For years, Americans have turned away from politics and tuned out of traditional news. We see this decline across many institutions, including organized religion. The consequences are dire for democracy and those who want to lead healthy, fulfilled lives. But we also know many seek spirituality in their search for meaning in the modern world. And, more people than ever are turning to podcasts to stay informed.
Meeting the Moment is a content-creator journalistic project—primarily a weekly podcast and Substack newsletter—that does journalism differently. It’s based on the belief that we are in a backlash against the current media environment; audiences are increasingly looking for deeper, authentic and meaningful content. Meeting the Moment will reimagine journalism with these trends in mind. It will feature content created by veteran journalists, including intimate, in-depth conversations with religious and faith leaders who take the news of the week as a starting point to understand how to live with the news. These will be deep conversations about current events rooted in intellectual rigor and empathy, focused on the long view and our guests’ faith, traditions and values.
Each week, we will discuss current events chosen by our spiritual guides, who include well-known and emerging faith leaders like Skye Jethani, Rev. Curtis Chang, Simran Jeet Singh, Rabbi Shira Stutman, and Rev. Jim Wallis. Public radio and podcast veteran Niala Boodhoo will facilitate the conversations. Together with producer Dan Bobkoff and PRX, Meeting the Moment will launch with a year-long project to engage those looking for meaning and understanding amidst the news. We are especially interested in younger, diverse audiences, and people seeking a faith-based perspective on current events, including those who are spiritually curious but not aligned with organized religion. The goal is to engage people in journalistic content without feeling fatigue—instead coming away energized and hopeful.
