Religion Unplugged

Religion Unplugged

Author: The Media Project Language: English Episodes: 100
In a world where faith is often reduced to headlines or soundbites, Religion Unplugged offers a different kind of space. This podcast, from The Media Project, engages with the profound and complex ways belief shapes our lives, politics, and history. You’ll hear candid conversations and stories drawn from original reporting by a global network of journalists. We move beyond simple debates to explore the nuanced realities of spirituality and religious practice as they intersect with culture, conflict, and community. Each episode is an opportunity to listen deeply to narratives that are frequently overlooked, understanding that religion remains a powerful and growing force across the globe. This isn’t about doctrine; it’s about the human experience at the intersection of the sacred and the everyday. Tune in for a grounded, journalistic approach that unplugs the stereotypes and connects you to the authentic stories defining faith in the 21st century.
Episodes
Why Do So Many Cultures Have A Version of Noah's Flood? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:30
Matthew Peterson speaks with professor and author Philip C. Almond about his recent book "Noah and the Flood in Western Thought."Noah and the Flood in Western Thought: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/noah-and-the-fl…
Heaven Help Us: Interview with John Kasich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:37
Are religious people as active in service as they claim to be? Matthew Peterson speaks with author and former Ohio State Governor John Kasich about his recent book “Heaven Help Us,” which explores how faith communities a…
“What If…” 15 Years Later: Interview with Kevin Sorbo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:24
Film and culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews actor Kevin Sorbo about his history in the faith-based film industry, which started with the film "What If?." The film was directed by Dallas Jenkins and returns to theatr…
Understanding The Turban: Interview with Chris Filstrup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
How did the turban become so ubiquitous? Matthew Peterson speaks with Chris Filstrup about his and Jane Merrill’s recent book, “The Turban: A History from East to West,” to investigate the origins and legacy of the headg…
Is Superman Circumcised?: Interview with Roy Schwartz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:01
Religion Unplugged culture critic Joseph Holmes sits down with Roy Schwartz, author of "Is Superman Circumcised," to discuss the Jewish roots of the world's first and greatest superhero.Is Superman Circumcised: https://m…
Thomas Becket and His World: Interview with Michael Staunton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:02
How did a wealthy royal advisor become one of history’s most famous martyrs? Matthew Peterson interviews Michael Staunton about his recent book “Thomas Becket and His World” to understand the medieval Archbishop of Cante…
Biblical Art in India: Interview with Sabrina Siga [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:50
Can biblical art find admiration in a majority Hindu Nation? The Media Project board member Jennifer Arul interviews painter Sabrina Siga about her creative journey as both a secular and sacred artist and the slow progre…
After The Death of God: Interview with Espen Hammer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:31
Is religion bound to die out, or is theism ultimately indomitable? This week, Professor Espen Hammer tells Matthew Peterson about his recent book “After The Death of God.”After The Death of God: https://press.uchicago.ed…
Inside The News Story: Interview with Journalist/Pastor Paul Prather [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:45
Religion Unplugged’s columnist Paul Prather is on the show this week to talk with Matthew Peterson about his pastoring, his journalism career, the importance of balanced news engagement and why vulnerability has been so…
Rev. Charles Wesley: Interview with Clive Norris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:58
As a prolific hymn writer and preacher, Charles Wesley continues to influence modern churches around the world. This week, Dr. Clive Norris, editor of “Rev. Charles Wesley (1707–88),” speaks to Matthew Peterson about who…