

381. The Dark Side of Charisma
In this episode, Tim interviews Molly Worthen, author of 'Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump.' They explore the concept of charisma, its historical significance, and its role in both religious and political leadership. Worthen shares her unique journey to evangelicalism and discusses how charisma has been a driving force in shaping American history, from the Puritans to contemporary figures like Trump and Rush Limbaugh. The conversation delves into the dual nature of charisma, its moral neutrality, and its impact on social movements and media.
Chapters
02:49 Molly Worthen's Journey to Evangelicalism
09:07 The Evolution of Charisma Through History
14:55 Charisma in Political Leadership
27:12 Rush Limbaugh and the Age of Gurus
39:00 Trump's Charisma and Political Strategy
46:32 The Role of Storytelling in Politics
52:12 Navigating the Landscape of Christian Nationalism
01:01:18 Understanding the Complexity of Voter Behavior
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