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

What does it mean to be an atheist in a world where faith and politics are deeply intertwined? In this episode, we sit down with Hemant Mehta, author, speaker, and creator of The Friendly Atheist blog and podcast. Mehta shares his journey from Jainism to atheism, his experiences visiting churches for his book I Sold My Soul on eBay, and his thoughts on the increasing political influence of religious groups in America.

We also discuss why Christian nationalism is on the rise, how churches use community as a powerful tool, and what patterns he sees emerging in the fight for secularism. Plus, Mehta shares his surprising experience as a Jeopardy!champion and how it changed his perspective on cultural unity. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation challenges assumptions and offers insight into one of the most pressing cultural debates of our time.

Guest Bio:

Hemant Mehta is a writer, speaker, and content creator known for his work on atheism, religion, and politics. He is the author of I Sold My Soul on eBay and The Young Atheist’s Survival Guide and runs The Friendly Atheist blog and podcast. Mehta has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and other major media outlets, and he is also a Jeopardy! champion.

Resources & Links:

• The Friendly Atheist Blog & Substack: FriendlyAtheist.com
• The Friendly Atheist Podcast: FriendlyAtheistPodcast.com
• Books by Hemant Mehta:
  • I Sold My Soul on eBay - https://www.amazon.com/Sold-My-Soul-eBay-Atheists/dp/1400073472
  • The Young Atheist’s Survival Guide - https://a.co/d/3soDfHg

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

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

How should the church engage with the world without becoming entangled in political partisanship? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger to discuss his book The Problem and Promise of Freedom: A Public Theology for the Church. As an artist, scholar, and minister, Dr. Felix-Jäger explores how the church can cultivate a faithful public witness through generosity, hospitality, and a biblically grounded understanding of freedom—without falling into the traps of culture wars and power-seeking.

We discuss the dangers of politicized theology, the role of the church in societal issues like immigration and justice, and how Christians can balance civic engagement with their ultimate allegiance to God’s kingdom. Dr. Felix-Jäger also shares insights on consumerism in the church, the importance of discernment in modern political discourse, and how the church can embody the radical love of Jesus in a deeply polarized world.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger is an artist, scholar, minister, and educator whose work explores the intersection of faith and culture. He is an Associate Professor of Theology and Worship, Chair of the Worship and Media Department, and Director of Academic Research at Life Pacific University in San Dimas, California. He holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Wales, an MFA in Visual Art from Azusa Pacific University, and an MA in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. His latest book, The Problem and Promise of Freedom: A Public Theology for the Church, examines how the church can faithfully engage in public life without becoming captive to political ideologies.

Resources & Links:
📖 The Problem and Promise of Freedom (Baker Academic Website - 30% off): https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-problem-and-promise-of-freedom/421741
📚 What Money Can’t Buy by Michael Sandel: https://scholar.harvard.edu/sandel/publications/what-money-cant-buy-moral-limits-markets
🎙️ Follow Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenfelixjager/

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

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

With the Republican Party shifting in new directions, what does it truly mean to be a conservative today? In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with returning guest Josh Lewis, host of the Saving Elephants podcast, to discuss the state of conservatism in an ever-evolving political landscape. From Trump’s influence on the GOP to the core principles of conservative ideology, they explore whether the modern Republican Party still aligns with its historical roots. They also tackle pressing topics such as government efficiency, political trade-offs, and the philosophical differences between conservative and progressive worldviews. Whether you lean right, left, or somewhere in between, this conversation is sure to challenge your perspective on what it means to be conservative in America today.

Guest Bio:
Josh Lewis is the host of the Saving Elephants  podcast, a show dedicated to exploring the principles of conservatism in today’s political climate. A self-described "Trump-skeptical Republican," Josh offers in-depth analysis on the ideological shifts within the GOP and the broader conservative movement. Outside of podcasting, he works as an auditor for the state of Oklahoma, bringing an informed perspective on government waste, fraud, and efficiency.

Resources & Links:
Saving Elephants Podcast: savingelephantsblog.com
Follow Josh Lewis on X (Twitter): @svngelephants

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

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

Many people struggle with reconciling their faith with the institutional church. In this episode, we sit down with Regina V. Cates, author of The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have: A Call to Bravery, Peace, and Love, to explore the tensions between Jesus' teachings and modern Christianity. Regina shares her personal journey growing up in a fundamentalist church, wrestling with messages of exclusion, and ultimately redefining her understanding of faith, love, and God. We discuss the historical context of scripture, the challenges of questioning religious authority, and why Jesus' core message of love remains a radical call to action. Whether you're deconstructing your faith or simply looking for a deeper conversation about spirituality, this episode offers a thought-provoking discussion on love, integrity, and justice.

Guest Bio:

Regina V. Cates is an author, activist, and speaker dedicated to guiding individuals toward leading heart-centered lives. She co-founded Romancing Your Soul, an organization that encourages people to live with love, compassion, and purpose. Regina also hosted the Lead With Your Heart podcast, offering practical advice on relationships, boundaries, and communication. Her latest book, The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have, is set for release in March 2025.

Resources & Links:

📖 The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have  – https://a.co/d/aCiDVPd
🌍 Regina V. Cates’ Website – reginavcates.com
📷 Follow Regina on Instagram – @reginavcates
📘 Follow Regina on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ReginaVCates

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

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

Immigration remains one of the most contentious issues in American politics, often shrouded in misinformation and political rhetoric. In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Dr. Ernesto Castañeda, sociologist and director of the Immigration Lab at American University, to explore the realities of immigration in the U.S.

Castañeda, co-author of Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions, provides a data-driven perspective on widespread myths about immigration, covering topics such as crime, economic impact, and border security. He explains why undocumented immigrants are statistically less likely to commit crimes than U.S. citizens, why the border wall is largely ineffective, and how mass deportations could devastate the economy.

The conversation also touches on the political discourse surrounding immigration, highlighting how anti-immigrant rhetoric affects elections and how Democrats and Republicans alike misunderstand voter attitudes on the issue. If you want to separate fact from fiction and better understand the real effects of immigration, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Ernesto Castañeda is a sociologist, professor, and director of the Immigration Lab at American University. He specializes in migration, urban issues, health disparities, and political mobilization, with a focus on Latino and immigrant communities in the U.S. and Western Europe. He is the co-author of Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions, which takes a data-driven approach to debunking common myths about immigration.

Resources & Links:

📖 Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions – Columbia University Press: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/immigration-realities/9780231203753

🔗 Ernesto Castañeda’s Immigration Lab – American University: https://theimmigrationlab.org/

📊 Follow Ernesto Castañeda on Bluesky

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

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

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is reshaping the intersection of faith and politics in America. But what exactly is it? In this episode of Faithful Politics, award-winning journalist Stephanie McCrummen joins hosts Will Wright and Josh Burtram to discuss her recent Atlantic article on the NAR and its growing political influence.

They explore the movement’s theological roots, its dominionist ideology, and its alignment with figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Stephanie shares her firsthand reporting from prayer meetings and church gatherings where believers view political victories as spiritual warfare. The conversation also covers the Seven Mountains Mandate, the role of apostles and prophets in modern Christian nationalism, and the broader implications for democracy and religious pluralism.

Join us as we unpack this powerful movement and its potential impact on policies, education, and the future of American governance.

Guest Bio:

Stephanie McCrummen is an award-winning journalist known for her in-depth reporting on the intersection of religion and politics. Her work has covered the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation, Christian nationalism, and radical religious movements in the U.S. She is a contributing writer for The Atlantic and formerly worked at The Washington Post.

Resources & Links:

• Stephanie McCrummen’s Articles in The Atlantic: THE ARMY OF GOD COMES OUT OF THE SHADOWS: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/new-apostolic-reformation-christian-movement-trump/681092/ 
• The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart: https://a.co/d/5MinU5n
• Shadow Network by Anne Nelson: https://a.co/d/aFLPI0v
• Paul Djupe’s Research on Christian Nationalism: https://religioninpublic.blog/2025/01/27/do-people-know-that-the-seven-mountains-of-society-entails-christian-dominion/

This episode provides a deep dive into a religious movement that is often misunderstood but has a significant impact on American politics. Subscribe, rate, and share to help us keep these important conversations going!

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

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

As the Trump administration reshapes America's role in global politics, what does it mean for human rights at home and abroad? Dr. Bill Armaline, professor of sociology and founder of the Human Rights Institute at San Jose State University, returns to Faithful Politics to unpack the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign policy, the ICC’s role in holding world leaders accountable, and the economic and political implications of America's retreat from global leadership. We also dive into China's rise, the power of international labor movements, and what the next four years could mean for climate change, nuclear policy, and working-class Americans.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Bill Armaline is a professor in the Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at San Jose State University, where he founded the Human Rights Institute. His research focuses on social justice, human rights, and global power structures. He is an advocate for labor movements and has written extensively on class struggle, state power, and human rights violations.

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

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

In this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright welcomes back Katherine Stewart, a leading investigative journalist on religious nationalism, to discuss her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy. Katherine unpacks the growing influence of the Christian Right in American politics, showing how religious leaders and billionaire donors are strategically using faith to push an anti-democratic agenda. She explores the historical roots of this movement, its ties to major think tanks like the Claremont Institute and the Heritage Foundation, and how policies from Project 2025 aim to reshape the government. From abortion and immigration to the growing war on expertise, Katherine sheds light on how the Christian nationalist movement is shaping elections and policy in ways most Americans don’t realize. If you want to understand the intersection of faith and power in today’s political landscape, this episode is a must-listen.

Guest Bio: Katherine Stewart
Katherine Stewart is an award-winning investigative journalist and author specializing in the intersection of religion and politics. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, The Guardian, and many other major publications. She is the author of The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism and her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, offers a deep dive into the financial and ideological forces behind the rise of the Christian nationalist movement. With over 16 years of research in this field, Katherine is a leading voice on how faith is weaponized for political power.

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

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

In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Doug Burleigh, a longtime Christian leader, speaker, and former National President of Young Life. Doug has been deeply involved in global faith diplomacy, notably through the National Prayer Breakfast and extensive ministry in Russia and former Soviet states. The conversation covers Doug’s personal faith journey, his experiences working with political and religious leaders worldwide, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of faith, rather than institutional religion. He also addresses the Netflix documentary "The Family", offering insight into misconceptions about the Fellowship. This episode is packed with wisdom on discipleship, leadership, and the power of faith-based relationships across cultural and political divides.

Guest Bio: Doug Burley
Doug Burley is a Christian leader, author, and global faith diplomat who has dedicated decades to ministry and mentorship. He served as the National President of Young Life for 25+ years before becoming a key figure in the Fellowship (The Family), the group behind the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. His work has taken him across the world, including extensive faith-building efforts in Russia and post-Soviet states. Doug’s book, Jesus Changes Everything, emphasizes personal faith over institutional religion, guiding readers toward a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ.

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

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

In this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, co-hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright sit down with Dr. Malcolm Foley, a historian, pastor, and advisor at Baylor University, to discuss his latest book, The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward. Dr. Foley unpacks the historical and theological connections between greed, economic exploitation, and racial violence, challenging the conventional narratives about race and capitalism. He explores how the desire for profit fueled the transatlantic slave trade, sustained Jim Crow laws, and continues to shape modern economic and political inequalities. Through a compelling discussion of history, theology, and practical application, this episode invites listeners to examine how greed operates in their own lives and communities—and what the church must do to counteract it.

Guest Bio: Dr. Malcolm Foley
Dr. Malcolm Foley is a historian, pastor, and special advisor to the president for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University. He earned his PhD in religion from Baylor, specializing in African-American Protestant responses to lynching from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. He serves as the director of Black Church Studies at Truett Theological Seminary and co-pastors Mosaic Waco, a multicultural church in Waco, Texas. Dr. Foley has been featured in Christianity Today, The Anxious Bench, and Mere Orthodoxy, where he addresses racial violence, economic injustice, and the church’s role in promoting equity and inclusion. His latest book, The Anti-Greed Gospel, provides a bold theological critique of capitalism, calling for a reformation of Christian priorities away from wealth accumulation and toward communal care.

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?

Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
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]
Will Wright, Political Host: [email protected]

Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast