Episode 185: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss a paradox in America — that even as formal religious participation declines, belief in the supernatural remains remarkably strong.

According to data from the Pew Research Center, 86% of Americans believe in the existence of a soul or spirit, 83% believe in God or a universal spirit and 70% believe in an afterlife. These findings suggest that while fewer people identify with organized religion, the human need for spiritual and supernatural explanations persists.

"It seems to go deep in human nature," Kyte said. "Human beings want answers to why questions like, 'Why am I here? What's the purpose of my life?'"

Kyte explained that while science has provided explanations for many of the "how" questions, religion continues to play a role in addressing the deeper "why" questions that science cannot fully answer. This desire for meaning and purpose beyond the physical world appears to be a fundamental part of the human experience.

The discussion also explored the role of religion in providing community, support and a sense of purpose, particularly during difficult times. Kyte emphasized the importance of religious practices and rituals in helping individuals develop the habits and disciplines necessary for a "meaningful life."

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."

Episode 184: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the concept of temperance and its waning influence in today's society.

Historically considered one of the four cardinal virtues — along with wisdom, courage and justice — temperance and its connection to personal restraint and moderation have become increasingly rare in both individual and governmental decision-making.

Kyte argues that our collective lack of self-restraint has contributed to many of the challenges facing modern society. He draws a parallel between the rise of a "disposable culture" and the way we govern, noting that the prevalence of nondurable goods and a focus on short-term gratification mirror the fiscal irresponsibility seen in growing personal and national debt.

The conversation then turns to the implications of this lack of temperance, both in the private sector and in government. The hosts examine the example of Elon Musk's recent efforts to slash government programs, questioning whether this approach represents a responsible use of power or a reckless disregard for the proper channels of governance.

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."

Episode 183: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the sense of urgency and panic many Americans are feeling about the country's direction under the Trump administration.

Kyte emphasizes the importance of getting involved at the local level, such as following city council and school board elections, rather than just focusing on national politics.

The conversation then turns to economic boycotts, with Rada noting that some people are choosing not to patronize companies they believe are supporting policies they disagree with. The hosts also discuss traditional protests, particularly the contrast between the recent campus activism around the Israel-Gaza conflict and the relative lack of large-scale protests against the new administration's policies. Kyte suggests that while such protests may feel personally satisfying, they are often counterproductive in actually changing minds.

The conversation then explores the role of social media in political discourse, with Rada noting the tendency for people to vent their frustrations in echo chambers that reinforce their views. Kyte emphasizes the importance of honest, nuanced conversations over emotional venting, arguing that the latter is unlikely to persuade those with differing opinions.

The episode also touches on the concept of "tone policing," where people are accused of dismissing others' anger based on how it is expressed. Kyte pushes back against this idea, arguing that respectful disagreement is important for healthy discourse.

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."