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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What the Separation of Church and State Means Today with Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer

What the Separation of Church and State Means Today with Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer

November 15, 2025

Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss his latest book, "America's Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State", about a foundational – and increasingly endangered – American principle. He highlights the historical roots of this separation, the modern threat of religious majoritarianism, and the need for courageous, hopeful action to protect true religious freedom.

15/11/2025
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"Courage is the New Currency": Skye Perryman and Democracy Forward

"Courage is the New Currency": Skye Perryman and Democracy Forward

November 8, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Democracy Forward President Skye Perryman about the organization's successful court challenges to unconstitutional administration actions. Paul also talks with Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison, Senior Pastor at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas.

8/11/2025
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Ye Gods: Scott Carter's Journey from Comedy to Spiritual Exploration

Ye Gods: Scott Carter's Journey from Comedy to Spiritual Exploration

November 1, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Scott Carter, the creator, executive producer, and host of the "Ye Gods" podcast. Scott explores faith, beliefs, and values with a diverse list of interesting guests and no judgement and no agenda.

1/11/2025
Scott Carter
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"We're not going to let you take our tradition": A Beautiful Year with Diana Butler Bass

"We're not going to let you take our tradition": A Beautiful Year with Diana Butler Bass

October 25, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with theologian and historian Dr. Diana Butler Bass about her inspiring new book, "A Beautiful Year: 52 Meditations on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverance."

25/10/2025
Diana Butler Bass
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The Faithful Fight Against Authoritarianism with Rev. Chloe Breyer

The Faithful Fight Against Authoritarianism with Rev. Chloe Breyer

October 18, 2025

As Americans across the nation gather at more than 3,000 No Kings events October 18th, State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director of the Interfaith Center of New York.

18/10/2025
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Faith Rising for Democracy: How to Show Up for No Kings, With Adam Friedman

Faith Rising for Democracy: How to Show Up for No Kings, With Adam Friedman

October 11, 2025

Ahead of the nationwide No Kings II demonstrations on October 18th, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush discusses nonviolent resistance and strategies for safely exercising the constitutional right to peaceful protest with Interfaith Alliance Organizing and Election Strategist Adam Friedman

11/10/2025
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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.