
Straight White American Jesus
An in-depth examination of the culture and politics of Christian Nationalism and Evangelicalism by two ex-evangelical ministers-turned-religion professors. If you have ever wondered what social and historical forces led white evangelicals to usher Donald Trump into the White House this is the show for you. As former insiders and critical scholars of religion, Dan Miller and Bradley Onishi have a unique perspective on the Religious Right. Guests have included Chrissy Stroop, R. Marie Griffith, Janelle Wong, Randall Balmer, Katherine Stewart, and many others.
Latest episodes

Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 13min
Weekly Roundup: The Real Significance of the Trump-Musk Breakup
The unraveling alliance between Trump and Musk takes center stage, raising questions about the future of right-wing politics. Their fallout is likened to a middle school rivalry, exposing vulnerabilities in both their worlds. Insights into Russell Vought's influence over Dogecoin and agenda reveal a push for a straight, white, Christian dominance. The podcast wraps up by highlighting fractures within the MAGA movement, inviting cautious optimism, and examining the complex dynamics that shape today's political landscape.

Jun 5, 2025 • 50min
Bonus Episode: Charlie Kirk's Bad Faith Debate at Cambridge
The hosts dig into a viral debate featuring Charlie Kirk, critically analyzing his rhetorical tactics and questioning his opponent's qualifications. They tackle the complex issues surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the implications of such discussions on public discourse. The conversation deepens into the morality of U.S. arms support and the dangers of prioritizing financial interests in foreign relations. Wrapping up with a Q&A, they explore empathy, sympathy, and the challenges of biblical interpretation in evangelical circles.

Jun 4, 2025 • 36min
It's in the Code ep 149: “Abortion Is Healthcare, Pt. 1”
This discussion delves into the provocative claim that 'abortion is healthcare.' The hosts scrutinize the rhetorical tricks employed to support this view while exposing contradictions in the arguments. They emphasize the complex language and emotional weight surrounding the abortion debate. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evolution of anti-abortion stances within conservative Christianity, revealing historical inconsistencies. Listeners gain insights into the challenges of engaging with these deeply divided perspectives.

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Five Non-Negotiables for Building a New Progresive Movement w/Max from UNFTR
Max from UNFTR, a progressive voice and host, joins the discussion on crafting a bold platform for a new era. They unpack five essential pillars for a revitalized movement: Housing First, Medicare for All, Climate Action, Election Integrity, and a Civilian Labor Corps. The conversation addresses the Democratic Party's narrative void and explores how organized religion can influence socio-economic policies. Max advocates for grassroots unity to confront challenges like economic inequality and AI displacement, painting a hopeful vision for inclusivity and meaningful change.

8 snips
May 30, 2025 • 1h 4min
Weekly Roundup: Taco Trump Loses on Immigration and Tariffs + the History of Family Values Propaganda
The hosts dive into the Trump administration's controversial immigration policies and their impact on international student visas. They also highlight a growing parental rights movement in Oklahoma challenging biased school content. Exploring the historical significance of 'family values' propaganda, they critique conservative narratives around family structures. The discussion takes a humorous turn while examining legal challenges to Trump’s tariffs, including the amusing concept of 'TACO trade' in the context of MAGA policies.

May 29, 2025 • 54min
Special Episode: Militias, Mama Bears, and the New Apostolic Reformation
Matt Taylor, an expert on the New Apostolic Reformation and author of 'The Violent Take It by Force,' joins journalist Kate Burns, who covers Christian nationalism and the far right. They delve into the unsettling convergence of Christian nationalism and militia groups, particularly highlighted by a recent Seattle rally. The discussion reveals how these alliances manipulate narratives in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Taylor and Burns emphasize the pressing need for awareness and strategies to counteract these growing extremist movements.

May 27, 2025 • 35min
It's in the Code ep 148: “Red Flags”
Allie Beth Stuckey highlights five critical 'red flags' to help listeners navigate the pitfalls of toxic empathy. The conversation scrutinizes high-control Christianity and its often deceptive rhetoric, illustrating how compassion can be manipulated. They also dive into the disconnect between political empathy and genuine care, urging a reevaluation of how we understand compassion in social justice. The complexities of emotional arguments in faith-based contexts are examined, showcasing the challenges in navigating contentious social issues.

18 snips
May 26, 2025 • 39min
The Project: Unknown Ways Project 2025 is Destroying America
In this fascinating discussion, David Andrew Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Project', unpacks the controversial Project 2025 and its implications for American governance. He reveals how prominent figures like Kevin Roberts and Russ Vought aim to reshape executive power toward conservative ideals. The conversation probes the entwinement of faith and politics, especially the rise of Christian nationalism, and the growing concerns over democracy's stability as traditional conservative values undergo significant shifts.

15 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
Weekly Roundup: Oklahoma's Catholic Charter School and Hegseth's Prayer Service
Dive into a heated discussion about the recent Supreme Court case on Oklahoma's Catholic Charter School and its impact on church-state separation. Explore the controversial Christian prayer service at the Pentagon and its implications for religious liberty. The hosts tackle J.D. Vance's critiques of Chief Justice John Roberts amid rising populism and dissect claims of white genocide in South Africa without credible evidence. The narrative emphasizes how personal beliefs shape political truths and challenges in maintaining constitutional governance.

5 snips
May 21, 2025 • 32min
It's in the Code ep 147: “Love Is…What, Exactly?”
Dive into the complexities of love as understood in conservative Christianity. The discussion reveals how toxic empathy can morph into harmful coercion under the guise of love. The speakers critique the idea that harsh truths can be loving when they perpetuate suffering, particularly for marginalized groups. They also analyze the troubling dynamics of divine authority, exposing how it can lead to abusive behaviors in high-control religious environments. All these insights unravel the dangerous implications of redefining emotional states.