Crossing Faiths

In this podcast interview, Rabbi Sarah Noyovitz ("Rabbi Noyo") and John Pinna engage in a thoughtful conversation centered on the power of language in multi-faith dialogues, particularly regarding sensitive issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. They explore how certain charged words, like "genocide," can halt meaningful conversations and discuss the importance of using language that facilitates productive dialogue rather than escalating tensions. Rabbi Noyo also shares personal experiences from their work in inclusive religious spaces, emphasizing the need to modernize traditional language and practices to accommodate diverse identities, including the use of gender-neutral Hebrew and inclusive rituals for LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing progressive change to foster a more welcoming, accessible faith community.

https://therabbinoyo.com/

Special Guest: Rabbi Noyo.

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Troy Gramling is pastor of Potential Church, a fast-growing church based in the Fort Lauderdale area with over 20,000 members. He recently released his new book, the title of which is "Potential: The Uncontainable Power of God Within You." In this interview, Elliot Toman engages Troy in a discussion about his definition of success in the context of Christian ministry, and his experiences transitioning from a small church in rural Arkansas to a megachurch in South Florida. They also discuss the challenges of pursuing a positive legacy in church leadership, about the differences between Joel Osteen and Rick Warren, and about Pastor Troy's appearances on the @preachersnsneakers Instagram feed.

Potential: The Uncontainable Power of God Within You

https://troygramling.com/

Special Guest: Troy Gramling.

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The conversation between John Pinna and Father John Anderson on the podcast centers around the role of political debates in U.S. elections, particularly reflecting on a recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They criticize the current state of media-driven debates, viewing them as spectacle rather than informative discourse, arguing that debates should focus on policy specifics rather than personal attacks or superficial commentary. They emphasize the need for a more responsible and informed citizenry, advocating for multiple thematic debates that cover crucial issues like the economy, national security, and foreign policy. They also explore concerns about political leadership, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the importance of holding political figures accountable for clear, actionable policies.

Special Guest: Father John Anderson.

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Dr. James Beacham is a physicist at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. He researches phenomena such as dark matter and quantum black holes, and is known for his advocacy for next-generation collider experiments at higher energies. In addition to his research, he regularly speaks around the globe about the future of science, technology, and society.

In this podcast interview, John Pinna and Dr. Beacham delve into a variety of topics surrounding the collider's work and its public perception. Beacham addresses common misconceptions and conspiracy theories, emphasizing that CERN's research is focused solely on understanding the natural world, not the supernatural. They discuss the basic principles of particle physics, the nature of dark matter, and the scientific method, highlighting the excitement of exploring fundamental questions about the universe. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of science and faith, exploring how human curiosity drives the quest for knowledge.

See more of Dr. Beacham:

Special Guest: James Beacham.

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Dr. Hayes shares his journey from atheism to Christianity, detailing his experiences with the occult and a profound spiritual encounter that led him to faith. The conversation also touches on the intersection of science and religion, particularly how Dr. Hayes reconciles his work as a nuclear physicist with his Christian beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both purpose and function in life, reflecting on how objective truth and the concept of God intertwine in his worldview. Additionally, Dr. Hayes discusses the challenges of changing public perceptions about nuclear energy, particularly how narratives can shape societal views and the importance of communicating scientific truths effectively. The interview highlights his ongoing efforts to balance his professional work with his spiritual journey.

Dr. Robert Hayes is an associate professor of nuclear engineering at North Carolina State University with a unique blend of scientific expertise and deep personal faith. Professionally, Dr. Hayes is recognized for his contributions to nuclear science and engineering. He developed an undergraduate minor and a graduate certificate in health physics at NC State, focusing on radiation safety and radiological protection. His work is deeply informed by his belief in the intersection of science and faith, seeing no conflict between his religious convictions and his scientific pursuits. Dr. Hayes is also a passionate educator and communicator, utilizing social media platforms to distill complex scientific topics into accessible content for the general public. He is particularly focused on reshaping public perceptions of nuclear energy, advocating for its safety and potential benefits in a world facing significant energy challenges.

Dr. Hayes on Youtube:

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In this podcast interview, John Pinna and Jack Jewell discuss several controversial topics related to gender, sexuality, and religion. They begin by analyzing the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which they view as promoting a "woke agenda" and queer aesthetics. The conversation then shifts to the issue of transgender athletes competing in women's sports, focusing on a specific boxing match that raised concerns about fairness and safety. Jewell provides insights into the complexities of intersex conditions and critiques what he sees as the overreach of transgender activism. The discussion also touches on religious freedom, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, with Pinna sharing his experiences in advocating for minority rights within Islamic contexts. Throughout the interview, both speakers express skepticism towards certain progressive ideologies and policies, while attempting to navigate complex cultural and religious issues.

Jack Jewell is an Irish man living in London and an independent political commentator on YouTube. He creates entertaining video essays, reaction videos, and also hosts his own podcast - The Jack Jewell Podcast - where he discusses current issues as well as interviewing guests in long form. Jack primarily focuses on social and cultural issues. He regularly promotes freedom of speech, condemns cancel culture, and critiques the rise of ‘wokeism,’ - sharing his opinions on how these issues are impacting Western society, particularly gay people.

Special Guest: Jack Jewell.

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In this conversation, Jack Jewell and John Pinna discuss Islam, its place in Western societies, and the challenges of Muslim integration. They explore topics such as the diversity within Islam, the impact of post-colonial systems on Muslim-majority countries, and the struggle for Muslim identity in secular Western nations. Pinna, drawing from his experience as a Muslim scholar and leader, provides insights into Islamic law, the varying interpretations of Islamic texts, and the complexities of reconciling traditional Islamic values with modern Western ideals. They address issues such as LGBTQ+ rights in Muslim communities, the influence of conservative Islamic organizations, and the challenges faced by Muslims in maintaining their faith while integrating into Western society. The conversation also touches on the rise of extremism among some British-born Muslims and the need for open dialogue between Muslim communities and their host societies.

Jack Jewell is an Irish man living in London and an independent political commentator on YouTube. He creates entertaining video essays, reaction videos, and also hosts his own podcast - The Jack Jewell Podcast - where he discusses current issues as well as interviewing guests in long form. Jack primarily focuses on social and cultural issues. He regularly promotes freedom of speech, condemns cancel culture, and critiques the rise of ‘wokeism,’ - sharing his opinions on how these issues are impacting Western society, particularly gay people.

Special Guest: Jack Jewell.

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In this interview, John Pinna and Jack Jewell discuss the complex and often contentious issues surrounding queer theory, LGBTQ+ identity, and the politicization of sexuality. Jewell, a gay man, critiques what he sees as the ideological capture of LGBTQ+ activism by queer theory and gender identity politics. He argues that these movements have strayed from earlier goals of equality and acceptance, instead promoting divisive ideas that alienate many gay people. The conversation touches on the parallels between queer theory and religious ideologies, the medicalization of transgender identities, and the challenges faced by those who dissent from mainstream LGBTQ+ narratives. Jewell expresses concern about the impact of these ideologies on children and the erosion of women's spaces. Throughout, Pinna draws comparisons to his experiences with religious extremism and identity politics in Islam, highlighting the similarities in how ideologies can co-opt and divide communities.

Jack Jewell is an Irish man living in London and an independent political commentator on YouTube. He creates entertaining video essays, reaction videos, and also hosts his own podcast - The Jack Jewell Podcast - where he discusses current issues as well as interviewing guests in long form. Jack primarily focuses on social and cultural issues. He regularly promotes freedom of speech, condemns cancel culture, and critiques the rise of ‘wokeism,’ - sharing his opinions on how these issues are impacting Western society, particularly gay people.

Special Guest: Jack Jewell.

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Jeff Mitchell was raised in a Christian home but did not fully commit to Christianity until he decided to devote his life to Christ at the age of 16. For the next three decades, he studied the Bible intensively, believing it to be the Holy Inspired Word of God and a direct message from the one true deity. However, over time, Mitchell began to encounter what he perceived as numerous errors, contradictions, and troubling teachings within the Bible. He also observed widespread conflict, chaos, and confusion among Christians, which led him to question his beliefs.

Driven by a desire to uncover the truth, Mitchell embarked on a journey of inquiry and reflection. Through this process, he came to several conclusions: if a God exists, Mitchell believes there is no logical explanation to support that this deity is good or compassionate. In his view, if there is a God, this being uses divine power to remain hidden and silent. Furthermore, Mitchell posits that such a God neither wants nor needs praise, and is unworthy of it.

Mitchell now holds the perspective that humanity is on its own. He believes that if people desire a better life, it is up to humans themselves to turn their dreams into reality, rather than relying on divine intervention.

Jeff Mitchell's Linktree:

Special Guest: Jeff Mitchell.

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In this interview, John Pinna speaks with Nicole Jansezian, a Christian journalist living in Jerusalem. They discuss Jansezian's journey from being an Italian-American New Yorker to marrying into the Armenian community in Jerusalem and her experiences as a religious minority in Israel. The conversation covers various topics including the diversity of religious communities in Jerusalem, recent attacks on Christians, the complex political landscape of Israel, and the ongoing debate about judicial reform. Jansezian shares insights about the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem, its historical significance, and current challenges faced by the community, particularly regarding land ownership and potential demographic changes. The interview also touches on the unique aspects of Israel's government system, the lack of a formal constitution, and how these factors affect religious minorities. Throughout the discussion, Jansezian provides a nuanced perspective on life in Jerusalem, balancing observations about religious freedom with acknowledgment of existing tensions and challenges.

Nicole Jansezian lives in Jerusalem where she reports on the complicated yet beautiful aspects of this city as well as the challenges facing the people of the Holy Land. She and her husband Tony are raising three children in a crossroads of languages, cultures and religions.

Special Guest: Nicole Jansezian.

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