On this episode of The Common Good Podcast, Doug Pagitt talks with Brian Recker, author of the new book Hellbent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Brian, a former evangelical pastor, takes us inside his journey of questioning one of Christianity’s most entrenched doctrines — the idea of eternal damnation. He argues that the fear of hell has distorted Christian faith, fostering shame, exclusion, and toxic relationships, and he invites us to imagine a different path: a spirituality grounded in love, connection, and justice. We talk about what it means to reframe salvation, how to let go of fear-based religion, and why the way of Jesus still matters — not because of hell, but because of love.

Welcome to the Common Good Podcast. In this episode, Doug Pagitt sits down with Father Pete Nunnally, an Episcopal priest, writer, and visionary leader behind the new Water and Wilderness Church. Together they dive into Pete’s forthcoming book, Catching Hope, which offers a fresh vision of faith rooted in renewal, resilience, and community. Their conversation explores not only Pete’s personal journey and the inspiration behind his work, but also the larger state of Christian faith in America today. Doug and Pete wrestle with some of the biggest questions facing the church: How do we remain faithful in an age of division? What does it look like to embody Christ’s love when MAGA Christianity and Christian Nationalism threaten to distort the gospel? And how can communities of faith nurture hope and courage in these turbulent times? This episode is a heartfelt, honest, and hopeful dialogue—inviting listeners to imagine a Christianity that resists fear, rejects authoritarianism, and returns again and again to love as the way forward.

In this episode of Common Good Candidates, I talk with Mark Pinsley, a Democrat running for Congress in Pennsylvania. Mark’s district is one of the very few actually competitive Congressional districts in the country. It’s a critical race for Democrats to flip the House. Mark shares his journey from business leader to public servant, and why he believes government should work for people—not the wealthy and powerful. We dig into his values and priorities and what surprises him most as a congressional candidate. Learn more about Mark’s campaign: https://www.votemarkpinsley.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with candidates working for the common good and visit https://www.candidatesforcommongood.com.

In this episode of the Common Good Podcast, Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse confront the rising tide of political violence in America. In the wake of the tragic murders of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump has excused right-wing violence as “stopping crime” while casting the political left as “people who hate America.” Doug and Robb take on this dangerous rhetoric and the way it distorts our public life. They discuss how we, as people of faith and conscience, must respond—not with silence, fear, or retaliation, but with a renewed commitment to peace, justice, and the common good. Together, they reflect on how faith communities, civic leaders, and everyday citizens can push back against this toxic narrative and stand together against violence in all its forms. This conversation is both sobering and hopeful—calling listeners to courage, clarity, and a deep commitment to nonviolence as the only way forward for a healthy democracy.

Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis is a dynamic community leader, ordained minister, policy strategist, and now a candidate for mayor of Minneapolis. A Mississippi Delta native, he began his career in Washington, D.C., serving as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill and later as Domestic Policy Advisor for The Episcopal Church, where he helped lead the fight for marriage equality before the U.S. Supreme Court. Known for his persistence—what he calls his “pestering history”—he’s been a tireless advocate on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare to housing, voting rights, and reproductive justice.

In 2013, DeWayne and his husband moved to Minneapolis, where he served as Senior Pastor at All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church and now leads Plymouth Congregational Church, a historic congregation deeply engaged in justice and community service. He also serves as the first openly gay Black chaplain of the Minnesota Senate, bringing spiritual guidance to landmark legislation on abortion access and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Today, as he campaigns to become mayor, Dr. Davis brings together grassroots compassion, pastoral leadership, and the hard-earned policy expertise he gained in Washington to help guide Minneapolis into its future.

In this episode of Common Good Candidates, Robb Ryerse sits down with Jordan Wood, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in Maine. We talk about what it will take to rebuild trust in government and put people—not special interests—at the center of our politics.

We dig into affordable housing and the broader kitchen-table economics affecting Mainers and families across the country: rising rents, wages, and jobs, small-business vitality, and common-sense steps to make life more affordable.

Learn more about Jordan’s campaign: https://electjordan.com/

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It may look like the MAGA movement is marching in lockstep, but cracks are showing. Right-wing media voices and everyday supporters are quietly stepping back, embarrassed and humiliated by Trump’s harmful actions. On the Common Good Podcast, we dig into these shifts, exploring what they mean for faith, politics, and the future of our democracy. With wit, candor, and hope, Doug and Robb pull back the curtain on the stories shaping our public life—and highlight the growing movement of people choosing the common good over chaos. Join the conversation. Stay informed. Be inspired. Vote Common Good

Trump's self-serving vanity is on full display now in ways that are hard to fathom, even when we see it in full display. We will find courage and a path forward to rebuild the common bonds of this country and limit his power in the midterms.