The Jim Wallis Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Echoes of Resistance: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Black Social Gospel, and Confronting Christian Nationalism Today Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Jim Wallis Podcast, Jim Wallis sits down with Dr. Reggie Williams, Bonhoeffer scholar and Associate Professor of Theology at St. Louis University, for a fearless exploration of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s radical life during the rise of Nazism in Germany. Williams draws a bold, unflinching line from Bonhoeffer’s resistance against Hitler-era fascism to the present-day surge of Trumpism, MAGA extremism, and White Christian Nationalism plaguing American democracy. Together, they illuminate how Bonhoeffer’s immersion in the Black Social Gospel at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church transformed his vision of faith and justice—offering urgent lessons for those who refuse to cower before today’s resurgent tides of Christianized authoritarianism.

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

Walking with the Stranger: Bishop Daniel Gutierrez on Faith, Justice, and Immigration in America Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Join Jim Wallis in a powerful conversation with Bishop Daniel Gutierrez of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Drawing from his journey from hardship to spiritual leadership, Gutierrez shares poignant insights on immigration, inclusion, and the transformative call of the Gospel to welcome the stranger. Explore how faith shapes our response to today’s political and social challenges—and how churches can embody radical compassion in this critical election year.

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

Faith, Service, and Democracy: Jim Wallis & Paul Rieckhoff on Leading with Values Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode, Jim Wallis sits down with national veterans’ leader Paul Rieckhoff. Together, they dive into the intersection of faith, military service, and the urgent need for moral leadership in American democracy. From combat zones to Capitol Hill, Rieckhoff shares candid stories about what fuels real service, the dangers of political division, and how faith can inspire change. This conversation challenges listeners—regardless of background—to find hope, stand up for justice, and rediscover values that unite.

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

Ending Systemic Racism in the United States Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

In this special reprise of the Jim Wallis Podcast, we revisit a vital conversation with Heather McGhee, author of The Sum of Us. As we navigate the turbulence of the second Trump administration—marked by escalating racial divisions, attacks on truth, and deepening inequality—Heather’s insights are more urgent than ever.

This episode cuts to the heart of systemic racism’s cost—not just to people of color, but to all of us. Heather reveals how racial animus drains our collective resources and weakens our democracy, using powerful examples like the draining of public pools after desegregation—a metaphor for how fear and division erode the public good.

With the nation facing unprecedented challenges to justice, truth, and faith, Heather’s call for healing, narrative change, and courageous policy action reminds us that our shared future depends on confronting these root issues—especially now.

Replaying this conversation during a time of intense social and political upheaval is essential. It challenges us to move beyond zero-sum thinking toward a vision of America where we are truly better together.

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

Faith, Fear, and Resistance: Rev. Carlos Malave on ICE, Immigrant Dignity, and Christian Solidarity Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Join Jim Wallis in this compelling episode as he sits down with Reverend Carlos Malave, President of the Latino Christian National Network, to discuss the escalating impact of immigration enforcement, ICE militarization, and the courageous resistance rising from Latino communities and faith leaders. Drawing from powerful personal stories and urgent national developments, Rev. Malave exposes the deep fear gripping immigrant neighborhoods, the tangible effects on church life, and how Christians are responding with bold acts of compassion and nonviolent resistance. Discover how policy, faith, and human dignity intersect in today’s America and why unity, courage, and hope are more crucial than ever for a just future. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that challenges, inspires, and calls listeners to action.

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

Chasing Hope and Truth: Jim Wallis with Nicholas Kristof Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof joins Jim Wallis for a powerful, urgent conversation about the moral crisis facing America and the world. Together, they explore

the devastating and deadly impacts of humanitarian aid cuts,
the role of faith and truth in public life, and
the stories of real people affected by policy decisions.

Tune in for a deeply human discussion on justice, empathy, and the courage to speak out.

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

Rediscovering Justice: Jim Wallis at Chautauqua – Faith, Action, and the Moral Compass for Our Times Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

Join Rev. Jim Wallis as he brings the spirit of Chautauqua to The Jim Wallis Podcast. This episode, recorded during his week as Chaplain and Preacher at the historic Chautauqua Institution, explores how the teachings of Jesus offer a moral compass in times of national crisis. Drawing on powerful stories from the Senate steps and personal moments with his family, Jim unpacks foundational biblical texts—like Matthew 25 and the Good Samaritan—to challenge us to love our neighbors, defend the vulnerable, and reclaim justice as central to faith.

Don’t miss the full experience! Watch Jim’s Sunday Sermon and all his weekday sermons (Monday through Friday) on the Chautauqua Institution’s YouTube channel. Discover more about Chautauqua’s interfaith community and its commitment to dialogue, faith, and justice at chq.org.

Chautauqua Institution’s YouTube channel has a wealth of resources for lifelong learning, faith and community. Available at www.youtube.com/chautauquainstitution/join (to join the monthly membership to watch programs for as little as $2.99/month) or watch our complimentary programs by browsing our channel at www.youtube.com/chautauquainstitution

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

Faith in the Line of Fire: Jim Wallis on Political Violence, Minnesota, and the Christian Response Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

Rev. Jim Wallis confronts the alarming rise in political violence since 2016, sharing personal stories from the recent Minnesota shootings and challenging Christians to reclaim nonviolence. Drawing on data, faith, and history, Wallis calls for courage, truth, and peacemaking in an age of fear and intimidation.

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

Standing for a Moral Budget: Faith Leaders Demand Justice on Capitol Hill Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of the Jim Wallis Podcast, faith leaders from across America gather at the U.S. Capitol during Pentecost Week to protest the proposed federal budget. Through prayer, song, and prophetic witness, they call on Congress to reject policies that harm the most vulnerable. Hear stirring speeches, moving music, and a call to action for a moral budget that reflects the values of justice, compassion, and care for "the least of these." Join Jim Wallis and a diverse coalition as they demand that faith and conscience guide our nation’s leaders.

Support a Moral Budget by signing an online petition here.

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

Sen. Chris Coons on Pentecost Witness, Faith, Justice & the Moral Budget Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Sen. Chris Coons joins Jim Wallis to expose the moral crisis in the Trump budget—devastating cuts to Medicaid & SNAP, tax breaks for the wealthy, and the urgent Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget event at the steps of the Capitol on June 10th of Pentecost Week . Discover how faith and justice are shaping this critical debate for millions of vulnerable Americans.

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