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Elizabeth Bruenig

Staff writer at The Atlantic. She writes about her decision to serve as a witness to state-sanctioned executions, and what she's learned about mercy, faith and the possibility of redemption.

Top 10 podcasts with Elizabeth Bruenig

Ranked by the Snipd community
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36 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 51min

Did the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ kill compromise in Washington?

Antonia Ferrier, a veteran communication strategist who has advised Republican leaders, joins Elizabeth Brunig, a staff writer for The Atlantic, to dissect the implications of the recent ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ They discuss the decline of compromise in Washington, exacerbated by the MAGA movement and Trump's influence. The conversation also touches on a pivotal Supreme Court ruling that empowers parents to opt out of certain school lessons, raising questions about education rights and the balance between majority and minority viewpoints in a polarized political landscape.
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22 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 45min

Witnessing Executions In America's Prisons

Elizabeth Bruenig, a staff writer at The Atlantic, shares her compelling experiences as a witness to state-sanctioned executions. She delves into the emotional and moral complexities of witnessing, highlighting themes of mercy, forgiveness, and redemption. The discussion touches on botched executions and their ethical implications, while exploring the harsh realities faced by death row inmates. Bruenig reflects on how witnessing impacts perspectives on justice and the evolving landscape of capital punishment in America.
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12 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 33min

“There’s no good way to kill somebody”: what the death penalty looks like in America

Elizabeth Bruenig, a staff writer at The Atlantic, shares her haunting insights from witnessing five executions, including two failed attempts. She delves into the emotional and ethical complexities of the death penalty in America, contrasting it with humane practices in euthanasia. Bruenig discusses her personal connection as a relative of a murder victim and the moral dilemmas that arise from capital punishment. The conversation raises crucial questions about justice, mercy, and the changing landscape of public opinion on this divisive issue.
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Aug 20, 2021 • 57min

How to forgive

Elizabeth Bruenig, a staff writer at The Atlantic, delves into the multifaceted nature of forgiveness in today's unforgiving climate. She discusses personal stories that reveal the emotional struggles tied to forgiving heinous acts, especially within the context of systemic injustices. The conversation addresses the challenges of reconciling victimization with societal pressures to forgive. Bruenig also explores how digital culture complicates forgiveness through public shaming, emphasizing that true forgiveness is vital for personal growth and societal healing.
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Jun 15, 2017 • 43min

22: The Brilliance of Saint Augustine. An Interview with Elizabeth Bruenig

Elizabeth Bruenig, Editor at the Washington Post, discusses the life, thought, and relevance of Saint Augustine. Topics covered include his influence on Christian theology and Western culture, his brilliance in capturing the human experience, his controversies and conflicts, his theory on church and state, and his response to blaming Christianity for Rome's fall.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 56min

What Elizabeth Bruenig Witnessed ‘Inside America’s Death Chambers’

Elizabeth Bruenig, a staff writer for The Atlantic and Pulitzer Prize finalist, shares her transformative experiences witnessing five executions. She reflects on the complex emotions surrounding mercy and compassion, as well as the stark discrepancies between execution accounts and autopsy findings. The discussion delves into the evolving methods of execution and examines the dark history of capital punishment in America. Bruenig challenges listeners to reconsider the ethics of the death penalty, advocating for personal transformation and redemption.
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Dec 22, 2023 • 39min

Elizabeth Bruenig and Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac: Advent in the Holy Land

Elizabeth Bruenig and Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac discuss the challenges faced by the Christian community in Israel and the West Bank, expressing their deep concerns for the safety and future of Palestinian Christians. They explore the impact of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, the coexistence of Christians and Muslims in Bethlehem, and the difficulties in traveling to Jerusalem. Despite the hardships, they emphasize the importance of holding onto faith during times of suffering and remain hopeful for the ultimate triumph of God's justice and righteousness.
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Jul 14, 2023 • 15min

Alabama's Last Two Executions Failed. They're Trying Again Next Week

Elizabeth Bruenig, a staff writer at The Atlantic renowned for her in-depth reporting on Alabama's lethal injection issues, delves into the state's troubled execution protocols. She reveals the opaque nature of Alabama’s review process after recent failures, highlighting serious bureaucratic shortcomings and inadequate training for executioners. The podcast also explores the broader ethical challenges of lethal injections and considers alternative execution methods, prompting a critical discussion about the morality of capital punishment in the U.S.
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Mar 11, 2022 • 16min

The Political Benefit Of Book Bans

Elizabeth Bruenig, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the rising trend of book bans in schools, illuminating their political implications. She discusses how these bans serve as a tool for political maneuvering, especially as elections approach. The conversation touches on parental concerns over reading materials, the historical roots of censorship, and the impact of debates over critical race theory on school policies. Bruenig also questions the authenticity of parental outrage amidst broader political agendas, revealing a complex landscape of education and governance.
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Jul 12, 2021 • 57min

How to forgive

In this conversation, Elizabeth Bruenig, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for her insights on forgiveness and justice, discusses the complexities of forgiving in today's world. She explores the tension between forgiveness and justice, especially in the context of capital punishment and societal injustice. Bruenig also delves into the impact of social media on our perceptions of forgiveness, highlighting how online culture can complicate personal healing. Her reflections shine a light on the moral dilemmas faced by those navigating forgiveness amidst deep emotional scars.

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