Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other Scan Media, LLC

Can an atheist and a Christian have a meaningful, friendly conversation? Can we explore our differences without being jerks to each other? Well, here's one atheist and one Christian who gave it a whirl!
 
Kate Cohen, a Washington Post contributing columnist, is a writer whose latest book, WE OF LITTLE FAITH, is "an impassioned call for nonbelievers to be honest with themselves and their families about their lack of belief—and help change the American cultural conversation." So, it was a special treat to have Kate on the program to discuss her journey to atheism and the implications of raising children as atheists in today's society. We explored a range of issues such as Kate's insights into the creative process, the importance of honesty in personal belief systems, and the intersection of atheism with culture, family, and politics. She also discusses the role of humor when tackling serious topics, the significance of understanding and openness in conversations about differing beliefs, and the perspective of facing mortality and legacy as an atheist. Additionally, we exchange personal stories, highlighting challenges and nuances in family dynamics when belief systems diverge, and explore the common ground atheists and religious folks can find in activism and moral responsibility.
 
01:46 The Art of Crafting a Book Title and Memoir Writing; 
03:24 A Special Presenation from Jesse Cohen-Greenberg; 
19:29 Navigating Family Dynamics and Beliefs; 
27:02 Engaging with Atheism and Theism; 
33:30 Understanding Atheism: Definitions and Personal Reflections; 
46:36 The Importance of Community and Morality Beyond Religion; 
48:25 Finding Awe and Wonder Without Supernatural Beliefs; 
50:29 Legacy, Memory, and Making an Impact; 
01:02:06 Navigating Family, Faith, and Identity; 
01:18:23 Reflecting on Atheism, Activism, and Social Responsibility
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
 
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
 
Kate's website: https://katecohen.net/
 
Her columnist page at the Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/kate-cohen/
 
Here's one of Kate's pieces in WaPo: Opinion | America doesn’t need more God. It needs more atheists. | https://wapo.st/3WaSjLl
 
A link to WE OF LITTLE FAITH: https://www.amazon.com/We-Little-Faith-Stopped-Pretending-ebook/dp/B0BV7MG25G?ref_=ast_author_mpb
 
And this is Jesse Cohen-Greenberg's music: When Will My Body Be Mine? | https://open.spotify.com/album/3GHFu2zZIBVzuwjhuK61j7?si=w_r4ZHGXQ8OJsVY3M2zYMg
 

What does it mean to be a conservative? What about being a Christian? What does that mean in terms of how one would understand and uphold virtue vs vice? And if I am truly a conservative and a Christian, can I then support Donald Trump?
 
In this edition, we explore the nuances of conservative values and Christian beliefs amidst our politically charged environment. To get clarity on what it means to be a conservative and a Christian, it requires NOT surrendering to the extremists who monopolize conversations around politics and religion. Our discussion dives into the foundational principles of conservatism, such as:
Individual Freedom, 
Limited Government, 
Rule of Law, 
Peace through Strength, 
Fiscal Responsibility, 
Free Markets, 
and *Human Dignity, 
...contrasting these with the divisive and aggressive tactics often employed in Trump-era politics. Contrary to what passes for “conservative” in today’s political and media landscape, we’ll look at the way true conservatism respects the U.S. Constitution and promotes a healthy, engaged citizenry, devoid of blanket vilification via broad generalizations and dehumanization. We’ll also give a sneak peak into Part II of this discussion on Christian values, specifically targeting the misalignment of Trump's actions with biblical teachings. So, yeah, this one might tweak some beaks!
 
00:40 Celebrating Listener Reviews and Engagement; 
02:49 The Impact of Extremism on Public Discourse; 
13:40 Exploring the True Meaning of Conservatism; 
14:16 Principles of Conservatism vs. Trumpism; 
27:29 The Importance of Human Dignity in Conservatism; 
34:35 Teaser for the Next Episode: Christianity vs Trumpism
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
 
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com

From 9/11 to 1/6; from growing up as a Christian to reckoning with the current state of the Evangelical church in America; Elizabeth Neumann, the former Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention at the US Department of Homeland Security, has the experience and has done the work to understand what's at stake in our country. So it was an honor to have her back on the program to discuss all this and more.
 
Elizabeth Neumann had a first hand look at the inner workings of the Trump Administration. What's clear from her experience is that there were a lot of people who were hard working public servants doing their best to serve the country's interests while, at the same time, having to navigate the daily chaos that defined Trump's time in office. And Elizabeth certainly has an informed perspective, having also served in the George W. Bush Administration. (Spoiler Alert: Those 2 admins couldn't have been more different.) So we delve into the historic bookends of September 11th, 2001 and January 6th, 2021. We also candidly explore, as Christians, how so many of our friends from church have become radicalized; are sympathic to or are dismissive of acts of violent extremism; and some who have even participated in demonstrations of extremism. Most importantly, as the subtitle of Elizabeth's book indicates, we explore the path back to peace.
 
ELIZABETH NEUMANN served as the Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention at the US Department of Homeland Security. Elizabeth is an ABC News contributor and the Chief Strategy Officer at Moonshot which builds solutions for one of the most pressing challenges facing communities around the world: violent extremism. She is also the author of the important new book, Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace.
 
01:41 Elizabeth's Journey: From Counterterrorism to Author; 
04:12 Exploring the Roots of Extremism and Personal Faith; 
24:04 The Role of Media and Social Media in Shaping Views; 
29:16 Raising Informed and Engaged Citizens; 
33:51 Comparing the George W. Bush and Trump Administrations; 
42:48 Navigating Trump's Influence and Policy Challenges; 
44:09 Forecasting the Future: A Second Trump Administration; 
44:26 The Impact of Inexperienced Appointees and Ideological Shifts; 
45:15 The Global Implications of Withdrawing from NATO and Support for Ukraine; 
47:31 Analyzing the January 6th Insurrection and Its Precursors; 
55:24 The Role of Christian Extremism in Political Violence; 
01:03:36 Addressing Extremism and the Importance of Local Engagement; 
01:14:21 Conversations Across Differences: Strategies for Dialogue
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
 
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
 
elizabethneumann.org
 
elizabethneumann.org/book/

"Bringing people together to learn how to do democracy again. And we're gonna go after the crazies in the political environment that do not have the interest of the country at heart." - Adam Kinzinger
 
Rep. Adam Kinzinger served with integrity during his time in the U.S. Congress as well as the Air Force. Yet, the mere mention of his name sends a certain ex-President (HINT: rhymes with Shmump) as well as many of that ex-prez's most loyal followers into a rage. So it was a special honor for us to speak with former Congressman Kinzinger. Having served in Congress from 2011 to 2023 and on notable committees such as the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, he discusses the challenges of political extremism, the importance of compromise, and his journey from a conservative upbringing to questioning his beliefs, while staying true to deeply rooted, unimpeachable values. He addresses the toxicity of social media, the need for reconciliation across political and religious spectrums, and his work with Country First, aimed at promoting democracy and moderating political discourse. Adam's reflections on his faith, encounters with extremism, and the significance of genuine conversation across differences provide a nuanced perspective on navigating the complexities of current American political and religious landscapes.
 
Congressman Adam Kinzinger served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023, representing Illinois’ 16th Congressional District. During his tenure, he served on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, as well as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Kinzinger is the founder of Country First, an organization that works to activate the MUTED Majority to reject division and seek proven solutions to the challenges not being addressed by our leaders. He is also the author of RENEGADE: DEFENDING DEMOCRACY AND LIBERTY IN OUR DIVIDED COUNTRY. Prior to being elected to Congress, he served in the Air Force in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard and a Senior Political Commentator on CNN.
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
 
Please support our wonderful sponsor Meza Wealth Management: 
https://www.mezawealth.com/
 
adamkinzinger.substack.com
 
www.country1st.com
 
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723495/renegade-by-adam-kinzinger-with-michael-dantonio/

Are REPUBLICAN VOTERS AGAINST TRUMP our greatest BULWARK against authoritarianism and the most significant constituency in DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER? (Dad jokes about the future of our Constitutional Republic aside...) Bill Kristol shares his thoughts on the state of our democracy and how this year's consequential election is shaping up.
 
So glad to be joined again by Bill Kristol, Editor at Large of The Bulwark; Director of Defending Democracy Together; and Host of Conversations with Bill Kristol. We took time to reflect on Bill’s early political experiences, including his roles in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, his academic career, and his work with the Project for the Republican Future. We also touch on our shared passion for baseball, particularly for the New York Mets! We then delve into Bill’s critical views on the Trump presidency, the rise of authoritarianism, and the importance of defending liberal democracy. He shares insights into his efforts with the Republican Voters Against Trump initiative and the importance of bipartisan engagement in preserving democratic norms. We then discuss the impact of social and political polarization, the significance of grassroots activism, and the need for open, exploratory dialogue across ideological divides. We wind down with Bill emphasizing the resilience of the American political system and the potential for positive change through collective action and constructive discourse.
 
00:52 Meet Bill Kristol: A Storied Career in Politics; 
01:58 Baseball and Politics: A Personal Connection; 
04:09 Navigating Political Ideologies: From Youth to Present; 
05:41 The Evolution of Political Beliefs and the Impact of External Changes; 
10:18 The Threat of Illiberalism and the Defense of Liberal Democracy; 
15:21 Exploring the Dangers of Trumpism and Authoritarian Tendencies; 
26:56 The Role of Intellectuals and Voters in Shaping Political Futures; 
33:59 The Impact of Testimonials from Former Trump Voters; 
34:53 The Strategy Behind Targeting Swing Voters; 
35:54 Challenges and Strategies in Political Advertising; 
36:55 Building a Broad Coalition Against Trump; 
42:09 The Role of Money in Politics and Campaign Strategies; 
44:34 Fostering Careers and Nurturing Talent in Politics; 
50:43 The Evolution of Political Discourse and Outreach; 
54:36 Final Thoughts on Political Engagement and Hope
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
 
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
 
www.thebulwark.com
 
www.defendingdemocracytogether.org
 
twitter.com/BillKristol

What do we say when others label us one way or another? Why do folks have a tendency to do that in the first place? Why is it important to engage when someone mischaracterizes our views? And, if we don't fall neatly into one category, what might be a more accurate way to describe how we do identify politically? 
 
In this edition, host Corey Nathan goes through these questions including whether it's accurate to say he's part of THE LEFT and whether there would be anything wrong with such a political leaning. We go through recent right-wing podcasts and other media to better understand what many of our friends and neighbors are listening to and reading about THE LEFT including what Tucker Carlson's been up to and a couple of the recent episodes of Victor Davis Hanson's and Steven Crowder's shows. We look at defining principles of the MAGA movement and whether there are any principles so much as anti-partisanship. There's a response about those who've hijacked the ideas of conservatism as a philosophy and Christianity as an identity. We define what it means to be delusional and examine an illustration of it. And finally we look at what in the world a "French Davidian" is!
 
In all seriousness, we discuss writers, thinkers and leaders who see people with different positions not as enemies but as human beings that we can learn from and even befriend to arrive at a higher truth; people who can thrive in environments where their own views aren’t the dominant ones; those who leave room for the possibility of changing - who know that evolving one’s positions isn’t a sign of weakness but of having the strength that comes with humility; and people who can hold space for the complexity of our world.
 
Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.
 
It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
 
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
 
Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com