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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Courage in Community: Minnesota Faith Leaders Respond to ICE Crisis

Courage in Community: Minnesota Faith Leaders Respond to ICE Crisis

January 17, 2026

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with four Minnesota faith leaders on the ground defending their communities against ICE attacks: Rev. Susie Hayward, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel, Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs, and Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown.

17/1/2026
Rev. Susie Hayward
Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs
Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel
Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown
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Dancing with the Divine: Exploring Religious Freedom in 'The Testament of Ann Lee'

Dancing with the Divine: Exploring Religious Freedom in 'The Testament of Ann Lee'

January 10, 2026

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Interfaith Alliance colleagues Alyssa Klein and Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons to discuss religious freedom in America today through the lens of a new film celebrating the history of the Shaker faith in this country, "The Testament of Ann Lee." Religious Freedom Day is January 16th.

10/1/2026
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What Happened? Top Religion News Stories of 2025 with RNS, and Looking Ahead to 2026

What Happened? Top Religion News Stories of 2025 with RNS, and Looking Ahead to 2026

January 3, 2026

Religion News Service reporters Adele Banks and Jack Jenkins reflect on a pivotal year in which faith communities played a visible role in responding to political, social, and economic upheaval, from immigration advocacy to support for federal workers and marginalized groups.

3/1/2026
Adelle Banks
Jack Jenkins
Religion News Service
Religion, LGBT Rights, and the Law with Mary Bonauto and Ben Marcus from GLADLaw

Religion, LGBT Rights, and the Law with Mary Bonauto and Ben Marcus from GLADLaw

December 27, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with GLADLaw Senior Director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies Mary Bonauto and Senior Constitutional Law Fellow Ben Marcus.

27/12/2025
Mary Bonauto
Ben Marcus
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Interfaith Responses to ICE with Najeeba Syeed

Interfaith Responses to ICE with Najeeba Syeed

December 20, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Dr. Najeeba Syeed, peacemaker, educator, and scholar in interfaith studies and conflict resolution, about the disruptive ICE campaign targeting minority faith communities in Minneapolis and beyond.

20/12/2025
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Rob Reiner and Dan Partland: "God & Country"

Rob Reiner and Dan Partland: "God & Country"

December 15, 2025

State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Christian Nationalism documentary "God & Country" producer Rob Reiner and director Dan Partland

15/12/2025
Rob Reiner
Dan Partland
Michael Stivic
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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.