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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National Call to Action for Faith Communities

National Call to Action for Faith Communities

April 5, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush moderates a panel discussion on the multifaith pro-democracy movement with national religious and civil organizers and leaders.

5/4/2025
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Faith and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Face of Adversity

Faith and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Face of Adversity

March 29, 2025

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush moderates a panel discussion on faith-driven activism in the face of overt attacks on LGBTQ+ persons. The panel comprises Chase Strangio (ACLU), Tahil Sharma (LGBTQ Task Force), Jon Cohen (Keshet), and Ross Keys (Interfaith Alliance of North Dakota)

29/3/2025
Chase Strangio
Jon Cohen
ACLU
The Rule of Law and the Chaos of MAGA: Jay Michaelson

The Rule of Law and the Chaos of MAGA: Jay Michaelson

March 24, 2025

This week on The State of Belief, Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson discusses U.S. politics, censorship, antisemitism, and LGBTQ+ rights with Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, emphasizing faith, activism, and defending democracy.

24/3/2025
Jay Michaelson
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Navigating the Narrow Bridge: Congressman Eric Swalwell and the Fight for Democracy

Navigating the Narrow Bridge: Congressman Eric Swalwell and the Fight for Democracy

March 17, 2025

This week on The State of Belief, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA). They cover democracy, courage, faith, personal integrity, and community action in a post-January 6th, Trump-led America.

17/3/2025
Eric Swalwell
Congress
Jeff Sharlet: The Slow Civil War Is Speeding Up

Jeff Sharlet: The Slow Civil War Is Speeding Up

March 10, 2025

This week on The State of Belief, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with writer Jeff Sharlet. Jeff evaluates how quickly Christian Nationalism has moved from the fringes to the mainstream, and warns of how far our democracy could erode.

10/3/2025
Jeff Sharlet
Republican Party
One Month of Trump's Attacks on Faith: Policymakers, Faith Leaders, and Legal Experts Take Action

One Month of Trump's Attacks on Faith: Policymakers, Faith Leaders, and Legal Experts Take Action

March 1, 2025

State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush moderates a panel discussion on the Trump administration's relentless attacks on faith communities, and strategies for defending them

1/3/2025
Jamie Raskin
Maggie Sidiqi
Melissa Rogers
Jennifer Butler
Skye Perryman
Adam Nicholas Taylor
Congress

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.

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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.