Wrapping Up 2025 with Reflection, Reckoning, and Resolve
Description
A raw, reflective journey through the political upheavals, personal reckonings, and hard-won hope of 2025.
Episode Summary
Corey takes us on a tour of 2025’s most pivotal moments—both in politics and in his own life. He recounts the Trump administration’s controversial actions, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and civic responses like the No Kings Rallies. Interwoven are deeply personal stories: Corey’s mental health struggles, the loss of a friendship, and a psychotic break that led to crucial self-reflection.
But it’s also a celebration: of the TP&R community, of new collaborations with Pew Research Center and Weave, and of the many courageous conversations shared on the pod. From Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde to Governor John Kasich, from wildfires to wake-up calls, 2025 was a year of complexity—and Corey captures it all with honesty and heart.
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Timestamps & Topics
[00:00 ] Opening & Shoutouts
Thanks to Pew Research Center, Village Square, and our new show: East Meets West Sports
[01:30 ] Year in Political Review
Trump’s second term: Pardons, ICE expansion, inflation, foreign policy failures
The assassination of Charlie Kirk and national grief
2025 elections and democratic resilience
[08:00 ] The No Kings Rallies & Civic Engagement
An unforgettable conversation with an 87-year-old woman who attended Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech
Reflections on American threats—and hope
[09:30 ] Personal Reckonings
A broken friendship, mental health collapse, setting healthy boundaries
“One of the few times I had to block someone I once considered a friend.”
[14:00 ] TP&R in 2025: The Guests Who Shaped the Year
Revisiting conversations with:
Wajahat Ali
Dr. Beth Allison Barr
Jonathan Rauch & Liz Joyner
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
Rep. Ritchie Torres
David French
- McKay Coppins, EJ Dionne, Isaac Saul & more!
[24:00 ] On Free Speech & Evolving Views
Why Corey no longer blocks or mutes—he now believes in the power of “better speech”
[26:00 ] Favorite Moments & New Projects
Civic bridges with Weave
Collaboration with Pew Research
Launching East Meets West Sports
[38:00 ] Hard-Won Wisdom: 5 Boundaries for Healthier Dialogue
When it’s time to walk away from toxic conversations
Notable Quotes
“We’re facing unprecedented threats to our democracy—but also experiencing a renaissance in civic engagement.”
“The best way to combat bad speech is with good speech. Better speech.”
Connect with Corey
Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials...
Our Sponsors
Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org
The Village Square: villagesquare.us
Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com
Proud members of The Democracy Group
Final Reflections
Take a breath. Take inventory. Set boundaries.
And step into the new year with gentleness and respect.
Wishing you a peaceful end to 2025 and a hopeful beginning to 2026.
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and yes… Happy Festivus! 🎄🕎🎉
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