A Pastor and His Newspaper

Faith and Politics: Exploring the Religious Beliefs of 2024 Presidential Candidates

In this episode of "A Pastor's Newspaper," Dr. Castro returns to discuss the religious beliefs of the 2024 presidential candidates. He delves into Kamala Harris's diverse religious background, her policies, and how she compares to other political figures like Barack Obama. Dr. Castro also examines the faith journeys of other candidates, including Donald Trump and JD Vance, shedding light on how religion continues to play a significant role in American politics. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of how these religious beliefs may influence the upcoming election.

Understanding Our Times: The Anxious Generation with Jonathan Haidt Part One

"The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt explores the significant rise in anxiety and depression among young people, particularly those born after 1995 (Gen Z). Haidt identifies two major factors contributing to this mental health crisis: the decline of play-based childhood and the rise of phone-based childhood.

The Rise of Indian Students in the U.S

The number of Indian students in the United States reached an all-time high of approximately 268,923 during the 2022-2023 academic year. This represents a significant increase of 35% from the previous year. Indian students constitute a substantial portion of the international student population in the U.S., with many pursuing degrees in fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), business, and management​ (IIE Open Doors)​. In this episode, we look at the reasons and implications of the rise in Indian students in America. 

A Case Study of Leadership in the 21st Century: The VW Scandal

In this episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics of leadership and followership within the context of one of the most significant corporate scandals of the 21st century: the Volkswagen (VW) emissions scandal. We'll explore how Martin Winterkorn, VW's ambitious CEO, and his relentless pursuit of success led to the company's rise and dramatic fall. Through the lens of leadership phases, we'll understand how a culture of conformity, lack of diversity, and absence of critical voices within the company enabled unethical practices to thrive.

Is America Dictator-Proof?

In this episode, we delve into the question, "Is America Dictator-Proof?" As the executive branch has grown in power since the founding of America, the legal constraints on the President have not evolved. We also look at the misuse of power in the church as well. We'll explore how authority can be corrupted, the impact of such abuses on communities, and the importance of accountability in leadership. Join us as we examine real-life examples and discuss ways to safeguard against the concentration of power to ensure integrity and trust in both political and spiritual leadership.

Why Being a Great Follower Matters

In this episode, we explore the romanticism surrounding leadership in today's culture and the often overlooked importance of followership. Contrary to popular belief, the Bible emphasizes following more than leading. Join me as we delve into the toxic aspects of leadership, especially in the context of the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Discover the surprising truth about the value of being a great follower and how it shapes our society.

Unveiling the Global Jihadist Threat

Today, we are discussing the return of the global jihadist threat in the aftermath of Israel's military presence in Gaza. On a more positive and lighter note, we also spend a few moments highlighting the influence of British car journalist and now farmer Jeremy Clarkson. Enjoy. 

Unleashing Minds: Inside the University of Florida's Hamilton Centre for Independent Thinking

We are currently looking at the reform movement in the public university system in Florida. The University of Florida, under the leadership of Ben Sasse and the Hamilton Centre, is striving to create graduates who can think independently and critically. 

Unveiling Iran's Aggression: Analyzing the Recent Attack on Israel

Today I am looking at the recent attack on Israel by Iran. In response, the U.S. leaders are attempting to pass a new foreign aid bill through Congress. 

Exploring the Evolving Political Views of Young Men and Women

I am looking at the widening political views of young men and women today. This new pattern is impacting dating life, as women and men do not possess similar values.