Best Civic Dialogue Podcasts (2025)

1
ICYMI: David French — Faith, Politics, and the Ethics of Disagreement 1:18:00

Play Pause

16m ago1:18:00

1:18:00

One of the most clarifying conversations we’ve had about conscience, character, and navigating our divisions with integrity. In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his conversation with David French — New York Times columnist, attorney, veteran, and one of the most thoughtful voices on religious liberty, civic virtue, polarization, and how principle…

1
#188: Practical Wisdom and Harmony - Virtues and Faces of Moderation feat. Dr. Aurelian Craiutu 59:29

7h ago59:29

59:29

Click here to watch the video version on Youtube! Amid all the political noise about ideologues on the right and left, political moderates are unique in our democracy. What makes moderation so essential for robust democracies? Dr. Aurelian Craiutu, Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Indiana University Bloomington, shares abo…

1
ICYMI: Anne Applebaum — How Autocrats Rise and Democracies Fall 1:05:54

20h ago1:05:54

1:05:54

One of the most essential conversations we’ve had — on authoritarianism, influence campaigns, and what it takes to defend democracy. In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his conversation with Anne Applebaum — Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, staff writer at The Atlantic, and one of the world’s leading experts on modern authoritarianism. Anne expl…

1
Episode 223: Representation of Women in World History Curriculum with Sara Evers 38:54

14h ago38:54

38:54

In episode 223, Dan and Michael chat with Sara Evers about her new TRSE article titled, “Whose historical thinking? Representation of women in the Digital Inquiry Group’s Reading Like a Historian world history curriculum.”By Visions of Education

1
ICYMI: David Brooks on Moral Repair, Friendship, Faith, and the Inner Work of Democracy 1:06:31

40m ago1:06:31

1:06:31

One of TP&R’s all-time standout conversations—perfect for new listeners discovering the show this week. In this special ICYMI release, Corey revisits his deeply human, deeply honest conversation with David Brooks—New York Times columnist, bestselling author of The Second Mountain and How to Know a Person, and one of the most thoughtful public voice…

1
Something Special for the Holiday: EAST MEETS WEST SPORTS - Cleveland’s QB Gamble & LA’s Power Play 33:23

6d ago33:23

33:23

Call it a holiday palate cleanser: today’s TP&R feed features a special drop from East Meets West Sports. Be sure to find this new show on all the apps, follow, rate, review... You know the drill. Enjoy! Can Shedeur Sanders prove he's “the one” – or is Cleveland just buying time? Meanwhile, LA sports shake things up from the locker room to the fron…

1
PSAI - Public Service Artificial Intelligence 10:23

3h ago10:23

10:23

A public service announcement… with a twist. Before The Trial of the Century officially begins, PSAI lays the foundation for what’s coming: the tone, the world, and the resonant questions at the center of the case. This brief message introduces listeners to the Court of Public Opinion, the roles that will be assigned, and the intention behind the s…

1
Dr. Melissa Deckman on America’s Cracks: Trumpism, Gen Z, and the Faith Factor 1:18:18

19m ago1:18:18

1:18:18

What PRRI’s Latest Data Reveals About Our Deepening Divide In the shadow of rising polarization, this episode dives deep into the latest findings from PRRI's American Values Survey, Trump’s Unprecedented Actions Deepen Asymmetric Divides. Corey is joined by Dr. Melissa Deckman to break down the data—and what it tells us about party loyalty, trust i…

1
#187: Statutory to Statuary - Lighting the Ohioan Journey Honoring Thomas Edison in the Capitol feat. Kristin Strobel 1:01:46

7h ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Click here to watch on Youtube! Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and it may also mean honoring those who have given. Kristin Strobel, who was our guest in Ep. 90, joins our show again to discuss her latest project about a statue honoring one of the most famous Americans: Thomas Edison! Hear about the journey from idea to voting, statuary to sta…

1
Redemption Projects: From Wreckage to Repair 40:36

15m ago40:36

40:36

Repairing the damage—in our democracy, in our relationships, and in ourselves. ✨ Episode Summary Let’s talk about redemption—what it really means to repair what’s been broken, whether in our democracy or in our personal lives, and how we can tell the difference between a true apology and just going through the motions. Inspired by a powerful Substa…

1
Polling, Prop Bets, and Political Truths: Carl Allen Returns 1:25:26

14d ago1:25:26

1:25:26

What do you get when a data scientist with a knack for sports betting and political forecasting returns to the pod? A masterclass in what polling can and can't do, how bad assumptions skew our democracy, and why Carl Allen thinks we need to stop blaming the camera for the race result. In this fascinating, far-ranging convo, Corey and Carl Allen (au…

1
THE TRIAL OF THE CENTury - Teaser 2:07

9d ago2:07

2:07

The Trial of the Century – Teaser Welcome to the Court of Public Opinion. You've just been summoned. This brief teaser offers a first glimpse at the case that will decide the fate of the Lincoln penny — a trial where culture, economics, tradition, and imagination all take the stand. If you’re reading this, you’re already part of the jury. The PSA d…

1
Against the Noise: Gratitude as a Form of Protest 24:54

19d ago24:54

24:54

"And now for something completely different..." In a world flooded with outrage and anxiety, taking stock of the good isn’t naive—it’s necessary. Corey shifts the lens from polarization and pessimism to the power of thankfulness. Amid a flood of bad news and anxiety about the state of democracy, Corey invites listeners to pause and consider what’s …

1
Arts & Democracy- Season 1; Episode 3- "From Broadway to the Citadel" 51:25

20d ago51:25

51:25

In this episode of Arts & Democracy: A Global Conversation, host Olga Levina speaks with Shawn Emamjomeh — a self-described “child of revolution” whose life spans Iran, Silicon Valley, Broadway, and the ancient Citadel of Erbil. Shawn reflects on how collaborative art on stage, city-building in Iraqi Kurdistan, and his Color & Light Festival have a…

1
Scripture, Satire, and Silicon Salvation: Lisa Rose Ferrara’s CHRISTBOT 1:02:54

13d ago1:02:54

1:02:54

🤖 What happens when an ex-campus minister turned agnostic writes a novel about AI Jesus? You get this wide-ranging and deeply moving conversation between Corey and Lisa Rose Ferrara—writer of the Substack The Dangling Door and author of the novel CHRISTBOT. Lisa doesn’t just reflect on the absurdities of our sociopolitical moment—she rewrites the r…

1
#186: The Only Populism is the Populism We Don't Know 38:42

22d ago38:42

38:42

"Populism" is a term thrown around by many in politics, but what kind of populists used to be prominent? Is populism only for those who claim to be populist? Hear an 1892 excerpt from James Weaver, a prominent Populist Party leader, and the ways he portrayed a long-standing issue (as old as the country) that applied to the 1890s and applies to this…

1
From Military Police to Soft Secession: Christopher Armitage on Resisting Authoritarian Drift 1:03:11

17d ago1:03:11

1:03:11

What happens when a former military cop, existentialist philosopher, and Substack firebrand walks into a podcast? You get this riveting conversation between Corey and Christopher Armitage, who pulls no punches when it comes to democracy, resistance, and why “soft secession” might be the only sane response to creeping authoritarianism. Chris is a U.…

1
5 Boundaries That Signal It’s Time to Walk Away From Toxic Dialogue 31:11

23d ago31:11

31:11

Not every relationship can—or should—be salvaged. In this solo episode, Corey shares a personal story and outlines five unmistakable red flags that tell you it’s time to step back to protect your peace. Sometimes, staying in the conversation means knowing when to step away. In this raw and introspective solo episode, host Corey Nathan opens up abou…

1
#185: Magnifying Public Dialogue and Participation in Democratic Governance feat. Dr. Archon Fung 1:08:17

23d ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Since the founding of the U.S., generations of Americans have strived to achieve democratic governance and self-government. How can Americans improve our system of democratic governance? Dr. Archon Fung, professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, shares how public participation, …

1
Episode 222: Latine Counternarratives in Children's Literature with Melissa Rojas Williams 48:07

1M ago48:07

48:07

In episode 222, Dan and Michael chat with Melissa Rojas Williams about her new TRSE article titled, “‘Algunas personas aquí han venido con coyote como Areli?’: Conceptualizing the Latine civic counternarrative through diverse children’s literature.”By Visions of Education

1
Is Democracy Backsliding? David A. Graham on Power, Press, and What Comes Next 1:04:18

24d ago1:04:18

1:04:18

From Project 2025 to creeping authoritarianism, Atlantic journalist David A. Graham lays out the threats to democracy — and why he still believes it's worth defending. Glad to have this timely conversation with David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter, and the mind behind two major works: THE PROJECT: H…

1
LB Prevette on Weave, Rural Belonging, and Why “You Won’t Hurt Alone.” 1:00:56

1M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

How one rural weaver is helping neighbors feel seen, supported, and connected in Wilkes County, NC — and what we can learn from her example. We are kicking off something special. This episode is the first in a new ongoing series highlighting Weavers — local leaders around the country who are rebuilding trust and community from the ground up through…

1
#184: Inside the Battle Born Capitol - Representing Nevadans in and beyond the State Capital feat. PK O'Neill 1:04:01

1M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

State government is a key aspect of our federalist system in the U.S. But what is it like to represent a state capital's constituents in a state capitol? For this year's inaugural Nevada Day Special, PK O'Neill shares what it is like serving as Assemblyman for District 40 that includes Carson City (the state capital), Storey County, and some parts …

1
Arts & Democracy: Season 1, Episode 2- "When Music Becomes a Movement" 21:11

1M ago21:11

21:11

In this moving episode of Arts & Democracy: A Global Conversation, host Olga Levina speaks with activist and former Executive Director of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, Mark McDonald, about the power of music, activism, and community in times of crisis and change. From his early days in small-town Missouri to leading one of the nation’s most v…

1
Something’s Growing in the Dark: You Won’t Believe What’s Sprouting 52:24

1M ago52:24

52:24

Send us a text Things are getting a little spooky in this special Halloween edition of The Best Better Podcast! Join hosts Joel and Abbigail as they sit down with Paige Petticrew, Lenoir County Horticulture Agent, and Kaelyn Lane, Lenoir County Agriculture Agent, for a frightfully fun conversation about what’s growing in the dark — both in our fiel…

1
ICYMI: Mike Madrid on Baseball, Family, and the Soul of America 1:22:36

1M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

Where baseball, family, and democracy meet — Mike Madrid reminds us what’s worth fighting for in America. If you didn't catch our most recent conversation with friend of the pod, Mike Madrid, well... where were ya? We recorded this one right around July 4th and it's still on point! What'd ya expect with the brilliant Mike Madrid?!?! So join us in w…

1
Silencing the Press, Politicizing the Military: Col. David Lapan Isn’t Having It 1:25:18

1M ago1:25:18

1:25:18

“The North Star is the truth. Tell it. And if you can’t, explain why.” — Col. David Lapan (Ret.) We had the distinct honor of sitting down with Colonel David Lapan, retired Marine and former spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Secretaries of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In a wide-ranging, timely conversa…

1
Fighting Division One Conversation at a Time 20:19

2M ago20:19

20:19

Surviving Triangulation in a Polarized World It's time to reckon with one of the toughest questions in our current public discourse: “How can you think that?” Through stories from his personal and professional life, host Corey Nathan unpacks the emotionally draining phenomenon of triangulation—when we’re caught in the middle of opposing viewpoints—…

1
🎙️ Transforming Systems, Not Just Souls — with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek 1:09:18

1M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

"If we lived in the poorest, most dangerous neighborhoods, we’d understand better how to love and serve." — Dr. Kurt Ver Beek It was great to sit down with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek, co-founder of the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ), who has lived and worked in Honduras for nearly four decades. From battling systemic corruption to reducing the ho…

1
Episode 221: Embracing Queer Social Studies with Sandra Schmidt 38:36

2M ago38:36

38:36

Episode 221: Embracing Queer Social Studies with Sandra Schmidt by Visions of EducationBy Visions of Education

1
#183: George Read (DE) - A Key Delawarean Who Signed for but Did Not Vote for Independence 23:30

2M ago23:30

23:30

The Founders collectively voted for independence, but did everyone who vote actually support it? Perhaps after this episode, George Read may be categorized as one of the more unique Signers of the Declaration. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & F…

1
🎙️ Back to Basics: When to Engage, When to Walk Away 25:18

2M ago25:18

25:18

A candid reflection on staying grounded while engaging in contentious conversations—and when to take a step back. ✨ Episode Summary In this heartfelt solo talk, host Corey Nathan goes back to the fundamentals of Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other. Reflecting on recent emotionally charged interactions—some painfully personal—Core…

1
Justin Giboney on the Black Church, Civic Courage, and Healing Our Divides 1:04:54

2M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

By Scan Media, LLC

1
#182: Unequal Disagreement on Inequality - Polarization's Effects on Social Issue Debates feat. Dr. John Iceland 58:06

1M ago58:06

58:06

Many Americans on both sides of the political aisle agree polarization is a major problem. But do many Americans on either side truly understand the other side's world view and contributions? Dr. John Iceland, Sociology and Demography professor at Penn State, shares how in this American democracy, we can understand the social justice and social ord…

1
Cursing, Criticism, and the Conversations Worth Keeping 24:26

2M ago24:26

24:26

A raw look at which relationships and conversations are worth our time—and when to just say f* it. ✨ Episode Summary In this candid, off-the-cuff talk, Corey wrestles with a series of deeply personal and philosophical questions that lie at the heart of this progam’s mission: 👉 Which conversations are worth pursuing? 👉 Which relationships are worth …

1
Inside Heterodox Academy: Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner on Reclaiming Truth in a Fractured Democracy 1:23:54

2M ago1:23:54

1:23:54

Why defending viewpoint diversity might be the most radical—and necessary—act in higher education today. 🎧 Episode Summary What a treat to welcome two leading voices in the fight for viewpoint diversity and constructive civic dialogue: Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at Brookings and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, and Liz Joyner, founder of…

1
Arts & Democracy- Season 1; Episode 1: "How the Arts Can Foster Civic Dialogue" 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

In our debut episode of Arts & Democracy: A Global Conversation, Olga Levina sits down with museum education professional Thomas Goehner — formerly of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and The Textile Museum — to explore the future of museums in a time of unprecedented political pressure. From his decades shaping educational programs across major…

1
🎙️ THEY Didn't Do It – A Candid Call for Accountability 19:36

2M ago19:36

19:36

In times of national tragedy, can we resist the urge to turn our grief into political ammo? Sadly, our current leaders can't seem to find their better angels. So who's gonna do the right thing? 🧭 Episode Summary Fair warning: Your trusty friend and host is a little hot under the collar on this one. We're addressing the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s a…

1
Leading the PACK! : Dialogue with Dean Fox & Director Monks 12:51

2M ago12:51

12:51

Send us a text In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, hosts Joel and Abigail sit down with NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean, Dr. Garey Fox, and NC State Extension Director of 4-H, Dr. David Monks. Together, they dive into the future of agriculture, youth leadership, and the vital role 4-H plays in shaping tom…

1
Dr. Beth Allison Barr on Women, Power, and the Pastor’s Wife Problem in Evangelicalism 1:11:36

2M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

What if the role of “pastor’s wife” wasn’t biblical at all, but a cultural invention that sidelined women from ministry? Dr. Beth Allison Barr pulls back the curtain on how power, patriarchy, and politics shaped Evangelical churches—and why reclaiming women’s voices could change everything. Episode Summary So glad to sit down with Dr. Beth Allison …

1
Thank You Gen. Welsh for Your Decades of Public Service 3:26

3M ago3:26

3:26

Statement by Friends & Fellow Citizens on Gen. (ret.) Mark Welsh's resignation as President of Texas A&M University Hear Gen. (ret.) Welsh's interview on F&FC: https://ffc.buzzsprout.com/1255184/episodes/12166387-114-leadership-in-washington-with-respect-and-trust-in-public-service-feat-gen-ret-mark-welsh-iii Support the show Visit georgewashington…

1
From Trauma to Torah: Rabbi Michael Holzman’s Mission to Rebuild American Democracy 1:14:36

2M ago1:14:36

1:14:36

After October 7, Rabbi Michael Holzman wasn’t just mourning—he was mobilizing. A project he had already spent years developing. Discover how one rabbi is using ancient wisdom, civic rituals, and interfaith grit to heal our fractured democracy. In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Michael Holzman, spiritual leader of the Northern Virginia Hebrew …

1
#181: Constitution Day Special - How the Constitution Can Inform to Reform Our Civics feat. Karrina Ferris 42:57

3M ago42:57

42:57

Disclaimer: All views expressed are representative of the guest only. 238 years ago, the American experiment was officially born. The U.S. Constitution has been a guiding document created by the Founders that establishes our federal government and governance principles. Karrina Ferris, a Nevada (and Battle Born) native, represented the Silver State…

1
Governor John Kasich on Healing America: Faith, Forgiveness, and Civic Courage 51:18

2M ago51:18

51:18

A deeply personal and timely conversation with Governor John Kasich on bridging divides, living your values, and why forgiveness is essential in today’s fractured political landscape. We were so pleased to be joined by Governor John Kasich who opens up about the role of faith, forgiveness, and civic duty in his life and career. The conversation spa…

1
Episode 220: Centering Listening and Empathy in Civics with Hilary Conklin & Molly Andolina 38:10

3M ago38:10

38:10

In episode 220, Dan and Michael chat with Hilary Conklin and Molly Andolina about their new TRSE article titled, “ Toward a more empathic, connected, and humanizing democracy: A civics curriculum centering listening and storytelling.”By Visions of Education

1
“We Must Not Be Enemies”: Reflecting on the Assassination of Charlie Kirk 18:36

3M ago18:36

18:36

✨ This Is Not the Way — The Tragedy of the Assassination of Charlie Kirk and What It Means for Our Country In this episode, we take time to reflect on the shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down while speaking at a college campus. Instead of political posturing, let's have humane, constructive dialogue—a…

1
Statement from Friends & Fellow Citizens on the Tragic Shooting of Charlie Kirk - September 10, 2025 2:21

3M ago2:21

2:21

Please join and pray for Mr. Charlie Kirk, his family, and our country. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 me…

1
🎙️ Greg Lukianoff on How Free Speech Is Under Fire—from Both the Left and the Right 1:08:36

3M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

Why defending expression—even the speech you hate—is essential to democracy in 2025. Episode Summary: It was great to welcome back Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Greg is also a New York Times bestselling author and executive producer of the feature-length documentaries Can We Take a …

1
#180: Washington's Newburgh Message of 'Unexampled Patriotism and Patient Virtue' 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

In Newburgh, how did Washington address one of the biggest threats to his leadership? Hear how the General of the Continental Army took a more visionary tone as he attempted to lead people forward from the controversy. After half a decade of podcasting, we also recap the highlights from the past year's interview episodes 2024-25! Much more to come …

1
🎙️ Reckoning with Legacy — Dobson, MacArthur, and the Future of the Church with Special Guests Lisa Sharon Harper and Joe Smith 1:22:54

3M ago1:22:54

1:22:54

Dobson and MacArthur shaped a movement. Now it's time to ask: at what cost? ✨ Episode Summary In this powerful roundtable conversation, host Corey Nathan is joined by author and public theologian Lisa Sharon Harper and pastor Joe Smith to explore the complex legacies of James Dobson and John MacArthur—two towering figures in American Evangelicalism…