Podcast
Crossing Faiths
Hosted by John Pinna and Elliot Toman · EN
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, 83% millennials.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
204 - Dr. Minhas Khan
2w ago01:04:57Tap to summarizeIn 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 entity is often a reductive Western construct used to serve political agendas, rather than an accurate reflection of its diverse cultural and ethnic landscapes. The conversation delves into the historical and structural roots of internal divisions within Islam, such as the Sunni-Shia divide, arguing that these fractures are frequently exacerbated by deliberate foreign engineering and statecraft rather than purely ancient theological hatred. Pinna and Khan also examine the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, highlighting the role of resource control—specifically oil—and the unique position of Pakistan as a potential diplomatic mediator in a region where economic interests often override religious identity. Dr. Minhas Majeed Khan is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Born in Lakki Marwat, a remote area in the South of KP, she was married at the age of 16 due to which she had to discontinue her studies. With the support of her husband and three children she took a restart after 16 years of marriage and obtained her Ph.D. degree in International Relations in 2013. Dr. Khan teaches various courses to students of Masters level, MPhil and Ph.D. She is currently supervising one Ph.D., one Mphil and six undergrads dissertations. She has to her credit various publication in national and international academic journals. Her areas of interest focus on the study of religion and its role in politics, role of gender in peace and security, foreign policy decision-making, conflict resolution, US and Pakistan relations; regional politics of South, South West and Central Asia, the Pakhtuns; and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). As a Muslim woman, she strongly feels committed to strengthen the role of women in conflict transformation and peace building in a diverse setting with an aim at promoting peace and tolerance for a peaceful and stable international society. Dr. Khan is an active member of Pakistan Girls Guide Association and member to Regional Institute of Policy Research and Training (RIPORT) Board of Directors since 2010.Support Crossing Faiths
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203 - The Hammer of Fundamentalism
2w ago00:56:36Tap to summarizeIn 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 distinctions between Sunni and Shia Islam, examining how each sect interprets concepts like leadership, succession, and divine authority. Their deep dive unpacks how these factions navigate their respective identities, the role of historical figures and political movements in shaping these differences, and the ongoing challenges of reconciling distinct interpretations within the broader Islamic community. Throughout the discussion, they also reflect on how historical, cultural, and geopolitical contexts have influenced these sectarian identities, highlighting how they both shape and are shaped by the shared quest for spiritual legitimacy.Support Crossing Faiths
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202 - Choosing Violence
3w ago01:08:09Tap to summarizeIn 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 World War II, examining how societies grapple with traumatic events and the subsequent need for justification and moral clarity. A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on the intersection of government, technology, and ethics, particularly regarding modern infrastructure and military operations. John and Elliot explore themes of systemic responsibility, the role of leadership in shaping national narratives, and the psychological impact of technological advancements, debating how these elements collectively influence our understanding of humanity and progress.Support Crossing Faiths
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201 - Insider Warmongering
Apr 2000:47:35Tap to summarizeIn 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 tensions, such as the war in Iran, suggesting that a significant portion of international conflict is driven by financial incentives that benefit a small elite. They also touch on the "messianic" perception of political leaders and the psychological dynamics of those who support such figures, linking these to broader societal trends like the "Indie Web" movement and the desire for alternative, decentralized information sources. Finally, the conversation highlights a growing cynicism toward established institutions and the perceived influence of powerful individuals over the economy and public discourse.Support Crossing Faiths
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200 - The Unholy Union
Apr 1300:53:29Tap to summarizeIn 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 Donald Trump and the broader Christian community, analyzing how his charisma and strategic alignment on issues like abortion have garnered loyalty from diverse religious blocks despite his often amoral public persona. The dialogue shifts into deeper theological and geopolitical territory, touching upon Five-Point Calvinism, the concept of a "sovereign magistrate," and the ambition to restore a "Christendom" framework both domestically and through interventionist policies in the Middle East. Pinna and Toman also contrast these Western religious-political movements with the internal struggles of the Islamic world, discussing post-colonialism, the Pahlavi dynasty in Iran, and the dangers of approaching modern conflicts as "faith-based wars" led by opportunistic rather than principled leaders.Support Crossing Faiths
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199 - Rev. Marian Edmonds
Apr 600:53:03Tap to summarizeIn 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 concept of "covenantal pluralism." Rev. Marian explains how she has been working to apply AI within religious freedom and human rights spaces, emphasizing the importance of diverse, interfaith engagement to protect the rights of all people. They explore the ethical challenges of using AI in these spaces, including the need for a "moral compass" to navigate bias and ensure that technological tools remain helpful, transparent, and aligned with human values. https://www.marianedmondsallen.com/ Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen works at the intersection of faith, values, and technology, serving with the AI & Spirituality Initiative at the Neurospirituality Lab at Harvard Medical School and as Senior Advisor for Moral Compass at American Security Foundation. Her work focuses on the human-centered and ethical development and use of artificial intelligence, with particular attention to how emerging technologies can support spiritual well-being, moral agency, and human dignity. A seasoned pastor and community leader, Dr. Edmonds-Allen brings decades of experience working across lines of difference—religious, ideological, and cultural—to foster collaboration grounded in compassion, conviction, and shared purpose. Her approach is shaped by the principles of covenantal pluralism and a deep commitment to helping people live in alignment with their core beliefs, especially in times of rapid social and technological change. She also serves as Executive Director of Parity, a nonprofit dedicated to healing divides and advancing the dignity of all people. Across all of her work, Dr. Edmonds-Allen is known for building bridges, elevating conscience, and championing the spiritual and moral capacities that make us fully human.Support Crossing Faiths
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198 - Deadly Theater
Mar 1601:07:02Tap to summarizeIn 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 modern political actors. They explore the intersection of American political theater, such as the use of military imagery and "war-room" rhetoric, with religious concepts like the apocalypse, the second coming, and the idea of a "chosen" status. Throughout the conversation, the hosts critically examine the dangers of conflating political agendas with divine mandate, questioning how individuals in positions of power utilize religious narratives to justify policies, influence public opinion, and command a loyal following, ultimately reflecting on the ethical implications of using faith to sanitize or propel political warfare.Support Crossing Faiths
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197: Eitan Diamond
Mar 900:53:57Tap to summarizeIn 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 Israel during the apartheid era, reflecting on the complexity of that transition and his later career. They explore the critical intersection of human dignity, equality, and international humanitarian law, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the impact of settlements. Throughout the discussion, they critically examine the use of political and legal terminology, such as "apartheid" and "genocide," assessing their relevance and limitations in describing the realities on the ground, while emphasizing the importance of securing rights for vulnerable populations and the ongoing challenge of achieving a just, two-state political framework. https://en-law.tau.ac.il/profile/eitandiamond_65Support Crossing Faiths
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196 - Ambassador Robert Rehak
Mar 200:35:21Tap to summarizeIn 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 conversation creatively opens by comparing his human rights work to the Czech legend of Houska Castle—a fortress built to seal the gates of hell—before delving into his real-world responsibilities as the Chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance. Ambassador Rehak shares compelling examples of his advocacy, including his efforts to free a Nigerian prisoner of conscience, unique social experiments dressing as different religious figures at soccer matches to combat Islamophobia, and organizing interfaith sports tournaments for Jewish and Muslim youth. They also discuss urgent global crises, such as the destruction of religious sites and oppression of minorities in Russian-occupied Ukraine, the systemic persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China, and the ongoing struggles in Syria. Drawing on his own poignant experiences growing up behind the Iron Curtain in communist Czechoslovakia and participating in the Velvet Revolution, Ambassador Rehak underscores his deep personal dedication to democracy and concludes with a hopeful call to action for everyday people to champion religious freedom and global unity. Robert Řehák, Ph.D. is Special Envoy for Holocaust, Interfaith Dialogue and Freedom of Religion, Czech career diplomat, Head of the Czech Delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), Chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) or the Article 18 Alliance, published scholar of biblical proper names and the Dead Sea Scrolls, and official Hebrew interpreter. He studied at Charles University in Prague, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität in Heidelberg and Hebrew University in Jerusalem. As a researcher, he participates in several international research projects in the field of interfaith dialogue and sociology of religion. He is the initiator of the new Czech National Strategy of Combating anti-Semitism and co-ordinated the recent conference on the Terezín Declaration and the 2023 FoRB Ministerial in Prague. He is proficient in Czech, English, Hebrew, German and Russian, and reads classical Latin, Greek and Arabic. He lives in Prague with his wife and four children.Support Crossing Faiths
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195: 195: Dennis Petri
Feb 900:33:46Tap to summarizeIn 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 secularization theories that often overlooked religious influence in public life. The discussion highlights the transition from anecdotal evidence to sophisticated datasets—such as those from the Pew Research Center—while acknowledging persistent gaps in capturing implicit discrimination and the nuanced cultural contexts of faith. A major theme of the interview is the potential for artificial intelligence and "big data" to enhance real-time reporting and move research beyond nationwide aggregates toward more detailed, sub-national analysis. Ultimately, Pinna and Petri emphasize the need for a "new IRFA moment" to update international religious freedom policies in alignment with modern technological advancements and data-driven insights. Prof. Dr. Dennis P. Petri is a political scientist, researcher, and international consultant, with extensive experience in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He has worked in academic and policy roles for various universities, international NGOs, and multilateral organizations. Currently, Petri is Visiting Professor at the UN mandated University for Peace and Professor in International Relations and Humanities at the Latin American University of Science and Technology of Costa Rica. He also lectures at the Central American Public Administration Institute, the UNESCO mandated Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO), and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. He has been a visiting scholar at the University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands), the Interamerican Center for Social Security Studies, Bar-Ilan University (Israel), and Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford (UK). About Dennis Petri: https://petri.phd/about/Support Crossing Faiths
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