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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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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
Sharon Kleinbaum
Congregation Beit Simchat Torah
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
Charles D. Luckey
US Army
Book Bans vs. the Right to Read: Kelly Jensen and Rev. Amos Brown
This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Kelly Jensen. She’s a passionate advocate for intellectual freedom, democracy, and the right to read. As an editor at Book Riot and a former librarian, Kelly has been at the forefront of the fight against book bans and censorship. The urgent conversation covers the growing wave of censorship, the role of religious extremism in book-banning efforts, and what we can do to safeguard free expression and democratic values.
12/5/2025
Kelly Jensen
Amos Brown
NAACP
Faith is Standing Strong: Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck
Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Faithful America Executive Director Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck about the threat to the constitutional Establishment Clause posed by the Supreme Court case St Isidore, and the hope for bringing people together across lines of division around shared values and priorities.
5/5/2025
Shannon Fleck
Faith n Public Life
Amy Spitalnick on How Jewish Safety and Inclusive Democracy are Inextricably Linked
Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, about ways the administration is trying to consolidate even more power in the name of fighting antisemitism
26/4/2025
Amy Spitalnick
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ inclusion, environmentalism, and compassionate leadership
Explore the lasting legacy of Pope Francis through the eyes of Father James Martin. From LGBTQ+ inclusion and environmentalism to his compassionate leadership, reflect on what made Pope Francis a transformative figure.
21/4/2025
James Martin
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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.
