5 Boundaries That Signal It’s Time to Walk Away From Toxic Dialogue

Not every relationship can—or should—be salvaged. In this solo episode, Corey shares a personal story and outlines five unmistakable red flags that tell you it’s time to step back to protect your peace.

Sometimes, staying in the conversation means knowing when to step away. In this raw and introspective solo episode, host Corey Nathan opens up about a deeply personal encounter that pushed him to confront a painful question: When is it time to “unfriend” someone—really unfriend them?

With vulnerability and clarity, Corey unpacks a recent experience with someone who crossed multiple emotional and ideological lines. What begins as a story about a text thread gone wrong unfolds into a thoughtful reflection on the emotional cost of dialogue, the importance of mutual respect, and the red lines we all must define for ourselves if we're to stay sane and whole in polarized times.

If you’ve ever wrestled with staying true to your values while trying to build bridges, this episode will resonate deeply. 🙏

📣 Calls to Action

✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation.

✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.

✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen

✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com

✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics

• [00:01:00] The No Kings Rally: A peaceful protest, misunderstood
• [00:02:30] A late-night text spirals into an ugly confrontation
• [00:05:00] Is it ever okay to hit “unfriend” in real life?
• [00:06:30] The five red flags that made Corey draw a boundary
• [00:09:00] Mocking entire groups: prejudice by another name
• [00:11:00] Misconstrued views and a lack of genuine curiosity
• [00:13:00] “That which labels me, negates me” — on being dehumanized
• [00:16:00] The false logic of guilt by association
• [00:18:30] Why it’s not about trans athletes or guns—it’s about bigotry
• [00:20:00] Setting limits to protect your peace
• [00:23:30] “Know thyself”: Taking inventory of your boundaries
• [00:25:00] No perfection, just progress—why this journey is still worth it

🧠 Key Takeaways

There is a line. Even bridge-builders have boundaries. It's okay to step back when a relationship becomes toxic.

Not all disagreement is dialogue. Genuine curiosity and respect are the bare minimum for constructive conversation.

Bigotry wears many faces. When someone mocks an entire group, it's not “opinion”—it's prejudice.

You don’t have to account for others’ sins. Being mislabeled or forced to explain someone else’s actions is unjust.

This is a journey. Corey doesn't claim to have it all figured out—but he's committed to showing up with humility and honesty.

🔗 Connect on Social Media

Corey is @coreysnathan on:

• Bluesky

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Threads

• Facebook

• TikTok

• Substack

🙌 Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

• The Village Square: villagesquare.us

Proud members of The Democracy Group

🎧 Thanks for listening! May your conversations be honest, your boundaries healthy, and your courage contagious. Go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨