The Common Good Podcast

Trump's Easter Message Drives Away the Faithful.

On this episode of the Vote Common Good podcast, Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse unpack one of the most jarring Easter messages ever delivered by an American president.

 

Instead of a message of peace, Donald Trump used Easter morning to issue a profanity-laced threat against Iran—warning of attacks on power plants and infrastructure and declaring the country would be “living in Hell” if it didn’t comply with U.S. demands. He even ended the message with the phrase “Praise be to Allah,” adding to the confusion and controversy.  

 

Throughout Easter weekend, Trump and members of his administration framed military actions in explicitly religious terms—calling a rescue mission an “Easter miracle” and invoking faith language to justify war.  

 

Doug and Robb ask the deeper questions:

•What happens when religious language is used to justify violence?

•How are people of faith responding—including some of Trump’s own allies?

•And what does this moment reveal about leadership, morality, and the future of the country?

 

This conversation connects Trump’s Easter message to a broader pattern—escalating threats, blurred lines between faith and nationalism, and a presidency increasingly defined by chaos, contradiction, and crisis

Trump's Worst Week - Iran, No Kings, Pastor Wanted Talarico Crucified

Trump's Worst Week - Iran, No Kings, Pastor Wanted Talarico Crucified 

Missiles flying. Markets shaking. Corruption rising - Trump's America

Missiles flying.
Markets shaking.
Corruption rising.
Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse connect the dots on Trump’s Iran war, the economy, and the cost of it all.

Monday Special - Common Good Podcast

Due to schedule issues, we recorded on Monday this week.

Trump's disastrous policies and decisions are moving record numbers of people away from him and the Republican Party.
Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse take a Common Good look at the terrible, awful, no good last week in Trump's America.   

Listening To Those Who Left MAGA

One Betrayal Too Many is the title of Rich Logis autobiography of being a MAGA star and then leaving. It is also the experience of millions of people in the United States today.

We hear Rich's story and about his book today. 

www.LeavingMAGA.org

Trump's Biggest Lies Are To Himself

Trump’s biggest lies are to himself.
These lies then come out of his mouth and the country has to respond. 
From claims about the economy and the war in Iram, to Gaza and Israel; to the 2020 election and the Epstein files, Donald Trump’s repeated lies and self-deception continue to shape public life in the United States.

In this episode, Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse talk about how these self-reinforcing claims impact our politics, our shared understanding of truth, and the health of our democracy. When leaders repeat a narrative often enough, it can become its own reality—with consequences for the entire country.

But this conversation is not only about critique. It’s about responsibility. Together they ask what people of faith and conscience are called to do in a moment when truth is contested and grievance dominates the public square.

Join Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse as they name the moment we’re in—and call us again toward the Common Good.

Trump's Crazy Armageddon War

Trump attacks Iran to "spark the return of Jesus," according to Military Generals.
This Ill-fated military action damages all involved. 
The complete dangerous clown show of this administration puts us all at risk.  

Olympic Level Disastrous Administration

On this week’s podcast, we dive into what can only be described as an Olympic-level disaster for the Trump administration. We’ll unpack how his officials embarrassed themselves on the global stage at the Olympics, with behavior that raised eyebrows worldwide. Meanwhile, his immigration policy decisions stirred outrage at home, leaving families in limbo and tensions high. And we can’t ignore the economic front—jobs are lagging, markets are unsteady, and confidence is slipping. We’ll break down this perfect storm and what it means moving forward.

Good Bunny, Bad President, Immoral ICE and the Common Good Call

We talk about the most disturbing and the most hopeful aspects of our life in America today.  From Good Bunny, Bad President, Immoral ICE and the Common Good Call 

A Christian Response to ICE in Minneapolis

Doug Pagitt's sermon from February 8, 2026 at Grace-Trinity Church in Minneapolis. 

Live from Mpls, Dems win in Texas, ICE & Epstein Files Update

Live from Minneapolis, the Common Good Podcast digs into a fast-moving political moment. We break down the surprise Democratic wins in Texas and what they signal about shifting voter energy heading into 2026. Then we turn to urgent updates on ICE activity in Minneapolis and beyond—what’s happening on the ground, what’s changing, and why it matters for communities, faith leaders, and democracy itself.
We also unpack the latest developments around the Epstein files and the growing questions about accountability, transparency, and power in America.
Hosted by Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse, this live conversation connects the headlines to deeper moral questions about justice, truth, and the common good.
Live, timely, and unfiltered—join us.

Joined by an Eye Witness of Alex Pretti just before he was killed

Jessie Schroeder-Craddock recorded the video of Alex Pretti just moments before he was killed by ICE/Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis . He is our guest on the Common Good Podcast.
This harrowing moment that has sparked nationwide outrage and critical questions about federal immigration enforcement and civil liberties. 
We’ll hear directly from Jessie about what he witnessed, the moments leading up to the shooting, and how her footage has been part of the public record challenging official narratives. 
In addition, we’ll dig into the broader context of what’s happening in Minneapolis with ICE and Border Patrol deployments, including the local political and social backlash, community responses, and ongoing protests against aggressive federal immigration enforcement — especially in light of multiple fatal encounters in recent weeks. 
🚨 Whether you’re tuning in on podcast platforms or joining the livestream, this conversation is about accountability, community safety, and the urgent need for public awareness around what’s unfolding in Minnesota and across the country.
Don’t miss it — live engagement welcomed.

Trump's Dangerous, Ineptitude Hurts Us All

This week on the Common Good Podcast, Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse break down what can only be described as dangerously inept leadership — and why it’s no longer just embarrassing, but genuinely dangerous.
From Trump once again floating the idea of taking Greenland, to escalating chaos around Venezuela, to an aggressive expansion of ICE enforcement that’s already triggering lawsuits and fear in local communities, the pattern is hard to ignore: reckless actions with real-world consequences.
Doug and Robb talk about how foreign policy bravado turns into global instability, how prosecutions and military power are being dangerously blurred, and why states are now pushing back against federal overreach. But this conversation doesn’t stop at diagnosis.
A central focus of the episode is what Democrats, people of faith, and values-driven citizens can actually do right now — how moral leadership matters in moments like this, how faith communities can organize, speak clearly, and resist fear, and why civic engagement rooted in compassion and courage is essential when institutions are being tested.
This isn’t partisan outrage or performative anger. It’s a grounded, faith-informed conversation about responsibility, resistance, and the work required to protect democracy and the common good.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaos — or wondering where your voice fits — this episode is for you.
👉 Like, subscribe, and share — because the common good only survives when people of conscience show up.

Faith Leader Conversation With James Talarico - Texas Senate Candidate

What role should faith play in a pluralistic democracy? 
Vote Common Good is hosting an online conversation for faith leaders to reflect deeply on the relationship between faith, political power, and democratic responsibility. As religious nationalism and Christian nationalism continue to shape public life, this gathering creates space for thoughtful, non-partisan engagement rather than sound bites or pressure. 

Featuring Texas State Representative and U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, the event invites clergy and faith leaders to consider how faith can inform public life without being weaponized or imposed—and how spiritual leadership matters in this moment.

Trump‘s soldiers kill American citizen

The Common Good Podcast — Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse sit down for a sobering, urgent conversation about power, fear, and what it means to protect democracy in dangerous times.

They discuss the Trump administration’s decision to send masked federal agents into American cities like Minneapolis—actions that blur the line between law enforcement and intimidation, and that have already resulted in the killing of American citizens. Doug and Robb wrestle with the moral, legal, and spiritual implications of a government willing to deploy force against its own people.

The conversation also turns global, examining the escalating conflict in Venezuela and how Trump’s approach reveals a broader pattern of abuse of power—at home and abroad. Through it all, they ask the question at the heart of the Common Good: How do people of faith respond when authority is used to dominate rather than serve?

A challenging conversation about courage, accountability, and choosing love over fear when it matters most.

Trump Will Be Ruined By Venezuela and Other 2026 Predictions

Doug and Robb make their 2026 political predictions.  Including a bonus about Trump and Venezuela. 

2025 A Nightmare Year in Review & The Brave Responses

2025 A Nightmare Year in Review & The Brave Responses

On this episode of The Common Good Podcast, Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse reflect on what this year reveals, what it has cost the country, and why people committed to democracy, faith, and the common good cannot look away.

This year unfolded as a steady reminder of how damaging the Trump administration has been to democracy, human dignity, and the moral fabric of the country. Month after month brought new controversies—each one reinforcing a pattern of chaos, cruelty, and abuse of power.

January began with sweeping tariff announcements that rattled global markets and raised costs for American families, paired with renewed threats against immigrants and asylum seekers.
February saw attacks on the free press intensify, with journalists publicly targeted and credibility undermined as retaliation for unfavorable coverage.
March brought purges and firings across federal agencies, removing career public servants seen as insufficiently loyal.
April escalated attacks on immigrants and refugees, including rhetoric aimed at Muslim and Somali communities that fueled fear and division.
May highlighted ongoing ethical scandals, as Trump family business dealings continued to blur the line between public office and private profit.
June saw open defiance of court rulings and norms, signaling that the rule of law applied selectively.
July brought renewed pressure on prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officials perceived as obstacles.
August exposed fresh revelations tied to the Epstein files, raising disturbing questions about power, protection, and accountability.
September featured retaliation against death-row inmates whose sentences had been lawfully commuted, turning justice into vengeance.
October continued assaults on democratic institutions, including elections, oversight bodies, and watchdog agencies.
November amplified nationalist and authoritarian rhetoric, framing dissent as disloyalty.
December closed the year with symbolic and literal damage to democratic norms, including reckless decisions impacting the White House itself and the peaceful transfer of power.

Taken together, this was not a series of isolated incidents—it was a sustained pattern. A year defined by grievance over governance, loyalty over law, and power over people.

A Year of Courage: Month by Month

January
At the inauguration, Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, preached directly to Trump, calling for mercy, humility, and care for the vulnerable—naming moral truth in the presence of power.

February
Journalists, editors, and independent media organizations pushed back publicly against attacks on the free press, refusing to self-censor despite threats, firings, and intimidation.

March
Civil rights organizations and state attorneys general filed and advanced court challenges against immigration policies, executive overreach, and retaliatory actions—using the rule of law to slow abuse of power.

April
Faith leaders across traditions organized prayer vigils, statements, and public witness events defending immigrants and refugees, especially Muslim and Somali communities targeted by administration rhetoric.

May
Mass nonviolent demonstrations—including renewed No Kings rallies—rejected authoritarianism and the idea that any leader stands above the law.

June
Judges and career civil servants continued to uphold legal and ethical standards, even as they faced political pressure, proving that institutions still matter when people inside them have courage.

July
Whistleblowers and former administration officials came forward, testifying, publishing, and speaking publicly about corruption, retaliation, and abuses of power.

August
Survivors’ advocates and accountability groups demanded transparency around the Epstein files, insisting that wealth and influence not shield wrongdoing.

September
Abolitionists, clergy, and justice reform advocates spoke out against retaliatory actions toward death-row inmates, reaffirming that mercy and due process are not weaknesses.

October
Voters, organizers, and election workers defended democratic processes—registering voters, monitoring elections, and countering misinformation at the local level.

November
Interfaith coalitions and community groups mobilized against nationalist rhetoric, offering a different vision of patriotism rooted in pluralism and shared dignity.

December
Grassroots organizations closed the year by raising funds, protecting vulnerable communities, and preparing for continued resistance—choosing long-term faithfulness over short-term outrage.

Shocking Epstein File Release About Trump

In this episode, with Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse, we dive into the shocking and disturbing details surrounding the latest Epstein file release.

 

Newly surfaced documents include a deeply troubling letter from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar, raising urgent questions about power, protection, and the systems that allowed abuse to persist for so long.

Doug and Robb unpack what’s actually known, what’s still unclear, and why this moment matters—not just as a headline, but as a window into how institutional silence, influence, and moral failure intersect. This is an honest, sober conversation about accountability, truth-telling, and why confronting uncomfortable facts is essential if we hope to prevent future harm.

Podcast Short - We’re pastors. The fight against MAGA Christianity starts locally.

In this video, Doug Pagitt of Vote Common Good is joined by Rev. Lori Walke for a conversation about the context, urgency, and lived experiences behind their recent Guardian op-ed, “We’re pastors. The fight against MAGA Christianity starts locally.”

 

🗣️ What They Discuss

Doug Pagitt and Rev. Lori Walke reflect on:

•Why they felt compelled, as pastors, to write this op-ed together

•How MAGA Christianity shows up in real congregations, local politics, and community life

•The spiritual and moral damage caused when Christian faith is fused with authoritarian power

•Why resistance to Christian nationalism does not begin on cable news or in Washington, but in local churches, neighborhoods, and relationships

•What faithful, grounded, community-based responses actually look like on the ground

 

📰 About the Op-Ed

The Guardian essay draws from their pastoral work and public engagement to name a hard truth: MAGA Christianity is not a distortion happening “somewhere else.” It is being formed, funded, and normalized locally — and it must be challenged locally by people committed to a deeper, more honest expression of Christian faith rooted in love, humility, and justice.

 

🔗 Read the full op-ed here:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/21/fight-against-maga-christianity

 

🙏 Thanks for watching

If this conversation resonates, consider liking, commenting, and sharing. These are not abstract ideas — they are shaping communities right now and deserve thoughtful, faithful engagement.

 

#FaithAndPolitics #ChristianNationalism #MAGAChristianity #PastorsSpeak #GuardianOpinion #LocalFaith

Trump Can't Lead Especially in Tragedy - His supporters know it

In moments of national crisis, leadership is revealed—not by strength of ego, but by depth of empathy.
In this episode of The Common Good Podcast, Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse discuss Donald Trump’s repeated inability to lead during moments of struggle and tragedy. From public disasters to personal suffering, we examine how a lack of empathy and a pattern of narcissistic behavior undermine the basic responsibilities of moral and civic leadership.
We explore what real leadership requires in times of pain: the capacity to listen, to grieve with others, to take responsibility, and to place the common good above personal grievance or self-promotion. When leaders cannot see beyond themselves, tragedy becomes politicized, wounds deepen, and trust erodes.
This conversation is not about partisanship—it’s about character, accountability, and the kind of leadership a healthy democracy depends on, especially when people are hurting.
Topics include:
• Why empathy is not optional in leadership
• How narcissism distorts decision-making during crisis
• The moral cost of self-centered leadership
• What the common good demands in moments of tragedy