Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

Latest Episodes:

Bill Kristol: Director of Defending Democracy Together and Editor at Large at The Bulwark Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

Are REPUBLICAN VOTERS AGAINST TRUMP our greatest BULWARK against authoritarianism and the most significant constituency in DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER? (Dad jokes about the future of our Constitutional Republic aside...) Bill Kristol shares his thoughts on the state of our democracy and how this year's consequential election is shaping up.

So glad to be joined again by Bill Kristol, Editor at Large of The Bulwark; Director of Defending Democracy Together; and Host of Conversations with Bill Kristol. We took time to reflect on Bill’s early political experiences, including his roles in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, his academic career, and his work with the Project for the Republican Future. We also touch on our shared passion for baseball, particularly for the New York Mets! We then delve into Bill’s critical views on the Trump presidency, the rise of authoritarianism, and the importance of defending liberal democracy. He shares insights into his efforts with the Republican Voters Against Trump initiative and the importance of bipartisan engagement in preserving democratic norms. We then discuss the impact of social and political polarization, the significance of grassroots activism, and the need for open, exploratory dialogue across ideological divides. We wind down with Bill emphasizing the resilience of the American political system and the potential for positive change through collective action and constructive discourse.

00:52 Meet Bill Kristol: A Storied Career in Politics;

01:58 Baseball and Politics: A Personal Connection;

04:09 Navigating Political Ideologies: From Youth to Present;

05:41 The Evolution of Political Beliefs and the Impact of External Changes;

10:18 The Threat of Illiberalism and the Defense of Liberal Democracy;

15:21 Exploring the Dangers of Trumpism and Authoritarian Tendencies;

26:56 The Role of Intellectuals and Voters in Shaping Political Futures;

33:59 The Impact of Testimonials from Former Trump Voters;

34:53 The Strategy Behind Targeting Swing Voters;

35:54 Challenges and Strategies in Political Advertising;

36:55 Building a Broad Coalition Against Trump;

42:09 The Role of Money in Politics and Campaign Strategies;

44:34 Fostering Careers and Nurturing Talent in Politics;

50:43 The Evolution of Political Discourse and Outreach;

54:36 Final Thoughts on Political Engagement and Hope

Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com

www.thebulwark.com

www.defendingdemocracytogether.org

twitter.com/BillKristol

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Not THE LEFT. And definitely not MAGA. Nope, I'm a French Davidian! Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

What do we say when others label us one way or another? Why do folks have a tendency to do that in the first place? Why is it important to engage when someone mischaracterizes our views? And, if we don't fall neatly into one category, what might be a more accurate way to describe how we do identify politically?

In this edition, host Corey Nathan goes through these questions including whether it's accurate to say he's part of THE LEFT and whether there would be anything wrong with such a political leaning. We go through recent right-wing podcasts and other media to better understand what many of our friends and neighbors are listening to and reading about THE LEFT including what Tucker Carlson's been up to and a couple of the recent episodes of Victor Davis Hanson's and Steven Crowder's shows. We look at defining principles of the MAGA movement and whether there are any principles so much as anti-partisanship. There's a response about those who've hijacked the ideas of conservatism as a philosophy and Christianity as an identity. We define what it means to be delusional and examine an illustration of it. And finally we look at what in the world a "French Davidian" is!

In all seriousness, we discuss writers, thinkers and leaders who see people with different positions not as enemies but as human beings that we can learn from and even befriend to arrive at a higher truth; people who can thrive in environments where their own views aren’t the dominant ones; those who leave room for the possibility of changing - who know that evolving one’s positions isn’t a sign of weakness but of having the strength that comes with humility; and people who can hold space for the complexity of our world.

Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Danielle Allen is a Democracy Advocate, Harvard Professor and Nonprofit Leader who is "doing work on actually renovating our institutions" Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Our democracy is brittle. Many would say our Constitutional Republic is in trouble. So what kind of work can we do on "actually renovating our institutions"?

We were fortunate to be joined by Dr. Danielle Allen, a democracy advocate, Harvard professor and nonprofit leader who's doing something about it. We talked about how to maintain a loving spirit when faced with "a lot of bleeps"; Danielle's fascinating family legacy and her "obsession" with democracy; what the heck a eudaemonist democratic pragmatist is; the ways the 5 freedoms articulated in the 1st Amendment are under threat; the merits of ranked choice voting, expanding the House of Representatives and other democratic renovations; the imperative of developing a civic portfolio; and how to "not let our differences take our humanity hostage."

Prof. Danielle Allen is James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University. She is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy and director of the Democratic Knowledge Project and of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation. Outside the University, she is a co-chair for the Our Common Purpose Commission and Founder and President for Partners In Democracy, where she advocates for democracy reform to create greater voice and access in our democracy, and to drive progress towards a new social contract that serves and includes us all.

Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com

partnersindemocracy.us

Be sure to read Danielle's series in the Washington Post on How to Renovate American Democracy:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/31/danielle-allen-american-democracy-renovation-series/

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Fred Guttenberg and Joe Walsh, are on very different sides of the gun debate but they're also "Two Dads Defending Democracy" together Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Fred Guttenberg became a nationally known activist on gun safety after his daughter Jaime was tragically murdered in the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. Former Congressman Joe Walsh has been a self-described "rabid gun rights advocate." So how did these two guys go from being on completely different sides of such a heated issue to becoming dear friends who are now collaborating on a national tour called TWO DADS DEFENDING DEMOCRACY?

In this special coming together, we explore Fred and Joe's evolution from adversaries to collaborators through their unique friendship. Initially at odds due to their differing views on gun control, they discovered a shared commitment to democracy and engaging in respectful dialogue across political and ideological divides. They speak about their collaborative initiative, "Two Dads Defending Democracy," aimed at encouraging Americans to participate in the democratic process, highlight the importance of conversations across differences, and reflect on personal stories that underscore their transformation. We talk about a number of ways they're both trying to make a positive difference including Fred's non-profit Orange Ribbons for Jaime, Joe's continued contributions on White Flag with Joe Walsh, and their appearances together demonstrating that instead of remaining enemies over any given issue, even those we're most passionate about, mutual respect wins every time.

00:42 Getting to Know Joe Walsh: From Congress to Gun Rights Advocate;

02:24 Fred Guttenberg's Journey: From Tragedy to Advocacy;

03:44 Bridging Divides: A Story of Friendship and Understanding;

07:39 Real Talk about Gun Safety;

13:20 The Power of Dialogue: Moving Beyond Polarization;

14:57 A Deep Dive into the Second Amendment and Gun Safety;

20:33 Finding Common Ground: The Path to Reducing Gun Violence;

30:58 Exploring Red Flag Laws: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly;

33:41 The Impact of 'White Flag' on Activism and Public Policy;

35:09 America's Shift in Gun Culture and the NRA's Influence;

42:31 More Bridging Divides: Two Dads Defending Democracy;

50:44 Engaging Across Differences: Strategies for Democracy;

52:41 Closing Thoughts: Hope, Engagement, and the American Experiment

Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com

fredguttenberg.com

orangeribbonsforjaime.org/

twitter.com/WalshFreedom

White Flag with Joe Walsh - pod.link/1590913798

www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/january/joe-walsh-fred-guttenberg-snf-ithaca-initiative-democracy-speaking-tour/

joewalshwhiteflag@gmail.com

And just to be clear... LET'S GO RANGERS! ;-)

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You do realize that when I criticize Donald Trump, I'm not attacking you, right? Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

Why is it that when there's a criticism of Donald Trump, that some folks who support him react as if it's an attack on them personally?

On this installment of our program, host Corey Nathan explores this phenomenon. There have been a number of times when Corey and/or the guests have examined the words, actions and character of Donald Trump - and let's face it, there's much to criticize. Like, every day. But it becomes problematic when a friend who happens to support Trump takes that critique as if it's an attack against them and their character. Corey shares several instances of when this has occurred in response to recent interviews and posts. He also scratches the surface of what's happening in right wing media as one possible explanation of where this is all coming from.

But by the end of this talk, we explore ways of how to engage with folks who do seem to take it personally when we openly critique something Trump says or does. Some of this includes setting clear understandings, finding ways to compliment the person, not tackling everything at once and, best of all, inviting them out for coffee or lunch!

Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Vindman, Co-host of The Suburban Women Problem: “...to make a difference, you simply need to keep moving forward.” Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

What’s it like to be targeted by Donald Trump? What’s it like to be viciously attacked and to have one’s family under threat due to the ex-President’s middle of the night rage tweets?

This is a story of resilience. It's a story of making a difference. But it's also about life being unpredictable and messy - and even having a messy kitchen! Mostly, it’s about how to “keep moving forward.”

Rachel Vindman is Co-host of The Suburban Women Problem, an excellent and timely podcast produced by Red Wine and Blue. Rachel and her family faced personal safety issues when her husband, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman testified in the first Trump impeachment hearings. Despite the challenges, through the podcast and her beautifully candid Substack Keep Moving Forward, Rachel decided to speak out and use her voice to encourage women to stand up for policies and elected officials addressing issues important to women and families. #keepmovingforward

01:15 Introducing Rachel Vindman: A Voice for Democracy;

03:01 The Power and Pitfalls of Social Media;

08:16 Navigating Parenting in the Digital Age;

13:38 The Political Landscape and Suburban Women's Influence;

22:45 Exploring Family Backgrounds and Personal Journeys;

38:37 Election Day 2016: A Turning Point;

47:26 Navigating Hostility and Protecting Family;

53:19 Confronting Misinformation and Embracing Truth;

55:04 The Journey of Grief and Resilience;

01:06:18 Empowering Voices and Making a Difference;

01:24:22 Exploring Future Projects and Personal Reflections

Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

redwine.blue/the-suburban-women-problem/

rachelvindman.substack.com/

redwine.blue/

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Through the Fog with Elliot Kirschner, Emmy winning news producer, NYT bestselling author and documentary filmmaker Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

How do we harness the power of communication in bridging societal divides? We spoke with Elliot Kirschner, an Emmy award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker, to help us “Through the Fog…”

Elliot shares his journey from CBS to his Substack “Through the Fog,” his dedication to science communication, and reflections on the role of journalism and science in democracy. We delve into his collaboration with Dan Rather, his academic pursuits in history and literature, and his current endeavors that strive to make science accessible to the public. Elliot also espouses the transformative potential of national service programs, science communication, and storytelling in healing our divisions, underlining the power of optimism and collaborative efforts in facilitating dialogue and understanding.

07:36 The Essence of Democracy and American Identity;

13:27 Transitioning from Producer to Personal Voice;

25:12 Cultural Heritage and Family Dynamics;

34:20 The Stakes of Democracy in Upcoming Elections;

40:47 Reflecting on Bipartisanship and Legislative Challenges;

42:24 Congressional Dysfunction and Its Impact;

46:26 The Evolution and Challenges of Modern Journalism;

53:15 The Potential of Hyper-Localized Journalism;

57:35 The Role of Science in Uniting People;

01:04:15 Fostering Conversations Across Divides

Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

elliotkirschner.substack.com/

sciencecommunicationlab.org/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jonathan Rauch on “America’s purest experiment in true totalitarianism” Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Some might be inclined to believe recent discussions about totalitarianism are hyperbolic. In fact, the U.S. has a long history in which law, culture, medicine and religion have all been in the mix on exactly such experiments.

In our latest visit with Jon Rauch, we go into depth on his recent piece in The Atlantic, THE U.S. SHOULD APOLOGIZE TO GAY PEOPLE, which profiles America's historical attempts at erasing homosexuality, the impact this pervasive practice had on people's lives and what should be done to make it right. We also delve into Jon's personal experiences and his work on creating frameworks for productive conversations across political and religious divides. It's always worth revisiting Jon's landmark book, The Constitution of Knowledge. Plus we learn more about his personal connection to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and her family.

05:12 The Happiness Curve: Personal and Societal Perspectives;

06:13 The Intersection of Religion, Democracy, and LGBTQ+ Rights;

08:28 Unveiling the History of Government-Led Discrimination Against Gay People;

32:24 The Importance of Acknowledging and Addressing Past Wrongs;

39:34 Personal Stories of Discrimination and Hope;

41:51 A Tribute to Sandra Day O'Connor: Personal Reflections;

51:11 The Constitution of Knowledge and Navigating Social Media Chaos

Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

www.jonathanrauch.com

www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/01/lavender-scare-gay-people-public-service-erasure/677236/

www.amazon.com/Constitution-Knowledge-Jonathan-Rauch/dp/0815738862/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

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A Trump supporter took a victory lap after October 7th. It hasn’t gone well with us since. Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

If the goal here is to reach across our differences and at least to try and understand each other better, this was an epic FAIL!

This edition recounts an experience Corey had with someone he's known for a long time and has had many conversations with. But this pseudonymously named "Evan" did something after October 7th that put all subsequent dialogue on a much more strained path. Corey shares some of the comments that were made in the immediate aftermath of war breaking out in Israel as well as more recent exchanges with this individual. And the question is, how could this have gone better? Or is the right answer that sometimes you just have to know when to walk away... and stay away. As much as we might want to stay on the field, as much as we refuse to cede the entire village square to extremists, sometimes the best option is to simply know one's limitations and set healthy boundaries.

It's a sincere set of questions. So please let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE MAGA DIARIES: Tina Nguyen's Surreal Adventures Inside the Right Wing and How She Got Out Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Gotta admit: This was fun! Tina Nguyen, national correspondent for Puck and author of THE MAGA DIARIES, gives us an inside look at the complexities within the right-wing movement, Trump's influence, the dynamics at play in today’s Republican party and her behind-the-scenes perspective at different political events (yes, those events). She also talks about what it was like to write this book and her approach to handling social media and online interactions. Oh, and Corey couldn’t help asking Tina about working for Tucker Carlson, the influence he wields and how she views him today. Tina’s so candid about the worlds she’s navigated, whether it's the conservative movement on campuses, the siloed ecosystem of right-wing media and even fringe ideas like the Convention of States initiative. It was also good to hear how Tina found a foothold beyond those early experiences and into other publications like Vanity Fair, Mediaite, Politico and now Puck.

00:05 Introduction to Tina Nguyen;

04:43 Understanding the Dynamics of the Activist Right;

14:35 The Influence of Media on Politics;

21:52 The Impact of Tucker Carlson on American Discourse;

31:25 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Trajectories;

38:59 Influence and Social Pressure in DC;

41:10 The Consequences of Speaking Out;

46:07 The Importance of Relationships in Career Development;

48:40 The Challenges of Social Media and Public Perception;

53:55 The Threat of the Convention of States

It would mean so much if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com

You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan.

www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-MAGA-Diaries/Tina-Nguyen/9781982189693

puck.news/author/tina-nguyen/

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