Faithful Politics Hosts
Political Junkie, Will Wright, joins the Pastor of River City Underground Church, Josh Burtram, to discuss a wide range of different topics that will cover the latest in politics and religion. We may not always agree, but we will always try to learn from each other, and in the process model what discussions can look like when you don't always see eye-to-eye. Bipartisan, and always graceful engagements
William Wright
Creator / Producer / Dad Joke Teller / Husband
Born in a small town called Los Angeles, California, William, who prefers to go by "Will" has been interested in politics his whole life. He elected not to run for any office because in the third grade his teacher told him that Black people could never be president (true story), so his dreams of entering public service were quickly dispelled. It wasn't until much later in life, while studying psychology in college, that he discovered his love for people and the effects that politics plays on people's personalities.
In 2001after the world trade center towers collapsed, Will felt the need to do something, so he enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman. His unit was one of the initial pushes into the streets of Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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After leaving the service, Will traveled the world as a consultant which is where he really experienced how the world works and got the idea to start a podcast that centers around faith and politics. His political leanings tend to favor Democratic policies, but he has voted for both Democrats, Libertarians, and Republicans. He wishes that problems could be fixed by civil dialogue, and hopes his podcast can exemplify what that conversation can look like in the world.
Josh grew up in a pastor’s home where he went to church every Sunday (and Wednesday). If there was Sunday school, he was there. His parents raised him and his 4 siblings to know and love Jesus and obey his commands. Despite this upbringing, he did not stay in close relationship with God. Externally, he was a pastor’s kid, fitted with all the necessary accoutrements (bible, Christian t-shirts, camp experiences, veggie tales), but internally was angry, ashamed, sad, and very afraid. He was a “christian” kid without a transformed heart.
When he was 16 years old the Lord called him out of a life of rebellion. He became a brand new person. The transformation was truly radical and he became truly different.HeI loved God and he wanted to see people come to know Christ. It was real, it was so genuine, it was an amazing time of his life. God called him to ministry while on a mission trip in Mexico City while in high school, in the summer of 2003. He has pursued God’s call since then, and it is this call that has brought him to where he is today.
Co-Host / River City Underground Church, Lead Pastor
Pastor Josh Burtram
During 2020 Will Wright asked for Josh to co-host a podcast with him. Josh accepted the invitation and they began their journey of podcasting during one of the strangest years of both of their lives. According to Josh, "I have found the process both exhilarating and challenging. Exhilarating in that I’m constantly learning new things. Exhausting in that my viewpoints are constantly stretched and expanded in to uncomfortable places. I’m looking forward (with some apprehension of course!) to a continued “stretching” into the future."