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.

Thank you! We're glad to have you with us.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Subscribe to The State of Belief:

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
The Epstein Files as a Mirror, With Rabbi Jay Michaelson

The Epstein Files as a Mirror, With Rabbi Jay Michaelson

February 28, 2026

Unpacking the recent revelations, conspiracy theories, and the urgent moral reckoning we face. Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson is back on The State of Belief to explain the antisemitism triggered by this case, as well as by the ongoing war in the Middle East.

28/2/2026
Jay Michaelson
No items found.
Rev. James Martin On His Journey to Becoming a Priest, and the Catholic Church Today

Rev. James Martin On His Journey to Becoming a Priest, and the Catholic Church Today

February 21, 2026

Father Jim's new memoir, "Work in Progress," is full of hilarious stories, honest reflections, and the call to stand with the marginalized.

21/2/2026
James Martin
America Magazine
Faith in Action: Bishop Dwayne Royster's Call to Justice

Faith in Action: Bishop Dwayne Royster's Call to Justice

February 14, 2026

In recent days, faith communities have stepped up in powerful ways. Here's what that means for all of us. Also, suing the administration over the Religious Liberty Commission's makeup.

14/2/2026
Bishop Dwayne Royster
Faith in Action
The Light We Give: Simran Jeet Singh on Courage and Community

The Light We Give: Simran Jeet Singh on Courage and Community

February 7, 2026

Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Simran Jeet Singh, writer and seminary professor, about courage and resilience in challenging times, as well as building connections across lines of difference.

7/2/2026
Simran Jeet Singh
No items found.
Jewish-Muslim Solidarity: Moral Witness in Pressing Times

Jewish-Muslim Solidarity: Moral Witness in Pressing Times

January 31, 2026

Highlights from a Capitol Hill briefing on Jewish-Muslim solidarity as a defense against authoritarianism, featuring prominent Muslim and Jewish leaders and lawmakers. With discussion and inspiration from host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and interfaith organizer Maggie Siddiqi.

31/1/2026
Rev. Fred Davie
Salam al-Marayati
Amy Spitalnick
Jamie Raskin
Lateefah Simon
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
We The People v Trump with Democracy Forward's Skye Perryman

We The People v Trump with Democracy Forward's Skye Perryman

January 24, 2026

Host Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Democracy Forward President and CEO Skye Perryman about the first year of the second Trump administration. Skye describes how, amid a flood of policies and orders emanating from the White House, Democracy Forward's attorneys have brought many hundreds of challenges in court - and have prevailed in a great majority of them.

24/1/2026
Skye Perryman
Democracy Forward

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.