

Tom Gjelten
Longtime NPR correspondent who reported on the transition in former Soviet countries as they embraced democracy and spent his last six years reporting on faith.
Best podcasts with Tom Gjelten
Ranked by the Snipd community

Dec 19, 2025 • 56min
Trump Targets Trans People
Chase Strangio, a pioneering civil rights lawyer and trans activist, discusses the alarming impact of Trump's policies on trans rights, emphasizing the need for material protections beyond mere visibility. Artistic duo Gilbert & George delve into their 'Paradisical' exhibition, exploring life, death, and the accessibility of art through their provocative works. Lastly, veteran reporter Tom Gjelten reveals the troubling rise of Christian nationalism intertwined with anti-Semitism, highlighting its implications for democracy and American identity.

May 31, 2021 • 12min
Does America Have Its Own 'Civil Religion?'
Longtime NPR correspondent Tom Gjelten shares his insights on America's 'civil religion,' a set of shared beliefs centered on freedom and equality. He explores how this concept serves as a unifying force amid national divisions. Gjelten dives into the philosophical implications of American identity, discussing how rituals like the Pledge of Allegiance resonate differently across communities. He also highlights the experiences of marginalized groups, urging a re-evaluation of the nation's colonial history and its impact on inclusivity.


