Podcast

The State of Belief

Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush’s weekly podcast features conversations with diverse leaders — spiritual, civic, and artistic— who strive to build a more just and inclusive America. The show highlights personal stories of resilience, promotes religious diversity, and combats extremism. It also explores how citizens and politicians can collaborate to create a welcoming nation, celebrating the positive contributions of diverse beliefs.

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Protect Democracy’s Ian Bassin: Freedom Is Still Up to Us

Protect Democracy’s Ian Bassin: Freedom Is Still Up to Us

August 8, 2026

The coming election will define the future of our democracy. An expert shares warnings and winning strategies in a moment when we really must get it right.

8/8/2026
Ian Bassin
Protect Democracy
"Never Saw Anything Like That": Veteran White House Reporter Peter Maer on President Trump and The Press

"Never Saw Anything Like That": Veteran White House Reporter Peter Maer on President Trump and The Press

August 1, 2026

Peter Maer on his memoir, "Chasing the Story: A Reporter's Journey to the White House", and on the current administration's relationship with the press.

1/8/2026
Peter Maer
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Human in the Lead: Cheryl Contee on the Future of AI and Faith

Human in the Lead: Cheryl Contee on the Future of AI and Faith

July 25, 2026

The co-author of "AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause" debunks myths and raises up opportunities available to mission-driven organizations right now

25/7/2026
Cheryl Contee
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We Need Good Trouble Now: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of John Lewis

We Need Good Trouble Now: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of John Lewis

July 17, 2026

Historian David Greenberg, author of the biography "John Lewis: A Life," shares insights into the work and legacy of the late Congressman and civil rights icon

17/7/2026
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Faith and FIFA: Religion at the World Cup

Faith and FIFA: Religion at the World Cup

July 11, 2026

Religion News Service journalists Jack Jenkins and Mehditha Anis on the World Cup, Religion, and Politics

11/7/2026
Jack Jenkins
Madhiha Anis
Religion News Service
America’s Founding Principles and the Future of Democracy with Constitutional Scholar Jeffrey Rosen

America’s Founding Principles and the Future of Democracy with Constitutional Scholar Jeffrey Rosen

July 4, 2026

What the process of founding the United States can teach us today about keeping our democracy alive: insights from the author of "Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton Versus Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America"

4/7/2026
Jeffrey Rosen
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About State of Belief

Paul hosts weekly conversations with inspiring spiritual leaders, civic exemplars, artists and activists from across the country who are working, in the words of the great James Baldwin, ‘to achieve our country.’ The State of Belief Radio features personal stories of resilience with individuals from diverse backgrounds and offers stories from communities across America who are working for an inclusive religious diversity with dignity for people of faith and no faith.

Support the podcast

We are only able to keep State of Belief on the air thanks to listeners like you! Please visit this form to learn about ways to give.

Connect with our team

Contact our office via phone or email to learn more about The State of Belief.

About the team

Learn more about the Producer of The State of Belief Podcast, Ray Kirstein.

The State of Belief Producer

Ray Kirstein

Ray has been our producer since 2010. In recent years, Ray has made his home in Leipzig, Germany while continuing to produce State of Belief Radio.

The State of Belief Host

Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush

Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance.