PODCAST · religion
Crossing Faiths
by John Pinna and Elliot Toman
Crossing Faiths is a podcast where people from diverse religious backgrounds openly discuss everything you're NOT supposed to discuss at the dinner table. Join hosts Jt Pinna, a career national security, international affairs, and D.C. insider, and Elliot Toman, a former media director in the Evangelical church, as they engage in lively conversations about the impact of faith on current events. Crossing Faiths also welcomes guests from various religious and experiential backgrounds to share their insights. The podcast was initially developed in collaboration with Matt Hawkins, a former policy director for the Southern Baptist Convention. Their conversations are built on a decade of collaboration, advocating in Washington, D.C., for religious freedom domestically and globally. The two developed the podcast to share conversations that model friendship and cooperation despite profound differences in religion and background. The podcast has reached almost 3 million multi-faith listeners, 8
Episodes
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215 - Adam Terrell: Public Stoning
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, Elliot speaks with Adam Terrell about his book Public Stoning: God's Design for a Nation Without Prisons, exploring a Christian perspective on prison abolition through the implementation of biblical law and judicial alternatives. Terrell outlines his framework…
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214 - CUFI and Christian Zionism
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John and Elliot discuss the complex interplay of theology, politics, and power dynamics surrounding Christian Zionism and political advocacy groups like CUFI (Christians United for Israel) and AIPAC. They critically examine the motives behind Christian Zionism,...
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213 - Halim Rane
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Halim Rane, Professor of Islamic Studies at Griffith University, to explore the complexities surrounding Islamophobia, religious literacy, and Muslim identity in contemporary Western societies like Australia and the United States.…
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212 - Aidan Simardone
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Aiden Simardone about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shifting American political dynamics, and the role of alternative media and discourse in shaping public understanding. Simardone details his research methodology as an analyst and...
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211 - Naweed Kawusi
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Naweed Kawusi, a former Colonel in the Afghan National Army and author of The Bleeding Nation, about his harrowing escape from Afghanistan during the 2021 collapse and his transition to life in Brazil. The conversation delves into the...
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210 - John C. Havens
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with John Havens about the intersections of artificial intelligence, human dignity, and holistic well-being. Reflecting on his 2016 book Heartificial Intelligence: Embracing Our Humanity to Maximize Machines, Havens argues that the rush to...
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209 - Ruth Reck
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna interviews Ruth Reck, a social media content creator who documents her visits to faith-based attractions and religious sites alongside her wife. The discussion centers on Reck’s experiences exploring young-earth creationist locations—such as the Ark...
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208 - Devan Patel
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna interviews Devan Patel, a lawyer and strategist who collaborates with multi-faith communities on technology, policy, and ethics. The discussion centers on the intersection of artificial intelligence, human dignity, and religious communities,...
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207b - Jason Boyett (Reprise)
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna interviews Jason Boyett about the concept of collective effervescence—a term originally coined by sociologist Émile Durkheim to describe the intense burst of shared energy and emotion that occurs when people gather for regular religious rituals.…
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207 - Jason Boyett
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna interviews Jason Boyett to explore the deep cross-cultural and personal complexities of navigating different structural beliefs, focusing on how individuals form, question, and expand their understandings of faith. Boyette shares his journey from...
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206 - We're Not Supposed to Be Here
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna and Elliot Toman discuss the multifaceted nature of religion, dynamic interpretations of Islamic principles, and the socioeconomic impacts of modern capitalism. The conversation begins with a casual sci-fi reference to Star Trek and quickly segments...
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205 - Rotten at the Warp Core
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204 - Dr. Minhas Khan
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Dr. Minhas Khan from Peshawar University about the complexities of intra-faith relations and the limitations of Samuel Huntington’s "Clash of Civilizations" theory. They explore how the perception of the Muslim world as a monolithic…
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203 - The Hammer of Fundamentalism
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John and Elliot discuss the intricate and often nuanced overlaps between different religions and belief systems, comparing and contrasting internal divisions within Islamic tradition with those in Christian tradition. They explore the historical and theological...
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202 - Choosing Violence
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John and Elliot discuss the multifaceted and often unsettling implications of technology and power in our society. The conversation shifts from science fiction, specifically the depiction of Starfleet in Star Trek, to historical events like Pearl Harbor and…
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201 - Insider Warmongering
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John and Elliot discuss the multifaceted relationship between global events, economic trends, and political leadership, particularly focusing on the actions of Donald Trump. They explore themes of insider trading and market speculation tied to geopolitical...
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200 - The Unholy Union
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna and Elliot Toman discuss the increasingly blurred lines between religion and governance in the United States, specifically examining the impact of the Trump administration on the separation of church and state. They explore the "unholy union" between...
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199 - Rev. Marian Edmonds
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John speaks with Rev. Marian Edmonds, who works at the intersection of faith, values, and technology. They discuss their shared involvement in the AI and spirituality initiative at Harvard University, as well as their mutual interests in AI, religion, and the...
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198 - Deadly Theater
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John and Elliot discuss the multifaceted relationship between religion, politics, and power, specifically focusing on how symbolism and visual representations—like vestments and tattoos—serve as tools of authority and identity for both historical figures and...
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197: Eitan Diamond
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John speaks with Eitan Diamond, a legal expert at the Humanitarian Law Center in Israel, about his journey and professional focus on human rights and international law. Their conversation spans Diamond’s personal background as a South African Jew who moved to...
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196 - Ambassador Robert Rehak
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John speaks with Ambassador Robert Rehak, the Czech Republic’s Special Envoy for the Holocaust, Interfaith Dialogue, and Freedom of Religion and Belief, about his extensive global efforts to protect marginalized communities and promote tolerance. The…
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195: 195: Dennis Petri
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Dennis Petri, focusing on the evolution and current state of metrics used to gauge religious freedom and persecution. Petri explains how documenting religious incidents is crucial for making them visible to policymakers, countering older...
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194: Franck Zanu
Recently, Crossing Faiths host John Pinna appeared on Franck Zanu's podcast to explore the intricate relationship between religion, tribalism, and politics across the African continent. Zanu argues that faith in Africa is deeply intertwined with tribal identity, which often dictates access to...
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193: Scott Horton Reprise
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna resumes his conversation with Scott Horton to examine the historical and contemporary applications of the Monroe Doctrine, tracing its shift from a defensive stance against European colonization to a tool for American imperial dominance in the…
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192: Scott Horton
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Scott Horton about the underlying motivations and consequences of American foreign policy in the Middle East and beyond. The discussion explores the influence of neoconservative ideologies on the Iraq War, the political motivations of the...
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191: Mandana Hendessi
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Mandana Hendessi about her career in human rights advocacy and international development across Iraq and Afghanistan, with a particular focus on her novel, The Almond Garden of Kabul. Drawing from her real-life experiences providing legal...
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190 - Shaka Mitchell
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Shaka Mitchell, founder of the Come Together Music Project, about utilizing music as a tool to deepen relationships and foster vulnerability across cultural and political divides. They discuss the origins of Mitchell's podcast, which...
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189 - Laura Van Ham, Eco-Chaplain
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Lauren Van Ham, an interfaith minister and the Earth Restoration Coordinator for the United Religions Initiative (URI), about the vital intersection of spirituality and environmental stewardship. Van Ham details her journey to becoming an...
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188: Shugen Arnold
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, the Abbot of the Zen Mountain Monastery, about the intersection of traditional Buddhist practice and modern American life. Shugen elucidates the role of an Abbot as both a spiritual teacher and administrator before...
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187: Stephen Schneck, USCIRF Commissioner
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Stephen Schneck, a Commissioner for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), about the vital role the independent, bipartisan commission plays in monitoring and advocating for freedom of belief worldwide....
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186: Brian Grim
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Brian Grim from the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation about his influential research on global religious freedom. Grim recounts how his personal experiences living in the Muslim world, particularly during 9/11, led him to develop...
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185: Rushan Abbas
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Rushan Abbas, an advocate for the Uyghur community and founder of the Campaign for Uyghurs, about the history and ongoing genocide of her people. Abbas explains the Uyghurs' distinct identity as a Turkic, Muslim people from East Turkestan...
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184: Matthew Hawkins
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Matt Hawkins, a founder of the podcast, about his return to the international religious freedom (IRF) space and his new role as Executive Vice President of the IRF Secretariat. Hawkins explains how the Secretariat serves as an...
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183 - Joseph F. Dumond
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, Elliot Toman speaks with Joseph Dumond, an author and expert on biblical prophecy and the Jubilee calendar. Dumond explains his theory that humanity has been allotted 120 Jubilee cycles of 49 years, a timeline derived from Genesis 6:3, which he believes…
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182 - Despina Namwembe
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Despina Namwembe, a social scientist and regional coordinator for the United Religions Initiative (URI) in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Namwembe discusses her work coordinating dozens of grassroots interfaith organizations to address...
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181: Michael Kinnamon
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Michael Kinnamon, a novelist, professor of theology, and expert in interfaith relations, about his novel "A Rooftop in Jerusalem" and the broader themes of his life's work. Kinnamon discusses his three careers—as a professor, an…
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180 - Joseph F. Dumond: Predicting the End of Days
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Joseph Dumond, an author and subject matter expert on biblical prophecy and the Jubilee calendar. Dumond explains his decades-long research into establishing a precise timeline for the end of days based on 120 Jubilee cycles of 49 years...
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179 - Eric Roux
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Eric Roux from the United Religions Initiative (URI) about his personal and professional journey in interfaith collaboration and religious freedom advocacy. Roux recounts how his work began by defending his own faith, Scientology, against...
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178 - The Amish Butter Popcorn and America Prays
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…
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177 - Chad Brignac
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...
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176 - Dr. Sahar Khamis
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...
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175: 175 - Ghazala Salam
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...
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174 - Dr. Minhas Kahn: Divine Diplomacy
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...
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173: 173 - Guy Elhanan: The tragedy of forced military service
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,...
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172: 172: Talking About Hulk Hogan with Joseph Yoo
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…
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171: Laila Alsheikh - Parent's Circle
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...
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170: 170: Chris Campbell, "The Babka King"
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...
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169: 169: Sahar Aziz
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...
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168: 168 - Brad Knight
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...
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167: 167 - Sumbul Ali-Karamali: LGBTQ+ Issues and Islam
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Crossing Faiths is a podcast where people from diverse religious backgrounds openly discuss everything you're NOT supposed to discuss at the dinner table. Join hosts Jt Pinna, a career national security, international affairs, and D.C. insider, and Elliot Toman, a former media director in the Evangelical church, as they engage in lively conversations about the impact of faith on current events. Crossing Faiths also welcomes guests from various religious and experiential backgrounds to share their insights. The podcast was initially developed in collaboration with Matt Hawkins, a former policy director for the Southern Baptist Convention. Their conversations are built on a decade of collaboration, advocating in Washington, D.C., for religious freedom domestically and globally. The two developed the podcast to share conversations that model friendship and cooperation despite profound differences in religion and background. The podcast has reached almost 3 million multi-faith listeners, 8
HOSTED BY
John Pinna and Elliot Toman
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Crossing Faiths have?
Crossing Faiths currently has 221 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Crossing Faiths about?
Crossing Faiths is a podcast where people from diverse religious backgrounds openly discuss everything you're NOT supposed to discuss at the dinner table. Join hosts Jt Pinna, a career national security, international affairs, and D.C. insider, and Elliot Toman, a former media director in the...
How often does Crossing Faiths release new episodes?
Crossing Faiths publishes regularly with 221 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Crossing Faiths?
You can listen to Crossing Faiths on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Crossing Faiths?
Crossing Faiths is created and hosted by John Pinna and Elliot Toman.
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