Wrapping Up 2025 with Reflection, Reckoning, and Resolve

A raw, reflective journey through the political upheavals, personal reckonings, and hard-won hope of 2025.

Episode Summary

Corey takes us on a tour of 2025’s most pivotal moments—both in politics and in his own life. He recounts the Trump administration’s controversial actions, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and civic responses like the No Kings Rallies. Interwoven are deeply personal stories: Corey’s mental health struggles, the loss of a friendship, and a psychotic break that led to crucial self-reflection.

But it’s also a celebration: of the TP&R community, of new collaborations with Pew Research Center and Weave, and of the many courageous conversations shared on the pod. From Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde to Governor John Kasich, from wildfires to wake-up calls, 2025 was a year of complexity—and Corey captures it all with honesty and heart.

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Timestamps & Topics

[00:00] Opening & Shoutouts Thanks to Pew Research Center, Village Square, and our new show: East Meets West Sports

[01:30] Year in Political Review Trump’s second term: Pardons, ICE expansion, inflation, foreign policy failures The assassination of Charlie Kirk and national grief 2025 elections and democratic resilience

[08:00] The No Kings Rallies & Civic Engagement An unforgettable conversation with an 87-year-old woman who attended Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech Reflections on American threats—and hope

[09:30] Personal Reckonings A broken friendship, mental health collapse, setting healthy boundaries “One of the few times I had to block someone I once considered a friend.”

[14:00] TP&R in 2025: The Guests Who Shaped the Year Revisiting conversations with:

• Wajahat Ali

• Dr. Beth Allison Barr

• Jonathan Rauch & Liz Joyner

• Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

• Rep. Ritchie Torres

• David French

• McKay Coppins, EJ Dionne, Isaac Saul & more!

[24:00] On Free Speech & Evolving Views Why Corey no longer blocks or mutes—he now believes in the power of “better speech”

[26:00] Favorite Moments & New Projects Civic bridges with Weave Collaboration with Pew Research Launching East Meets West Sports

[38:00] Hard-Won Wisdom: 5 Boundaries for Healthier Dialogue When it’s time to walk away from toxic conversations

Notable Quotes

“We’re facing unprecedented threats to our democracy—but also experiencing a renaissance in civic engagement.”

“The best way to combat bad speech is with good speech. Better speech.”

Connect with Corey

Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials...

• Substack
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Threads
• Bluesky
• TikTok

Our Sponsors

• Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org

• The Village Square: villagesquare.us

• Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com

Proud members of The Democracy Group

Final Reflections

Take a breath. Take inventory. Set boundaries. And step into the new year with gentleness and respect.

Wishing you a peaceful end to 2025 and a hopeful beginning to 2026. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and yes… Happy Festivus! 🎄🕎🎉