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.
What We Know About Christian Nationalism with Robert P. Jones

What We Know About Christian Nationalism with Robert P. Jones

March 21, 2026

Yes, America is polarized... But Robby points out it's an asymmetric polarization, with barely a third of us holding Christian Nationalist view.

21/3/2026
Robby Jones
PRRI
History as Fuel: Reza Aslan on the latest Iran War

History as Fuel: Reza Aslan on the latest Iran War

March 14, 2026

A nuanced perspective on Iran’s geopolitical situation from an Iranian-American religion scholar, blending personal stories with historical context and expert analysis.

14/3/2026
Reza Aslan
No items found.
The Downward Arc of Donald Trump, With Ruth Ben-Ghiat

The Downward Arc of Donald Trump, With Ruth Ben-Ghiat

March 7, 2026

An expert on authoritarianism explains the ways strongmen consolidate power - and how they lose it

7/3/2026
Ruth Ben-Ghiat
No items found.
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

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.