Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Moral Revolution podcast, where hosts Laura Segafredo and Anthony Annett set out to explore the intersection of ethics, economics, politics, faith and culture in a time of global uncertainty and transformation.
Introducing the Hosts
Anthony Annett brings a wealth of experience as an economist with a PhD from Columbia and a two-decade career at the International Monetary Fund. He is also the author of Cathonomics, a book that examines the moral foundations of economics through the lens of Catholic social teaching.
Laura Segafredo is a climate expert whose work bridges science and economics, driving forward-thinking solutions for a more just and sustainable world. She is about to embark on a master’s degree in Theology and Ecology at Princeton Theological Seminary and with this podcast is fulfilling a long time dream to be on radio!
Why a “Moral Revolution”?
The podcast’s central premise is that our world faces not just technical or economic challenges, but a profound moral crisis. From climate change and inequality to the erosion of trust in institutions, we argue that addressing these issues requires a re-examination of our collective values and priorities. We believe that a “moral revolution” is needed—one that places human dignity, solidarity, and stewardship at the heart of public discourse and decision-making.
Christianity and the “Dual Moral Revolution”
One of the episode’s most thought-provoking segments draws on historian Tom Holland’s insight that Christianity catalyzed a “dual moral revolution” that upended the ancient world:
1. The Inversion of Social HierarchiesChristianity radically challenged traditional hierarchies of wealth, power, and status. The teachings of Jesus—“the last will be first,” “blessed are the poor,” “woe to the rich,” and “the meek shall inherit the earth”—flipped the script on who society should value and honor. This was a seismic shift: the marginalized and powerless were now placed at the center of the moral universe.
2. Universalizing the Concept of NeighborThe second part of this revolution extended the idea of “neighbor” to every person on earth. Inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan, Christianity became, as the Orthodox theologian put it, the religion of “infinite relationality.” Our moral responsibility is not limited by tribe, nation, or proximity—we are called to respond to anyone in need, anywhere.
We contrast this with the rise of Trumpism, which, in our view, represents a Nietzschean inversion of Christianity’s moral revolution. Trumpism centers on power, profit, pleasure, and prestige. The strong crush the weak, enemies are to be destroyed, revenge is valorized, and the poor are disregarded in favor of conspicuous wealth. The attacks on migrants and the gutting of foreign aid—actions that can result in the suffering or death of the world’s most vulnerable—stand in stark opposition to the ethic of the Good Samaritan. This, we argue, is not just a political shift, but a profound moral reversal.
The Need for Moral Language
A recurring theme is the inadequacy of today’s public discourse. The phrase “this is not normal,” often repeated by critics of recent political developments, is, as the hosts put it, “bland and vacuous”—utterly failing to capture the moral gravity of the moment.
Historian Tony Judt is invoked as a reminder that the postwar era of social democracy was suffused with moral language. People debated government actions in terms of right and wrong, justice and injustice. We argue that we must recover this moral vocabulary if we are to meet the challenges of our time. Without it, we risk losing sight of what is truly at stake.
Key Themes from Episode 1
* The Interplay of Ethics and Economics: Mainstream economics often sidelines moral considerations, treating them as externalities or afterthoughts. This has contributed to many of today’s crises, from environmental degradation to widening inequality. Traditions like Catholic social teaching insist that economic systems must serve the common good, not just individual profit.
* Climate Change as a Moral Issue: Climate change is not just an environmental or technical problem, but a profound ethical challenge. Decisions about resource use, energy, and development have far-reaching consequences for the vulnerable and for future generations. The episode highlights the need for policies and investments that reflect a commitment to justice, sustainability, and intergenerational responsibility.
* Personal Journeys and Motivations: Both hosts share personal stories about what drew them to this work. For Anthony, it was a growing awareness of the limitations of conventional economic thinking and a desire to connect his professional life with his moral convictions. For Laura, experiences in academia and sustainable finance reinforced the importance of integrating ethical reflection into practical decision-making.
What Listeners Can Expect
Future episodes will feature conversations with thought leaders, practitioners, and activists working at the frontiers of ethics, economics, and social change. The goal is to foster dialogue that is rigorous, inclusive, and hopeful—offering not just critique, but concrete pathways toward a more humane and sustainable world.
Closing Thoughts
We hope that the first episode of Moral Revolution sets the stage for a podcast that is both intellectually engaging and deeply personal. By weaving together expertise in economics, climate science, and moral philosophy, we invite listeners to join a much-needed conversation about what kind of society we want to build—and what it will take to get there.
Stay tuned for more episodes, and join the movement for a moral revolution.
Links to articles and books referenced in the episode:
David Brooks column: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/01/opinion/trump-faith-humanism.html
Vox article on converts vs cradle Catholics: https://www.vox.com/politics/405869/jd-vance-conversion-religion-politics-divide
Vox article on empathy as a sin: https://www.vox.com/culture/413530/what-does-empathy-is-a-sin-mean-christian-extremism
Aristotle’s Eudaimonia: https://ethics.org.au/ethics-explainer-eudaimonia/
https://www.amazon.com/Dominion-Christian-Revolution-Remade-World/dp/0465093507
Tom Holland: “Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World”
