One of the most compelling personal and political stories in Congress today — raw, principled, and deeply human.

In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his conversation with Congressman Ritchie Torres, who represents New York’s 15th district in the Bronx. With refreshing candor, Torres shares his journey from public housing and poverty to becoming the first openly LGBTQ elected official from the Bronx and one of the most forthright voices in American politics.

He discusses the values that shape his independence, his commitment to social justice, why he proudly defends Israel despite intense backlash, and the inner tools he uses to face personal and political challenges — all while staying focused on the people he serves.

🧭 If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is a powerful entry point: personal, honest, and courageous.

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• [00:00] Why Congressman Torres exemplifies what TP&R is all about

• [00:03] The budget fight and why Medicaid cuts would devastate his district

• [00:05] How his mother and public housing shaped his mission

• [00:08] Struggles with mental health and the resilience behind his rise

• [00:14] Why he values independence over tribalism

• [00:18] On facing backlash for defending Israel and combating antisemitism

• [00:24] Cutting through ideological noise: real issues vs. performative politics

• [00:27] Thoughts on Trump, authoritarian threats, and American democracy

• [00:28] Considering a run for Governor of New York

• [00:29] The TP&R Question: How to foster pluralism in polarized times

• Politics is personal. Rep. Torres's life story fuels his commitment to housing, healthcare, and fighting poverty.

• Independence matters. He resists ideological pressure to stay focused on practical solutions.

• Mental health is not taboo. Rep. Torres openly discusses depression and how therapy and medication help him lead.

• Courage isn’t comfortable. Taking principled stands—especially on Israel—can invite hostility but builds credibility.

• Pluralism is essential. Democracy thrives when we resist extremism and practice intellectual humility.

“Before I’m a congressman, I’m the son of my mother.” “The greatest threat to liberal democracy isn’t the extremes—it’s the cowardice of the center.” “Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s something to talk about.” “Pluralism should not be seen as a weakness, but a strength.”

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🎙️ May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in good faith.

One of the most clarifying conversations we’ve had about conscience, character, and navigating our divisions with integrity.

In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his conversation with David French — New York Times columnist, attorney, veteran, and one of the most thoughtful voices on religious liberty, civic virtue, polarization, and how principled disagreement can strengthen rather than destroy a pluralistic society.

David unpacks how he thinks about political persuasion, why courage and humility are twin civic virtues, what it means to disagree in good faith, how social media distorts our moral instincts, and why democracy requires both conviction and restraint.

If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is an ideal introduction: rigorous, nuanced, grounded in lived experience, and rooted in a deep belief in the dignity of difference.

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[00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & frames the ICYMI series [00:02] David’s path from law and military service to commentary [00:08] Why pluralism requires courage, humility, and restraint [00:14] The ethics of disagreement & how to argue in good faith [00:21] Tribal identity, social media, and moral panic [00:28] Religious liberty, conscience, and the case for principled pluralism [00:36] Persuasion vs. performative politics [00:41] Hope, community, and why democracy is worth the struggle

• Pluralism is a moral discipline. It requires seeing opponents as neighbors, not enemies.

• Arguments should be invitations, not indictments. Good-faith disagreement is a civic good.

• Identity often overwhelms evidence. Social media amplifies fear, outrage, and tribal reflexes.

• Religious liberty protects everyone. David explains why conscience rights are essential in a diverse democracy.

• “You cannot have a functioning democracy unless people are free to disagree in good faith.”

• “Pluralism is hard — but the alternative is worse.”

• “If your goal is persuasion, performative outrage is self-defeating.”

• “Humility is not weakness; it’s a civic virtue.”

• Divided We Fall — David French

• David French’s writing at The New York Times

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Proud members of The Democracy Group

May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in good faith. 🎙️✨

One of the most essential conversations we’ve had — on authoritarianism, influence campaigns, and what it takes to defend democracy.

In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his conversation with Anne Applebaum — Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, staff writer at The Atlantic, and one of the world’s leading experts on modern authoritarianism.

Anne explains how autocrats collaborate across borders, why propaganda spreads so easily, how economic complicity in the West has empowered illiberal regimes, and what ordinary citizens can actually do to strengthen democratic culture.

If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast or were recommended this program by a friend, this conversation is the perfect introduction: rigorous, accessible, global in scope, and grounded in the belief that democratic values are worth defending.

✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation.

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✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen

✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com

✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

[00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & frames the ICYMI series [00:02] Anne’s path from studying history to analyzing modern authoritarianism [00:08] How Russia, China, Iran, and others collaborate in “Autocracy, Inc.” [00:15] Why propaganda works — and how autocrats weaponize fear [00:22] Western financial and technological complicity [00:28] Ukraine, disinformation, and why this moment is globally defining [00:36] How everyday people can defend democratic culture

• Authoritarianism is a network. Modern autocrats copy one another’s tactics and often cooperate.

• Propaganda targets identity, not facts. Fear and belonging drive political behavior more than information.

• Democratic decline isn’t inevitable. Transparency, civic courage, and local engagement matter.

• The fight begins at home. Repairing democratic culture starts with relationships, curiosity, and shared work.

• “Their common enemy isn’t each other — it’s liberal democracy.”

• “You weaken a society by making people fear one another.”

• “We enabled this system when we let dark money and technology flow freely.”

• “You can’t defend democracy if you don’t understand what’s threatening it.”

• Twilight of Democracy — Anne Applebaum

• Autocracy, Inc. — Anne Applebaum

• Anne’s writing in The Atlantic

Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials...

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Proud members of The Democracy Group

May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little clearer about what’s at stake. 🎙️✨