Politics and Religion. We’re not supposed to talk about that, right? Wrong! We only say that nowadays because the loudest, most extreme voices have taken over the whole conversation. Well, we‘re taking some of that space back! If you’re dying for some dialogue instead of all the yelling; if you know it’s okay to have differences without having to hate each other; if you believe politics and religion are too important to let ”the screamers” drown out the rest of us and would love some engaging, provocative and fun conversations about this stuff, then ”Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other” is for you!
Episodes
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
In this episode, we welcome back political journalist and author Will Saletan. Will, formerly of Slate and now a writer for The Bulwark, is known for his sharp insights on American democracy, political corruption, and authoritarianism. Will reflects on the pivotal events leading up to and following the 2024 election, including Joe Biden’s withdrawal, Kamala Harris’s campaign, and Donald Trump's return to power. This thought-provoking conversation dives into the state of democracy, the rise of authoritarianism, and how ordinary Americans are responding.
What You Will Learn
-
How Will Saletan processed the chaotic political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.
-
Why many Americans seem indifferent to threats against constitutional rights.
-
Will’s analysis of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and the implications for democracy.
-
The emerging role of European allies as America’s commitment to NATO and democracy weakens.
-
Practical strategies for handling misinformation and toxic discourse on social media.
Episode Highlights
-
[00:01:00] Introduction to Will Saletan and a reflection on major events since their last conversation.
-
[00:03:00] Will discusses his surprise at Biden’s physical and verbal deterioration during the 2024 campaign.
-
[00:07:00] The challenges Kamala Harris faced stepping into the race and why the "change election" dynamic mattered.
-
[00:11:00] Corey and Will examine why many Americans rationalized or minimized January 6th.
-
[00:23:00] Will explains how fear and profit motive lead companies and law firms to capitulate to authoritarian pressures.
-
[00:29:00] How self-censorship and fear of government retribution are stifling free speech.
-
[00:54:00] Will shares the "general idea" he’s concluded about the Trump administration: incompetence and stupidity at historic levels.
-
[01:03:00] Hope on the horizon: how European nations are stepping up to defend democratic values.
-
[01:06:00] Final reflections on the resilience of democracy beyond America’s current political struggles.
Featured Quotes
-
Will Saletan: "What clicks for me is very simple: they’re idiots. They're really stupid, and they think they're smart."
-
Will Saletan: "The danger isn’t just the lies themselves—it's the machinery of intimidation that stops people from even trying to tell the truth."
-
Corey Nathan: "It's encouraging when you realize people are so much more than the hat they might wear."
-
Will Saletan: "Even though America has faltered, there’s still goodness in the world—and it’s stepping up."
Resources Mentioned
-
Will's book: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham: A Case Study in The Rise of Authoritarianism
-
Will on Bluesky - @saletan.bsky.social
(Note: If Will referenced any other external resources or books you want linked specifically, just let me know!)
📣 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
✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion
✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media
@coreysnathan:
Our Sponsors:
- Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
- Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com
Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡
Comments (0)
To leave or reply to comments, please download free Podbean or
No Comments
To leave or reply to comments,
please download free Podbean App.