Good God Project

From DACA to Dallas: Sandra Avalos on Faith and Immigration Organizing

How does someone move from living in the shadows to leading in the light? In this episode, Sandra Avalos shares how her experience as a DACA recipient shaped her calling as a community organizer and advocate for immigrant families. She and her church, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal in Dallas, have built a network of allies accompanying migrants through court hearings and confronting the human cost of our immigration system. Her story shows how faith can take shape in the small, brave acts of showing up for others—acts that quietly push back against fear and make room for dignity to take root.

Sandra Avalos is a Dallas-based community organizer, DACA recipient, and leader with Vecinos Unidos DFW and St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church.

advocacy, Faith, Immigration, interfaithGood God ProjectOctober 23, 2025Dallas, Justice, Immigration, Faith

Faith Over Fear: Rev. Eric Folkerth on Prayer, Immigration, and Moral Courage

As fear and tension rise around immigration enforcement in North Texas, Rev. Eric Folkerth has helped lead an interfaith clergy vigil outside the Dallas ICE field office—an act of prayerful presence in the face of injustice.

In this episode of Good God, George Mason talks with Rev. Folkerth about what happens at these weekly gatherings, how they began, and why he believes prayer can be both faithful and prophetic. Together they discuss the growing anxiety among immigrants, the tragic shooting that drew national attention to the Dallas ICE facility, and the moral toll of policies that harm both migrants and public servants.

Grounded in scripture and compassion, their conversation calls people of faith to resist fear, welcome the stranger, and embody moral courage in public life.

Rev. Eric Folkerth is senior pastor of Kessler Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. A longtime minister, musician, and activist, he’s known for his work at the intersection of faith and justice.

advocacy, Faith, Immigration, interfaithGood God ProjectOctober 9, 2025Dallas, Justice, Immigration, Interfaith, Faith

Gratitude and the Common Good: Reimagining Community with Kyle Ogden

At the heart of downtown Dallas lies Thanks-Giving Square—a place designed to inspire gratitude, foster interfaith understanding, and call an entire city toward the common good. In this episode, George Mason sits down with Kyle Ogden, President and CEO of The Thanks-Giving Foundation, to talk about the Square’s origins, its bold civic vision, and its evolving role in today’s divided cultural landscape.

Together, they explore how gratitude functions as a foundational virtue, why nonprofits matter in a healthy democracy, and what it means to shift from personal success to public significance. Kyle also shares his own story of professional transition—from leading a family business to helping reshape Dallas through civic reflection, spiritual hospitality, and the quiet power of place.

Kyle Ogden is the President and CEO of The Thanks-Giving Foundation, where he leads efforts to cultivate gratitude, bridge community divides, and promote human flourishing in the city of Dallas.

Faith, interfaith, multifaith, SpiritualityGood God ProjectApril 24, 2025Dallas, Faith, Gratitude

Bringing Faith to Dallas Civic Life with Jaynie Schultz

What does it look like to bring your whole self—your values, your faith, your history—into public life? Councilmember Jaynie Schultz joins George Mason for a candid conversation about her years in public service, the joys and challenges of representing a diverse district, and the values that have shaped her decisions along the way. Together, they reflect on civic responsibility, zoning and housing justice, faith-rooted ethics, and the spiritual soul of Dallas. Jaynie also shares why she’s stepping away from elected office and what comes next.

Jaynie Schultz is a Dallas City Council member representing District 11. First elected in 2021, she has served two terms and will conclude her tenure in 2025.

Faith, Judaism, politicsGood God ProjectApril 10, 2025Dallas, Faith, Good Politics

Living Faith: Almas Muscatwalla on Pluralism, Service, and the Power of Community

Faith isn’t just a belief—it’s a way of life. Almas Muscatwalla, a dedicated interfaith leader and advocate for social justice, joins Good God to share how her Ismaili Muslim faith calls her into service. In conversation with George Mason, she reflects on the meaning of pluralism, the importance of understanding across differences, and the role of faith in shaping a more just and compassionate society.

Muscatwalla co-founded Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square to bring faith leaders together in action on issues like homelessness, racial equity, and refugee support. She has served in leadership roles with the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, Project Unity, and the Center for Asian Studies at UT Dallas, among others, working to build bridges across communities and create lasting change.

Faith, islam, Social justiceGood God ProjectMarch 13, 2025Faith, Service, Pluralism

How to End Christian Nationalism: A Conversation with Amanda Tyler

In this episode of Good God, George Mason sits down with Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and lead organizer for Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Amanda shares insights from her new book, How to End Christian Nationalism, exploring the steps needed to dismantle this dangerous ideology while promoting religious freedom for all. From defining Christian nationalism to addressing its impact on public schools and political power, Amanda calls us to engage deeply in protecting democracy and fostering pluralism.

Amanda Tyler is a lawyer, religious liberty advocate, and leader in the fight against Christian nationalism, working to ensure the separation of church and state and to promote justice for all.

Faith, Christianity, politics, advocacyGood God ProjectJanuary 14, 2025Faith, Democracy, Advocacy, Christian Nationalism

This Is Going to Hurt: Faith, Division, and Radical Love with Bekah McNeel

In this episode of Good God, George Mason sits down with journalist Bekah McNeel to discuss her latest book, This Is Going to Hurt: Following Jesus in a Divided America. Together, they explore the profound intersections of faith, suffering, and public life, challenging us to move beyond binaries and embrace self-sacrificial love in the face of division. From reframing stories about immigration and race to understanding the call of the cross as a daily act of radical compassion, Bekah invites listeners to go deeper into their convictions and rethink what it means to love their neighbors.

Bekah McNeel is a San Antonio-based journalist and storyteller who writes on education, faith, and society for publications such as Texas Monthly, Sojourners, and Christianity Today.

Faith, Christianity, politicsGood God ProjectJanuary 7, 2025Faith, Justice, Compassion

State of our Faith | Light in the Darkness: Reflections on Faith in this Season

In this special year-end episode of State of Our Faith, Rev. George Mason, Rabbi Nancy Kasten, and Mara Richards Bim reflect on themes of light and darkness across their faith traditions.

As the holidays and new year approach, they discuss the significance of embracing both light and shadow, the importance of community and rest, and how faith calls us to be active participants in bringing hope to the world. Together, they offer insights and encouragement for finding light in challenging times.

Faith, interfaith, multifaith, SpiritualityGood God ProjectDecember 19, 2024Faith, Holidays, Light