Best Ex Evangelical Podcasts (2025)

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An Ex-Evangelical and an Ex-JW Discuss Dr Robert Lifton's 8 Markers of Cults 1:35:36

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10h ago1:35:36

1:35:36

Recently I reconnected with returning guest Stephen Mather, former Jehovah's Witness and co-host of the now-defunct Cult Hackers Podcast. As an organizational psychologist, and former JW, Stephen is uniquely positioned to inform listeners on the eight markers of cults identified by Dr Robert Jay Lifton in his book Thought Reform and the Psychology …

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An Ex-Evangelical and an Ex-JW Discuss Dr Robert Lifton's 8 Markers of Cults (with Stephen Mather) 1:35:37

11h ago1:35:37

1:35:37

Recently I reconnected with returning guest Stephen Mather, former Jehovah's Witness and co-host of the now-defunct Cult Hackers Podcast. As an organizational psychologist, and former JW, Stephen is uniquely positioned to inform listeners on the eight markers of cults identified by Dr Robert Jay Lifton in his book Thought Reform and the Psychology …

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It's in the Code ep 156: “Love Is Love, Pt.2” 50:45

4h ago50:45

50:45

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In her homophobic attacks on “toxic empathy” as it relates to marriage equality and queer sexuality, Allie Beth Stuckey spends more time ad…

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An Anthropologist on the Everyday Walls of American Life - And How to Tear Them Down 56:31

2d ago56:31

56:31

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad Onishi sits down with Dr. Anand Pandian, author of Something Between Us, to explore the everyday “walls” that divide Americans—from SU…

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Bonus Live Episode: White House + PraegerU Are Making AI-Slop Founding Fathers 30:54

1d ago30:54

30:54

In the first ever live-audience recording of a SWAJ episode, Brad Onishi and and Dan Miller discuss the unholy alliance between the White House and PragerU to generate AI slop that rewrites the words of Founding Fathers to fit ultra-conservative narratives. They highlight the deeper implications of this partnership, including the potential impact o…

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Weekly Roundup: Manifesting Destiny: Birthright citizenship, DHS, and "Native Americans" 1:06:21

4d ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ n this episode of Straight White American Jesus, hosts Brad Onishi and Dan Miller dive deep into the ongoing fight over birthright citizens…

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Dating a Friend’s Ex, Location Sharing & Toxic Expectations?! Let’s Talk - S2:E14 | The Grey Area 1:21:37

5d ago1:21:37

1:21:37

We’re talking location sharing, time boundaries, and the forbidden topic—dating your friend’s ex. Why do people act like they’re owed your time 24/7? Is sharing your location cute or kinda controlling? And what’s the actual rule on dating someone your friend used to cry over? We get into all the awkward, unspoken stuff this week—because someone has…

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126 - Sexuality, Shame, and Identity with Cara Flame 1:12:33

5d ago1:12:33

1:12:33

Troy and Brian engage in a deep conversation with Cara Flame, an Australian experiential and creative arts therapist, about her journey from being a teenage fundamentalist to becoming an advocate for those recovering from religious trauma. Cara tells of her experiences in the Esther Foundation, a Christian Fundamentalist organisation, and how it sh…

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Best of SBTC: How We Survived the Great Evangelical Betrayal 45:43

5d ago45:43

45:43

From Jesus Freak to freaked out. In this episode, we grapple with "the e-word" and why we struggle to claim the evangelical label. Having grown up fully immersed in that culture and going on to dedicate much of our careers to the movement, we examine our disillusionment and disappointment with its trajectory — and where we go next. The past five ye…

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It's in the Code ep 155: “Love Is Love, Pt.1” 47:09

6d ago47:09

47:09

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In the third chapter of her book attacking “toxic empathy,” Allie Beth Stuckey mounts her argument against gay rights and, in particular, m…

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Christendom 2.0: What Does Moscow Have to Do With DC? 46:00

8d ago46:00

46:00

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad examines the growing influence of Christian Reconstructionism within the United States, focusing on the opening of a new Christ Church…

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Re-Release: Rep. James Talarico - the Christian Democrat Fighting Christian Nationalism in Texas 44:43

8d ago44:43

44:43

Rep. James Talarico is a Christian fighting Christian nationalism in the Texas legislature. He’s also an 8th generation Texans; a former middle school teacher; and a seminarian. He calls school voucher schemes “scams,” and “welfare for the rich,” while labeling Gov. Abbott “Robinhood in reverse.” He went viral for opposing the Ten Commandments bill…

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Coloured Durags Are a Red Flag Now - S2:E13 | The Grey Area 59:04

12d ago59:04

59:04

Coloured durags are taking over — and we need to talk. We also ask the real questions: are you swinging for your man if he gets jumped? Thanks for hanging with us on another episode of TGA! Make sure to catch us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok @tgapod for all the behind-the-scenes and updates. We really appreciate your support — it means a lot!…

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Weekly Roundup: Trump, Epstein, John MacArthur, Allie Beth Stuckey, and Theology for Psychopaths 1:13:20

11d ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad and Dan unpack the legacy of John MacArthur, the influential evangelical preacher whose death reignites conversations around authority…

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Best of SBTC: Asking Better Questions + Krista Tippett 58:35

12d ago58:35

58:35

This episode, Katelyn and Roxy are joined by the GOAT, the legend who arguably started the spiritual podcasting genre, the longtime host of On Being, Krista Tippett. This wide-ranging conversation lingers on some of the more salient questions of our time: What is the role of faith in a technological era? Does religion only divide? How can spiritual…

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Shame-Sex Attraction: Surviving Conversion Therapy (with Dr Lucas Wilson) 1:05:53

14d ago1:05:53

1:05:53

I finally caught up with Lucas Wilson after months of emailing each other to set up this interview. And am I ever glad that I did! We had a fantastic conversation that I truly believe you will enjoy and learn a lot from. Lucas--or Luke--originally hails from Toronto, Canada, and as a young man ended up attending Jerry Falwell's Liberty University, …

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Shame-Sex Attraction: Surviving Conversion Therapy (with Dr Lucas Wilson) 1:05:54

14d ago1:05:54

1:05:54

I finally caught up with Lucas Wilson after months of emailing each other to set up this interview. And am I ever glad that I did! We had a fantastic conversation that I truly believe you will enjoy and learn a lot from. Lucas--or Luke--originally hails from Toronto, Canada, and as a young man ended up attending Jerry Falwell's Liberty University, …

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It's in the Code ep 154: “All Women Are Women, Pt. 3” 44:07

13d ago44:07

44:07

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In this final episode taking on Allie Beth Stuckey’s defense of transphobia, Dan looks at her appeals to the Bible and her claims that she …

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#163 – Jeremiah Johnston: The Shroud of Turin Proves the Resurrection 1:07:24

15d ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Could one ancient cloth change how we see the resurrection? Dr. Jeremiah Johnston joins us to unpack the Shroud of Turin, its baffling science, strange history, and the image that no one can explain. Does this relic prove Jesus physically rose from the dead, or is it just a misunderstood artifact? We explore what happens when modern science collide…

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Tech Fascists vs Christian Nationalists? 39:57

16d ago39:57

39:57

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad discusses the potential breakup between Elon Musk-led tech fascists and the Christian nationalists who have been staunch supporters of…

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Weekly Roundup: Texas Floods and the Vengeful Theology of Kristi Noem + Why the Concentration Camp Had to Be in Florida 1:08:23

19d ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad and Dan begin with the devastating floods in Texas and Kristi Noem’s controversial disaster response before turning to a chilling deve…

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125 - Let's Go to Hillsong! 1:30:08

20d ago1:30:08

1:30:08

In this episode, we visit Hillsong's mothership in Baulkham Hills so you don't have to! We unpack the atmosphere, the music, the offering, the supposed miracles, the sermon and the continued exploitation of volunteers. Join us as we reflect on the evolving, yet somehow still familiar landscape of the 'new' Hillsong and its diminishing impact on tho…

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My Man Had the Audacity to Be Thicker Than Me ft @FifeTheOne - S2:E12 | The Grey Area 1:12:59

20d ago1:12:59

1:12:59

In this episode, we unpack the absolute betrayal of realising your man might be thicker than you, like sir, who gave you the right?? We also get into AI acting like a licensed therapist, and the slightly deranged people we’ve met along the way. Thanks for hanging with us on another episode of TGA! Make sure to catch us on Instagram, YouTube and Tik…

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It's in the Code ep 153: “All Women Are Women, Pt. 2” 45:47

22d ago45:47

45:47

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Allie Beth Stuckey advances her argument against the legitimacy and reality of transgender identity by considering the testimonial of an in…

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Bonus: Hell, Paul, and the Bible’s Authority 12:48

22d ago12:48

12:48

To listen to the full episode, become a premium member here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-did-jesus-133702952 Shelby and Nate tackle your biggest questions about hell, Paul, and the authority of Scripture. Did Jesus really teach eternal torment? What do we do with parts of the Bible that no longer reflect our values? And are we all just pick…

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A Jewish Holy Land in Texas? Immigration, Assimilation, and Making Land Holy with Rachel Cockerell 44:07

23d ago44:07

44:07

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad welcomes Rachel Cockerell, author of Melting Point, for a conversation about a littl…

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America 28:34

24d ago28:34

28:34

Season 5: Episode 25 In this episode, Mike talks about the grief and sadness that many are finding in an America that seems to be moving away from individual rights and freedom. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Everything Numa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Chopped Men Winning, Evangelicals Screaming & Kids Lost the Face Card Lottery S2:E11 | The Grey Area 1:40:29

26d ago1:40:29

1:40:29

In this episode, we unpack the chopped man epidemic, aggressive evangelism, and what happens when the baby doesn’t inherit the looks 😭. Chaos, truth, and vibes — all in one. Thanks for hanging with us on another episode of TGA! Make sure to catch us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok @tgapod for all the behind-the-scenes and updates. We really apprec…

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Weekly Roundup: Mamdani and the Rebirth of Birtherism + Christofascism in the Big Bill 1:03:12

27d ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad and Dan begin with a deep dive into the GOP’s controversial new bill targeting Medicaid access and how it ties into white Christian na…

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It's in the Code ep 152: “All Women Are Women, Pt. 1” 26:28

28d ago26:28

26:28

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Allie Beth Stuckey insists that gender and biological sex are the same thing, that there are two binary genders, and that gender identity a…

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Vance Boelter: A Christian Assassin Radicalized by the New Apostolic Reformation 1:29:13

29d ago1:29:13

1:29:13

Recently, a listener asked me if I would explore the potential connections between Vance Boelter--the gunman who recently killed 2 Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota, and wounded 2 more--and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). The question posed was this: "Was Vance Boelter radicalized by his experiences within the NAR?" Beyond that, how do we know…

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Vance Boelter: A Christian Assassin Radicalized by the New Apostolic Reformation 1:29:14

28d ago1:29:14

1:29:14

Recently, a listener asked me if I would explore the potential connections between Vance Boelter--the gunman who recently killed 2 Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota, and wounded 2 more--and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). The question posed was this: "Was Vance Boelter radicalized by his experiences within the NAR?" Beyond that, how do we know…

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#162 – Why Didn't Jesus Write Anything Down? 32:44

29d ago32:44

32:44

Shelby and Nate explore the intriguing question of why Jesus did not write anything down during his lifetime. They discuss the implications of this question on our understanding of faith and scripture, emphasizing the oral tradition of the time and the significance of Jesus' teachings in a present-tense context. The conversation also touches on the…

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Paying Taxes in the DOGE ERA: Moral Duty, Religious Experience, or Place of Protest? 47:09

1M ago47:09

47:09

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad sits down with Dr. Ruth Braunstein, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author…

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My Parents Don't Believe I'm Gay 36:46

1M ago36:46

36:46

Season 5: Episode 24 Mike recently visited his MAGA parents. In this episode, he shares his thoughts around their current and future relationship and how he is working to move forward. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Everything Numa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Weekly Roundup: US-Iran Tensions and SCOTUS Rulings on Trans Rights 57:04

1M ago57:04

57:04

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In this weekly roundup, Dan begins with the escalating tensions between the U.S., Iran, and Israel, examining recent airstrikes and the Tru…

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124 - Amy Semple McPherson, the First Evangelical Megastar with Claire Hoffman 1:11:10

1M ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Troy and Brian chat with journalist and author Claire Hoffman about her book Sister Sinner, which explores the life and mysterious disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson, a pioneering figure in American evangelicalism and Pentecostalism. The discussion covers Claire's own upbringing in a transcendental meditation community and then explores the co…

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Industry Nephews & Afrobeats Daddies - S2:E10 | The Grey Area 1:43:32

1M ago1:43:32

1:43:32

In this episode, we’re talking all things music — from our favourite artists to the true pioneers who shaped Afrobeats. We also get into the benefits (and realities) of nepotism in the industry. Let’s be honest… sometimes it helps to know people. Thanks for hanging with us on another episode of TGA! Make sure to catch us on Instagram, YouTube and T…

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SWAJ Rewind: It's in the Code ep 54: "Suffering and Persecution" 24:13

1M ago24:13

24:13

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Why do conservative American Christians and Christian nationalists use the rhetoric of being “attacked” and “persecuted”? Why do they perce…

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SCOTUS, Trans Healthcare, and Christian Nationalism 36:55

1M ago36:55

36:55

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ What does the Supreme Court’s latest ruling mean for trans rights in America? In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad Onishi…

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Dating Men with Kristina Hart 41:29

1M ago41:29

41:29

Season 5: Episode 23 Jump in the back seat and listen in as Mike and his friend, Kristina record a candid and very real conversation about dating in 2025. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Everything Numa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kristina Hart

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Weekly Roundup: Iran, the End Times, and Christian Nihilism + Appeal to Heaven Flag at the SBA 52:16

1M ago52:16

52:16

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Is Trump Preparing for a Holy War? In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad Onishi examines Donald Trump’s mixed messaging on…

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It's in the Code ep 151: “Abortion Is Healthcare, Pt. 3” 41:12

1M ago41:12

41:12

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Allie Beth Stuckey warns her readers to be on the lookout for people passing off lies as facts and appealing to emotion to mask bad argumen…

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New Data About How Issues of Family, Gender, Sexuality Drive MAGA Extremism 48:57

1M ago48:57

48:57

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad Onishi welcomes back Dr. Andrew Whitehead, sociology professor at Indiana University…

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Transness and Disgust With Billie Hoard 1:07:43

1M ago1:07:43

1:07:43

Season 5: Episode 22 Christian, transgender, lesbian Billie Hoard explores the topics of queerness and disgust in this Pride Month episode. Billie Hoard: Substack | Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Everything Numa⁠⁠⁠⁠

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The Alleged Minnesota Assassin's Connections to the New Apostolic Reformation 40:22

2M ago40:22

40:22

In this emergency episode of 'Straight White American, Jesus,' host Brad Onishi discusses the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband by a shooter impersonating a police officer. Brad provides details about the suspect, Vance Boelter, and his background, including his ties to Donald Trump, anti-abortion views…

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2025 Trailer: I was a Teenage Fundamentalist 0:45

2M ago0:45

0:45

Brian & Troy used to be loyal megachurch leaders. They’re not anymore. This podcast explores life in and after Christian Fundamentalism. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All o…