Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

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

2025-09-16

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 spans everything from the tragic loss of his parents to a drunk driver, his evolving views on religion and politics, to the lessons shared in his newest book Heaven Help Us. Governor Kasich's winsome curiosity s...

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 spans everything from the tragic loss of his parents to a drunk driver, his evolving views on religion and politics, to the lessons shared in his newest book Heaven Help Us.

Governor Kasich's winsome curiosity sparked a profound dialogue about personal transformation, ideological differences, and how to build bridges in divided times.

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🧭 Timestamped Highlights:

[00:01:00] – Introduction to Kasich’s political legacy and current work
[00:07:00] – Governor Kasich's early faith, altar boy days, and influence of Father Farina
[00:09:00] – Losing his parents: a turning point in faith and life
[00:12:00] – Acts of faith: stories from Heaven Help Us 📖
[00:18:00] – Forgiveness, faith across traditions, and healing from trauma
[00:23:00] – The danger of losing objective truth in society
[00:25:00] – Story of Sister Mary Scullion and dignity for the homeless 🏠
[00:29:00] – Substack sneak peek: “Keep Faith America”
[00:34:00] – On policy, principle, and political backlash
[00:39:00] – Interfaith unity: mosque, synagogue, and church on shared land 🌍
[00:43:00] – Full-circle moment on forgiveness and memory
[00:46:00] – How to talk across differences—without killin' each other
[00:50:00] – Farewell and faith-driven future projects

💡 Notable Quotes:

“If that guy could turn the clock back… I suspect he would. So I actually don’t bear any kind of feelings anymore. Probably by the grace of God.” – John Kasich

“You can’t decide whether to like someone based on who they voted for.” – John Kasich

“Forgiveness takes time. Sometimes you forgive, then you wonder—did I really?” – John Kasich

“Everyone has a story. But we rarely take the time to listen.” – John Kasich

📚 Mentioned in This Episode:

Book: Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future - www.zondervan.com/p/heaven-help-us
Upcoming: Governor Kasich’s Substack, Keep Faith America

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