Cursing, Criticism, and the Conversations Worth Keeping

A raw look at which relationships and conversations are worth our time—and when to just say f* it.

✨ Episode Summary

In this candid, off-the-cuff talk, Corey wrestles with a series of deeply personal and philosophical questions that lie at the heart of this progam’s mission: 👉 Which conversations are worth pursuing? 👉 Which relationships are worth nurturing? 👉 And at what point should we walk away for the sake of our own peace—and the greater good?

From fielding scriptural "shard attacks" for using colorful language to being targeted with assumptions rooted in ignorance and bigotry, Corey lays bare some inner conflicts with vulnerability, humor, and, yes, a few well-placed f-bombs. This isn't just an airing of grievances—it's an invitation to reflect on how we can all be fountains, not drains in a world sorely in need of healing.

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⏱️ Timestamps & Topics

• [00:00:00] Intro, shout-out to Substack community & podcast housekeeping

• [00:02:00] ⚾ Quick tangent: Brooklyn Cyclones, Mets fandom, and hope for the future

• [00:03:00] Opening big questions: What convos and relationships are worth it?

• [00:04:00] Story #1: Being called out for cursing—and Corey's take on "Christian language policing"

• [00:07:00] Righteous anger, proof-texting, and weaponizing Scripture

• [00:09:00] Story #2: Encountering prejudice disguised as critique

• [00:12:00] Recounting meaningful dialogue with Lisa Sharon Harper as a contrast

• [00:14:00] Deep pain, generational trauma, and the erasure of Jewish identity

• [00:17:00] Hatefulness vs. ignorance—where do we draw the line?

• [00:18:30] Who gets to be in the “cool kids club” of social justice discourse?

• [00:19:30] Questions to the audience: Are we fountains or drains in this world?

• [00:20:00] Final thoughts: Owning the heat, seeking feedback, and doing better

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Language vs. Intent: A well-placed curse word shouldn’t overshadow a meaningful, vulnerable message.

• Weaponizing Scripture: Proof-texting undermines the depth and context of sacred texts—and can be deeply harmful.

• Bigotry in Disguise: Assumptions based on skin tone or identity reduce complex histories and humanity to dangerous stereotypes.

• Be a Fountain, Not a Drain: Ask yourself—are your words and actions contributing to tikkun olam (repairing the world), or draining its soul?

• Not Every Battle is Yours: Sometimes walking away is an act of wisdom and self-preservation, not cowardice.

📖 Bonus Reading

• Proverbs 31 vs Proverbs 27: Woman of valor or dripping faucet? Decide for yourself.

• George Washington’s Farewell Address: Surprisingly prophetic in its warnings about factionalism.

• Tikkun Olam: Explore the Jewish concept of repairing the world and how it applies to today’s discourse.

🔗 Connect on Social Media:

Corey is @coreysnathan on...

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• Substack
• TikTok

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And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org

Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨