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Praise Be To Pod

Bailee and Ashley

Ashley and Bailee are reclaiming their spirituality after leaving the evangelical church behind. Join them for candid conversations about the twists and turns of deconstruction, spirituality, pop culture, mental health, astrology, self-care, and all the things that make life interesting after the altar call. Together, we’ll laugh, reflect, and discover what we still believe in.

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  • 21 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 55 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • S3 · E18
    Sunday · 56 min

    From Supernatural Ministry to Queer Deconstruction with Mike Maeshiro | Part 1

    This week Ashley and Bailee kick things off with the politics of expensive desk chairs, the two hours Bailee lost Uncle Marty, and her unexpected new love affair with baseball (much to Ashley's disapproval). Jacob weighs in with his signature distaste for Rotten Tomatoes ratings. In our Part 1 interview with Mike Maeshiro, founder of Numa, we go back to the beginning. Mike opens up about knowing he was gay from a young age, and what it was like navigating that reality inside an evangelical world that offered him conversion therapy instead of acceptance. He walks us through his years at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, teaching "Discerning of Spirits" and how that same season eventually planted the seeds for what would become Numa, the organization he now leads to help others recover from religious toxicity. _____ Mike Maeshiro: Mike Maeshiro is the founder of Numa, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals recovering from religious toxicity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. A prominent voice in both the LGBTQ+ and deconstruction movements, Mike draws on his experiences as a gay man navigating his Christian upbringing and ministry to share profound insights about faith and identity. As a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, known for his class "Discerning of Spirits," Mike now focuses on emotional health and redemptive deconstruction. He serves as a consultant and coach for gay men transitioning away from evangelicalism, leading a team of coaches who assist those whose faith is evolving. In addition to his advocacy, Mike is a social media influencer and thought leader, emphasizing the transformative power of living authentically and reclaiming spirituality in affirming ways. “HUMANS MATTER MORE THAN THEOLOGY.” - MIKE MAESHIRO Find More from Mike Numa: https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/ Podcast: Confessions of a Reformer Mike’s Coming Out Story on Youtube: God Wants Me To Be Gay - A Christian Pastor’s Coming Out Story Instagram: @mikemaeshiro Youtube: @mikemaeshiro3965 Episodes Mentioned with Tyler Williamson on Spiritual Abuse: Part 1 Part 2 Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E17
    August 16 · 49 min

    Five Love Languages: The Gospel According to Gary Chapman

    This week Ashley and Bailee break down the Five Love Languages: where they actually came from (hint: it's more churchy than you think), why zero peer-reviewed studies back them up, and how a 1992 Christian Literature release somehow out-lasted Myers-Briggs as our go-to personality rubric. The author, Gary Chapman, was a Baptist marriage counselor with a Ph.D. in adult education. Somehow his little notebook became the defining relationship framework of the last three decades — and neither of us can figure out how "physical touch" ended up in every guy's Hinge bio. We're talking origin story, slow-burn rise to fame, the actual science (or lack thereof), and a full Hall of Grievances. Plus: what's on our hearts this week, our own love languages laid bare, and a few more thoughts of course. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E16
    August 9 · 51 min

    What's on Your Heart: Summer Edition

    This week, join Ashley and Bailee for a full-length “What's on Your Heart?” episode. From our thoughts on Lindsey Graham to Ashley’s trip to Kenya to Minnesota’s abysmal air quality, we're spending the entire episode catching up on everything that's happened over the summer, sharing what's been on our minds (and hearts), and following every tangent that inevitably comes with it. What we talk about: Bailee's move Ashley's trip to Kenya How Lindsay Graham’s Death brought self-reflection Our most embarrassing summer moments Marmot OnlyFans Reviewing The Odyssey …And more! Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E15
    August 2 · 45 min

    Oh, Heavens! Part 2: What Do You Think Happens When We Die?

    This week, Ashley and Bailee continue their conversation on heaven by exploring how the beliefs they inherited about the afterlife shaped the way they lived, loved, and understood the world around them. Together, they reflect on how evangelical Christianity informed the way they imagined heaven, discussing how those beliefs influenced everything from fear and purpose to relationships, justice, and caring for the present world. They explore what (if anything) about belief in the afterlife they've found meaningful on the other side of deconstruction, and how reimagining heaven has transformed the way they think about what it means to live life in the present. What we talk about: Bailee’s tornado chasing aspirations. Ashley finally saw Obsession. What we were taught about heaven. The surprising consequences of Evangelical afterlife theology. So what’s the deal with ghosts? References: Boyer, P. (1992). When time shall be no more: Prophecy belief in modern American culture. Harvard University Press. Collins, J. J. (2016). The apocalyptic imagination: An introduction to Jewish apocalyptic literature (3rd ed.). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. Dante Alighieri. (2003). The divine comedy: Paradiso (A. Mandelbaum, Trans.). Bantam Classics. (Original work published ca. 1321) Darby, J. N. (1974). The hopes of the church of God. Bible Truth Publishers. (Original work published in the 1830s–1840s) Ehrman, B. D. (2020). Heaven and hell: A history of the afterlife. Simon & Schuster. LaHaye, T., & Jenkins, J. B. (1995). Left behind. Tyndale House Publishers. Levenson, J. D. (2006). Resurrection and the restoration of Israel: The ultimate victory of the God of life. Yale University Press. McDannell, C., & Lang, B. (2001). Heaven: A history (2nd ed.). Yale University Press. Michelangelo Buonarroti. (1536–1541). The Last Judgment [Fresco]. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City. Russell, J. B. (1997). A history of heaven: The singing silence. Princeton University Press. Sandeen, E. R. (1970). The roots of fundamentalism: British and American millenarianism, 1800–1930. University of Chicago Press. Segal, A. F. (2004). Life after death: A history of the afterlife in Western religion. Doubleday. The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. (2021). National Council of Churches. Wright, N. T. (2008). Surprised by hope: Rethinking heaven, the resurrection, and the mission of the church. HarperOne. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E14
    July 26 · 45 min

    Oh, Heavens! Part 1: The History, Mythology, and the Afterlife

    This week, Ashley and Bailee kick off a two-part conversation exploring the origins of heaven and revisiting one of the foundational beliefs they were taught growing up in evangelical Christianity. Together, they reflect on the version of heaven they inherited from the church, and explore how that picture was shaped by centuries of history, theology, and cultural influence. They discuss the historical evolution of beliefs about the afterlife, the surprising impact of Dante's Divine Comedy on modern Christian imagination, and what Jesus may have actually meant when he proclaimed that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand." What we talk about: War crimes Ashley visit to Azusa Street How “All Dogs Go to Heaven” saved Ashley’s life Origins of the Christian belief in heaven Dante’s influence on Heaven imagery What does “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” actually mean? References: Alighieri, D. (1308–1321). The Divine Comedy [Poem]. (R. Kirkpatrick, Trans.). Penguin Classics. Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.). H8064 – shamayim – Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (KJV). https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8064/kjv/wlc/0-1/ Champlin, E. (2003). Nero. Harvard University Press. Christianity.com. (2023, February 24). Who are the four living creatures in Revelation? https://www.christianity.com/wiki/end-times/who-four-living-creatures-revelation.html DeMars, D. (2020, September 22). Who are the elders and living creatures in Revelation 4? Theology Pathfinder. https://derekdemars.com/2020/09/22/who-are-the-elders-and-living-creatures-in-revelation-4/ Hebrew for Christians. (2026). Shamayim (שָׁמַיִם): How to say heaven in Hebrew. https://learnhebrewforchristians.com/hebrew-words/heaven-shamayim Jewish Virtual Library. (n.d.). Sadducees, Pharisees, and Essenes. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org My Jewish Learning. (n.d.). Jewish views on the afterlife. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/afterlife/ Religion Wiki. (n.d.). Heaven in Judaism: Shamayim. https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Heaven_(Judaism) Walls, J. L. (2002). Heaven: The logic of eternal joy. Oxford University Press. Wright, N. T. (2008). Surprised by hope: Rethinking heaven, the resurrection, and the mission of the church. HarperOne. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E13
    July 19 · 1 hr 6 min

    Church Skit Nepo Baby with Katherine Scipioni

    This week, Ashley and Bailee continue their conversation with their friend Scip as she reflects on growing up in 90s evangelical culture and her journey through deconstruction. Together, they explore Scip’s upbringing in the Assembly of God church, her experience attending an evangelical Bible college, and the ways those environments shaped (and challenged) her faith. They unpack the unique culture and politics of evangelical higher education, revisit the unforgettable world of puppet teams and human video competitions, and reflect on what it means to untangle the traditions, beliefs, and communities that shaped you while finding your own way forward. What we talk about: - Special guest Katherine Scipioni - The gatorade wars - Being embarrassingly earnest - Church skit human video competitions - Going to a conservative Bible College - Lying for fun - Tricky timing with purity culture Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E12
    July 12 · 56 min

    If everyone's gay, who will bear children? Sage Advice with Special Guest, Katherine Scipioni

    This week, Ashley and Bailee are joined by their friend Katherine Scipioni “Scip” to respond to a parishioner question about navigating family relationships when faith and identity collide. Together, they discuss the pain of conditional acceptance, responding to a parishioner’s story about her conservative Christian family members choosing not to fully support her upcoming wedding to her fiancée. They explore how evangelical beliefs about marriage shape these responses, the role complementarian marriage can play in reinforcing harmful dynamics, and the complicated work of maintaining relationships with conservative family while honoring your own boundaries. What we talk about: - Ronald Reagan therapy intervention - We were given a Free Mason bible - Boston Hagus - Fake recipe rage bait - Parishioner write-in - Trying to reach people who are committed to misunderstanding you Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E11
    July 5 · 46 min

    UNLEARNING: Are We Still Evangelizing?

    This week, Ashley and Bailee explore the lingering ways evangelical Christianity continues to shape their thinking, even after deconstruction. Together, they reflect on how certain patterns don’t automatically disappear when beliefs change…they often shift form. From over-functioning in relationships to carrying a sense of moral urgency into political spaces, they examine how old frameworks can quietly persist beneath new language and identities—and how unlearning them has been harder than they expected. What we talk about: Coach (Ashley’s dog) goes to Camp Courage Bailee’s 4th grade crush Aperol spritz o’clock Couple’s Therapy How Evangelicalism f*cked up our relationships Is Leftism Bailee’s new gospel? References: Post by @thekindred.space on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DYH8wp-FHNe/ Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E10
    June 28 · 53 min

    Mental Health: Spiritual Bypassing

    This week, Ashley and Bailee unpack one of evangelicalism's most enduring coping mechanisms: spiritual bypassing. Together, they explore the pressure to "choose joy" when life is falling apart, the expectation to stay positive no matter the circumstances, and the ways difficult emotions are often treated as spiritual failures rather than normal parts of being human. Along the way, they discuss Word of Faith theology, the fear of "speaking things into existence," and what it means to hold onto hope without denying reality. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E9
    June 21 · 50 min

    Boys Will Be Boys: The Modern Exvangelical Manosphere

    This week, Ashley and Bailee fail the Bechdel Test for the very first time with an all-new episode on one of humanity's oldest and most infamous subjects: men. Together, they unpack some of the dynamics they've noticed in progressive spaces and relationships, exploring the ways patriarchal patterns can persist even as people deconstruct old beliefs and embrace new values. From emotional labor to accountability, they reflect on the ways these systems continue to shape how we relate to one another. Along the way, they discuss feminism, self-awareness, and what it actually means to do the ongoing work of unlearning the messages we've all inherited. References: American Institute for Boys and Men. (2024). Male loneliness and isolation: What the data shows. American Institute for Boys and Men Bernstein, M. (Host). (2026, May 15). Is Tucker Carlson your friend now? (with Naomi Klein) [Audio podcast episode]. In A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein. iHeartPodcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tucker-carlson-problem-with-naomi-klein/id1693739175?i=1000767917217 Gallup. (2025, April 3). Rise in young men’s religiosity realigns gender gaps. Gallup National Public Radio. (2025, February 17). The men’s loneliness epidemic might not exist in the way we think. NPR Pew Research Center. (2025, January 16). Men, women and social connections. Pew Research Center The Week. (2024, September 12). The rise of the performative male. The Week Worthen, M. (2025, March 24). Are we actually experiencing a Christian revival? New York Magazine. New York Magazine Cigarette Post Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E8
    June 14 · 59 min

    The Gospel According to White Evangelicalism: Bekha's Story

    This week, Bailee and Ashley are joined by a very special guest: Bailee’s childhood best friend, Bekha. Bekha and Bailee first met as children when Bekha's family began attending the charismatic evangelical church that Bailee's parents planted and pastored in their small rural community. While Bekha and Bailee share many memories and experiences from their upbringing in the church, Bekha was also navigating evangelicalism as a biracial, second-generation Honduran American. Together, they reflect on growing up in the same religious environment, the ways their experiences overlapped and diverged, and the journeys that eventually led them both to deconstruct their faith. Along the way, they discuss identity, belonging, race, church culture, and the lasting impact of evangelicalism long after leaving it behind. Check Out Bekha’s Children’s Book! Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E7
    June 7 · 56 min

    One Year of Praise Be to Pod: Stages of Deconstruction

    This week, Ashley and Bailee celebrate one year of Praise Be to Pod, reflecting on the journey that brought them here. After a year of conversations about evangelicalism, spirituality, culture, power, and healing, they take stock of how their deconstruction has evolved—and where it might be leading next. Along the way, they discuss the different stages of deconstruction they've experienced, beliefs they've let go of and reclaimed, and the ways their understanding of faith and identity has shifted. They also explore how their focus has expanded beyond religious systems to broader conversations about history, Christian nationalism, patriarchy, white supremacy, and power. Finally, they reflect on what surprised them most over the past year, what they've learned from creating the podcast, and what they're looking forward to as they enter year two. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E6
    May 31 · 58 min

    The Hollywood Fall from Grace to Evangelical A$$hole with Husband of the Pod, Danny

    Content Advisory: This episode explores themes of domestic violence, sexual assault, and violence against LGBTQ+ people This week, Ashley and Bailee are joined by Ashley’s husband Danny to discuss the infamous pipeline of powerful men who conveniently find God in the middle of public scandal and accountability. Using Shia LaBeouf, Kanye West, and Russell Brand as case studies, we explore why celebrity conversion narratives are so compelling—and why religious communities are often eager to embrace them. Along the way, we unpack the difference between genuine accountability and performative self-deprecation, the cultural appeal of the redemption arc, and whether reconciliation and inner transformation are possible when significant harm has been caused. References: Kanye’s “A Jewish Doctor” Clip: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DBu3o0AtpP9/ Lights out Kid: https://www.instagram.com/light4079/ https://www.vogue.com/article/russell-brand-troubling-rebrand https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/guest-voices/conversion-catholicism-shouldnt-be-right-wing-power-play Fact Check: Russell Brand has not yet gone to trial, but he has appeared at London’s Southwark Crown Court for several preliminary hearings and to formally enter his not guilty pleas. His full trial—which will combine seven charges of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault relating to six women—is scheduled to begin at the Southwark Crown Court on October 12, 2026 Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E5
    May 24 · 50 min

    The Soft Life Pipe Dream: Selling Womanhood in Late-Stage Capitalism

    This week, Ashley and Bailee explore the resurgence of tradwife and homesteading aesthetics, “divine feminine” content, and viral online trends centered around softness, submission, and retreat from modern life — asking what cultural conditions are making these ideas feel especially appealing right now. We also look at how these movements don’t exist in a vacuum, but often intersect with broader political and religious messaging from the right that idealizes traditional gender roles and re-centers women’s value around domesticity, dependence, and family structure. At the same time, we reflect on the real fatigue many women feel with productivity-driven culture, and the complicated pull between wanting rest and simplicity while also maintaining autonomy, safety, and self-determination. References: Journal Article Perez, J. (2025). The rage of tradwives: Affective economies and romanticizing retreat. Feminist Theory. Advance online publication. doi.org Online Article (Wonkette - Study) Pennacchia, R. (2025, February 21). Study: Men who want 'tradwives' actually just want to control women. Wonkette. https://www.wonkette.com/p/study-men-who-want-tradwives-actually Online Article (Wonkette - Lauren Southern) Pennacchia, R. (2024, May 31). Lauren Southern discovers the real reason people don't like the tradwife movement. Wonkette. https://www.wonkette.com/p/lauren-southern-discovers-real-reason Strobelightbrain. (2024, January 3). I read something recently (maybe it was on A Mighty Girl) about how men with degrading views of women... [Online forum comment]. In Is ‘soft girl life’ and the rise in homesteading trends a rebrand of evangelical gender roles? Reddit. reddit.com Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E4
    May 17 · 59 min

    Signs & Wonders with Jubilee Dawn: When Miracles Mislead

    This week, Ashley and Bailee are joined by Jubilee Dawn for a conversation on “signs and wonders” within charismatic evangelical spaces. Jubilee shares from her experience in Bethel’s School of Supernatural Ministry (often described as “Christian Hogwarts”), reflecting on what it was like being immersed in a culture where prophetic words, miracles, and supernatural “signs” were not just encouraged, but often expected as the primary way of discerning life decisions and spiritual truth. Together, we explore how environments like these can shape identity and decision-making, and how the constant urgency to never miss when God is speaking can sometimes create pressure to override logic, embodiment, and personal intuition. We also reflect on what it looks like to rebuild trust in your own internal sense of knowing after leaving high-control spiritual spaces. Connect with Jubilee: Jubilee Dawn is a content creator, storyteller, and podcast host, known for sharing her personal experiences with religious trauma, purity culture, domestic violence, abuse, and a cult. She hosts the podcasts Healed-ish, which covers stories of trauma, betrayal, and starting over and The Overshare Hour, where she reads and reacts to chaotic, deeply human stories, anonymous Reddit posts, and listener-submitted dilemmas. 📸 Instagram: @jubileedawns 🎵 TikTok: @jubileedawns ▶️ YouTube: @jubileedawns References: Healedish: Episodes 1-4 for her story https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healed-ish/id1814121047 Heaven Bent: Jubilee Dawn is featured in Season 6 of the Heaven Bent podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heaven-bent/id1513489117 Bethel Statement on Shawn Bolz: https://www.bethel.com/news/bethel-statement-on-shawn-bolz-to-alumni Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E3
    May 10 · 47 min

    Save the Children: The Indoctrination Double Standard

    This week, Ashley and Bailee engage in a discussion of the evangelical and religious right’s “Save the Children” narrative — exploring how fears around education, media, and social progress are often used to shape public perception and moral urgency. We reflect on how these stories are constructed, who they’re aimed at, and what they reveal about broader anxieties around influence, identity, and who gets to “indoctrinate” children. We also consider the real vulnerabilities of children, how concerns for their protection can be unevenly applied, and how harm is sometimes weaponized to reinforce longstanding patterns of scapegoating. References: Office for Victims of Crime. (2024). Human trafficking. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. https://cops.usdoj.gov/html/dispatch/04-2024/human_trafficking.html Oklahoma Voice. (2024, February 26). Ryan Walters’ war on pornography has gone too far by weaponizing Oklahoma school accreditation. https://oklahomavoice.com/2024/02/26/ryan-walters-war-on-pornography-has-gone-too-far-by-weaponizing-oklahoma-school-accreditation/ Rolling Stone. (n.d.). Sound of Freedom: Child trafficking experts weigh in. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/sound-of-freedom-child-trafficking-experts-1234786352/ Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E2
    May 3 · 1 hr 20 min

    The Myth of a Christian Nation | Part 2: Trickle Down American Exceptionalism

    This week, Ashley and Bailee continue their deep-dive into the myth of a “Christian nation,” shifting into the modern era and the forces that shaped evangelical political identity as we know it today. We explore the cultural and political shifts surrounding the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, and how the rise of the Moral Majority helped cement the alliance between evangelical Christianity and conservative power. From there, we trace how events like 9/11, the War on Terror, and the Obama era fueled fear, urgency, and a deepened sense of “us vs. them” within evangelical spaces. As the timeline moves closer to the present, we look at how these narratives evolved through the Tea Party and into the Trump era—examining how the idea of America as a “Christian nation” became not just a belief, but a driving force in politics, culture, and identity. References: National Public Radio. (2018, February 24). Billy Graham walked a line—and regretted crossing into politics. https://www.npr.org/2018/02/24/587809173/billy-graham-walked-a-line-and-regretted-crossing-over-it-when-it-came-to-politi Public Broadcasting Service. (n.d.). Reaganomics. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/commandingheights/shared/minitext/ess_reaganomics.html Virginia Commonwealth University, Social Welfare History Project. (n.d.). The conservative transition in American social policy. https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/eras/1980s-beyond/the-conservative-transition-in-american-social-policy/ Add to Bailee’s summer floating playlist Fact Check: Billy Graham Quote: "I told him [Falwell] to preach the Gospel. That's our calling. I want to preserve the purity of the Gospel and the freedom of religion in America. I don't want to see religious bigotry in any form. Liberals organized in the '60s, and conservatives certainly have a right to organize in the '80s, but it would disturb me if there was a wedding between the religious fundamentalists and the political right. The hard right has no interest in religion except to manipulate it." — Billy Graham Source: February 1, 1981, cover story of Parade magazine, titled "Billy Graham: America Is Not God's Only Kingdom". Hijackers in the September 11 attacks hailed from four countries: 15 of them were citizens of Saudi Arabia, two were from the United Arab Emirates, one was from Egypt, and one from Lebanon. Source: "A Review of the FBI's Handling of Intelligence Information Prior to the September 11 Attacks". Office of the Inspector General. Chapter Five: Two September 11 Hijackers: Khalid Al-Mihdhar and Nawaf Al-Hazmi. U.S. Department of Justice. June 2005. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E1
    April 26 · 1 hr

    The Myth of a Christian Nation | Part 1: Evangelical Revisionist History

    This week, Ashley and Bailee kick off Part 1 of a deep-dive into one of the most widely accepted beliefs in evangelical culture: that the United States was founded as a Christian nation. From childhood teachings to political messaging, many of us were told that America’s identity is inherently tied to Christianity — but as we started asking questions, that narrative began to unravel. In this episode, we trace the roots of that belief — from the Founding Fathers and the realities of America’s founding, to the Civil War, where both sides claimed God, to the rise of Reagan-era politics and the Moral Majority. Along the way, we explore how Christianity and nationalism became intertwined, and how the idea of a “Christian nation” was built over time. Correction: Pat Robertson built CBN (not Jerry Fallwell), later creating CBN University (now Regent University) and the Christian Coalition. While Robertson and Falwell were both giants of the Religious Right, their primary organizations were separate. Recommendations: “Jesus and John Wayne” (Kristin Kobes Du M ez) — Analyzes the development of a particularly masculine strain of evangelicalism that influenced Christian nationalist culture (commonly recommended alongside Stewart). “Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States” (Samuel Perry & Andrew Whitehead) — Sociological research on Christian nationalist beliefs and how they correlate with political identity. Episode 29: The Puritans: The Religion That Built & Broke America References: Balmer, R. (2006). Thy kingdom come: How the religious right distorts the faith. Basic Books. Balmer, R. (2014). The real origins of the religious right. Politico Magazine. Biag, L. (2025). Race, religion, and reproductive rights: Understanding the conservative anti-abortion movement in America. Imagine: A Promise & McNair Scholars Undergraduate Journal. University of California, Santa Barbara. ucsb.edu Fea, J. (2016). Was America founded as a Christian nation? Westminster John Knox Press. Frazer, G. (2012). The religious beliefs of America’s founders. University Press of Kansas. Holmes, D. L. (2006). The faiths of the founding fathers. Oxford University Press. Jefferson, T. (1820). The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth (The Jefferson Bible). Madison, J. (1785). Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments. McKeegan M. The politics of abortion: a historical perspective. Women's Health Issues. 1993 Fall;3(3):127-31. doi: 10.1016/s1049-3867(05)80245-2. PMID: 8274866. Noll, M. A. (2002). America’s God. Oxford University Press. Rakove, J. N. (2010). Revolutionaries: A new history of the invention of America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Wald, K. D., & Calhoun-Brown, A. (2018). Religion and politics in the United States. Rowman & Littlefield. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S2 · E24
    April 19 · 55 min

    The Narrow Road | Part 2 | The Threat of Christian Nationalism with Joanna Whaley

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Joanna Whaley, we continue unpacking Joanna’s journey from evangelical pastor to political candidate — diving into the intersections of faith, politics, and identity in a time when Christian values and nationalism collide. Join us as we dive into Joanna’s campaign for the Michigan House of Representatives, how she confronts Christian nationalism in American politics, and the ways the MAGA movement leverages fear and deception to gain power. We also reflect on our grief for family and friends who have been lost to MAGA ideology… and what it looks like to maintain love and hope for our reconciliation. Follow and support Joanna’s work: SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joannawhaley SOCIALS: https://www.tiktok.com/@joannawhaleyofficial https://www.instagram.com/joannawhaleyofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/joannawhaleyofficial https://bsky.app/profile/joannawhaley.bsky.social Recommended to View on Netflix: Boy Erased, Edgerton, J. (Director). (2018). Boy Erased [Film]. Focus Features. Pray Away, Stolakis, K. (Director). (2021). Pray Away [Film]. Multitude Films; Netflix. References: Robb, A. (2025, October 30). The truth about IFS, the therapy that can break you. The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/article/truth-about-ifs-therapy-internal-family-systems-trauma-treatment.html Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S2 · E23
    April 12 · 1 hr 2 min

    The Narrow Road | Part 1 | From Megachurch Pastor to Progressive Political Activist with Joanna Whaley

    In Part 1 of our conversation with Joanna Whaley, candidate for Michigan House of Representatives, Ashley and Bailee sit down with Joanna to unpack her story as a former evangelical pastor navigating identity, faith, and institutional power. After being outed as a transgender woman by a congregant, Joanna was dismissed from one of Michigan’s largest megachurches—an event that upended every aspect of her life. She candidly shares her experiences surviving conversion therapy, confronting transphobia within the church, and reclaiming her faith and understanding of God in the aftermath. Join us next week for Part 2! Follow and support Joanna’s work: SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joannawhaley SOCIALS: https://www.tiktok.com/@joannawhaleyofficial https://www.instagram.com/joannawhaleyofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/joannawhaleyofficial https://bsky.app/profile/joannawhaley.bsky.social Recommended to View on Netflix: Boy Erased, Edgerton, J. (Director). (2018). Boy Erased [Film]. Focus Features. Pray Away, Stolakis, K. (Director). (2021). Pray Away [Film]. Multitude Films; Netflix. References: Robb, A. (2025, October 30). The truth about IFS, the therapy that can break you. The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/article/truth-about-ifs-therapy-internal-family-systems-trauma-treatment.html Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

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