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
Amarāvatī & Buddhist Visual Culture: Interview with Jaś Elsner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:38
Is religion strictly textual? Jaś Elsner explores the art and artifacts of one of India's most notable Buddhist monuments in his recent book, "Amarāvatī." Matthew Peterson speaks with Jaś to better understand how visuals…
Astrology Today: Interview with Rebecca Gordon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:44
For nearly as long as we’ve been around, humans have been looking to the stars to help make sense of the world. But what does that practice look like today? Astrologer, teacher, and author Rebecca Gordon speaks with Matt…
30 Years Later: The Kidnapping of The Panchen Lama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:03
It has been 30 years since the Chinese government kidnapped a major Tibetan Buddhist leader. The victim, a six year-old boy, has not been seen since. Matthew Peterson investigates the disappearance and its ongoing ramifi…
The Unbreakable Boy: Interview with Scott LeRette [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:03
Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews Scott LeRette, author of the beloved memoir "The Unbreakable Boy" and executive producer of the film adaptation of the same name. Scott talks about overcoming addiction, raising a…
Blessed Carlo Acutis: Interview with Sabrina Ferrisi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:47
The Media Project board member Jody Hassett Sanchez interviews journalist Sabrina Ferrisi to learn about Carlo Acutis, who will be canonized as the first millennial saint in April 2025.
Are Faith-Based Films Now Mainstream? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:32
"The Chosen," "House of David" and "King of Kings" are just a few of the faith-based movies and TV shows out this Easter which are garnering major publicity in mainstream trades and publications. Have faith-based films f…
Redefining Heresy and Tolerance: Interview with Hung Tak Wai [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:41
How did the Qing dynasty's treatment of Muslims and Christians shape modern Chinese political practice? Matthew Peterson speaks with Hung Tak Wai about his recent book, "Redefining Heresy and Tolerance," to explore the h…
Inside The Story: Interview with Angela Youngman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:17
Angela Youngman is a regular contributor to Religion Unplugged, covering everything from animals in churches to religious cyclists. Matthew Peterson sat down with Angela to learn how she finds her unique story ideas, why…
The Chosen: Interview with Luke Dimyan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:48
Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews actor Luke Dimyan about why he relates to his role as Judas Iscariot in "The Chosen," the smash-hit TV show about the life of Jesus.