The Common Good Podcast

Wilderness, Church Hope and the alternative to MAGA Christianity with Father Pete Nunnally

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.

Common Good Candidate Mark Pinsley the Key To Pennsylvania and Control of Congress

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. 

 

How Should We Respond To Political Violence - A Common Good Approach

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.

DeWayne Davis an Exceptional Faith Leader Running for Minneapolis Mayor

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.

Maine Senate Democrat Candidate Jordan Wood for the Common Good

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/

Subscribe for more conversations with candidates working for the common good.

 

Trump Supporters Go Silent and Can't Support his harmful ways

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

Finding Common Good When Vanity Replaces Unity

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. 

Meet Common Good Candidate For Congress From Illinois Sanjyot Dunung

In is episode of Common Good Candidates, Robb Ryerse, political director of Vote Common Good, sits down with Sanjyot Dunung, candidate for Congress in Illinois’s 8th District. Sanjyot shares her story as a business leader, author, and advocate for democracy, and talks about why she’s stepping up to serve at a pivotal moment for our country.

We discuss her vision for bringing common sense, integrity, and compassion back to Washington—and how her life experience shapes the way she’ll fight for her community.

Learn more about Sanjyot’s campaign: https://www.sanjyotforcongress.com/

 

Trump, the Authoritarian, Sends Troops Into American Cities — Will Your Town Be Next"

Trump has deployed military forces in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles — and says he’s open to doing the same in other cities.
In this Vote Common Good Podcast episode, we break down what’s happening, why it matters for democracy, and how people of conscience can respond before it spreads.

👉 Subscribe, share, and help us spread the word: It’s time to Vote Common Good.

#Trump #LisaMurkowski #VoteCommonGood #RobRyerse #FaithAndPolitics #PodcastUpdate #ArkansasPolitics

Common Good Podcast - Trump Cheats Republican Senator and Big Podcast Announcement

In this episode of the Vote Common Good Podcast, we dig into the behind-the-scenes story of how Donald Trump cheated Senator Lisa Murkowski by undoing the very things she negotiated in the so-called “big beautiful bill.” What does it say about Trump’s leadership—and the price Republican lawmakers are paying for cutting deals with him?

PLUS: We’ve got a major announcement about the future of this podcast.

And we check in with Robb Ryerse, our good friend and progressive pastor running for Congress in Arkansas. Hear what’s happening on the ground and how faith voters are responding.

👉 Subscribe, share, and help us spread the word: It’s time to Vote Common Good.

#Trump #LisaMurkowski #VoteCommonGood #RobRyerse #FaithAndPolitics #PodcastUpdate #ArkansasPolitics

Finding Faith and Hope amidst a Sad & Humiliating Presidency

Finding Faith and Hope while Trump humiliates 
Shockingly, and of course, Trump is still dodging the truth, taking bribes, hurting Americans, and violating the law. 
And, the price of eggs and other items has skyrocketed. 
From the podcast today, we will bring you a little bit of faith and hope to help you through these trying times

Finding Faith and Hope while Trump harms and distracts

Finding Faith and Hope while Trump harms and distracts.
Shockingly, and of course, Trump is doing all he can to distract from his presidential failures and his cover-up of the great likelihood that he is on the Epstein list.

From the podcast today, we will bring you a little bit of faith and hope to help you through these trying times

From Hollywood to The Campaign Trail - Billy Ray is a Man of Hope and Message

Today on the Vote Common Good Podcast, we’re joined by Billy Ray — the acclaimed screenwriter behind Hunger Games, Captain Phillips, The Comey Rule, Breach, and more.

But Billy isn’t just telling stories on the screen — he’s helping shape the story of our democracy.

He works with Democratic candidates across the country, helping them speak with clarity, courage, and conviction.

🎧 Tune in as we talk movies, messaging, and the role storytelling plays in saving democracy.

#VoteCommonGood #BillyRay #CaptainPhillips #PoliticalMessaging #Democracy #FaithHopeLove #StorytellingMatters #PoliticsAndFilm

Trump's Sad Reality Is Coming Back To Haunt Him

Epstein won't go away for Trump.

And, what should pastors do about candidate endorsements?

The Trump Stopper Has Arrived -Congress is Broken and a New Candidate Will Change That

The Trump Stopper Has Arrived -Congress is Broken and a New Candidate Will Change That.

 

 

Congress is about to damage America with MAGA's Worse Ideas

A complicit Congress is about to turn MAGA’s worst ideas into law by passing this terrible Bill. What can Americans do about it, and what impact will it have? 

Your friends at the Common Good Podcast take you along this rocky and scary journey to try to save America from the worst politicians imaginable. 

 

Trump Loses Support Among Faithful - and it is great news

We all have reasons for seeing the runious leadership of Donald Trump. For some people this weeks attack on Iran was a violation of promise he made.
For others, his treament of people is a violation of the promoise our country has made.
For others the attack on deomocracy is a violation of promise we all made.
Many reasons to stop supporting the same man. 
We will talk about it all on today's Common Good Podcast. 

Once Again America Says "No" To Trump as King

The People have spoken and many would like to amend their statement from November. 
And, the violence under Trump continues. 
And, Trump blames his own immigration deportation policy for his failure. 

Trump Has Pulled Us Into Authoritarianism with Military Deployment in US

Trump Has Pulled Us Into Authoritarianism with Military Deployment in US.
Trump has accelerated authoritarian tactics by deploying military forces against U.S. citizens during protests, using federal agencies to arrest individuals without due process, and encouraging bans on books and academic speech he deems unpatriotic. His administration has supported defunding and dismantling programs that provide congressional oversight, while promoting loyalty tests for civil servants and suppressing dissent through intimidation and media discrediting. By centralizing power, threatening governors, and undermining democratic norms, Trump continues to erode the institutional checks that safeguard freedom in America.

Refreshed - Talking with Amanda Edwards, Texas 18 Congressional Candidate - Repost

Today we talk with Amanda Edwards who is running for Texas 18th Congressional District.
We also reflect on how a President of the United States can continue or show his incompetence by spreading utter nonsense and conspiratorial lies.