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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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Room in the Inn: A Call for Immigrant Solidarity with Rev. Gabriel Salguero
Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero, president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, unveils the Advent Welcome Campaign and discusses the impact current policies are having on the communities and congregations represented by NaLEC.
5/12/2025
Gabriel Salguero
National Latino Evangelical Coalition
Fully Herself: Rev. Winnie Varghese Assumes the Pulpit at St. John the Divine in New York City
The Very Rev. Winnie Varghese, the first female rector at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to talk about her calling, her vision, and her ministry.
29/11/2025
Winnie Varghese
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
The Power of Faithful Non-Violent Resistance with Maria Stephan
Dr. Maria J. Stephan, co-lead and chief organizer at The Horizons Project, joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the pressing issues of authoritarianism, democracy, and the vital role of faith in social movements.
22/11/2025
Maria Stephan
The Horizons Project
What the Separation of Church and State Means Today with Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer
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
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
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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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.
