Derate The Hate

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!"In Defense of Christian Patriotism " – DTH Episode 284 with Daniel DarlingWhat does it mean to love both God and country without falling into the trap of Christian nationalism? In this episode, Wilk is joined by author Daniel Darling to talk about his new book In Defense of Christian Patriotism. Together they explore:The vital difference between Christian patriotism and Christian nationalismWhy forced religion is dangerous to both church and stateHow America’s founders valued religious freedom and pluralismThe misconceptions fueled by media and culture about Christianity in the public squareWhy true patriotism is rooted in love, not cynicism🎧 Tune in for a timely conversation about faith, freedom, and what it means to be a Christian in America today.👉 Learn more about Daniel’s book here: https://danieldarling.com/books/👉 Find more episodes at https://deratethehate.comThe world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Affirming Identity, Building Community, and Cultivating LeadershipIn this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum—renowned psychologist, author, and president emerita of Spelman College—to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing higher education in today’s polarized climate.Dr. Tatum shares insights from her groundbreaking work on race and identity development, her bestselling book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, and her newest release Peril and Promise: Higher Education Leadership in Turbulent Times. Together, we explore:✅ Why affirming identity matters for students and communities ✅ The role of courageous conversations in bridging divides ✅ Misperceptions around DEI and how leaders can reframe the conversation ✅ Preserving free speech on campus amidst political and cultural conflict ✅ How colleges can strengthen democracy through dialogue and leadershipLearn more about Dr. Tatum’s work in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Speaking Out With Courage When It Matters MostIn this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Jennifer Sey — author, filmmaker, business executive, athlete, and outspoken advocate for children and women.Jen’s story spans from the highs of being a national champion gymnast to the lows of enduring — and later exposing — an abusive system in her sport. She courageously told the world in her 2008 memoir Chalked Up and later co-produced Netflix’s Emmy-winning Athlete A, which revealed the crimes of Larry Nassar and the toxic culture inside USA Gymnastics.But her courage didn’t stop on the mat. As a top executive at Levi’s, she spoke out against prolonged COVID school closures — and paid for it with her career. Her 2022 book Levi’s Unbuttoned chronicles that fight and the price of telling inconvenient truths.Now, Jen leads XX-XY Athletics, a clothing brand dedicated to defending fairness in women’s sports, and is producing the upcoming documentary Generation Covid to spotlight the long-term impact of school closures on our children.This conversation is about courage, candor, and the cost of speaking truth in a culture that often punishes it.👉 Learn more about Jennifer Sey in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Leadership Beyond the Checklist: How “Being” Leaders Create Value and Navigate ComplexityWhat does it really mean to become better—not just at what we do, but in who we are?In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ryan Gottfredson, a best-selling author and leadership professor whose work has transformed the way we think about growth. Ryan explains why most leadership training focuses too much on “doing” and not enough on “being”—and how that shift makes all the difference in navigating complexity, creating value, and leading others in meaningful ways.We talk about the difference between dependent, independent, and interdependent thinking, why constructive criticism is such a powerful test of our growth, and how true leadership is less about checking boxes and more about becoming someone others genuinely want to follow.If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your mindset, strengthen your leadership, or simply become a better version of yourself, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.👉 Find more about Ryan Gottfredson, his books, assessments, and ways to connect with him by visiting the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Coaching Beyond the Game: Football as a Platform for Healing, Accountability & Social Progress This week, we kicked off the 2025 NFL season — and what better time to explore how youth football can be so much more than just a game? Host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Coaches Jim Place and Al Powell, the co-founders of the Miami Valley Football Coaches Association’s Social Justice seven-on-seven tournament in Dayton, Ohio. It’s not about X’s and O’s—it’s about connection, responsibility, and the power of sports to build bridges.They’ll unpack how this tournament grew from the social unrest of 2020 into a thriving annual event that brings together nearly 70 teams and more than 1,800 student-athletes for meaningful dialogue on race, empathy, and personal accountability. You’ll hear how purpose-driven coaching fosters lasting impact beyond the field—and why hosting real conversations in everyday spaces like sports is an essential part of community healing.If you believe in sports as a force for unity and leadership rooted in humanity, you won’t want to miss this one.Why It MattersThis episode reminds us that real social change doesn’t always start in big forums—it can begin in local spaces like sports, where youth meet across lines, dialogue happens, and empathy grows. It’s an uplifting story of how coaching—when rooted in purpose—can help knit communities together.🙌 Join the MovementThis episode of Derate The Hate is produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest cross-partisan, grassroots organization working to bridge political & societal divides to foster a more united country.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Common Ground from the Ground Up: Humility, Healing & Rethinking Our Politics In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk sits down with Nathan Smolensky—author of Common Ground from the Ground Up. Nathan brings a unique perspective shaped by his upbringing in a family of Soviet immigrants and his experience working with Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike.Together, they explore how humility, introspection, and storytelling can help us break through the noise of hyperpartisanship and rediscover the power of constructive dialogue. Nathan shares why political identity often feels personal, how passion rarely persuades, and why lowering barriers to entry in politics can create healthier conversations.✅ Why introspection and humility are vital for communication✅ How political identity complicates dialogue but also makes it meaningful✅ The role of storytelling in building understanding✅ Why certainty can block learning and open-mindedness✅ How constructive dialogue can heal relationships and enrich our politicsTune in for a refreshing take on depolarization, political innovation, and how we can all play a role in building common ground.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!From Rooftop to Roadwork: Faith, Dignity and the Walk Across America  Pastor Corey Brooks — known to many as the Rooftop Pastor — is back on Derate The Hate with a story that’s nothing short of incredible. What began years ago with a bold stand on a rooftop has grown into Project Hood’s 90,000-square-foot community center, now halfway complete on Chicago’s South Side.This isn’t just a building. It’s a lifeline — with trade schools, culinary arts programs, restaurants, financial literacy training, and spaces where purpose and opportunity come alive.But Pastor Brooks isn’t done yet. On September 1, 2025, he’ll lace up his sneakers in Times Square and begin a Walk Across America — 3,000 miles in 365 days — to raise $25 million and finish the center debt-free.This conversation is about more than fundraising. It’s about faith that moves mountains, the dignity of hard work, and the belief that every step we take can change lives.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!On the Road with US United: How Sheriffs Spark Community ConnectionIn this episode of Derate The Hate, I’m joined by Adam Mizel, Co-Founder and CEO of Us United, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of how communities heal. Adam and his team are literally on the road, traveling across America to meet with sheriffs, local leaders, and everyday citizens. Their mission? To spark conversations, rebuild trust, and remind us that unity is still possible—even in these divided times.We dive into the dangers of labels and identity politics, and how they shut down dialogue before it even begins. Adam shares stories from the road about sheriffs stepping up as community connectors, about how sports and local events can bring neighbors together, and about the simple power of listening to one another.What I love about Adam’s work with Us United is how much it complements the mission we’re pursuing at Braver Angels: creating space for people to show up, talk honestly, and treat one another with respect. This episode will inspire you to think differently about how we bridge divides—because unity isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about communication, connection, and courage.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Bridging Racial Divides Through Sacred, Selfish & Shared Action – DTH Episode 276 with Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry AveryDr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of the Beloved Community — a vision of reconciliation, redemption, and shared humanity. This week, Wilk is joined by Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery (“Dr. TLC”), a groundbreaking “pastologist” who unites the worlds of psychology and ministry to lead transformative conversations on race, leadership, and healing.Drawing from her Sacred Intelligence framework, Dr. TLC unpacks the three keys to building bridges across racial divides:Sacred Motive – clarifying the deeper “why” behind our leadership and commitment to dismantling racism.Self~ish Mindset – challenging our own conditioning, fear, and bias to make courageous, values-driven choices.Shared Movement – stepping beyond our silos to create authentic, cross-racial relationships that inspire change.With decades of experience as a pastor, licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and current Interim Executive Director of the Healing Racism Institute, Dr. TLC brings powerful insight into how personal transformation fuels collective action. Whether you’re a leader, community builder, or simply someone who believes in love over hate, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take the next step toward a more united future.🔗 Learn more about Dr. TLC and her work: full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.comThe world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Courageous Connections: Embracing Pluralism Amidst American PopulismIn this Derate The Hate bonus episode, host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with fellow Braver Angels Ibrahim Anli and Will Harwood for a powerful discussion on cultural and religious pluralism in the face of American populism. They explore what it means to be American in today’s polarized climate and the importance of courageous connections in embracing diversity. Ibrahim, an immigrant to the U.S., and Will, a native-born American, share their personal insights on how America’s evolving identity can remain rooted in foundational civic values while allowing room for pluralism.Key Topics:The concept of American identity and civic creedEmbracing cultural pluralism and religious freedomThe challenges and opportunities of immigration in a populist eraHow to build courageous connections across dividesThe role of shared purpose in national unityThe importance of civic education and staying grounded in the nation’s foundational valuesFeatured Guests:Ibrahim Anli – A passionate advocate for religious pluralism and an immigrant who chose America as his homeWill Harwood – A native-born American who focuses on civic culture and national identityTakeaways:Pluralism is vital to America’s identity, not as a melting pot but as a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures.Courageous connections help bridge divides, whether through religious freedom, cultural exchange, or civic engagement.We must continually reconnect with America’s founding ideals to move forward as a unified nation.Listen Now to hear a thought-provoking conversation on how we can embrace diversity, overcome polarization, and strengthen the fabric of American society in the face of modern challenges.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.