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 Trump administration’s controversial military decisions. Dan breaks down the fractured response within the MAGA coalition, uncovering the religious and ideological fault lines behind the debate. The episode then turns to the Supreme Court’s latest rulings, including: Gender-affirming care for minors Deportation policy limits The reach of nationwide injunctions Parental rights around LGBTQ+ inclusive education Dan highlights the Christian nationalist undertones shaping public discourse and judicial outcomes. He ends with a rare note of optimism, pointing to a surprising cross-ideological ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act as a sign that compromise is still possible. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 perceive themselves to be “suffering” in the contemporary United States, when they experience pronounced social, cultural, and legal privilege? And how do these ideas link up with the broader valorization of “suffering” within some forms of Christian identity? Dan takes on these issues in this week’s episode. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 is joined by Dr. Kelsy Burke, sociology professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, to unpack the Supreme Court’s decision in Skrmetti v. United States. The case—centered on gender-affirming care for minors—has far-reaching consequences for trans healthcare across the country, especially in states like Tennessee. Brad and Dr. Burke explore how the case originated, the political and religious forces behind the legislation, and the deep influence of conservative Christian groups. They examine shifting public opinion on trans rights and the troubling silence from Democratic leaders in response to this wave of anti-trans policymaking. With clarity and urgency, this conversation brings historical context to one of the most pressing civil rights battles in America today. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran—through the lens of evangelical influence. He unpacks how Christian nationalist leaders frame the conflict as a cosmic battle between good and evil, and how that spiritualized rhetoric could shape Trump’s future actions. Brad also investigates the growing signs that the ideology behind January 6th is becoming embedded in U.S. institutions—highlighted by the presence of the “Appeal to Heaven” flag at key government sites. He then turns to the media’s uneven response to recent political violence, comparing coverage of two alleged shooters and what it reveals about race, ideology, and public perception. The episode wraps with updates on military and judicial developments tied to the Trump era—and what they signal about where we might be headed next. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 arguments. But, as Dan discusses in this week’s episode, her anti-abortion positions are grounded in lies that pass as factual arguments, and are intended to bring others to her position by playing on their emotions. What are the lies she tells? How do we know they’re lies at all? And how does she want to move us through emotional appeals? Check out this week’s episode to find out. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and co-author of Taking America Back for God. They unpack how Christian nationalism uses ideas about gender, family, and sexuality to shape political identity—especially among white working-class Americans. Dr. Whitehead shares key insights from public opinion data that reveal a strong link between Christian nationalist beliefs and support for authoritarian leaders. The conversation explores the myth of the “nuclear family,” the politics of fear, and how nostalgia and hierarchy fuel the MAGA movement. Andrew's Substack: https://andrewwhitehead.substack.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, and Christian ministry. Scholar Matt Taylor explains Boelter's connections to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), diving into the history and influence of Christ for the Nations Institute, a significant institution in the independent charismatic Christian world. Their comments contextualize the violent act within the broader landscape of political violence and radicalization in the U.S., highlighting the dire implications of such events. Subscribe for $5.99: www.axismundi.us. Charismatic Revival Fury: https://redcircle.com/shows/charismatic-revival-fury-the-new-apostolic-reformation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 reflect on what feels like a historic and ominous week. They unpack the rapidly unfolding events in California and Washington, D.C., including: The shocking treatment of Senator Padilla, who was thrown to the ground and handcuffed Governor Newsom’s response to escalating federal pressure The deployment of Marines and National Guard troops Judge Breyer’s ruling against Donald Trump—and the immediate appeal What a military parade through D.C. could mean for American democracy Widespread protests and what they signal about the weeks ahead This episode captures a pivotal moment in U.S. political life—one that may mark a turning point for the nation. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 offers reasons for opposition abortion access that are typical of the anti-abortion movement. In particular, she argues that abortion is the murder of an innocent human person. She also tries to show that anti-abortion advocates affirm a full “culture of life,” and are not only concerned with the unborn. But are her arguments convincing? What does it mean to be a “human person,” and why does this matter? Can a theologically conservative Christian like Stuckey even affirm that humans are ever truly “innocent” in the first place? Does she really show that conservative Christians care about human life in a holistic way that encompasses more than the unborn? Listen to this week’s episode as Dan answers these questions. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 are young men increasingly drawn to fascist ideologies—and what can parents do about it? Brad sits down with Craig A. Johnson, author of How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism. They explore why boys and young men are especially vulnerable to far-right radicalization, how fascism is becoming normalized in modern culture, and what parents can do to push back. Craig breaks down the recruitment tactics used in online spaces, the role of toxic masculinity, and the emotional and social factors that make fascist narratives appealing. He shares practical advice for having empathetic, non-alarmist conversations with sons, as well as the importance of early intervention, positive role models, and media literacy. This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about the rise of fascism—and how to fight it from the ground up. How to Talk to Your Son about Fascism Fifteen Minutes of Fascism Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 unraveling alliance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and what it could mean for the future of right-wing politics and finance. They examine how Trump’s behavior may cost Musk billions and how the fallout could affect Trump's campaign. The conversation turns to the role of Russell Vought and his influence over the future of Doge, as well as the broader push to reshape American society along racial, religious, and ideological lines. Brad and Dan break down Trump’s plans to enforce a straight, white, Christian, patriarchal order through aggressive policy and staffing changes. They close with a roundup of key headlines and a reminder that fractures within the MAGA movement may be cause for cautious optimism. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 bonus episode, Dan and Brad dive into a recent viral video of Charlie Kirk debating a claimed Cambridge professor about contentious issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. They meticulously dissect Kirk’s arguments, explore their rhetorical strategies, and discuss the implications of such debates on public discourse. The episode concludes with a Q&A session for subscribers addressing empathy, sympathy, and the complexities surrounding biblical interpretation within evangelical contexts. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 we address the first of what Stuckey identifies as progressive “lies”: “Abortion Is Healthcare.” In looking at her discussion, Dan offers an overview of the contradictions, fallacies, and revisionist history she uses to defend her views. He explores how she uses the precise rhetorical tricks she accuses others of using, and how her discussion of abortion contradicts her entire thesis about the dangers of empathy. Listen in to hear more! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 sits down with Max from UNFTR to tackle a pressing question: What does a bold, progressive platform look like after 2024? They critically examine the Democratic Party’s lack of a cohesive narrative in the wake of the election and propose a new vision built on five non-negotiables: Housing First Civilian Labor Corps Medicare for All Election Integrity Climate Action These pillars are presented as essential to creating a more inclusive, human-centered society—one that’s prepared to confront the challenges of AI displacement, economic inequality, and the climate crisis. Max also unpacks the economic and societal benefits of these priorities, calling for a united, grassroots effort to re-establish a progressive agenda. The conversation explores the ways organized religion intersects with socio-economic policy and how those links can either hinder or help meaningful change. UNFTR's 5 Non-Negotiables: https://www.unftr.com/5nn Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 discuss recent Trump administration actions on immigration, international student visas, and Republican strategies to undermine universities like Harvard. The discussion extends to a growing resistance in Oklahoma where parents utilize GOP-pioneered parental rights laws to opt their children out of biased educational content. The episode also highlights broader historical and ideological themes around 'family values,' a strategic point of alignment among conservative Christian groups since the 1970s. To wrap up, the guys examine the legal challenges and setbacks faced by Trump's tariffs and broader MAGA policies, including a humorous note on the coined term 'TACO trade.' Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 a recent rally/protest in Seattle over Memorial Day weekend. The event highlighted the merging of Christian nationalists, young believers, and violent militia groups. Guests Kate Burns and Matt Taylor explore the disturbing integration of multi-ethnic Christian supremacists with far-right extremist groups. They warn about the movement's calculated attempts to provoke reactions and capitalize on media portrayal, especially as the nation heads towards the 2024 election. The discussion underscores the need for awareness and strategic countermeasures against these growing alliances. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 highlights five “red flags” to help us make sure we don’t fall into the trap of “toxic empathy.” What are these “red flags?” Why does she highlight the ones she does? What do they tell us about the rhetoric around “toxic empathy” and what we can expect from the rest of her book? And how do they illustrate that (once again) high-control Christians are often not acting in good faith why they claim to be interested in debate and discussion? Join Dan for this week’s episode to find out! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 dives into the controversial Project 2025 with David Andrew Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic. Graham discusses the origins, key figures, and goals of Project 2025, highlighting how the project aims to expand executive power and reshape America according to conservative ideals. Key individuals involved include Kevin Roberts, Russ Vought, and Paul Dans. The discussion also explores the interplay between religious convictions and political strategies, and the broader implications for American democracy. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Dan discusses recent developments on the separation of church and state, focusing on the Oklahoma Catholic Charter School case and its split decision in the Supreme Court. He also analyzes the implications of Pete Hegseth’s Christian prayer service at the Pentagon, highlighting concerns about religious liberty and the mixing of church and state. Additionally, the episode examines JD Vance's criticisms of Supreme Court chief Justice John Roberts and addresses ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary. The script also touches on Trump's claims of white genocide in South Africa and the alleged evidence presented during a meeting with South African President Cyril Rama. The episode concludes with reflections on populist rhetoric and the role of evidence in shaping perceived truths. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and the opponents of “toxic empathy” tell us that the remedy to excessive empathy is love. But what does this mean? What is “love,” as they understand it? How is different from emotions like empathy or sympathy? And how does it license practices of abuse and coercion that empower high-control Christianity? Why, in other words, is their understanding of love so dangerous and damaging? Check out this week’s episode as Dan explains. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices