Good God

05/15/2025

“There’s luck and timing to anyone’s success. And I feel driven to help others enjoy the opportunities I’ve had.” — Peter Brodsky of Housing Forward NTX

In this Good God season finale, George A Mason speaks with Dallas developer and philanthropist Peter Brodsky about the moral and economic complexities of housing—what it takes to transform neighborhoods, reduce homelessness, and change the narrative around where and how people live.

They discuss:
The revitalization of southern Dallas through the Shops at Redbird
What’s working—and what isn’t—in addressing homelessness
How faith and humility shape Peter’s approach to justice and investment

Peter Brodsky wasn’t always a real estate developer—but when he saw an opportunity to use his business experience to help transform southern Dallas, he stepp...

05/09/2025

This simple mantra isn’t just personal wisdom—it’s how longtime journalist Sharon Grigsby approaches her work, her writing, and her life.

In this episode of Good God, she and George A Mason talk about the launch of Lab Report Dallas, the pressures facing today’s media and nonprofits, and how a grounded spiritual practice can sustain public service.

Episode title: "Sharon Grigsby on Journalism, Justice, and the Power of Paying Attention"
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4lQiQYF
📹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F10uDw

05/08/2025

“Some of the best work that happens in Dallas emanates from places of worship.” — Sharon Grigsby

Longtime journalist and columnist Sharon Grigsby joins George A Mason to talk about her newest venture, Lab Report Dallas, and the role of storytelling in public life.

They discuss child poverty, the shifting landscape of journalism, and the faith practices—traditional and unconventional—that continue to shape Sharon’s voice and vocation.

What does it mean to report with compassion in a culture driven by clicks and controversy? George Mason sits down with veteran journalist Sharon Grigsby to t...

05/01/2025

“Whatever the question, love is the answer.” — Hadi Jawad

What moves someone from comfort to conscience?

In this episode, George A Mason talks with Dallas activist Hadi Jawad about the moment that changed his life—and how each of us has more power than we think.

From the roots of nonviolent resistance to building a culture of human dignity, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

What makes an ordinary person step into public life and become a voice for justice? Hadi Jawad’s story begins with a phone call from Pakistan—and a family’s ...

04/24/2025

What does gratitude have to do with shaping a city?

Kyle Ogden, President of the The Thanks-Giving Foundation / Thanks-Giving Square joins George A Mason to explore how one quiet corner of Dallas invites people of all backgrounds into reflection, connection, and community.

From the origins of Thanks-Giving Square to the shift from personal success to public significance—this conversation offers rich insight into what makes a city—and a life—flourish.

📹 Watch the full episode now.

At the heart of downtown Dallas lies Thanksgiving Square—a place designed to inspire gratitude, foster interfaith understanding, and call an entire city towa...

04/10/2025

What happens when faith shapes public service?

In this episode of Good God, George A Mason sits down with outgoing Jaynie Schultz, Dallas City Council District 11 to talk about what she’s learned through years of civic leadership—from navigating zoning controversies to advocating for inclusive development, and why her Jewish faith has been at the heart of it all.

They also talk about what’s next—and why she’s choosing to step away from elected office, not because she’s tired, but because she’s ready for something deeper.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube. Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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...

04/03/2025

What happens when our legal system prioritizes speed over fairness?

In this powerful conversation, George A Mason speaks with Mark Melton, founder of the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, about how due process is being quietly dismantled—and what that means for thousands of renters across Texas.

Whether you come to this work from faith or simply a deep concern for your neighbors, this episode is a must-watch.

🎥 “The Constitution doesn’t stand up and fight for you—it just sits there. Unless someone who knows how to wield that power gets up and does it, you’re at a loss.” —Mark Melton

When the COVID-19 pandemic upended lives and livelihoods, attorney Mark Melton found himself unexpectedly answering thousands of questions about eviction law...

03/27/2025

What happens when you bring people together around a table—with no agenda except to share a meal and a conversation?

In this new episode of Good God, George A Mason speaks with Beril Berk, Executive Director of the Dialogue Institute Dallas. They explore how interfaith dinners, youth art contests, and everyday acts of hospitality can foster empathy and connection in a divided world.

Beril also shares how her Muslim faith, her immigrant story, and her experience as a woman leader all shape her vision for a more compassionate, collaborative society.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube. Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Beril Berk, Executive Director of the Dialogue Institute of Dallas, joins George Mason to explore how intentional relationship-building—across faiths, cultur...

03/20/2025

Who gets a voice in our democracy—and who is being shut out?

Attorney and activist Eric Cedillo has spent years fighting for voting access, immigrant rights, and justice for marginalized communities. In this episode of Good God, he and George A Mason explore the systemic barriers to voting, the political roadblocks to immigration reform, and the power of grassroots action to create change.

With the Super Mega March approaching, this conversation is a powerful reminder that democracy depends on those who show up.

🎧 Episode title: "Voting Rights, Immigration, and the Fight for Justice with Eric Cedillo" | Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and at the Good God website.

Law Offices of Eric Cedillo, PC

Restrictive voting laws and immigration policies shape who has a voice in our democracy. Attorney and activist Eric Cedillo joins Good God to discuss his wor...

03/13/2025

What does it take to move beyond diversity and build true understanding across differences?

Almas Muscatwalla has spent years fostering interfaith relationships, advocating for immigrants, and working for justice in Dallas. Her Ismaili Muslim faith calls her to service, shaping how she leads and why she believes civil society must step up where institutions fall short.

In this episode of Good God, she and George A Mason explore the role of faith in public life, the challenges of true pluralism, and what it means to create space for one another.

🎧 Episode title: "Living Faith: Almas Muscatwalla on Pluralism, Service, and the Power of Community" | Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & the Good God website.

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 h...

01/15/2025

Christian nationalism merges American and Christian identities in ways that undermine religious freedom for all.

In today's episode of Good God, Amanda Tyler of BJC - Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty discusses her new book, How to End Christian Nationalism, and shares practical steps to protect democracy and promote a pluralistic society.

Watch the episode here: https://bit.ly/4jeozGm

01/14/2025

How do we protect religious freedom for all while addressing the rise of Christian nationalism?

Amanda Tyler joins George Mason to discuss her new book, How to End Christian Nationalism, and offers thoughtful, practical steps to foster a more inclusive and just society.

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Amanda is the Executive Director of the BJC - Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. The Good God podcast is now available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, on the Good God website.

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 organ...