What I'm working on in 2026, and why
My first interview of 2026 with Sara Moslener is now live.
“Hello and welcome to Exvangelical, a show exploring the world inside and outside the evangelical subculture. I’m your host, Blake Chastain.” I’ve been saying a version of that line for almost a decade now, but this is the first time in all that time that I’m saying it as a full-time podcaster & writer.
The show went on another hiatus last year because, well, at the time I was doing communications & engagement work in the faith-based nonprofit advocacy space (a fact that might surprise people), and amidst the constant onslaught of the second Trump administration’s actions, something had to give - and what gave was this show.
Well, my attention is no longer split. And that means I’ll be recording more interviews and shows, not just for Exvangelical but also for other shows I’m developing and publishing like The Good Books, where I will interview authors that write across a variety of genres, not just deconstruction and faith-related topics as I’ve done on Exvangelical—though there will be overlap.
What I hope to create and publish is not necessarily tied to the news cycle, but I cannot ignore it entirely, either. I am not sure what that will look like yet, because following and covering the news, or even re-amplifying the stellar work done by others is in itself a full-time job, and many people are already doing that very well.
The reason I am drawn toward speaking to and highlighting the work of authors in particular is because if someone has gone through the process of writing an entire book about something, that means they’ve spent a long time thinking about their topic, and the wisdom and insight they have to share is valuable.
Furthermore, those insights can deepen our understanding of what is happening in the news and in the world beyond the headlines. And in a media environment reading for pleasure has plunged 40% over 2 decades in the US, and 28% of U.S. adults between 16-65 read below a third grade level, encouraging and engaging with reading has its own value. If my interviews get people curious enough to seek out a book, I will consider that a win.
I think that’s enough of a preamble for now, though. I’ll continue to articulate my vision throughout this year and beyond, and I’ll be posting full interviews to YouTube & social clips to social feeds, because it’s 2026 and that’s what you do.
You can keep up with all my work right here at blakechastain.com. I do have paid subscriptions available, at $5/month or $50/year, and remember I donate 25% of net revenue from direct support each year, so when you support me, you’re not supporting just me.
This is America, though and everything has a cost, so if you want to support my work and are able, I would appreciate it.
You can listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Here's the Spotify link:
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