The video game ramblings of Claire Wheeler, Sean Booker, and Paul Fleck.
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Every week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush hosts lively, funny and poignant conversations with inspiring religious and civic leaders; as well as artists and activists from across the country. Listeners get a potent mix of spiritual wisdom, political strategy, and hopeful commentary from national and local leaders who are rising up to meet this urgent moment in America. With the tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet,” State of Belief is a celebration of our nation’s diversities and an i ...
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On this show, we challenge dangerous teachings found in various strands of Christianity while also taking seriously Jesus’s own teachings that lead us into dangerous places. Hosted by Brian Kaylor, president & editor-in-chief of Word&Way.
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Whether you're looking for inspiration, entertainment, or simply a good story to pass the time, La Storia (The Story) Podcast has something for everyone. Tune in and discover the extraordinary stories of ordinary people – you might just find a piece of yourself in their story. Enjoy!
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Get news you can use from thought leaders from the New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (NYAC) and beyond. The All Things New podcast is designed to help NYAC laity and clergy get the information education, inspiration, and deep understanding needed to live more fully into their ministries and the life as United Methodists. The series, hosted by Rev. Doris K. Dalton, our NYAC Director of Connectional Ministries, aims to introduce listeners to a range of thought leaders, ...
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The podcast covers all things prescient in the Lakeway/South Lake Travis area. We distill national and statewide issues down to their local granular expression by interviewing locals in the know. Be part of the inner circle of informed citizens in our community. Develop more comprehensive understanding of the issues we face. Learn about the people and personalities that make up this unique Lake - Way community and have a little fun along the way.
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Sean is somewhere in the world so it's up to the other two to hold down the fort. Paul has been enjoying the end-game stuff in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and has some thoughts on Doom: The Dark Ages early hours. Claire has been working through Mortal Kombat 1 despite being grossed out by how it's monetized and is working on Drawn To Life for game …
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Book Bans vs. the Right to Read: Kelly Jensen and Rev. Amos Brown
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1:12:51This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Kelly Jensen. She’s a passionate advocate for intellectual freedom, democracy, and the right to read. As an editor at Book Riot and a former librarian, Kelly has been at the forefront of the fight against book bans and censorship. The urgent conversation covers the growi…
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La Storia of Sandra Aussem. A very successful Personal Stylist founder of Aussemistastyle.com
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31:25La Storia of Sandra Aussem. A very successful Personal Stylist founder of Aussemistastyle.comBy Santina Giannino
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Faith is Standing Strong: Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck
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56:56
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56:56On Wednesday, April 30th, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush was with Faithful America Executive Director Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck in front of the Supreme Court building, saying “No!” to tax dollars being funneled to private religious schools. That’s the issue that was before the justices as they heard arguments in St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Vi…
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Paul is officially hooked on Clair Obscur and Sean dives into Blue Prince. News is quite a bummer this week as we talk about the recent layoffs at EA, Polygon, and Giant Bomb. TDP is listener funded. Like what you hear? Want to support the show and get ad-free episodes? Head over to https://www.patreon.com/topdownperspective…
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Amy Spitalnick on How Jewish Safety and Inclusive Democracy are Inextricably Linked
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56:47
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56:47This week, Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), is back on The State of Belief. In this episode, Amy and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush dig into the immediacy of antisemitism, democracy, and how our communities are connected. Among the important topics they cover: Why Jewish safety and democracy are intertwined …
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Clair Obscur is out and Sean can finally talk about it after weeks of holding his tongue. Claire finishes up both Mortal Kombat 11 and 1. Paul gets into Crime Scene Cleaner and Post Trauma. We start off news about an unannounced and now-cancelled Blade Runner game. We also discuss Devolver Digital's top 10 selling franchises and Outrun might be get…
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Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Environmentalism, and Compassionate Leadership
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40:14Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church worldwide since 2013, has passed away at the age of 88. A tireless champion of the central social justice teachings of Jesus, Pope Francis followed his personal mantra, “don’t forget the poor,” Pope Francis – previously Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina - brought pr…
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Easter and Passover Courage in the Fight for Democracy
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46:08This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush directly takes on the critical issues facing our democracy as we reach the end of the first 90 days of the Trump-Vance-Musk administration. With the backdrop of the sacred days in both the Christian and Jewish traditions, Paul enumerates some of the anti-democratic actions the ad…
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Sean has played the Nintendo Switch 2 and is here to talk Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. Paul finishes up South of Midnight. In news we discuss the ongoing pre-order situation around the Switch 2, PS5s are getting more expensive again, and Marathon's gameplay reveal. TDP is listener funded. Like what you hear? Wa…
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Janine Mudge, founder and guide of JM Walking Tours in Boston's Back Bay.
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45:31Janine Mudge, founder and guide of JM Walking Tours in Boston's Back Bay. Former Marketing Director and Marketing Consultant.By Santina Giannino
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In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Shannon Fleck, the new executive director of Faithful America. She discusses Christian Nationalism in Oklahoma and nationally. You can watch a video version of his conversation on YouTube. Fleck's predecessor, Rev. Nathan Empsall, previously appeared on episode 61 of Dangerous Dogma. He al…
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Michael Eric Dyson: How We Love Is To Tell the Truth
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51:50This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a distinguished professor at Vanderbilt University and a passionate advocate for social justice. They dive into the current political climate in America, addressing the rising tide of anti-democratic movemen…
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Sean and Jon are back! We begin getting out some of their thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2 announcements last week and use that to talk about the news that's broken since about the Switch 2's pre-order/tariff debacle. Paul wrapped up Avowed, checked out Castlevania ReVamped and started South of Midnight, which Sean has also been playing as of last…
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In this episode, we dive into a strange community presentation that the Lake Travis Democrats hosted in Lakeway. The speaker has an ominous warning to agit-prop urgency from the community for their progressive candidates. Drop us a text, get involved learn more of offer show content @ 512-900-1722 Find me on Twitter @thesocialresis1 Facebook We the…
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This week Paul is joined by former co-host Nathan for a nostalgia-fueled episode. Nathan’s been spending time with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts and Burnout Paradise Remastered, while Paul checks back in with Avowed. We also dig into a packed news segment: the resolution of the Karl Jobst vs. Billy Mitchell defamation case, the ZeniMax QA team threat…
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National Call to Action for Faith Communities
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1:08:07On this special early-release edition of The State of Belief, you’ll hear host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush moderate an incredible group of faith leaders, progressive organizers, and activists who came together for a National Call to Action for Faith Communities on April 2, 2025. This episode is a must-listen as we explore the urgent issues facin…
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182. Ruth Braunstein on When the Wolves Came
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29:31In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with sociologist Ruth Braunstein about her documentary podcast When the Wolves Came. You can also find her writings at her Substack newsletter Democracy Is Hard. Mentioned in the episode is Caleb Campbell, who previously appeared on episode 150 of Dangerous Dogma. Note: Don't forget to subscrib…
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Faith and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Face of Adversity
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1:01:44This week, you'll hear a powerful panel discussion hosted by Rev. Paul Raushenbush and featuring four leading LGBTQ+ and faith activists: Chase Strangio (ACLU), Tahil Sharma (LGBTQ Task Force), Jon Cohen (Keshet), and Ross Keys (Interfaith Alliance of North Dakota). They discuss the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ rights, the critical threats faci…
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This week Paul is talking about Assassin's Creed Shadows and returns to Avowed. Sean can finally talk about The First Berserker Khazan and where he's stuck (although, at the time of this writing he has beat that stupid boss). In news we run through the recent Nintendo direct...before next week's Nintendo Direct. We also discuss some possible Switch…
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The Rule of Law and the Chaos of MAGA: Jay Michaelson
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58:57This week, Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush for a deep dive into the state of U.S. politics, the role of the rule of law in preserving democracy, and political attacks against institutions of higher education. Together, they explore how faith can play a role in resistance and activism, reflecting on the deep divisions w…
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Sean is here with tales from GDC, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Hotel Barcelona. He can also finally talk about Assassin's Creed Shadows. Paul tries out 33 Immortals and plays a ton of Metal Slug. In news we discuss a possible Steam integration coming to Xbox, Ubisoft going after people harassing their devs, and Split Fiction is getting…
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181. Angela Denker on Disciples of White Jesus
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32:15In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with journalist and Lutheran minister Angela Denker about her forthcoming book Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood. You can watch a video version of this conversation here. You can also hear an earlier conversation with Denker in episode 68, and a conversation with …
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The Fight isn't over! It has merely just begun!
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42:25In this episode, the trappings of reason have re-emerged. Therefore, the battle for sanity must be won on the local level if we are to have a future for the next generation that is anything that even approximates what we had. The fact remains, winning this battle could exceed our wildest dreams if just make the sacrifice needed to make it all happe…
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Navigating the Narrow Bridge: Congressman Eric Swalwell and the Fight for Democracy
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48:28This week, Representative Eric Swalwell joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the ongoing challenges facing American democracy, lessons not learned in the January 6th Capitol riot, and the critical role of faith communities in this time of division. Together, they explore the importance of political engagement, especially in the face…
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This week Jon's talking to us about Sly Cooper 2 and the end of Shinobi. Paul continues with Monster Hunter Wilds and Sean finishes Split Fiction. In news we discuss a possible Xbox handheld coming this year, Niantic being officially sold off, and Xbox announces AI assistance for gamers. TDP is listener funded. Enjoy the show? Want an ad-free exper…
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In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with historian David Swartz about his new narrative podcast project Rebel on Main, which offers a historical and contemporary exploration of a Kentucky county and its unusual Confederate statue. You can watch a video version of this conversation here. (You can also hear an earlier episode with …
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Lake Travis Progressives are BIG MAD at We the People!
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48:34Ahead of upcoming School Board election, Voices for Progress has chosen to produce salacious videos that attack community organizers. Dirty Austin politics rears it's head in little ole Lake Travis. What should we do? I will tell you. CORRECTION : timestamp 44:28 I misspoke. It was 4077 votes a piece not 6077 Drop us a text, get involved learn more…
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Jeff Sharlet: The Slow Civil War Is Speeding Up
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49:46In difficult times, the work of truth-telling can seem like obsessing on the negative. But the most important truths are very often uncomfortable and even frightening. This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes writer Jeff Sharlet, author of The Undertow: Scenes From A Slow Civil War, back to The State of Belief. As Jeff sees America’s…
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Sean starts us off by talking about Split Fiction, he also brings up his time with Lost Records. Paul has been playing the other big release this week, Monster Hunter Wilds. In news we discuss Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3+4 finally being officially announced and the Acclaim name is coming back. TDP is listener funded. Enjoy the show? Want an ad-free exp…
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179. Munther Isaac on Christ in the Rubble
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42:44In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, about his forthcoming book Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza. He also talks about Donald Trump's plan to "take over" Gaza, the importance of using the terms "genocide" and "…
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Proud to share the story of my good friend, Her Royal Highness Queen Mother, Marie-Paule Niat from Cameroon. A remarkable woman and successful entrepreneur.
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50:01Proud to share the story of my good friend, Her Royal Highness Queen Mother, Marie-Paule Niat from Cameroon. A remarkable woman and successful entrepreneur.By Santina Giannino
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One Month of Trump's Attacks on Faith: Policymakers, Faith Leaders, and Legal Experts Take Action
1:09:31
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1:09:31This week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by a panel of faith leaders, legal experts, and policymakers to discuss the urgent threats facing democracy and religious freedom under the Trump administration. Together, they explore how faith communities can take action against executive overreach, attacks on religious institutions, and efforts…
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This week Paul is checking out some Steam Next Fest Demos. Sean tries out Keep Driving. Jon is playing through Shinobi on the PS2. Big news this time is WB Games closing three studios down and cancelling Wonder Woman, we also discuss the many livestreams and game trailers shown. TDP is listener funded. Enjoy the show? Want an ad-free experience? Co…
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178. State Senator Shows How NOT to Read Proverbs
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16:18On Tuesday (Feb. 25), a session of the Oklahoma Senate transformed into a spontaneous Bible study. Or perhaps more of a Bible study cosplay demonstrating how not to read the Bible, specifically how not to read the Book of Proverbs. In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor unpacks the errors in how Proverbs was cited by a state senator tryin…
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ALL THINGS NEW: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim
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14:27ABOUT OUR GUEST(S) Rev. Dr. Steve Young Dong Kim is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, a member of the New York Annual Conference (currently serving at Pound Ridge UMC in Westchester County), and Chair of the NYAC Asian Council. Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim is a prominent Korean-American theologian, author, and pastor who has made signi…
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Unfiltered: The Gen Z Revolution with Olivia Julianna
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58:28This week, Gen Z activist Olivia Julianna joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of political engagement and the pursuit of social justice at an incredibly difficult moment in our history. Together, they explore how a rising generation of young leaders is doing critical work to address systemic injustice and inequality – and…
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Jon finishes up Spirit Tracks and Harvey Birdman this week. Paul is playing Castle Crashers and Avowed. Sean talks about Citizen Sleeper 2 and Lost Records. We start news off with the surprising Marvel Rivals layoffs, then we discuss Xbox's new AI program and Niantic looking to sell off Pokemon Go. TDP is listener funded. Enjoy the show? Want an ad…
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