What does it mean to live in Donald Trump’s delusions about what America is and should be—especially as people of faith? He calls our cities “hellholes,” treats political opponents as enemies, and talks about Gaza with no regard for human life. These aren’t just political statements—they reveal a worldview of fear, resentment, and revenge. Join Vote Common Good's Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse for a candid conversation about how faith invites us to live differently—to choose truth over delusion, hope over fear, and love over division.
Donald Trump recently said people should “prove to God you are good enough to go to that next step.” His childish and immature understanding of goodness and morality shows that being 79 years old doesn’t necessarily mean having the maturity of an adult — sometimes it’s closer to that of a 7-year-old boy. This kind of moral immaturity puts our nation at risk in profound ways. In this episode of the Common Good Podcast, Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse unpack what Trump’s comments reveal about his worldview — and what it means for people of faith and conscience as we work for the common good. #CommonGoodPodcast #DonaldTrump #FaithAndPolitics #VoteCommonGood
On this episode of The Common Good Podcast, Doug Pagitt talks with Brian Recker, author of the new book Hellbent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Brian, a former evangelical pastor, takes us inside his journey of questioning one of Christianity’s most entrenched doctrines — the idea of eternal damnation. He argues that the fear of hell has distorted Christian faith, fostering shame, exclusion, and toxic relationships, and he invites us to imagine a different path: a spirituality grounded in love, connection, and justice. We talk about what it means to reframe salvation, how to let go of fear-based religion, and why the way of Jesus still matters — not because of hell, but because of love.
Welcome to the Common Good Podcast. In this episode, Doug Pagitt sits down with Father Pete Nunnally, an Episcopal priest, writer, and visionary leader behind the new Water and Wilderness Church. Together they dive into Pete’s forthcoming book, Catching Hope, which offers a fresh vision of faith rooted in renewal, resilience, and community. Their conversation explores not only Pete’s personal journey and the inspiration behind his work, but also the larger state of Christian faith in America today. Doug and Pete wrestle with some of the biggest questions facing the church: How do we remain faithful in an age of division? What does it look like to embody Christ’s love when MAGA Christianity and Christian Nationalism threaten to distort the gospel? And how can communities of faith nurture hope and courage in these turbulent times? This episode is a heartfelt, honest, and hopeful dialogue—inviting listeners to imagine a Christianity that resists fear, rejects authoritarianism, and returns again and again to love as the way forward.
In this episode of Common Good Candidates, I talk with Mark Pinsley, a Democrat running for Congress in Pennsylvania. Mark’s district is one of the very few actually competitive Congressional districts in the country. It’s a critical race for Democrats to flip the House. Mark shares his journey from business leader to public servant, and why he believes government should work for people—not the wealthy and powerful. We dig into his values and priorities and what surprises him most as a congressional candidate. Learn more about Mark’s campaign: https://www.votemarkpinsley.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with candidates working for the common good and visit https://www.candidatesforcommongood.com.
In this episode of the Common Good Podcast, Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse confront the rising tide of political violence in America. In the wake of the tragic murders of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump has excused right-wing violence as “stopping crime” while casting the political left as “people who hate America.” Doug and Robb take on this dangerous rhetoric and the way it distorts our public life. They discuss how we, as people of faith and conscience, must respond—not with silence, fear, or retaliation, but with a renewed commitment to peace, justice, and the common good. Together, they reflect on how faith communities, civic leaders, and everyday citizens can push back against this toxic narrative and stand together against violence in all its forms. This conversation is both sobering and hopeful—calling listeners to courage, clarity, and a deep commitment to nonviolence as the only way forward for a healthy democracy.
Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis is a dynamic community leader, ordained minister, policy strategist, and now a candidate for mayor of Minneapolis. A Mississippi Delta native, he began his career in Washington, D.C., serving as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill and later as Domestic Policy Advisor for The Episcopal Church, where he helped lead the fight for marriage equality before the U.S. Supreme Court. Known for his persistence—what he calls his “pestering history”—he’s been a tireless advocate on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare to housing, voting rights, and reproductive justice. In 2013, DeWayne and his husband moved to Minneapolis, where he served as Senior Pastor at All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church and now leads Plymouth Congregational Church, a historic congregation deeply engaged in justice and community service. He also serves as the first openly gay Black chaplain of the Minnesota Senate, bringing spiritual guidance to landmark legislation on abortion access and LGBTQIA+ rights. Today, as he campaigns to become mayor, Dr. Davis brings together grassroots compassion, pastoral leadership, and the hard-earned policy expertise he gained in Washington to help guide Minneapolis into its future.
In this episode of Common Good Candidates, Robb Ryerse sits down with Jordan Wood, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in Maine. We talk about what it will take to rebuild trust in government and put people—not special interests—at the center of our politics. We dig into affordable housing and the broader kitchen-table economics affecting Mainers and families across the country: rising rents, wages, and jobs, small-business vitality, and common-sense steps to make life more affordable. Learn more about Jordan’s campaign: https://electjordan.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with candidates working for the common good.
It may look like the MAGA movement is marching in lockstep, but cracks are showing. Right-wing media voices and everyday supporters are quietly stepping back, embarrassed and humiliated by Trump’s harmful actions. On the Common Good Podcast, we dig into these shifts, exploring what they mean for faith, politics, and the future of our democracy. With wit, candor, and hope, Doug and Robb pull back the curtain on the stories shaping our public life—and highlight the growing movement of people choosing the common good over chaos. Join the conversation. Stay informed. Be inspired. Vote Common Good
Trump's self-serving vanity is on full display now in ways that are hard to fathom, even when we see it in full display. We will find courage and a path forward to rebuild the common bonds of this country and limit his power in the midterms.
In is episode of Common Good Candidates, Robb Ryerse, political director of Vote Common Good, sits down with Sanjyot Dunung, candidate for Congress in Illinois’s 8th District. Sanjyot shares her story as a business leader, author, and advocate for democracy, and talks about why she’s stepping up to serve at a pivotal moment for our country. We discuss her vision for bringing common sense, integrity, and compassion back to Washington—and how her life experience shapes the way she’ll fight for her community. Learn more about Sanjyot’s campaign: https://www.sanjyotforcongress.com/
Trump has deployed military forces in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles — and says he’s open to doing the same in other cities. In this Vote Common Good Podcast episode, we break down what’s happening, why it matters for democracy, and how people of conscience can respond before it spreads. 👉 Subscribe, share, and help us spread the word: It’s time to Vote Common Good. #Trump #LisaMurkowski #VoteCommonGood #RobRyerse #FaithAndPolitics #PodcastUpdate #ArkansasPolitics
In this episode of the Vote Common Good Podcast, we dig into the behind-the-scenes story of how Donald Trump cheated Senator Lisa Murkowski by undoing the very things she negotiated in the so-called “big beautiful bill.” What does it say about Trump’s leadership—and the price Republican lawmakers are paying for cutting deals with him? PLUS: We’ve got a major announcement about the future of this podcast. And we check in with Robb Ryerse, our good friend and progressive pastor running for Congress in Arkansas. Hear what’s happening on the ground and how faith voters are responding. 👉 Subscribe, share, and help us spread the word: It’s time to Vote Common Good. #Trump #LisaMurkowski #VoteCommonGood #RobRyerse #FaithAndPolitics #PodcastUpdate #ArkansasPolitics
Finding Faith and Hope while Trump humiliates Shockingly, and of course, Trump is still dodging the truth, taking bribes, hurting Americans, and violating the law. And, the price of eggs and other items has skyrocketed. From the podcast today, we will bring you a little bit of faith and hope to help you through these trying times
Finding Faith and Hope while Trump harms and distracts. Shockingly, and of course, Trump is doing all he can to distract from his presidential failures and his cover-up of the great likelihood that he is on the Epstein list. From the podcast today, we will bring you a little bit of faith and hope to help you through these trying times
Today on the Vote Common Good Podcast, we’re joined by Billy Ray — the acclaimed screenwriter behind Hunger Games, Captain Phillips, The Comey Rule, Breach, and more. But Billy isn’t just telling stories on the screen — he’s helping shape the story of our democracy. He works with Democratic candidates across the country, helping them speak with clarity, courage, and conviction. 🎧 Tune in as we talk movies, messaging, and the role storytelling plays in saving democracy. #VoteCommonGood #BillyRay #CaptainPhillips #PoliticalMessaging #Democracy #FaithHopeLove #StorytellingMatters #PoliticsAndFilm
Epstein won't go away for Trump. And, what should pastors do about candidate endorsements?
The Trump Stopper Has Arrived -Congress is Broken and a New Candidate Will Change That.
A complicit Congress is about to turn MAGA’s worst ideas into law by passing this terrible Bill. What can Americans do about it, and what impact will it have? Your friends at the Common Good Podcast take you along this rocky and scary journey to try to save America from the worst politicians imaginable.
We all have reasons for seeing the runious leadership of Donald Trump. For some people this weeks attack on Iran was a violation of promise he made. For others, his treament of people is a violation of the promoise our country has made. For others the attack on deomocracy is a violation of promise we all made. Many reasons to stop supporting the same man. We will talk about it all on today's Common Good Podcast.
CL Townsend
thanks for this. very helpful discussion on inflation, taxing and borrowing.
Elizabeth Hendrix
Awesome podcast I love Katie Porter, her favorite white board story was awesome. I love her description of her job as learning and teaching. We all need to be continuous learning.
Elizabeth Hendrix
Wow. this was amazing. Perfect timing, I was especially intrigued by the whole concept of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions.