Episodes

Jan. 8, 2024

Evangelical Trumpism: Then and Now Part I. w/ Tim Alberta

Part I of Brad's interview with journalist Tim Alberta, author of the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: Evangelicalism in an Age of Extremism. In his intro, Brad goes through what he learned from the book - and hints at his ...
Jan. 5, 2024

Weekly Roundup: J6 3 years Later + 14th Amendment Originalism

More Americans think J6 was not big deal than ever. Why? Because the myth of the Big Lie has festered in the three years since the Insurrection, creating an alternate reality in which Donald Trump is not responsible for what ...
Jan. 3, 2024

It's In the Code Ep. 80: "I'm a Biblical Literalist"

“I believe the Bible is literally true.” Such is the claim of many self-professed biblical “literalists.” Academics and journalists who study American religion also often describe conservative Christians, in particular, as “l...
Jan. 2, 2024

2024 Will Shape America for the Rest of Our Lives

On the first episode of the year, Brad looks ahead to various scenarios in 2024 and what they might mean for our country. One thing is certain: This year will shape our country for the rest of our lives. It could mean a secon...
Dec. 29, 2023

Weekly Roundup + Festivus (Brad's Version): Slavery, Stolen Elections, Civil War, In n Out, and Cauliflower "Rice"

Brad begins by discussing the news that Trump is off the ballot in Maine and what that means in the wake of the Colorado decisions. He breaks down why the complexity and tumult of these decisions does not warrant objection to...
Dec. 27, 2023

It's In the Code Ep. 79: "Everyone Has An Ultimate Authority II"

“Everyone has an ultimate authority.” Last episode considered the intellectual merits of this claim. In this episode, Dan considers the emotional appeal of this claim and the work that claims like this do within high-control ...
Dec. 26, 2023

In Texas, It All Goes Back to Christian Nationalism

School Vouchers, Abortion, Chaplains, and Bought Elections
Dec. 22, 2023

SWAJ Festivus: Dan's Version

For the end of the year Weekly Roundup, Dan provides his airing of grievances in the great Festivus tradition. Brad's to come soon. Subscribe now to Pure White: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pure-white/id1718974286 T...
Dec. 20, 2023

Trump Off the Ballot in Colorado w/ Andrew Seidel

Brad speaks to constitutional lawyer Andrew Seidel about the Colorado Supreme Court decision barring Trump from the ballot. They discuss whether or not this was the right decision, what will happen if it goes to SCOTUS, the a...
Dec. 18, 2023

The Texas Rep. Fighting Christian Nationalism w/ James Talarico

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 "w...
Dec. 16, 2023

Weekly Roundup: Satan in Iowa, Hell in Texas

Brad and Dan begin by discussing the abortion ruling in Texas, pointing to the ways that the vague wording in the law and the threats from state officials have made abortion effectively banned in the state. They discuss how t...
Dec. 13, 2023

It's In the Code Ep. 78: "Everyone Has an Ultimate Authority"

“Everyone has an ultimate authority.” You might encounter this claim in a discussion about the authority of the Bible, or in religious debates about LGBTQ+ inclusion, or the respective roles of men and women in church and soc...
Dec. 12, 2023

Special Episode: Pure White Ep. 1

Axis Mundi Media is proud to introduce Pure White - A history podcast series that traces the relationships among sexual purity, White supremacy, and Christian nationalism from the 19th century to the present. What happens whe...
Dec. 11, 2023

When Religion Hurts You w/ Dr. Laura Anderson

In When Religion Hurts You , Dr. Laura Anderson takes an honest look at a side of religion that few like to talk about. Drawing from her own life and therapy practice, she helps readers understand what religious trauma is and...
Dec. 8, 2023

Weekly Roundup: Israel, Palestine, and the US

Brad begins by laying out the current state of conflict in Israel-Palestine: the ceasefire is over; Israel is threatening to displace millions in southern Gaza; 15,000 Palestinians have died; Netanyahu is talking about ending...
Dec. 6, 2023

It's In the Code Ep. 77: "Why Won't They Say Anything?"

Why don’t conservative Protestants who oppose Christian nationalism, but who choose to remain in MAGA-affirming churches, seem to say anything in opposition to Christian nationalism? Do the theological beliefs underlying thei...
Dec. 4, 2023

Is the Bible a "Good Book"? w/ Jill Hicks Keeton

The Business of Bible Benevolence
Dec. 2, 2023

Weekly Roundup: Kissinger? I Hardly Bombed Her

Brad and Dan begin by gauging the right-wing reactions to the death of Henry Kissinger. They then compare these, and the hallmarks of Kissinger's life, to those of Rosalynn Carter, who was buried this week in Plains, Ga. In t...
Nov. 29, 2023

It's In the Code Ep. 76: "Why Can't We Just Fix Conservative Christianity?

“Why be so hard on conservative Christianity, to the point of dismissing it entirely? Why not fix it?” This is a real question we receive, and it’s a fair question. Can conservative Christianity be “fixed”? Or are the problem...
Nov. 27, 2023

Conservatives and the Campus Wars

From the 1960s to Moms for Liberty
Nov. 23, 2023

It's In the Code Ep. 75: "Give Thanks"

This week Dan talks about the popular praise and worship song, “Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart.” What is the message of this song? Written as a song of solace and hope, how does it also express an attitude that denies the ...
Nov. 21, 2023

AIDS, Nuclear Weapons, and the City on a Hill

How Reagan's Evangelical Vision Saved His Presidency - And Destroyed So Much Else
Nov. 18, 2023

Weekly Roundup: The City Banning Gay People and Trump's Vermin Comments

Brad begins by discussing the history of Murfreesboro, TN, where a city ordinance banned homosexuality in public. As Brad recounts, this isn't the first time the city has been in the news. A decade ago, citizens tried to prev...
Nov. 16, 2023

It's In the Code Ep. 74: "Be Grateful"

We’ve all had the experience of sitting around a Thanksgiving table sharing what we’re grateful or thankful for. But why do some people seem to demand that we feel grateful? Why do they demand that we express gratitude? And w...