The Jim Wallis Podcast

Harvard political scientist Steven Levitsky joins Jim Wallis to discuss the urgent threats facing American democracy, the rise of “competitive authoritarianism,” and why courage is needed now more than ever. Drawing on Levitsky’s recent New York Times column and global examples, this conversation explores the costs of dissent, the role of faith and universities, and practical hope for re...

What does the election of the first American pope mean for the Catholic Church and the world? Jim Wallis sits down with John Carr, founder of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown, to explore the historic rise of Pope Leo XIV. Together, they reflect on the transformative legacy of Pope Francis, the significance of Pope Leo’s name, and the enduring power of Catholi...

Take Action: Be part of the movement! Join the Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget and help shape a future rooted in justice and equity. Learn more and sign up here! Join Jim Wallis for a compelling conversation with Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner-renowned faith leader, public policy strategist, and advocate for democracy-as they explore the urgent moral issues facing America today. Dr. Williams-Sk...

In this eye-opening episode, Jim Wallis and Robert P. Jones dive deep into the latest poll data revealing President Trump’s unprecedented negative approval ratings within his first 100 days back in office. Discover how Trump ranks as the most unpopular president since World War II at this stage, with a majority of Americans-including 55% of independents-viewing him as a dangerous dictator whose po...

Join Jim Wallis and distinguished journalist E.J. Dionne as they explore the critical intersection of faith, politics, and the challenges facing American democracy today. In this episode, they dissect the rise of Christian nationalism, the role of faith communities in resisting authoritarianism, and the essential importance of journalism in upholding truth and accountability. Discover how faith tr...

In this vital episode, leading scholars and activists explore the urgent issues of book banning, racial justice, and the role of faith in a divided America. Jim Wallis is joined by authors Anthea Butler, Robert Jones, Brian Massingale, and Michael Eric Dyson, in a discussion first streamed by the American Academy of Religion. They discuss how attacks on truth and knowledge threaten our democracy,...

On the anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's death, we explore his enduring call to "costly grace" and its relevance to today's challenges with Adam Taylor, President of Sojourners. While not explicitly about Bonhoeffer, Adam's work—including his book A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community — resonates deeply with Bonhoeffer's spirit of resistance against injustice.&nb...

Author Katherine Stewart ( Money, Lies, and God ) joins Jim Wallis to expose the money, disinformation, and Christian nationalism fueling the anti-democratic movement. Discover the funders, the lies, and what we can do to fight back. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Legal journalist Dahlia Lithwick ( Slate ’s Amicus podcast) exposes how Trump’s second-term agenda—and cases like Dr. Rasha Alawieh’s deportation and Mahmoud Khalil’s ICE detention —are testing judicial independence.  We break down: The "metaphorical weapons" courts still have against executive overreach; Why Chief Justice Roberts’ rare public warning matters now; Project 2025’s blueprint for...

Professor Ruth Braunstein is the host of the new podcast When the Wolves Came, Evangelicals Resisting Extremism .  Prof. Braunstein chronicles the American heretics who blaspheme Jesus by turning against our neighbors, whom he has commanded us to love. And she documents the courageous resistance that is rising up in Evangelical congregations across the country against the false prophets, whom...

Pastor Caleb Campbell chronicles his journey from active engagement as a Neo-Nazi Skinhead to becoming Lead Pastor of Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona. His work focuses on equipping Christians to minister to their Christian nationalist neighbors.  He explores the reasons for its appeal, offering compassionate responses to its claims, in his new book "Disarming Leviathan: Loving...

We began this Lenten Season in the aftermath of the virtual destruction of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As a result, millions will starve and millions will die around the world. The scale and scope of this preventable tragedy gives added weight and significance to our observation of Lent. The Lenten tradition of discipline and fasting requires us to increase...

A historic lawsuit has been filed by the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, in partnership with the Center on Faith and Justice, on the behalf of a broad coalition of 27 national church and organization plaintiffs, whose combined membership numbers in the millions, to defend the teachings of Jesus and the traditions of all Abrahamic religions.  {Subscribe to weekly Jim...

In the wake of the decisive victory of Donald Trump and his followers, Rev. Jim Wallis speaks with Executive Producer Paul Woodhull about what must take place before we consider what lays before us. Wallis counsels that it is appropriate and healing to feel grief and to lament where we find ourselves as a nation. But he warns against falling into despair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...

Elizabeth Neumann,  Former Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism at the Department of Homeland Security and the author of Kingdom of Rage talks with Jim Wallis about her time serving at the Trump White House.   Neumann says,  “This is what another four years would be. Nobody tells [Trump] no. And then you end up violating people's constitutional rights… His rhetoric was insp...

Daniel Gutierrez is the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, the second oldest and fourth largest diocese in the Episcopal Church. He also served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and as Director of Economic Development there. Regarding America’s immigration policy Gutierrez analyzes the dilemma by reconciling both a practical and a Christian viewpoint. Pragmat...

Christian Ethhicist David Gushee explains how White Evangelicals have lost their way as religious reactionaries work to destabilize our democracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Jim Wallis convenes a roundtable of thought and faith leaders to discuss our responsibilities for the upcoming 2024 Presidential election: Jemar Tisby --New York Times bestselling author, national speaker, and public historian on a mission to deliver truths from the Black experience with depth and clarity Kristen DuMez --New York Times bestselling author and Professor of History and Gend...

As threats of deadly violence are mounted against election officials across the country, Jocelyn Benson, the Secretary of State and Chief Election Officer of Michigan, analyzes the unique challenges they face in 2024. Despite an onlslaught of efforts to intimidate, Benson shares her commitment to ensure all votes are counted and the true electors are certified. See Privacy Policy at https://art19....

In this election special  Faith Factor  season, we will be releasing weekly in-depth exclusive interviews focused on the most consequential Presidential Election of our lifetimes. Ian Bassin, the co-founder of Protect Democracy ,  outlines how Donald Trump and his radical right-wing enablers plan to subvert the democratic institutions of our country in order to amass and maintain po...

In this election special Faith Factor season, we will be releasing weekly in-depth exclusive interviews focused on the most consequential Presidential Election of our lifetimes. In our first episode, Rep. Jim Clyburn discusses with Rev. Jim Wallis: The attempts of Trump supporters to revive Jim Crow practices;   The historical import of the Kamala Harris candidacy; and His private conver...

Join host Jim Wallis in a live and enlightening conversation at Georgetown University with Sarah McCammon, esteemed Political Correspondent at NPR and author of the thought-provoking book, "The Exvangelicals." Delve into Sarah's personal narrative as she shares her upbringing within the evangelical church and the profound intersections of faith and politics. Together, they unravel the intricate la...

Join us for a riveting episode of The Soul of the Nation , where the spotlight turns on our esteemed host, Jim Wallis , as he becomes the guest of the hour. In this compelling conversation, Jim Wallis , the renowned New York Times bestselling author, unveils the profound insights from his latest groundbreaking book, The False White Gospel . Hosted by Daniel Burke , the Director of Communications a...

In this week's  Soul of the Nation ,  Reverend Jim Wallis  engages in a profound conversation with author and Senior Scholar  Matthew Taylor  about his upcoming book, "THE VIOLENT TAKE IT BY FORCE: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy." Together, they delve into the intricate world of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), exploring its "prophets" and the...

This week The Soul of the Nation welcomes Tim Alberta,  an award-winning journalist, staff writer for The Atlantic magazine and author of the bestselling new book “The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory: American Evangelicalism in an Age of Extremism” Alberta is also the son of an evangelical pastor who was raised in Michigan. His new book raises the important questions: What is the purpose of...