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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On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali
Podcast
June 24, 2025

On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali

This week on The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with author, commentator and attorney Wajahat Ali, who maintains that everybody has a superpower. Waj lists some of them, and stresses how important it is not to throw up our hands in the face of massive challenges and threats from the current administration and its supporters.

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On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali
State of Belief
June 24, 2025

On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali

This week on The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with author, commentator and attorney Wajahat Ali, who maintains that everybody has a superpower. Waj lists some of them, and stresses how important it is not to throw up our hands in the face of massive challenges and threats from the current administration and its supporters.

24/6/2025
Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
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 A Pastor Reports from the Frontlines In Los Angeles: Faith and Immigration
State of Belief
June 14, 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 episode, he joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to delve into the pressing issues surrounding immigration enforcement, the role of faith communities, and the ongoing fight for justice in the face of adversity. Here are three key takeaways that stand out:

14/6/2025
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Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
State of Belief
June 7, 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 is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th birthday. Leah joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of getting involved rather than discouraged, share past Indivisible successes and lessons learned, and the essential role faith leaders and communities play in giving credibility to public actions like this.

7/6/2025
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Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol
State of Belief
May 31, 2025

Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol

A powerful conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis. We dive deep into his upcoming event on June 10th at the Capitol, A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget, which aims to address critical issues surrounding the Reconciliation Bill and its potential cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP.

31/5/2025
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Everybody Can Do Something: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
State of Belief
May 24, 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 people, roll back civil rights for the wider LGBTQ community, ban Pride flags, and in 10 states there are bills to take back the right to marry… as well as pressure for corporations and faith groups to distance themselves from Pride celebrations.

24/5/2025
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Lt. General Charles D. Luckey on the Role of the Military in Upholding Democracy.
State of Belief
May 17, 2025

Lt. General Charles D. Luckey 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 veteran, he’s an attorney, and he’s a pastor’s son – so he’s able to cover a wide range of topics with depth and wisdom. Having sworn an oath to the Constitution, Lt. Gen. Luckey has some really great insights into the responsibilities of citizenship, the urgent need to preserve democracy, and the important role for religion in this moment of American – and human – history.

17/5/2025
Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
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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.