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Content provided by John Pinna and Elliot Toman, John Pinna, and Elliot Toman. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by John Pinna and Elliot Toman, John Pinna, and Elliot Toman or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
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Crossing Faiths
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Content provided by John Pinna and Elliot Toman, John Pinna, and Elliot Toman. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by John Pinna and Elliot Toman, John Pinna, and Elliot Toman or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Crossing Faiths is a podcast where people from diverse religious backgrounds openly discuss everything you're NOT supposed to discuss at the dinner table. Join hosts Jt Pinna, a career national security, international affairs, and D.C. insider, and Elliot Toman, a former media director in the Evangelical church, as they engage in lively conversations about the impact of faith on current events. Crossing Faiths also welcomes guests from various religious and experiential backgrounds to share their insights. The podcast was initially developed in collaboration with Matt Hawkins, a former policy director for the Southern Baptist Convention. Their conversations are built on a decade of collaboration, advocating in Washington, D.C., for religious freedom domestically and globally. The two developed the podcast to share conversations that model friendship and cooperation despite profound differences in religion and background. The podcast has reached almost 3 million multi-faith listeners, 83% millennials.
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166 episodes
Mark all (un)played …
Manage series 2581593
Content provided by John Pinna and Elliot Toman, John Pinna, and Elliot Toman. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by John Pinna and Elliot Toman, John Pinna, and Elliot Toman or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Crossing Faiths is a podcast where people from diverse religious backgrounds openly discuss everything you're NOT supposed to discuss at the dinner table. Join hosts Jt Pinna, a career national security, international affairs, and D.C. insider, and Elliot Toman, a former media director in the Evangelical church, as they engage in lively conversations about the impact of faith on current events. Crossing Faiths also welcomes guests from various religious and experiential backgrounds to share their insights. The podcast was initially developed in collaboration with Matt Hawkins, a former policy director for the Southern Baptist Convention. Their conversations are built on a decade of collaboration, advocating in Washington, D.C., for religious freedom domestically and globally. The two developed the podcast to share conversations that model friendship and cooperation despite profound differences in religion and background. The podcast has reached almost 3 million multi-faith listeners, 83% millennials.
…
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166 episodes
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Crossing Faiths

1 160: Ani Zonneveld - Muslims for Progressive Values 44:41
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In this episode, John Pinna has a conversation with Ani Zonneveld, founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV). Zonneveld discusses the organization's founding in response to the narrow representation of American Muslims post-9/11 and the dominance of conservative Muslim organizations. She highlights MPV's commitment to "10 principles" rooted in the social justice values of the Quran, emphasizing human dignity for all, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and the importance of egalitarian spiritual leadership, including female imams. The discussion also touches on the shifting political landscape, the increasing alliance between the Christian and Muslim right based on "family values" as code for anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, and the potential threats to public education through legal challenges rooted in religious liberty claims. Zonneveld contrasts progressive faith organizations, which advocate for the separation of religion and state and inclusive values, with conservative religious groups that utilize religion to justify discrimination. She shares personal anecdotes, including a powerful encounter with an orthodox imam that led to a change in perspective on LGBTQ+ dignity. Zonneveld also critiques the hypocrisy within interfaith circles and the lack of action on human rights issues by some religious organizations. She ultimately emphasizes the importance of operationalizing core Islamic values of social justice and universal human dignity and making these teachings accessible to the public to foster change from within the Muslim community. Support Crossing Faiths…
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Crossing Faiths

1 159: 159: Jeff Mitchell - Was Jesus Real? 1:16:47
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This episode features a conversation between John Pinna and Jeff Mitchell, an atheist and author of the book " Jesus Demigod ", which argues that Jesus did not exist. Mitchell shares his faith journey, having grown up as a Christian in the Bible Belt and later becoming an atheist after critically examining the Bible and Christian theology. The conversation explores topics such as the historicity of Jesus, the reliability of the New Testament, and the concept of truth. Mitchell argues that the evidence for Jesus is abysmal and that the stories about him are literary creations, while John Pinna shares his perspective as a person of faith, highlighting the importance of respectful dialogue and critical thinking. The discussion touches on the challenges of confronting uncomfortable truths, the value of life, and the need for civil conversations in the face of disagreement. Special Guest: Jeff Mitchell. Support Crossing Faiths…
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Crossing Faiths

1 158: Francesca Albanese - Palestinian Human Rights 28:29
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This episode features a conversation with Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, who details the legal and political realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She argues that Israel’s 57-year occupation is unlawful and functions as a vehicle for annexation and repression, characterizing it as apartheid. Albanese asserts that Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza, as part of a long-term plan to create a Greater Israel devoid of Palestinians, and that this is increasingly extending to the repression of Jewish citizens who oppose the occupation. She critiques the international community's insufficient response, highlighting the need for accountability through sanctions and divestment, and stresses the importance of recognizing Palestinian rights – including the right to self-determination, an end to apartheid, and reparations – before pursuing political solutions like a two-state solution. Ultimately, she emphasizes the urgent need to halt the ongoing destruction and potential erasure of the Palestinian people and to shift focus towards protecting their fundamental human rights. https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-palestine/francesca-albanese Ms. Francesca Albanese is an international lawyer, specialised in human rights and the Middle East. Since May 2022, she has served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 (oPt). Support Crossing Faiths…
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Crossing Faiths

1 157: 157: The Problem with Human Presidents 1:02:45
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In their podcast conversation, John Pinna and Elliot Toman discuss the evolution of religious freedom within the context of the Trump administrations. They examine how Trump 1.0 championed international religious freedom, while Trump 2.0 has shifted towards a focus on "religious liberty," specifically targeting anti-Christian bias, which prompts concerns about potential oppression. They analyze the shift in terminology noting the approval of a military battle plan by Trump's administration that targeted Muslims during prayer. Pinna and Toman debate whether this shift is due to Trump's personal convictions which they doubt, or the influence of certain constituencies wanting to promote religious liberty as it is framed. The conversation also explores political maneuvering and how this relates to current events regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Support Crossing Faiths…
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1 156: Hasia Diner - Food and Culture of Jewish Immigrants 34:40
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This podcast episode explores the multifaceted relationship between food, identity, and community, particularly within immigrant and Jewish communities in America. It features a discussion with a professor emerita specializing in American Jewish and immigration history, who shares personal anecdotes and insights related to how food serves as both a boundary, preserving cultural traditions and a bridge, fostering connection and understanding across different groups. The conversation touches on historical and present-day dynamics, how food cultures have shifted, the politicization of food and the challenges and opportunities this presents. Hasia R. Diner is an American historian who serves as Professor Emerita at the Departments of History and the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University. She previously held the position of Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Professor of American Jewish History. Diner is the Director of the Goldstein-Goren Center for American Jewish History and has also served as Interim Director of Glucksman Ireland House NYU. She was the former series editor for the Goldstein-Goren series in American Jewish History. Her prolific scholarship includes notable works such as "Hungering for America: Italian, Irish and Jewish Foodways in the Age of Migration," "The Jews of the United States, 1654 to 2000," "We Remember With Reverence and Love: American Jews and the Myth of Silence after the Holocaust, 1945–1962," and "Immigration: An American History," co-authored with Carl Bon Tempo. Support Crossing Faiths…
This episode features a conversation with Momin Sheikh, exploring the intersection of faith, culture, and identity within the Muslim community, particularly focusing on the experiences of first-generation American Muslims. The hosts discuss the nuances of being "Pakistani Muslim" versus strictly religious, addressing how cultural practices often blend with and sometimes overshadow core Islamic tenets. The conversation navigates through personal faith journeys, the challenges of maintaining religious identity in a Western context, especially post-9/11, and the evolving interpretation of Islamic practices. They examine the importance of spirituality, good works, and ethical conduct as expressions of faith, while grappling with prescriptive religious practices and the diversity of beliefs within Islam, advocating for a more inclusive and action-oriented approach to faith. Momin Sheikh is an entrepreneur and real estate developer based in Philadelphia. At Frankel Management Company (FMC), he leads development efforts with his team to deliver 100-200 multi-family residential units and over 250,000 sq. ft. of commercial space annually. His work focuses on fund strategy, capital raises, and investor relations, bringing transformative projects to life. Beyond real estate, Momin is the founder of Open Admissions, an edtech company dedicated to expanding access to higher education. Through technology-driven solutions, the platform empowers students to navigate the college admissions process with confidence and clarity. Previously, he founded MerakiCMO, a consulting agency that served over two dozen multinational clients. Before launching his own ventures, he held senior finance roles at JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, gaining extensive experience in investment banking, private equity, and commercial lending. That background shaped his ability to structure deals, underwrite investments, and foster strong relationships with stakeholders. Momin is also deeply committed to philanthropy. He co-founded Friends For Good, a nonprofit that connects young professionals to charitable causes, and serves on the boards of organizations such as CareLink, Down North Pizza, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, where he mentors and contributes to community-driven initiatives. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, collecting art, and supporting causes close to his heart. In 2019, he was honored with the Philadelphia Business Journal's 40-Under-40 award, recognizing his contributions to business and the community. Support Crossing Faiths…
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Crossing Faiths

In this conversation between John Pinna and Roya Mahboob, they discuss the stark contrast between Afghanistan's "golden age" of women's advancement from 2001-2021 and the current Taliban regime's gender apartheid policies. Mahboob details how her organization, Digital Citizen Fund, has shifted from establishing technology centers and teaching digital literacy to supporting underground education networks since the Taliban takeover. They explore the upcoming film "Rule Breakers," which chronicles Mahboob's journey and the Afghan girls robotics team, highlighting Muslim women's capabilities in STEM fields. Despite the dire current situation, Mahboob expresses hope, noting that unlike the Taliban's previous rule in 1996, today's younger population has experienced freedom and retains access to information through technology. She emphasizes that education remains the key to preventing extremism, and calls for international pressure on the Taliban alongside practical support for Afghan women's remote learning opportunities. Roya Mahboob is an Afghan tech entrepreneur and the founder of Citadel Software, a software development company based in Herat. In addition to being one of Afghanistan’s first female tech CEOs, Mahboob founded the Digital Citizen Fund, a nonprofit that aims to increase women’s technological literacy and provide employment and educational opportunities for girls in Afghanistan. Mahboob was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2013 for her innovative initiatives to expand computer education. She has created nine IT centers for girls in high schools across Afghanistan and plans to expand her programs to 40 schools, ultimately reaching more than 160,000 female students. Mahboob has also taken her model beyond Afghanistan to schools in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Nepal. After facing death threats from the Taliban and others for her work, Mahboob left the country in 2013 and spent two years working remotely before returning to Afghanistan in 2016. She founded the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, also known as the Afghan Dreamers, an all-girl robotics team. She was recognized as an Asia Game Changer in 2019 and received the Doha Forum Award in 2022. Additionally, Mahboob has been honored with the Lantos Human Rights Awards and the Presidential Leadership Scholarship. The film Rule Breakers release this March 7th, which is based on Roya's experience with the Afghan Girls Robotics Team. Support Crossing Faiths…
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Crossing Faiths

In this candid conversation between John Pinna and Elliot Toman, the hosts explore compelling aspects of religious narratives, focusing on Christianity and Islam's different interpretations of Jesus. John, a Muslim, argues that the Islamic view of Jesus presents him as a prophet who didn't die on the cross but ascended to heaven, removing the "cult of personality" that Christianity created. Elliot, approaching from a Christian perspective, suggests that Christianity's narrative of God "flipping the script" through Jesus's sacrifice can be deeply compelling when properly understood. The conversation examines tensions in both faiths, including Islam's emphasis on clear guidelines versus Christianity's redemptive story, while questioning why God's message seems ambiguous across religions. They critically discuss how religious communities handle persecution complexes, with American Christians redefining "martyrdom" to maintain religious identity while living comfortably, and ultimately reflect on how messianic figures like Trump can supplant authentic religious ideals in contemporary society. Support Crossing Faiths…
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Crossing Faiths

In this podcast interview, John Pinna speaks with Michael Barton, a Muslim revert from Wichita, Kansas who converted to Islam in 2006. Barton discusses his journey from Methodism to Islam, describing how he felt disconnected from his Christian upbringing despite a strong belief in God. He shares how his college anthropology studies and encounters with Muslim students sparked his interest in Islam, particularly when he discovered Islam's connection to biblical prophets and its pure monotheistic concept of God that resonated with his own beliefs. Barton details his gradual immersion in the Muslim community, from his first visit to a mosque to taking his Shahada during Ramadan, through his struggles balancing his new faith with old habits, to eventually becoming a principal at an Islamic school. He now actively shares his faith through TikTok and other social media platforms while reflecting on the challenges of being a Muslim in America's Bible Belt and the importance of presenting Islam with knowledge, nuance, and cultural sensitivity appropriate for the American context. https://linktr.ee/MichaelBarton Support Crossing Faiths…
The interview between John Pinna and Mustafa Akhwand explores various themes related to U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, and Muslim-American experiences. The conversation centers on the need for direct engagement and better understanding between the U.S. government and Middle Eastern countries, particularly in places like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Akhwand, as executive director of Shia Rights Watch, emphasizes the importance of having the right advisors with on-the-ground experience rather than relying on those who lack direct cultural understanding. The discussion also touches on personal experiences with Islamophobia in America, the challenges of current diplomatic approaches, and the need for the new Trump administration to engage directly with minority communities. Throughout the conversation, both speakers stress the importance of moving beyond surface-level policies to develop more nuanced, culturally-informed diplomatic strategies that can better serve both American interests and international relations. Mustafa Akhwand is the founder and Executive director of Shia Rights Watch, with a background in Journalism and Media publishing. He is awarded by Human Rights Education Association for minority rights and certified human rights education trainer. He worked as an advisor for a number of non-violence organizations such as Freemuslim (Center for De-Radicalization & Extremism Prevention). In addition to his work, he cost the podcast “Human Rights Sentinel“, hosting members of minorities in different regions to highlight the human rights violations against other minorities. https://shiarightswatch.org/ Support Crossing Faiths…
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Crossing Faiths

1 150: Creationism and the Multiverse with Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Eli Feder 55:11
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In this episode of Crossing Faiths, Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Eli Feder discuss their endeavor to explore the relationship between science and religion, specifically focusing on using physics to argue for the existence of God. Motivated by a desire to reconcile modern scientific understanding with religious belief, they challenge the notion that science and faith are incompatible. The rabbis introduce the concept of "fine-tuning" in physics, arguing that the precise mathematical constants governing the universe suggest an intelligent designer rather than random chance. They critically examine the multiverse theory as an alternative explanation, presenting it as a less plausible scientific hypothesis. Drawing on their backgrounds in Talmudic study and scientific research, Zimmer and Feder aim to provide a rigorous, accessible argument for God's existence by demonstrating the improbability of our universe's precise conditions arising by accident. Their approach combines deep scientific analysis with the ability to communicate complex ideas in understandable terms, ultimately seeking to offer people a rational framework for understanding faith in the modern world. Elie Feder earned a PhD in mathematics from the CUNY Graduate Center and received Rabbinic ordination from his rebbe, Rabbi Yisrael Chait. Since 2004, Elie has been a mathematics professor at Kingsborough Community College and a maggid shiur at Yeshiva Bnei Torah. He has published many papers and delivered numerous talks on graph theory, which is his field of mathematical research. As a teacher, Elie has a passion for simplifying complex topics for his students. Recently, he authored a book “Gematria Refigured,” which presents a rational, nonmystical approach to gematria as a tool of uncovering the significance of quantity and fine tuning in Torah, life, and the universe. Elie hosts the Gematria Refigured+ and the Physics to God podcasts. He resides in Far Rockaway, New York, with his wife and their four children. After earning a physics degree and receiving rabbinical ordination from his rebbe, Rabbi Yisrael Chait, Aaron Zimmer considered furthering his education through graduate school. However, his intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the realm of physics, encompassing a diverse array of fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and psychology. Capitalizing on his blend of analytical and philosophical skills, Aaron utilized his personal resources to venture into commodity futures trading. This endeavor involved commodities such as oil, natural gas, cotton, sugar, and coffee. His strategic approach was deeply rooted in the conceptual frameworks of physics and the intricate Brisker Method for Talmudic analysis. After an eleven-year career marked by success in commodity trading, Aaron decided to retire. In his retirement, Aaron channels his intellectual energy into studying various branches of knowledge, including the Talmud, philosophy, and physics. He co-hosts the Physics to God podcast and resides in Lawrence, New York, along with his wife and their five children. Youtube channel: @PhysicsToGod https://www.physicstogod.com https://www.physicstogod.com/3-proofs-of-god-from-science Support Crossing Faiths…
In this thoughtful conversation between John Pinna and Adi Sharabi, they explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and religious traditions across multiple communities. Adi, who identifies as an Arab Jew with Yemeni roots currently living in Thailand, discusses her journey from being a tour guide in Israel to becoming an online educator and content creator reaching millions of viewers. The conversation delves into the complexities of maintaining multiple cultural identities, particularly as members of diaspora communities, while raising children in multicultural environments. They discuss shared experiences around food traditions, family dynamics, and the challenges of bridging traditional and modern worlds. The dialogue touches on important themes of religious evolution, particularly regarding women's roles in religious spaces, and concludes with a discussion about the potential of "matriarchal diplomacy" as a means of fostering understanding across cultural and religious divides. Special Guest: Adi Sharabi. Support Crossing Faiths…
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Crossing Faiths

1 148: 148: Archetypes, agendas and interference 51:57
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A Christian and a Muslim talk religion & politics. In this episode, John and Elliot engage in a conversation about the archetypal influences behind Star Wars that eventually leads to an examination of how ideological agendas can reduce the effectiveness of humanitarian intervention. Support Crossing Faiths…
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Crossing Faiths

1 147: 147: Good News for Me, but Not for Thee? 35:56
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A Christian and a Muslim talk religion & politics. In this episode, John pushes back against Elliot's suggestion that the Gospel is the cornerstone of Western Civilization by asking: Who's Gospel? Support Crossing Faiths
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A Christian and a Muslim talk religion & politics. In this episode, John and Elliot discuss the function of religion in superimposing meaning over apparent meaninglessness. Support Crossing Faiths
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