Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

Why would the U.S. strike Iran’s nuclear facilities—and what does it mean for global stability?

In this episode, former U.S. diplomat and Middle East expert Ethan Chorin returns to break down the escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. Chorin, author of Benghazi and writer of The Middle East Told Slant, gives a nuanced view of how the region arrived at this inflection point—from the JCPOA withdrawal to the October 7 Hamas attack and the long shadow of the Abraham Accords.

With deep knowledge of regional proxy wars, U.S. foreign policy, and Iran’s theocratic regime, Chorin explores how power, ideology, and politics collide across borders. He unpacks why Iran's nuclear ambitions are so destabilizing, how Israel’s strategy has evolved, and what the American public often misunderstands about both allies and adversaries.

🔗 Resource Links

Ethan Chorin’s Website: https://ethanchorinauthor.com/
The Middle East Told Slant (Substack): https://ethanchorin.substack.com
Benghazi: A New History: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780306829741

Guest Bio:

Ethan Chorin is a former U.S. diplomat and Middle East expert with over two decades of experience in diplomacy, strategic consulting, and regional analysis. He served in Libya with the State Department and has worked extensively across the Gulf and Red Sea regions. He is the author of Benghazi: A New History of the Fiasco that Pushed America and its World to the Brink and writes the Substack newsletter The Middle East Told Slant.

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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What happens when your faith and your politics collide? In this powerful episode, content creator and author April Ajoy shares her journey from being a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist to becoming a progressive Christian voice calling out religious extremism. Raised in a family of traveling evangelists, April grew up believing America was a Christian nation blessed by God—until personal tragedy, political disillusionment, and her brother’s coming out shattered that worldview.

She opens up about her time working at the 700 Club, the pain of deconstructing toxic theology, and how humor became her tool for resistance. April’s story offers a deeply personal window into how faith can evolve without being abandoned—and why standing up to Christian nationalism is both necessary and hopeful.

👤 Guest Bio
April Ajoy is a content creator, author of Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith, and co-host of The Tim and April Show. Raised in a Pentecostal family steeped in evangelical and nationalist ideology, April now uses satire, storytelling, and social media to challenge Christian nationalism and promote a more inclusive, justice-centered faith.

🔗 Resource Links
Star Spangled Jesus by April Ajoy: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781546006688
The Tim and April Show:  @TimandAprilShow ​on YouTube

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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Pentecostalism is the fastest-growing branch of Christianity worldwide—expected to top 1 billion by 2050. But what happens when elements of this movement intersect with far-right politics and spiritual warfare rhetoric? In this episode, Canadian scholar Dr. André Gagné returns to Faithful Politics to unpack the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), dominion theology, and the Seven Mountain Mandate—ideologies fueling an increasingly militant form of Christian nationalism. Gagné explains how these movements evolved from church growth strategies into political frameworks now embraced by Trump allies like Paula White-Cain and Lance Wallnau. The conversation explores how spiritual language can dehumanize political opponents, what “spiritual warfare” really means, and why Christians should be concerned about the blurring line between faith and authoritarianism.

👤 Guest Bio
Dr. André Gagné is a professor of theological studies at Concordia University in Montreal and a leading expert on the intersection of religion and politics. His research focuses on how the Bible is mobilized in contemporary politics, with a particular interest in dominion theology, Pentecostal-charismatic networks, and religious violence. He is the author of American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and End Times and co-editor of Religion and Violence in Western Traditions. He also hosts the Spirit, State, and Society podcast.

🔗 Resource Links
American Evangelicals for Trump by André Gagné:https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781032415680

Spirit, State, and Society Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCg1iGewURbw0G1Ggfo0I7fA 

André Gagné on Substack: https://substack.com/@andregagne

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

Support the show

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Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?

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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

Support the show and help us keep these conversations going:
patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics

Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Contact the hosts:
Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected]
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Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

Former Ohio Governor John Kasich joins Faithful Politics to discuss his new book, Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build a Future. Kasich opens up about the tragic loss of his parents that led him to deeply explore his faith, his unlikely friendship with a pastor, and the powerful community stories that shaped his latest work. But it’s not all heavy topics — Kasich lightens the conversation with dad jokes and a touching story about meeting Chester Bennington from Linkin Park backstage before the singer’s untimely death. Listen in as hosts Will Wright and Josh Burtram explore how faith, music, and small acts of kindness can leave lasting impacts on people and communities.

Guest Bio:
John Kasich is the former governor of Ohio and a two-time presidential candidate. He is the author of Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build a Future. Kasich, a lifelong Christian, blends humor and humility in his reflections on faith, politics, and pop culture — from reading Isaiah on Mondays to rocking out to Metallica on Fridays.

Resources & Links:

Heaven Help Us by John Kasich: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780310368823
John Kasich's Website: JohnKasich.com

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

Support the show

Keep the conversation going.

Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?

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faithfulpolitics.substack.com

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Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

Launched in 2003, PEPFAR has saved over 25 million lives and stood as one of America’s most celebrated bipartisan achievements. But under the Trump administration's second term, this global health initiative faces near-total collapse. In this urgent conversation, Peter Wehner—a veteran of three Republican administrations and a key PEPFAR advocate—explains how executive orders, the gutting of USAID, and MAGA-driven misinformation have jeopardized millions. Wehner, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and contributor to The Atlantic and The New York Times, also reflects on the unraveling of U.S. soft power, the erosion of moral clarity in the evangelical world, and how Christians should respond to mass suffering abroad.

From the devastation of Africa’s healthcare infrastructure to the ideological reshaping of the GOP, this episode is a powerful wake-up call for anyone concerned with human dignity, public health, or the soul of American politics.

👤 Guest Bio
Peter Wehner is a contributing writer for The Atlantic and The New York Times and a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. He served in three Republican presidential administrations, including as deputy director of speechwriting and director of strategic initiatives under President George W. Bush. A key advocate for PEPFAR, he continues to write and speak on faith, politics, and democracy.

The Republican Betrayal of PEPFAR: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/09/republican-pepfar-renewal/675433/

AMERICA’S MAD KING: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/04/donald-trump-authoritarian-actions/682486/

PEPFAR: https://www.state.gov/pepfar/

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

Support the show

Keep the conversation going.

Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?

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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

Support the show and help us keep these conversations going:
patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics

Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Contact the hosts:
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Follow Faithful Politics:
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Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

Note: We recorded this episode before we learned about the decision in the St. Isidore case.

 religious beliefs being weaponized to reshape public education? In this episode, Rachel Laser—CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State—joins hosts Will and Josh to unpack two major Supreme Court cases: Mahmoud v. Taylor and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. Both cases carry huge implications for the future of religious freedom, public schooling, and church-state separation.

Laser explains how one case centers on parents trying to opt out of LGBTQ-inclusive books, while the other could open the floodgates for religious public charter schools funded by taxpayer dollars. Drawing from legal expertise and personal faith, Laser offers a bold and nuanced defense of pluralism, public education, and constitutional integrity. With the stakes this high, these rulings could redefine what it means to be an American student—or a person of faith.

👤 Guest Bio
Rachel Laser is the President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. A lawyer, strategist, and advocate, Laser previously served as deputy director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. She is a frequent commentator on First Amendment issues and a national voice defending the integrity of church-state separation.

🔗 Resource Links
Americans United for Separation of Church and State: https://www.au.org
Mahmoud v. Taylor: https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/mahmoud-v-taylor/

Split Supreme Court blocks first religious charter school in Oklahoma: https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/05/split-supreme-court-blocks-first-religious-charter-school-in-oklahoma/

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

Support the show

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Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?

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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

Support the show and help us keep these conversations going:
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Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Contact the hosts:
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Follow Faithful Politics:
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Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

In the wake of recent executive orders aimed at tightening voter registration requirements, Will Wright and Josh Burtram welcome back Jessica Huseman, the editorial director of VoteBeat. They discuss the implications of Trump's proposed documentation proof of citizenship, the SAVE Act, and their potential impact on voter access. Jessica also sheds light on the challenges facing election workers in the current political climate, the unintended consequences of voter ID laws, and why voting technology remains a small, underfunded industry despite its critical role in democracy.

Guest Bio:
Jessica Huseman is the editorial director of VoteBeat, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to covering voting access and election administration across the United States. She is a prominent voice in election integrity, with a focus on how voter ID laws and executive orders impact marginalized communities. Her work has been featured in major news outlets and she continues to be a trusted source for understanding the complexities of election policy.

• VoteBeat: votebeat.org
• Heritage Foundation Election Fraud Database: heritage.org/voterfraud
• Executive Order on Documentary Proof of Citizenship: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/preserving-and-protecting-the-integrity-of-american-elections/
• Addressing Risks from Chris Krebs and Government Censorship: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/addressing-risks-from-chris-krebs-and-government-censorship/
• SAVE Act Legislation: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/22
• Dominion Voting Systems Settlement: https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-lawsuit-trial-trump-2020-0ac71f75acfacc52ea80b3e747fb0afe
  
  

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

Support the show

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Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?

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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

Support the show and help us keep these conversations going:
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Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Contact the hosts:
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Follow Faithful Politics:
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Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

In Oklahoma, religious extremism is reshaping public education, political rhetoric, and community life. In this episode, Faithful Politics hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck, the new Executive Director of Faithful America. Fleck discusses her journey from ministry to public advocacy, the rise of Christian nationalism in Oklahoma, and the battle against religious indoctrination in public schools. She also unpacks the implications of recent legislative moves, including a controversial social studies curriculum backed by religious right power players like Kevin Roberts, Dennis Prager, and David Barton. Fleck explains how the fight for true religious liberty is being reframed as a war on 'anti-Christian bias' and what it means for churches, schools, and marginalized communities across the nation.

Guest Bio:
Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck is the Executive Director of Faithful America, the largest online community of Christians advocating for social justice. Previously, she served as the head of the Oklahoma Faith Network, where she championed interfaith dialogue and public advocacy in a deeply conservative state. Fleck's work focuses on countering religious extremism and advocating for genuine religious liberty, especially in the context of public education and policy.

Resources & Links:
Faithful America: faithfulamerica.org
Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck’s Substack: https://substack.com/@smfleck

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?

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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

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Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com

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Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

In an era where political figures command crowds with cult-like devotion, what role does charisma truly play in shaping public life? Historian and journalist Molly Worthen joins Faithful Politics to explore the deep history of charisma—from the revivals of Anne Hutchinson and Joseph Smith to the populism of Donald Trump. Worthen, author of Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, unpacks how this powerful force straddles the sacred and secular.

She also shares her own remarkable journey from secularism to Christianity, explains why younger generations may be rethinking faith, and reflects on the prophetic burden Christians carry in a polarized democracy. From MAGA rallies to megachurches to TikTok gurus, we explore how belief, authority, and identity are being redefined in the 21st century.

👤 Guest Bio:
Molly Worthen is a historian, journalist, and associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She specializes in American religious and intellectual history. Her latest book is Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump. Worthen is also a contributing writer for outlets like The New York Times and The New Yorker.

🔗 Resources & Links:
Spellbound by Molly Worthen: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780593729007
Molly Worthen’s Website: mollyworthen.com

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

Support the show

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Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?

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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

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Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com

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Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

In a time when LGBTQ Christians still face rejection from many pulpits, author and theologian Brandan Robertson is helping them reclaim their place at the table. In this episode, we talk with Brandan about his new book Queer Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table. He shares his personal journey from fundamentalist roots to becoming an openly gay pastor, and explains why many traditional interpretations of Scripture—especially on sexuality—fail to hold up under scholarly scrutiny.
We unpack the meaning behind the word “queer,” the dangers of biblical literalism, and how Brandan’s experience at Moody Bible Institute helped him realize the fear-based theology he was taught didn't reflect the God of love. He also offers advice for LGBTQ individuals navigating their own faith and identity—and makes the case for a more expansive, inclusive Christianity rooted in honesty, history, and hope.

👤 Guest Bio:
Brandan Robertson is an author, pastor, and activist working at the intersection of faith, sexuality, and justice. He is the pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in NYC and founder of the Devout Foundation. Known widely as the "TikTok Pastor," his digital reach spans nearly 300,000 followers. His latest book is Queer Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table.

🔗 Resources & Links:
📘 Queer Christian by Brandan Robertson: QueerChristian.org
🌐 Brandan Robertson’s Website: brandanrobertson.com
📍 Tour Info & Events: QueerChristian.org/tour

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

Support the show

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Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?

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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

Support the show and help us keep these conversations going:
patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics

Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Contact the hosts:
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