Free Daily Podcast Summary
The State Of Belief: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Interfaith Alliance
Every week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush hosts lively, funny and poignant conversations with inspiring religious and civic leaders; as well as artists and activists from across the country. Listeners get a potent mix of spiritual wisdom, political strategy, and hopeful commentary from national and local leaders who are rising up to meet this urgent moment in America. With the tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet,” State of Belief is a celebration of our nation’s diversities and an invitation to join together to, in the words of the great James Baldwin, "achieve our country.”
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- Today1h 0m
What Now? Democracy Going Forward with Maria Stephan
Dr. Maria J. Stephan, co-leader and chief organizer of the Horizons Project, joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss how the midterm elections happened, with results driven by values and convictions about the potential our democracy has beyond the divisiveness that has plagued America in recent years. They explore authoritarianism, nonviolent action, and the role of faith communities in building coalitions across sectors and ideologies. Key to the conversation is the urgency to stay engaged and alert throughout the weeks leading up to January 3rd when the election results are to be certified. Democracy isn’t something we can outsource—it takes people showing up for one another. More about our guest Dr. Maria J. Stephan is co-lead and chief organizer at The Horizons Project, working to counter extremism and build civic cohesion. Her vast experience includes roles in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, NATO, the United States Institute for Peace, and the Atlantic Council. Maria’s books include Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict and Bolstering Democracy: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward. The State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago56 min
Democracy After the Midterms: A special election episode with Rebecca Solnit
Writer Rebecca Solnit joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to reflect on the election, the power of collective action, and the work of rebuilding democracy. They also discuss faith, inclusion, and the ideas behind Rebecca's book The Beginning Comes After the End. She reflects on hope amid uncertainty, the role of grassroots organizing, and her view that people can challenge powerful interests when they act together. More about our guest Writer, historian, and activist Rebecca Solnit is the author of more than 25 books about the environment, landscape, community, art, politics, hope, and memory. Her latest is The Beginning Comes After the End: Notes on a World of Change. Her newsletter of essays and analyses can be found at meditationsinanemergency.com. The State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago41 min
"We Are Ready": Attorney Extraordinaire Norm Eisen Talks 2026 Midterms and Beyond
This week on State of Belief, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Ambassador Norm Eisen, a renowned attorney, about election lawsuits, corruption, and the rule of law as the midterms approach. They also discuss how faith can bring people together across party lines. Listen now to hear what the Ambassador expects in the final days before Election Day. As co-founder of Democracy Defenders Fund, Norm has been in court fighting attempts to disenfranchise voters and subvert the Constitution; as he says, “We’ve got your back.” More about our guest Ambassador Norm Eisein is a globally recognized authority on law, ethics, and anti-corruption. He's a graduate of Harvard Law School and former ambassador to the Czech Republic. As special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2020, he was a critical force in their work on the impeachment and trial of President Trump. He previously led the fight against corruption for the Obama administration. His books include A Case for the American People: the United States versus Donald Trump, and Overcoming Trumpery: How to Restore Ethics, the Rule of Law and Democracy. In 2023, Norm co-founded the Democracy Defenders Fund and serves as its executive chair. He is also co-founder and board member of Democracy Defenders Action, and co-founder, along with Jen Rubin, of the Contrarians, a pro-democracy media and community platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago57 min
“Nauseously Optimistic”: The 2026 Vote Through A Legal Lens
How are experts feeling about the coming election? Veteran election attorney Jerry Goldfeder, for one, quotes Sen. Raphael Warnock: he’s feeling “nauseously optimistic." Jerry joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush for a master class on election law, voter confidence, and how communities can help protect the democratic process. He also stresses that the election cycle won't end on November 3rd, and neither will the need for vigilance. Jerry’s message: vote early, stay informed, and support the people who make elections work – or become one yourself! About our guest: Jerry H. Goldfeder is an election and campaign finance attorney recognized nationally for more than 40 years spent working at the intersection of law, politics, and American democracy. Jerry’s the Director of Fordham University School of Law’s Voting Rights and Democracy Project, and Chair of the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Election Law. He is the author of Goldfeder’s Modern Election Law, now in its 7th edition, and has represented candidates and elected officials at every level of government, from local office to the U.S. presidency. Jerry previously served as Special Counsel for Public Integrity to the New York State Attorney General. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 weeks ago56 min
These Military Leaders Are Protecting Democracy with Admiral Michael E. Smith
What does it mean to serve the Constitution—not a person or a political party? On The State of Belief, retired Rear Admiral Michael E. Smith joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the military oath, democracy, and why faith and national security leaders must work together. We get the admiral’s perspective on how politicization can affect military leadership, morale, recruitment, and retention. At the heart of the conversation is a shared responsibility: keeping the military nonpartisan and ensuring that people of different faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds are equally respected in all areas of life. Adm. Michael E. Smith is founder and president of National Security Leaders for America, with a focus on protecting democratic norms and defending the right to vote. He retired after 32 years of service in the U.S. Navy, having earned a bronze star during one of his three combat tours overseas. His career culminated with a role as the independent authority responsible to Congress for evaluating the effectiveness of every ship and submarine in the Navy. Mike was also a key advisor and direct report to Admiral Mike Mullen, then the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Senior Military Advisor to the President. The State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Oct 10, 20261h 0m
Party At The Polls, plus Otis' Dream as The Vote Is Sacred Launches!
What’s one way to deflate the fear and uncertainty that’s being manufactured around the coming election? “By throwing a party at your local polling place and inviting your community to attend.” That’s the unorthodox suggestion from Kyle Lierman, CEO of Civic Nation. The tactic’s already been tried out, it works, and it’s only one of the creative ideas Kyle brings to his conversation with host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on The State of Belief (hosted from Interfaith Alliance's The Vote Is Sacred bus, in motion!) With impactful projects such as Party at the Polls and When We All Vote, Kyle and Civic Nation are inspiring and empowering people nationwide to defend the vote - and democracy. This week we also hear highlights from an event kicking off Interfaith Alliance’s The Vote Is Sacred bus tour in Omaha – Paul’s in-person conversation with Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, who wrote and produced a short film about his grandfather’s attempts to exercise his right to vote in the Jim Crow south. You can watch the film at www.otisdream.com Kyle Lierman held several prominent positions in the Obama White House, and led Michelle Obama’s democracy initiative “When We All Vote.” Today, Kyle is CEO of Civic Nation, a nonpartisan nonprofit that brings together organizers and educators who are working toward a more inclusive, more equitable America. In 2024, Civic Nation saw concrete returns for its work to increase participation among young and minority voters, and those efforts are being expanded this year to motivate a broad cross-section of eligible voters. Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III is a powerhouse American pastor, preacher, author, poet, filmmaker, and civil rights advocate. He serves as the senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, a position he has held since 2008. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he is the son of the prominent civil rights leader and pastor Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr. The State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Oct 3, 202645 min
Voting is a Sabotage Disrupter: No Kings IV With Indivisible’s Leah Greenberg
Five million. Seven million. Eight million. That’s how participation in the No Kings movement has grown – and on October 17th, it’s time for the biggest yet, No Kings: Vote Early, with the focus on ensuring every eligible voter casts their ballot, and can do so safely. This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Indivisible co-founder Leah Greenberg about community organizing, voter participation, and the power of neighbors coming together. It’s a hope-filled conversation about defeating authoritarianism and expressing love for our democracy – and for each other. Meanwhile, Interfaith Alliance has launched its nonpartisan The Vote Is Sacred bus tour, with stops in 15 states leading up to Election Day. Leah Greenberg is co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisble and catalyst for the nationwide No Kings initiatives. Her book, written with her husband Ezra Levin, is titled We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump, and you can hear Leah and Ezra on Indivisible’s “What’s the Plan” podcast. The State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Sep 26, 202653 min
What Are "Christian Antichrists?" Dr. Matthew D. Taylor Explains
This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by a preeminent expert on Christian Nationalism and the New Reformation Movement: Dr. Matthew D. Taylor. His new book (out Oct. 6th) is Defying Tyrants: Following Jesus in a World of Christian Antichrists. We get deep into the history and harm of this word: a quest for power that looks like faith, talks like faith - but then harms people in Jesus’ name. Matt makes a case that’s both biblical and uncomfortably current. He argues that “Antichrist” isn’t just about bad doctrine—it can describe people who claim Christ but act against him. We also get into Jesus and empire, Christian Nationalism, Pete Hegseth, and what it might look like to resist tyranny without violence. Dr. Matthew D. Taylor is an award-winning religious studies scholar, author, and nationally-recognized speaker on religion and politics in the United States. He's a visiting scholar at Georgetown University's Center on Faith and Justice, and is one of the leading researchers of Christian Nationalism and the New Apostolic Reformation, charismatic Christian movements that are quietly growing influence on American politics. Matt holds a PhD in religious studies and Muslim-Christian relations from Georgetown University, and has taught at Georgetown and George Washington University. His books include Scripture People: Salafi Muslims in Evangelical Christian America, and The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy. The State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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About The State Of Belief
Every week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush hosts lively, funny and poignant conversations with inspiring religious and civic leaders; as well as artists and activists from across the country. Listeners get a potent mix of spiritual wisdom, political strategy, and hopeful commentary from national and local leaders who are rising up to meet this urgent moment in America. With the tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet,” State of Belief is a celebration of our nation’s diversities and an invitation to join together to, in the words of the great James Baldwin, "achieve our country.”
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