Across platforms the most common question I get is "What does the Bible say about homosexuality and trans people?" Christian nationalists main talking point is a direct opposition to gay rights. But does the Bible really say that?

Today we meet with pastor and theologian Brandan Robertson to talk about that, break down the "gotcha" passages of the Bible and see what it really says. It turns out, there's space at the table for everyone.

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In a world of cult like beliefs, propaganda, and manipulation its important to become experts on how these tactics work so that we can avoid them and so that we understand whats happening in the world around us.

A little true crime break from the norm but an important discussion we have to continue to return to.

HOW DO PEOPLE BELIEVE THIS? By using tactics we see everywhere.

The Children of God, founded in 1968 by David Berg, was a sex cult that disguised itself as a Christian missionary movement. Berg, who called himself “Moses David,” claimed divine authority and used it to manipulate and control his followers through apocalyptic teachings and a series of writings known as “Mo Letters.” Under his leadership, the group promoted sexual “freedom” that included disturbing practices like “flirty fishing,” where women were encouraged to use sex to recruit new members. Even more sinister, Berg endorsed and participated in the sexual abuse of children, normalizing pedophilia within the group’s teachings. He lived in hiding for much of his life to evade legal consequences, but continued to exert control over the group until his death in 1994. Berg’s legacy is one of extreme psychological, spiritual, and sexual abuse, with many former members coming forward to expose the deep and lasting trauma they endured under his cult leadership.

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THEY'RE TAKING THE CHRIST OUT OF CHRISTMAS!!!! Why do christians continuously feel like they are being persecuted? Why do they believe that anything other than special treatment is "persecution"?

Because fundamentalists don't believe in the separation of church and state, and many of them don't believe in religious liberty for anyone but them. They also don't believe in religious pluralism, or secular education. They also believe that Christians should rule every facet of society, even if by force.

These ideals come from Dominion Theology and the 7 Mountains Mandate. Two unbiblical but highly propagandized theologies that pose a direct threat to religious freedom in America. Lets meet its founders and it's teachings to learn more

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When I was sent a video of this guest... I judged a book by its cover and assumed I was going to get really upset. BOY was I wrong. Bryan Andrews is a country singer from the south who blew my mind with his vibrant and powerful personality... and opinions.

How are we so far apart? In the world of current politics it feels like we are light years apart. That decency and common sense and respect for humanity are so far out the window.

Yet, common ground can come in the form of a country singer from the south. A singer who never left his small southern town but also sees a way forward, and a glimmer of hope that maybe we aren't as far apart as we have been led to believe.

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TW: Sexual assault, child abuse.

I've gotten quite a few messages both here and on IG about my story and how I started to walk away and how I did eventually deconstruct.
Did I always have questions? Was there a defining moment or series of moments?
Little of both actually. This is a bit longer version (though not complete) of my story. I've never really laid it out before in this way. I'm not sure if I will release this episode publicly or not but I figured I would share it here.
I want to share my story in a book I'm writing as people ask but for now, this will do

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The trans population in the US has been a hotly debated topic the last few years. Fundamentalists believe that this group of people is a symptom of some kind of moral failing in the US, even though trans people have existed as long as we have had human history. The conservative movement acts as if about 1% of the population is somehow "the problem", with over 700 anti trans laws proposed or passed since 2021.

But so few people have even met a trans person to have these kind of opinions about. So why don't we ask what being trans is like?

Alyson Blake Dellinger is the lead vocalist, bassist and founding member of the band Flummox. She was raised deeply fundamentalist, in church, christian schools, and something was always just... off. Now, shes a musician, deconstructed fundamentalist, an LGBT ally and.. she's trans. And today we are going to discuss her life, her experience and what faith looks like in her shoes.

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Tia Levings is an author and advocate who writes and speaks about the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. Her memoir, A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy, was released on August 6, 2024.

In her memoir, Levings recounts her journey into and out of the fundamentalist Quiverfull movement. Married at 19, she was indoctrinated into a belief system that emphasized strict discipline, isolation, and the submission of women as "keepers of the home." Her husband exerted extreme control over her life, dictating everything from her clothing to her daily activities, and subjected her to physical and sexual abuse—all sanctioned by their church. Levings details how she was taught to be more submissive and to accept abuse as part of her role. One night, when she realized she and her children wouldn't live, she fled.

Levings' story sheds light on the hidden abuses within certain fundamentalist Christian communities and serves as a testament to resilience and the pursuit of freedom. Her work continues to educate and empower others who have experienced similar forms of religious trauma

Please rate and review the podcast and thanks! Patreon and email at bottom of show notes.

We’re diving into one of the most infamous political scandals in American history—Watergate—and how it fundamentally altered the trust between the American people and their government.

Let’s rewind to the early 1970s. President Richard Nixon, riding a wave of political dominance after winning re-election in 1972, seemed untouchable. But behind the scenes, things were unraveling.

The scandal broke when five men were caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., in June 1972. At first, it seemed like a routine burglary. But reporters from The Washington Post, most notably Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, started pulling on a thread that led to the very heart of the Nixon administration.

As investigations unfolded, it was revealed that the break-in was part of a broader campaign of political espionage and sabotage directed by members of Nixon's re-election committee. Even more shocking was the discovery of secret tapes Nixon had recorded in the Oval Office—tapes that captured efforts to cover up the administration’s involvement.

In 1974, facing near-certain impeachment, Nixon chose to resign—the first and only U.S. president to do so. His now-famous farewell was a moment of political theater and personal downfall.

🎧 The Aftermath and Impact:

Watergate didn’t just bring down a president—it brought down public trust. Americans saw firsthand how deep the corruption could go, and many began to question the integrity of the entire political system. Polls showed a sharp decline in confidence in government, a sentiment that has lingered for decades.

The scandal also sparked real reforms: campaign finance laws were tightened, ethics rules strengthened, and a more skeptical press emerged—watchdog journalism was born in earnest.

Watergate became more than a scandal—it became a symbol of betrayal, secrecy, and the loss of America's faith in government

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Tell me your stories, what you'd love to learn, your questions at:

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Jane Elliot has been an activist since the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her landmark brown eye/ blue eye exercise was instrumental in my work deconstructing racism in my far right upbringing.

And she has great ghost stories!!! www.janeelliot.com

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A conversation with Dr. Beth Allison Barr. Discussing the service, preaching and teaching of ancient women and how their ministries were erased. How patriarchal standards, the reformation and purity culture changed womens history... and forgot them.

Please consider supporting my work on patreon: www.patreon.com/montemader

Follow Dr. Barr:

Instagram: @bethallisonbarr

Purchase her new book: "Becoming the Pastors Wife": http://bit.ly/4ku06gZ

Listen to her podcast: "All the Buried Women" : https://shorturl.at/7AUQK