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The feds appear to be trying to rig a union election, for dumber reasons than you think. There's a slew of scandals rocking South America right now, implicating the U.S. in schemes involving sex, cocaine, and murder (the greatest hits). The insanely corrupt Venezuelan oil deal is just one of them, and that involves Rudy Giuliani getting free glasses at a money launderer's Spanish castle. Lastly, one internet weirdo accidentally exposes herself as part of Pete Hegseth's secret Pentagon army of posters.This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkoutWeekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. This episode of weekly skews is brought to you by Quince. Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to https://www.quince.com/skew for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
We did not trick these titans into coming on! They volunteered for another round in the um luke warm seat. Ladies and Gents, theys and thems, we welcome back to the show the sharp as a tack editorial cartoonist, Kevin Kallaugher, of The Economist, and recently ousted from The Baltimore Sun and attorney, Barry Lynn, formerly Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and author of Piety & Politics: The Right-Wing Assault on Religious Freedom and (titled by me) Paid to Piss People Off: Peace, Porn, and Prayer.And, boy, do we get into it: Kal's 50th anniversary at The Economist, scandals, discovering Barry has a book of Kal's, how to engage with the checked out, mid-terms, the military, Sigh...The Democrats, Freedom of Expression Under Siege, fighting government overreach, the lame stream media, organizing on substack, Jerry Fucking Falwell, satire, humor, cartoonists and comedians and their similarities, Lewis Black, money, defining charisma, USA Bicentennial, BIG RIP to "Flimsy Lindsay" Graham, Mamdani, a box of flaming excrement, and, actually, maybe a few more boxes of burning shit.
Canada tells us to French kiss their trou du cul (hole of butt, per Google Translate). Then we get into the business and political panic over everyone hating data centers, just because it's fun to be psychic. Why won't towns let criminals who got their seed capital from Epstein take over their towns. It's perplexing, apparently.This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkoutWeekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% at https://www.betterhelp.com/skews
Don Jr. can legally print his own money now. The administration says not to worry about all the sailors jumping off the USS Lincoln because they actually have less guys trying to kill themselves than our other aircraft carriers. So that's nice. Then we get into the growing bipartisan consensus that Flock's CEO should be [redacted] until he's [redacted]. Unfortunately, local cops are having a lot of fun using the cameras to run lil' COINTELPROs on people who are annoying at town council meetings.This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkoutWeekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today.
Bill interviews California Rep. Jared Huffman about his book, “No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism,” defining Christian nationalism as the fusion of fundamentalist Christian identity with Republican politics and a false claim that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation. Huffman argues MAGA Christian nationalism is more militant and openly theocratic than earlier movements, is deeply embedded in Congress, the Trump White House, and even the Pentagon, and uses ministries and “biblically sanctioned government” rhetoric to push policy. He describes January 6 as a “Christian coup” shaped by groups like the New Apostolic Reformation and says Liz Cheney removed the religious dimension from the J6 Committee's final report. They discuss Christian Zionism's influence on U.S. Israel policy and how prophets elevated Trump as a biblical King Cyrus figure after the Supreme Court ruled for marriage equality in the Obergefell decision. You can get a copy of Congressman Huffman's great new book at your local bookstore or at Bookshop.org. Today Bill highlights the work of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. More information at AU.org .See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It's Tuesday, August 11th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Timothy Reed Canada euthanized Christian grandmother against her will The nation of Canada continues down the dark path of euthanasia. This time, comes this shocking story, where the state euthanized Brigitte Stegemann, an 83-year-old Christian grandmother, against her will and the will of her family. On the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition blog, her granddaughter said, “One of our greatest ethical concerns is that GG had explicitly declined [Medical Assistance in Dying], stating it violated her Christian faith. Once a vulnerable patient explicitly declines this path, the facility should never have targeted her for re-evaluation behind closed doors while her primary advocate was away.” More than 5% of all deaths in Canada are attributed to Medical Assistance in Dying. It is the fifth leading cause of death there. Psalm 94:4 and 6 cries out: “How long shall they utter and speak hard things and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? … They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.” Severe drought in Europe and blazing hot July in America God has brought a severe drought on Europe. Since 1836, the month of July was the driest for England and Wales in recorded history, reports Reuters. Similarly, the United States experienced the hottest July since 1895. Also, March 2026 was the hottest March ever — 9.4° above the 20th-century average. Ukraine drone attack killed 13 Russians, injured 75 Ukraine's drone attack on Russia's oil hub killed 13 citizens and wounded another 75 over the weekend, reports PBS. Russia says they shut down 450 drones. In addition, Russia killed 21 people in Kyiv in this ongoing drone-based tit-for-tat warfare. The changing military alliances overseas Internationally, nations are lining up in allied positions. Just last week, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia signed a pact, in which all three nations agreed that an attack on any of the three nations would be taken as an attack on all. Pakistan's relationship with China has also warmed up considerably. China supplies Pakistan's military weaponry and Pakistan strongly supports Beijing on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. If we include China's growing relationship with Russia, this axis of powers now holds 6,100 nuclear warheads in total, almost exactly the same number held by the allied powers of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, India, and Israel. Keep in mind: God is over all the armies of the Earth. Isaiah 13:4–5 states that “The LORD of hosts musters the army for battle. They come from a far country, from the end of Heaven, the LORD and His weapons of indignation, to destroy the whole land.” Columbia hit by major earthquake Another devastating earthquake hit Colombia yesterday morning, killing 111 people, reports the Associated Press. It was 7.4 on the Richter scale. This follows another 7.5 earthquake in Venezuela a few weeks ago, that killed 5,000 people. Colombia produces 80% of the world's cocaine. However, Friday marked the first day in office for Colombia's new president — Abelardo de la Espriella. He is an admirer of President Donald Trump and had promised an "all-out war" on the drug cartels. South America has swung to the right over the last few years. Now eight countries are led by presidents who would align more with President Donald Trump. Only three South American nations are led by presidents that bend towards the left including Brazil, Bolivia and Venezuela. Two-thirds of Americans support the death penalty Pew Research has found that Americans favor the use of the death penalty for murder convictions, in line with Genesis 9:6. A full two-thirds of Americans say they favor the death penalty, and only 32% oppose it. The numbers have remained about the same for the last seven years. Yet, in the first half of 2026, capital juries chose not to execute the murderer at least 19 times, more often than to execute. Murders in America average 15,000 per year, yet on average, only 23 murderers are put to death. That's one-tenth of one percent! And this year, only 19 murderers have received the death penalty. Genesis 9:6 says, “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in His own image.” Network for Hope shut down for its immoral organ donor system The Department of Health and Human Services has decertified Network for Hope, an organ transplant organization that was exposed for unsafe and immoral practices. Heidi Klessig of Life Site News explained, “Removing Network for Hope's certification was absolutely necessary, but will not address the most pressing problem underlying our current organ donation system: organ donors must be biologically alive in order to donate viable organs.” Attorney General Todd Blanche eager to end mail-order abortions And finally, newly appointed Attorney General Todd Blanche has pledged to work towards solidifying pro-life gains across the country, as well as to end mail-order abortions. Not surprisingly, all Democrats voted against Blanche's nomination. According to Americans United for Life, “Through his statements and actions as Acting Attorney General, Mr. Blanche has shown himself to be a sincere advocate for human life and a faithful servant of President Trump's pro-life agenda.” And Blanche himself has stated, “If states have said, ‘We are going to protect the unborn and we're going to protect every life from the moment of conception,' we're putting practices and policies in place so that other states and other organizations can't attack that. They can't do things like they're doing with mailing in mail-order drugs.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, August 11th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ. Print story United States exits United Nations Livestock group The United States government is pulling out of the United Nations' Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation, The New American reported. The decision, announced by the Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Paul Welcher, comes because the declaration promotes climate change, so-called equality, and other radical policies. Per Politico, “The plan, which is completely voluntary, was finally adopted by delegates on Friday [July 17]. It advises countries to address issues such as biodiversity, animal welfare, emissions and how to prevent the spread of disease.”
There's an attack on women's sports. It's not the one all over your TV, and it's about every normal person's main concern: getting teen pregnancy numbers back up. Then we discuss the recent developments between Spain and Morocco, and perhaps the most clumsily executed evil conspiracy since, well, the last one.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% at https://www.betterhelp.com/skews Weekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. This episode of weekly skews is brought to you by Quince. Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to https://www.quince.com/skew for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkout
There's been a (diaper?) rash of people peeing and pooping themselves at concerts all summer, climaxing naturally at a Morgan Wallen show. Why is this happening? We have theories. Then, a hilarious pilot program to have sex-adjacent robots teach kids in a small district is on hold. Not for long, though, as the company and the government would very much like to take it national. There's lots of fun perverts involved, plus a crypto scam.This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkoutWeekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. This episode of weekly skews is brought to you by Quince. Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to https://www.quince.com/skew for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
It's a hot diarrhea summer, and Taco Bell has been framed! We will not stand for it. Then we break down Trump's big speech from Thursday night which said very little even though some people heard a lot.Weekly Skews is brought to you by Fast Growing Trees. Visit https://www.fastgrowingtrees.com/skew and use the code SKEWWeekly Skews is brought to you by Leesa. Go to https://Leesa.com for 30% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code SKEW, exclusive for my listeners. Weekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today.
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat happens when religious freedom becomes a legal tool for imposing religion on others? Andrew L. Seidel, constitutional attorney, author, and Vice President of Strategic Communications at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, joins Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram to explain how church-state law has shaped American public life. Seidel walks through the Establishment Clause, the Free Exercise Clause, Article VI's ban on religious tests, and major Supreme Court cases including Everson, Brown v. Board, Lemon v. Kurtzman, Kennedy v. Bremerton, and Carson v. Makin. He argues that separation of church and state is larger than one clause in the First Amendment. It is woven through the Constitution's structure and protects people of every faith and no faith. The conversation also explores public schools, vouchers, Christian nationalism, Leonard Leo's influence on the courts, and why America's 250th is a moment to defend religious liberty for everyone.Guest BioAndrew L. Seidel is a constitutional and civil rights attorney, author, and Vice President of Strategic Communications at Americans United for Separation of Church and State. His work focuses on religious freedom, church-state separation, Christian nationalism, and the way constitutional law affects public life. He is the author of The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court Is Weaponizing Religious Freedom, and co-editor of Law and Religion: Cases and Materials. His legal and public writing helps explain how First Amendment law, religious liberty claims, public schools, and Supreme Court doctrine shape the rights of believers and nonbelievers alike.Book MentionedAmerican Crusade: How the Supreme Court Is Weaponizing Religious Freedom by Andrew L. SeidelBookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781454943921Relevant Links & ResourcesAmericans United for Separation of Church and State - Andrew L. SeidelURL: https://www.au.org/about-au/people/andrew-l-seidel/ Support Sarah Stankorb's work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026. Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comWill Wright, Political Host: Will@faithfulpolitics.comFollow Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
We Dissent co-host Rebecca Markert was recently featured on "In Progress," a part of the Progress Texas podcast network. Please enjoy this episode of In Progress while you wait for our next episode! From Dan Patrick's declaration that the separation of church and state is dead, to Texas Republicans kicking Muslims out of their state convention in Houston, to the Ten Commandments and bible stories permeating our public schools, the takeover by Christian Nationalism of Republican politics is no longer a theory - it's real, and it's here, right now. How to resist is now one of the primary questions for progressive people - and we've brought on Rebecca Markert to discuss that question. She's the Vice President and Legal Director of Americans United For Separation of Church and State, a national organization dedicated solely to the protection of the foundational American principles of freedom of religion - and freedom from religion. Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support their ongoing work at progresstexas.org Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and X. Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.
America celebrated 250! 250 what? A lot of people don't know. A MAHA Mom might be getting the death penalty, but not for what you think. And then we get into the somewhat over-the-top reactions to the Supreme Court keeping citizenship the same as it's always been, and reflections upon birthright after two-and-a-half centuries of rockin' and rollin'.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% at https://www.betterhelp.com/skews Weekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. Weekly Skews is brought to you by Fast Growing Trees. Visit https://www.fastgrowingtrees.com/skew and use the code SKEW. Listeners to our show get 20% their first purchase when using the code SKEW at checkout.
From Dan Patrick's declaration that the separation of church and state is dead, to Texas Republicans kicking Muslims out of their state convention in Houston, to the Ten Commandments and bible stories permeating our public schools, the takeover by Christian Nationalism of Republican politics is no longer a theory - it's real, and it's here, right now. How to resist is now one of the primary questions for progressive people - and we've brought on Rebecca Markert to discuss that question. She's the Vice President and Legal Director of Americans United For Separation of Church and State, a national organization dedicated solely to the protection of the foundational American principles of freedom of religion - and freedom from religion.Learn more about AU at https://www.au.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
This week Mark is regrettably absent, and it just so happens to be America's 250th birthday week. Coincidence? Yes, yes it is a coincidence. He's fine and will return next week but in the meantime the one and only Cho joins Trae to opine on the state of things in this husk of an empire. Weekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. Weekly Skews is brought to you by Fast Growing Trees. Visit https://www.fastgrowingtrees.com/skew and use the code SKEW. Listeners to our show get 20% their first purchase when using the code SKEW at checkout.Go to https://Leesa.com for 30% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code SKEW, exclusive for my listeners. This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkout
MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump being forced to shut down his DC Fair yet again as no one showed up and the event was a complete disaster. Americans United will keep fighting for freedom without favor - equality without exception. Keep up with this issue at https://au.org/meidas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In breaking news, the Trump Administration, its DOJ and its Homeland Security Department have moved one step closer to the possibility of being found in Criminal Contempt and someone going to jail, as the US Court of Appeals/DC has agreed to the urging of 174 Former Judges, and have tossed a prior opinion by a Trump dominated panel to block the trial judge's criminal contempt proceedings and investigation, and will hear the case by all 11 judges of the Court instead. Popok explains how this case started and the implications of the En Banc ruling up to the US Supreme Court. Americans United will keep fighting for freedom without favor - equality without exception. Keep up with this issue at https://au.org/legalaf Subscribe: @LegalAFMTN Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Supreme Court has ruled that because Thomas Jefferson liked to party we can all get high and still have guns. The stupid Reflecting Pool saga has reached a late-stage Stalin level of Soviet farce, with show trials and a total war mobilization to destroy some algae. Then, Trump officials are now saying thoughts about Israel's government that left-wing protesters got beaten half-to-death for expressing, so things must be going well in the Middle East.This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkoutWeekly Skews is brought to you by Leesa. Go to Leesa.com for 30% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code SKEW, exclusive for our listeners. Weekly Skews is brought to you by Fast Growing Trees. Visit https://www.fastgrowingtrees.com/skew and use the code SKEWWeekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today.
MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Republican leaders in instant panic mode on Capitol Hill as the terms of Trump's Iran deal leak to the press. Americans United will keep fighting for freedom without favor - equality without exception. Keep up with this issue at https://au.org/meidas Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts:MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcastLegal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-afMissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trialThe PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcastCult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassanThe Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-showThe Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-showMajority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellmanUncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recap a fun sports weekend in America, which included brawls on the White House lawn and beautiful game shenanigans. Then, we break down all the angles to the screwworm outbreak that will decimate ranchers and turn hamburger into a collectible item. Some greatest generation patriots had originally fixed this in the 60's by being big fans of watching flies bone. Just another thing we have to get used to: Re-learning how to solve problems we already solved half a century ago.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% at https://www.betterhelp.com/skewsWeekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today.This episode of weekly skews is brought to you by Quince. Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to https://www.quince.com/skew for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Nigeria has the rare political scandal that would make a fun Disney movie where a candidate turned out to be a literal child. An immature congressman? Can't have that. Then, we get into the Texas campaign for the U.S. Senate and the tens of millions of dollars worth of mud about to be slung at James Talarico, which so far amounts to “It's communist to eat meat veganly” and “He has a girlfriend, but queerly.” Trae has an actual job at an office for one week, so Mark is joined by Drew Morgan this week. Come hang.This episode of weekly skews is brought to you by Quince. Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to https://www.quince.com/skew for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% at https://www.betterhelp.com/skews Weekly Skews is also brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. Weekly Skews is brought to you by Leesa. Leesa builds mattresses around how you actually sleep. Visit https://www.leesa.com for 30% off select mattresses, plus an extra $50 off with promo code SKEW, exclusive
Good news, your fourth-grader is now free from the federal tyranny that barred them from mango-flavored vapes. We check in on a few primaries and discuss a gubernatorial's winning gambit of ‘wearing tall socks,' and an aspiring congresswoman in Texas who had way to much caffeine then talked about Israel. Then, we discuss our seemingly inevitable military action against Cuba for several pretexts we're in the middle of making up.Weekly Skews is brought to you by Leesa. Leesa builds mattresses around how you actually sleep. Visit https://www.leesa.com for 30% off select mattresses, plus an extra $50 off with promo code SKEWWeekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% https://www.betterhelp.com/skews
John talks about Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuting the sentence of 2020 Election Denier Tina Peters, making her eligible to be freed next month. He also discusses the Trump Administration considering settling a $10 Billion lawsuit brought by Trump himself, creating instead a $1.7Billion slush fund for himself and other MAGA supplicants who feel triggered and attacked by laws and morals – (like J6 rioters for example). Plus, he talks about Trump claiming the Southern Poverty Law Center was the source funding the deadly 2017 Unite the Right gathering of neo-Nazis and other white supremacists in Virginia. Then, John interviews the president of the Florida Education Association - Andrew Spar. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Andrew negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. At FEA, he spent eight years on the Executive Cabinet. Next, Public Relations Society of America award-winning Democratic Strategist and political columnist Max Burns returns to discuss his new piece in The Hill called "How Republicans are going to blow it and put Democrats back in charge". And then finally, John chats with the Vice President of Strategic Communications for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Andrew L. Seidel. Andrew is a recognized expert on Christian Nationalism, which he's spent the last decade fighting in and out of court.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On Tuesday, Indiana and Ohio held primary elections. Chris Butler joins Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll to discuss how Republican candidates endorsed by the Trump administration fared. President Trump heads to China next week to discuss trade with President Xi Jinping. Mark Tooley from the Institute on Religion and Democracy shares what these conversations mean for Taiwanese independence, and how China and Taiwan are both taking notes from Russia's war in Ukraine. On Friday, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit paused the distribution of abortion pills-by-mail for patients who did not first have an in-person doctor visit. John Mize from Americans United for Life joins us to discuss why the Supreme Court subsequently blocked that decision. REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE: CT's Reporting on Religious Freedom GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Chris Butler is the director of Christian civic formation at the Center for Christianity and Public Life, and he has pastored at Ambassador Church in Chicago for nine years. Chris co-authored Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement. Mark Tooley is president of The Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) and editor of IRD's foreign policy and national security journal, Providence. He worked eight years for the CIA and is a graduate of Georgetown University. He has written for The Wall Street Journal, World, Law & Liberty, and National Review. John Mize serves as CEO of Americans United for Life, advancing the human right to life in culture, law, and policy. He previously served on the Senior Leadership team at the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, a leading patient advocacy organization devoted to supporting people impacted by inflammatory bowel disease. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly news analysis podcast from Christianity Today, with editor-at-large Russell Moore and executive editor of news Clarissa Moll. Each episode offers commentary on current events and headlining news with a roundtable of premier guests, and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The War in Iran has hit a new phase with dolphin troops. Dolphin troops? Support the dolphin troops. Primary season's in full swing, so let's talk about Graham Platner becoming the Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine, the Reddit post controversies, and the shaken state of Dem moderates. Also, Because the definition feels very specific, and not what you might think.This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkoutThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% https://www.betterhelp.com/skews Weekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today.
Today we talk about a guy in Colorado who's trapped in a time loop movie of unwarranted traffic stops because of Big Computer. It's a silly anecdote connected to the growing privacy and law enforcement nightmare that is Flock Safety, and how cities and counties across the U.S. have helped set up “Netflix for Stalkers.” Do you want to livestream a child's gymnastics class in Georgia? Flock is the service for you.This is a special bonus episode of Weekly Skews. If you would like to get more Skews in your life, subscribe to our Patreon for just $5 a month for Patreon exclusive episodes released every other week. https://www.weeklyskews.com/moreWeekly Skews is brought to you by Fast Growing Trees. Right now, they have great deals on spring planting essentials, up to half off on select plants. And listeners to our show get TWENTY PERCENT OFF their first purchase when using the code SKEW at checkout.Visit https://www.fastgrowingtrees.com/skew and use the code SKEWThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% https://www.betterhelp.com/skews Weekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today.
The Correspondents Dinner assassin that wasn't, a Washington press freakout over hearing gunshots vaguely in the distance, and whether there's anyone left in America who hasn't tried to kill a president. Then we get into the paper thin federal indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center and the effort to protect the real victim of racism: Donald Trump's reputation. Also, the funny reactions of Nazis, who want to be very clear: the SPLC are dumb nerds who don't tell them what to do.Weekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkout
Live Nation's predatory grip on live music is finally cracking — and a homegrown, hyper-local music scene is rising up to take its place. Matt sits down with longtime music publicist and industry expert Devon Léger to talk festival season, why the corporate giants are getting pinched, and how Live Nation's monopoly playbook (own the venues, the artists, the tickets, then jack up prices) is running into real backlash. They get into the surprising forces reshaping the industry — from Gen Z drinking less to indie festivals outlasting the Coachellas of the world — plus how house concerts, co-op venues, and immigrant music scenes are quietly building a more sustainable future for live music. If you're feeling discouraged, Devon's prescription is simple: go to a show.Follow Devon's work: Seattle Picks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seattlepicks_206 Seattle Picks on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seattlepicks Hearth Music: https://www.hearthmusic.com KITHFOLK newsletter: https://hearthmusic.substack.comThis episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkoutWeekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today.
RFK Jr. “Yeah yeah, we'll get to the measles outbreaks, but first what's up with raccoon penis bones?” The FBI director apparently cries at work, but don't worry, it's only because he's blackout drunk. Trump considers giving himself an Iran War medal. Then, we get into the insane goings on with influencers on the right, where the real ones are self-immolating at the same time they're being replaced by A.I.This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkoutWeekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today.
Linda Allewalt of Shelbyville, Kentucky, has been a church/state activist for over fifteen years, including service for three years on the National Advisory Council of Americans United for Separation of Church and State in Washington representing the Louisville American United chapter.
John talks about First Lady Melania Trump who held a press conference to address the commonly held and evidence-backed belief she and her husband were close friends with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. He also discusses the complete confusion over shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz - despite Donald Trump's magic ceasefire. Even a fully re-opened and peaceful strait would take weeks, even months, to clear the huge traffic jam. Next, he speaks with Anne Lamott who's the author of twenty books, including the New York Times bestsellers Help, Thanks, Wow, Dusk, Night, Dawn, Traveling Mercies, and Bird by Bird, as well as seven novels. And, Neal Allen who's a writer, spiritual coach, and speaker. He is the author of Shapes of Truth and Better Days. A former journalist and corporate executive, he holds master's degrees in Political Science and Eastern Classics. Together these 2 writers show you how to turn a worthy sentence into a memorable one. Good Writing can improve your book, your essay, your memo, your blog post, your speech, or your script. And winding it up, John welcomes back Rev. Barry Lynn who's an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and who served as the executive director for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State until his retirement. They talk about the Pope's condemnation of Trump and the unholy Iranian War.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
JD Vance has a new book about his journey through forty-eleven religions before he arrived at the correct one, Catholicism-Where-You-Hate-the-Pope. Then Mark and Trae talk about the president threatening war crimes in internet posts where he sarcastically converts to Islam. Then, a fun discussion with scientist, small business owner, and Congressional candidate Dr. Michaela Barnett about running for office because you're mad as hell and no one else is doing it.Weekly Skews is brought to you by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.If you believe religious freedom is supposed to protect everybody, not be weaponized to turn away good families, visit https://www.au.org/crooked to learn more and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://www.zbiotics.com/SKEW now. You'll get 15% off your first order when you use SKEW at checkoutThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% https://www.betterhelp.com/skews
Christina Hello, everyone, I'm Christina Darnell, the managing editor of MinistryWatch. Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast. In today's extra episode, I talk with Warren Smith about some news items that are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.” So, Warren, what's up first? Warren Military chaplains will no longer indicate their rank on their uniforms, according to a new order from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegspeth. People I've talked with tell me they generally think that's a good thing. Enlisted personnel might be intimidated to talk with chaplains about deeply personal issues if they know that chaplain is a senior officer. Progressive groups opposing the move include Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. Christina Up next, a new study by Pew found that nearly 98 percent of U.S. adults live within range of at least one religious radio station. Warren And that about 25 percent of all AM/FM stations are dedicated to religious programming. The U.S. has about 4,000 religious stations and about half of American adults spend at least some time each week listening to religious audio content, including radio, podcasts, and streaming, and – this is one of the most interesting findings – about 39 percent of listeners are non-Christians. Christina I guess it's a good thing that non-Christians are listening to Christian programming. Warren It is good, but there is also another side to that coin. A lot of Christian radio stations have started programing for that non-Christian audience. You'll hear branding like “Safe for the Entire Family” rather than distinctly Christian branding and programming. Some people think this trend has watered down Christian radio. Christian writer David Murrow says “Safe for the Entire Family” has made Christian radio boring and risk-free. He advocates for edgier music on music stations, and more teaching and talk. Christina While we're on the subject of media, a new movie out now is getting a lot of buzz from Christian commentators – and it's not a Christian movie. Warren I haven't seen the new Ryan Gosling movie Project Hail Mary, but people I respect are giving it great reviews. Aaron Renn says, “In an era of male loneliness and confusing messages about manhood, Project Hail Mary models problem-solving, purpose, and fatherly strength without apology.” Brett McCracken, writing for The Gospel Coalition, says it offers the “good, clean fun moviegoers have missed.” McCracken concludes, “Project Hail Mary doesn't preach the gospel. But it makes virtue look good. It makes selflessness, sacrifice, and duty attractive. If the movie is a huge hit—and I expect it will be—perhaps Hollywood will take the hint. We're not in postmodernism anymore. Goodness, truth, and beauty are attributes we want in art again. Really, they're what we've always wanted.” Christina Is the movie a hit? Warren It is. The movie opened at number 1 in the U.S. and held that position through its second week. So far, worldwide box office is around $300 million. That's a huge hit by any reasonable standard. Christina Warren, you read an article this week that caught your attention. Warren I commend to you an article by my friends John Stonestreet and Tim Padgett of The Colson Center. I'll link to it in the show notes. They share the hard truth that neither political party has a right to the pro-life label these days. Of the Democrats they say, abortion is not merely a plank in the progressive party's platform. It is the chief commitment of the worldview that dominates America. It is, for many, a sacrament to recognize, enshrine, and honor autonomy. Abortion is not merely a legal right of a decadent society. It is a rite of worship, specifically a way to worship the idols of self, state, and sex.” Christina But they don't let the Republicans off the hook, either. Warren They write, “The GOP was once a prolife party, but now openly endorses chemical abortion and unregulated IVF, the two most common ways to kill preborn children in America.” They conclude, “There is no such thing as a Christian not called, to some degree, to oppose abortion and defend preborn lives. We need not attend every march or express every outrage. We must, however, protect every vulnerable life, support every vulnerable mother and father, and advance the Christian understanding of human dignity every chance we are given.” Christina Our final story today is about the ministry rating systems. An organization called Charity Watch wrote an article that found fault with Charity Navigator's rating system. Warren Charity Watch found fault with the 4-Star rating that Charity Navigator gave to OUR Rescue, formerly Operation Underground Railroad. I won't get into the weeds of their analysis here except to say that Charity Watch is right. OUR Rescue should not have a 4-Star rating. Christina That's why MinistryWatch gives OUR Rescue a 1-Star rating, our lowest score for financial efficiency. Warren That's right. I've written about the pros and cons of rating systems, and explained why – despite the cons – we think rating ministries is important. But how you do it matters. I'll have a link to an article explaining our rating system in today's show notes. Christina Any final notes before we go? Warren I have some travel coming up in the next couple of months, and I would love to see you. I will be in Los Angeles in April. I'll be speaking at the annual convention of the Evangelical Press Association in Nashville in June. I'll also be in Dallas and Knoxville in May. I will be speaking at Summit Ministries in Manitou Springs in June, so I'll be doing reader lunches in Denver and Colorado Springs during that trip. Let me know if you would like to join us. My email is wsmith@ministrywatch.com. Christina The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm Christina Darnell, along with Warren Smith. You've been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.
In the latest episode, John opens with a discussion on the serious allegations against comedian Russell Brand, who is facing multiple charges of rape and sexual assault. He then talks about the alarming Supreme Court ruling regarding conversion therapy. He argues against the dangerous implications of allowing such practices to continue under the guise of free speech. He emphasizes the need for states to protect vulnerable children from harmful and discredited therapies, underscoring the broader implications for public health and safety. Then, he delves into the intertwining of religion and politics, particularly through the lens of Christian nationalism. He critiques Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who he argues misuses religious symbols to justify violence and power. His commentary is both humorous and thought-provoking, challenging listeners to reflect on the true essence of Christianity and its divergence from political ideologies. John then interviews Zach Sokoloff who's a Senior Vice President at Hackman Capital Partners, serving as Asset Manager of the firm's Television City and Radford Studio Center projects. He is running to be the next Controller for the City of Los Angeles, the chief accountant and paymaster for the city. Next, he speaks with Rachel Laser who's the President and CEO at Americans United for Separation of Church and State. An experienced lawyer, she is an advocate and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive. They discuss major constitutional infractions such as the Depts. Of Defense and Labor prayer services which are an example of the Trump Admin's increasing Christian Nationalism. And then finally, Comedy Daddy - Keith Price returns to joke with John and listeners about pop culture and Trump's latest mayhem and chaos.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Doug Scott examines Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's March 25 Pentagon prayer—asking God for “every round” to find its mark—and argues it reveals a dangerous politicized liturgy that sanctifies annihilation, misuses Christ's name, and feeds a planetary thought-form he calls the Great BASH. Scott traces the theological, psychological, and institutional stakes, contrasts this moment with Francis of Assisi's encounter with the Sultan, and urges readers to recognize and resist the conflation of sacred language with redemptive violence. -- Endnotes 1. Online Etymology Dictionary, “diabolic,” accessed March 2026, https://www.etymonline.com/word/diabolic. See also Merriam-Webster, “diabolical,” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diabolical. The Greek diabolos derives from dia- (“across, through”) + ballein (“to throw”), literally “to throw across/apart.” Its opposite is symbolon, from sym- (“together”) + ballein, literally “to throw together.” The Septuagint translators chose diabolos to render the Hebrew satan (“adversary”). 2. Doug Scott, “How the Egregore Great BASH Shows Itself at the Threshold of Human Shift,” cosmicchrist.net, March 10, 2026; Doug Scott, “The Terran Self at War with Itself,” cosmicchrist.net, March 2026. 3. Ra Material (The Law of One), Session 15.12; Session 32.14. The orange-ray energy center governs personal identity, self-assertion, and the relationship to other-selves as individuals. Blockage or distortion at this level manifests as the inability to stabilize identity without defining against an external other. 4. Associated Press, “At Pentagon Christian Service, Hegseth Prays for Violence ‘Against Those Who Deserve No Mercy,'” March 25, 2026. Reported via PBS NewsHour, Washington Post, Military.com, Washington Times, and dozens of AP affiliates. The service was livestreamed. 5. Associated Press, via Military.com, March 26, 2026. As of that reporting, Operation Epic Fury had resulted in thirteen American service members killed and more than two hundred wounded. 6. Full prayer text reported by Brett Wilkins, “‘Heretical and Batshit Crazy': Hegseth Rebuked for Bloodthirsty Prayer Asking God to Bless Iran War,” Common Dreams, March 26, 2026, citing video posted by journalist Michael Tracey on X, March 25, 2026. Also confirmed by the Daily Beast, March 26, 2026. 7. Associated Press, via PBS NewsHour, March 25, 2026. Hegseth belongs to the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), co-founded by self-described Christian nationalist Doug Wilson. Wilson preached at Hegseth's Pentagon services in February 2026. Hegseth also attends weekly White House Bible study led by Ralph Drollinger. See Doug Scott, “Hegseth, Vance, and Johnson: Religious Framing, War Justification, and the Iran Campaign,” Great BASH Project Research Brief, March 5, 2026. 8. Associated Press, via PBS and Military.com, March 25–26, 2026. Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed suit Monday, March 23, seeking internal communications about the services, their cost, and any complaints. 9. Associated Press, via PBS NewsHour, March 25, 2026. Hegseth directed chaplains to prioritize spiritual ministry over mental health and “self-help” approaches, in a week when the military had grown increasingly dependent on chaplains to address troop mental health distress during active combat. 10. “Pentagon Pete Hegseth Prays for ‘Overwhelming Violence' at Christian Service,” The Daily Beast, March 26, 2026. Trump told reporters at Tuesday's Oval Office swearing-in of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin: “Pete didn't want it to be settled.” Trump identified Hegseth as the first cabinet member to push for military action against Iran. 11. Ronit Stahl, author of Enlisting Faith: How the Military Chaplaincy Shaped Religion and State in Modern America (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2017), quoted in Associated Press/PBS coverage, March 25, 2026. 12. Associated Press, via Washington Times, March 25, 2026. At a gathering of Christian broadcasters in February, Hegseth said of the Pentagon services: “We hear a lot from the ‘freedom from religion' crowd. They hate it. The left-wing shrieks, which means we're right over the target.” 13. Ra Material (The Law of One), Session 46.9–10; Session 48.7. Green ray (the heart center) is the first energy center capable of holding the other without needing to annihilate, possess, or control. It is the gateway to higher-density work and the prerequisite for the density transition Earth is currently undergoing. 14. “Pentagon Pete Hegseth Prays for ‘Overwhelming Violence' at Christian Service,” The Daily Beast, March 26, 2026. Hegseth's pastor Brooks Potteiger appeared on the Christian nationalist podcast Reformation Red Pill, where co-host Joshua Haymes said of Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico: “I pray that God kills him.” Potteiger responded: “Right. Right. We want him crucified with Christ.” 15. For the Francis/Sultan encounter as counter-image to the crusader theology, see Doug Scott, “The Terran Self at War with Itself,” cosmicchrist.net, March 2026. The historical encounter occurred in 1219 during the Fifth Crusade at Damietta, Egypt. 16. Exodus 20:7. The Hebrew nasa means “to lift, carry, bear” rather than simply “to speak.” The word shav (translated “in vain”) means emptiness, vanity, falsehood, worthlessness of conduct. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin argued that the more literal translation—“you shall not carry” the name of YHWH—explains why the commandment ranks alongside “You shall not murder.” See Joseph Telushkin, A Code of Jewish Ethics, vol. 1 (New York: Bell Tower, 2006). See also “The Innocence of God: The Third Commandment,” Tikkun 31, no. 2 (April 2016). 17. David Klinghoffer, Shattered Tablets: Why We Ignore the Ten Commandments at Our Peril (New York: Doubleday, 2007), cited in “Watch Your Language: The Third Commandment,” The Dayton Jewish Observer, May 2010. 18. Carmen Joy Imes, in conversation with Kirk E. Miller, “What Does It Mean to Take God's Name in Vain?,” Logos, March 2025. Imes connects the priestly bearing of God's name on Aaron's garments (Exodus 28:12, 29) to Israel's commissioning as a nation of priests (Exodus 19:5–6), arguing that “carrying God's name” means representing God's character faithfully through one's actions. 19. “The Innocence of God: The Third Commandment: Building the Religious Counterculture,” Tikkun 31, no. 2 (April 2016). The article notes that the second half of the Third Commandment—“for God will not acquit a person who takes God's name in vain”—uses language found in no other commandment, including the prohibitions against murder and adultery.
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, about the growing legal and political battles over religion in American public life. Laser argues the country is in a “code red” moment for church-state separation as court rulings and policy efforts increasingly blur the lines between religious belief and government authority.The conversation explores recent controversies including efforts to post the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, parental rights claims affecting school curriculum, and religious freedom challenges to abortion laws. Laser explains how these cases reflect deeper tensions in a religiously diverse country where different faith traditions often interpret moral and legal questions very differently.Throughout the discussion, the hosts examine how these conflicts are shaping debates over religious liberty, public education, and constitutional protections, while asking whether church-state separation remains the best framework for protecting both faith and pluralism in American democracy.Guest BioRachel Laser is the President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to defending religious freedom and ensuring that religion and government remain separate. She has spent her career working in civil rights advocacy and public policy, including leadership roles at the Open Society Foundations and other national organizations focused on democracy and human rights.Resources and LinksAmericans United for Separation of Church and Statehttps://www.au.orgSummit for Religious Freedomhttps://www.thesrf.orgSupport the show
On this week's Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick explores the rise of Christian nationalism in America, its influence on the Supreme Court , and the implications for democracy and civil rights. Featuring Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, their discussion delves into the historical roots, recent legal cases, and the ongoing fight to uphold the separation of church and state in a country that survived two centuries as an open, pluralist refuge for all religions, and then became a Christian nation, seemingly overnight.Want more Amicus? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes with exclusive legal analysis. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week's Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick explores the rise of Christian nationalism in America, its influence on the Supreme Court , and the implications for democracy and civil rights. Featuring Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, their discussion delves into the historical roots, recent legal cases, and the ongoing fight to uphold the separation of church and state in a country that survived two centuries as an open, pluralist refuge for all religions, and then became a Christian nation, seemingly overnight.Want more Amicus? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes with exclusive legal analysis. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week's Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick explores the rise of Christian nationalism in America, its influence on the Supreme Court , and the implications for democracy and civil rights. Featuring Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, their discussion delves into the historical roots, recent legal cases, and the ongoing fight to uphold the separation of church and state in a country that survived two centuries as an open, pluralist refuge for all religions, and then became a Christian nation, seemingly overnight.Want more Amicus? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes with exclusive legal analysis. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor looks at legislation across the country that purports to want the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. But the version mandated by lawmakers cannot be found in any Bible. Kaylor unpacks where the edited language came from, why such legislation is an attack on religious liberty, and the legal battles over these laws. This is the first episode of "A Trick of State," a special occasional series from Dangerous Dogma. In this series, Kaylor will investigate underexplored issues at the intersection of church and state that expose the false promises of Christian Nationalism. This episode includes interviews with Mark Chancey (a religious studies professor at Southern Methodist University and an expert in how the Bible is taught in public schools) and Rachel Laser (president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, one of the groups suing to stop these laws). To get a better sense of the gerrymandered version of the Ten Commandments mandated by lawmakers in Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, here are two images that show the edits. As the image below on the left shows. The parts in yellow are kept on the posters, the parts in red must be deleted, and the parts in green are added into the required text. Or, if you would rather think about it in terms of redacting like with the Epstein files, the image below on the right shows what the bills do to Exodus 20 by removing nearly two-thirds of the text. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics. And order the new book by Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power.
Katie Gima and Jess Zalph join Ashley Erickson to discuss ACS's Constitution in the Classroom program, including a look at newly released curriculum entitled "Separation of Church and State and the U.S. Constitution" and how to bring this important piece of civic education to a classroom near you.Join the Progressive Legal Movement Today: ACSLaw.orgHost: Ashley Erickson, Senior Director of Network AdvancementGuest: Katie Gima, Senior Director of Legal Programs & Networking, Americans United for Separation of Church and StateGuest: Jess Zalph, Constitutional Litigation Fellow, Americans United for Separation of Church and StateLink: Constitution in the ClassroomLink: Elementary School Lesson PlanLink: Middle School Lesson PlanLink: High School Lesson PlanVisit the Podcast Website: Broken Law Podcast Email the Show: Podcast@ACSLaw.org Follow ACS on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | LinkedIn | YouTube -----------------Broken Law: About the law, who it serves, and who it doesn't.----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of American Constitution Society 2025.
John discusses the Pentagon ending their partnership with Anthropic AI after a major dispute over their military use. Then, he talk politics and religion with the Rev. Barry Lynn who's an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and is the former the executive director for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. And finally, John jokes with MST3K's TV's Frank Conniff about current news and pop culture.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump's attacks on the world backfiring and hell breaking loose as the fallout from his failures explodes. Americans United will keep fighting for freedom without favor - equality without exception. Keep up with this issue at https://au.org/meidas Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump panicking over new videos MeidasTouch is dropping about his dark past that align with the redactions in the Epstein Files and are exposing Trump in ways he feared. Americans United will keep fighting for freedom without favor - equality without exception. Keep up with this issue at https://au.org/meidas Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode - John talks about the Stonewall Monument pride flag in New York being taken down by the Trump Administration and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appearing before Congress offering a chance to revise his past statements on Jeffrey Epstein following newly revealed personal and business connections. Then, John interviews author and Professor of History at George Washington University - David J. Silverman. He is the author of the award-winning This Land is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and Troubled History of Thanksgiving. They talk about his new book "The Chosen and the Damned". The epochal story of race in America is typically understood as a Black and White issue. The Chosen and the Damned restores the defining role Native people have played, and continue Americans United. He's an author and an attorney who's defended the First Amendment for more than a decade. He has two books: The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American (2019) and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom (2022). John also talks with Brian Silva who is Vice President of Outreach at Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Brian brings to AU almost three decades of organizing experience rooted in creating change through education and advocacy that is intersectional, collaborative and grassroots. After working as a high school history teacher and mentor, Brian became a leader in the LGBTQ+ movement as the Executive Director of Marriage Equality USA where he helped pave the way to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. Most recently, he worked to advance equality, equity, and justice as the Executive Director of the National Equality Action Team (NEAT), which he also founded.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John talks about Trump's lust for seizing control of Greenland and how that is playing out on the world stage. Trump spoke at the Davos Economic Forum in Switzerland, receiving a wall of sharp words and condemnations for American foreign and economic policy toward Europe. He also discusses anti-ICE protestors disrupting a sermon at Cities Church in ST. Paul Minnesota where their pastor moonlights as an ICE Director in their local field office. Then, he interviews Larry Cohen who is the Executive Director and Co-founder of Point Source Youth, a national organization working to prevent and end youth homelessness in the U.S. through advocacy, research, and support of scalable interventions like direct cash transfers and targeted housing assistance. And, Erika Hartman, who is Chief Executive Officer at Safe Place for Youth, which provides over 1,200+ young people with critical life-saving services yearly including daily meals, substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and access to housing. Point Source Youth and Safe Place for Youth are expanding the CASH LA Targeted Housing Assistance Program, a cost-efficient, evidence-based intervention that helps young people ages 18 to 30 stay housed before they enter the homelessness system. Next, John jokes with J-L Cauvin who is a community advocate, lawyer, and comedian who is running as a Democrat to succeed Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill and represent New Jersey's 11th District in Congress. And then lastly, he welcomes back Rev. Barry Lynn who's an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and served as the executive director for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State until his retirement in 2017. Rev. Barry's memoir “Paid to Piss People Off” comes in three volumes: PEACE, PORN and PRAYER.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/12/26 - The fight for life in America is increasingly being decided in courtrooms, legislatures, and the public square. We're joined by John Mize, CEO of Americans United for Life, to discuss how pro-life laws are crafted, defended, and advanced across the nation, and why the legal system remains one of the most critical battlegrounds in protecting the unborn and the most vulnerable. Americans United for Life works to advance the human right to life by influencing culture, crafting law, and shaping public policy, equipping lawmakers and advocates with the tools needed to defend life at every stage. From the role of the Supreme Court to the long-term strategy required to build a culture that values every human person, this episode offers clarity, insight, and hope for those committed to restoring a culture of life rooted in dignity, solidarity, and love.
John talks about the Supreme Court blocking Trump from deploying the National Guard to Chicago, but the National Guard in Louisiana have been called up for an upcoming deployment to New Orleans. He also discusses the DOJ releasing more files on Jeffrey Epstein, including an alleged letter to Larry Nassar. Then, he welcomes back Rev. Barry Lynn who is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and a former executive director for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. And closing it up, John jokes with "Comedy Daddy" Keith Price and they take listener calls about pop culture, current politics, and the year in review.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Description: Originally released in 2024, this episode is re-released in 2025 to honor the lives and legacy of Rob Reiner and Michelle Reiner, whose sudden deaths are deeply felt. We share this conversation again to uplift the vital work they brought into the world.How does a religion rooted in love and peace become a force that fuels political violence, as seen on January 6, 2021? In the documentary God & Country, producer Rob Reiner and director Dan Partland, examine the rise of Christian Nationalism — a dangerous fusion of patriarchal White Nationalism and messianic faith. Based on Katherine Stewart's The Power Worshippers, the film reveals how this movement threatens both secular democracy and Christianity itself.Rob Reiner — Emmy-winning actor, acclaimed director, and lifelong defender of democratic values — devoted his later years to confronting authoritarianism. Michelle Reiner, also a producer on God & Country, was a vital creative and moral force behind the film and this episode. Their work, and their warning, remain urgent in 2025 as the consequences of the 2024 election continue to unfold.The episode closes with Laura Flanders on why civic engagement matters now more than ever.Guests:• Dan Partland: Director, God & Country• Rob Reiner: Producer, God & Country• Full Conversation- LISTENMake a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member, go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible thanks to you! *Recommended book:“The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism” by Katherine Stewart, Get the Book(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Lisa Graves: The Extremist Revolution & Democracy Hanging by a Thread, Watch / Listen-Download Podcast• Congressman Jamie Raskin On January 6th: After a Failed Coup, a Successful One?, Watch / Listen-Download Podcast• How Radical Self Love Can Heal the World, Watch / Listen-Download PodcastRelated Articles and Resources:• ‘God & Country,' the Movie, List of Theater by zipcode Information Here• Stop the Coup 2025 - Stop Project 2025 - Get Involved / Learn More Here• All of Us, Organizing to Counter White Christian Nationalism and Build a Pro-Democracy Society, by Organizing All of Us, PDF Download• Why a Group of Christians Is Fighting the Growing Threat of Christian Nationalism, by Vera Bergengruen, January 6, 2021, TIME Magazine, Read Here• White Christian Nationalism: Attacking our Democracy, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Learn More Here• BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, Learn More Here Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Corinne Fisher talks to the VP of outreach for Americans United For The Seperation Of Church And State, Brian Silva as a bit of a counter balance to her last interview with Jackson Lahmeyer. The pair talk about the creeping tentacles of religion working its way into our daily life, how horrified conservatives would be if teachers were actually in charge of teaching religion, the hypocricy on full display from the Trump administration and so much more!Original Air Date: 10/22/25You can watch Without A Country LIVE every Wednesday at 9PM on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjP3oJVS_BEgGXOPcVzlpVw!**PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW ON iTUNES & SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL**Link To The Patreon!https://patreon.com/WithoutACountry?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkThis Week Corinne looks at controversy in a New Jersey school boardWHERE YOU CAN ANNOY US:Corinne Fisher:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilanthropyGalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/philanthropygalExecutive Producer: Mike HarringtonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/themharrington/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMHarringtonOur Guest:Brian SilvaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/americansunited/Twitter: https://x.com/americansunitedWebsite: https://www.au.org/Theme Song By Free VicesWebsite https://www.freevices.com/Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/free-vices/1475846774Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fUw9W8zIj6RbibZN2b3kP?si=N8KzuFkvQXSnaejeDqVpIg&nd=1&dlsi=533dddc8672f46f0SoundCloud https://on.soundcloud.com/5sceVeUFADVBJr4P7YouTube https://youtube.com/channel/UCOsgEoQ2-czvD8eWctnxAAw?si=SL1RULNWVuJb8AONInstagram http://instagram.com/free_vicesEnemy of the state: People who are against separation of church and state.Intro article: https://time.com/7297290/founders-separation-church-and-state/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn Separation of Church and State is under attack, and the spread of White Christian Nationalism is ever present. Luckily, organizations like Americans United for Separation of Church and State are on the ground and fighting back in a major way. Brian Silva, the VP of Outreach from AU stopped by the pod to help us spot the most recent examples of the White Christian Nationalist agenda, and how we can get involved (and get excited!) about grassroots organizing. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube. Not A Phase. Trans Lifeline Americans United is on Instagram @americansunited and on Tiktok @au.org www.au.org www.au.org/donate Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices