<![CDATA[The Just People Pod]]>We're living through a moment when faith and politics are getting harder to tell apart—and not in a good way. Fear is driving more decisions than love. Certainty is crowding out curiosity. And power keeps dressing itself up in spiritual language.

Just People is a podcast for people who feel the tension—and want to embrace what Bruggemann called the prophetic imagination.

Rooted in faith and committed to honest conversation, we explore what it actually means to follow Jesus when truth, freedom, and belonging are up for grabs. Because what you believe about God doesn't stay in the pew. It shows up in how you love your neighbor, how you hold power, how you engage people who are different from you—and what you demand from the laws and leaders that shape our common life.

This isn't a show about having the right answers. It's about asking better questions. Questions like: Is this what faith is supposed to look like? Where's the line between conviction and control? What does it mean to be faithful in a democracy?

We believe faith was never meant to be private or passive. And we believe ordinary people—just people—have both the capacity and the responsibility to resist authoritarianism, defend human dignity, and build something worth belonging to.

]]>www.faithoutloud.orgRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:16:37 GMTWed, 17 Jun 2026 20:43:52 GMT60The Just People Podcast<p>We're living through a moment when faith and politics are getting harder to tell apart—and not in a good way. Fear is driving more decisions than love. Certainty is crowding out curiosity. And power keeps dressing itself up in spiritual language.</p><p></p><p><i>Just People</i> is a podcast for people who feel the tension—and want to embrace what Bruggemann called the prophetic imagination.</p><p>Rooted in faith and committed to honest conversation, we explore what it actually means to follow Jesus when truth, freedom, and belonging are up for grabs. Because what you believe about God doesn't stay in the pew. It shows up in how you love your neighbor, how you hold power, how you engage people who are different from you—and what you demand from the laws and leaders that shape our common life.</p><p>This isn't a show about having the right answers. It's about asking better questions. Questions like: <i>Is this what faith is supposed to look like? Where's the line between conviction and control? What does it mean to be faithful in a democracy?</i></p><p></p><p>We believe faith was never meant to be private or passive. And we believe ordinary people—just people—have both the capacity and the responsibility to resist authoritarianism, defend human dignity, and build something worth belonging to.</p>episodicThe Just People Podcastjon@thegoodokc.comno<![CDATA[006-Evangelicalism, Trump, and What's Next.]]>The episode was recorded live at the Wild Goose Festival and features an interview with Frank Schaefer, providing insights into faith, social justice, and personal beliefs.

Takeaways

  • Live recording at Wild Goose Festival
  • Interview with Frank Schaefer

]]>461dd06c-ddbf-4c8a-9de4-082a0f16d4ffSat, 12 Sep 2026 02:02:08 GMT<p>The episode was recorded live at the Wild Goose Festival and features an interview with Frank Schaefer, providing insights into faith, social justice, and personal beliefs.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Live recording at Wild Goose Festival</li><li>Interview with Frank Schaefer<p></p></li></ul>yes00:48:2516006-Evangelicalism, Trump, and What's Next.full<![CDATA[005-Rednecks for Black Lives and Class Solidarity]]>The conversation delves into the subtle nature of white supremacy and the importance of organizing in working class white communities to address it. It also explores the Red Necks, Black Lives campaign, the concept of allyship and empowerment, and the navigation of shame and guilt in racial justice work. The conversation delves into the importance of organizing white people for racial justice, the impact of the current administration on white people, and the significance of solidarity and coalition-building. It highlights the need for white people to come together and work towards racial justice, as well as the effects of political leadership on the struggles faced by white individuals. The conversation emphasizes the value of building alliances and working in solidarity with people of color to create a more just and equitable society.

Takeaways

  • White supremacy is subtle and ingrained in society
  • Organizing in working class white communities is essential for addressing white supremacy Organizing white people for racial justice
  • The impact of the current administration on white people
  • The importance of solidarity and coalition-building

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding White Supremacy
  • 03:11 Organizing in Working Class Communities
  • 09:53 Red Necks, Black Lives Campaign
  • 16:14 Allyship and Empowerment
  • 21:14 Navigating Shame and Guilt
  • 28:20 Organizing White People for Racial Justice
  • 29:03 The Impact of the Current Administration on White People
  • 40:12 The Importance of Solidarity and Coalition-Building
]]>dc6e826e-aa43-4519-baa3-264f3a6c09cbFri, 21 Aug 2026 02:10:12 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the subtle nature of white supremacy and the importance of organizing in working class white communities to address it. It also explores the Red Necks, Black Lives campaign, the concept of allyship and empowerment, and the navigation of shame and guilt in racial justice work. The conversation delves into the importance of organizing white people for racial justice, the impact of the current administration on white people, and the significance of solidarity and coalition-building. It highlights the need for white people to come together and work towards racial justice, as well as the effects of political leadership on the struggles faced by white individuals. The conversation emphasizes the value of building alliances and working in solidarity with people of color to create a more just and equitable society.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>White supremacy is subtle and ingrained in society</li><li>Organizing in working class white communities is essential for addressing white supremacy Organizing white people for racial justice</li><li>The impact of the current administration on white people</li><li>The importance of solidarity and coalition-building</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Understanding White Supremacy</li><li>03:11 Organizing in Working Class Communities</li><li>09:53 Red Necks, Black Lives Campaign</li><li>16:14 Allyship and Empowerment</li><li>21:14 Navigating Shame and Guilt</li><li>28:20 Organizing White People for Racial Justice</li><li>29:03 The Impact of the Current Administration on White People</li><li>40:12 The Importance of Solidarity and Coalition-Building</li></ul>no00:53:4615005-Rednecks for Black Lives and Class Solidarityfull<![CDATA[004-Democracy or Authoritarianism? ]]>The conversation covers Admiral Mike Smith's military background, his role in the National Security Leaders for America organization, and his views on democracy, national security, and authoritarianism. He discusses the impact of political polarization on the military and the importance of upholding the oath to the Constitution. The conversation covers a range of topics including international relations, election interference, and the role of Congress in the current political landscape. It also delves into the challenges of authoritarianism, the impact of military advice on political decisions, and the importance of engaging the movable middle in the democratic process.

Takeaways

  • Military leaders are committed to upholding the Constitution and defending democratic values.
  • The politicization of the military and the impact of political polarization on military readiness are significant concerns.
  • Admiral Mike Smith emphasizes the importance of truth to power and the need for leaders to listen to alternative views for the betterment of the military.
  • The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating political polarization and the impact of partisan rhetoric on national security concerns. Authoritarianism poses a significant threat to democracy
  • The engagement of the movable middle is crucial for the future of democracy

]]>f91606ba-8696-4c81-8140-e0222b316609Sat, 08 Aug 2026 22:53:18 GMT<p>The conversation covers Admiral Mike Smith's military background, his role in the National Security Leaders for America organization, and his views on democracy, national security, and authoritarianism. He discusses the impact of political polarization on the military and the importance of upholding the oath to the Constitution. The conversation covers a range of topics including international relations, election interference, and the role of Congress in the current political landscape. It also delves into the challenges of authoritarianism, the impact of military advice on political decisions, and the importance of engaging the movable middle in the democratic process.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Military leaders are committed to upholding the Constitution and defending democratic values.</li><li>The politicization of the military and the impact of political polarization on military readiness are significant concerns.</li><li>Admiral Mike Smith emphasizes the importance of truth to power and the need for leaders to listen to alternative views for the betterment of the military.</li><li>The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating political polarization and the impact of partisan rhetoric on national security concerns. Authoritarianism poses a significant threat to democracy</li><li>The engagement of the movable middle is crucial for the future of democracy</li></ul><p></p><p></p>no01:05:5214004-Democracy or Authoritarianism? full<![CDATA[003-America First, or Neighbor First? Faith & Democracy in an Interdependent World]]>The conversation delves into Jason's background, including his Coptic evangelical upbringing and the challenges he faced when encountering American Christianity. It explores his journey of faith, advocacy work, and the impact of USAID cuts. The discussion also touches on universal truths and misconceptions about USAID. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the global impact of HIV medication, the role of churches in HIV intervention, the impact of USAID cuts on HIV clinics, scarcity and immigration policies, America First and global diplomacy, environmentalism and human impact, interdependence and globalization, and hope in Christian communities.

Takeaways

  • Coptic evangelical upbringing and its impact on faith
  • The impact of USAID cuts on advocacy work and global aid The vital role of churches in HIV intervention
  • The interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of international relations

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Background
  • 02:54 Coptic Evangelical Upbringing
  • 05:52 Encountering American Christianity
  • 08:55 Navigating Faith and Cynicism
  • 15:07 Advocacy and USAID
  • 23:01 Impact of USAID Cuts
  • 25:53 Universal Truths and Hope
  • 31:55 Misconceptions about USAID
  • 35:00 Global Impact of HIV Medication
  • 36:03 The Role of Churches in HIV Intervention
  • 37:06 Impact of USAID Cuts on HIV Clinics
  • 39:35 Scarcity and Immigration Policies
  • 40:37 America First and Global Diplomacy
  • 45:55 Environmentalism and Human Impact
  • 54:46 Interdependence and Globalization
  • 59:55 Hope in Christian Communities
]]>d647ddd0-3747-4d6a-8a31-da20b2a3faf9Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:10:26 GMT<p>The conversation delves into Jason's background, including his Coptic evangelical upbringing and the challenges he faced when encountering American Christianity. It explores his journey of faith, advocacy work, and the impact of USAID cuts. The discussion also touches on universal truths and misconceptions about USAID. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the global impact of HIV medication, the role of churches in HIV intervention, the impact of USAID cuts on HIV clinics, scarcity and immigration policies, America First and global diplomacy, environmentalism and human impact, interdependence and globalization, and hope in Christian communities.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Coptic evangelical upbringing and its impact on faith</li><li>The impact of USAID cuts on advocacy work and global aid The vital role of churches in HIV intervention</li><li>The interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of international relations</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Background</li><li>02:54 Coptic Evangelical Upbringing</li><li>05:52 Encountering American Christianity</li><li>08:55 Navigating Faith and Cynicism</li><li>15:07 Advocacy and USAID</li><li>23:01 Impact of USAID Cuts</li><li>25:53 Universal Truths and Hope</li><li>31:55 Misconceptions about USAID</li><li>35:00 Global Impact of HIV Medication</li><li>36:03 The Role of Churches in HIV Intervention</li><li>37:06 Impact of USAID Cuts on HIV Clinics</li><li>39:35 Scarcity and Immigration Policies</li><li>40:37 America First and Global Diplomacy</li><li>45:55 Environmentalism and Human Impact</li><li>54:46 Interdependence and Globalization</li><li>59:55 Hope in Christian Communities</li></ul>no01:01:25003-America First, or Neighbor First? Faith & Democracy in an Interdependent Worldfull<![CDATA[Intro Episode-How Faith Must Show Up: Our Journeys to Justice]]>The conversation begins with an introduction to the Just People podcast and the hosts' motivations for starting it. It then delves into the topics of faith, personal milestones, and the journey to faith and justice. The impact of faith on life, the influence of ordinary people on faith, and the passion for pro-democracy advocacy are also explored.

Takeaways

  • Faith and personal milestones shape one's journey
  • Ordinary people can have a profound impact on faith
  • Advocacy for pro-democracy is a passionate pursuit The intersection of politics and faith is a complex and important topic that shapes beliefs and actions.
  • The power of love and understanding plays a significant role in shaping beliefs and fostering empathy and compassion.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Just People Podcast
  • 01:25 Faith and Personal Milestones
  • 03:11 Journey to Faith and Justice
  • 04:51 The Impact of Faith on Life
  • 12:05 Influence of Ordinary People on Faith
  • 25:19 Passion for Pro-Democracy Advocacy
  • 29:23 The Intersection of Politics and Faith
  • 32:31 The Purpose of Hell and Theology
  • 43:36 The Power of Love and Understanding
  • 55:15 Closing Remarks and Teaser for Next Episode
]]>0985d586-0743-4f13-bc57-0d900217601cTue, 21 Jul 2026 09:38:20 GMT<p>The conversation begins with an introduction to the Just People podcast and the hosts' motivations for starting it. It then delves into the topics of faith, personal milestones, and the journey to faith and justice. The impact of faith on life, the influence of ordinary people on faith, and the passion for pro-democracy advocacy are also explored.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Faith and personal milestones shape one's journey</li><li>Ordinary people can have a profound impact on faith</li><li>Advocacy for pro-democracy is a passionate pursuit The intersection of politics and faith is a complex and important topic that shapes beliefs and actions.</li><li>The power of love and understanding plays a significant role in shaping beliefs and fostering empathy and compassion.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to the Just People Podcast</li><li>01:25 Faith and Personal Milestones</li><li>03:11 Journey to Faith and Justice</li><li>04:51 The Impact of Faith on Life</li><li>12:05 Influence of Ordinary People on Faith</li><li>25:19 Passion for Pro-Democracy Advocacy</li><li>29:23 The Intersection of Politics and Faith</li><li>32:31 The Purpose of Hell and Theology</li><li>43:36 The Power of Love and Understanding</li><li>55:15 Closing Remarks and Teaser for Next Episode</li></ul>no00:45:35Intro Episode-How Faith Must Show Up: Our Journeys to Justicefull<![CDATA[001-From Cult to Community: Reimagining Faith, Justice, and Belonging]]>Danny Bryant has been in a cult, wrestled with Christianity, and come out the other side with something to say about power, money, and who really runs things. In this first episode, we talk faith and politics, the myth of American indispensability, what Christian anarchy actually means, and why the church might be more complicit than it thinks. At a moment when Christian nationalism is reshaping American politics in real time, this conversation isn’t theoretical — it’s necessary. It gets honest. It gets a little uncomfortable. That’s kind of the point.

Takeaways

  • Power and its distribution
  • Faith and politics
  • Journey through cults and Christianity Weaponized Naivete
  • Christian Anarchy Healing through faith
  • Conversations with those on the wrong side of history
  • The church's role in wealth redistribution

Chapters

  • 00:00 Journey Through Cults and Christianity
  • 25:41 The Lie of the United States and the Indispensable Nation
  • 31:03 The Anarchy of the Wealthy
  • 01:00:17 Healing and Faith
  • 01:23:27 Wealth Redistribution and the Church
]]>5128774e-a272-4929-89bc-db0d7d74b52cFri, 19 Jun 2026 22:15:37 GMT<p>Danny Bryant has been in a cult, wrestled with Christianity, and come out the other side with something to say about power, money, and who really runs things. In this first episode, we talk faith and politics, the myth of American indispensability, what Christian anarchy actually means, and why the church might be more complicit than it thinks. At a moment when Christian nationalism is reshaping American politics in real time, this conversation isn’t theoretical — it’s necessary. It gets honest. It gets a little uncomfortable. That’s kind of the point.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Power and its distribution</li><li>Faith and politics</li><li>Journey through cults and Christianity Weaponized Naivete</li><li>Christian Anarchy Healing through faith</li><li>Conversations with those on the wrong side of history</li><li>The church's role in wealth redistribution</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Journey Through Cults and Christianity</li><li>25:41 The Lie of the United States and the Indispensable Nation</li><li>31:03 The Anarchy of the Wealthy</li><li>01:00:17 Healing and Faith</li><li>01:23:27 Wealth Redistribution and the Church</li></ul>no01:18:3811001-From Cult to Community: Reimagining Faith, Justice, and Belongingfull