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What We Love, What We Fear, What Comes Next

As America approaches its 250th birthday, Betsey Newenhuyse and I take some time on Beach Talk to reflect on what we love most about this remarkable and complicated nation. We talk about the ideals that have inspired generations of Americans—democracy, freedom of conscience, a free press, equal rights, and the ongoing work of building "a more perfect union." Along the way, we share personal memories, from patriotic songs and high school choir performances to family stories and reflections on the values that continue to shape our lives.

But this conversation isn't just nostalgic. We also explore some of the deeper challenges facing our country today. Why have so many evangelicals embraced Donald Trump so enthusiastically? What does that reveal about the relationship between faith, power, and leadership in America? Drawing on the insights of writers and thinkers such as Pete Wehner, Kristin Kobes Du Mez, David Gushee, and others, we examine the rise of Christian nationalism and the choices facing American Christians in this cultural moment.

We also discuss the importance of strong institutions, higher education, religious liberty, and the freedom to worship according to one's conscience. Add a few personal updates—including my upcoming trip to Costa Rica—and you have another thoughtful, candid, and engaging conversation with friends on the beach.

More about Betsey Newenhuyse

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NEW! I’m delighted to welcome back a familiar guest and friend of the podcast, Dalaina May. This is Dalaina’s third appearance with us, and every conversation leaves me challenged, inspired, and more aware of realities that most of us rarely see.

Dalaina is the founder and executive director of Dark Bali, an organization serving people on the front lines of the fight against human trafficking throughout Indonesia and beyond. Her journey has taken her across continents, through academia, deep personal questioning, and into some of the most difficult places imaginable. Along the way, she discovered not only her calling but also the courage to pursue it despite obstacles, setbacks, and institutions that often underestimated her.

Today, we'll discuss the changing realities of human trafficking in 2025, the global impact of geopolitical shifts and the loss of USAID funding, the power of collaboration, and how Dark Bali continues to equip and strengthen anti-trafficking leaders across Asia. SHOW NOTES

RESOURCES:

WEBSITE: darkbali.org

ANNUAL REPORT

THE GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY

SCAM COMPOUNDS

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Ken welcomes back professor, author, and activist Dr. David Dark to discuss his new book, We Become What We Normalize. David shares the recent tragedy on Belmont University's campus in the shooting of the popular freshman, accomplished musician Jillian Ludwig . He tells us about the impact of this horrible incident on his students. The entire nation took note - raising the issue of gun control. David asks a provocative question: "Am I responsible for the lies that other people voice in my presence unchallenged?" When we are silent, we normalize. The conversation picks up Part I - discussing David's assertion that all of us -because we are human - are "religious." There exists good and bad/toxic and healthy religion. We must apply critical thinking to discern. Dr. Dark agrees with Christopher Hitchens that there is a form of religion that "poisons everything." To illustrate, they consider a diverse collection of individuals including Colin Kaepernick, Howard Thurman, Rush Limbaugh, and Donald Trump. In conclusion, David shares his long-time work in the Tennessee prison system - regrettably, a for-profit enterprise.

David Dark - PART 1 Life's Too Short To Pretend We Aren't Religious

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REPRISE - When Wheaton College released it's anticipated Report on Race, there was a glaring omission. A comprehensive self-study over the history of the college had an arbitraty cut-off date of the year 2000. While it was an attempt to be transparent, vulnerable, and forthright over past mistakes, the report failed to address the painful departure of the first African American woman tenured professor, Dr. Larycia Hawkins. Ken reached out to Professor David Dark of Belmont University, an outspoken advocate of Dr. Hawkins and her work. They discuss the Wheaton episode. A very popular professor, Dr. Dark is active on social media and highly regarded for his books, his lectures and social commentary. Ken and David cover many topics including the Nashville political scene. Dr. Dark has a personal connection to The Covenant School, where a mass shoting gained national attention and introduced us to the "Tennessee Three" - legislators who made "Good Trouble" on the floor of the legislature demanding a debate on gun control. Ken asked David to continue this lively conversation in a part two, scheduled for next week where they will continue the conversation, including his book Life's too Short to Pretend you aren't Religious. SHOW NOTES

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NEW EPISODE - I'm so pleased to welcome back my friend Peter Wehner — political thinker, former White House speechwriter, regular contributor to The Atlantic and The New York Times, and one of the most thoughtful Christian voices speaking into America’s moral and political turmoil.

Peter joins me to discuss four remarkable recent *essays that confront some of the darkest and most urgent questions facing our nation right now. Together, we explore the rise of militant Christian nationalism, the theology and rhetoric surrounding Pete Hegseth, and the dangerous fusion of political grievance, religious certainty, and the language of holy war.

Peter examines how biblical texts — especially the imprecatory Psalms — are being weaponized to justify aggression, vengeance, and even bloodlust in modern political life. We talk about the influence of figures like Douglas Wilson, the appeal to “King David” spirituality, and why many respected biblical scholars insist that the conquest ethic of the Old Testament cannot be used as a model for Christian political action today. As Peter argues, the Sermon on the Mount stands as a direct repudiation of that worldview.

We also step back from the headlines to reflect on our deeply fractured culture — our polarization, loneliness, loss of community, and longing for what the Hebrew Scriptures call shalom. Along the way, we draw wisdom from voices like Desmond Tutu, Rowan Williams, and David Bentley Hart.

This is an honest, sobering, and ultimately hopeful conversation about faith, power, truth, and the soul of America. I hope you’ll join us.

*See SHOW NOTES for Pete’s four recent essays.

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Live Event - We're Talkin' 2021!

Podcasters Brad Onishi (Straight White American Jesus), Ken Fong (Asian America - The Ken Fong Podcast) and Ken Kemp (The Beached White Male) join forces on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. A good group gathered to join us for a conversation about the New Year that brought serious crises: an insurrection, the denial of an election result, a failed presidency, an historic inauguration, and a pandemic in full bloom. They talk about their experience as pastors and podcasters, Christian Nationalism, deconstruction, the Super Bowl, racism and whiteness, Trumpism, and conservatism. Live questions from the group added a timely dimension to the conversation.

Check out our SHOW NOTES for much more.

Originally Aired: February 2021

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This episode is something special. Imagine reconnecting with two young men from your youth group… fifty years later. That’s exactly what happened when Brad Thompson and Rick Axtell and I found our way back into each other’s lives after five decades apart, tracing a shared journey that none of us could have predicted.

Back in the early 1970s in Deerfield, Illinois, we were shaped by the same evangelical world at a thriving church on the north side of Chicago. Life, of course, took us in very different directions. Brad Thompson went on to pastoral ministry after graduating from St. Olaf College and earning his M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School—the same seminary I attended. Along the way, he also invested deeply in the lives of underserved young adults through YouthBuild, helping provide education, job training, and hope for a better future. Even in retirement, Brad continues to serve as an interim pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church—and he was the catalyst behind our remarkable reunion.

Rick Axtell’s journey led him into academia and service. He became a distinguished professor of religion and college chaplain at Centre College in Kentucky, earning multiple teaching awards and national recognition, including being named one of The Princeton Review’s top professors. Rick has also devoted himself to addressing hunger and homelessness, helping lead initiatives like Louisville United Against Hunger and founding a soup kitchen in Natchez, Mississippi.

Together, we reflect on our shared past and ask the deeper questions: What happened to us? Where has our faith evolved—or unraveled? What do we still hold in common?

If you grew up in fundamentalist or evangelical spaces and now find yourself wrestling with what to keep, what to leave behind, and what comes next—you’ll hear your own story echoing in ours.

Listen in on this remarkable reunion. SHOW NOTES

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This week, an original Beach Talk with Betsey Newenhuyse. We sit down for one of those conversations that moves from the deeply personal to the profoundly global.

Seven years after losing her husband Fritz, Betsey reflects on grief—not as something to “get over,” but as something to understand. She’s now editing a book on the journey of grief. Her insights are as honest as they are hopeful.

We also share the simple joy of a beautiful Easter and a California spring that reminds us life keeps renewing.

We dive into a world that feels increasingly unstable—from the renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where global energy and conflict collide, to questions about war, leadership, and whether peace talks can actually hold.

And then there’s a lift to the human spirit: the Artemis mission, reminding us what’s possible when we look upward instead of tearing each other apart.

We talk faith, politics, power, and the strange contradictions of our moment—from the Pope to populism, from scripture to strategy.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation that doesn’t shy away. Straight talk from the heart.

Ken’s Substack - Hubris vs. Gravitas

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