Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other
Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other
Podcast Description
Politics and Religion. We’re not supposed to talk about that, right? Wrong! We only say that nowadays because the loudest, most extreme voices have taken over the whole conversation. Well, we‘re taking some of that space back! If you’re dying for some dialogue instead of all the yelling; if you know it’s okay to have differences without having to hate each other; if you believe politics and religion are too important to let ”the screamers” drown out the rest of us and would love some engaging, provocative and fun conversations about this stuff, then ”Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other” is for you!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into significant areas such as the impact of Christian nationalism, the role of money and power in politics, and the necessity of civil dialogue. Episodes like the discussion with Katherine Stewart on her book 'Money, Lies, and God' highlight how financial and ideological networks affect democracy, while other episodes explore themes like idolatry in contemporary faith and its connections to political ideology.
Politics and Religion. We’re not supposed to talk about that, right? Wrong! We only say that nowadays because the loudest, most extreme voices have taken over the whole conversation. Well, we‘re taking some of that space back! If you’re dying for some dialogue instead of all the yelling; if you know it’s okay to have differences without having to hate each other; if you believe politics and religion are too important to let ”the screamers” drown out the rest of us and would love some engaging, provocative and fun conversations about this stuff, then ”Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other” is for you!
What happens when a former military cop, existentialist philosopher, and Substack firebrand walks into a podcast? You get this riveting conversation between Corey and Christopher Armitage, who pulls no punches when it comes to democracy, resistance, and why “soft secession” might be the only sane response to creeping authoritarianism.
Chris is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, prolific writer, and founder of The Existentialist Republic. From his early days in New Jersey wrestling circles to his transformation into an outspoken advocate for “soft secession,” Chris shares deeply personal reflections and bold policy ideas aimed at confronting rising authoritarianism in America.
Through a mix of dark humor, philosophical grounding, and actionable insights, Chris breaks down:
What “soft secession” really means (hint: it’s not Civil War 2.0),
How localism and economic independence can fortify democracy,
What ICE agents, serotonin, and Friedrich Nietzsche have in common,
And why writing with relentless truth might be the ultimate form of resistance.
This isn’t just another political chat—it’s a defibrillator for the democratic spirit.
⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics
[00:00] Welcome & Chris’s multi-faceted background
[00:04] Jersey roots, high school wrestling, and joining the Air Force
[00:07] Serving as military police & navigating mental health in public service
[00:13] From law enforcement to Substack: becoming a full-time writer
[00:16] On Project 2025, ICE, authoritarianism, and systemic corruption
[00:24] What is “soft secession” and why does it matter now?
[00:29] Holding federal tax dollars in escrow — a controversial idea
[00:33] Learning from Viktor Orbán, The Troubles, and global democracies
[00:38] ICE overreach, due process violations, and local accountability
[00:45] TP&R question: Can we still talk across our differences?
[00:49] Dopamine vs. serotonin: the brain chemistry of politics
[00:52] Final reflections: Hope, joy, and being a rebel for the good
🧠 Key Takeaways
Soft secession isn’t about seceding from the union—it’s about building parallel structures and asserting state sovereignty when the federal government becomes illegitimate or abusive.
Existentialism offers a philosophical lens to grapple with despair, absurdity, and the need for personal responsibility in chaotic times.
Corruption isn’t abstract: Christopher outlines how hundreds of billions have been diverted from essential services like SNAP and SSI under the current regime.
Local action is powerful: From holding ICE agents accountable to auditing tax fund allocation, states and municipalities are not powerless.
We must resist with joy: Even amid chaos, fostering joy, community, and purpose is essential—both for resilience and resistance.
💬 Notable Quotes
“We’re not losing democracy. Federal democracy is pretty much dead. The Constitution is dead. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still build something better.”
“It’s not about labeling this fascism or kleptocracy—it’s about calling it what it is: bad.”
“Let the zealots win, and we’re cooked. But if rational people care more, we still have a chance.”
“Serotonin levels rise when you feel seen and heard. Listening might actually be the antidote to polarization.”
“Put ICE agents in handcuffs if they break the law. It’s that simple.”
📣 Calls to Action
✅ Tell a friend about TP&R! Help spread thoughtful conversation.
✅ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.
✅ Leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics
✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com
✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect
Christopher Armitage on Substack, The Existentialist Republic — cmarmitage.substack.com
Corey is @coreysnathan on…
🎙️ Our Sponsors:
Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
The Village Square: villagesquare.us
And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org
Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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