Rev. Matthew Best

Impolite Company

Religion EN ↓ 10 episodes

“Impolite Company” is a twice monthly internet radio show and podcast that explores the intersection of politics and religion, how they inform each other in healthy and harmful ways, and how important it is to have healthy conversations with others around politics and religion. The show is hosted by Rev. Matthew Best, who is an ordained ELCA Lutheran pastor who also has an extensive background in politics. The concept for the show comes from the old adage “don’t talk about religion and politics around polite company.” It is Rev. Best’s conviction that avoiding talking about these important top...

Author

Rev. Matthew Best

Episodes

Impolite Company with guest Mel Brennan 05.07.2026 58:57

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with author Mel Brennan on his new book “Saving Soccer.” We talk about world soccer, FIFA, corruption, normalization, institutions, and how change is possible.

Impolite Company with guest Dr. Samantha Bise 19.05.2026 59:54

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Samantha Bise about her new book, “Tongue in Church: A Liberating Primer on Church Vocabulary,” as well as the importance of language in faith and living.

Impolite Company with guest Rev. Tyler Graham 19.04.2026 1:02:13

In this episode I had the opportunity to talk with Tyler Graham about spirituality, spiritual practice, silence, AI, and more.

Impolite Company monologue on Xenophobia and the Stranger in the US 15.03.2026 1:00:00

In this episode, I talk about xenophobia – the fear of the other. I reference multiple Scripture passages about welcoming the stranger and talk about the history of xenophobia in the US.

Impolite Company monologue on Loving Our Enemies 03.03.2026 59:58

In this episode, I talk about what it means to love one’s enemies. What did Jesus mean when he told followers to love their enemies and why? We also explore some of the other Scripture passages around this phrase and where else the concept shows up in Scripture.

Impolite Company monologue on Abused Scripture 01.02.2026 1:01:44

In this episode, I talk about the most abused and weaponized passages of Scripture today, the lenses people see Scripture through, and how to read Scripture more carefully and faithfully.

Impolite Company with guest Deacon Amy Kelly 20.01.2026 1:00:22

In this episode I talk with ELCA Deacon Amy Kelly about women in ministry, the various rosters, toxic individualism and masculinity, and more.

Impolite Company monologue on Women’s Ordination 04.01.2026 56:14

In this episode, I talk about women’s ordination. With the advent of a new Archbishop of Canterbury, there has been many vocal critics of women’s ordination. I look at the Scripture and arguments against women’s ordination and offer a refutation.

Impolite Company with guest Ivy Schweitzer 21.12.2025 59:34

In today’s episode, I talk with Ivy Schweitzer, the author of “Dividing Rivers,” a book of poetry. We talk about race and healing in the show.

Impolite Company with guest Angela Miller 07.12.2025 1:01:45

In this episode I talk with Angela Miller. The episode came about because I wanted to have a conversation with someone who was supportive of Charlie Kirk.