“Impolite Company” is a twice monthly internet radio show that explores the intersection of politics and religion, how they inform each other in healthy and harmful ways, and how important it is to have healthy conversations with others around politics and religion. The show is hosted by Rev. Matthew Best, who is an ordained ELCA Lutheran pastor who also has an extensive background in politics.
The concept for the show comes from the old adage “don’t talk about religion and politics around polite company.” It is Rev. Best’s conviction that avoiding talking about these important topics has not served American politics or faith traditions well. We need to be able to talk about these important topics in healthy ways because they shape people’s identities and beliefs as well as have an impact on policies and how we interact with one another.
“Impolite Company” will air the first and third Sundays of each month from 2-3pm Eastern time.
Each episode of “Impolite Company” will feature an hour-long thought-provoking conversation with a guest who is engaged in politics and religion in a variety of ways. Guests will include a clergy, political activists, authors, politicians, and more.
“Impolite Company” targets politically engaged individuals, religious-minded people, and those who see the importance of a healthy conversation between the two. The show is live on major internet radio platforms and as a podcast and maintains an active presence on social media to keep the conversation going.
Rev. Matthew Best serves as the pastor of Christ Lutheran Church as well as the executive director of Christ Lutheran Health Ministries in Harrisburg, PA. He is also the author of American Roulette, a book whose purpose is to change the conversation around gun violence. He is the co-founder of the Memorial Blanket Project, a project to raise awareness around homelessness. Best also maintains a blog where he writes articles and book reviews on religion and politics – www.pastormatthewbest.com.