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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Confronting Antisemitism and Its Weaponization: The Nexus Project's Jonathan Jacoby

Confronting Antisemitism and Its Weaponization: The Nexus Project's Jonathan Jacoby

September 20, 2025

Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush for an in-depth conversation about the weaponization of antisemitism in our country, and strategies for identifying, challenging, and disarming these and other instances of antisemitism.

20/9/2025
Jonathan Jacoby
Nexus Project
Libraries and Religious Freedom, with ALA President Sam Helmick

Libraries and Religious Freedom, with ALA President Sam Helmick

September 13, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with American Library Association President Sam Helmick about the importance of libraries in community life and our democracy. The theme of Sam's presidency is "Our Stories Are Worth Sharing."

13/9/2025
Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
Sam Helmick
American Library Association
The Power of Community: Keya Chatterjee and the Vision for a Free DC

The Power of Community: Keya Chatterjee and the Vision for a Free DC

September 6, 2025

Free DC Executive Director Keya Chatterjee joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush for an in-depth look at the federal takeover of Washington, DC, and the implications for the nation's capital, other cities, and our democracy itself. She also shares the strategies Free DC is deploying with partner organizations to bring people together in non-violent but effective opposition.

6/9/2025
Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
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How the Christian Right is Taking Over America with Talia Lavin

How the Christian Right is Taking Over America with Talia Lavin

August 30, 2025

“I wanted to know what they were saying when no one else was in the room” - Journalist and author Talia Lavin shares her experiences researching online right-wing extremism and Christian Nationalism with primary sources and undercover investigation.

30/8/2025
Talia Lavin
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"Curiosity, Not Contempt": Adam Nicholas Phillips on Bridging Divides

"Curiosity, Not Contempt": Adam Nicholas Phillips on Bridging Divides

August 23, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Interfaith America CEO Rev. Adam Nicholas Phillips. The conversation ranges from Adam's faith journey, his years of leadership at USAID, and the importance of building bridges across divisions to preserve our society - and our democracy.

23/8/2025
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An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Muslim Feminist Ani Zonneveld

An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Muslim Feminist Ani Zonneveld

August 16, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush interviews activist and Grammy-winning musician Ani Zonneveld. Her new memoir is titled, "An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist."

16/8/2025
Ani Zonneveld
Muslims for Progressive Values

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.