The State Of Belief
Every week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush hosts lively, funny and poignant conversations with inspiring religious and civic leaders; as well as artists and activists from across the country. Listeners get a potent mix of spiritual wisdom, political strategy, and hopeful commentary from national and local leaders who are rising up to meet this urgent moment in America. With the tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet,” State of Belief is a celebration of our nation’s diversities and an invitation to join together to, in the words of the great James Baldwin, "achieve our country.”
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 57 minutes
- Episodes
- 153
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
The Power of Community: Keya Chatterjee and the Vision for a Free DC
The Trump administration’s federal takeover of the nation’s capital is having a profound impact on Washington, DC’s 700,000 residents - and on our very democracy. That’s according to this week’s gues…
00:45:59 |
Sat 06 Sep 2025
How the Christian Right is Taking Over America with Talia Lavin
She's a Jewish woman who has spent countless hours undercover, impersonating the White supremacist, misogynistic, antisemitic extremists she was researching for her first book. She's also brought an …
00:48:38 |
Sat 30 Aug 2025
"Curiosity, Not Contempt": Adam Nicholas Phillips on Bridging Divides
What does it mean to build bridges amidst the turmoil of the second Trump Administration? How have interfaith communities moved forward with productive dialogue post-October 7th? Is there a more nuan…
00:58:59 |
Sat 23 Aug 2025
An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Muslim Feminist Ani Zonneveld
This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush sits down with Ani Zonneveld, feminist Muslim activist, musician, and Grammy-winning songwriter. Ani’s journey from Malaysia to …
00:56:05 |
Sat 16 Aug 2025
Separating Church from Hate: A Conversation With John Fugelsang
This week on The State of Belief, truth through comedy. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes comedic genius John Fugelsang, author of the new book Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person…
00:53:50 |
Sat 09 Aug 2025
From Sanctuary to Courtroom: Immigration and Religious Liberty with Legal expert Elizabeth Reiner Platt
This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush had the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth Reiner Platt, the brilliant mind leading the Law, Rights, and Religion Project. They dive deep into her newly…
00:54:12 |
Sat 02 Aug 2025
Faith, followers, and the files: Jay Michaelson and the Epstein Cover-up
We are back from a brief summer break, and are ready to hit the ground running! This week on The State of Belief, the political, ethical, religious and legal aspects of the sordid case of the Jeffere…
00:55:02 |
Sat 26 Jul 2025
Whither America? July 4th with Dr. Robert P. Jones
What does falling off a bike have to do with the state of our nation? Is America going through an identity crisis - just like a seventeen-year-old? This week on The State of Belief, these parallels a…
00:42:43 |
Sat 28 Jun 2025
On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali
This week on The State of Belief, popular writer and commentator Wajahat Ali joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush for a thought-provoking exploration of patriotism, diversity, and democracy in t…
01:00:22 |
Sat 21 Jun 2025
A Pastor Reports from the Frontlines In Los Angeles: Faith and Immigration
This week on The State of Belief, an inspiring conversation with Rev. Noel Andersen, the National Field Director for Church World Service and a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights. In this episod…
01:08:28 |
Sat 14 Jun 2025
Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
This week on The State of Belief – getting ready for No Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organization Indivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day…
00:53:22 |
Sat 07 Jun 2025
Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol
This week on The State of Belief, you’ll hear a powerful conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, diving deep into his upcoming event on June 10th at the Capitol, A …
00:49:54 |
Sat 31 May 2025
Everybody Can Do Something: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
June, traditionally Pride Month, is almost here, and this year, Pride will test the courage of our nation. It has been a challenging time for the LGBTQ+ community - with attempts to erase trans peopl…
00:53:24 |
Sat 24 May 2025
Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey (Ret.) on the Role of the Military in Upholding Democracy
This week on the show, we're honored to welcome Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey (Retired), former Chief of the United States Army Reserve, joining host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush. He’s a combat vetera…
00:59:43 |
Sat 17 May 2025
Book Bans vs. the Right to Read: Kelly Jensen and Rev. Amos Brown
This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Kelly Jensen. She’s a passionate advocate for intellectual freedom, democracy, and the right to read. As an editor at Bo…
01:11:51 |
Sat 10 May 2025
Faith is Standing Strong: Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck
On Wednesday, April 30th, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush was with Faithful America Executive Director Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck in front of the Supreme Court building, saying “No!” to tax dollars b…
00:55:56 |
Sat 03 May 2025
Amy Spitalnick on How Jewish Safety and Inclusive Democracy are Inextricably Linked
This week, Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), is back on The State of Belief. In this episode, Amy and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush dig into the immediacy of …
00:55:47 |
Sat 26 Apr 2025
Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Environmentalism, and Compassionate Leadership
Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church worldwide since 2013, has passed away at the age of 88. A tireless champion of the central social justice teachings of Jesus, Pope Francis followed his…
00:39:14 |
Mon 21 Apr 2025
Easter and Passover Courage in the Fight for Democracy
This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush directly takes on the critical issues facing our democracy as we reach the end of the first 90 days of the Trump-Vance-Musk admin…
00:45:08 |
Sat 19 Apr 2025
Michael Eric Dyson: How We Love Is To Tell the Truth
This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a distinguished professor at Vanderbilt University and a…
00:50:50 |
Sat 12 Apr 2025
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