Impolite Company

Impolite Company

“Impolite Company” is a twice monthly internet radio show and podcast that explores the intersection of politics and religion, how they inform each other in healthy and harmful ways, and how important it is to have healthy conversations with others around politics and religion. The show is hosted by Rev. Matthew Best, who is an ordained ELCA Lutheran pastor who also has an extensive background in politics. The concept for the show comes from the old adage “don’t talk about religion and politics around polite company.” It is Rev. Best’s conviction that avoiding talking about these important topics has not served American politics or faith traditions well. We need to be able to talk about these important topics in healthy ways because they shape people’s identities and beliefs as well as have an impact on policies and how we interact with one another. “Impolite Company” targets politically engaged individuals, religious-minded people, and those who see the importance of a healthy conversation between the two.

Episodes

September 20, 2025 60 mins
In today’s episode, I do a monologue on what I think are the two Charlie Kirks that existed. And most of it depends on which media silo you are stuck in.
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In today’s episode, I talk with Rabbi Ariana Capptauber about faith in action, ministry, social justice, the difference between politics and partisanship, and her thoughts on Christian Nationalism.
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August 16, 2025 60 mins
In today’s episode, I talk with Renee Rodin about faith and journalism, as well as the Catholic Worker House.
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In today’s episode, I talk through the recent Executive Order on homelessness, paragraph by paragraph. Here’s the summary – it’s garbage. And it’s harmful.
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In this episode I talk with Shailly Gupta Barnes of the Kairos Center and the Poor People’s Campaign about poverty, policy, and more, including the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” and its effect on the poor.
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In this episode I talk with the Rev. Dr. Roger Willer about faith and civic life.
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In today’s episode, I talk with the Rev. Bob Ierien about technology, social media, LGBTQ+, and church and faith.
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In today’s episode, I talk with the Rev. Benjamin Dueholm about the transcript and template of liturgy and how that is helpful in polarized times.
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In today’s episode I talk with Caleb Campbell, the author of “Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor” about Christian Nationalism, following Jesus, difficult conversations, and the mission field.
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Matthew spent time talking about the spiritual crisis we face and where we find hope. He also talked about the theology of empire and the kingdom of God.
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