The State Of Belief

The State Of Belief

Every week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush hosts lively, funny and poignant conversations with inspiring religious and civic leaders; as well as artists and activists from across the country. Listeners get a potent mix of spiritual wisdom, political strategy, and hopeful commentary from national and local leaders who are rising up to meet this urgent moment in America. With the tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet,” State of Belief is a celebration of our nation’s diversities and an invitation to join together to, in the words of the great James Baldwin, "achieve our country.”

Episodes

The Downward Arc of Donald Trump, With Ruth Ben-Ghiat

March 7, 2026 • 40 mins
Virility and victimhood – how do these seemingly opposite characteristics prop up strongman leaders throughout recent history? Expert and best-selling author Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat connects the dots in a conversation full of wisdom and, ultimately, hope that the current attempt at authoritarian rule in the United States is on the decline. The author of Strongmen: from Mussolini to Today, Ruth makes clear that war is often a cold-blood...
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The Epstein Files as a Mirror, With Rabbi Jay Michaelson

February 28, 2026 • 52 mins
As exhausted as many of us are by the ever more sordid revelations in the Epstein scandal, author and journalist Rabbi Jay Michaelson says its importance is only growing. Joining host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on this edition of The State of Belief, Jay argues that the way the scandal is being handled is nothing short of a moral referendum, “not just on Donald Trump and on the administration, but, really, on our society as a w...
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Rev. James Martin On His Journey to Becoming a Priest, and the Catholic Church Today

February 21, 2026 • 53 mins
Father Jim Martin’s new memoir, Work in Progress: Confessions of a Bus Boy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest, includes plenty of funny stories that are also deeply human, full of honesty and hope. Jim’s always a wonderful guest, and this week he joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to walk us through some of the memorable moments in this book. The book opens with stories of sum...
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Faith in Action: Bishop Dwayne Royster's Call to Justice

February 14, 2026 • 58 mins
In a time of mounting division and injustice, faith isn’t just a personal refuge—it’s a call to step up and speak out. This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Bishop Dwayne Royster, Executive Director of Faith in Action. Talk about action—Bishop Dwayne and partners organized a massive, diverse, faith-inspired gathering in Washington, D.C. just days after a series of ICE-related deaths. 450 clergy mobilized in 7...
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The Light We Give: Simran Jeet Singh on Courage and Community

February 7, 2026 • 53 mins
What does courage look like on the ground? For many faith leaders and everyday citizens, it involves showing up despite risks, discomfort, or opposition. Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, scholar and activist, describes courage rooted in love and fearlessness—values encoded in Sikh teachings like nirpo (fearlessness) and nirvad (without hatred). Simran reflects that true bravery is not about bravado or self-assertion but about steadfastly ch...
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Jewish-Muslim Solidarity: Moral Witness in Pressing Times

January 31, 2026 • 59 mins
It’s not a zero-sum game. This week on The State of Belief, interfaith organizer Maggie Siddiqi makes clear that coming together to counter antisemitism and Islamophobia is an essential part of the effort to protect American democracy. And doing that requires countering the narrative that somehow supporting one of these communities is harming the other. Maggie and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush discuss some of the concrete wa...
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We The People v Trump with Democracy Forward's Skye Perryman

January 24, 2026 • 46 mins
On this edition of The State of Belief, Democracy Forward President and CEO (and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World 2025) Skye Perryman is back to talk about the first year of this presidency. Democracy Forward has filed hundreds of court challenges to the administration’s unconstitutional power grab and has been remarkably successful in winning most of them. She stresses that not even the conservativ...
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Courage in Community: Minnesota Faith Leaders Respond to ICE Crisis

January 17, 2026 • 57 mins
In this episode of The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush engages with four distinguished religious leaders and activists from Minnesota: Rev. Susie Hayward, Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel, and Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs. The discussion centers on the current authoritarian crisis engulfing their community, driven by ICE raids and systemic injustice. Each leader shares their insights on the role of ...
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Dancing with the Divine: Exploring Religious Freedom in 'The Testament of Ann Lee'

January 10, 2026 • 51 mins
In the latest episode of The State of Belief, we dive into the vital theme of religious freedom as portrayed in the new film, The Testament of Ann Lee. Joining host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush for this enlightening discussion are Interfaith Alliance colleagues and film fans Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons and Alyssa Klein.Here are three key takeaways from the conversation that will resonate with many: The Intersection of Faith and F...
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What Happened? Top Religion News Stories of 2025 with RNS, and Looking Ahead to 2026

January 3, 2026 • 55 mins
Happy New Year! In this episode of The State of Belief, Religion News Service reporters Adelle Banks and Jack Jenkins join host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to reflect on a remarkable year at the intersection of religion and public life. Adelle, a veteran journalist covering religion, race, and African-American faith communities, and Jack, a national reporter focused on religion and politics, share insights from their extensive r...
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Religion, LGBT Rights, and the Law with Mary Bonauto and Ben Marcus from GLADLaw

December 27, 2025 • 64 mins
The latest episode of The State of Belief features two incredible guests: attorneys Mary Bonauto, a trailblazer in the fight for marriage equality who serves as Senior Director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies at GLADLaw, and Ben Marcus, Senior Constitutional Law Fellow at GLADLaw. Together, they share invaluable insights on the current landscape of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in the wake of recent legal challenges. Here are ...
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Interfaith Responses to ICE with Najeeba Syeed

December 20, 2025 • 50 mins
This week on The State of Belief: incredible insights from the remarkable Dr. Najeeba Syeed. As a celebrated peacemaker, educator, and scholar in interfaith studies and conflict resolution, Najeeba brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the conversation. Here are some key takeaways that you'll find both intriguing and inspiring. Minneapolis is home to the largest Somali community outside of Mogadishu. It’s centered on the ...
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The War Gospel According to Pete Hegseth: Rev. Brian Kaylor

December 13, 2025 • 61 mins
On the latest episode of The State of Belief, you’ll hear the insightful Rev. Dr. Brian Kaylor, President and Editor-in-Chief of Word & Way. Brian and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush use the lens of his new book, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploring Scripture for Political Power, to focus on how scripture is being increasingly manipulated to justify distinctly non-biblical politics and policies – particular...
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Room in the Inn: A Call for Immigrant Solidarity with Rev. Gabriel Salguero

December 5, 2025 • 50 mins
This week, The National Latino Evangelical Coalition launched the Advent Welcome Campaign, which says: there's room in the inn. That in Advent, we should have space for immigrants, for foreigners, for refugees fleeing political persecution and fleeing places that are very difficult. That’s why we’re releasing this week’s episode of The State of Belief early – because it’s a chance to hear NaLEC President and Founder Rev. Dr. Gabrie...
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Fully Herself: Rev. Winnie Varghese Assumes the Pulpit at St. John the Divine in New York City

November 29, 2025 • 65 mins
This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by the Very Rev. Winnie Varghese, the first female dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. As a queer Episcopal priest born to Indian immigrants, she brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing faith communities today. In this episode, we dive deep into her journey, the significance of her role, and the...
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The Power of Faithful Non-Violent Resistance with Maria Stephan

November 22, 2025 • 58 mins
This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Dr. Maria J. Stephan, co-lead and chief organizer at the Horizons Project. In the conversation, we get her expert take on the pressing issues of authoritarianism, democracy, and the vital role of faith in social movements. A key component of that is faithful, nonviolent resistance, which Maria has observed and supported in different parts of the worl...
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What the Separation of Church and State Means Today with Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer

November 15, 2025 • 52 mins
The latest episode of The State of Belief features the esteemed historian and author, Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer. We go in-depth with his latest book, America's Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State, and explore the critical importance of this principle in today's America. Here are three key takeaways: The Historical Roots of Separation: Randall emphasizes that the concept of separation of Church and State is not just a recen...
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"Courage is the New Currency": Skye Perryman and Democracy Forward

November 8, 2025 • 51 mins
In this episode of The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush dives deep into some critical issues facing our nation with Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. They discussed the legal battle to restore SNAP food benefits during the government shutdown; challenges facing the Supreme Court and our legal system; how faith communities are stepping up to protect vulnerable populations; and the critical ro...
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Ye Gods: Scott Carter 's Journey from Comedy to Spiritual Exploration

November 1, 2025 • 52 mins
This week The State of Belief features the fascinating Scott Carter, creator, executive producer, and host of the Ye Gods with Scott Carter podcast. In this episode, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and Scott explore the intersections of belief, doubt, and the moral codes that guide us. Notable ideas include: The Power of Intentional Curiosity: Scott shares his transformative journey following a near-death experience due to...
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"We're not going to let you take our tradition": A Beautiful Year with Diana Butler Bass

October 25, 2025 • 61 mins
"The feeling of not being alone is probably one of the most powerful tools we have." The latest episode The State of Belief features Dr. Diana Butler Bass. As an award-winning author, speaker, and theologian, Diana brings a wealth of insight to the intersection of faith, spirituality, and contemporary issues. In this episode, we dive deep into her new book, A Beautiful Year: 52 Meditations on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverance, and e...
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