Wrapping Up 2025 with Reflection, Reckoning, and Resolve

A raw, reflective journey through the political upheavals, personal reckonings, and hard-won hope of 2025. Episode Summary Corey takes us on a tour of 2025’s most pivotal moments—both in politics and in his own life. He recounts the Trump administration’s controversial actions, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and civic responses like the No Kings Rallies. Interwoven are deeply personal stories: Corey’s mental health struggles, the loss of a friendship, and a psychotic break that led to crucial self-reflection. But it’s also a celebration: of the TP&R community, of new collaborations with Pew Research Center and Weave, and of the many courageous conversations shared on the pod. From Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde to Governor John Kasich, from wildfires to wake-up calls, 2025 was a year of complexity—and Corey captures it all with honesty and heart. Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Topics [00:00] Opening & ShoutoutsThanks to Pew Research Center, Village Square, and our new show: East Meets West Sports  [01:30] Year in Political ReviewTrump’s second term: Pardons, ICE expansion, inflation, foreign policy failuresThe assassination of Charlie Kirk and national grief2025 elections and democratic resilience [08:00] The No Kings Rallies & Civic EngagementAn unforgettable conversation with an 87-year-old woman who attended Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speechReflections on American threats—and hope [09:30] Personal ReckoningsA broken friendship, mental health collapse, setting healthy boundaries“One of the few times I had to block someone I once considered a friend.” [14:00] TP&R in 2025: The Guests Who Shaped the YearRevisiting conversations with: Wajahat Ali Dr. Beth Allison Barr Jonathan Rauch & Liz Joyner Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde Rep. Ritchie Torres David French McKay Coppins, EJ Dionne, Isaac Saul & more! [24:00] On Free Speech & Evolving ViewsWhy Corey no longer blocks or mutes—he now believes in the power of “better speech” [26:00] Favorite Moments & New ProjectsCivic bridges with WeaveCollaboration with Pew ResearchLaunching East Meets West Sports [38:00] Hard-Won Wisdom: 5 Boundaries for Healthier DialogueWhen it’s time to walk away from toxic conversations Notable Quotes “We’re facing unprecedented threats to our democracy—but also experiencing a renaissance in civic engagement.” “The best way to combat bad speech is with good speech. Better speech.” Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Final Reflections Take a breath. Take inventory. Set boundaries.And step into the new year with gentleness and respect. Wishing you a peaceful end to 2025 and a hopeful beginning to 2026.Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and yes… Happy Festivus! 🎄🕎🎉