Redemption Projects: From Wreckage to Repair

Repairing the damage—in our democracy, in our relationships, and in ourselves.

✨ Episode Summary

Let’s talk about redemption—what it really means to repair what’s been broken, whether in our democracy or in our personal lives, and how we can tell the difference between a true apology and just going through the motions. Inspired by a powerful Substack piece by Mike Madrid, we'll reflect on the nuances between performative apologies and genuine repentance, weaving in theological insights, literary references like East of Eden, and real-life examples. We'll consider how we engage with those who have caused harm—and what it means to truly repair what’s broken, especially as Thanksgiving and moments of family reconnection approach.

📣 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

• [00:00] Intro & Shoutouts

  • Thanks to Democracy Group, Village Square, and Masa Wealth Management

  • Announcing new podcast! East Meets West Sports 🏈🏀⚾️

• [02:00] Mike Madrid’s Provocative Question

  • “Is saying sorry enough?” from The Great Transformation Substack

  • The difference between performative and genuine repentance

• [04:00] What Does Real Repentance Look Like?

  • Acknowledgment vs. avoidance of harm

  • Lessons from post-Nixon America and January 6th

• [09:00] The Universal Story of Redemption

  • Biblical framework: Genesis and the role of agency

  • The ongoing "redemption project" from chaos to order

• [14:00] Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden’ & the Power of ‘Thou Mayest’ 📖

  • Deep dive into theological and philosophical implications of choice

  • Embracing agency in moral and civic life

• [17:00] Thanksgiving & Civic Relationships

  • Mending fences in politics and family

  • Why showing up—without drama—matters

• [21:00] Contrasting Two Real-Life Conflicts

  • When reconciliation is possible vs. when blocking is necessary

  • The limits of forgiveness and ongoing harm

• [26:00] How to Participate in Civic Redemption

  • Nonviolent resistance and Prop 50 reflections

  • Using political voice without resorting to the tactics we oppose

• [30:00] A Model of Contrition: Joe Walsh

  • Example of public repentance and political evolution

  • Engaging those who choose to say "I'm sorry"

• [33:00] When People Don’t Want Redemption

  • The rise of malice-driven political actors

  • What we can control: participating in healing

💡 Notable Quotes

"Sin is a separation from the ideal... but thou mayest overcome it." — Corey Nathan, referencing East of Eden

"To repair our democracy, we need to repair relationships."

"I believe in God—and even more strongly—I believe I am not God. Which means I’m not perfect."

🛠️ Resources Mentioned

• ✍️ Mike Madrid’s Substack - greattransformation.substack.com

• 🎧 East Meets West Sports Podcast with Rick Garcia - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/east-meets-west-sports/id1851251950

🔗 Connect on Social Media

Corey is @coreysnathan on...

• Substack
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Threads
• Bluesky
• TikTok

🙌 Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

• The Village Square: