American Idols

Hosted by the Religion, Race and Democracy Lab at the University of Virginia, Sacred & Profane is a documentary series that digs into the messy, vital intersections where belief systems shape our shared reality. This isn't a theoretical discussion about doctrines kept separate from daily life. Instead, each episode investigates how the forces we often label as religious-the sacred-are deeply woven into the ordinary and contentious fabric of human existence: our politics, our social conflicts, our art, and our identities. You'll hear stories that reveal how arguments over race, democracy, and culture are often, at their core, conversations about deeply held values and ultimate concerns. The podcast moves through historical case studies and contemporary dilemmas, treating the sacred not as a relic but as a living, breathing component of the profane world we all navigate. It’s for anyone curious about the undercurrents of belief that influence everything from headlines to kitchen-table conversations. By listening, you gain a more nuanced lens on history and our current moment, understanding that the way we live together, argue, and seek to flourish is perpetually entangled with these powerful, human forces. The Sacred & Profane podcast insists that to understand our society, we must examine this dynamic relationship without flinching.