Best BJC Podcasts (2024)

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S5, Ep. 30: Season finale 32:04

28d ago32:04

32:04

As the weather heats up, so does the pace of Supreme Court decisions. On our season 5 finale of Respecting Religion, Amanda and Holly recap some recent decisions and discuss what we can expect in the next month. Religion is still at play in several cases, even if religious legal statutes aren’t the questions being considered. Plus, they look at som…

1
S5, Ep. 29: LGBTQ rights and religious freedom 43:13

1M ago43:13

43:13

LGBTQ rights and religious freedom are often pitted against one another, but they are not mutually exclusive. This episode of Respecting Religion looks at the recent decision by the United Methodist Church to repeal its ban on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings as well as the broader conversation. Holly Hollman is joined by guest co-host Guthrie Gr…

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The Optimistics - Richie Frieman 36:03

1M ago36:03

36:03

In this episode we interviewed Richie Frieman. St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Publishing dubbed Richie Frieman a “Modern Day Renaissance Man” due to a career that spans life as an author, illustrator, artist, humorous etiquette expert Modern Manners Guy, entrepreneur, screenwriter, cartoonist, and even a champion professional wrestler. In Richie'…

1
S5, Ep. 28: Conscience protections in SCOTUS abortion cases 40:29

1M ago40:29

40:29

How do religion and religious freedom arguments interact with cases about abortion access? The legal landscape here is beyond complex, and in this episode, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at how conscience protections were discussed in two recent Supreme Court cases about abortion. There is a deepening religion and policy conversation in our co…

1
S5, Ep. 27: 100 episodes and 100,000 downloads 41:41

2M ago41:41

41:41

For the 100th episode of Respecting Religion, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman answer listener questions, ranging from the law surrounding the tax-exempt status of religious institutions to their favorite Supreme Court justices. They also look at some of the big Supreme Court decisions and the shifts on the Court since this podcast began four years a…

1
Ravens - Adam Neuman 39:55

2M ago39:55

39:55

In this episode we interview Adam Neuman: the Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to the President at Baltimore Ravens. Adam leverages his experience and education in sports, law, and public administration to support the strategic vision and operations of one of the most successful and respected franchises in the NFL. He joined the Ravens in July 20…

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S5, Ep. 26: Archaic laws and new theories emerge from state abortion debates 33:27

2M ago33:27

33:27

The intersection of abortion and religion often grabs headlines, and this episode of Respecting Religion looks at recent developments in two states: Arizona and Indiana. Amanda and Holly discuss an Indiana case that involves free exercise arguments under state law to support abortion, and they examine the impact of Arizona’s 1864 law that criminali…

1
S5, Ep. 25: The crisis in teaching constitutional law 40:29

2M ago40:29

40:29

Some troubling trends at the Supreme Court are starting to affect the legal profession and how students in law school approach the U.S. Constitution. As SCOTUS continues to upend decades of established precedent in church-state law, Amanda and Holly discuss what’s changed since they were in law school and the rapid changes in church-state law itsel…

1
S5, Ep. 24: Race, religion and citizenship 26:58

2M ago26:58

26:58

Hear excerpts from a special event we organized at the University of Southern California on race, religion and citizenship in this episode of Respecting Religion. The Rev. Dr. Joseph Evans and the Rev. Dr. Christopher The brought their unique experiences and expertise to a conversation on religious and racial identity, moderated by the Rev. Dr. Naj…

1
S5, Ep. 23: The Bible doesn’t need Trump’s endorsement 35:11

3M ago35:11

35:11

When former President Donald Trump announced during Holy Week that he was endorsing the “God Bless the USA” Bible, the reaction was swift. But, beyond the punchlines and the obvious concerns, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss why the video is concerning to our current political moment and the continued rise of Christian nationalism. Not all ex…

1
S5, Ep. 22: Spring break and religious holidays 36:58

3M ago36:58

36:58

There are many religious holidays in the spring, but not all are given the same public acknowledgment – from government-sponsored events to time off from school and work. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss how Christian privilege shows up in how our country recognizes and accommodates certain holidays, as well as how holidays help us understand…

1
S5, Ep. 21: But … is it Christian nationalism? 47:15

3M ago47:15

47:15

Is an American flag in a church sanctuary an example of Christian nationalism? What about faith-based advocacy? Helping voters get to the polls? Saying the Constitution is “divinely inspired”? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman answer some common questions they hear about Christian nationalism, and they talk about the questions we should be asking ours…

1
S5, Ep. 20: Attending the State of the Union 43:35

3M ago43:35

43:35

Get a first-hand account of attending the State of the Union address on this episode. Amanda Tyler talks with Holly Hollman about her experience, providing a new way to think about who represents our country in the room during the president’s address. She shares about her invitation and various discussions with members of Congress about Christian n…

1
S5, Ep. 19: Still smarting over Obergefell, Justice Alito calls for a new case 28:34

3M ago28:34

28:34

The Supreme Court declines to hear thousands of cases a year, but one recent denial included a troubling statement from Justice Samuel Alito. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at a case out of Missouri about potential jurors being struck from the jury pool because of their anti-LGBTQ beliefs, and they break down Justice Alito’s 5-page statement t…

1
S5, Ep. 18: A chief justice or chief theologian for Alabama? 36:27

4M ago36:27

36:27

An alarming ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court is leading to the shutdown of in vitro fertilization clinics, and the concurrence’s use of Scripture and Christian theology is causing additional concerns. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at this troubling ruling, the various religious views on life, and why it’s an issue for a justice to cite t…

1
Alma Cocina Latina - Irena Stein 31:23

4M ago31:23

31:23

In this episode we interview Irena Stein, the founder of Alma Cocina Latina, a James Beard Semi-Finalist Restaurant. Alma is not just a restaurant with deeply imaginative, exquisitely crafted food, it is a space that transports you into Venezuelan culture with every detail. In this episode, we explore Irena's journey as an immigrant and entrepreneu…

1
S5, Ep. 17: The presidency and Christian nationalism 37:53

4M ago37:53

37:53

Presidents have made broad appeals to our country without dividing along religious belief throughout American history. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at presidential leadership and talk about how our country’s founding documents set up our system of government that does not create a “Christian nation” in any sort of legal sense – rather, it en…

1
S5, Ep. 16: The trouble with religious charter schools 38:47

4M ago38:47

38:47

There is a novel – and concerning – development in public education and the relationship between the institutions of church and state: Oklahoma and Guam have proposed religious charter schools. Litigation has already started. But, what is a religious charter school, and why is the idea such a problem? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman say they are ill…

1
S5, Ep. 15: Black America’s changing religious landscape 39:24

4M ago39:24

39:24

Much is said and assumed about the religious landscape of Black America, but it’s more diverse than the common narratives. Holly Hollman speaks with Dr. Sabrina E. Dent and Dr. Anthony Pinn about misconceptions and how they brought together Black Church leaders and Black nontheists for key conversations. Tune in for this open and honest conversatio…

1
S5, Ep. 14: Faith in elections 40:12

5M ago40:12

40:12

What is the role of churches and other houses of worship in protecting democracy? This topic usually comes up because of bad actors that overstep into partisanship, but today’s show looks at how faith communities can help our elections run smoothly. Holly Hollman speaks with Chris Crawford of Protect Democracy – a nonprofit, cross-ideological organ…

1
S5, Ep. 13: ‘God Made Trump,’ Biden campaigns at a church, and more news from the campaign trail 40:44

5M ago40:44

40:44

Now that the first votes have been cast in the presidential primaries, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at some of the troubling statements and activities on the campaign trail concerning the role of religion and religious freedom – from both Democrats and Republicans. While candidates are – and should be – free to talk about the ways their fait…

1
S5, Ep. 12: Rob Reiner and ‘God & Country’ director Dan Partland 43:05

5M ago43:05

43:05

What is the cost of speaking out against Christian nationalism? In this episode, Amanda Tyler talks with Rob Reiner and Dan Partland, two people behind a new film that discusses the dangers of Christian nationalism to the country, to the faith, and to pluralism. They share candidly about what they learned while making “God & Country,” the cost for …

1
EcoMap - Kevin Carter 29:32

5M ago29:32

29:32

In this episode we interview Kevin Carter, the Director of Business Development at EcoMap. EcoMap is a technology company focused on making information accessible and helping local ecosystems thrive. We also discuss the legacy and vision of recently deceased founder Pava LaPere. We hope you are inspired and motivated to learn more about the ecosyst…

1
S5, Ep. 11: The first celebration of MLK Day 25:53

5M ago25:53

25:53

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we look back at the history of the holiday and the international context at the time of its first official celebration. On today’s podcast, hear from Coretta Scott King, speaking just months after the country’s first commemoration of the holiday in 1986. After Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, she led the cha…

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S5, Ep. 10: The church-state legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor 40:46

6M ago40:46

40:46

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor showed a thoughtful approach toward religious liberty issues during her time on the bench, upholding both the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause. Paying tribute to her soon after her passing on December 1, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman remember Justice O’Connor’s contributions and talk about her legacy, s…

1
Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) - Howard Libit 41:28

6M ago41:28

41:28

In this episode we interview the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC), Howard Libit. Given the continued rise in antisemitism and the national conversation around hate speech on college campuses, we thought it was important to learn about solutions addressing these problems in our community locally that can serve as an inspirati…

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S5, Ep. 09: The trouble with school vouchers (part two) 26:49

6M ago26:49

26:49

In part two of our conversation on school vouchers, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at who really wants the troublesome programs, and why. They discuss how court decisions are chipping away at constitutional boundaries and dive into the policy debates and political fights over school vouchers that are pitting communities against each other. Plu…

1
S5, Ep. 08: The trouble with school vouchers 34:38

7M ago34:38

34:38

School voucher programs across the country seek to divert taxpayer money to religious schools, which raises significant concerns for religious freedom advocates. In part one of this two-part episode, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman explore the problematic issue of school vouchers. They talk about the various iterations of vouchers and the many issue…

1
S5, Ep. 07: Barbara Jordan’s 1986 speech on church-state separation resonates today 42:05

7M ago42:05

42:05

American trailblazer Barbara Jordan delivered a powerful speech on the role of churches in shaping public policy at a BJC event in 1986. We’re bringing you this special presentation because her words resonate for our political climate today. Congresswoman Jordan notes that the institutional separation of church and state must be maintained, but tha…

1
S5, Ep. 06: RFRA at 30 38:40

7M ago38:40

38:40

Thirty years ago today, President Bill Clinton signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) into law. It was a monumental event in religious liberty law at the time, and it remains part of an even more complex legal landscape of religious exemptions today. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at the standard set by RFRA and discuss how the la…

1
Ashkelon Partnership with The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore (Baltimore-Israeli Partnership & Connection) 43:02

7M ago43:02

43:02

In this episode we interview Matan Adar and Aviva Schwartz. This episode highlights the partnership between The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the city of Ashkelon, Israel. Matan was a past visitor from Ashkelon who came to Baltimore through the partnership. He shares his experience on the ground in Israel during the current war. Av…

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S5, Ep. 05: An alarming push to put chaplains in public schools 26:10

7M ago26:10

26:10

A new Texas law allows public schools to replace counselors with chaplains. In this wee’s episode, discover why Texas chaplains are voicing their opposition. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss SB 763 and their concerns about government-sponsored proselytization in public schools. They discuss the group behind this law and how Texans are resisti…

1
ADI - Elie Klein (Baltimore-Israeli Partnership & Connection) 38:28

8M ago38:28

38:28

In this episode we interview Elie Klein, the director of development for USA & Canada of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran. We discuss the current situation in Israel and the work they are doing at their 40 acre rehabiliation village. ADI is the Hebrew word for a radiant and multifaceted jewel, a name that reflects their expansive vision and broad scope of ac…

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S5, Ep. 04: A pivotal day in the U.S. House 44:21

8M ago44:21

44:21

Get an inside look at the U.S. House of Representatives and the challenges of Christian nationalism in this week’s episode. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman take you behind-the-scenes of Amanda’s testimony to Congress, held on the same day lawmakers elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to be Speaker of the House. They share key moments from the hearing …

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S5, Ep. 03: SCOTUS is fixated on history. What’s prayer got to do with it? 39:10

8M ago39:10

39:10

Has the Supreme Court abandoned the Establishment Clause test for some sort of “history” test when applying the law? Today, we’re looking at a 2014 Supreme Court case that continues to have major implications on Supreme Court decisions: Greece v. Galloway. Amanda and Holly review this sharply divided decision on legislative prayer, explore the diff…

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S5, Ep. 02: Southern Baptist Convention president, ‘White Evangelical Racism’ author, and Respecting Religion co-host discuss Christian nationalism 52:03

8M ago52:03

52:03

What happens when you talk about Christian nationalism with the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a historian who wrote a book on white evangelical racism, and the lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism? Find out as we bring you portions of a panel conversation recorded in September during the Texas Tribune Festival.…

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S5, Ep. 01: Live Q&A with Holly and Amanda 42:36

8M ago42:36

42:36

Is the Supreme Court immune from public pressure? What is the role of the government when it comes to nondiscrimination laws, gender identity, and posting Scripture? As we begin season 5 of Respecting Religion, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman take live questions from an audience on these topics and more. Hear their updates from the summer as they sh…

1
Fagan Harris - Hall of Fame Re-Releases 38:00

9M ago38:00

38:00

In this episode we have a conversation with Fagan Harris, who is now the Chief of Staff for Governor Wes Moore. At the time of this episode, Fagan was the President and CEO of Baltimore Corps, an organization that enlists talented people in public service and social entrepreneurship in Baltimore City. Harris co-founded the organization with Wes Moo…

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Join us for season 5 of Respecting Religion 2:23

9M ago2:23

2:23

Season 5 of the Respecting Religion podcast launches in October 2023! Tune in as BJC's Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss the Supreme Court, the continued rise of Christian nationalism, and a multitude of current issues impacting faith freedom for all. Here's a look at a few of the topics covered in season 4, including the ReAwaken America tour…

1
Mayor Brandon Scott - Hall of Fame Re-Releases 31:09

9M ago31:09

31:09

In this episode we have a conversation with Mayor Brandon Scott, who was the city council president and democratic nominee for mayor at the time of our interview. We explore his background, past achievements, and vision for Baltimore. Our discussion focuses on race equity and the future of policing. Lastly we spoke about how the innovative solution…

1
Torrey Smith - Charm City Dreamers Hall of Fame Re-Releases 32:05

9M ago32:05

32:05

Torrey Smith, former NFL Raven wide receiver and 2x Superbowl Champion, is the founder of Level 82. In this episode we explore the importance of mental health and how Level82 is helping leverage the power of community collaboration to enable all Baltimore families to reach their full potentialBy Zack Garber

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Matthew Reeds- Baltimore Homecoming 25:00

11M ago25:00

25:00

In this episode we interview Matthew Reeds who is the new Deputy Director of Baltimore Homecoming. We discuss the city's unique assets and Baltimore Homecoming's mission to connect Baltimoreans from across the world with our city’s leaders and innovators to spark new collaborations and drive new investments in Baltimore’s future. We envision a worl…

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S4, Ep. 26: SCOTUS decides Groff and 303 Creative 44:39

12M ago44:39

44:39

The Supreme Court waited until the last two days of its term to release two decisions with religious liberty implications. On this season 4 finale of the Respecting Religion podcast, Amanda and Holly look at the unanimous clarifying decision in Groff v. DeJoy and the deeply regressive decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis. They discuss the implication…

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Comptroller of Maryland - Brooke Lierman 26:51

12M ago26:51

26:51

In this episode we interview Brooke Lierman, the first female Comptroller of the State of Maryland. Brooke explains the role of the comptroller and the catalytic investments that give her optimism for the future of Maryland and the City of Baltimore. As Brooke states, "Maryland will never be a truly great state until Baltimore reaches its full pote…

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Corey Voelkel - Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters 25:56

12M ago25:56

25:56

In this episode we interview Corey Voelkel the founder of Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters. We discuss food and coffee culture in Baltimore. Corey shares his vision for expansion and the story of building Aveley Farms after his experience in tech in San Diego. We hope you enjoy!By Zachary Garber

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S4, Ep. 25: Religion in public schools: New federal guidance and the reality on the ground 31:19

1y ago31:19

31:19

It happens in pretty much every administration, but what do you know about federal guidelines on religion in public schools? Holly and Amanda discuss the new release from the Biden administration outlining the different rights of students and teachers, and they share how some are misinterpreting the Kennedy v. Bremerton decision to open the door to…

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S4, Ep. 24: The myth of American ‘chosenness’ (part two) 47:20

1y ago47:20

47:20

What does the myth of American “chosenness” mean for different communities and the rise of Christian nationalism? Episcopal Bishop and Cherokee nation member Carol Gallagher, Baptist minister Rev. Darrell Hamilton, and Dr. Michael Hoberman, a scholar of early American Jewish literature and culture, engage in a conversation moderated by the Rev. Dr…

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Yair Flicker - SmartLogic 26:16

1y ago26:16

26:16

In this episode we interview Yair Flicker the President and Founder of SmartLogic, Baltimore-based consultancy that has been building custom web and mobile software applications since 2005. We explore the journey of starting and running a small business, and examine how to build a niche community. Yair discusses the future of technology and the adv…

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S4, Ep. 23: The myth of American ‘chosenness’ 40:23

1y ago40:23

40:23

How does the myth of America being a “chosen” nation lead to the religious nationalism we see today? Harvard Divinity School’s Dr. Catherine Brekus talks about how the myth is a complicated mixture of arrogance, exploitation, reform, racism and violence. She looks at the roots of this myth, how it has played out through our country’s history, and t…

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S4, Ep. 22: Inside the ReAwaken America tour 30:38

1y ago30:38

30:38

Christian nationalism is on full display at stops of the ReAwaken America tour – conferences that fuse Christian language and symbols with conspiracy theories and election denials. Amanda went inside the most recent one at a Trump property in Miami, and she shares her experiences in this podcast – from assembly-line baptisms to the reaction of the …

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