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In this episode of Faithful Politics, host Will Wright sits down with Professor Henry Chambers from the University of Richmond School of Law to unravel the complexities of birthright citizenship, constitutional law, and executive power. From the origins of the 14th Amendment to modern challenges posed by Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, Professor Chambers provides a deep legal analysis on what it means to be an American. The discussion explores how birthright citizenship has evolved, Supreme Court cases that have defined it, and the unitary executive theory that shapes presidential authority. Along the way, they discuss Trump's recent actions, the impoundment of funds, and the broader implications of unchecked presidential power. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the legal and political battles shaping America's future.

Guest Bio:
Professor Henry L. Chambers Jr. is a distinguished scholar and professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, specializing in constitutional law, criminal law, employment discrimination, and the intersection of religion and law. With decades of experience in academia and legal analysis, he has contributed to major legal debates and provided expert commentary on Supreme Court rulings and executive authority. His work has been widely recognized for its clarity and depth in explaining complex constitutional issues.

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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In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright sits down with investigative journalist Alec MacGillis from ProPublica to discuss his latest exposé, "On a Mission from God: Inside the Movement to Redirect Billions of Taxpayer Dollars to Religious Schools." Alec provides a deep dive into the rapid expansion of private school voucher programs, particularly in Ohio, and how they are fundamentally reshaping the landscape of public education. He details how these programs, originally marketed as a means to provide alternatives for struggling students, are overwhelmingly subsidizing families who were already enrolled in private schools—predominantly religious institutions. The conversation also explores the historical roots of the voucher movement, its ties to Christian education, and the political strategies that have driven its success. Will and Alec discuss the broader implications for public schools, the constitutional concerns over church-state separation, and the potential for further expansion under a second Trump administration. If you care about the future of education in America, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

• Read the article 'On a Mission From God: Inside the Movement to Redirect Billions of Taxpayer Dollars to Private Religious Schools': https://www.propublica.org/article/school-vouchers-ohio-church-state-tax-dollars-private-religious
• Read Alec's latest follow up report 'In the Wild West of School Voucher Expansions, States Rely on Untested Companies, With Mixed Results': https://www.propublica.org/article/school-voucher-management-classwallet-odyssey-merit-student-first

Guest Bio: Alec MacGillis
Alec MacGillis is an award-winning investigative journalist with ProPublica, focusing on issues like economic inequality, gun violence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. Before joining ProPublica, he reported for The New Republic, The Washington Post, and The Baltimore Sun. His work has won numerous national journalism awards, and his reporting consistently sheds light on undercovered but crucial topics shaping American society. His latest investigative piece, "On a Mission from God," examines the political and religious forces driving the rise of school vouchers in the U.S.

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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In this enlightening episode, Josh Burtram welcomes David W. Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church and author of Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice. They explore the interconnected nature of racial and environmental injustice, framed through a Christian theological lens. Swanson shares his journey from aspiring outdoor educator to urban pastor, where he discovered the shared root of greed underlying systemic racism and environmental exploitation. Together, they discuss how Christians can reclaim their identity as "priestly caretakers," promoting justice and sustainability within their communities. Packed with thought-provoking insights, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink their roles in fostering flourishing for all of creation.

Buy the Book: "Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice" https://a.co/d/dKUMScs

Guest Bio:
David W. Swanson is the pastor of New Community Covenant Church, a multicultural congregation in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. He also leads New Community Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing trauma in the community. David speaks nationally on racial justice and reconciliation and has written for outlets such as Christianity Today, The Englewood Review of Books, and The Covenant Companion. His books include the acclaimed Rediscipling the White Church and his latest, Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice. David lives in Chicago with his wife and two sons.

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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 In this insightful episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright welcome back historian and best-selling author Beth Allison Barr. Known for her groundbreaking book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood, Dr. Barr delves into her newest work, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry. The discussion explores the historical evolution of women's roles in the church, the intertwining of patriarchy with church culture, and the societal shifts that led to the emergence of the pastor’s wife as a key figure in evangelical spaces. Drawing parallels to medieval history and the Reformation, Dr. Barr provides a compelling narrative about the sacrifices and challenges women have faced in ministry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in gender, faith, and the shifting dynamics of power within religious institutions.


Pre-Order Beth's book: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/becoming-the-pastor-s-wife/414910


Guest Bio:
Dr. Beth Allison Barr is a distinguished historian and the James Vardeman and Dow Chair of History at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. With a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she is an expert in medieval history, women’s history, and church history. Her writing has been featured in prominent outlets such as USA Today, The Washington Post, and Christianity Today. She is best known for her bestselling book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. Dr. Barr’s latest book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry, examines the historical shifts that reshaped women’s roles in ministry and their enduring impact on contemporary church culture.

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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In this lively episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram discuss the whirlwind of events following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, including his controversial use of presidential pardons and the broader implications for American politics. The duo also dives into the complexities of immigration policies, media consumption, and strategies for maintaining mental health amidst political chaos. Along the way, they share personal routines, perspectives on political discourse, and insights on balancing faith and politics in an increasingly polarized world.

Staying Grounded: Ten Rules for Engaging in Politics Without Losing Your Mind: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/p/staying-grounded-ten-rules-for-engaging

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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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

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In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright sit down with Ian Harber, a Christian writer and media producer, to discuss his latest book, Walking Through Deconstruction. Ian shares his deeply personal journey of faith, doubt, and ultimate reconstruction, offering profound insights into the challenges of navigating a crisis of faith. From growing up in a strict Christian environment to questioning core doctrines and enduring profound personal loss, Ian's story sheds light on the complexities of deconstruction. The conversation delves into the cultural and doctrinal drivers of deconstruction, the role of suffering in spiritual growth, and the importance of patience and community during such transformative periods. Ian also provides actionable advice for churches and individuals supporting those grappling with faith crises, making this a must-listen episode for anyone seeking to understand or assist in the process of spiritual reconstruction.

Purchase Walking Through Deconstruction: https://a.co/d/4DD3Nbv

Guest Bio:
Ian Harber is a writer, Christian media producer, and the author of Walking Through Deconstruction. He has contributed to prominent outlets like the Gospel Coalition, Relevant, and Mere Orthodoxy. Through his newsletter, Back Again, Ian explores topics of faith, media, and technology, offering hope and guidance for those navigating the complexities of deconstruction and reconstruction. Residing in Denton, Texas, Ian lives with his wife and sons, passionately engaging with the intersection of faith and cultural dynamics.

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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In this enlightening episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram welcome back Eric Berger, a distinguished constitutional scholar and professor of law specializing in administrative and constitutional law. Together, they delve into the intricate workings of the administrative state, focusing on how key legal doctrines like the Chevron and Major Questions doctrines shape its role. Berger shares critical insights into the implications of President Trump's proposed Schedule F changes, the risks of centralized power, and recent Supreme Court decisions reshaping regulatory frameworks. Through thoughtful discussions, the hosts and guest explore the tension between governance, democracy, and efficiency, offering a must-listen primer for those concerned about the future of American governance.

Guest Bio:
Eric Berger is a constitutional scholar and professor of law with expertise in administrative law, constitutional interpretation, and the separation of powers. As a seasoned educator and legal thinker, Berger has contributed extensively to understanding the dynamics of modern governance. His insightful commentary on pivotal Supreme Court decisions and regulatory practices has made him a trusted voice in the field. He is also a featured lecturer for The Great Courses, sharing his knowledge with broader audiences.

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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In this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram welcome back Jerome Copulsky, a research fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. They delve into the themes of Copulsky's book, American Heretics: Religious Adversaries of Liberal Order, which examines religious critiques of America's political foundations from the Revolutionary era to the present. Copulsky unpacks how various religious thinkers have rejected liberal democracy and envisioned alternative political and theological systems, including theocracy and biblically centered governance. The discussion navigates the intersections of faith, politics, and pluralism, exploring the fragility of liberal democracy and the tensions between religious liberty and political authority. The episode challenges listeners to critically examine the evolving role of religion in America's political landscape.

Buy American Heretics: Religious Adversaries of Liberal Order: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300241303/american-heretics/
Guest Bio:

Jerome Copulsky is a research fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. He is the author of American Heretics: Religious Adversaries of Liberal Order, a groundbreaking exploration of the theological critiques of America’s founding principles and their implications for liberal democracy. Copulsky’s scholarship focuses on political theology, religious pluralism, and the historical intersections of religion and politics.

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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Step into the cultural whirlwind of the late '90s with Ross Benes, author of 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. In this episode, Will Wright and Ross dive deep into how pop culture phenomena—from Insane Clown Posse and Jerry Springer to Pokémon and Beanie Babies—shaped today’s political and societal landscape. They explore how "low culture" influences modern politics, religion, and consumer behavior, revealing surprising parallels between 1999 trends and current events. Whether it’s dissecting the "kayfabe" tactics of pro-wrestling or connecting moral panics like the satanic scare to today's misinformation epidemics, this conversation is a nostalgic yet critical look at how the '90s still echo in our world today.

Pre-Order the book, "1999 The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times": https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700638574/

Guest Bio
Ross Bennis is a critically acclaimed author and cultural commentator with expertise in media analysis and journalism. His work has been featured in renowned publications like Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and The Wall Street Journal. His latest book, 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times, delves into the cultural, political, and societal shifts of the late '90s that continue to influence America. Known for his keen insights and engaging storytelling, Ross brings a fresh perspective to understanding pop culture's profound impact on contemporary life.

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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*We originally aired this episode in 2021 after the insurrection at the Capitol*


January 6th is a date that, before 2021, was a somewhat obscure date in the minds of most Americans. Many months after the general election, the victor of that contest has but one more hurdle to overcome, and until recently, was a benign and quiet event; the certification of the election. We talk with a  Capitol Police Officer, Harry Dunn, who thought that day would unfold like all the others had over his 14 year career.  But the events that occurred that day has shown us how fragile our democracy really is. 

Special co-host, and previous guest, Corinna Lain sits with Will to chat with one of the courageous officers who experienced that day first hand. They discuss issues of racisms, religion, and talk about what everyday Americans can do to ensure it doesn't happen again. It's an interview that focuses less on the details of that day, and more on the moments before, after, and the future. 

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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Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:
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