In this intellectually rich and refreshingly honest episode, Raised Red, Living Blue welcomes back Justin Jones—former pastor and writer behind Dispatches from Alabama—for a deep conversation on religion, power, and the myth of a Christian America.

From the influence of the Enlightenment to the weaponization of masculine Christianity, this episode explores:

🔍 Key Topics:

— Why the U.S. was never truly founded as a Christian nation

— How theocracy threatens democracy

— The grift of Christian nationalism and MAGA spirituality

— Masculine Christianity and authoritarianism

— Biblical literacy vs. political propaganda

— The Enlightenment’s complicated legacy

— What the Founders really intended

Justin and Sloane break down 2,000 years of theological and political history into something sharp, relatable, and necessary. If you're questioning what role faith should play in politics today—this is the episode for you.

✝️ “Christianity is not a weapon. It’s not a brand. And it’s not a nation.”

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube

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📰 Find Justin on Substack: Dispatches from Alabama

Voting Against Yourself: MAGA Hypocrisy, Delusion & Denial with Tracey StillmanIn this fiery and candid episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, co-hosts Jason and Sloane are joined by Texas-based loan officer Tracey Stillman, who was raised in a conservative household and now identifies as proudly blue. Together, they unpack the disconnect between MAGA beliefs and everyday reality—from inflation myths and delusional economic takes, to voter suppression, LGBTQ+ hypocrisy, and the power of propaganda.🔍 Topics Include:— Voting against your own interest: a MAGA family case study— Gas prices, tariffs & the illusion of economic “success”— Why whitewashing U.S. history is part of the plan— Generational shifts in political identity— The myth of the "good old GOP"— LGBTQ+ conservatives: identity vs ideology— Term limits, age gaps, and the future of leadershipTracey brings authenticity, humor, and sharp insight to the conversation—revealing what it’s like to live blue in red Texas, and how to challenge MAGA culture with both facts and empathy.➤ Guest Info: StillmanBiggersTeam.com📢 Join the Conversation:Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram @raisedredlivingblue_podSend us your feedback/questions/stories you want to feature on future episodes:https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6

MAGA vs. Jesus: Christianity Hijacked by Nationalism

In this thought-provoking episode, Raised Red, Living Blue welcomes Justin Jones, a former pastor and faith-rooted political writer, to unpack the growing tension between Christianity and MAGA nationalism.

With honesty and depth, Justin shares his spiritual and political journey—from growing up Southern Baptist in Tennessee to challenging the Christian right’s alliance with Trump.

🔍 What We Cover:

— The distortion of Christian values by MAGA culture and Christian nationalism

— Why Trump’s immigration rhetoric echoes dangerous authoritarian patterns

— How Christianity became a tool of political power—and what it’s costing us

— The danger of eliminating church-state separation

— What Jesus actually taught vs. what the far right preaches

— Where faith, politics, and hope for the future still intersect

Justin brings a rare blend of theological insight and cultural clarity—making this one of the most raw, reflective, and challenging episodes yet.

📣 If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith aligns with the politics around you—this episode is for you.

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The Economy’s Not Fine, Donald: The True Cost of Trump's Trade War
In Episode 22 of Raised Red, Living Blue, Sloane and Jason unpack the growing economic anxiety in America, from empty shelves and rising prices to Trump's out-of-touch "two dolls" comment.
They dive into the real-world impact of tariffs through the story of an Iowa soybean farmer whose entire business depends on Chinese exports—offering a powerful glimpse at the fragility of U.S. agricultural trade.
Plus: personal reflections on saving during the pandemic, the risk of economic recession, and why the UA College Democrats' defiance of Trump’s graduation plans is the kind of local activism that matters.
🎧 It’s economic therapy, personal storytelling, and political awareness—all in one.
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Why America’s Democracy Is in Danger: Project 2025, Pro-Natalism, and Authoritarianism

In this intense episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, Sloane Rhoden and Jason Will take a deep dive into the frightening shifts happening across the U.S.—from the dangerous influence of Project 2025 to the GOP’s obsession with pro-natalism and the steady creep of authoritarianism into our daily lives.

🔥 Key Topics Discussed:

- Book Bans & Library Defunding: How censorship is accelerating under MAGA rule.

- Fossil Fuel Lobbyists & Project 2025: The hidden forces driving anti-democratic policies.

- Pro-Natalism & Gender Roles: How the far-right wants to control women’s bodies and lives.

- Supreme Court Defiance & Deportation Plans: The terrifying normalization of lawlessness.

- America's Global Standing: Why our democracy is under threat and losing respect worldwide.

- Rage, Resistance, and the Need for Action: Why we must stay loud, stay informed, and keep fighting.

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💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Do you think America’s heading toward an authoritarian future?

From Ukraine to Alabama: How Trump’s Authoritarianism Is Creeping InIn this fiery episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, Jason Will is joined once again by real estate agent and returning guest Jason Patton for a deep, emotional, and unapologetically honest look at America’s political unraveling. From the Trump recession to Supreme Court defiance, from MAGA loyalty to the global rise in authoritarianism—the conversation spans economics, power, fear politics, and even vaccine conspiracies and food regulation.🔥 Key Topics Covered:🔹 The Trump Recession: Who's really paying for the tariffs and trade wars?🔹 Supreme Court Showdown: What happens if Trump ignores the judicial branch?🔹 Ukraine & Authoritarian Envy: How Putin and other dictators influence Trump’s worldview.🔹 MAGA & Economic Irony: Why struggling towns still cheer for those cutting their lifelines.🔹 RFK’s Wild Claims: From vaccines to food dyes—what he's getting wrong (and accidentally right).🔹 Project 2025 and the terrifying possibility of election suspension.🔹Climate, Class, and Privilege: Why America’s entitlement could be our undoing.📢 Join the Conversation:Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram @raisedredlivingblue_podSend us your feedback/questions/stories you want to feature on future episodes:https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Do you think America’s heading toward an authoritarian future?

Trump’s Trade Game Is Failing Small Business—Here’s How

In this episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, we'll unpack the real impact of Trump’s tariff proposals—on families, small businesses, and the American economy. With raw honesty and sharp commentary, they call out the misinformation, fear-based politics, and rising tide of misogyny and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric taking hold across conservative circles.

🔥 Key Topics:

🔹 Trump’s Tariffs = Taxes on You: How small business owners are getting crushed by rising import costs.

🔹 From Trade Deficit to Trade War: Why this economic strategy is rooted in outdated, dangerous thinking.

🔹 Misinformation Machine: How social media and right-wing propaganda are fueling fear and division.

🔹 LGBTQ+ Hate and Misinformation: The disturbing rise in attacks on queer individuals, especially queer women.

🔹 The MAGA Meltdown: From Markwayne Mullin to Marjorie Taylor Greene, what happens when conspiracy takes center stage.

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Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram (@raisedredlivingblue_pod).

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How a Marine Corps Veteran Left the GOP After Facing the Truth

In this deeply personal episode, Jason sits down with Thomas Poole—a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong conservative raised in a Southern military family—to explore the slow, painful, and eye-opening journey from red to blue.

Thomas shares his story of growing up in a Republican household, idolizing Reagan, and believing Fox News fear tactics... until reality hit. From standing behind President George W. Bush at Camp Lejeune during the Iraq invasion to voting for Barack Obama in 2012, Thomas breaks down the series of cracks that shattered his political beliefs—and why choosing love over fear changed everything.

🔹 Why there wasn’t a single “aha” moment

🔹 How the Republican Party weaponized religion and fear

🔹 The moral collapse of a party once branded as the home of “family values”

🔹 What it really means to think for yourself

If you’ve ever questioned where you came from or where you’re headed politically—this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

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Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram (@raisedredlivingblue_pod).

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In this urgent episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, we break down the reality of America’s constitutional and democracy crisis. With Trump pushing executive overreach, the right redefining what dictatorship even means, and Democrats failing to respond effectively, the U.S. is hurtling toward global realignment—one where China, Russia, and the U.S. each take a slice of the world.

Is there hope? Can democracy survive this? Tune in for a reality check and what we can actually do about it.

📢 Join the Conversation!

Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram (@raisedredlivingblue_pod).

Like, share, and subscribe to support bold political discussions! 💬🔥

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Is Trump Finally Running Out of Luck? The Fall of MAGA and the Chaos of PoliticsIn this episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, we dive deep into the ongoing political chaos. From the Democrats’ messaging struggles to the Republicans’ unwavering strategy, they break down the latest developments, including Gavin Newsom’s controversial podcast guests, Mo Brooks’ shocking admission about Trump, and the economic impact of the Ukraine aid freeze. They also discuss the cultural debate around trans athletes and why political boycotts are gaining traction. Will the Democrats step up before it's too late? Tune in for this and more!📢 Join the Conversation!Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram (@raisedredlivingblue_pod).Like, share, and subscribe to support bold political discussions! 💬🔥Send us your feedback/questions/stories you want to feature on future episodes:https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6