In this episode, Scott sits down with historian and friend of the show Edward J. Watts to explore his magisterial new work, The Romans: A 2,000-Year History. From the founding myths of Romulus and Remus to the sack of Constantinople, Watts offers a sweeping narrative that refuses to let the Roman story end in the Western part of the Empire— instead, he argues for a more expansive conception of “Roman” identity that endures for 2 millennia. Stay tuned for history, ideas, and a deep dive into one of the longest and most complicated political experiments humanity has ever attempted.
Special Guest: Edward J. Watts.
In this episode of Give and Take, Scott talks with Jeffrey Rosen, president of the National Constitution Center and author of the new book The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America. Rosen explores how the clash between Alexander Hamilton’s vision of energetic government and Thomas Jefferson’s dream of individual freedom continues to define American politics. From the founding era to the present day, their competing philosophies echo through our debates over federal power, states’ rights, and the meaning of liberty itself. It’s a conversation about history, ideas, and the enduring struggle to balance freedom and order in the American experiment.
Special Guest: Jeffrey Rosen.
In this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones talks with Colin Woodard about his latest forthcoming book, Nations Apart. Woodard maps the deep regional cultures of America, tracing their historical roots and showing how they continue to shape today’s most urgent issues—from gun violence and health disparities to the tension between individual liberty and the common good. To truly understand the roots of America’s political polarization, economic inequality, public health crises, and democratic collapse, Woodard argues, we must examine the country’s longstanding regional divides. Together, they explore why America struggles to find common ground, the risks of fragmentation, and why a renewed civic national story may be essential to protecting democracy against rising authoritarian threats.
You can pre-order Nations Apart here. . The book will be released on November 4th, 2025.
Special Guest: Colin Woodard.
On this episode of Give and Take, Bryce Eddy—former President of Turning Point USA and a close personal friend of Charlie Kirk—pulls back the curtain on his time with Kirk, charting Kirk’s rise and influence on youth culture. The conversation doesn’t shy away from the hot-button issues—faith, race, Trump, Christian nationalism—and asks what it really takes to have honest political dialogue in a culture wired for outrage. Scott and Bryce wrestle with the need for context—cutting through media spin and bad-faith narratives—the power of grace, and why navigating today’s political landscape is harder—and more necessary—than ever.
Special Guest: Bryce Eddy .
In this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones talks with novelist Carla Malden about her new book, Playback. The novel is a haunting and beautifully layered exploration of memory, loss, and reinvention—blurring the lines between past and present to show how grief reshapes identity and how the stories we tell ourselves can both hold us back and set us free. Together, Scott and Carla dive into the inspirations behind Playback, and the ways fiction can illuminate the most intimate corners of human experience.
Special Guest: Carla Malden .
In this conversation, Scott Jones and J Kameron Carter explore the complex themes of whiteness, authoritarianism, and the historical context of race in America. They discuss how whiteness is not just a racial identity but a civilizational logic that has shaped political structures and ideologies. The conversation delves into the implications of Trump as a revelation of underlying authoritarian tendencies in American democracy, the role of W.E.B. Du Bois in understanding these dynamics, and the intersections of political theology with contemporary issues. They also touch on the importance of the Black church's perspective and the need for a deeper understanding of history to navigate the current political landscape.
Special Guest: J. Kameron Carter.
On this episode of Give and Take, I talk with Topher McDougal, author of Gaia Wakes: Earth's Emergent Consciousness in an Age of Environmental Devastation. In the book, McDougal explores the provocative idea that the planet itself might be waking up—that Earth, long treated as a backdrop to human drama, is revealing itself as a conscious, responsive system in the midst of ecological crisis.
We talk about what it means to think of the Earth as a living, even sentient, entity; how this vision challenges modern science and philosophy; and why embracing a more relational way of seeing our world could be key to surviving the environmental devastation we face. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about philosophy, ecology, and the deep stories we tell about our place in the cosmos.
Special Guest: Topher McDougal.
My guest today is Coltan Scrivner, a behavioral scientist who has spent years studying the psychology of why we’re drawn to the dark, the eerie, and the unsettling. His brand-new book, Morbidly Curious, takes us deep into the strange territory of horror films, true crime, haunted houses, and all the things we’d rather pretend we don’t think about—but secretly can’t look away from.
In our conversation, we explore why being curious about the morbid isn’t a flaw—it’s a fundamental part of being human. From evolutionary survival to modern entertainment, Coltan makes the case that leaning into our fascination with the macabre can actually teach us something about ourselves and the world around us.
It’s a provocative, fascinating, and—yes—morbidly fun discussion.
Special Guest: Coltan Scrivner .
For our 300th episode of Give and Take, we’re doing something different. Instead of hosting, Scott Jones steps into the guest chair. His friend—and former guest of the show—Jane Rosenzweig takes the reins as interviewer. Together, they look back at the journey of Give and Take: the conversations that shaped it, the surprising turns along the way, and what Scott has learned from asking (and sometimes dodging) big questions over 300 episodes. They also talk about what it’s like to live out loud on a podcast, the art of listening, and where the show might go from here. It’s a candid, celebratory, and reflective conversation you won’t want to miss.
Special Guest: Jane Rosenzweig.
On this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones sits down with author and pastor Mandy Smith to talk about her new book Confessions of an Amateur Saint. In it, Mandy offers an honest, grace-filled exploration of what it means to stumble faithfully toward holiness in an ordinary, imperfect life. Together, they unpack how spiritual growth often looks less like polished sainthood and more like vulnerability, struggle, and deep dependence on God. It’s a conversation about embracing weakness, finding freedom in honesty, and learning that sainthood is less about striving and more about surrender.
Special Guest: Mandy Smith.
On this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones talks with Beatrice Marovich about her provocative new essay, “Is Theology Dying?”, published in the Spring 2025 edition of The Other Journal. Marovich, author of Sister Death: Political Theologies for Living and Dying, reflects on the state of theology in our contemporary world—its dwindling institutional presence, its surprising resilience in unexpected places, and its evolving role in public discourse. Together, they explore whether theology’s apparent decline is a death knell, a transformation, or something stranger altogether.
You can find "Is Theology Dying?" here.
Special Guest: Beatrice Marovich.
In this episode Scott is joined by historian and freelance journalist Molly Worthen. Her newest book is Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History From The Puritans To Donald Trump. They explore the themes of charisma, storytelling, and personal belief. They discuss the complexities of faith, the journey from observer to practitioner, and the role of charismatic leaders in shaping cultural narratives. Worthen shares her personal experiences of conversion and the challenges of reconciling faith with reason, while also reflecting on the importance of community and the need for meaningful stories in a chaotic world. The discussion touches on historical figures, modern political charisma, and the ongoing search for understanding in both religious and secular contexts.
You can find out more about Molly and her work at her website: https://mollyworthen.com.
Special Guest: Molly Worthen.
In this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones sits down with pastor and author Jack Haberer to discuss his new book, Swimming With the Sharks: Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red-and-Blue World. As political polarization increasingly shapes—and often divides—American congregations, Jack brings hard-earned wisdom, theological depth, and pastoral sensitivity to the challenge of leading churches across ideological lines.
Drawing from decades of ministry in diverse settings, Jack shares real-world stories, practical insights, and a hopeful vision for what it means to shepherd a church that refuses to split down party lines. The conversation explores how pastors can stay rooted in the gospel while navigating cultural landmines, how churches can become spaces of faithful disagreement and spiritual growth, and why unity doesn’t have to mean uniformity.
Whether you’re a church leader, a congregant, or just someone curious about faith in a polarized age, this episode offers honest reflections and tangible guidance for engaging the tension with grace and courage.
Listen in and discover how to swim with the sharks—and lead with love.
Special Guest: Jack Haberer .
On this episode of Give and Take, I talk with Lauren Jackson, writer of The Believing Project at The New York Times. Lauren explores the strange, beautiful, and sometimes baffling terrain of American religious life—what we believe, why we believe it, and how belief shapes the way we live. We talk about the origin of her project, the state of faith in an increasingly secular age, and why the stories we tell about belief might be more important than ever. From revival tents to deconstruction TikToks, Lauren brings a literary and deeply curious lens to the spiritual landscape. It’s a conversation about belief, doubt, devotion, and the stories that make us.
In this conversation, Lauren shares her experiences growing up in the Mormon Church in Arkansas, exploring the complexities of faith, identity, and the search for meaning in a secular world. She discusses the challenges of navigating religious beliefs in modern society, the role of religion in politics, and the cultural shifts surrounding spirituality. Lauren reflects on her personal journey, the longing for connection, and the importance of understanding diverse belief systems in today's world.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
02:59 Growing Up Mormon in Arkansas
05:52 The Concept of Cosmology in Faith
08:39 Crisis of Belief in Modern Society
11:34 Exploring Secularization and Spiritual Alternatives
14:37 The Role of Religion in Providing Meaning
17:35 Cultural Christianity and Its Resurgence
20:45 Navigating Faith and Identity in College
23:24 The Right's Embrace of Religion and Belief
27:29 The Collision of Digital Forces and Governance
29:17 The Power of Belief in Politics
30:52. Understanding Religious Rhetoric in Political Messaging
33:49 Emotive Decision Making in Politics
36:02 Engaging with Celebrity Voices in Spirituality
39:56 The Role of Religion in Journalism
45:46 Personal Spiritual Longing and Identity
49:01 Navigating Relationships as a Public Ex-Mormon
Special Guest: Lauren Jackson.
My guest is David Litt. His newest book is It's Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground. Litt, a former Obama speechwriter moves to the Jersey Shore and learns to surf with the help of his brother-in-law: a tattooed, truck-driving Joe Rogan superfan. David, the Yale-educated writer with a fear of sharks, and Matt, the daredevil electrician with a shed full of surfboards, had never been close. But as America’s crises piled up and David spiraled into existential dread, he noticed that his brother-in-law was thriving. He began to suspect Matt’s favorite hobby had something to do with it. David started taking surf lessons. For months, he wiped out on waves the height of daffodils. Yet, after realizing that surfing could change him both in and out of the water, he set an audacious goal: riding a big wave in Hawaii. He searched for an expert he could trust to guide and protect him—and when he couldn’t find one, he asked Matt. Together, they set out on a journey that spanned coasts, and even continents, before taking them to Oahu’s famously dangerous North Shore. It’s Only Drowning is a laugh-out-loud love letter to surfing—and so much more. It’s an ode to embarking on adventures at any age. It’s a blueprint for becoming braver at a time when it takes courage just to read the news. Most of all, it’s the story of an unlikely friendship, one that crosses the fault lines of education, ideology, and culture tearing so many of us apart.
Takeaways
Summary
In this engaging conversation, David Litt discusses his experiences during the COVID pandemic, reflecting on themes of workaholism, personal growth, and the importance of embracing fear. He shares insights from his journey of learning to surf, using it as a metaphor for navigating life's challenges. The discussion also touches on the cultural dynamics of Washington, the need for joy in political discourse, and the significance of empathy in understanding others. David emphasizes the importance of trying new things and finding balance in a chaotic world, ultimately inspiring listeners to embrace change and seek personal fulfillment.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Life Insurance and Pandemic Blues
06:47 The Impact of Workaholism on Washington
10:21 Surfing as a Means of Escape
14:39 Judgment and Power Dynamics
24:53 The Fusion of Identity and Ideology
26:21 The Comfort of Political Segregation
27:12 Surfing as a Means of Escape
28:33 Finding Joy in Life's Challenges
30:26 The Balance of Control and Surrender
32:42 Agency in a World of Uncertainty
34:28 The Importance of Trying
34:53 The Liberal Narrative and Happiness
36:38 Awareness and Empathy in Politics
38:01 The Burden of Responsibility
40:17 Finding Joy Amidst Tragedy
42:37 Embracing Fear and Uncertainty
46:03 Understanding Relationships Through Fear
50:07 The Complexity of Human Emotions
52:02 Revitalizing the Democratic Party
56:23 The Future of Political Engagement
Special Guest: David Litt.
In this episode of Give and Take, Scott talks with essayist and cultural critic William Deresiewicz about his provocative piece Post Election, published in Salmagundi magazine. They explore the growing disaffection with the contemporary left among intellectuals, artists, and other traditional allies, and the emergence of what Deresiewicz calls the “not-left.” It's a wide-ranging conversation about politics, culture, class, and what it means to think independently in a polarized age.
You can find Bill's essay here.
Special Guest: William Deresiewicz.
In this episode of Give and Take, Scott talks with Justin Evans, author of The Little Book of Data. Justin has spent his career helping companies and creatives make sense of the numbers that shape our world. In his new book, he distills big ideas about data into bite-sized insights that are accessible, engaging, and surprisingly fun. We talk about how data can clarify rather than complicate, how it shapes decision-making in business and life, and why learning to read the "small print" of the digital age might just be a superpower. Whether you're a data skeptic or a spreadsheet junkie, this conversation will change how you think about the numbers that surround us.
Special Guest: Justin Evans.
In this episode, I’m joined by Todd McGowan, philosopher, psychoanalytic theorist, and author of Universality and Identity Politics. We explore the central argument of his book—that true political transformation requires a return to universality, not a retreat into particular identities. Todd challenges prevailing assumptions about identity-based movements and offers a compelling alternative grounded in psychoanalytic theory and Hegelian philosophy. It’s a provocative and timely conversation about how we understand solidarity, difference, and what it means to build a more just world.
My guest is Thane Rosenbaum. His latest book, Beyond Proportionality: Israel’s Just War in Gaza, challenges prevailing narratives surrounding Israel's military actions in Gaza, arguing that accusations of disproportionate force overlook the complexities of modern urban warfare and the legal standards governing armed conflict.
Drawing upon international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and the U.N. Charter, Rosenbaum contends that Israel's military operations target legitimate threats such as terrorist infrastructure and weaponry, while taking measures to minimize civilian casualties. He emphasizes that the principle of proportionality should be assessed based on the intent and conduct of military actions, rather than solely on casualty figures
Special Guest: Thane Rosenbaum.
In this episode of Give and Take, Scott talks with Elizabeth MeLampy, author of Forget the Camel: Animals, Symbols, and the Stories We Tell. From rattlesnake roundups in Texas to lobster boils on the Maine coast, and the curious case of a certain Pennsylvanian groundhog, MeLampy explores the surprising ways animals help us build communities, confront our fears, and make meaning in a messy world. Together, they discuss how rituals involving creatures both wild and domestic reveal our deepest cultural myths—about nature, class, history, and ourselves.
What do sled dogs say about heroism? How does killing a rattlesnake become a rite of regional pride? And why do we still care what a groundhog sees in February? Tune in for a conversation that’s as thought-provoking as it is unexpected.
Special Guest: Elizabeth Melampy.