Episodios

  • The Skipper's Moral Compass: A Navy SEAL Commander on Ethical Leadership & Navigating Today's Political Waters

    The Skipper's Moral Compass: A Navy SEAL Commander on Ethical Leadership & Navigating Today's Political Waters
    Jul 15 2025

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Roger Herbert—retired Navy Captain, former SEAL commander, professor of ethics, and distinguished academic. Dr. Herbert’s career spans from leading undersea special operations to teaching future naval officers at the U.S. Naval Academy. We explore Dr. Herbert's remarkable journey marked by leadership, ethics, and profound moral challenges. Dr. Herbert shares stories of combat, personal transformation, and the vital importance of principled leadership—even under the most extreme conditions.

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    What We Discuss:

    * The intense process of becoming and leading Navy SEALs

    * How war can spark deep ethical reflection and personal evolution

    * What moral leadership looks like in combat zones—and classrooms

    * Why teaching ethics to future military leaders is more important than ever

    * How pivotal life decisions can stem from unexpected, even humorous, moments

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    Featured Quotes:

    • “The secret sauce of being a SEAL is learning how far you can really go—and it’s always further than you think.” – Dr. Roger Herbert
    • “We push candidates to what they *think* is their limit… and then some crazy few keep going. That’s where we find the SEALs.”
    • “Ethics isn’t just theory—it’s what helps you come home with honor.”
    • “We don’t swear loyalty to a person. We swear to a document. That’s the power of the U.S. Constitution.”

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    Resources Mentioned:

    * Dr. Roger Herbert’s Substack - rogerherbert.substack.com

    * The Ethics of Special Ops: Raids, Recoveries, Reconnaissance, and Rebels - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Special-Ops-Recoveries-Reconnaissance-ebook/dp/B0CLGJK8R6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

    * Ethics at War: How Should Military Personnel Make Ethical Decisions? - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-War-Military-Personnel-Decisions-ebook/dp/B0CKFGDXQY?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

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    📣 Call to Action:

    If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

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    Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    1 h y 18 m
  • Do You Want To Be Right Or The Relationship? Why We Insist on Being Right in Politics & Beyond

    Do You Want To Be Right Or The Relationship? Why We Insist on Being Right in Politics & Beyond
    Jul 11 2025

    In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan shares a personal story that explores a fundamental question many of us face in political and relational discourse: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” Prompted by a real-life interaction following his attendance at a local rally, Corey examines how we navigate our convictions, the costs of being “right,” and the cognitive, identity-based, and psychological roots that underlie our desire to win arguments—especially at the expense of connection.

    What Is Discussed:

    • The real story behind a tense political exchange among friends.

    • The importance of prioritizing relationships over ideological victory.

    • Key psychological and sociological reasons why people insist on being right.

    • How identity, ego, and group affiliation shape our perceptions in political dialogue.

    • Thoughtful strategies to promote civil discourse, even across ideological lines.

    Episode Highlights:

    • [00:03:00] Corey describes the No Kings Rally in Santa Clarita and his motivation for attending.

    • [00:05:00] A group text spirals into conflict after a friend posts a divisive meme about Democrats.

    • [00:07:00] Corey challenges the assumptions being made and asserts his conservative identity.

    • [00:10:00] The text conversation intensifies—Corey confronts the damaging generalizations.

    • [00:13:00] He reflects on the absence of actual conversation and the importance of listening.

    • [00:20:00] Corey shares research on cognitive biases like confirmation bias and bandwagon effect.

    • [00:24:00] A powerful explanation of identity protective cognition and how it affects discourse.

    • [00:29:00] The psychological roots of being “right”: ego, fear, insecurity, and narcissism.

    • [00:31:00] A parable of two billy goats illustrates the cost of refusing to give ground.

    Featured Quotes: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” “The endeavor that I care about is people exercising their First Amendment rights.” “If we were actually talking, you'd know this isn't even in my top 50 concerns.” “We don’t need to diminish others to hold our convictions.”

    📣 Call to Action:

    If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

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    Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    36 m
  • Mike Madrid on the Latino Electorate, Trump's Win in 2024 and What It Means for the Soul of America

    Mike Madrid on the Latino Electorate, Trump's Win in 2024 and What It Means for the Soul of America
    Jul 8 2025
    In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes back political consultant, author, and Substack contributor Mike Madrid. A renowned expert on Latino voters and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, Mike brings his profound insights on American politics, identity, and democracy. Together, Corey and Mike explore deeply personal stories, historical context, and present-day political dynamics, all while weaving in the emotional fabric that connects generations and communities. What We Discuss: The significance of personal and familial stories in shaping political perspective How Latino voters are reshaping American democracy The danger of authoritarian tendencies in U.S. governance Economic populism across ideological divides The importance of understanding and communicating with working-class communities Episode Highlights: [00:04:00] Mike Madrid shares a personal story of grief and connection through a pilgrimage to Madrid, New Mexico [00:08:00] Baseball as a bridge between generations and its deeper cultural significance [00:14:00] Inhumane immigration enforcement and its implications on American identity [00:22:00] A discussion on whether America is at a turning point for its soul and values [00:33:00] Vertical balance of power: Newsom vs. federal overreach in L.A. protests [00:45:00] Latino voters' top concerns: economy, housing, and healthcare [00:53:00] Economic populism through Ruben Gallego and Zoran Mamdani's campaigns [01:03:00] How to talk about politics and religion without killin' each other Featured Quotes: "Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves matter more than the facts we can verify." – Mike Madrid "This is our American story now. This is who we are... and if we're not speaking out, then we are individually complicit in it." – Mike Madrid "These are the moments when character is defined." – Mike Madrid "The best way to talk about politics and religion is to not talk about it through the lens of politics and religion." – Mike Madrid Resources Mentioned: Mike Madrid's Substack: The Great Transformation – greattransformation.substack.com The Latino Century (book by Mike Madrid) – www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278 Latino Vote Podcast – latinos.vote Reflections on Marines in LA by Roger Herbert – rogerherbert.substack.com/p/reflections-on-marines-in-la 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect on Social Media: It's @coreysnathan on... BlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookSubstackTikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comProlux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    1 h y 23 m
  • (ICYMI) Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde on Faith, Politics, and Ethical Conversations in a Polarized Nation

    (ICYMI) Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde on Faith, Politics, and Ethical Conversations in a Polarized Nation
    Jul 3 2025
    This was such a refreshing conversation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. We recorded it just after she delivered the homily at the National Cathedral the day after the inauguration. Bishop Budde's candor, winsomeness and wisdom shines through in all circumstances - whether it's before a worldwide audience or upon earnest reflection of the impact of her ministry. And there's something healing in all of this. So it's certainly worth revisiting our discussion going into this national holiday weekend. Enjoy... In this timely edition of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other, host Corey Nathan welcomes Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Budde is a well-respected spiritual leader who has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Meet the Press, Good Morning America, and The Today Show. The conversation dives into Bishop Budde’s faith journey, her reflections on political and social issues, and her approach to leading with grace and courage in divisive times. The discussion also touches on the controversy surrounding her sermon and how she directly addressed Donald Trump at the National Cathedral following the 2025 presidential inauguration. What We Discuss Bishop Budde’s personal faith journey, from her early religious experiences to her leadership in the Episcopal Church.The challenges of navigating faith, politics, and national unity in today’s polarized climate.How to extend grace and practice mercy even in the face of criticism.The role of the church in advocating for social justice, particularly regarding immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.Strategies for engaging in difficult conversations while maintaining mutual respect. Episode Highlights [00:00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. [00:02:00] – Bishop Budde shares her faith journey and the struggles she faced reconciling different religious influences. [00:10:00] – The tension between faith and exclusivity: why some versions of Christianity felt limiting to her. [00:15:00] – The discipline of grace: choosing to respond with compassion rather than anger, even when faced with opposition. [00:26:00] – Bishop Budde’s response to the 2025 presidential inauguration sermon controversy and the importance of speaking truth with love. [00:38:00] – Handling criticism and maintaining a sense of personal and spiritual balance. [00:52:00] – Finding hope in uncertain times: How we can cultivate a spirit of resilience and faith amid societal challenges. [00:55:00] – The importance of dialogue: How to foster better conversations across political and religious differences. [01:03:00] – Final thoughts and how to follow Bishop Budde’s work. Featured Quotes "If it’s not about love, it’s not about God." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde "The discipline of grace is a practice, not a gift. It’s about choosing to respond with love even when it’s difficult." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde "To be raised from the dead—whatever that means in our own lives—requires our consent to live again, to have our hearts broken again, and to take on all of life again." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde "We need to ask ourselves: When was the last time I changed my mind? True dialogue requires being open to seeing the world differently." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde Resources Mentioned Bishop Budde’s Book: How We Learn to Be BraveEpiscopal Diocese of Washington – www.edow.org 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect on Social Media It's @coreysnathan on... BlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookSubstackTikTok Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: Episcopal Church of Washington: Website Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comProlux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨ #Politics #Religion #NeverTrump #Democracy #BishopBudde #Faith #Justice #Inclusivity #SocialJustice #Civility #Polarization
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Faith, Freedom, and the Fight for the 1st Amendment: Daniel Mach of the ACLU on Kennedy v. Bremerton, Religious Charter Schools, and Resisting Trump-Era Overreach

    Faith, Freedom, and the Fight for the 1st Amendment: Daniel Mach of the ACLU on Kennedy v. Bremerton, Religious Charter Schools, and Resisting Trump-Era Overreach
    Jul 1 2025

    In this timely episode of "Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other," host Corey Nathan speaks with Professor Daniel Mach, Director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief and adjunct professor of law at the George Washington University Law School. They explore the complexities of First Amendment rights, the historical Scopes Trial, and the fine line between religious freedom and government endorsement of religion.

    What We Discuss:

    • How Daniel Mach’s passion for First Amendment law began.

    • The ACLU’s approach to defending speech across ideological lines.

    • Key legal principles behind landmark cases like Kennedy v. Bremerton.

    • The modern-day impact of church-state separation rulings.

    • The importance of defending civil liberties regardless of popularity.

    Episode Highlights:

    • [00:01:00] Dan’s origin story, sparked by a high school paper on the Scopes Trial.

    • [00:05:00] ACLU’s surprising position in the Boston Christian flag case.

    • [00:09:00] The real facts behind Kennedy v. Bremerton School District.

    • [00:23:00] Historical insight into the Scopes Trial and why it still matters.

    • [00:38:00] Breakdown of the opt-out debate in Mahmoud v. Montgomery County.

    • [00:48:00] Can a Catholic public school exist? Oklahoma says maybe.

    • [00:56:00] Concerns about threats to the rule of law.

    • [01:00:00] How to speak across ideological divides and why it matters.

    Featured Quotes: "Rights for all — the right to speak even hateful things — triggered something in my mind where I thought, yeah, that's the way to go." – Daniel Mach "If the rules only protect people you like, then those rules are not rules at all." – Daniel Mach "Part of religious liberty is keeping religion and government separate — not just to protect government, but to protect religion." – Daniel Mach

    Resources Mentioned: ACLU: https://www.aclu.org Kennedy v. Bremerton: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2021/21-418 Scopes Trial History: https://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties/scopes-trial Mahmoud v. Montgomery County: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-297_4f14.pdf Oklahoma Catholic Charter School Ruling: https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/05/split-supreme-court-blocks-first-religious-charter-school-in-oklahoma/

    📣 Call to Action:

    If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

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    • Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com

    Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡
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    1 h y 9 m
  • Transforming Campaigns: Mike Nellis Discusses Political and Fundraising Strategies to Combat Anti-Democratic Threats

    Transforming Campaigns: Mike Nellis Discusses Political and Fundraising Strategies to Combat Anti-Democratic Threats
    Jun 26 2025

    In this episode, we're joined by Mike Nellis, founder of Authentic and executive chairman of QUILLER. Mike shares his journey from early political engagement to founding a values-driven digital agency and a pioneering AI platform. He opens up about overcoming personal mental health challenges and emphasizes the importance of empathy, leadership, and responsive government.

    What We Discuss:

    • How Mike Nellis turned a toxic workplace experience into a successful values-based company.

    • Why mental health and workplace culture are core pillars of Mike’s leadership.

    • The strategic role of AI in political campaigns and how it’s changing the game.

    • Insights on effective fundraising, the current political climate, and what the Democratic Party needs to do differently.

    Episode Highlights:

    • 01:00 – Mike’s introduction and political fundraising background

    • 02:00 – Leaving a toxic workplace and founding Authentic

    • 04:00 – Mike’s personal journey through mental health and weight loss

    • 07:00 – His daily mental health “toolkit”

    • 12:00 – From Republican household to Obama rally

    • 19:00 – Mike’s evolving political values and client strategies

    • 27:00 – Firsthand experience confronting political abuse of power

    • 35:00 – Diagnosing what went wrong in the 2024 election

    • 48:00 – Navigating AI ethics and strategy

    • 53:00 – Endless Urgency: Mike’s life motto and Substack

    Featured Quotes: “Every day, you should do something for your mind, your body, and your spirit.” – Mike Nellis “Politics is a game of addition, not subtraction.” – Mike Nellis “I want a government that shows up when people need it—and then gets out of the way.” – Mike Nellis

    Resources Mentioned:

    • QUILLER.ai – https://www.quiller.ai

    • Authentic – https://authentic.org/

    • Endless Urgency Substack – https://endlessurgency.substack.com

    • @mikenellis.bsky.social‬ | www.threads.com/@mike_nellis
    📣 Call to Action:

    If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

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    • Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
    • Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com

    Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡
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    1 h y 28 m
  • Vote Common Good: Pastor Doug Pagitt on the Emergent Church and "Exit Ramps" for Engaging Faith Voters

    Vote Common Good: Pastor Doug Pagitt on the Emergent Church and "Exit Ramps" for Engaging Faith Voters
    Jun 24 2025

    In this episode, Corey Nathan is joined by Pastor Doug Pagitt, Executive Director of Vote Common Good. Doug shares his remarkable journey from a non-religious upbringing to becoming a prominent voice in progressive evangelicalism. They discuss how his background in sociology and theology shapes his view of faith, culture, and politics, and how those insights drive his current work helping religious voters engage civically with integrity and hope.

    What We Discuss:

    • How Doug Pagitt came to faith and ministry outside traditional church upbringing

    • What the Emergent Church is and why it matters

    • How anthropology influences theology

    • What motivated Pastor Doug to start Vote Common Good

    • How Democrats can meaningfully engage religious voters

    Episode Highlights:

    • [00:01:00] Introduction to Doug’s background and Vote Common Good

    • [00:03:00] Doug’s faith story and early questions about Christianity

    • [00:08:00] Embracing scripture through open interpretation

    • [00:17:00] The Emergent Church explained

    • [00:30:00] Why Vote Common Good was founded

    • [00:43:00] Surprising insights from their faith voter polling

    • [00:54:00] Six words to win back religious voters

    • [01:02:00] Where Democrats often miss the mark

    Featured Quotes:

    • “I didn’t have to unlearn a Sunday school version of Christianity. I got to take Jesus at face value.”

    • “We’re not asking candidates to be Christians. We’re asking them to like Christians.”

    • “The difference between being required and being invited makes all the difference.”

    • “Human beings organize our lives around patterns. The danger is when we mistake those patterns for the divine.”

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Vote Common Good: https://www.votecommongood.com

    • Doug Pagitt’s books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Doug+Pagitt
    📣 Call to Action:

    If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

    🔗 Connect on Social Media:

    It's @coreysnathan on...

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    Our Sponsors:

    • Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
    • Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com

    Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡
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    1 h y 29 m
  • Us vs. Them: Practical Ways to Counter the Polarization That's Killing Us

    Us vs. Them: Practical Ways to Counter the Polarization That's Killing Us
    Jun 20 2025

    In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan explores how the "us vs. them" mindset is damaging our democracy and personal relationships. Sharing powerful stories and reflections, Corey examines how this mentality can escalate from figurative harm to literal violence—and what we can do to stop it.

    What Is Discussed:

    • How to recognize and avoid “us vs. them” thinking

    • Why specificity matters more than generalizations

    • How to reframe conversations to foster understanding

    • When it’s best to disengage from toxic interactions

    Episode Highlights:

    • [00:01:00] The real-life consequences of political tribalism

    • [00:03:00] How a quote from the Declaration of Independence sparked online hostility

    • [00:15:00] Why generalizing leads to vilification

    • [00:21:00] Reactions to the peaceful “No Kings” rally

    • [00:28:00] How to name and address divisive rhetoric

    • [00:34:00] When it’s healthier to walk away

    Featured Quotes:

    • "Think specifically, not generally."
    • "Shift our disposition from facing off to side by side."
    • "Sometimes, you just gotta know when to walk away."
    📣 Call to Action:

    If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

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    Our Sponsors:

    • Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
    • Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com

    Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡
    Más Menos
    43 m