is the way forward. Hope + humility > combat, cynicism, and exhaustion. 💬 Notable Quotes “Conspiracy theories are like Xanax for Christian anxiety.” “Jesus formed a political community that held zealots and tax collectors in the same circle.” “We need to recover the how of politics — the spiritual posture — not just the what.” “You can’t heal the world if you’ve disappeared the people in it.” 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in hope and humility.
Forget what you think you know about religion in America. The latest research from Pew reveals a story that’s more complex—and more hopeful—than the headlines suggest. Corey sits down with Gregory A. Smith, who’s spent over two decades studying how faith and identity shape American public life. In this no-fluff conversation, Greg unpacks the surprising stabilization of religious affiliation, the myths about Gen Z’s spiritual life, and how a well-worded survey can teach us more than a pundit ever could. They also explore the emotional courage it takes to study religion without evangelizing it—and why 80% of Christians say you don’t have to agree about Trump to be a “good Christian.” 🧭 If you’re new to TP&R, this is an eye-opening intro to how data, faith, and civic life intersect—grounded in transparency, humility, and curiosity. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Meet Greg Smith — and why Pew’s research matters in polarized times [00:04] From political science to religion & politics: Greg’s unexpected career path [00:07] Personal roots: Growing up Catholic, noticing politics in the pews [00:12] Designing good survey questions: clarity, neutrality, and transparency [00:20] The art & science of polling: how sample sizes actually work [00:34] The rise of the “nones” and the plateau of religious decline [00:40] What the pandemic revealed about faith, habits & resilience [00:49] Gender, politics, and religion: surprising shifts in who’s leaving faith [00:54] Can good Christians disagree about Donald Trump? (Short answer: yes!) [01:01] Pew’s mission of nonpartisanship—and how to spot bad data [01:05] Talking across differences: assume good intent, ask good questions 🧠 Key Takeaways • Faith is changing—but not disappearing. After decades of decline, American religiosity has surprisingly leveled off. • Young people aren’t flocking to church—but they’re not abandoning it at the same rate anymore either. • Survey design matters. A question’s wording can shape the narrative. Pew’s commitment to transparency lets the data speak for itself. • Data ≠ dogma. Pew doesn’t advocate policy or religion—they provide tools for understanding. • People surprise us. 80% of U.S. Christians agree: good Christians can disagree about Donald Trump. 💬 Notable Quotes “If you want to measure change, you cannot change the measures.” “Religion’s decline is real—but in the last five years, it's stopped declining.” “Being transparent doesn’t just build trust; it lets people decide for themselves.” “Our surveys aren’t about converting anyone. They’re about understanding everyone.” 🔗 Pew Research Resources Pew Research Center – Religion & Public Life Explore data-driven insights on faith, identity, and public life in America. pewresearch.org/topic/religion Religious Landscape Study (2007, 2014, 2023‑24) A definitive, multi-decade survey tracking American religious beliefs, behaviors, and affiliations. pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study 📄 Religion Holds Steady in America (2025) The latest research: no clear evidence of a religious revival among young adults—just enduring complexity. Read the report 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be grounded in good questions—and guided by honest curiosity.
A luminous conversation about leadership, love, and what spiritual courage looks like in a polarized age. In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his deeply moving conversation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington and one of the most trusted—and most tested—faith leaders in American public life. With striking humility and clarity, Bishop Budde reflects on her faith journey, her response to political turbulence, her viral inauguration sermon, and the inner practices that sustain grace under pressure. 🧭 If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is a beautiful entry point: vulnerable, grounded, and full of moral imagination. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & frames why Bishop Budde matters today [00:02] A nonlinear, grace-filled faith journey: altar calls, questions & belonging [00:07] The Episcopal Church as “middle C” — finding a spiritual home [00:13] Love, mercy, and the discipline of offering grace under pressure [00:21] “Moving toward the light when it’s still dark”: Easter, trauma & renewal [00:26] Her 2025 inaugural sermon, public backlash & what real pastoral courage requires [00:36] Navigating political polarization inside the church [00:43] The emotional & spiritual toll of public criticism — and how she stays grounded [00:54] Hope vs. despair: why older generations must model courage for the young [01:00] The TP&R Question: how to talk across difference without losing one another 🧠 Key Takeaways • Courage is a practice. Grace isn’t temperament—it’s cultivated through discipline, prayer, and self-awareness. • Resurrection starts small. Healing—personal or societal—often begins as “the faintest stirrings of light.” • Humanity first. Behind every political category (immigrant, LGBTQ, federal worker) are real people with real stories. • Leadership invites backlash. Staying grounded requires boundaries, humility, and community support. • Hope is generational stewardship. We don’t burden the next generation with our despair—we model resilience. 💬 Notable Quotes “Something happened that night at the altar — an ache in my heart I couldn’t ignore.” “If it’s not about love, it’s not about God.” “Resurrection begins in darkness, with the smallest flicker of new life.” “People can disagree with me; they are not entitled to harm me.” “I will not ask my children to carry the weight of my despair.” 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more rooted in love.
One of the clearest, most necessary voices on Ukraine, democracy, and what the West keeps getting wrong. In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his most recent conversation with Dr. Alexander Vindman — retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council, and author of The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine. From the thousand-year struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty to why U.S. administrations repeatedly misread Russia, Vindman explains how we arrived at this moment — and what a values-based foreign policy (“neo-idealism”) could mean for America’s future. He also opens up about family history, his brother Eugene’s first term in Congress, and what gives him both concern and hope in a destabilized world. 🧭 If you're new to TP&R through Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is a timely, clear-eyed introduction: personal, historically grounded, urgently relevant, and we even have some fun! 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Why Alexander Vindman’s voice has become essential to TP&R [00:03] Eugene Vindman’s first term in Congress — governing from a purple district [00:11] Lessons from military families, public service, and bipartisan problem-solving [00:17] Reconnecting with family in Ukraine — personal history meets geopolitics [00:24] The thousand-year struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty [00:34] Russia’s imperial narrative and why the West kept buying it [00:41] Nuclear weapons, U.S. policy missteps, and the legacy of denuclearization [00:51] Neo-Idealism: Why values must guide U.S. foreign policy [00:56] What worries Vindman about Trump 2.0 — and where he still finds hope [01:08] The TP&R Question: How to talk across deep differences 🧠 Key Takeaways History matters. Ukraine’s fight for independence is centuries old — and central to understanding today’s war. The West misread Russia. U.S. administrations succumbed to “hopes and fears,” offering accommodation instead of strategy. Nuclear exceptionalism distorts policy. Fear of escalation often hands leverage to bad actors. Values are interests. Neo-Idealism argues that long-term U.S. strategy must be rooted in democratic principles. Domestic health = foreign strength. The fight for democracy abroad is inseparable from the one at home. 💬 Notable Quotes “Russia, absent Ukraine, ceases to be an empire. With Ukraine, it becomes one.” “We succumbed to misplaced hopes and fears. We thought if we treated Russia as a partner, it would behave like one.” “Values aren’t sentimental — they’re strategic.” “You can find common ground by talking about family. That’s where our shared concerns lie.” 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little clearer about what’s at stake.
One of the most compelling personal and political stories in Congress today — raw, principled, and deeply human. In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his conversation with Congressman Ritchie Torres, who represents New York’s 15th district in the Bronx. With refreshing candor, Torres shares his journey from public housing and poverty to becoming the first openly LGBTQ elected official from the Bronx and one of the most forthright voices in American politics. He discusses the values that shape his independence, his commitment to social justice, why he proudly defends Israel despite intense backlash, and the inner tools he uses to face personal and political challenges — all while staying focused on the people he serves. 🧭 If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is a powerful entry point: personal, honest, and courageous. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Why Congressman Torres exemplifies what TP&R is all about [00:03] The budget fight and why Medicaid cuts would devastate his district [00:05] How his mother and public housing shaped his mission [00:08] Struggles with mental health and the resilience behind his rise [00:14] Why he values independence over tribalism [00:18] On facing backlash for defending Israel and combating antisemitism [00:24] Cutting through ideological noise: real issues vs. performative politics [00:27] Thoughts on Trump, authoritarian threats, and American democracy [00:28] Considering a run for Governor of New York [00:29] The TP&R Question: How to foster pluralism in polarized times 🧠 Key Takeaways Politics is personal. Rep. Torres's life story fuels his commitment to housing, healthcare, and fighting poverty. Independence matters. He resists ideological pressure to stay focused on practical solutions. Mental health is not taboo. Rep. Torres openly discusses depression and how therapy and medication help him lead. Courage isn’t comfortable. Taking principled stands—especially on Israel—can invite hostility but builds credibility. Pluralism is essential. Democracy thrives when we resist extremism and practice intellectual humility. 💬 Notable Quotes “Before I’m a congressman, I’m the son of my mother.” “The greatest threat to liberal democracy isn’t the extremes—it’s the cowardice of the center.” “Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s something to talk about.” “Pluralism should not be seen as a weakness, but a strength.” 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in good faith.
One of the most clarifying conversations we’ve had about conscience, character, and navigating our divisions with integrity. In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his conversation with David French — New York Times columnist, attorney, veteran, and one of the most thoughtful voices on religious liberty, civic virtue, polarization, and how principled disagreement can strengthen rather than destroy a pluralistic society. David unpacks how he thinks about political persuasion, why courage and humility are twin civic virtues, what it means to disagree in good faith, how social media distorts our moral instincts, and why democracy requires both conviction and restraint. If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is an ideal introduction: rigorous, nuanced, grounded in lived experience, and rooted in a deep belief in the dignity of difference. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & frames the ICYMI series [00:02] David’s path from law and military service to commentary [00:08] Why pluralism requires courage, humility, and restraint [00:14] The ethics of disagreement & how to argue in good faith [00:21] Tribal identity, social media, and moral panic [00:28] Religious liberty, conscience, and the case for principled pluralism [00:36] Persuasion vs. performative politics [00:41] Hope, community, and why democracy is worth the struggle 🧠 Key Takeaways Pluralism is a moral discipline. It requires seeing opponents as neighbors, not enemies. Arguments should be invitations, not indictments. Good-faith disagreement is a civic good. Identity often overwhelms evidence. Social media amplifies fear, outrage, and tribal reflexes. Religious liberty protects everyone. David explains why conscience rights are essential in a diverse democracy. 💬 Notable Quotes “You cannot have a functioning democracy unless people are free to disagree in good faith.” “Pluralism is hard — but the alternative is worse.” “If your goal is persuasion, performative outrage is self-defeating.” “Humility is not weakness; it’s a civic virtue.” 🛠️ Resources Mentioned Divided We Fall — David French David French’s writing at The New York Times 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in good faith. 🎙️✨
One of the most essential conversations we’ve had — on authoritarianism, influence campaigns, and what it takes to defend democracy. In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his conversation with Anne Applebaum — Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, staff writer at The Atlantic, and one of the world’s leading experts on modern authoritarianism. Anne explains how autocrats collaborate across borders, why propaganda spreads so easily, how economic complicity in the West has empowered illiberal regimes, and what ordinary citizens can actually do to strengthen democratic culture. If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast or were recommended this program by a friend, this conversation is the perfect introduction: rigorous, accessible, global in scope, and grounded in the belief that democratic values are worth defending. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & frames the ICYMI series [00:02] Anne’s path from studying history to analyzing modern authoritarianism [00:08] How Russia, China, Iran, and others collaborate in “Autocracy, Inc.” [00:15] Why propaganda works — and how autocrats weaponize fear [00:22] Western financial and technological complicity [00:28] Ukraine, disinformation, and why this moment is globally defining [00:36] How everyday people can defend democratic culture 🧠 Key Takeaways Authoritarianism is a network. Modern autocrats copy one another’s tactics and often cooperate. Propaganda targets identity, not facts. Fear and belonging drive political behavior more than information. Democratic decline isn’t inevitable. Transparency, civic courage, and local engagement matter. The fight begins at home. Repairing democratic culture starts with relationships, curiosity, and shared work. 💬 Notable Quotes “Their common enemy isn’t each other — it’s liberal democracy.” “You weaken a society by making people fear one another.” “We enabled this system when we let dark money and technology flow freely.” “You can’t defend democracy if you don’t understand what’s threatening it.” 🛠️ Resources Mentioned Twilight of Democracy — Anne Applebaum Autocracy, Inc. — Anne Applebaum Anne’s writing in The Atlantic 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little clearer about what’s at stake. 🎙️✨
One of TP&R’s all-time standout conversations—perfect for new listeners discovering the show this week. In this special ICYMI release, Corey revisits his deeply human, deeply honest conversation with David Brooks—New York Times columnist, bestselling author of The Second Mountain and How to Know a Person, and one of the most thoughtful public voices on moral formation, democracy, and what it takes to live well with one another. This episode has become a listener favorite not because it’s political in the usual sense… but because it’s personal. Corey and David talk candidly about depression, friendship, loss, faith, identity, community-building, and the inner transformations required for a democratic people to live together without coming apart. If you’re new to TP&R thanks to the Podbean or Overcast promotions, start here. This is TP&R at its best: honest, vulnerable, intellectually rigorous, and grounded in real moral imagination. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & explains the ICYMI series [00:02] Introducing David: columnist, author, moral observer [00:04] On Mets fandom, heartbreak, suffering, and hope [00:08] Camp friendships, identity formation & “Brooksy” [00:13] Depression, presence, and “the ministry of ‘that sucks’” [00:20] Loving presence, bathmats, and practical compassion [00:23] Growing up Jewish → becoming Christian [00:30] Jesus as a Jew, a renegade, and a revolutionary in a real historical world [00:33] Identity, peoplehood, and ambivalence in a time of antisemitism [00:36] Christianity beyond “the Shire”: Keller, Wehner, Rauch [00:38] The rise of loneliness, social fragmentation & the birth of Weave [00:41] Meeting America’s “weavers”: trust-builders & quiet healers [00:46] David’s writing practice: piles on the floor, synthesis, and deadlines [00:51] Actors, empathy, and the craft of deeply seeing others [00:53] The TP&R Question: how do we talk across differences? [00:57] Moni Guzmán, Crucial Conversations & asking “Why you?” [00:58] On Michael Gerson, Tim Keller, loss & gratitude [01:04] How to follow David Brooks and dive deeper into his work 🧠 Key Takeaways Presence > solutions. When someone is suffering, the most healing thing isn’t fixing—it’s showing up. Everyone has a soul. David’s turning point toward faith began in a subway station, noticing the invisible depth of every person around him. We need weavers. America’s social fragmentation is being repaired by local, trusted community-builders showing quiet, everyday courage. Curiosity is a moral virtue. Asking “How did you come to believe that?” opens the door to empathy across political and religious divides. Conversation is a craft. Don’t top stories. Don’t multitask attention. Find the disagreement under the disagreement. We inherit peoplehood as much as belief. David discusses living as a Jew ethnically and culturally, even as a practicing Christian. Faith involves ambivalence—but also joy. “If you can believe it three or four days out of ten, believe it with laughter.” 💬 Notable Quotes “Life has not stopped expecting things of you.” “Your first job in conflict is to stand in the other person’s standpoint.” “Presence is the core of friendship—words often fail, but presence doesn’t.” “We’re beggars who tell other beggars where we found bread.” “Jesus wasn’t a wispy Renaissance figure—he was a badass Jewish revolutionary in a world of occupation and revolt.” “The smartest Christians are Jews.” (Brooks, joking-but-not-joking) “Argument is prayer.” 🛠️ Resources Mentioned David Brooks — How to Know a Person Weave: The Social Fabric Project — https://weavers.org Mónica Guzmán — I Never Thought of It That Way 🔗 Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group May your next conversation be a little braver—and a little kinder. 🎙️✨
Call it a holiday palate cleanser: today’s TP&R feed features a special drop from East Meets West Sports. Be sure to find this new show on all the apps, follow, rate, review... You know the drill. Enjoy! Can Shedeur Sanders prove he's “the one” – or is Cleveland just buying time? Meanwhile, LA sports shake things up from the locker room to the front office. In this riveting holiday edition of East Meets West Sports, Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan dive deep into the buzz surrounding Shedeur Sanders, who made his first NFL start at QB with the Browns amid swirling controversy, legacy baggage, and sky-high expectations. Is he truly “who they’ve been waiting for”—or just the latest victim of hype? From there, they pivot to LA’s sports scene, dissecting how the Dodgers’ analytics dynasty is reshaping the Lakers’ future following their acquisition. Can a World Series-winning front office build an NBA championship contender? They round things out with reflections on sports gratitude this Thanksgiving—from New York family traditions to LA playoff dreams. ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics Time Segment 00:00 – 01:30 🎩 Opening Banter: Rick and Corey reunite, and Corey flaunts his Rumble Ponies pride 01:30 – 04:00 🏈 Shedeur Sanders Debut: Breaking down stats, the media circus, and locker room concerns 04:00 – 07:00 🤔 QB Leadership vs. Hype: What defines a true NFL leader? Can Sanders walk the walk? 07:00 – 11:00 🧠 Circus, Draft Slide & Deshaun's Influence: Why did Shedeur fall to Round 5? Is Watson a help or harm? 11:00 – 14:00 📊 QB Development & Teammate Trust: Kaepernick parallels, coachability & long-term upside 14:00 – 17:00 🧐 Is He the Guy? What the Browns must learn in 6 games—and the stakes of passing on a QB in 2026 17:00 – 19:30 🏀 Lakers Ownership Shift: Dodgers take control, Buss family drama, and a new analytics era 19:30 – 22:00 ⚙️ Baseball to Basketball: Can MLB strategy win in the NBA? Corey’s cautious optimism 22:00 – 25:00 ⚾ Human In, Human Out: How AI parallels the rise of sports analytics 25:00 – 27:00 📈 Legacy of Intuition & Gut Calls: From Dave Roberts to baseball's new age of decision-making 27:00 – 29:00 🙏 Thanksgiving Reflections: Family, sports, tradition, and what the fellas are thankful for 29:00 – End 🦃 Rick’s Gratitude & Wrap-Up: Rams, Dodgers, holiday football, and LA’s big dreams 💡 Notable Highlights Shedeur’s Swagger vs. Substance: “I’m who they’ve been looking for.” One game in—and already proclaiming QB supremacy? QB Culture Clash: Rick notes: “You don’t want flamboyance from your QB. Save that for wide receivers.” NFL Legacy Trap: Draft drop, pre-draft attitude, and comparisons to past one-hit wonders (RG3, Bradford) raise red flags. Dodgers' Takeover of the Lakers: What happens when LA’s baseball brains apply their World Series formula to hoops? AI in Sports & Life: Introducing the concept of “Human in, Human out” and how analytics need balance with experience—on and off the field. Family, Football & Tradition: Corey’s heartfelt story about watching Rangers and Knicks games with his brother continues a family ritual of yelling at the TV—with love. 🧠 Key Takeaways Leadership defines quarterbacks. It’s not about flash—it's about film study, locker room respect, and consistency under pressure. Cleveland needs answers fast. With two first-round picks looming, the Browns must know if Shedeur is the future—or just a phase. Analytics aren't magic. LA’s front office shuffle shows promise—but success in one sport doesn’t guarantee it in another. Tradition matters. Thanksgiving brings together food, family, and fandom in ways that enrich the sports experience beyond the game. 🔗 Find Us On 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 📣 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & review – and share with your sports crew!
What PRRI’s Latest Data Reveals About Our Deepening Divide In the shadow of rising polarization, this episode dives deep into the latest findings from PRRI's American Values Survey, Trump’s Unprecedented Actions Deepen Asymmetric Divides. Corey is joined by Dr. Melissa Deckman to break down the data—and what it tells us about party loyalty, trust in institutions, Christian nationalism, and shifting norms around religion and identity. They also unpack how Gen Z is engaging with this cultural landscape, particularly the gender divide between young men and women, and what the term “party agnostic” really means for the next generation of voters. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Dr. Deckman’s backstory and PRRI’s mission [00:08] From academia to leading PRRI: a bigger classroom [00:15] Understanding PRRI’s gold-standard polling methods [00:22] Good vs. bad polling: what to watch out for [00:27] Gen Z women, the 2024 elections, and the myth of the “tradwife” [00:33] Why Gen Z is “party agnostic” and focused on issues over institutions [00:40] Masculinity, natalism, and TikTok trends among Gen Z [00:46] The polarization puzzle: institutions, independents, and asymmetric divides [00:53] Christian nationalism’s rise—and resistance [00:58] Who are the “exvangelicals” and why are they leaving? 🧠 Key Takeaways Gen Z ≠ monolithic: Gen Z women remain highly progressive; young men are more ideologically mixed Polls aren’t predictions: They’re snapshots, and question design is key Christian nationalism challenges democracy—but pluralism still prevails Exvangelicals leave due to politicization and LGBTQ exclusion Media silos are splitting Gen Z worldviews by gender 💬 Notable Quotes “We don’t beat up the photographer if the runner in the lead ends up losing. So why do we do that to pollsters?” “Religion can hinder—but also foster—democracy.” “Gen Z women are not buying what MAGA is selling.” “Good polling is as much art as science.” 🛠️ Resources Mentioned Public Religion Research Institute - prri.org American Values Survey - prri.org/american-values-survey The Politics of Gen Z by Dr. Melissa Deckman - cup.columbia.edu/book/the-politics-of-gen-z/9780231560085/ 🔗 Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
Repairing the damage—in our democracy, in our relationships, and in ourselves. ✨ Episode Summary Let’s talk about redemption—what it really means to repair what’s been broken, whether in our democracy or in our personal lives, and how we can tell the difference between a true apology and just going through the motions. Inspired by a powerful Substack piece by Mike Madrid, we'll reflect on the nuances between performative apologies and genuine repentance, weaving in theological insights, literary references like East of Eden, and real-life examples. We'll consider how we engage with those who have caused harm—and what it means to truly repair what’s broken, especially as Thanksgiving and moments of family reconnection approach. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🕰️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00] Intro & Shoutouts Thanks to Democracy Group, Village Square, and Masa Wealth Management Announcing new podcast! East Meets West Sports 🏈🏀⚾️ [02:00] Mike Madrid’s Provocative Question “Is saying sorry enough?” from The Great Transformation Substack The difference between performative and genuine repentance [04:00] What Does Real Repentance Look Like? Acknowledgment vs. avoidance of harm Lessons from post-Nixon America and January 6th [09:00] The Universal Story of Redemption Biblical framework: Genesis and the role of agency The ongoing "redemption project" from chaos to order [14:00] Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden’ & the Power of ‘Thou Mayest’ 📖 Deep dive into theological and philosophical implications of choice Embracing agency in moral and civic life [17:00] Thanksgiving & Civic Relationships Mending fences in politics and family Why showing up—without drama—matters [21:00] Contrasting Two Real-Life Conflicts When reconciliation is possible vs. when blocking is necessary The limits of forgiveness and ongoing harm [26:00] How to Participate in Civic Redemption Nonviolent resistance and Prop 50 reflections Using political voice without resorting to the tactics we oppose [30:00] A Model of Contrition: Joe Walsh Example of public repentance and political evolution Engaging those who choose to say "I'm sorry" [33:00] When People Don’t Want Redemption The rise of malice-driven political actors What we can control: participating in healing 💡 Notable Quotes "Sin is a separation from the ideal... but thou mayest overcome it." — Corey Nathan, referencing East of Eden "To repair our democracy, we need to repair relationships." "I believe in God—and even more strongly—I believe I am not God. Which means I’m not perfect." 🛠️ Resources Mentioned ✍️ Mike Madrid’s Substack - greattransformation.substack.com 🎧 East Meets West Sports Podcast with Rick Garcia - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/east-meets-west-sports/id1851251950 🔗 Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎧 Thanks for listening! Take a moment to name the good stuff in your life. And as always, go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
What do you get when a data scientist with a knack for sports betting and political forecasting returns to the pod? A masterclass in what polling can and can't do, how bad assumptions skew our democracy, and why Carl Allen thinks we need to stop blaming the camera for the race result. In this fascinating, far-ranging convo, Corey and Carl Allen (author of The Polls Weren’t Wrong) break down why political polling is misunderstood, how data intersects with integrity, and where we go from here in the 2026 election cycle. They also take a surprising detour into MLB match-fixing, sports betting strategies, and how the “edge of the bell curve” reveals more than most talking heads on TV. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Carl’s update on his Substack and data research [00:04] MLB pitch-fixing scandal, ethics in sports betting, and data detection [00:10] How Carl became a professional sports bettor—accidentally [00:14] Finding value in rare events: betting baseball home runs and NFL TDs [00:20] Political forecasting vs. polling: "Polls are not predictions" [00:28] Nate Silver, spread fallacies, and the misuse of polling data [00:34] Why undecided and third-party voters break the math [00:43] 2024 election surprises and the power of high voter turnout [00:50] What to watch in 2026: the Senate map, gerrymandering, and candidate quality [00:56] The TP&R question: Building bridges by talking about anything but politics 🧠 Key Takeaways Polls ≠ Predictions: A poll is a snapshot, not a forecast. Yet many analysts treat it like a crystal ball. Margins lie: Spread (the difference between candidates in polls) is often misleading—especially when undecided voters are high. Integrity matters: Carl warns that analysts must be consistent—praising predictions that turn out right and taking accountability when wrong. High turnout shifts everything: New Jersey’s 2025 elections showed that even strong vote counts can get dwarfed by record-breaking turnout. Quantifying uncertainty is revolutionary: Understanding what we don’t know is just as important as what we do. 💬 Notable Quotes “Polls are not predictions of election outcomes. That simple statement contradicts the global consensus.” “We don't beat up the photographer if the runner in the lead ends up losing. So why do we do that to pollsters?” “Some two-point leads are better than six-point leads—depending on where you are in the race.” “Being wrong is fine. Being inconsistent is not.” “Gerrymandering means leaders get to pick their voters, instead of voters picking their leaders.” 🔗 Connect Carl Allen’s Substack: realcarlallen.substack.com Carl’s Book: The Polls Weren’t Wrong Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎧 Thanks for listening! Take a moment to name the good stuff in your life. And as always, go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
"And now for something completely different..." In a world flooded with outrage and anxiety, taking stock of the good isn’t naive—it’s necessary. Corey shifts the lens from polarization and pessimism to the power of thankfulness. Amid a flood of bad news and anxiety about the state of democracy, Corey invites listeners to pause and consider what’s good—not in a naive way, but as an intentional act of civic and spiritual grounding. With stories from his journaling practice, reflections on recent political events, and a few personal notes, Corey makes the case that gratitude isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a form of resistance against despair. 🙏 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:01:00] The barrage of bad news—and the challenge of staying grounded [00:02:00] Corey's journaling journey: A 15-year practice of gratitude and honesty [00:04:00] Why words matter: On Orwell, cliches, and naming inspiration [00:06:00] No Kings Rally: A powerful expression of peaceful protest [00:09:00] A civic win: Millions gather peacefully with no violence reported [00:11:00] Gratitude for fair elections—even when the results aren't perfect [00:15:00] Corey's fears for 2026—and why this year offers hope [00:17:00] Personal thanks: reading, lifelong friends, family, and meaningful work [00:20:00] A challenge to listeners: What are you grateful for? 🧠 Key Takeaways Gratitude requires practice. It’s a discipline that can help reclaim our perspective in chaotic times. Peaceful protest matters. The No Kings Rally offered a model of civic engagement done right. Free and fair elections are not a given. We must recognize and protect them. This work has meaning. Corey reflects on how hosting TP&R has become his most fulfilling vocational endeavor. You have good stuff too. Pause and name what you're thankful for—it might change your day. 🔗 Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎧 Thanks for listening! Take a moment to name the good stuff in your life. And as always, go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
🤖 What happens when an ex-campus minister turned agnostic writes a novel about AI Jesus? You get this wide-ranging and deeply moving conversation between Corey and Lisa Rose Ferrara—writer of the Substack The Dangling Door and author of the novel CHRISTBOT. Lisa doesn’t just reflect on the absurdities of our sociopolitical moment—she rewrites the rules of faith, technology, and identity with humor and radical compassion. Lisa shares her journey from devout Catholicism and youth ministry to faith deconstruction and reimagination. We explore how her latest work—a bold novella that envisions Jesus as an AI—offers not just commentary but a challenge to the weaponization of religion. In this episode, Lisa Rose and Corey dive into: Parenting non-binary children in an age of cultural backlash, How the AI “Christbot” became a vessel for radical empathy, Why she still writes with reverence for scripture despite being agnostic, What it's like growing up around MAGA family while staying grounded in truth and love. This is a conversation that will shake your theology and maybe even upgrade your soul software. ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Lisa’s background in design, motherhood, and rediscovering writing [00:04] From New Jersey to Pennsylvania: raising three kids, two of whom are non-binary [00:07] Lisa’s early Catholic faith, crisis during youth ministry, and journey to atheism [00:13] Crafting CHRISTBOT: origin story, character inspirations, and narrative arc [00:18] AI as theological mirror: using tech, Scripture, and saints to build a digital messiah [00:24] On dogma, power, and why organized religion fears open-source faith [00:29] Resistance through satire and the cultural absurdities that fuel her Substack [00:33] Reflecting on the 2024 election: hope, Gen Z activism, and small-town politics [00:38] TP&R question: Practicing compassion without requiring belief [00:44] On family disagreements, MAGA relatives, and bridging political divides [00:49] Corey’s origin story: from fundamentalist church to conversation bridge-builder [00:57] Final reflections & Lisa’s upcoming book launch at Black Dog Books (Nov 14!) 🧠 Key Takeaways Faith isn’t broken—its weaponization is. Lisa challenges listeners to rethink what it means to believe by showcasing compassion as the central metric, not dogma. Parenting in a polarized world means being present, humble, and fiercely loving—especially when your children’s identities are up for debate. AI + Scripture = Radical Love. CHRISTBOT imagines a digital messiah who quotes Julian of Norwich and says, “Belief is not the price of love.” Yes, please. Satire is spiritual armor. Lisa’s Substack The Dangling Door is her defibrillator for democratic discourse—a way to laugh instead of scream. Compassion transcends belief. Whether you're religious, agnostic, or somewhere in between, practicing empathy without expectation is revolutionary. 💬 Notable Quotes “Belief is not the price of love. You do not need to believe in me, for me to believe in you.” “I realized I wasn’t anti-religion. I was anti-weaponization of religion.” “Faith should be dynamic. It should invite questions, not silence them.” “Don’t talk about politics and religion? You might as well render me mute.” “We’re not disagreeing on what we want—just how to get there.” 📣 Calls to Action ✅ Tell a friend about TP&R! Help spread thoughtful conversation. ✅ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect Lisa Rose Ferrara on Substack, The Dangling Door — thedanglingdoor.substack.com Lisa's website: lisaroseferrara.com You can also buy CHRISTBOT here: bit.ly/christbot_LRF_book Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
What happens when a former military cop, existentialist philosopher, and Substack firebrand walks into a podcast? You get this riveting conversation between Corey and Christopher Armitage, who pulls no punches when it comes to democracy, resistance, and why “soft secession” might be the only sane response to creeping authoritarianism. Chris is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, prolific writer, and founder of The Existentialist Republic. From his early days in New Jersey wrestling circles to his transformation into an outspoken advocate for “soft secession,” Chris shares deeply personal reflections and bold policy ideas aimed at confronting rising authoritarianism in America. Through a mix of dark humor, philosophical grounding, and actionable insights, Chris breaks down: What “soft secession” really means (hint: it’s not Civil War 2.0), How localism and economic independence can fortify democracy, What ICE agents, serotonin, and Friedrich Nietzsche have in common, And why writing with relentless truth might be the ultimate form of resistance. This isn’t just another political chat—it’s a defibrillator for the democratic spirit. ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & Chris’s multi-faceted background [00:04] Jersey roots, high school wrestling, and joining the Air Force [00:07] Serving as military police & navigating mental health in public service [00:13] From law enforcement to Substack: becoming a full-time writer [00:16] On Project 2025, ICE, authoritarianism, and systemic corruption [00:24] What is “soft secession” and why does it matter now? [00:29] Holding federal tax dollars in escrow — a controversial idea [00:33] Learning from Viktor Orbán, The Troubles, and global democracies [00:38] ICE overreach, due process violations, and local accountability [00:45] TP&R question: Can we still talk across our differences? [00:49] Dopamine vs. serotonin: the brain chemistry of politics [00:52] Final reflections: Hope, joy, and being a rebel for the good 🧠 Key Takeaways Soft secession isn’t about seceding from the union—it’s about building parallel structures and asserting state sovereignty when the federal government becomes illegitimate or abusive. Existentialism offers a philosophical lens to grapple with despair, absurdity, and the need for personal responsibility in chaotic times. Corruption isn't abstract: Christopher outlines how hundreds of billions have been diverted from essential services like SNAP and SSI under the current regime. Local action is powerful: From holding ICE agents accountable to auditing tax fund allocation, states and municipalities are not powerless. We must resist with joy: Even amid chaos, fostering joy, community, and purpose is essential—both for resilience and resistance. 💬 Notable Quotes “We're not losing democracy. Federal democracy is pretty much dead. The Constitution is dead. But that doesn't mean we can't still build something better.” “It's not about labeling this fascism or kleptocracy—it's about calling it what it is: bad.” “Let the zealots win, and we’re cooked. But if rational people care more, we still have a chance.” “Serotonin levels rise when you feel seen and heard. Listening might actually be the antidote to polarization.” “Put ICE agents in handcuffs if they break the law. It’s that simple.” 📣 Calls to Action ✅ Tell a friend about TP&R! Help spread thoughtful conversation. ✅ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect Christopher Armitage on Substack, The Existentialist Republic — cmarmitage.substack.com Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
Not every relationship can—or should—be salvaged. In this solo episode, Corey shares a personal story and outlines five unmistakable red flags that tell you it’s time to step back to protect your peace. Sometimes, staying in the conversation means knowing when to step away. In this raw and introspective solo episode, host Corey Nathan opens up about a deeply personal encounter that pushed him to confront a painful question: When is it time to “unfriend” someone—really unfriend them? With vulnerability and clarity, Corey unpacks a recent experience with someone who crossed multiple emotional and ideological lines. What begins as a story about a text thread gone wrong unfolds into a thoughtful reflection on the emotional cost of dialogue, the importance of mutual respect, and the red lines we all must define for ourselves if we're to stay sane and whole in polarized times. If you’ve ever wrestled with staying true to your values while trying to build bridges, this episode will resonate deeply. 🙏 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:01:00] The No Kings Rally: A peaceful protest, misunderstood [00:02:30] A late-night text spirals into an ugly confrontation [00:05:00] Is it ever okay to hit “unfriend” in real life? [00:06:30] The five red flags that made Corey draw a boundary [00:09:00] Mocking entire groups: prejudice by another name [00:11:00] Misconstrued views and a lack of genuine curiosity [00:13:00] “That which labels me, negates me” — on being dehumanized [00:16:00] The false logic of guilt by association [00:18:30] Why it’s not about trans athletes or guns—it’s about bigotry [00:20:00] Setting limits to protect your peace [00:23:30] “Know thyself”: Taking inventory of your boundaries [00:25:00] No perfection, just progress—why this journey is still worth it 🧠 Key Takeaways There is a line. Even bridge-builders have boundaries. It's okay to step back when a relationship becomes toxic. Not all disagreement is dialogue. Genuine curiosity and respect are the bare minimum for constructive conversation. Bigotry wears many faces. When someone mocks an entire group, it's not “opinion”—it's prejudice. You don’t have to account for others’ sins. Being mislabeled or forced to explain someone else’s actions is unjust. This is a journey. Corey doesn't claim to have it all figured out—but he's committed to showing up with humility and honesty. 🔗 Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok Substack 🙌 Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us Proud members of The Democracy Group 🎧 Thanks for listening! May your conversations be honest, your boundaries healthy, and your courage contagious. Go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
From Project 2025 to creeping authoritarianism, Atlantic journalist David A. Graham lays out the threats to democracy — and why he still believes it's worth defending. Glad to have this timely conversation with David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter, and the mind behind two major works: THE PROJECT: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America and his latest featured story in THE ATLANTIC, Donald Trump's Plan to Subvert the Midterms Is Already Underway. In this jam-packed discussion, David breaks down the real-world impact of Project 2025, why competitive authoritarianism isn’t just for foreign regimes anymore, and what history can teach us about the fragility—and resilience—of American democracy. We also explore David's deep love for jazz and Americana music, his reflections on faith and public discourse, and how local connections might be the key to healing national divides. This is not a story about doom. It’s about awareness, preparedness, and the people working behind the scenes to protect democracy. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help grow this thoughtful community. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch full conversations and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Intro, Substack shoutout, and meeting David A. Graham [00:02] Early influences: NPR, Gulf War, and the writing bug [00:05] Becoming a journalist — college newsroom days at Duke [00:07] Learning by doing (and some good editors) [00:09] AI, writing, and the ethics of journalistic tools [00:13] Who were Karen Blumenthal and John F. Burness? [00:14] Project 2025 and what it means for executive power [00:18] Who are Paul Dans and Russell Vought — and why they matter [00:24] Is this constitutional? Checks, balances, and the Founders’ intent [00:27] Future scenarios: Trump, DOJ, FBI, and election chaos [00:30] Local election workers: the unsung heroes of democracy [00:34] Competitive authoritarianism: what it is and where we are [00:39] Talking faith, politics — and jazz! 🎷 [00:43] From Coltrane to Dylan to pedal steel guitar [00:46] The TP&R Question: Can we still talk across differences? [00:50] What David is reading, writing, and reflecting on now 🧠 Key Takeaways Project 2025 isn’t just policy — it’s about reshaping how power works. Competitive authoritarianism is creeping into American life — but it's not too late. Localism may be our best antidote to national polarization. Great journalism starts with great questions (and good editors). The antidote to disinformation? Better, more human conversations. 💬 Notable Quotes “Do you want one person—who might not even be in your party—to have this much power?” “I’m fundamentally an institutionalist. Stability, history, and norms matter.” “The opposite of authoritarianism isn’t just elections — it’s fairness, accountability, and a level playing field.” “We have to update our idea of what authoritarianism looks like. It’s not always tanks in the street.” 🔗 Connect on Social Media David A. Graham — @dgraham.bsky.social 📚 The Atlantic Daily Newsletter — Subscribe Here Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
How one rural weaver is helping neighbors feel seen, supported, and connected in Wilkes County, NC — and what we can learn from her example. We are kicking off something special. This episode is the first in a new ongoing series highlighting Weavers — local leaders around the country who are rebuilding trust and community from the ground up through Weave: The Social Fabric Project (weavers.org). Our inaugural guest is LB Prevette — a “rural rejuvenator,” community connector, and what she jokingly (but truthfully) calls an “aggressive friend.” LB is based in Wilkes County, North Carolina, where she works to create safe, inclusive, deeply rooted community spaces for queer youth, neighbors in recovery, families, and folks who don’t always feel seen in small-town America. We talk about what it means to leave home — and to return to it. We talk about pain, belonging, queerness in Appalachia, rebuilding trust one relationship at a time, and why community isn’t built in speeches — it’s built in porches, casseroles, group texts, and checking in at the exact moment someone needs it. And we talk about Merle’s — the community bar / gathering space LB helped co-found — a place that feels less like a bar and more like your cool aunt’s house party where everyone belongs. This is not a story about charity. It’s a story about returning to each other. 📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Intro + Substack + meet LB (and Frank the golden doodle) [00:04] Appalachia or Appalachia? Why language matters to belonging [00:07] Growing up queer in rural North Carolina [00:12] When safety turns into fear — and leaving becomes survival [00:19] Learning to listen: from call centers to community care [00:23] How to know when you're not in a good-faith conversation [00:27] Leaving home — and then being called back [00:30] Losing her father & returning to the farm [00:37] “You won’t hurt alone” — redefining community care [00:39] What Weavers are — and why they matter [00:41] The Weaver Awards: funding the small, human things [00:43] Touch-a-Truck, inclusive playgrounds, mountain bikes & connection [00:46] Merle’s: a bar that’s secretly a community center [00:47] The TP&R Question: How do we talk across differences? [00:55] How to find LB + how to get involved with Weave 🧠 Key Takeaways Community is built in the ordinary. Coffee, casseroles, reading groups, riding bikes — the small everyday acts are the work. The opposite of loneliness isn’t popularity — it’s belonging. Belonging comes from being known — not just included. You don’t have to fix everything. Just refuse to let people hurt alone. Listening is a skill — and it can be learned. Especially when emotions run high. We cannot make ourselves less queer, or less Black, or less immigrant, to be safe. We have to make the world safer. 💬 Notable Quotes “You won’t hurt alone.” — LB Prevette “If I can go far enough back, I think all people are good. If I don’t understand what you’re saying, that means I need to ask another question.” — LB Prevette “If we’re worried our kids won’t be safe being queer, the solution isn’t to make our kids straighter. It’s to make the world kinder.” — LB Prevette “Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just show up again.” — LB Prevette 🔗 Connect on Social Media: LB Prevette — @lbprevette (Instagram / Threads / etc.) **Weave: The Social Fabric — weavers.org Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
Where baseball, family, and democracy meet — Mike Madrid reminds us what’s worth fighting for in America. If you didn't catch our most recent conversation with friend of the pod, Mike Madrid, well... where were ya? We recorded this one right around July 4th and it's still on point! What'd ya expect with the brilliant Mike Madrid?!?! So join us in welcoming back political consultant, author, and Substack contributor Mike Madrid. A renowned expert on Latino voters and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, Mike brings his profound insights on American politics, identity, and democracy. Together, Corey and Mike explore deeply personal stories, historical context, and present-day political dynamics, all while weaving in the emotional fabric that connects generations and communities. 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion What We Discuss: The significance of personal and familial stories in shaping political perspective How Latino voters are reshaping American democracy The danger of authoritarian tendencies in U.S. governance Economic populism across ideological divides The importance of understanding and communicating with working-class communities Episode Highlights: [00:04:00] Mike Madrid shares a personal story of grief and connection through a pilgrimage to Madrid, New Mexico [00:08:00] Baseball as a bridge between generations and its deeper cultural significance [00:14:00] Inhumane immigration enforcement and its implications on American identity [00:22:00] A discussion on whether America is at a turning point for its soul and values [00:33:00] Vertical balance of power: Newsom vs. federal overreach in L.A. protests [00:45:00] Latino voters' top concerns: economy, housing, and healthcare [00:53:00] Economic populism through Ruben Gallego and Zoran Mamdani's campaigns [01:03:00] How to talk about politics and religion without killin' each other Featured Quotes: "Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves matter more than the facts we can verify." – Mike Madrid "This is our American story now. This is who we are... and if we're not speaking out, then we are individually complicit in it." – Mike Madrid "These are the moments when character is defined." – Mike Madrid "The best way to talk about politics and religion is to not talk about it through the lens of politics and religion." – Mike Madrid Resources Mentioned: Mike Madrid's Substack: The Great Transformation – greattransformation.substack.com The Latino Century (book by Mike Madrid) – www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278 Latino Vote Podcast – latinos.vote Reflections on Marines in LA by Roger Herbert – rogerherbert.substack.com/p/reflections-on-marines-in-la 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
JakelopeJohn
place in front of your own eyes the definitions hereafter- Democratic Society Republic Society which do you prefer
Corey Nathan
FYI. here are the rules of our platforms: Nonsense will be muted. Incivility will be blocked. Spreading of proven falsehoods and threats will be reported.
Joseph Njenga
very very insightful!