In this episode, host Corey Nathan reflects on a pivotal shift in direction for the podcast. The solo episodes of “Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other” will be moving toward a more practical focus—answering the question of how we engage in tough conversations about politics and religion in more productive, neighborly, human ways. Drawing from years of interviews, personal experiences, and lively social media debates, Corey opens up about the challenges and tools needed to bridge our deepest divides.
What's Discussed:
Why Corey is focusing more on how we talk about politics and religion, not just what we talk about
The role of "epistemic bubbles" and "informational universes" in shaping our perspectives
Tools and strategies for engaging across political and religious differences
How grace, curiosity, and relationship-building can change the tone of even the toughest conversations
Real-life examples from Corey’s online and offline experiences—including some Facebook showdowns!
Episode Highlights:
[00:02:00] Corey announces a new focus on practical tools for civil dialogue
[00:06:00] The concept of “epistemic ecosystems” and how they isolate us
[00:10:00] Why you can’t “convert” someone in one conversation—but you can plant seeds
[00:13:00] Mike Madrid: “Effective communication across bubbles requires more than simply correcting facts...”
[00:17:00] A quote from the Constitution sparks a wild Facebook debate
[00:24:00] From “literate idiots” to neighbors with nuance—Corey breaks down who shows up online
[00:32:00] How to actively listen, lead with curiosity, and find the serious point in a noisy thread
[00:45:00] Tips on when to pick your spot, take it offline, or simply walk away
Featured Quotes:
Resources Mentioned:
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