Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

In today's economic and political climate, how can we all keep our heads while everyone else is losing theirs? Talkin' tariffs, budget deficits, the Fed, interest rates, and all kinds of fun stuff!

In this episode of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other, host Corey Nathan welcomes long-time friend and investment advisor Jorge Meza, CEO of Meza Wealth Management. Jorge shares his inspiring journey—from navigat...

In this episode, host Corey Nathan explores how we can navigate difficult conversations around politics and religion with more grace and effectiveness. Drawing on personal experiences, spiritual grounding, and practical techniques, Corey shares what to look out for when a conversation is going sideways and how to communicate better even in the most challenging moments.

What Is Discussed:

• How to recognize when a conversation i...

Trump 2.0 - 6 months in. How's it going? (And other light comedy...)

In this milestone 300th episode, Corey is joined by two insightful friends: Lori Adams-Brown, host of A World of Difference podcast, and William Wright, co-host of the Faithful Politics podcast. Together, they reflect on six months of the Trump 2.0 administration, rising Christian nationalism, immigration policy impacts, and the legacy of influential evangelical l...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Roger Herbert—retired Navy Captain, former SEAL commander, professor of ethics, and distinguished academic. Dr. Herbert’s career spans from leading undersea special operations to teaching future naval officers at the U.S. Naval Academy. We explore Dr. Herbert's remarkable journey marked by leadership, ethics, and profound moral challenges. Dr. Herbert shares stories of combat, personal transformation...

In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan shares a personal story that explores a fundamental question many of us face in political and relational discourse: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” Prompted by a real-life interaction following his attendance at a local rally, Corey examines how we navigate our convictions, the costs of being “right,” and the cognitive, identity-based, and psychological roots that ...

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes back political consultant, author, and Substack contributor Mike Madrid. A renowned expert on Latino voters and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, Mike brings his profound insights on American politics, identity, and democracy. Together, Corey and Mike explore deeply personal stories, historical context, and present-day political dynamics, all while weaving in the emotional fabric that co...

This was such a refreshing conversation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. We recorded it just after she delivered the homily at the National Cathedral the day after the inauguration. Bishop Budde's candor, winsomeness and wisdom shines through in all circumstances - whether it's before a worldwide audience or upon earnest reflection of the impact of her ministry. And there's something healing in all of this. So it's certainly worth ...

In this timely episode of "Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other," host Corey Nathan speaks with Professor Daniel Mach, Director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief and adjunct professor of law at the George Washington University Law School. They explore the complexities of First Amendment rights, the historical Scopes Trial, and the fine line between religious freedom and government endorseme...

In this episode, we're joined by Mike Nellis, founder of Authentic and executive chairman of QUILLER. Mike shares his journey from early political engagement to founding a values-driven digital agency and a pioneering AI platform. He opens up about overcoming personal mental health challenges and emphasizes the importance of empathy, leadership, and responsive government.

What We Discuss:

• How Mike Nellis turned a toxic workpl...

In this episode, Corey Nathan is joined by Pastor Doug Pagitt, Executive Director of Vote Common Good. Doug shares his remarkable journey from a non-religious upbringing to becoming a prominent voice in progressive evangelicalism. They discuss how his background in sociology and theology shapes his view of faith, culture, and politics, and how those insights drive his current work helping religious voters engage civically with inte...

In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan explores how the "us vs. them" mindset is damaging our democracy and personal relationships. Sharing powerful stories and reflections, Corey examines how this mentality can escalate from figurative harm to literal violence—and what we can do to stop it.

What Is Discussed:

• How to recognize and avoid “us vs. them” thinking

• Why specificity matters more than generalizations

• How to refra...

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes Liz Joyner, founder and president of The Village Square, a civic organization dedicated to bridging divides and fostering dialogue across political and cultural lines. Liz shares the story behind founding The Village Square, her passion for preserving democratic values, and her experience navigating political polarization with grace, humor, and tenacity. As dear friends and collaborators,...

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director at the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future and former CEO of ProCon.org. Kamy shares his extraordinary journey from war-torn Iran to becoming a champion of civil discourse and political bridge-building in the United States. 

What We Discuss:

• Kamy’s powerful immigration story and personal connection to today’s immigration challenges

• What's ...

In this insightful and often humorous episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes political satirist, author, and podcast host Andrew Heaton for a wide-ranging conversation about his latest book, Tribalism Is Dumb. Heaton, known for his podcast The Political Orphanage, brings his signature blend of wit, intellect, and candor to explore why politics has become so viciously tribal—and how we can fix it. Drawing from personal stories, deep re...

In this edition, host Corey Nathan dives into two behaviors that shut down meaningful dialogue before it even starts: ad hominem attacks and treating individuals as proxies for groups. Drawing from real-life interactions and candid personal stories, Corey illustrates why civil discourse matters now more than ever.

What Is Discussed:

• Why personal attacks destroy productive dialogue

• How assuming people represent an entire gro...

In this inspiring episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes Bishop Mary D. Glasspool, a pioneering leader in the Episcopal Church and the first openly lesbian woman to be consecrated as a bishop in the Anglican Communion. Since 2016, she has served as Assistant Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Bishop Mary shares her personal journey of faith, identity, leadership, and inclusion, offering insights into navigating the intersect...

In this episode, host Corey Nathan is joined by Pastor David Hegg, Senior Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita, CA. With decades of experience, a master’s in theology, and a doctorate in preaching, Pastor Hegg shares his unique journey into ministry, his thoughts on biblical teaching, and how Christians can faithfully navigate today’s cultural and political landscape.

What We Discuss:

• How Pastor Hegg's early strugg...

“You’ve got to be willing to kick your sources right in the balls if necessary, even if they’re your friends.”

Julie Mason came up the ranks at regional newspapers before becoming a White House reporter. On her SiriusXM radio show, you can tell how much she loves and champions good reporters and reveres excellent journalism. And that's one of the many reasons we love Julie Mason! So we're re-booting our most recent conversation wit...

A lot's happened already this year. So it's worth re-setting this conversation with friend of the pod, Wajahat Ali, from earlier this year...

When there's such chaos amd divisiveness all around us, what can we do to cultivate a sense of hope and humanity?

In this episode, we welcome back Wajahat Ali, celebrated writer, editor of The Left Hook Substack, co-host of Democracy-ish Podcast, and author. Known for his humor and insigh...