🎙️Award-winning journalist and Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins joins us to explore the delicate intersections of politics, faith, and journalism. From shadowing Donald Trump to chronicling the political journey of Mitt Romney, McKay shares what it takes to pursue truth in turbulent times.
What We Discuss:
-
What it’s like getting rare access to Trump, Romney, and the Murdochs
-
How to navigate political rationalizations without losing your soul
-
McKay’s writing rituals and creative process
-
The powerful role of curiosity in building bridges across divides
-
Why faith and civic life matter more than ever
Episode Highlights:
00:02:00 – McKay’s infamous 2014 Trump profile and its surprising legacy 00:10:00 – How luck and sincere curiosity lead to exclusive access 00:16:00 – Late nights, caps lock, and McKay’s writing habits 00:29:00 – The chilling effect of political intimidation on journalism 00:41:00 – Why many GOP leaders stay silent—and what Romney heard behind the scenes 00:50:00 – Do you lose your soul in politics? A deep dive 00:57:00 – The spiritual vacuum in modern America and how faith might fill it 01:02:00 – Why curiosity is the cure for today’s civic divide
Featured Quotes:
"He seemed like he desperately wanted affirmation all the time... and it was like empty calories." "To be somebody who has faith is to constantly have it tested and to have it evolve." "We need leaders thinking more about their obituaries than the next news cycle." "Curiosity is an underrated virtue in politics."
Resources Mentioned:
📘 Romney: A Reckoning – Simon and Schuster 📘 The Wilderness – Hachette Book Group 📰 McKay’s articles at The Atlantic – Visit
📣 Call to Action:If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media@coreysnathan:
Our Sponsors:
- Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
- Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com
Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Cold Case Files: Miami
Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides. Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.