Impolite Company

Impolite Company

“Impolite Company” is a twice monthly internet radio show and podcast that explores the intersection of politics and religion, how they inform each other in healthy and harmful ways, and how important it is to have healthy conversations with others around politics and religion. The show is hosted by Rev. Matthew Best, who is an ordained ELCA Lutheran pastor who also has an extensive background in politics. The concept for the show comes from the old adage “don’t talk about religion and politics around polite company.” It is Rev. Best’s conviction that avoiding talking about these important topics has not served American politics or faith traditions well. We need to be able to talk about these important topics in healthy ways because they shape people’s identities and beliefs as well as have an impact on policies and how we interact with one another. “Impolite Company” targets politically engaged individuals, religious-minded people, and those who see the importance of a healthy conversation between the two.

Episodes

January 31, 2026 61 mins
In this episode, I talk about the most abused and weaponized passages of Scripture today, the lenses people see Scripture through, and how to read Scripture more carefully and faithfully.
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In this episode I talk with ELCA Deacon Amy Kelly about women in ministry, the various rosters, toxic individualism and masculinity, and more.
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In this episode, I talk about women’s ordination. With the advent of a new Archbishop of Canterbury, there has been many vocal critics of women’s ordination. I look at the Scripture and arguments against women’s ordination and offer a refutation.
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December 20, 2025 59 mins
In today’s episode, I talk with Ivy Schweitzer, the author of “Dividing Rivers,” a book of poetry. We talk about race and healing in the show.
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December 6, 2025 61 mins
In this episode I talk with Angela Miller. The episode came about because I wanted to have a conversation with someone who was supportive of Charlie Kirk.
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November 1, 2025 59 mins
In this episode I talk with poet April Ossmann about her new book of poetry “We.” It’s full of poems that bridge divides and see the humanity of others.
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October 4, 2025 59 mins
In today’s episode, I talk with Tammy Rosing who is the Coordinator with Put People First! PA and the National Union of the Homeless.
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In today’s episode, I do a monologue on what I think are the two Charlie Kirks that existed. And most of it depends on which media silo you are stuck in.
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In today’s episode, I talk with Rabbi Ariana Capptauber about faith in action, ministry, social justice, the difference between politics and partisanship, and her thoughts on Christian Nationalism.
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August 16, 2025 60 mins
In today’s episode, I talk with Renee Rodin about faith and journalism, as well as the Catholic Worker House.
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