The World and Everything In It — Episode Summary

Date: November 13, 2025
Host: WORLD Radio
Main Theme: This episode covers reporting of child abuse in religious confessions, updates on hormone replacement therapy for women, upheaval at a major conservative think tank over anti-Semitism, a review of Crash Rickshaw’s new EP, and commentary on reining in a dysfunctional U.S. Congress.

1. Reporting Child Abuse in Religious Confessions

[06:02–11:09]

Key Discussion Points

• Legislative Backdrop:
  • Washington state recently proposed a law mandating clergy to report child abuse learned of in confession, but later allowed clergy to maintain confidentiality after lawsuits.
• Diverging Church Policies:
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America considers requiring clergy to report abuse confessed privately, prompting debate.
  • Catholic stance: Oppose mandatory reporting, citing risk of deterring confessions.
  • Expert Perspective (Victor Vieth):
    • “Most churches don't have any policies. Those that do, they're pretty weak…they fall below the standards that I and other experts would recommend.” (08:00–08:08)
    • [On Lutheran policy:] “We want to keep confidence…but it must give way to the teachings of Jesus. And if keeping a confidence forces me to sin, then I break that confidence.” (08:15–08:27)
  • Catholic Perspective (Josh Mercer, Catholic Vote):
    • “If that priest had to turn around and said, 'oh, by the way, I'm going to go tell the sheriff…' well, why would you confess those sins? You would keep tight lipped.” (08:53–09:02)
• Legal Landscape: 28 states require clergy to report abuse but often include “clergy penitent privilege”.
• Case Example:
  • A Kansas pastor contacted authorities after a confession, resulting in the conviction of Charles S. Bell. (10:47–11:05)
• Guidance to Churches (Chris Motz, First Liberty):
  • “Understand your own theology…then understand if there's a conflict between where you stand and state law.” (10:30–10:43)

2. FDA Updates on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

[11:09–18:07]

Key Discussion Points

• Historical Context:
  • Since a 2002 study linked synthetic estrogen HRT to breast cancer, the FDA had applied severe warning labels.
• New FDA Action:
  • Dr. Marty Makary: “The FDA is taking action to remove the black box warnings from estrogen-related products.” (11:46)
  • Research shows low-dose vaginal estrogen posed minimal risk.
  • Dr. Rachel Rubin (Georgetown):
    • “The warning label on the box falsely says vaginal estrogen causes cancer, stroke, blood clots, heart attacks and probable dementia.” (12:41)
• Impact of Warnings:
  • Dr. Kelly Casperson: “Only about 1 in 20 women get a prescription. If a patient…brings it home, nearly one in three will never use it because of fear created by the incorrect warning label.” (13:15–13:25)
• New Research/Benefits:
  • HRT shows benefits in reducing fractures and heart disease.
  • Dr. Makary:
    • “Statins have up to a 35% reduction…and these studies are showing up to a 50% reduction. What are we doing?” (13:38–13:48)
• Remaining Concerns:
  • Dr. Lauren Stryker (Northwestern):
    • Advocates for revising labels “on a product by product basis” instead of blanket removals. (15:23–15:29)
    • Raises worries about FDA expertise after large staff cuts.
• Expert Panel Critique:
  • Stryker concerned about “medical influencers” on the FDA’s expert panels, leading to possible bias. (16:31–16:49)
• Broader Take:
  • Dr. Marguerite Duane sees progress but urges continued research and caution:
    • “Like everything in medicine, we need to continue to study and do the research…to optimize health for women and minimize the risk.” (17:25–18:03)

3. Heritage Foundation, Tucker Carlson, and Antisemitism Controversy

[18:48–24:21]

Key Discussion Points

• Catalyst Event:
  • Tucker Carlson interviewed controversial figure Nick Fuentes, downplaying anti-Semitic remarks.
  • Carlson further described Christian Zionism as “heresy” and criticized pro-Israel views.
• Heritage Foundation Fallout:
  • President Kevin Roberts publicly defended Carlson, calling attacks on Carlson a “venomous coalition” and saying, “That includes Tucker Carlson, who remains and as I have said before, always will be, a close friend of the Heritage Foundation.” (20:02–20:21)
  • Internal backlash: several staffers and the National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism resigned.
• Wider Context:
  • Ongoing mainstreaming of anti-Semitism on the political right; references made to Kanye West and Candace Owens.
  • Mark Goldfedder (National Jewish Advocacy Center):
    • "This is really, really bad because what we are seeing is the mainstreaming of anti Semitism from the far right fringes.” (21:00–21:09)
  • Ted Cruz (Senator):
    • “If Tucker had had [Fuentes] on and then cross-examined and vigorously challenged his hateful and bigoted views, that would have been one thing. But he didn’t.” (22:46–23:07)
• Subsequent Developments:
  • Roberts apologized for his comments and pointed to a miscommunication within Heritage.
  • National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism merged with the Conference of Christian Presidents for Israel to take on right-wing antisemitism.
  • Cruz warns about rise in antisemitism:
    • "In the last six months, I’ve seen more anti-Semitism on the right than at any time in my life…” (24:02–24:12)

4. Crash Rickshaw: ‘Big Sur’ Review

[25:48–32:28]

Key Discussion Points

• Band Background:
  • Crash Rickshaw, a Christian punk side project by members of Project 86, had been inactive for 20 years.
• Return with 'Big Sur':
  • Four-song EP, described as intense, energetic, addressing faith and social issues.
  • Lead singer Joby Harris reflects on the Huntington Beach Christian scene:
    • “Orange County, Huntington beach…was just nothing but youth groups and shows and churches…anytime you went down, there was a beautiful girl in Huntington Beach.” (27:02–27:23)
• Song Themes:
  • Johnny Law critiques legalism in Christianity.
  • Angry Sunset draws from Ephesians 4:26.
  • Thank God I’m an Atheist challenges atheist reasoning.
  • Newport about social media addiction:
    • Harris: “It’s a sociopathic platform that pulls us…we attach our value to it…” (31:46–32:10)
• Band’s Message:
  • Harris on album title:
    • “Big voices, big people can easily take over your narrative if you let them. We have a responsibility to reclaim our narrative and write it ourselves.” (32:14–32:27)
• Legacy:
  • Crash Rickshaw’s music remains both musically and thematically bold, returning at a time when honest, loud commentary is needed.

5. Commentary: Reining in Congress with a Convention of States

[33:34–37:17]

Key Discussion Points

• Cal Thomas on Government Dysfunction:
  • In light of the record government shutdown, Thomas argues for invoking Article 5 of the Constitution to convene a Convention of States.
• Quotables:
  • “We need a second American revolution. Not with guns or violence, but by a provision in the Constitution the founders thought necessary.” (33:50–33:56)
  • “Arguments in favor of a convention of states include that if Congress is not curbed now, it will only get worse, including the $38 trillion debt.” (35:15–35:23)
  • “We're teetering on the edge of a tall building. If we don't reconsider…we will ultimately regret the consequences.” (36:35–36:43)
• Call to Action:
  • Emphasizes grassroots push; only 15 more state legislatures needed for a Convention.
  • Urges listeners to consider the lessons of history and necessity for reform.

6. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Confession and Reporting Abuse:

  • Victor Vieth: “We want to keep confidence…but it must give way to the teachings of Jesus.” (08:15)
  • Josh Mercer: “If that priest had to…tell the sheriff…why would you confess those sins? You would keep tight lipped.” (08:53–09:02)

• On HRT Warnings:

  • Dr. Rachel Rubin: “The warning label…falsely says that vaginal estrogen causes cancer, stroke, blood clots, heart attacks and probable dementia.” (12:41)

• On Christian Punk’s Relevance:

  • Joby Harris: “We have a responsibility to reclaim our narrative and write it ourselves.” (32:14)

• On Conservatism and Antisemitism:

  • Kevin Roberts: “We will always defend truth, we will always defend America, and we will always defend our friends against the slander of bad actors…” (20:02–20:21)
  • Ted Cruz: “If Tucker had…challenged his hateful and bigoted views, that would have been one thing. But he didn’t.” (22:46–23:07)

• On Need for Reform:

  • Cal Thomas: “We're teetering on the edge of a tall building…If we wait much longer to address reform, it will be too late and the time for repair will have passed.” (36:35–36:48)

[Timestamps For Key Segments]

• Reporting Child Abuse in Confession: 06:02–11:09
• Hormone Therapy FDA Update: 11:09–18:07
• Heritage Foundation & Antisemitism Debate: 18:48–24:21
• Crash Rickshaw 'Big Sur' Review: 25:48–32:28
• Cal Thomas Commentary: 33:34–37:17

Tone:
Balanced, investigative, reflective, drawing on both expert analysis and personal testimony. The hosts maintain a journalistic yet conversational style, particularly when addressing sensitive cultural and religious issues.

For Listeners:
This episode provides in-depth coverage on controversial church practice, women’s health policy change, political rifts in conservatism, a notable Christian band’s return, and bold calls for governmental reform. The discussions explore both principle-driven and pragmatic perspectives, equipping listeners with context and insight on these culturally pivotal topics.