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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Special Episode - Remembering Jimmy Carter

Special Episode - Remembering Jimmy Carter

January 8, 2025

State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush remembers the legacy of Jimmy Carter, and shares some interview excerpts with 39th President of the United States. Also, highlighs of a conversation between Jimmy Carter and founding host of The State of Belief, the late Rev. C. Welton Gaddy.

8/1/2025
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The Big Lie of January 6: Dr. Robert P. Jones on The State of Belief Podcast

The Big Lie of January 6: Dr. Robert P. Jones on The State of Belief Podcast

January 6, 2025

Join Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on The State of Belief podcast for an insightful discussion with Dr. Robert P. Jones on the intersection of race, religion, and politics in America. Explore the impact of historical narratives, including January 6th, 2021, and discover the forces shaping democracy. Plus, a tribute to Jimmy Carter. Subscribe for weekly episodes.

6/1/2025
Robby Jones
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Finding Hope and Defiance in "Wicked": Lessons for Today

Finding Hope and Defiance in "Wicked": Lessons for Today

January 2, 2025

Explore the powerful themes of defying norms and embracing justice in the final 2024 episode of The State of Belief. Join host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons as they delve into the inspiring messages of Wicked, the hit musical. Discover how Elphaba's story fuels the fight for equality and learn key takeaways for courage and empathy. Subscribe now for weekly inspiration.

2/1/2025
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Interfaith Alliance
Top Religion News 2024: NYT Reporter Ruth Graham

Top Religion News 2024: NYT Reporter Ruth Graham

December 21, 2024

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks about top religion news stories of the year with Ruth Graham, national reporter at The New York Times, where she covers religion, faith, and values.

21/12/2024
Ruth Graham
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On Freedom, Tyranny, and Resilience: Historian Timothy Snyder on The State of Belief Podcast

On Freedom, Tyranny, and Resilience: Historian Timothy Snyder on The State of Belief Podcast

December 16, 2024

Join Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on The State of Belief as he engages with Dr. Timothy Snyder, a renowned historian and author, in a compelling discussion on freedom, tyranny, and the challenges of our times. Explore the nuances of positive vs. negative freedom and the importance of maintaining personal values amidst external pressures. Subscribe for insightful weekly episodes.

16/12/2024
Timothy Snyder
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Did Christian Nationalism Shape the 2024 Election? A Discussion on The State of Belief Podcast

Did Christian Nationalism Shape the 2024 Election? A Discussion on The State of Belief Podcast

December 9, 2024

Explore the impact of Christian Nationalism on American politics in this week's episode of The State of Belief. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and guests, including Dr. Matthew D. Taylor, analyze its influence on the 2024 election and beyond. Featuring insights from the creators of the documentary Bad Faith, this episode delves into the movement's threat to democracy. Subscribe for weekly episodes.

9/12/2024
Matthew Taylor
Todd Stiefel
Stephen Ujlaki
Institute for Islamic Jewish Christian Studies

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.