Ross Douthat on Trump, Mysticism and Psychedelics | The Ezra Klein Show

Video Description

I have no earthly idea how to describe this conversation. It’s about religion and belief – at this moment in our politics, and in our lives more generally. My guest and I come from very different perspectives. Ross Douthat is a Catholic conservative, who wrote a book called “Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious.” I’m a … Californian. But I think everyone would enjoy this conversation — believers, skeptics and seekers alike. Some questions touched on: Is the Trump administration Christian or pagan? How do Christian Trump supporters reconcile the cruelties of this administration with their faith? Can religious experiences be explained by misfiring neurons? Should organized religions embrace psychedelics? Can mystery provide more comfort than certainty? And if you do enjoy this episode, be sure to check out Douthat’s new New York Times Opinion Audio show “Interesting Times,” available wherever you get your podcasts, and on YouTube. 0:00 Intro 1:11 Trump: man of destiny? 19:55 Political power, cruelty and Godliness 36:25 Religion and spirituality in the modern world 43:18 The mysteries of the universe… 49:31 Aliens! Fairies! (and some Catholic history) 58:25 Contending with uncertainty and evil 1:07:02 Psychedelic experiences 1:23:36 Official knowledge 1:36:02 Book recommendations Read the full transcript here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-ross-douthat.html Watch more on @EzraKleinShow Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.html