Best Civic Dialogue Podcasts (2025)

1
Making Room for Disagreement: Jonathan Rauch & Liz Joyner on Heterodox Academy and the Courage to Keep Talking 1:24:33

33m ago1:24:33

1:24:33

Best Of TP&R As we close out the year, we’re resurfacing a small handful of conversations from the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other archive that best reflect what this show exists to do: create space for thoughtful disagreement, moral seriousness, and the hard work of living together in a pluralistic democracy. This conversati…

1
Mónica Guzmán | Fearless Curiosity in a Time of Outrage 1:06:42

2d ago1:06:42

1:06:42

A conversation worth revisiting. Mónica Guzmán’s work captures the spirit of Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other at its best: fearlessly curious, deeply humane, and committed to bridging divides without sacrificing conviction. In this Best of TP&R episode, Corey revisits his wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation with Móni…

1
Champions for the Arts: Building Bridges That Last 41:56

6d ago41:56

41:56

Season One, Episode 4 of Arts and Democracy welcomes nationally renowned audience development and community engagement leader Donna Walker-Kuhne, author of Champions for the Arts: Lessons and Successful Strategies for Engaging Diverse Audiences. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Olga Levina, Donna traces her journey from professional dancer …

1
At the Intersection of Art, Culture, and Faith 48:38

6d ago48:38

48:38

At the Intersection of Art, Culture, and Faith Season One continues with a powerful conversation between host Olga Levina and arts leader, actor, and strategist Deonté Griffin-Quick—a bridge-builder dedicated to equity, community, and systems change. From his early arts education in New Jersey public schools to his work building statewide networks …

1
The Newsroom 2:19

6d ago2:19

2:19

Episode 3 - The Newsroom A local newsroom receives a filing from the Court of Public Opinion. No background. No commentary. No clear reason yet to care. Just a timestamp, a docket entry, and a trial scheduled for Friday at 9 a.m. As editors decide where—and how—to run the notice, the story finds its place on page twelve: between the obituaries, the…

1
Wrapping Up 2025 with Reflection, Reckoning, and Resolve 45:36

6d ago45:36

45:36

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 King…

1
The Filing 8:03

8d ago8:03

8:03

Episode 1 — The Filing I didn’t set out to defend the penny in court. I didn’t even choose this journey — at least not consciously. What follows is part theater, part mirror. The Trial of the Century begins not with arguments, but with a filing — one motion submitted to the Court of Public Opinion questioning the moral, economic, and resonant value…

1
Weaving Light into Chaos with Nikki Harris 1:10:36

10d ago1:10:36

1:10:36

A Weaver’s Journey of Art, Advocacy, and Belonging — from WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project In this edition of our special Weavers series, we sit down with Nikki Harris—fiber artist, mother, advocate, and community connector from Baltimore, Maryland. Through art and action, Nikki embodies what it means to weave the social fabric. She shares her jour…

1
ICYMI: Curtis Chang on Fear, Faith & Healing Our Political Witness 58:46

14d ago58:46

58:46

A deeply clarifying conversation about fear, faith, and how Christians can reclaim a healthier way of engaging in public life. In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his thoughtful and timely dialogue with Curtis Chang—public theologian, founder of Redeeming Babel, and co-creator (with David French, Dr. Russell Moore and Nancy French) of The After P…

1
Pew Research’s Gregory A. Smith on What Americans Really Believe—and Why the Data Might Surprise You 1:13:36

16d ago1:13:36

1:13:36

Forget what you think you know about religion in America. The latest research from Pew reveals a story that’s more complex—and more hopeful—than the headlines suggest. Corey sits down with Gregory A. Smith, who’s spent over two decades studying how faith and identity shape American public life. In this no-fluff conversation, Greg unpacks the surpri…

1
TSA Union Leaders Address Shutdown Impacts, Support Unpaid Workers, and Push for Legislative Solutions in Nevada 28:22

20d ago28:22

28:22

Keith White and Marcos Crespo, local union leaders for TSA employees in Nevada, discussed the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on TSA operations and employees. They highlighted that employees have missed three paychecks, leading to significant financial strain. The union has secured $50 gas cards for 1,200 employees from local legislators …

1
ICYMI: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde on Courage, Faith, and Public Witness 1:05:33

18d ago1:05:33

1:05:33

A luminous conversation about leadership, love, and what spiritual courage looks like in a polarized age. In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his deeply moving conversation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington and one of the most trusted—and most tested—faith leaders in American public life. With striking humility and c…

1
ICYMI: Alexander Vindman — The Folly of Realism 1:17:18

20d ago1:17:18

1:17:18

One of the clearest, most necessary voices on Ukraine, democracy, and what the West keeps getting wrong. In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his most recent conversation with Dr. Alexander Vindman — retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council, and author of The Folly of Realism: How …

1
From the Bronx to the Beltway: Congressman Ritchie Torres on Grit, Grace, and Governing (ICYMI) 31:21

21d ago31:21

31:21

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 t…

1
ICYMI: David French — Faith, Politics, and the Ethics of Disagreement 1:18:00

22d ago1:18:00

1:18:00

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 principle…

1
ICYMI: Anne Applebaum — How Autocrats Rise and Democracies Fall 1:05:54

24d ago1:05:54

1:05:54

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 expl…

1
Episode 223: Representation of Women in World History Curriculum with Sara Evers 38:54

25d ago38:54

38:54

In episode 223, Dan and Michael chat with Sara Evers about her new TRSE article titled, “Whose historical thinking? Representation of women in the Digital Inquiry Group’s Reading Like a Historian world history curriculum.”By Visions of Education

1
ICYMI: David Brooks on Moral Repair, Friendship, Faith, and the Inner Work of Democracy 1:06:31

26d ago1:06:31

1:06:31

One of TP&R’s all-time standout conversations—perfect for new listeners discovering the show this week. In this special ICYMI release, Corey revisits his deeply human, deeply honest conversation with David Brooks—New York Times columnist, bestselling author of The Second Mountain and How to Know a Person, and one of the most thoughtful public voice…

1
Something Special for the Holiday: EAST MEETS WEST SPORTS - Cleveland’s QB Gamble & LA’s Power Play 33:23

1M ago33:23

33:23

Call it a holiday palate cleanser: today’s TP&R feed features a special drop from East Meets West Sports. Be sure to find this new show on all the apps, follow, rate, review... You know the drill. Enjoy! Can Shedeur Sanders prove he's “the one” – or is Cleveland just buying time? Meanwhile, LA sports shake things up from the locker room to the fron…

1
PSAI - Public Service Artificial Intelligence 7:31

1M ago7:31

7:31

A public service announcement… with a twist. Before The Trial of the Century officially begins, PSAI lays the foundation for what’s coming: the tone, the world, and the resonant questions at the center of the case. This brief message introduces listeners to the Court of Public Opinion, the roles that will be assigned, and the intention behind the s…

1
Dr. Melissa Deckman on America’s Cracks: Trumpism, Gen Z, and the Faith Factor 1:18:18

1M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

What PRRI’s Latest Data Reveals About Our Deepening Divide In the shadow of rising polarization, this episode dives deep into the latest findings from PRRI's American Values Survey, Trump’s Unprecedented Actions Deepen Asymmetric Divides. Corey is joined by Dr. Melissa Deckman to break down the data—and what it tells us about party loyalty, trust i…

1
Redemption Projects: From Wreckage to Repair 40:36

1M ago40:36

40:36

Repairing the damage—in our democracy, in our relationships, and in ourselves. ✨ Episode Summary Let’s talk about redemption—what it really means to repair what’s been broken, whether in our democracy or in our personal lives, and how we can tell the difference between a true apology and just going through the motions. Inspired by a powerful Substa…

1
Polling, Prop Bets, and Political Truths: Carl Allen Returns 1:25:26

1M ago1:25:26

1:25:26

What do you get when a data scientist with a knack for sports betting and political forecasting returns to the pod? A masterclass in what polling can and can't do, how bad assumptions skew our democracy, and why Carl Allen thinks we need to stop blaming the camera for the race result. In this fascinating, far-ranging convo, Corey and Carl Allen (au…

1
THE TRIAL OF THE CENTury - Teaser 2:07

1M ago2:07

2:07

The Trial of the Century – Teaser Welcome to the Court of Public Opinion. You've just been summoned. This brief teaser offers a first glimpse at the case that will decide the fate of the Lincoln penny — a trial where culture, economics, tradition, and imagination all take the stand. If you’re reading this, you’re already part of the jury. The PSA d…

1
Against the Noise: Gratitude as a Form of Protest 24:54

1M ago24:54

24:54

"And now for something completely different..." In a world flooded with outrage and anxiety, taking stock of the good isn’t naive—it’s necessary. Corey shifts the lens from polarization and pessimism to the power of thankfulness. Amid a flood of bad news and anxiety about the state of democracy, Corey invites listeners to pause and consider what’s …

1
Arts & Democracy- Season 1; Episode 3- "From Broadway to the Citadel" 51:25

2M ago51:25

51:25

In this episode of Arts & Democracy: A Global Conversation, host Olga Levina speaks with Shawn Emamjomeh — a self-described “child of revolution” whose life spans Iran, Silicon Valley, Broadway, and the ancient Citadel of Erbil. Shawn reflects on how collaborative art on stage, city-building in Iraqi Kurdistan, and his Color & Light Festival have a…

1
Scripture, Satire, and Silicon Salvation: Lisa Rose Ferrara’s CHRISTBOT 1:02:54

1M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

🤖 What happens when an ex-campus minister turned agnostic writes a novel about AI Jesus? You get this wide-ranging and deeply moving conversation between Corey and Lisa Rose Ferrara—writer of the Substack The Dangling Door and author of the novel CHRISTBOT. Lisa doesn’t just reflect on the absurdities of our sociopolitical moment—she rewrites the r…

1
From Military Police to Soft Secession: Christopher Armitage on Resisting Authoritarian Drift 1:03:11

2M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

What happens when a former military cop, existentialist philosopher, and Substack firebrand walks into a podcast? You get this riveting conversation between Corey and Christopher Armitage, who pulls no punches when it comes to democracy, resistance, and why “soft secession” might be the only sane response to creeping authoritarianism. Chris is a U.…

1
5 Boundaries That Signal It’s Time to Walk Away From Toxic Dialogue 31:11

2M ago31:11

31:11

Not every relationship can—or should—be salvaged. In this solo episode, Corey shares a personal story and outlines five unmistakable red flags that tell you it’s time to step back to protect your peace. Sometimes, staying in the conversation means knowing when to step away. In this raw and introspective solo episode, host Corey Nathan opens up abou…

1
Episode 222: Latine Counternarratives in Children's Literature with Melissa Rojas Williams 48:07

2M ago48:07

48:07

In episode 222, Dan and Michael chat with Melissa Rojas Williams about her new TRSE article titled, “‘Algunas personas aquí han venido con coyote como Areli?’: Conceptualizing the Latine civic counternarrative through diverse children’s literature.”By Visions of Education

1
Is Democracy Backsliding? David A. Graham on Power, Press, and What Comes Next 1:04:18

2M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

From Project 2025 to creeping authoritarianism, Atlantic journalist David A. Graham lays out the threats to democracy — and why he still believes it's worth defending. Glad to have this timely conversation with David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter, and the mind behind two major works: THE PROJECT: H…

1
LB Prevette on Weave, Rural Belonging, and Why “You Won’t Hurt Alone.” 1:00:56

2M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

How one rural weaver is helping neighbors feel seen, supported, and connected in Wilkes County, NC — and what we can learn from her example. We are kicking off something special. This episode is the first in a new ongoing series highlighting Weavers — local leaders around the country who are rebuilding trust and community from the ground up through…

1
Arts & Democracy: Season 1, Episode 2- "When Music Becomes a Movement" 21:11

2M ago21:11

21:11

In this moving episode of Arts & Democracy: A Global Conversation, host Olga Levina speaks with activist and former Executive Director of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, Mark McDonald, about the power of music, activism, and community in times of crisis and change. From his early days in small-town Missouri to leading one of the nation’s most v…

1
Something’s Growing in the Dark: You Won’t Believe What’s Sprouting 52:24

2M ago52:24

52:24

Send us a text Things are getting a little spooky in this special Halloween edition of The Best Better Podcast! Join hosts Joel and Abbigail as they sit down with Paige Petticrew, Lenoir County Horticulture Agent, and Kaelyn Lane, Lenoir County Agriculture Agent, for a frightfully fun conversation about what’s growing in the dark — both in our fiel…

1
ICYMI: Mike Madrid on Baseball, Family, and the Soul of America 1:22:36

2M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

Where baseball, family, and democracy meet — Mike Madrid reminds us what’s worth fighting for in America. If you didn't catch our most recent conversation with friend of the pod, Mike Madrid, well... where were ya? We recorded this one right around July 4th and it's still on point! What'd ya expect with the brilliant Mike Madrid?!?! So join us in w…

1
Silencing the Press, Politicizing the Military: Col. David Lapan Isn’t Having It 1:25:18

2M ago1:25:18

1:25:18

“The North Star is the truth. Tell it. And if you can’t, explain why.” — Col. David Lapan (Ret.) We had the distinct honor of sitting down with Colonel David Lapan, retired Marine and former spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Secretaries of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In a wide-ranging, timely conversa…

1
Fighting Division One Conversation at a Time 20:19

2M ago20:19

20:19

Surviving Triangulation in a Polarized World It's time to reckon with one of the toughest questions in our current public discourse: “How can you think that?” Through stories from his personal and professional life, host Corey Nathan unpacks the emotionally draining phenomenon of triangulation—when we’re caught in the middle of opposing viewpoints—…

1
🎙️ Transforming Systems, Not Just Souls — with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek 1:09:18

2M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

"If we lived in the poorest, most dangerous neighborhoods, we’d understand better how to love and serve." — Dr. Kurt Ver Beek It was great to sit down with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek, co-founder of the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ), who has lived and worked in Honduras for nearly four decades. From battling systemic corruption to reducing the ho…

1
Episode 221: Embracing Queer Social Studies with Sandra Schmidt 38:36

2M ago38:36

38:36

Episode 221: Embracing Queer Social Studies with Sandra Schmidt by Visions of EducationBy Visions of Education

1
🎙️ Back to Basics: When to Engage, When to Walk Away 25:18

3M ago25:18

25:18

A candid reflection on staying grounded while engaging in contentious conversations—and when to take a step back. ✨ Episode Summary In this heartfelt solo talk, host Corey Nathan goes back to the fundamentals of Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other. Reflecting on recent emotionally charged interactions—some painfully personal—Core…

1
Justin Giboney on the Black Church, Civic Courage, and Healing Our Divides 1:04:54

3M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

By Scan Media, LLC

1
Cursing, Criticism, and the Conversations Worth Keeping 24:26

3M ago24:26

24:26

A raw look at which relationships and conversations are worth our time—and when to just say f* it. ✨ Episode Summary In this candid, off-the-cuff talk, Corey wrestles with a series of deeply personal and philosophical questions that lie at the heart of this progam’s mission: 👉 Which conversations are worth pursuing? 👉 Which relationships are worth …

1
Inside Heterodox Academy: Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner on Reclaiming Truth in a Fractured Democracy 1:23:54

3M ago1:23:54

1:23:54

Why defending viewpoint diversity might be the most radical—and necessary—act in higher education today. 🎧 Episode Summary What a treat to welcome two leading voices in the fight for viewpoint diversity and constructive civic dialogue: Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at Brookings and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, and Liz Joyner, founder of…

1
Arts & Democracy- Season 1; Episode 1: "How the Arts Can Foster Civic Dialogue" 30:56

3M ago30:56

30:56

In our debut episode of Arts & Democracy: A Global Conversation, Olga Levina sits down with museum education professional Thomas Goehner — formerly of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and The Textile Museum — to explore the future of museums in a time of unprecedented political pressure. From his decades shaping educational programs across major…

1
🎙️ THEY Didn't Do It – A Candid Call for Accountability 19:36

3M ago19:36

19:36

In times of national tragedy, can we resist the urge to turn our grief into political ammo? Sadly, our current leaders can't seem to find their better angels. So who's gonna do the right thing? 🧭 Episode Summary Fair warning: Your trusty friend and host is a little hot under the collar on this one. We're addressing the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s a…

1
Leading the PACK! : Dialogue with Dean Fox & Director Monks 12:51

3M ago12:51

12:51

Send us a text In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, hosts Joel and Abigail sit down with NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean, Dr. Garey Fox, and NC State Extension Director of 4-H, Dr. David Monks. Together, they dive into the future of agriculture, youth leadership, and the vital role 4-H plays in shaping tom…

1
Dr. Beth Allison Barr on Women, Power, and the Pastor’s Wife Problem in Evangelicalism 1:11:36

3M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

What if the role of “pastor’s wife” wasn’t biblical at all, but a cultural invention that sidelined women from ministry? Dr. Beth Allison Barr pulls back the curtain on how power, patriarchy, and politics shaped Evangelical churches—and why reclaiming women’s voices could change everything. Episode Summary So glad to sit down with Dr. Beth Allison …

1
From Trauma to Torah: Rabbi Michael Holzman’s Mission to Rebuild American Democracy 1:14:36

3M ago1:14:36

1:14:36

After October 7, Rabbi Michael Holzman wasn’t just mourning—he was mobilizing. A project he had already spent years developing. Discover how one rabbi is using ancient wisdom, civic rituals, and interfaith grit to heal our fractured democracy. In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Michael Holzman, spiritual leader of the Northern Virginia Hebrew …

1
Governor John Kasich on Healing America: Faith, Forgiveness, and Civic Courage 51:18

3M ago51:18

51:18

A deeply personal and timely conversation with Governor John Kasich on bridging divides, living your values, and why forgiveness is essential in today’s fractured political landscape. We were so pleased to be joined by Governor John Kasich who opens up about the role of faith, forgiveness, and civic duty in his life and career. The conversation spa…

1
Episode 220: Centering Listening and Empathy in Civics with Hilary Conklin & Molly Andolina 38:10

3M ago38:10

38:10

In episode 220, Dan and Michael chat with Hilary Conklin and Molly Andolina about their new TRSE article titled, “ Toward a more empathic, connected, and humanizing democracy: A civics curriculum centering listening and storytelling.”By Visions of Education

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Civic Dialogue Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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