The Jim Wallis Podcast

Join Rev. Jim Wallis as he brings the spirit of Chautauqua to The Jim Wallis Podcast. This episode, recorded during his week as Chaplain and Preacher at the historic Chautauqua Institution, explores how the teachings of Jesus offer a moral compass in times of national crisis. Drawing on powerful stories from the Senate steps and personal moments with his family, Jim unpacks foundational biblical texts—like Matthew 25 and the Good Samaritan—to challenge us to love our neighbors, defend the vulnerable, and reclaim justice as central to faith. Don’t miss the full experience! Watch Jim’s Sunday Sermon and all his weekday sermons (Monday through Friday) on the Chautauqua Institution’s YouTube channel. Discover more about Chautauqua’s interfaith community and its commitment to dialogue, faith, and justice at chq.org. Chautauqua Institution’s YouTube channel has a wealth of resources for lifelong learning, faith and community. Available at www.youtube.com/chautauquainstitution/join (to join the monthly membership to watch programs for as little as $2.99/month) or watch our complimentary programs by browsing our channel at www.youtube.com/chautauquainstitution See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rev. Jim Wallis confronts the alarming rise in political violence since 2016, sharing personal stories from the recent Minnesota shootings and challenging Christians to reclaim nonviolence. Drawing on data, faith, and history, Wallis calls for courage, truth, and peacemaking in an age of fear and intimidation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode of the Jim Wallis Podcast, faith leaders from across America gather at the U.S. Capitol during Pentecost Week to protest the proposed federal budget. Through prayer, song, and prophetic witness, they call on Congress to reject policies that harm the most vulnerable. Hear stirring speeches, moving music, and a call to action for a moral budget that reflects the values of justice, compassion, and care for "the least of these." Join Jim Wallis and a diverse coalition as they demand that faith and conscience guide our nation’s leaders. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sen. Chris Coons joins Jim Wallis to expose the moral crisis in the Trump budget—devastating cuts to Medicaid & SNAP, tax breaks for the wealthy, and the urgent Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget event at the steps of the Capitol on June 10th of Pentecost Week . Discover how faith and justice are shaping this critical debate for millions of vulnerable Americans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode, Jim Wallis interviews Brendan Duke to break down the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts to SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid. Duke explains how these changes could strip food and healthcare from millions of low-income Americans, while redirecting $1.1 trillion in benefits to the wealthiest households. Discover what these cuts mean for families, the moral implications, and why paperwork requirements are more damaging than they seem. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Harvard political scientist Steven Levitsky joins Jim Wallis to discuss the urgent threats facing American democracy, the rise of “competitive authoritarianism,” and why courage is needed now more than ever. Drawing on Levitsky’s recent New York Times column and global examples, this conversation explores the costs of dissent, the role of faith and universities, and practical hope for renewal. Listen for insight, challenge, and a call to action. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does the election of the first American pope mean for the Catholic Church and the world? Jim Wallis sits down with John Carr, founder of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown, to explore the historic rise of Pope Leo XIV. Together, they reflect on the transformative legacy of Pope Francis, the significance of Pope Leo’s name, and the enduring power of Catholic social teaching. Discover how this new papacy could reshape global faith, justice, and public life-especially in the United States. Tune in for an insightful conversation on unity, hope, and the challenges ahead for Catholics everywhere. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Take Action: Be part of the movement! Join the Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget and help shape a future rooted in justice and equity. Learn more and sign up here! Join Jim Wallis for a compelling conversation with Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner-renowned faith leader, public policy strategist, and advocate for democracy-as they explore the urgent moral issues facing America today. Dr. Williams-Skinner shares her journey as a Discover how faith communities can respond to today’s challenges, and hear Dr. Williams-Skinner’s call to action for a more just, compassionate society. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about faith-driven activism and the future of our democracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this eye-opening episode, Jim Wallis and Robert P. Jones dive deep into the latest poll data revealing President Trump’s unprecedented negative approval ratings within his first 100 days back in office. Discover how Trump ranks as the most unpopular president since World War II at this stage, with a majority of Americans-including 55% of independents-viewing him as a dangerous dictator whose power must be limited to protect American democracy. The discussion also highlights the sharp racial and religious divides in Trump’s support, with White Evangelical Protestants largely backing him, while Christians of Color and other faith groups overwhelmingly reject his leadership. Tune in for a compelling analysis of what these numbers mean for America’s political and moral future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Jim Wallis and distinguished journalist E.J. Dionne as they explore the critical intersection of faith, politics, and the challenges facing American democracy today. In this episode, they dissect the rise of Christian nationalism, the role of faith communities in resisting authoritarianism, and the essential importance of journalism in upholding truth and accountability. Discover how faith traditions can inform a more just, compassionate, and inclusive politics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this vital episode, leading scholars and activists explore the urgent issues of book banning, racial justice, and the role of faith in a divided America. Jim Wallis is joined by authors Anthea Butler, Robert Jones, Brian Massingale, and Michael Eric Dyson, in a discussion first streamed by the American Academy of Religion. They discuss how attacks on truth and knowledge threaten our democracy, and offer pathways toward a more just and equitable future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's death, we explore his enduring call to "costly grace" and its relevance to today's challenges with Adam Taylor, President of Sojourners. While not explicitly about Bonhoeffer, Adam's work—including his book A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community— resonates deeply with Bonhoeffer's spirit of resistance against injustice. Adam discusses practical pathways to overcome division and build a more inclusive and just society. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision, this episode offers hope and a moral roadmap for confronting today's crises of race, gender, and faith." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Katherine Stewart (Money, Lies, and God) joins Jim Wallis to expose the money, disinformation, and Christian nationalism fueling the anti-democratic movement. Discover the funders, the lies, and what we can do to fight back. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legal journalist Dahlia Lithwick (Slate’s Amicus podcast) exposes how Trump’s second-term agenda—and cases like Dr. Rasha Alawieh’s deportation and Mahmoud Khalil’s ICE detention—are testing judicial independence. We break down: Subscribe wherever you get podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Professor Ruth Braunstein is the host of the new podcast When the Wolves Came, Evangelicals Resisting Extremism. Prof. Braunstein chronicles the American heretics who blaspheme Jesus by turning against our neighbors, whom he has commanded us to love. And she documents the courageous resistance that is rising up in Evangelical congregations across the country against the false prophets, whom the Gospel of Matthew calls “ravening wolves.” “Christian nationalism in particular is really a false gospel,” says Braunstein. “And so this is a term that has been a helpful one, particularly for Christians to use when thinking about how to deal with these ideas circulating within their own communities.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pastor Caleb Campbell chronicles his journey from active engagement as a Neo-Nazi Skinhead to becoming Lead Pastor of Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona. His work focuses on equipping Christians to minister to their Christian nationalist neighbors. He explores the reasons for its appeal, offering compassionate responses to its claims, in his new book "Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor." Campbell explains to host Rev. Jim Wallis how and why the the Chirstian Nationalist Movement See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We began this Lenten Season in the aftermath of the virtual destruction of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As a result, millions will starve and millions will die around the world. The scale and scope of this preventable tragedy gives added weight and significance to our observation of Lent. The Lenten tradition of discipline and fasting requires us to increase our awareness of–and strengthen our compassion for–the suffering of others. Lent also calls us to focus on reaching out in service and justice as we await to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ at Easter. In this very special episode of the Jim Wallis Podcast, we provide a window into the magnitude of the torment being inflicted upon those Jesus called “the least of these.” You can read Jim’s Commentary on this subject here Rev. Jim Wallis speaks with an eyewitness to the desperation, devastation, and imminent death that is resulting from the Trump Administration’s vicious assault on people providing life-saving humanitarian aid around the world. Rev. Tim Costello, a global expert on international humanitarian aid, is the former Chief Executive of World Vision Australia (WVA) and the current Executive Director of Micah Australia. He was in Kenya and Uganda when the Trump Administration inaugurated the irresponsible and unconscionable freeze on USAID funds. “Kenyan women, clinicians, doctors [were] in tears saying, ‘the medications, the U-S-A-I-D medications have dried up. This means we cannot treat the people who we've treated for so many years, poor Kenyan people without a chance without these medications.’” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A historic lawsuit has been filed by the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, in partnership with the Center on Faith and Justice, on the behalf of a broad coalition of 27 national church and organization plaintiffs, whose combined membership numbers in the millions, to defend the teachings of Jesus and the traditions of all Abrahamic religions. {Subscribe to weekly Jim's Substack column here to stay up to date with our progress.} Rev. Jim Wallis speaks with two important leaders involved in the case of Mennonite Church USA VS The Department of Homeland Security: Kelsey Brown Corkoran, the Supreme Court Director at the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law, and Reverend Carlos Malave, the president of the Latino Christian National Network (LCNN), which is a broad Christian Latino network in our country, including Pentecostals, evangelicals, Catholics, and mainline leaders. On the first day of his second term as President of the United States, according to Fox News, Donald Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to upend a decades long practice honoring sacred spaces and “sensitive locations” to allow religious leaders and congregants to obey the commandment of Jesus from Matthew 25: “As ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Jesus’ words include “the stranger” which means immigrant and refugee in Greek. Immigrants and refugees, who rely on these sacred spaces for sustenance for their souls and bodies, are being deterred by the aggressive and unorthodox tactics from the Trump Administration that the lawsuit alleges are a violation of the First Amendment right to freely practice religion. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the wake of the decisive victory of Donald Trump and his followers, Rev. Jim Wallis speaks with Executive Producer Paul Woodhull about what must take place before we consider what lays before us. Wallis counsels that it is appropriate and healing to feel grief and to lament where we find ourselves as a nation. But he warns against falling into despair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elizabeth Neumann, Former Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism at the Department of Homeland Security and the author of Kingdom of Rage talks with Jim Wallis about her time serving at the Trump White House. Neumann says, “This is what another four years would be. Nobody tells [Trump] no. And then you end up violating people's constitutional rights… His rhetoric was inspiring hate crimes and violence. We actually have documentation of that now.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.