In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 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: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times 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. 🎙️💡…
In this episode, Michael is joined by Reggie Hammond, a seasoned Maine warden whose career has taken him from the deep woods of Maine to some of the most remote fishing waters in the world. With decades of experience in wildlife law enforcement and a lifelong love for angling, Reggie shares thrilling stories of chasing poachers, exploring legendary fisheries, and living at the intersection of conservation and adventure. Episode Release: 3/25/2025 S3E11: Reggie Hammond, “Veteran Maine Warden and World-Traveled Angler” www.flylinepodcast.com #FlyLinePodcast #MichaelJones #FlyFishing #MaineWardens #FishingAdventures #OutdoorStories #GlobalFishing #ReggieHammond #MaineOutdoors…
In this episode, Michael is joined by Alex Poland, whose life is a unique blend of creativity, adventure, and living his best life in the great outdoors. From painting inspired by Maine’s wilderness to building a yurt retreat, Alex shares his journey of balancing artistry, fishing, and entrepreneurship in Western Maine. Episode Release: 3/11/2025 S3E10: Alex Poland, “Artist, Guide, and Yurt Retreat Visionary” www.flylinepodcast.com #FlyLinePodcast #FlyFishing #MaineCreatives #OutdoorLiving #YurtLife #FishingMaine #ArtMeetsNature #MichaelJones #WhereWatersMeetPodcast…
In this episode, Michael is joined by special guest co-host Bill Pierce as they welcome a true Maine fly fishing legend, Aldro French. Together, they dive into Aldro’s lifetime of adventures, from guiding on the Rapid River to winters at Forest Lodge. With stories of legendary fishing days and lifelong friendships, Aldro brings humor, history, and heart to every tale. Episode Release: 2/25/2025 S3E9: Aldro French, the “Rapid River Fly Fishing Legend” www.flylinepodcast.com #FlyFishing #FishingLegends #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #RiverStories #FlyLinePodcast #Maine #FishingLife #MaineWaters #michaeljones #StateOfMaine #rapidrivermaine…
In this episode, Maine’s Department of Marine Resources Commissioner, Pat Keliher, invites Michael to his HQ and shares his remarkable journey of guiding through challenging waters, transforming fisheries, and leading conservation efforts. With insights into the evolution of the striped bass fishery and Maine’s commercial fisheries future, this is a compelling story you won’t want to miss! Episode Release: 2/11/2025 S3E8: Pat Keliher, the “Commissioner of Maine’s Marine Resources” www.flylinepodcast.com #FlyFishing #Maine #Conservation #StripedBass #FishingLife #OceanStories #FlyLinePodcast #MaineWaters #FisheriesManagement #michaeljones #StateOfMaine #commissioner…
Join us for an inspiring episode as Michael sits down with Josh Brown, who shares the story of his powerful journey from military service to finding purpose and fulfillment through the art of crafting custom landing nets in Maine. Episode Release: 1/21/25 S3E7: Josh Brown, a “Veteran Finding Purpose in Crafting Landing Nets” www.flylinepodcast.com #flyfishing #maineveterans #woodcraft #maineflyfishing #fishme #michaeljones #FishingCommunity #MayFlyNets #FlyLinePodcast #LandingNets…
Join us as Michael sits down with Glenn Grant, a remarkable figure in Rangeley’s wilderness, sharing tales of fly fishing history and family legacies. Episode Release: 1/7/25 S3E6: Glenn Grant, a "Living Legacy of Rangeley Sporting History" www.flylinepodcast.com #flyfishing #fishing #fishingmaine #maine #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #grantscampsmaine #grantscamps #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast #livingmainehistory…
Join us as Michael talks with Rangeley's best-known Maine Guide, Kris Thompson, who shares his expert insights, stories of guided brook trout adventures, and his perspective on building a lifelong guiding career. Episode Release: 12/17/24 S3E5: Kris Thompson, the "Master of Rangeley Brook Trout Pursuits" www.flylinepodcast.com #flyfishing #fishing #fishingmaine #maine #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #MaineGuide #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast #mainebrooktroutfishing…
Join us for our second episode of two with Leslie Hilyard as the conversation deepens, exploring the remarkable legacy of Herb Welch. Leslie shares fascinating insights uncovered in exploring the background and history surrounding this Legendary Maine Guide from Oquossoc, including the unexpected tale of an unsolved murder mystery, revealing how every story can lead to surprising and captivating discoveries. Episode Release: 11/26/24 S3E4: Leslie Hilyard, a "Keeper of Maine’s Fly Fishing History” Pt. 2 www.flylinepodcast.com #mainehistory #HerbWelch #WhoKilledOtisBean #flyfishinglife #fishing #fishingmaine #mainelife #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #MaineGuide #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast…
We are excited to share the first of two episodes, where Michael and Leslie have a delightful conversation about Leslie and his father's remarkable work in writing a book that honors a Maine legend, Carrie Stevens, and her incredible impact on the world of fly fishing as a historical breakthrough fly tyer. Episode Release: 11/12/24 S3E3: Leslie Hilyard, a "Keeper of Maine’s Fly Fishing History” Pt. 1 www.flylinepodcast.com #mainehistory #CarrieStevens #flyfishinglife #fishing #fishingmaine #mainelife #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #MaineGuide #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast…
Join Michael and Sue Daignault for a remarkable conversation about recovery, the great outdoors, and finding solace in 'A Full Net'. Episode Release: 10/29/24 S3E2: Sue Daignault, a "Voice of Purpose and Authenticity." www.flylinepodcast.com #flyfishing #fishing #fishingmaine #maine #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #MaineGuide #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast #mainewomenflyfishers #AFullNet…
Join us for an amazing conversation about perseverance and passion with Bonnie Holding. Hear about Bonnie's journey breaking barriers in the fly fishing world and inspiring a new generation of women anglers. Episode Release: 10/15/24 S3E1: Bonnie Holding, a “Living Legend For Women Fly Fishing” www.flylinepodcast.com #flyfishing #fishing #fishingmaine #maine #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #MaineGuide #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast #mainewomenflyfishers #castingforrecovery…
Join us as Michael sits down for a deeply touching conversation with Jeff Davis of Maine Fly Company. Learn how craftsmanship meets passion, where every fly rod is not just a tool but a piece of art with a story. Episode Release: 3/19/23 S2E12: Jeff Davis, the "Visionary Behind Maine Fly Company" www.flylinepodcast.com #flyfishing #fishing #fishingmaine #maine #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #MaineGuide #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast #MaineFlyCompany…
In this episode, Evelyn King shares the wonderful story of her love for fly fishing, the empowerment of women, and her lifelong passion for the great outdoors. Episode Release: 3/5/23 S2E11: Evelyn King, a “Guiding Light for Women Fly Fishers” www.flylinepodcast.com #flyfishing #fishing #fishingmaine #maine #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #MaineGuide #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast #mainewomenflyfishers…
Join us as Maine’s legendary guide, John Wood, gives us an in-depth look at his fascinating career journey, practical innovations, and much more! Episode Release: 2/20/23 S2E10: John Wood, a "Master of Maine Woods & Waters" www.flylinepodcast.com #flyfishing #fishing #fishingmaine #maine #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #MaineGuide #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast…
You'll love this conversation with Steve Brooke as he shares his career journey, from his work as a conservator specializing in restoring art and historical artifacts to his involvement with the environmental advocacy efforts to remove the Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River in Maine. Episode Release: 2/6/23 S2E9: Steve Brooke, a "Conservator for the Kennebec" www.flylinepodcast.com #flyfishing #fishing #fishingmaine #maine #maineflyfishing #fishme #luminaries #michaeljones #MaineGuide #OutdoorLife #FishingCommunity #FlyLinePodcast…
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