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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Paul, Brad, and the Kids: A Snapshot of an American Family for Pride

Paul, Brad, and the Kids: A Snapshot of an American Family for Pride

June 20, 2026

Plus: Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, author of a new report on same-gender marriage and religious freedom

20/6/2026
Brad Gooch
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What Democracy and Religion Look Like Across America

What Democracy and Religion Look Like Across America

June 13, 2026

Find out how local Interfaith Alliance affiliates are on the front lines in the work of defending religious freedom and democracy with leaders from Iowa, Tennessee, and the national office in Washington, DC

13/6/2026
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"Congregation of the World": Union Seminary's Rev. Dr. Serene Jones

"Congregation of the World": Union Seminary's Rev. Dr. Serene Jones

June 6, 2026

The first woman president of historic Union Theological Seminary in New York City reflects on her 18 years in the position, and on the state of activism and religious vocation in 2026 America.

6/6/2026
Rev. Dr. Serene Jones
Union Theological Seminary
Lessons in Empathy from an Unlikely Rabbi: Angela Buchdahl

Lessons in Empathy from an Unlikely Rabbi: Angela Buchdahl

May 30, 2026

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl shares her inspiring journey as the first woman and Asian American rabbi at Central Synagogue, exploring themes of faith, identity, and belonging.

30/5/2026
Angela Buchdahl
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Vanita Gupta on Public Trust and the Role of Law in Our Democracy

Vanita Gupta on Public Trust and the Role of Law in Our Democracy

May 23, 2026

Sacred Stories for Our Moral Compass with a former US Associate Attorney General and lifelong civil rights champion.

23/5/2026
Vanita Gupta
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Dr. Matthew Taylor: Following Jesus in a World of Christian Antichrists

Dr. Matthew Taylor: Following Jesus in a World of Christian Antichrists

May 16, 2026

Exploring how religion and worldview shape our political chaos—and how faith calls Christians (and others) to battle tyranny and authoritarianism.

16/5/2026
Matthew Taylor
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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.