Best Jonathan J Wright Podcasts (2026)

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Marc J. Defant on Evolutionary Psychology, Feminist Studies, and the Limits of Academic Rigor 57:51

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1d ago57:51

57:51

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this episode of Faithful Politics, we’re joined by Marc J. Defant, a professor of geology and geochemistry at the University of South Florida, to discuss his controversial peer-reviewed paper Evolutionary Psychology and the Crisis of…

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POV: Venezuela, Greenland, and the Minnesota Shooting 1:07:20

2d ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] Note: Audio from our most recent POV. You can watch the live version on our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/Mw5zzuCeIRY POV episodes are intentionally slower. They create space to step back from the constant churn of headlines…

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Nicholas Sparks: Love Stories 48:53

4d ago48:53

48:53

Rob and The Notebook author Nicholas Sparks love to talk writing. One of the best-selling authors of all time, Sparks returns to the show to discuss his new novel, “Remain,” the live musical adaptation of “The Notebook,” the current state of book tours, his collaboration with M. Night Shyamalan, and much more. Make sure to subscribe to the show on …

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702: Venezuela, Vanilla Ice, & the Church's Anxious Nerves with Sara Billups 1:18:42

4d ago1:18:42

1:18:42

The new year began with a successful U.S. military operation to capture Venezuela's president. But the mission killed approximately 80 people and is being condemned by some American and international leaders as illegal. Esau McCaulley joins Phil and Skye this week to discuss the fallout from the operation. Was it legal? Was it moral? And what does …

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Amar Peterman on Becoming Neighbors – The Common Good, Made Local 57:04

6d ago57:04

57:04

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this conversation, we sit down with Amar D. Peterman to talk about his new book, Becoming Neighbors: The Common Good Made Local. Amar reflects on his experience as an Indian American adoptee formed across Catholic, evangelical, and i…

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Julian Edelman: Surrounded by GOATs (Re-Release) 47:49

7d ago47:49

47:49

This week, we're looking back at Rob's interview with three-time Super Bowl champ Julian Edelman back in March 2023! Hear them discuss Super Bowl LI, Belichick’s strategic silence, how pro football is changing, where they expected Tom Brady to go in 2023, and Julian’s big screen experience on “80 for Brady.” Make sure to subscribe to the show on Yo…

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Ryan Burge on The Vanishing Church: How Polarization Is Hollowing Out American Faith 1:02:07

9d ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this conversation, we’re joined by Ryan Burge, professor of practice at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics and author of The Vanishing Church. Burge walks us through what the data actually shows about religion in Am…

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Michael J. Fox: Exterior Night Jungle Rain (Re-Release) 59:07

11d ago59:07

59:07

We're throwing it back to Rob's interview with the great Michael J. Fox! The two discuss the balance of realism and optimism, Transcendental Meditation, being in a jungle for six months with Sean Penn, and dissect some of Paul Simon’s most cryptic lyrics. Plus: we learn Michael’s favorite theme song from one of his movies. This episode originally a…

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Bothsidesism Isn't What You Think 1:07:03

2d ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Holy Post Media is no stranger to accusations of both-sidesism. Skye and Kaitlyn talk about why they believe pointing it out on both sides isn't simple equivocation or conflict-avoidance, but instead a responsibility… depending on the context. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/147007166/ 0:00 - Intro 0:5…

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Faith, Resistance, and the Courage to Say No - Inside The Traitor’s Circle with Jonathan Freedland 41:32

13d ago41:32

41:32

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Josh Burtram are joined by Jonathan Freedland, an award-winning journalist, longtime Guardian columnist, and bestselling author, to discuss his latest book, The Traitor’s Circle. Fre…

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Rachel Morrison on Religious Liberty, Biden’s Policies, and Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias 56:36

16d ago56:36

56:36

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will and Josh sit down with attorney and EPPC fellow Rachel Morrison to unpack the legal and political fight over “anti-Christian bias” in America. Drawing from her new Ethics and Public Policy Cent…

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Jim Belushi: My Movie Best Friend 50:30

18d ago50:30

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It’s an “About Last Night” reunion! Rob’s co-star from “About Last Night,” Jim Belushi, joins him to discuss the journey that led to their roles together in the 1986 film, working with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson on the new movie “Song Sung Blue,” why he was so impressed by Kristen Stewart, and much more. Make sure to subscribe to the show on YouT…

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701: Mailbag! Decompressing, Demonology, & Dreams for 2026 1:10:15

18d ago1:10:15

1:10:15

We've reached the end of 2025, so we thought it's a good time to answer questions from the Holy Post community. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn cover a wide assortment of issues, from how they decompress after a difficult podcast, and how they pick which politicians to interview, to their favorite movies, and who is best at changing a tire. They also tackl…

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Taking Back the Bible from Christian Nationalism - A Conversation with John Fugelsang 44:59

20d ago44:59

44:59

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Will Wright sits down with comedian, broadcaster, and author John Fugelsang to unpack how Christianity became entangled with political power - and how the teachings of Jesus have be…

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Natasha Lyonne: Just One More Thing (Re-Release) 49:21

21d ago49:21

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This week, we're looking back at Rob's conversation with the great Natasha Lyonne! Hear why Natasha feels safe around Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler, how her love has grown for Detectives Sipowicz and Columbo, and how when you gain fame you need to avoid the dangerous "celebrity vocal sound." This episode originally aired in August 2022. Make sure to…

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Justin Giboney on the Black Church, Culture Wars, and a Better Christian Public Witness 45:17

22d ago45:17

45:17

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this powerful episode, Will and Josh talk with Justin Giboney, attorney, minister, political strategist, and co-founder of the AND Campaign. Justin unpacks the themes of his new book, Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around, exploring how t…

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Simon Pegg: It’s Not Called Mission Possible 50:37

25d ago50:37

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Rob Lowe and Simon Pegg love the films of the 1980s! Actor and filmmaker Simon Pegg joins Rob Lowe to discuss their mutual friend Tom Cruise, the surprise grand slam of "Shaun of the Dead," Rob's old neighbor John Cleese, art in the age of artificial intelligence, and much more. Make sure to subscribe to the show on YouTube at YouTube.com/@Literall…

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700: What Every Christian Can Learn from A.A. with John Ortberg 1:24:41

25d ago1:24:41

1:24:41

Last weekend was filled with terrible news, including a mass shooting in Australia, another at Brown University, and the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife. Mike Erre joins Phil and Skye to discuss these events and why rediscovering the biblical practice of lament is better than just "thoughts and prayers." The Catholic Church has taken a nuanced an…

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Inside America’s Spiritual Landscape with Religion News Service Journalist Jack Jenkins 59:17

27d ago59:17

59:17

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will and Josh sit down with journalist Jack Jenkins, a leading religion and politics reporter known for his thoughtful coverage of faith movements, extremism, and spiritual life in America. The conv…

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George Yancey on Identity Politics, Christianophobia, and a Better Way Forward 1:06:03

30d ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this episode, Will and Josh talk with Dr. George Yancey, a sociologist at Baylor University who specializes in race, identity politics, Christianophobia, and how faith communities can move beyond today’s culture-war structures. The c…

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Connie Chung: Class Act 53:55

1M ago53:55

53:55

Rob is Connie Chung's biggest fan. The legendary news anchor joins Rob Lowe to discuss how her relationship with her husband, Maury Povich, parallels Rob and Sheryl’s marriage, as well as her opinion on modern news broadcasting, her contentious interview with Marlon Brando, a strange encounter with Richard Nixon, the legacy of Barbara Walters, and …

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699: The Limits of Liberalism & Punishing Immigrants with Matthew Soerens 1:32:32

1M ago1:32:32

1:32:32

Two writers from the New York Times say the liberal values that have flooded our culture with online gambling, pornography, and cannabis have backfired, but secular progressives, like Ezra Klein, admit that they don't have a framework for explaining why. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the benefits and limitations of liberalism as a political and s…

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Joshua Cohen on William F. Buckley and the Lost Art of Friendship Across Difference 58:53

1M ago58:53

58:53

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] Will and Josh welcome Joshua Cohen, author of William F. Buckley Jr.’s Guide to Friendship in a Polarized Era, to explore what one of the most influential conservative thinkers can teach us about civility, humor, gratitude, and cross-id…

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Kenny Loggins: Taking Liberties with Rainbows (Re-Release) 44:52

1M ago44:52

44:52

Buckle-up because you’re about to jet-set into some fantastic stories when Kenny and Rob take the mic. In this "Literally" re-release, find out the origins to “Danger Zone” and “What a Fool Believes”, Why Steve Perry was coaching Cyndi Lauper at the “We are the World” recording, and, of course, "Top Gun!" Make sure to subscribe to the show on YouTu…

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Holly Berkley Fletcher on Missionary Kids, White Evangelicalism, and the Myths of Calling 59:21

1M ago59:21

59:21

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will and Josh speak with Holly Berkley Fletcher, historian, essayist, former CIA Africa analyst, and author of The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism. Drawing from her chil…

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Martha Plimpton: Pub Food 41:01

1M ago41:01

41:01

Rob was so excited to finally speak with Martha Plimpton! The actress joins Rob to discuss her life-changing experiences on Broadway, her HBO show, "Task," moving to London, and her experience studying animal tracking in Africa! Plus, Rob pays tribute to the brilliant writer Tom Stoppard, who passed on November 29th, soon after the recording of thi…

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698: De-Christianizing America & Re-Christianizing Advent with Rich Villodas 1:18:56

1M ago1:18:56

1:18:56

The government of Israel has been criticized for building fences in Gaza and the West Bank, but now it's geofencing American churches. Will its plan reverse the decline of evangelical support for the Jewish state? Donald Trump says he's making the country more Christian, but data shows his immigration policy favors secular immigrants and rejects Ch…

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What Does the Magi Story Really Tell Us About Jesus? (From this week's Curiously Kaitlyn) 38:08

1M ago38:08

38:08

We're popping a Curiously Kaitlyn episode into your feed this week because we're starting a brand-new Advent series, and—let's be honest—the nativity story gets weird. Kids notice all the odd details we learned to ignore, and suddenly you're fielding questions you did not prepare for in Sunday School.So instead of scrambling for answers all by your…

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ProPublica's Jennifer Smith Richards on Oklahoma’s Push for More Patriotic, Christian Public Schools 59:29

1M ago59:29

59:29

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] Investigative reporter Jennifer Smith Richards of ProPublica joins Will and Josh to break down her major reporting on Oklahoma’s controversial education overhaul under Superintendent Ryan Walters. She explains how Christianity was woven…

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Corregan Brown on Building Better Arguments: Bridging Principles, Power, and Polarization 51:16

1M ago51:16

51:16

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] How do we argue without tearing each other apart? Corregan Brown joins us to explore the art of disagreement in an age of outrage. He breaks down the difference between arguing policy and clarifying principles, showing how many of our p…

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China’s Crackdown on Zion Church: William Nee on the Fight for Religious Freedom 53:51

1M ago53:51

53:51

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will and Josh talk with China expert William Nee about the major October 2025 crackdown on Beijing’s Zion Church, one of the largest underground Christian networks in China. William explains what ac…

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Josh Richards: Too Handsome 50:40

2M ago50:40

50:40

Rob says Josh Richards is too handsome for his own good! The businessman, podcast host, actor, and social-media star joins Rob Lowe to discuss dropping out of high school and coming of age on TikTok at the “Sway House,” his popular Barstool Sports podcast, talking P.P. (popularity and prestige), a hypothetical Rob vs. Dave Portnoy boxing match (win…

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697: Cancelling "Judeo-Christian," Defending Slavery, & Rethinking Gaza with J. Ross Wagner 1:22:34

2M ago1:22:34

1:22:34

The term "Judeo-Christian" has been used by the Religious Right for decades as a positive shorthand for biblical values in the culture, so why are conservative Christians now rejecting the label? And why are Christian defenses of slavery and the Confederacy gaining popularity 160 years after the Civil War? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn explain how the ri…

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Ethan Hollander on Democracy, Autocracy, and America’s Authoritarian Temptation 1:04:34

2M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this return visit to Faithful Politics, political scientist Dr. Ethan J. Hollander helps us take a hard, honest look at the health of American democracy—and why so many people around the world are tempted by strongman rule. Drawing o…

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Cesar Millan: Dogs Tell the Truth (Re-Release) 48:25

2M ago48:25

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This week, we’re looking back at Rob’s great conversation with legendary dog whisperer Cesar Millan! cats! Listen to their great chat and find out how connecting with nature can help keep you and your dog calm, why the eldest dog may not be the pack leader, and how every dog has the potential to gain street smarts. Make sure to subscribe to the sho…

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Conflict Resilience with Bob Bordone — How to Disagree Without Giving Up or Giving In 52:18

2M ago52:18

52:18

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] Can you stay in hard conversations without trying to “win” or walk away? In this episode, Harvard Law School Senior Fellow and USA Today bestselling author Bob Bordone joins us to unpack conflict resilience—the ability to stay grounded,…

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World Series Champion Clayton Kershaw: The T-Shirt Guys Are On-Point 45:42

2M ago45:42

45:42

Rob and Clayton still can’t believe the Dodgers won back-to-back! Three-time World Series champion Clayton Kershaw joins Rob Lowe to discuss his incredible recent World Series win, retiring on top, legendary Dodgers greats like Vin Scully and Sandy Koufax, the changes he’d make to youth baseball, and much more. Make sure to subscribe to the show on…

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696: Transcending Our Political Divisions & Labels with Andy Beshear 1:25:31

2M ago1:25:31

1:25:31

Mike Erre joins Phil and Skye to discuss a New York Times column by David Brooks. He says America's divisions will only heal when we abandon shallow labels and war metaphors, and instead see one another as fellow pilgrims on a journey. America's Catholic bishops issue a stern rebuke of the Trump administration's dehumanizing rhetoric and policies, …

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Jim DeMint on What the Bible Really Says About Creation, End Times, and American Politics 58:33

2M ago58:33

58:33

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] Is the real crisis in American politics actually a crisis of biblical authority and interpretation? In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with former U.S. Senator Jim DeMint to talk about his…

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Dr. Gavin D’Costa on the Jewish Roots of Christianity: From Sinai to Rome 1:00:32

2M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] What does it really mean to say Christianity is “rooted in Judaism”? In this conversation, Dr. Gavin D’Costa—Emeritus Professor of Catholic Theology at the University of Bristol and visiting professor at Rome’s Angelicum—unpacks the arg…

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Shaquille "Shaq" O'Neal: A Night at the Roxbury 34:33

2M ago34:33

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Shaq says that Rob Lowe taught him how to be a superstar! The legendary basketball player and "Inside the NBA" host joins Rob Lowe to discuss their first meeting in 1990s Los Angeles, what Shaq’s ideal week would look like, his sleep apnea journey, the recent NBA gambling controversies, and much more. Plus, Rob answers a question about one of his f…

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695: Analyzing the Blue Wave & Why the Church Still Matters with Carmen Joy Imes 1:27:41

2M ago1:27:41

1:27:41

The Democratic Party swept the off-cycle elections last week, but this isn't the first blue wave we've seen in the Trump era. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss what it means and the significance of New York City electing a Muslim, democratic socialist as mayor. Does Mamdani represent the death of New York, and possibly America, as one Baptist leader …

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Can Theology and Compassion Coexist? A Candid Talk with Dr. Preston Sprinkle 1:02:37

2M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] Can Christians hold fast to biblical convictions about marriage and still radically love their LGBTQ+ neighbors? In this deeply honest and thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Preston Sprinkle, president of the Center for Faith, Sexualit…

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Jennifer Grey: Funner is Funner (Re-Release) 1:03:57

2M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

This week, we're looking back at Rob's conversation with Jennifer Grey! They discuss the time Jennifer sang showtunes for Stephen Sondheim at Hal Prince's holiday party, how writing about her own experience has shaped her future, and both actors' odd experiences while shooting the 1990 film "If the Shoe Fits". This episode originally aired in July …

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Jennifer Webb (D) and Kurt Kelly (R): The Politics of Proximity and Peace 1:09:28

2M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] What does it actually take to cool down American politics without compromising your convictions? In this episode, former Florida state representatives Jennifer Webb (D) and Kurt Kelly (R) join Faithful Politics to share how their unlike…

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French Friday: The Nazi Rot on the Right 27:43

2M ago27:43

27:43

Open Nazi rhetoric is gaining traction on the right, and the response from conservative institutions has been inconsistent at best. Skye and David trace the roots of the problem, the incentives that fueled it, and the late-breaking backlash that may signal a tipping point. They also look at ICE's increasingly aggressive "Kavanaugh stops," the risks…

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Sebastian Maniscalco: Kids These Days 53:17

2M ago53:17

53:17

Friend of the show Sebastian Maniscalco returns! His latest special, “Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain’t Right,” premieres on Hulu on Friday, November 21. The comedian and actor joins Rob Lowe to discuss growing up in the days before air conditioning, Sebastian wants to know what Rob uses TikTok for, Rob’s first time meeting Frank Sinatra, the state of…

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694: Why Don't We Take Church Unity Seriously? with N.T. Wright 1:29:02

2M ago1:29:02

1:29:02

A new survey finds that moderately religious Americans are the most likely to say that they see dead people. Which raises a question—why are the non-religious and the very religious less likely to report encounters with the departed? New York Times columnist Ezra Klein says that by over-emphasizing inclusivity, the Democratic Party has ironically b…

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Christian Nationalism and Educational Policy in the United States with Dr. Kevin Burke 59:01

2M ago59:01

59:01

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this episode of Faithful Politics, Josh and I sit down with Dr. Kevin Burke from the University of Georgia, co-author of the National Education Policy Center report Christian Nationalism and Educational Policy in the United States. W…

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Reinventing Protestant Germany: Dr. Brandon Bloch on the Church’s Role in Nazi and Post-Nazi Eras 1:03:19

2M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Dr. Brandon Bloch, historian and assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, about his groundbreaking book Reinventing Protestant…