Each new calendar year seems to bring a fresh slate of challenges for this country. While some of us might look to the new year with trepidation, we can take comfort in the incredible victories our community achieved together in 2022. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we will sit down with three inspiring guests to help us think about ways to chart the best course in the year ahead.

We live in a time of global and technological disruption that, for many of us, make it difficult to be mindful of the present. Sharon Salzberg, a central figure in the field of meditation and a New York Times bestselling author, has spent her career bringing Buddhist wisdom to contemporary challenges to help others connect with the people and values that matter most. Sharon will join Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, host of State of Belief, to discuss change, resilience, and her new book, Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World.

A central question of our time is how – across faith and place – we can build inclusive spaces that celebrate every person’s humanity and worth. An influential moral voice for inclusivity and spirituality is Father James Martin, SJ, who has put that ethic into practice throughout his career. Editor-at-large at America Magazine, Father Jim will join Paul to discuss holding on to hope and resisting haters.

We’re always thrilled to welcome back repeat guests on State of Belief, and our next guest first joined us all the way back in 2010! An interfaith activist, humanist leader, author, and educator, Chris Stedman is an essential voice on the biggest challenges facing the multifaith movement for justice and equality. Chris will sit down with Paul discuss the religious freedom landscape heading into the new year.