The Connected Way™ Podcast

Keegan Tatum Instagram Reel about Psychology of Politics

Episode 24: May We Choose Connection (Rev Dev’s Pre-Election Reflections) Nov 03, 2024

In this final pre-election episode of The Connected Way, I’m sharing my heartfelt reflections, feelings and thoughts about the election and the deep divisions in our society, reflecting on all I’ve learned from the podcast conversations.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 24 TO DISCOVER:

How fear leads to disconnection and how that is playing into political strategies and decisions.
Fascinating insights from neuroscience about how conservative and liberal brains literally differ and how that can inform what we care about most.
Why I believe it is essential to engage in the election process and vote, no matter how broken you may feel our system is. It is a privilege and your contribution to the society you want to build.
A reminder that politicians are not Gods, they are our employees, so choose the ones that you feel will most effectively move your goals forward.
Some of the reasons I am voting for Kamala Harris (its not blind faith)

RESOURCES:

Vote Save America

Article about Neuroscience of Politics

Join The Connected Collective

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EPISODE 20: Learning from the Indigenous Perspective & Becoming Omni-Benificent with Pat McCabe

Episode 23: Navigating this BIG UnBecoming Transformation is NOT Easy (or pretty) Oct 30, 2024

In this episode of The Connected Way, I share the common themes I have seen arising in the more recent spiritual episodes addressing What in the World is going on in the World… Looking at themes from Pat McCabe, Rev Karla, Shiloh Sophia McCloud, Michelle Dench and Ganga Devi Braun’s Episodes, I see some relief in understanding why things may be way they are but also some purpose as well - I hope you see the same.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 23 TO HEAR:

How all of these episodes and discussions point to us navigating a HUGE amount of transition:
- From Anthropocentric to Interconnected and Interbeing
- From Toxic Masculine to a balance of Divine Feminine & Divine Masculine
- From an Era of Domination to an Era of Collaboration
- From Individualism to Collectivism
If you’re feeling that this time is particularly hard, that is valid. There is reason for it and you are not alone.
We are also part of the transformation and UnBecoming albeit necessary is challenging and lonely.
There is a place for you to connect now with others navigating these times. You do not need to be alone. The Connected Collective is available to you now.

RESOURCES:

EPISODE 12: Deconstructing Patriarchy, Reclaiming Self-Agency & Trust with Rev. Karla Kamstra

EPISODE 17: Reconnecting to the Divine Feminine - Shifting from Domination to Collaboration with Shiloh Sophia McCloud

EPISODE 21: The Astrology of The Election & Beyond with Michelle Dench

Episode 22: Finding Meaning, Hope & Purpose In These Times with Ganga Devi Braun

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Explanation of Tikkun Olam & Tikkun Hanefesh

Episode 22: Finding Meaning, Hope & Purpose In These Times with Ganga Devi Braun Oct 27, 2024

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Ganga Devi Braun, a fellow Interspiritual minister who is incredibly well-read and always has interesting insights to share. We discuss powerful concepts from various traditions and philosophies, some of which provide some perspective, meaning and even possibly hope amidst these wildly disconnected times.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 22 TO LEARN ABOUT:

The Jewish concepts of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world) and Tikkun HaNefesh (repair of the soul) - frameworks for personal and collective healing and the purpose of life.
The Buddhist concept of Bodhichitta - the goal of enlightenment with the intention of continued incarnation to enlighten and liberate all beings.
Integral Theory & Spiral Dynamics - societal evolution on a spiral with different experiences as we evolve. And the hope Ganga has for Kamala Harris’s presidency in moving us forward.
The Fourth Turning (Strauss-Howe’s Generational Theory) - as a society, do we move through cycles of 20-30 years. Ganga sees the potential of this election to mark the end of a crisis period and the start of societal renewal.
How all of these concepts are playing out right now in history and the meaning, purpose and hope we can find from connecting with and grounding into them.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Ganga Devi Braun is a regenerative practitioner, advisor, and developmental partner to the leaders, nurturers, and visionaries shaping regenerative futures.

You can learn more on her website at www.gangadevibraun.com and subscribe to her blog and podcast on her substack The Living World. She is also on Instagram @ganga_devi.

RESOURCES:

Explanation of Bodhicitta

Explanation of Spiral Dynamics
Spiral Dynamics on wikipedia including the different colors and parts of the spiral
The Fourth Turning
Wikipedia Explanation
PDF Explanation of Theory and cycles Devin refers to in episode

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Contact Rev Dev
For full show notes and resources, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-22

Episode 21: The Astrology of The Election & Beyond with Michelle Dench Oct 23, 2024

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Michelle Dench, an Evolutionary Astrologist, to learn what astrological influences are at play in this chaotic time we are living in and specifically with the election.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 21 TO HEAR:

What is Evolutionary Astrology - a way of understanding our souls journey and purpose in this life by focusing on Pluto and the lunar nodes in someone’s natal chart.
The fascinating and significant timing of the 2024 U.S. election from Pluto’s Perspective (the last time we were here was when the Declaration of Independence was signed!!).
How retrograde planets surrounding the election could create uncertainty, with potential issues around voting and delayed results - it will resolve though!
The importance of Pluto’s move from Capricorn to Aquarius, and how this will lead to a shift away from established structures to more innovation, community, and human connection.
On a personal level, how we’re being called to align with our soul’s path, prioritizing love and connection in a world facing fear and division, in order to help this transformation occur.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Michelle Dench is an Intuitive Evolutionary Astrologer, her research is in healing, trauma informed practices, looking at Relationships and Family dynamics in the Birth Chart. She is a Mother and an Artist. Michelle serves as the Administrator and Teacher for the Jeffrey Wolf Green Association of Evolutionary Astrologers. She is currently the Treasurer & Vice President of NCGR SF Chapter. You can learn more about Michelle at www.AstrologywithMichelle.com.

RESOURCES:

Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube Channel where she shares a forecast video for the week ahead.

Follow Michelle on Instagram @astrologywithmichelle.

Connect with Michelle on Facebook

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Pat McCabe (Woman Stands Shining)’s website

Episode 20: Learning from the Indigenous Perspective & Becoming Omni-Benificent with Pat McCabe Oct 20, 2024

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining), an Indigenous Diné (Navajo) teacher, artist, and leader. I was first introduced to her in seminary and her teachings have impacted me profoundly. In our conversation, she shares wisdom about what she believes is going on in the world, how it can be addressed, and also shares her insights on the election and her feelings about voting.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 20 TO HEAR ABOUT:

The irreparable impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures and how that has impacted humanity as a whole.
Contrary to the western anthropocentric view of life (humans are the center of everything), the Indigenous perspective is that we are one part of vast tapestry or life.
Some of the ways the Hoop of Life / Medicine Wheel flows, and how disrupting the balance of life affects the entire system.
How the Earth and humans are connected to the cosmos and how energy and information is transferred between them (including the importance of mountains).
How Earth’s justice differs from human justice, and wondering if we should be putting our time and energy to Earth’s justice rather than human justice (including reparations, etc.)

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining) is a Diné (Navajo) mother, grandmother, activist, artist, writer, ceremonial leader, and international speaker. She is a voice for global peace, and her paintings are created as tools for individual, earth and global healing. She draws upon the Indigenous sciences of Thriving Life to reframe questions about sustainability and balance, and she is devoted to supporting the next generations, Women’s Nation and Men’s Nation, in being functional members of the “Hoop of Life” and upholding the honor of being human.

Her primary work at the moment is:

• The reconciliation between the masculine and feminine, Men's Nation and Women's Nation

• Remembering, recreating or creating anew a narrative for the Sacred Masculine

• Addressing the Archetypal Wounding that occurred in our misunderstanding and abuse of technology in prayer, ceremony and science

You can learn more about Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining) and learn her blog and see some of her talks and interviews at www.patmccabe.net/

RESOURCES:

Follow Pat McCabe (Woman Stands Shining) on Facebook

Land Justice Future (formerly the Nuns & Nones Land Justice Project)

6-week Course with Complicit No More: The Motherhouse Starter Series

Learn about the land you are on and the Indigenous People it belongs to: https://native-land.ca/

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Episode 19: Taking the Black Perspective & Experience Into Account with Atiim Boykin Oct 16, 2024

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Atiim Boykin, a clinician, artist, and community advocate, about how major election issues impact black people, his journey from Oakland to Portland, his work in social equity and reentry, and his candidacy for City Council, blending creativity and leadership to inspire change.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 19 TO HEAR:

Atiim’s work as a forensic intensive case manager, supporting individuals with mental health challenges as they transition from incarceration back into the community.
His role in Kamala Harris’s “Back on Track” program and co-founding San Francisco’s Young Adult Court, an initiative aimed at offering restorative justice and rehabilitation for 18-25-year-olds in the criminal justice system.
Insights into growing up in Oakland during the rise of the Black Power Movement and how it shaped Atiim’s understanding of racial equity, inspiring his career in activism and therapeutic support for marginalized communities.
The significance of representation in leadership and helping constituents to feel seen and heard, particularly in his run for Portland City Council, where he aims to be a voice for underrepresented communities and all communities.
Atiim’s creative endeavors in music, art, and storytelling as powerful tools for healing and community building.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Atiim Boykin is a clinician, case-manager, storyteller, musician, songwriter, painter and spoken word poet. As a student of and leader in these roles, I've spent more than 20 years working with non-profits, government agencies, and schools focused on providing equity, access, and inclusion to stabilization and growth resources via educational and therapeutic supports.
In terms of Employment: He currently works for the Department of Health & Human Services as a Forensic Intensive Case Manager in all of Cumberland County. He supports returning citizens with re-entry coming from state prison, county jails, or participating in community supervision through probation. Everyone he serves has a significant mental health diagnosis and other barriers to stabilization in the community at large.
A highlight to he career: He served as a staff therapist in Kamala Harris’s Back on Track program, which then led to him being the co-founder and director of clinical case-management for the Young Adult Court in San Francisco.

Atiim is now running for Portland, Maine City Council, District 2. I think he is a great choice for District 2. He wants to hear the voices of his constituents and advocate for your needs and desires. He and I spoke about his desires and one of the things he plans to do is actually connect with his constituents - setting up quarterly town hall meetings to connect and hear from them. I love that. I think Atiim is a great guy and he will be a great City Councilor when he’s elected.
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Contact Rev Dev
For full show notes and resources, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-19

Episode 18: The Intent & Impact of Misinformation & Disinformation with Dr. Judith E. Rosenbaum & Dr. Liliana Herakova Oct 13, 2024

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with guests Judith E. Rosenbaum and Liliana Herkova, both professors of communication at the University of Maine, to discuss their insights into the media’s influence on our understanding of truth, the psychological impact of misinformation and disinformation, and how we can foster better connections amidst polarized information.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 18 TO HEAR:

The difference between misinformation and disinformation, both of which can distort public perception.
How social media creates echo chambers: information being shared within like-minded communities, reinforcing existing biases.
How deep fakes and manipulated media (forms of disinformation) exploit human reliance on visual and auditory cues for truth.
Why the fragmentation of media consumption makes it harder to relate to those outside our own networks, increasing division.
The importance of looking at things from other sides (as well as great resources to help you).

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:

Judith E. Rosenbaum is Associate Professor of Media Studies and Chair of the Department of Communication and Journalism at the University of Maine. Judith conducts research into people's use of digital media content and how this usage interacts with and impacts their identities, relationships, and perceptions of reality.

Liliana Herkova (Lily), is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Maine, Orono. Through story- and culture-centered inquiry, she wonders about the making, unmaking, and re-making of identities, connections, and communities and of social change as a verb.

RESOURCES:

Dealing with media Bias - Decide what news organizations you like - look them up on media bias chart and look at media outlets on the opposite side of the bias to look at the other side. You can find media bias charts here: https://adfontesmedia.com/gallery/
To see the other side of a story, you can go to www.allsides.com and put in your story and it will show you a story from another side.
Center for Media Literacy has great resources: https://www.medialit.org/
A good article on countering disinformation through prebunking: https://www.edf.org/what-prebunking-and-how-do-it-help-advance-evs
Another good article on how to counter misinformation when it comes from someone you know: https://www.edf.org/how-tackle-misinformation-when-its-coming-loved-one
Vivek Murthy’s Book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World

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Contact Rev Dev
For full show notes and resourcces, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-18

Episode 17: Reconnecting to the Divine Feminine - Shifting from Domination to Collaboration with Shiloh Sophia McCloud Oct 09, 2024

In this episode, I’m joined by artist, teacher, and spiritual seeker Shiloh Sophia McCloud, who shares her insights on the rise of (reconnection to) the Divine Feminine and how we can collectively transition from an Era of Domination to an Era of Collaboration.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 17 TO HEAR:

The Divine Feminine has been ever present in every culture and spiritual tradition.
How we are transitioning from a culture of domination and conquest to an era of collaboration, with a focus on mutual respect for all and the elements.
How intentional creativity serves as a spiritual path and an act of reclaiming personal and cultural narratives.
How essential it is to honor indigenous knowledge and take personal and political action toward reparations and restorative justice.
How you can move toward collaboration, including calling community circles and engaging in service-driven activism.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Curate Shiloh Sophia is the Matriarchal Leader of the MUSEA Community. She is a spiritual teacher, artist and author centering the healing arts as a Path of Practice. For 30 years she has guided tens of thousands of women in accessing self-expression to awaken embodied consciousness and ecstatic discipline; so that we can create the loving world we live for. She guides revolutionary ceremonies designed to offer recovery from systemic oppression into liberation, belonging and celebration. The vision of nurturing the soul through art and education is rooted in the studies of archeomythology and the community visions for the future. The community has developed a new spiritual discipline for seekers with creativity as the core form of devotion and the gateway to spiritual access. Her body of work, 'The Teachings of Intentional Creativity' arises from a lineage that has been passed from hand to hand for three generations.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Shiloh Sophia at www.musea.org

View Shiloh Sophia McCloud’s artwork: www.shilohsophiagallery.com

Creation Timeline from Shiloh Sophia including the evolution from the Era of Domination to Era of Collaboration

She is Many - a breakdown of how the Divine Feminine shows up all around us
Free Manifestation Re-imagined 1-hour workshop with Shiloh Sophia

Subscribe to Shiloh Sophia’s Substack Tea with the Muse

Follow Shiloh Sophia on IG @shilohsophia

Good Relations Pledge

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Contact Rev Dev
For full show notes and resourcces, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-17

Episode 16: The Rise & Reality of Christian Nationalism with Katherine Stewart Oct 06, 2024

In this episode, I chat with Katherine Stewart, an investigative journalist and author, to better understand the rise of Christian Nationalism and its impact on the country.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 16 TO HEAR:

Katherine’s experience with a Good News Club showing up in her children’s public school, which led her to investigate their attempt to influence children and blur the line between church and state.
How the Christian Nationalist movement is a political strategy aimed at using religious influence to gain power, including the pro-life movement, which was a political move.
How Christian Nationalism relies on a combination of fear-based messaging, authoritarian ideals, and anti-democratic principles to attract followers.
The role of money in Christian Nationalism - both in amassing wealth for leaders and huge donations.
How public awareness, education, and voter engagement are key to combating the rise of Christian Nationalism and preserving democratic values.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Katherine Stewart has covered politics, policy, and religion for over 15 years. Her forthcoming book, Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy (February 2025) has been praised by Congressman Jamie Raskin as “An indispensable citizen's guide to the anti-democratic MAGA Right in America.” Her last book, The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism, was voted first place for Excellence in Nonfiction Books by the Religion News Association and forms the basis of the documentary feature film God and Country, produced by Rob Reiner. She writes for The New York Times, New Republic, Religion News Service and others. And she also moderated a panel at the Democratic National Convention called “Building an Interfaith Coalition to Combat White Christian Nationalism”. You can find more about Katherine on her website and you can also follow her on Twitter @kathsstewart.

RESOURCES:
Katherine’s Book The Power Worshippers: Inside The Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism

God & Country Documentary information and links to many ways to watch (this is the documentary based on Katherine’s Book)

Katherine’s Book The Good News Club: The Christian Right’s Stealth Assault on American Children

BOOK: How the Republican Party became Pro-Life by Phyllis Schlafly(Katherine mentions this book in the podcast - understanding how the pro-life movement was a political strategy, not a moral imperative)

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A Plethora of Tools from Craig

Episode 15: How & Why to Connect Across the Aisle with Craig Freshley Oct 02, 2024

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Craig Freshley to chat about the art of connecting with people we disagree with, especially within the context of challenging political conversations.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 15 TO HEAR:

The importance of redefining success: focus on what you can accomplish for yourself, and also Connect, not correct.
Craig recommends you “speak for yourself,” and using “I” statements to foster respectful dialogue and prevent the other person from feeling attacked.
The role of curiosity and compassion in bridging divides, and why you should approach difficult conversations with a genuine desire to understand, not to judge.
The challenge of having different facts or truths in a conversation, and techniques for understanding how each person arrived at their belief, or their truth.
Why it’s important to build foundational common ground before diving into difficult topics, such as shared experiences, mutual values, or even hobbies.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Craig Freshley is a professional meeting facilitator, speaker, and author with an inspiring attitude and a well-earned reputation for helping groups be efficient, harmonious, and productive.

You can learn more about Craig and his work at www.GoodGroupDecisions.com.
RESOURCES:

Make Shift Coffee Houses
LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Follow Rev Dev on Instagram
Follow Rev Dev on Facebook
Follow Rev Dev on TikTok
Sign up for the newsletter
Donate on venmo to support the podcast
Donate on paypal to support the podcast
Contact Rev Dev

Contact Rev Dev
For full show notes and resourcces, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-15

Episode 14: Connecting Across the Aisle - a Partisan Conversation Sep 29, 2024

I’m not just suggesting you have conversations to connect with people you love who don’t agree with you. I’m doing it too, and in this episode, I bring you into one of those conversations, with my uncle Don. This is our first time truly discussing our political views together, and it wasn’t easy, but it was important.

IN OUR CONVERSATION, WE COVER:

Who we’re voting for and why
The economy and inflation
Climate change and energy policies
Renewable Energy vs. Oil and Gas
Guns, Gun Reform and Police in Schools
Immigration, Drugs and Borders
Abortion, Trans Rights, Same-sex Marriage
And more…

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Episode 13: A Mid-Season Check-in with Rev Dev Sep 25, 2024

It's been 5 weeks since the podcast launched and we have just under 6 weeks until the election. So, we’re 12 Episodes in and there are 12 more to come before the election, so it felt right to do a bit of check in...

Tune in to hear:

Highlights and key takeaways from the first 12 Episodes of the podcast.
What you can definitely expect and also hopefully expect from the rest of the “season” until the election.
Some of what it's been like creating the podcast.

What it means that I was “called” to do this podcast.
I genuinely want to know what you think and what your key takeaways have been. Please comment below or DM. And if you don't want to share, please comment with an emoji if you've been listening. 💞

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Follow Rev Dev on Instagram
Follow Rev Dev on Facebook
Follow Rev Dev on TikTok
Sign up for the newsletter
Donate on venmo to support the podcast
Donate on paypal to support the podcast
Contact Rev Dev

Episode 12: Deconstructing Patriarchy, Reclaiming Self-Agency & Trust with Rev. Karla Kamstra Sep 22, 2024

How does patriarchy shape our society, in religion and beyond? Why are some people (especially white women) voting against their own interests? How does the rise of Christian evangelism and nationalism affect women and marginalized groups in particular?

In this episode, I connect with guest Rev. Karla Kamstra, an ordained interfaith minister, spiritual mentor, and badass TikTok Mama Bear.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 12 TO HEAR:

Rev. Karla’s personal journey going from super religious (Southern Baptist) to spiritual but not religious and eventually an Interfaith minister.
How living in a White, Male, Christian dominant society impacts all women and marginalized groups.
How patriarchy suppresses self-agency/self-trust, critical thinking and breeds spiritual bypassing and religious trauma.
How white christian women are both the some of the most impacted but also the most dangerous within a patriarchal system (they perpetuate it).
How it is not masculinity but toxic masculinity that creates patriarchy. The path forward is living in balance with divine feminine and divine masculine.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Rev Karla is a deconstructed Southern Baptist, an ordained interfaith minister and a spiritual mentor, helping those who are deconstructing find healing and spiritual clarity. Her first book "Deconstructing: Leaving Church, Finding Faith" will be out in October. She has a huge following online with over 700,000 followers on TikTok @revkarla and she also has a Facebook group called Rev Karla’s Inner Circle. Rev Karla’s content is a call for all seeking clarity beyond religious confines. She explores topics from deconstructing Christianity, healing religious trauma, the spiritual-but-not-religious path, and the dangers of Christian nationalism. She is breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.

RESOURCES:

Follow Rev Karla on TikTok @revkarla

Follow Rev Karla on Instagram @revkarla

Join Rev Karla’s Inner Circle on Facebook

Rev Karla’s Spiritual Resource Guides

Rev. Karla’s Video Playlist of Q&A Live Streams

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Donate to Max Impact Races on Oath.Vote

Episode 11: Donating - Impact, Transparency & Connection with Brian Derrick Sep 18, 2024

Every time I get a request for a donation, I wonder “where is it going?” and “why do you need money?” which I have specifically wondered about presidential races. I finally found someone who could answer my questions AND give me ways to give more strategically and have more impact with my donations. In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Brian Derrick, founder of Oath, a platform that is using tech and real-time data science to revolutionize political donations and civic engagement. It feels like such a win to even have him join us - he answers my questions and, and we also talk about the importance of strategic donations in elections and how Oath helps everyday donors make the biggest impact with their contributions.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 11 TO HEAR:

Why you’re being inundated with donation requests right now.
How political fundraising and finances really work. And some of the aggressive marketing tactics used to push donors (which can be quite disconnective) including the sense of urgency/deadlines.
Why grassroots donors have a major influence on local and down-ballot races, which are often overlooked. Your money (even $5) does make an impact and there are ways to make it have MORE impact. (@oath.vote helps A LOT). Grassroots donors can especially have a major influence on local and down-ballot races, which are often overlooked.
The influence of Super PACs and billionaire donations on elections.
Why fundraising is important as a tool for impact and influence, but why how the system is broken and why campaign finance reform is absolutely necessary.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Brian Derrick is a political strategist, activist, and tech entrepreneur who is revolutionizing civic engagement through his groundbreaking company, Oath (www.oath.vote). As Founder and CEO, Derrick created Oath, a political fundraising platform that's redefining how people engage with elections, with over $25 million directed to high impact races in 2024. You can donate and find out more at oath.vote and you can find Brian on instagram @brianderrick_ and Oath @oath.vote and Brian also co-hosts the podcast Vibes Only which provides political insight and commentary.

RESOURCES:

Donate at www.oath.vote

Donate to Top Issues you Connect with

Follow Brian Derrick on Instagram @brianderrick_

Follow Oath on Instagram @oath.vote

Vibes Only Podcast

Movement Voter Project

Campaign Finance Breakdown on Wikipedia

A Basic Breakdown of PACs

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Follow Brian on Instagram @berecker

Episode 10: What would Jesus do? Deconstructing Christianity & Politics with Brian Recker Sep 15, 2024

How are so many Christians in this country voting Republican? How would Jesus vote and what did he really teach? When we remove the fear-tactics of the threat of Hell, what were the actual teachings of Jesus and how can we learn from them?

In this episode, we connect with Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has been deconstructing his own faith and understanding of Christianity (his departure was catalyzed by Donald Trump’s rise in politics). We discuss Heaven, Hell, Sin, Abortion, Taxes, Trans rights, Healthcare and lots in between. And Brian and I connect on the essential threads of Jesus’s teachings based in acceptance, love, care for the marginalized, and interconnection.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 10 TO HEAR:

The true teachings of Jesus are about peace, love, acceptance and equality.
What if there wasn’t fear of going to “hell,” and what if it doesn’t exist?
How political tactics of some Churches can impact people’s faith and values.
How some Christians are so focused on their own “kingdoms” of individualism.
What Jesus might think about taxes, trans rights, abortion, and beyond.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Brian Recker is a former evangelical pastor who now offers pastoral reflections on deconstruction, toxic theology, and reclaiming a healthy spirituality. In addition to his regular posts on social media, he has a substack where he writes regular meditations, and his book HELLBENT is coming out in 2025 with TarcherPerigee. You can learn more about Brian on his website www.brianrecker.com where you can sign up for his substack, and follow him on Instagram @berecker. He also has a podcast called Sacred Counsel.

RESOURCES:

Sacred Counsel Podcast

BOOK: "scripture, ethics, and the possibility of same sex relationships" by Karen Keen

The Bible for Normal People Podcast

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Learn more about Rabbi Salem Pearce

Episode 9: Ceasefire in Gaza from a Jewish Rabbi's Perspective with Rabbi Salem Pearce Sep 11, 2024

In the second part of this two-part series, Rabbi Salem Pierce and I continue our discussion, focused on the emotional and complex realities of the Israeli-Palestine conflict.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 9 TO HEAR:

Rabbi Salem shares her personal experience and what she’s witnessed in Israel
She shares insights about the impacts of generational trauma felt by both Jewish and Palestinian communities and the deep emotional impact of recent events.
We explore the call for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for diplomacy as the only viable path forward amidst ongoing violence.
We discuss the moral tension between supporting the State of Israel and advocating for equality and the recognition of all lives as equally valuable.
Rabbi Salem draws on Jewish teachings to highlight the importance of compassionate, open dialogue, even when confronting deeply polarizing issues.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Rabbi Salem Pearce is Director of Spirituality at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, serving communities all across the U.S. South as a "circuit-riding rabbi" from her home in Jackson, Miss., where she lives with her two cats. She was ordained by Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston in 2018 and has served as Director of Organizing at T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, in New York City, and Executive Director at Carolina Jews for Justice in Durham, N.C. Her rabbinate has involved justice work on a variety of issues: immigration, reproductive rights, workers rights, and Israel/Palestine. She is passionate about Torah, baseball, non-fiction, and travel. You can learn more about her at www.salempearce.com

RESOURCES:

breakdown of jewish denomination affiliation in 2020 - most recent I could find (9% orthodox)

Rabbis for Ceasefire

T’ruah - the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights

Gisha: Israeli not-for-profit organization, founded in 2005, whose goal is to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents.

B’Tselem: The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories

HIAS: Originally founded to assist Jews fleeing pogroms in Eastern Europe, today HIAS works around the world to assist displaced people of all backgrounds.

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Learn more about Rabbi Salem Pearce

Episode 8: How Judaism’s Teachings inform Jews’ Values & Politics with Rabbi Salem Pearce Sep 08, 2024

The first of a two-part series, in this episode, we connect with Rabbi Salem Pearce, a Jewish leader and activist, to explore the teachings, history, and practices of Judaism.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 8 TO HEAR:

The rich history and foundational teachings of Judaism as a religion of practice (and not always credo) including the importance of Shabbat, not only as a religious observance but also as a countercultural statement against the fast-paced nature of modern life
How Judaism’s teachings inform Jews’ beliefs and values around policies such as abortion, gender and sexuality, climate change and especially caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, and how easily Jews can relate to other minorities and the vulnerable
Why roughly 80% of jews vote democratic and how important a thriving multi-culture, multi-faith democracy is for American Jews and Jews all around the world.

In part two, we discuss the Israel-Palestine Conflict as well as what Judaism can teach us about having difficult conversations with people who don’t share the same opinions.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Rabbi Salem Pearce is Director of Spirituality at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, serving communities all across the U.S. South as a "circuit-riding rabbi" from her home in Jackson, Miss., where she lives with her two cats. She was ordained by Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston in 2018 and has served as Director of Organizing at T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, in New York City, and Executive Director at Carolina Jews for Justice in Durham, N.C. Her rabbinate has involved justice work on a variety of issues: immigration, reproductive rights, workers rights, and Israel/Palestine. She is passionate about Torah, baseball, non-fiction, and travel. You can learn more about her at www.salempearce.com

RESOURCES:

breakdown of jewish denomination affiliation in 2020 - most recent I could find (9% orthodox)

Rabbis for Ceasefire

T’ruah - the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights

Gisha: Israeli not-for-profit organization, founded in 2005, whose goal is to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents.

B’Tselem: The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories

HIAS: Originally founded to assist Jews fleeing pogroms in Eastern Europe, today HIAS works around the world to assist displaced people of all backgrounds.

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