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In this interview, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Mike Ter Maat, the Libertarian Party's 2024 vice-presidential nominee running alongside Chase Oliver. Ter Maat discusses his transition from the Republican Party to the Libertarian Party, citing his disillusionment with both major parties' departures from their core principles. He emphasizes the Libertarian philosophy of minimal government intervention, personal liberty, and fiscal conservatism, arguing that the Libertarian Party aligns more closely with American values than either the Republican or Democratic parties.

Ter Maat critiques U.S. foreign policy, particularly the ethical and practical failures of military interventions and foreign aid. He argues that these efforts have not made America safer or advanced its strategic interests. He also discusses the nation's unsustainable fiscal policies, warning of potential financial collapse if current trends continue.

When asked about balancing national security with fiscal responsibility, Ter Maat is firm in his stance that the U.S. should not give away any money to other countries, arguing that it does not buy influence or benefit American interests. He also challenges the notion of what constitutes an ally, particularly in the context of U.S.-Israel relations.

Learn more about their campaign: https://votechaseoliver.com/

Guest Bio:
Mike campaigned in 2021-22 as the Libertarian Party candidate in the January special Congressional election in Florida’s District 20. He served as a police officer in Broward County from 2010 through 2021 as a registered libertarian.

Mike’s prior career in finance and economics included work with banks as a commercial loan officer, the White House Office of Management and Budget as a financial economist, and as a consulting economist to three other federal and international agencies in the field of economic development.

From 1992 through 2002, Mike was an advocate in Washington for free markets in the financial services industry. In 2002, he started a professional education business for bank executives which he successfully ran until 2009, including conferences, webcasting, and strategic consulting.

Mike has traveled through thirty-five countries, taught economics at three universities and substituted at dozens of Broward public schools. He has one wife, two kids and two stepdaughters, two dogs and one truck, a BS in Aeronautical Engineering and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and MS and PhD degrees in Economics from The George Washington University.

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 conversation, Pastor Josh Burtram and Will Wright interview Miranda Zapor Cruz, author of the book 'Faithful Politics.' They discuss the intersection of politics and faith, exploring topics such as the distinction between the Kingdom of God and the United States, the different ways Christians can engage in politics, and the impact of politics on biblical interpretation. Miranda emphasizes the importance of maintaining allegiance to Christ while recognizing the limitations of allegiance to a country. She also highlights the need for humility and open dialogue when discussing political issues within the church. In this part of the conversation, Miranda Zapor Cruz discusses the importance of reading scripture in community with people who have different political frameworks. She emphasizes the need to recognize our own biases and the ways in which we bring our own experiences and political opinions into our interpretation of scripture. She also highlights the difference between a proof-texting approach to scripture and a holistic, narrative-based approach. Additionally, she addresses the question of how to determine when someone's interpretation of scripture is not good, and suggests that we should evaluate interpretations based on whether they contribute to the reconciliation and restoration of all things.

Buy the book: https://www.ivpress.com/faithful-politics

Guest Bio:
Miranda Zapor Cruz is professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in American and global Church history and theology. She holds a PhD in religion, politics, and society from Baylor University’s J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. She lives in Indiana with her family. 

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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Sarah McCammon, author of 'The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church" discusses her personal journey of leaving the white evangelical church and the broader movement of exvangelicals. She explores the impact of Trump on the evangelical movement and the process of deconstruction that many exvangelicals go through. McCammon also delves into the challenges of writing the book, including sharing personal stories and navigating family dynamics. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities of evangelicalism and the diverse experiences of those who have left the church. In this conversation, Sarah McCammon discusses her book 'The Ex-Vangelicals' and her personal journey of leaving the evangelical community. She explores the struggle of belonging and the pain of leaving a community that no longer aligns with one's beliefs. Sarah also discusses the intersection of her journalistic career and her personal background, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in reporting. She addresses concerns about the ex-vangelical movement potentially becoming a mirror image of evangelicalism and emphasizes the need for open dialogue and empathy. Sarah hopes that her book will provide validation and understanding for ex-vangelicals and foster empathy among people from different backgrounds.

Buy the book: https://a.co/d/gZSD06y

Guest Bio:
Sarah McCammon is a National Political Correspondent for NPR and co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including abortion policy and the intersections of politics and religion. She's also a frequent guest host for NPR news programs.

She has covered several presidential elections, including the 2016 campaign, when she reported on the rise of the Trump movement, divisions within the Republican Party over its future, and the role of religion in those debates. McCammon's reporting has documented the growing political power of the religious right culminating with the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, efforts by abortion rights advocates to push back, and the rising tide of white Christian nationalism.

She's frequently called upon to cover breaking news events and national politics. Her work has won numerous awards, among them a 2023 Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, a 2023 Wilbur Award for religion reporting, a Gracie Award in 2020 for her reporting on reproductive rights, and a National Press Club Journalism Award for team coverage of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in 2018. She has appeared on numerous television programs including CNN's Inside Politics, MSNBC's All In with Chris Hayes, PBS Newshour, and CSPAN's Washington Journal.

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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Elizabeth Neumann, former Assistant Secretary for Threat Prevention and Security Policy in the US Department of Homeland Security, discusses the rise of Christian extremism in the country. She shares her personal experience on 9/11 and how it led her to work in Homeland Security. Neumann highlights the security failures on January 6th and the connection between the Trump administration and the empowerment of extremist movements. She emphasizes the need for the Christian community to address and push back against violence and extremism within their own ranks. Neumann also discusses her faith journey and the importance of aligning her politics with her faith. 

In part two of the conversation, Elizabeth Neumann discusses the solutions to combat Christian extremism. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and examining our own participation in cycles that lead to radicalization. Neumann suggests that changing the media structure and reducing the influence of fear-based news could contribute to a healthier society. She also highlights the need for grassroots efforts within churches and communities to address the underlying factors that contribute to radicalization. Neumann emphasizes the role of the church in providing answers to the unmet needs of belonging and significance, which are key factors in radicalization. She calls for a return to the teachings of Jesus and the practice of love, kindness, and gentleness as a counterexample to the divisive and extremist tendencies in society. 

Neumann also addresses the role of the church in addressing the rise of Christian extremism and the need to establish norms of kindness, patience, and gentleness. She emphasizes the importance of de-escalating hostility and reducing the number of people susceptible to radicalization. Finally, Neumann discusses the potential consequences of another Trump term, including the empowerment of extremist ideologies and the erosion of guardrails in national security and domestic policy.

Buy Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace: https://a.co/d/elWZ4Ib

Guest Bio:
Neumann's tenure spans the George W. Bush administration, initially focusing on the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Education. Transitioning to the White House post-9/11, she joined the Homeland Security Council, collaborating with security agencies to combat terrorism. Serving as executive assistant to Homeland Security Advisor John A. Gordon, she later became associate director of the Domestic Counterterrorism Directorate. Neumann then advised the Program Manager for the Information Sharing Environment, contributing to the 2007 White House National Strategy for Information Sharing. Additionally, she assisted businesses with cyber security and risk assessments and aided DHS in threat assessments and regional field office establishment.

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, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram interview Greg Jarrell, author of "Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods." Greg, a community leader and storyteller from Charlotte, North Carolina, discusses the impact of urban renewal on Black neighborhoods and the role of white churches in this process. He delves into the historical context of urban renewal, its consequences, and how these policies were justified and perpetuated by the theological narratives of white churches. The conversation explores the lingering effects of these policies, the concept of social hauntings, and the need for reparative justice and structural change. Greg also touches on the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic racism embedded in urban development and housing policies.

Buy Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods: https://a.co/d/aXOdWJZ

Guest Bio:
Greg is a cultural organizer with QC Family Tree in the Enderly Park neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina. He works with words and music to impact housing and neighborhood justice issues. Jarrell writes about theology and history and co-leads Carolina Social Music Club, a popular jazz band. He and his wife, Helms, are ordained ministers and are raising two sons.

Greg is the author of two books. His book Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods (Fortress Press), has won wide acclaim for its lucid storytelling and new research. He has written widely, including for Sojourners, The Bitter Southerner, and The Charlotte Observer. Greg is a regular contributor at Baptist News Global. He frequently speaks, teaches, and preaches on place, race, and faith.

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, Will Wright interviews Phoebe Petrovic, an investigative reporter with ProPublica's Local Reporting Network. The discussion centers around  her latest story on Pastor Matthew Trewhella. Trewhella, who was once an extremist anti-abortion activist, has gained influence within certain GOP circles through his book "The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates." This doctrine, rooted in 16th-century Protestant resistance theory, advocates for local officials to defy laws they deem unjust based on their interpretation of God's law.

Phoebe explains Trewhella's transformation from a militant activist to a thought leader embraced by some mainstream Republicans. She highlights how his ideas have permeated various political and social arenas, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his doctrine provided a framework for resisting government mandates. The episode delves into Trewhella's influence on Second Amendment sanctuaries, local governance, and his broader impact on the far-right movement.

Read Phoebe's Report: https://www.propublica.org/article/matthew-trewhella-pastor-activist-republican-politics

Guest Bio:
Phoebe is a radio journalist whose work has aired on “Reveal,” NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “Here & Now.” In the past year, she served as a general assignment reporter at Wisconsin Public Radio through the Lee Ester News Fellowship and editorial radio intern at “Reveal,” where she helped cover family separation and other immigration stories. She earned her B.A. from Yale University, where she founded and led audio projects including Herald Audio, the first-ever audio section of an undergraduate publication, and “Small-Great Objects,” the first-ever podcast series installed at Yale University Art Gallery.

Phoebe covers criminal justice, in particular, the issues revolving around prosecutorial misconduct and unethical conduct in Wisconsin. Her first major project is a podcast and multimedia exploration of the myriad obstacles facing defendants when the prosecution is tainted by misconduct — and how that system could be improved.

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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Dr. Greg Garrett, a professor, theologian, author, and cultural observer, discusses the life and work of James Baldwin. He shares his personal journey and the influence of storytelling and personal experiences on his work. Dr. Garrett explores Baldwin's education, faith journey, and his role as a prophetic witness. He highlights the importance of understanding Baldwin's humanity and the impact of his writings on American literature and culture. Dr. Garrett also discusses Baylor University's approach to difficult conversations and the potential of Baldwin's unfinished play. He emphasizes the power of movies in promoting racial reconciliation and the need to analyze films while celebrating progress. Finally, Dr. Garrett addresses the importance of understanding and engaging with Black lives. In this conversation, Greg Garrett discusses the role of white people in racial reconciliation and allyship. He shares a conversation he had with Kelly Brown Douglas, where she challenged the idea of being an ally and emphasized the need for white people to go into white spaces and talk honestly about racism. Greg also highlights the importance of understanding and loving people who are different from us. He hopes that his book, 'The Gospel according to James Baldwin,' will inspire readers to lean into big questions and love big, even in difficult times.

Buy the book: https://a.co/d/9qLAmCE

Guest Bio:
Dr. Greg Garrett is a professional writer who teaches creative writing, film, literature, and theology classes at Baylor University. He is the author of over twenty books of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and translation, including the critically-acclaimed novels Free Bird, Cycling, Shame, and The Prodigal.

Dr. Garrett is best-known as one of America's leading voices on religion and culture (BBC Radio), and he has written nonfiction books including The Gospel According to Hollywood, Stories from the Edge: A Theology of Grief, and One Fine Potion: The Literary Magic of Harry Potter (named a 2011 Best Theological Book by the Association of Theological Booksellers). His most recent nonfiction books are Living with the Living Dead: The Wisdom of the Zombie Apocalypse (Oxford University Press, 2017), Crossing Myself: A Story of Spiritual Rebirth (Morehouse, 2016), and Entertaining Judgment:

The Afterlife in Literature and Culture (Oxford University Press, 2015). His books have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, and Czech editions. He has also written hundreds of articles and essays for publications including Salon, Washington Post, Huffington Post, The Tablet, Patheos, Christianity Today, OnFaith, The Daily Mirror, and many other print and web publications.

Dr. Garrett often represents Baylor as a speaker, teacher, and workshop leader, with appearances at Villanova University, Google UK, Washington National Cathedral, the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware, the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, the American Library in Paris, Cambridge University, Blackwells Bookstore in Oxford, the Edinburgh Festival of Books, and Gladstone's Library in Wales. 

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 special episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright (D) and Pastor Josh Burtram (R) engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Chase Oliver, the Libertarian Party's presidential nominee. Dubbed the most influential libertarian in America by Rolling Stone, Chase Oliver brings a fresh perspective on politics, emphasizing individual rights and minimal government intervention.

Oliver, an on-the-streets activist known for his grassroots approach, shares his journey from opposing the Iraq War to becoming a leading voice in the Libertarian Party after a pivotal encounter at the Atlanta Pride Festival in 2010. He offers deep insights into his political philosophy and outlines his vision for a more libertarian America.

Throughout the episode, Oliver discusses the necessity of a balanced budget and reducing government redundancy, offering strategies to cut the national debt without compromising essential public services. He delves into healthcare reform, proposing ways to make healthcare more accessible and affordable by removing government barriers and promoting competition in the healthcare market.

Addressing the southern border crisis, Oliver advocates for a 21st-century Ellis Island approach and shares his views on DACA and integrating undocumented immigrants into society. He also tackles the topic of religious liberty, balancing personal religious beliefs with First Amendment rights, and offers his opinions on recent legislative actions, such as the Ten Commandments bill in Louisiana.

Oliver's economic policies focus on tackling inflation and economic inequality through free-market principles, addressing corporate favoritism, and promoting small business growth. He also speaks candidly about his personal experiences as an LGBTQ+ individual, advocating for equal rights and ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals enjoy the same rights and privileges as other Americans.

On the topic of abortion rights, Oliver discusses his views on bodily autonomy and the right to choose, while proposing measures to reduce elective abortions through accessible contraception and adoption reforms. He evaluates his political opponents, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Chase Oliver’s candid and insightful responses provide a refreshing take on today’s political landscape. Regardless of your political affiliation, this episode offers valuable insights into the principles and policies of the Libertarian Party and what an Oliver administration could bring to America.

For more information about the Libertarian Party, please check out their website: https://www.lp.org/

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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*Given all the election related news this week, we thought we'd re-up this conversation we had with John Fortier, Election Expert from AEI. Hope you enjoy the show!

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews John Fortier, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about the mechanics of elections and the potential scenarios that could arise in the 2024 US presidential election. They discuss the process of electing a president, including the role of the Electoral College and the possibility of a contingent election in the House of Representatives. They also touch on the timing dynamics and potential outcomes in the Senate's vote for the vice president. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities of the election process and the potential scenarios that could unfold. The conversation explores the process of electing electors and the potential scenarios that could disrupt the Electoral College. It delves into historical examples, such as the 1876 election, where two sets of electors were sent to Washington, causing a contentious and controversial issue. The conversation also discusses the role of the court in settling election disputes and the potential permutations that could occur, such as the death of a candidate. It touches on the Commission on Presidential Debates and the recent decision by the candidates to bypass the commission for the debates.

Takeaways

• The process of electing a president involves voting for presidential electors who then cast their ballots for president and vice president in December.
• If no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538), a contingent election is held in the House of Representatives, where each state delegation has one vote.
• The Senate votes for the vice president, with each senator having one vote.
• The timing of the election and the resolution of the presidency and vice presidency can vary, but it is expected to be resolved by January 20th, the inauguration day.
• The 20th Amendment changed the dates for the start of the presidency and Congress, ensuring that the new Congress is in place before the counting of electoral votes on January 6th. The process of electing electors and the potential scenarios that could disrupt the Electoral College
• Historical examples of election disputes, such as the 1876 election
• The role of the court in settling election disputes
• Permutations that could occur, such as the death of a candidate
• The significance of the Commission on Presidential Debates and the recent decision to bypass the commission

Guest Bio:
John C. Fortier is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he focuses on Congress and elections, election administration, election demographics, voting (and absentee voting), the US presidency, and the Electoral College. He is also continuing his work on the continuity of government.

Before rejoining AEI, Dr. Fortier was director of governmental studies at the Bipartisan Policy Center, and the principal contributor to the AEI-Brookings Election Reform Project. He also has taught at Kenyon College, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Delaware, Boston College, and Harvard University.

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 recorded this episode on Friday, July 19th prior to President Biden making his decision to drop out of the race. We were expecting the announcement hence the reason we asked Jessica Huseman to come the show and discuss what the impact might mean for voters.**


In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram welcome back election expert Jessica Huseman, the editorial director for VoteBeat and former lead elections reporter for ProPublica. Jessica, an award-winning educator with extensive experience in teaching FOIA classes, brings her wealth of knowledge to discuss the current landscape of voting and elections in the United States.

Key topics include the logistics and implications of President Biden potentially stepping down before the convention, the challenges and misconceptions around voter ID laws, and the real issues facing election security in the U.S.

Jessica provides a detailed analysis of the current state of election security, emphasizing that voting technology is more advanced and reliable than ever. She also addresses the persistent myths about non-citizen voting, explaining the legal and practical realities that make such claims largely unfounded. The conversation touches on the importance of local reporting on election issues and the invaluable work done by VoteBeat in providing informed, local perspectives on voting and election integrity.

Make sure you check out all the great content Votebeat provides and sign up for their newsletter: https://www.votebeat.org/

Guest Bio:
Jessica Huseman was previously the lead elections reporter for ProPublica, and helped manage the Electionland project for three federal election cycles, sharing information and tips with hundreds of newsrooms across the United States. She is an award-winning educator, and has taught at Columbia Journalism School, New York University, and wrote a high school investigative journalism curriculum in use by more than 200 high schools. Jessica is a graduate of Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, where she graduated with honors.

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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