Crossing Faiths

A Christian and a Muslim talk religion & politics. In this episode, cohosts John and Elliot have a typically wide-ranging discussion involving comparative religion, ancient cultures and the White House's recent "America Prays" initiative, loosely held together by the thread of Elliot's problematic popcorn habit.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Chad Brignac, an author, consultant, and self-described "transformationist," about applying principles of personal growth and faith to the divisive landscape of American politics. Brignac details his personal journey from workaholism to developing a philosophy of compassionate leadership, deeply rooted in his Christian faith and the model of Jesus's ministry. The conversation centers on Brignac's concept of the "pendulum of politics," a metaphor for the escalating polarization where political extremes gain momentum, driven by divisive rhetoric and a lack of common ground. He critiques modern leaders for their absence of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authenticity, which fosters a culture of capitulation instead of genuine consensus, and ultimately advocates for a leadership style that calms the environment, prioritizes serving others, and fosters authentic dialogue to create lasting, positive change.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Dr. Sahar Khamis about the complex and evolving role of digital and social media, particularly within the Arab and Muslim world. They explore the concept of social media as a "double-edged sword," discussing its initial promise as a tool for liberation during events like the Arab Spring and its subsequent co-opting by authoritarian regimes for repression and control. Dr. Khamis traces the shift in online activism from early blogs to modern platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which, despite their entertainment focus, have become significant sites for political mobilization on issues ranging from feminism in Iran to combating Islamophobia. The conversation also addresses the rise of influencers who may lack expertise, the creation of ideological echo chambers that stifle dialogue, the challenges of transnational activism from the diaspora, and the critical importance of media literacy in navigating a landscape rife with misinformation and disinformation. Dr. Sahar Khamis is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland, College Park, recognized as an expert on Arab and Muslim media, an ethnographer, Islamic feminist, peace and interfaith activist, and an accomplished media commentator and analyst. Her experience includes serving as the Head of the Mass Communication and Information Science Department at Qatar University (2005–2006), Mellon Islamic Studies Initiative Visiting Professor at the University of Chicago (2014), and Professor of Communication at the American University in Cairo (1990–2004). Since 2014, she has been an associate professor at the University of Maryland. She is the co-author of the books: Islam Dot Com: Contemporary Islamic Discourses in Cyberspace (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009) and Egyptian Revolution 2.0: Political Blogging, Civic Engagement and Citizen Journalism (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013). She is the co-editor of the book Arab Women’s Activism and Socio-Political Transformation: Unfinished Gendered Revolutions (Palgrave Macmillan 2018). Additionally, she authored and co-authored numerous book chapters, journal articles and conference papers, regionally and internationally, in both English and Arabic. She is the recipient of a number of prestigious academic and professional awards, as well as a member of the editorial boards of several journals in the field of communication, in general, and the field of Arab and Muslim media, in particular. Sahar Khamis links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-khamis-12565b1a/ https://communication.umd.edu/directory/sahar-khamis https://saharkhamis.wordpress.com/

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Ghazala Salam, a nonprofit leader, chef, and cultural storyteller, about the powerful intersection of food, culture, and identity. They discuss her participation in a recent chef competition, which she uses as a springboard to explain her core mission of food diplomacy and cultural storytelling. Salam introduces her project, "Spice Canvas," which aims to connect people through food experiences like pop-ups and tasting menus, where each dish tells a story. The central topic of their conversation is her ambitious plan to establish a groundbreaking Muslim cultural center in Orlando, envisioned as a human-centered space to share the diverse stories, histories, and humanity of global Muslims through interactive galleries, a performing arts center, and an active kitchen, thereby challenging stereotypes and fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding. Ghazala Salam on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghazalasalam/ Peace Pavilion Foundation: https://peacepavilionfoundation.org/

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Minhas Kahn about her book, Divine Diplomacy, which explores the impact of post-9/11 American evangelicals on Pakistan-United States relations. Kahn details how her research challenged initial perceptions of evangelicals, revealing that many engaged in positive diplomacy through humanitarian aid, fostering interfaith harmony, and advocating for religious freedom. She argues that this engagement not only influenced US foreign policy but also helped create a better understanding at a local level in Pakistan, leading to new dialogues and initiatives. The conversation also delves into the complexities of US-Pakistan relations, the misuse of religion for political purposes, the differing interpretations of concepts like blasphemy laws, and Pakistan's strategic need to balance its alliances with major world powers. Dr. Minhas Kahn is an Associate Professor of International Relations with nearly two decades of experience in teaching, research, and policy engagement. She earned her Master’s from the University of Peshawar in 2005 and began her academic career soon after, joining the Department of International Relations as a lecturer in 2006. Her Ph.D. research, “Evangelicals’ Influence on U.S. Foreign Policy: Impact on Pakistan–U.S. Relations (2001–2007),” earned her a fully funded fellowship at the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim–Christian Understanding (ACMCU) at Georgetown University in 2010, followed by her selection as a SUSI Scholar at the University of Florida in 2012. She completed her Ph.D. in 2013 and progressed to Assistant Professor in 2014 before assuming her current role as Associate Professor. Dr. Kahn has also held a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, researching religious freedom and democracy in Pakistan under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). This work, along with her fellowship at the Center for Women, Faith, and Leadership (CWFL) in Washington DC, reflects her commitment to understanding the complex ties between religion, politics, and security. Her published work explores religious extremism and terrorism, interfaith dynamics, peacebuilding, countering violent extremism, Islamophobia and Westophobia, South Asian regional politics, and the role of gender in peace and security. She regularly presents her research at national and international conferences and remains dedicated to producing scholarship that bridges divides and informs policy.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Guy Elhanan, an Israeli actor and member of the Parents Circle–Families Forum, a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of bereaved families. Elhanan shares his personal journey from a typical Israeli upbringing to a peace activist, detailing how his artistic awakening in an arts high school was abruptly curtailed by the dehumanizing experience of mandatory military service. He discusses how the military and societal narratives of conflict create a "numbness" and a narrow, aggressive definition of identity, which he later began to heal from through travel, art, and pantomime. The conversation explores the profound impact of his family's loss and his father's eventual embrace of the Parents Circle, centered on the realization that "the pain is one." Key themes include the destructive nature of militarized culture, the challenge of overcoming societal propaganda and racism, and the powerful, essential role of empathy and recognizing shared humanity as the only path toward reconciliation and a future beyond the conflict.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Joseph Yoo for a "wellness check" following the death of professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, a shared childhood hero. They explore the complex emotions of mourning a figure they once idolized, grappling with the stark contrast between Hogan's heroic on-screen persona and the flawed, often controversial, reality of the man, Terry Bollea. The discussion delves into the power of nostalgia, the nature of parasocial relationships with celebrities, and the difficulty of reconciling a beloved character with a problematic individual. They reflect on how wrestling's simplified good-versus-evil narratives shaped their youth and compare the fervor of "Hulkamania" to a form of religious belief, ultimately concluding that their grief was for the loss of the character and the significant part of their childhood he represented. Joseph Yoo is the priest of Mosaic Episcopal church in Houston. You can visit https://linktr.ee/JosephYoo to connect with him.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Laila Alsheikh, a Palestinian from Bethlehem and a member of The Parents Circle-Families Forum, a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of over 700 bereaved families. Laila shares the deeply personal and tragic story of losing her six-month-old son, who died after being denied timely passage through an Israeli checkpoint for urgent medical care. She recounts her journey from profound grief and anger to joining the organization, detailing a pivotal moment where she came face-to-face with the soldier responsible, only to find shared humanity and a path toward reconciliation. The conversation explores the organization's mission to use shared pain as a bridge for dialogue, advocating for an end to the cycle of violence. Laila emphasizes that the solution to the conflict lies not in political sides but in ensuring equal rights, freedom, and dignity for all, and calls for an end to the conflict so that no other families have to endure such loss. Laila Alsheikh lives in Bethlehem in the West Bank. In 2002, her 6 months old son, Qussay, became ill and Israeli soldiers prevented Layla from taking him to the hospital for more than five hours. Qussay soon died from the lack of timely treatment. Laila joined the Parents Circle in 2016. Following her son’s death, she never thought of revenge, but rather has devoted her time and energy to ensuring a better, more peaceful future for her children. The Parents Circle - Families Forum is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of over 800 bereaved families. Their common bond is that they have lost a close family member to the conflict. But instead of choosing revenge, they have chosen a path of reconciliation. Through their educational activities, these bereaved members have joined together to take tens of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis on journeys of reconciliation. It is often raw and always emotional. But out of these interactions, comes change. Not the kind of change that makes headlines, but a more personal and profound shift in perspective. As a joint Israeli-Palestinian peace organization, the PCFF models constructive dialogue around shared values. Even since October 7th, 2023, its staff, members, and thousands of participants are still committed to peace and a way forward that centers around empathy and humanization. The PCFF focuses on the shared value of the sanctity of human life. This conversation brings our attention to the values that Palestinians and Israelis can agree upon even in the darkest of times. Links: Website: https://www.parentscirclefriends.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentsCircleFamiliesForum/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentscirclefriends/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepcff?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-friends-of-the-parents-circle-families-forum

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Sahar Aziz, a distinguished professor of law and director of the Center for Security and Race and Rights, about the profound impact of 9/11 on Muslim identity and civil liberties in America. Aziz introduces the concept of the "racial Muslim," explaining how the collective trauma and government overreach post-9/11 led to the racialization of Muslims, treating their religious identity as if it were a racial characteristic, resulting in systemic discrimination rather than just individual bigotry. The conversation explores how American-raised Muslims, accustomed to fighting for rights, grappled with this new reality, contrasting it with older generations' responses. They discuss the historical evolution of religious freedom in the U.S., critiquing contemporary shifts towards 'religious liberty' that prioritize certain faiths and contribute to ethno-nationalist tendencies, mirroring similar 'cultural wars' globally. Finally, Aziz offers actionable strategies for vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of cross-racial coalitions, structural reforms, and active civic engagement to counter these increasingly authoritarian and discriminatory trends, stressing that those with privilege have a responsibility to contribute to a more equitable and just society. Sahar Aziz's scholarship examines the intersection of national security, race, religion, and civil rights with a focus on the adverse impact of national security laws and policies on racial, religious, and ethnic minorities. She is the author of "The Racial Muslim: When Racism Quashes Religious Freedom" and co-editor of "Global Islamophobia and the Rise of Populism." She also serves as the founding director of the Center for Security, Race and Rights. Professor Aziz is a recipient of the Derrick A. Bell Award from the Association of American Law Schools and was named a Middle Eastern and North African American National Security and Foreign Policy Next Generation Leader by New America in 2020 and a Soros Equality Fellow in 2021.

Chris Campbell—better known online as Chris CARESNONE, “The Babka King”—is a Chicago‑born speaker, podcaster, and viral food creator who uses humor and high‑energy storytelling to turn everyday dishes into unexpected lessons on unity. His cross‑cultural food videos have attracted nearly half‑a‑million TikTok fans, hundreds of thousands on Instagram, plus growing Facebook and YouTube communities, while mainstream outlets from NBC New York Live to the Times of Israel label him a bridge‑builder for our polarized era. Raised in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, Campbell studied Mass Communication at Harper College, laying the groundwork for the relatable voice he wields today. A 2020 diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia reframed his outlook; he now calls life “house money,” a perspective he credits for the fearless tone of his brand. A single babka review triggered a wave of Jewish‑food content, earning Campbell the affectionate “Babka King” tag. NBC New York Live dedicated a full segment titled “Breaking the Babka Code,” highlighting his knack for translating pastry into empathy. The Times of Israel later profiled how his sweet‑tooth adventures “bridge cultural gaps on Instagram, one blintz at a time.” Whether sampling Hasidic cholent in Brooklyn, mole tacos in Chicago, or German schnitzel in Detroit, Campbell frames every bite as proof that flavors beat borders. Aish.com praised his “funny and heartwarming” approach to classic Jewish fare, while the Jewish Telegraphic Agency spotlighted how his trademark greeting—“Y’all been gatekeeping all the good food?!”—turns potential tension into shared laughter. Campbell’s north‑star goal is clear: feed connection, not conflict. From a forthcoming book on audience‑building to plans for a traveling Babka Festival, he proves that a camera, a good bite, and a fierce belief in human potential can taste‑test us toward a kinder world—one cultural mash‑up at a time.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Brad Knight, son of Paula White Cain and stepson of Jonathan Cain. Knight details his parents' unique meeting on a Southwest flight and how their diverse backgrounds (his mother as a faith advisor and his stepfather as Journey's keyboardist) have influenced their lives. The conversation then shifts to Knight's personal journey, sharing his experience as a pastor of Story Life church, which he took over from his mother, emphasizing a storytelling and prophetic approach to faith rooted in love and grace rather than judgment. He reveals his own past as an atheist and his powerful, personal spiritual encounter, contrasting this experiential faith with rigid theological apologetics. Knight also discusses his involvement with the National Faith Advisory Board, highlighting its role in fostering interfaith engagement, particularly since the Trump administration, to preserve shared values and encourage people of faith to actively participate in the political sphere, asserting that faith and public life should not be separated. About Brad Knight Brad Knight is the Lead Pastor of StoryLife Church (https://www.storylifechurch.com/) in Apopka, FL. In addition to pastoring, he works with the National Faith Advisory Board to engage the faith community on issues that matter most to them. That's all wonderful, but he knows most people just know him as the son of Paula White-Cain, a prominent preacher and political figurehead. He's cool with that. He's 14 years into a marriage to a beautiful firebrand named Rachel Knight and has the two cutest kids in the world—his 8-year-old daughter, Asher, and his 6-year-old son, Nick. He really believes Bret Hart is "The Best There Is, The Best There Was, And The Best There Ever Will Be." Will preach for baseball tickets.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Sumbul Ali-Karamali about transgender identity, emphasizing its nature as a medical condition rather than a choice. She explains gender dysphoria as a debilitating psychological state with potential biological roots, highlighting the high suicide rates among transgender youth. Ali-Karamali asserts that, from an Islamic perspective, being transgender is not forbidden; she points to the absence of prohibitions in the Quran and Hadith, and the historical acceptance and approval of gender reassignment surgery by many Sunni and Shia scholars. She argues that Islamic legal principles, such as Maqasid al-Sharia (objectives of Islamic law) and ethical concepts like Tajassus (not seeking out transgressions), advocate for human dignity and non-persecution, directly supporting transgender rights. Ali-Karamali contrasts this inherent inclusivity with the restrictive anti-trans laws prevalent in some modern nations, suggesting these are often inherited from colonial impositions rather than Islamic tradition itself. She urges listeners to reject prejudice and embrace Islam's historically compassionate and adaptable approach to human diversity. Sumbul Ali-Karamali is a Muslim American who grew up in California, answering questions on Islam ever since she can remember. After becoming a corporate lawyer, she earned an additional degree in Islamic law. She specializes in synthesizing academic material for general audiences and is the author of The Muslim Next Door and Growing Up Muslim. A popular speaker on topics related to Islam and Muslims, she hopes to promote intercultural understanding with her work, at least when she’s not watching Star Trek reruns, listening to opera, or (reluctantly) white-water rafting with her husband. Connect with Sumbul on her website: www.sumbulalikaramali.com.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John speaks with Michael Hirshorne, a motivational speaker and author, about the concept of "Dawn of Peace" and the path to achieving it through personal and collective transformation. Hirshorne outlines his philosophy of self-actualization, arguing that the current turbulent global climate is a prime opportunity for "radical change" which requires "radical thinking." The discussion revolves around the metaphor of viewing the world through different "lenses," the difficulty of changing one's perspective, and the importance of seeing "the other" as an extension of the self. They cover topics such as the self being under siege in the digital age, the danger of jumping on ideological bandwagons without personal research, and the illusion of our physical reality. Hirshorne advocates for proactive change through meditation, deep self-reflection, and focusing on desired outcomes, ultimately encouraging listeners to create a life they can look back on with a smile rather than regret. Michael Hirshorne links: https://podfol.io/profile/michael-hirshorne

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John and Elliot discuss a wide range of interconnected themes, beginning with the pulp hero The Shadow and how his powers of mind control relate to the cultural trope of mysticism found in the world's unexplored frontiers. They explore the human psychological need for mystery, from ancient lost civilizations in the Hindu Kush to modern conspiracy theories, and debate whether our current civilization is an apex or merely built upon the ruins of greater, forgotten ones. The conversation then shifts to a deep analysis of the modern global financial and political systems, arguing that these structures are designed for self-preservation and profit, often at the expense of individuals and without genuine concern for existential threats like climate change or war. Using examples from the 2008 financial crisis, the university system, and international rivalries, they posit that while these systems sustain the current world order, their inherent flaws and the petty conflicts of those in power prevent true progress and leave humanity vulnerable.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna talks with Joseph Yoo, an Episcopalian pastor, about a wide array of topics, beginning with their shared, humorous appreciation for professional wrestling, which serves as a recurring touchstone for discussions on belief, community, and the nature of fandom. Yoo shares his journey from a Methodist upbringing (his father was a preacher) to becoming an Episcopalian priest and his current work planting a new, inclusive church in a former bakery in Texas, emphasizing the importance of belonging before believing. They explore themes of faith deconstruction, the interpretation of scripture (using Jonah as an example), the challenges and nuances of church leadership, and outreach in the modern world, all interwoven with personal anecdotes and lighthearted banter about cultural differences in religious practice and the human need for meaning. Joseph Yoo is the priest of Mosaic Episcopal church in Houston. You can visit https://linktr.ee/JosephYoo to connect with him.

John Pinna sits down with Karen Volker, the newly appointed Executive Director of the United Religions Initiative (URI). Karen shares URI's inspiring 25-year evolution into a powerful global grassroots interfaith network, detailing how its local "Cooperation Circles" tackle diverse challenges by applying a "health approach" to violence prevention, inspired by models like Cure Violence. Listeners discover URI's strategic focus on building capacity, fostering connections, and measuring the tangible impact of interfaith actors working collaboratively to create cultures of peace, justice, and healing, offering a hopeful vision for how diverse communities can achieve real-world change.

This podcast interview between John Pinna and Maurice Bloem of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI) on Faith and Local Communities explores the JLI's unique approach to leveraging data and evidence for just and sustainable development. Bloem emphasizes the importance of going beyond traditional top-down models and incorporating local wisdom and diverse perspectives, including what he calls the "Ducky" framework for growth and collaboration. The conversation highlights the critical role of faith-based organizations in development due to their long-term community relationships and understanding of faith as a core aspect of identity, while also addressing the challenge of navigating bias and promoting genuine listening and dialogue in an increasingly polarized world.

This conversation between John Pinna and former CIA officer John Kiriakou delves into the significance of the private meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican. Kiriakou, drawing on his intelligence and foreign policy background, analyzes the meeting in the context of past interactions between the two leaders, particularly a previous public dressing-down of Zelensky by Trump. Both Pinna and Kiriakou highlight the perceived value and return to direct diplomatic engagement, a departure from recent trends. The interview discusses the unpredictability of Trump's approach, the changing political landscape within the Republican party regarding foreign intervention, and the potential implications of direct talks with adversarial nations, using examples like Iran and North Korea. They also touch on the historical use of unconventional "back channels" in U.S. foreign policy and the challenges of navigating bureaucracy and ingrained perspectives within intelligence and foreign policy institutions. The conversation ultimately underscores the importance of direct communication, even with adversaries, to enhance strategic interests and overcome limitations posed by reliance on traditional, potentially outdated, information sources and approaches.

In this episode, John Pinna has a conversation with Ani Zonneveld, founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV). Zonneveld discusses the organization's founding in response to the narrow representation of American Muslims post-9/11 and the dominance of conservative Muslim organizations. She highlights MPV's commitment to "10 principles" rooted in the social justice values of the Quran, emphasizing human dignity for all, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and the importance of egalitarian spiritual leadership, including female imams. The discussion also touches on the shifting political landscape, the increasing alliance between the Christian and Muslim right based on "family values" as code for anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, and the potential threats to public education through legal challenges rooted in religious liberty claims. Zonneveld contrasts progressive faith organizations, which advocate for the separation of religion and state and inclusive values, with conservative religious groups that utilize religion to justify discrimination. She shares personal anecdotes, including a powerful encounter with an orthodox imam that led to a change in perspective on LGBTQ+ dignity. Zonneveld also critiques the hypocrisy within interfaith circles and the lack of action on human rights issues by some religious organizations. She ultimately emphasizes the importance of operationalizing core Islamic values of social justice and universal human dignity and making these teachings accessible to the public to foster change from within the Muslim community.

This episode features a conversation between John Pinna and Jeff Mitchell, an atheist and author of the book "Jesus Demigod (https://a.co/d/ddpkbqa)", which argues that Jesus did not exist. Mitchell shares his faith journey, having grown up as a Christian in the Bible Belt and later becoming an atheist after critically examining the Bible and Christian theology. The conversation explores topics such as the historicity of Jesus, the reliability of the New Testament, and the concept of truth. Mitchell argues that the evidence for Jesus is abysmal and that the stories about him are literary creations, while John Pinna shares his perspective as a person of faith, highlighting the importance of respectful dialogue and critical thinking. The discussion touches on the challenges of confronting uncomfortable truths, the value of life, and the need for civil conversations in the face of disagreement. Special Guest: Jeff Mitchell.