Reviews

A key resource for queer activists

As a queer AIDS activist, I’ve been watching and opposing the Christian nationalist movement all my adult life, and I believe we are very fortunate that SWAJ emerged just as the anti-LGBTQ+ war machine mounted its reactionary comeback in the Trump era. I’ve learned so much from Brad, Dan, and their guests, and I continue to rely on them for news coverage and analysis that rightly acknowledges the ascendant role of Christian nationalism in our public life. Their expertise and insight have expanded my understanding of the ongoing threat to queer lives and liberties, and I’m grateful for the hope their alliance brings to our struggle.

Malcom Scott
July 7, 2025

Essential weekly listening

Deep, thoughtful, courageous points of view. They offer context that is often invisible in the secular world, all while reminding us of our shared humanity. Non-toxic masculinity at its finest!

twombly
June 27, 2025

Fantastic resource

I’ve been listening to this pod since 2017 or so. Phenomenal output from these scholars who are able to provide cogent and insightful analysis of the overlapping spheres involving fundamentalist christianity and conservative politics. This has helped me to understand the world I was brought up inside as I made my way out. I cannot recommend this more highly.

seantkirkland
June 21, 2025

Helpful and sharp insight into religious extremism

Brad and Dan offer a window into a world that is taking over so many institutions in America. Their analysis makes it easy to understand the thinking behind bizarre policy directions and acts of violence. Dan explained why empathy is bad in some religious circles - an idea that stopped me in my tracks. Who could think that and why would they? Now I know. The Friday news shows is one of my favorites - I always learn something. It’s an awesome podcast - highly recommend.

Smart and sharp and funny
June 20, 2025

Excellent analysis of religious angle

Brad and Dan have been working for years to help connect scholarly analysis of religion to the daily issues in the news, in popular discussions, and among US Christian “hot topics.” This podcast and its related ones are reliable sources for insight and expertise.

SusBeen
June 20, 2025

Much needed!

Thank you to Brad & Dan for this podcast. We need it! Your hard work is appreciated.

Midelirious
June 20, 2025

Good Podcast

Great podcast, gives very important information in these turbulent times.

TiredFeministWitch
June 20, 2025

Teaching our kids - so important!

Loved the episode on how to talk to your son about fascism. Perhaps girls need this talk just as much. For them to understand why they see fascist behavior in men - and boys - so they can relate to them with empathy and an appreciation of the demands placed on them - in order to set boundaries that men can respect. Thanks for all you do. You’ve convinced me that I need to subscribe to support such important content.

WORSTAPPEVER0/10
June 11, 2025

Teaching our kids - so important!

Loved the episode on how to talk to your son about fascism. Perhaps girls need this talk just as much. For them to understand why they see fascist behavior in men - and boys - so they can relate to them with empathy and an appreciation of the demands placed on them - in order to set boundaries that men can respect. Thanks for all you do. You’ve convinced me that I need to subscribe to support such important content.

WORSTAPPEVER0/10
June 11, 2025

A peek through the window as a religious outsider, but also a bit repetitive

This show is great! I was raised Pagan and am now Buddhist, so I have almost zero relevant cultural context (although I have read the Bible and been to church because… I’m also a nerd). I picked up this show because of “the Trump thing”, I’ve been very curious about what’s going on “over there” in Evangelical world that makes this all make sense. That said, the more I listen, the more listening feels very much like “staring into the void.” It’s dark, and does not help me feel like there’s anything I can do to help solve the cultural divide. It also feels more and more like the hosts are saying “here is my opinion. How do you agree with me?” Rather than actually interviewing guests. Maybe expecting a journalistic approach is a bit of a high expectation of a podcast, but hearing something different than the same two peoples’ opinions on repeat is what makes me want to listen more. And I strongly dislike the way they suggest that a subscription costs “less than the latte you bought on the way to work.” I make my own coffee every single morning because I’m broke. I do not have latte money to spare. I’m sure I’m not alone.

This Way And That
May 21, 2025

Love the Show

I love substance of the show, but Dan Miller needs to remove the word “like” from his vocabulary. He says “like” so often that it distracts me from the substance of what Dan is trying to say.

83815
May 12, 2025

Very healing and informative

I grew up in high demand religion, and it has taken 30 years to untangle my brain from the confusion in the trauma of it, this podcast really helps. It took finding this podcast for me to realize that my family were Christian nationalist.

Candy Queen😘
April 28, 2025

A peek through the window as a religious outsider, but also a bit repetitive

This show is great! I was raised Pagan and am now Buddhist, so I have almost zero relevant cultural context (although I have read the Bible and been to church because… I’m also a nerd). I picked up this show because of “the Trump thing”, I’ve been very curious about what’s going on “over there” in Evangelical world that makes this all make sense. That said, the more I listen, the more listening feels very much like “staring into the void.” It’s dark, and does not help me feel like there’s anything I can do to help solve the cultural divide. It also feels more and more like the hosts are saying “here is my opinion. How do you agree with me?” Rather than actually interviewing guests. Maybe expecting a journalistic approach is a bit of a high expectation of a podcast, but hearing something different than the same two peoples’ opinions on repeat is what makes me want to listen more. And I strongly dislike the way they suggest that a subscription costs “less than the latte you bought on the way to work.” I make my own coffee every single morning because I’m broke. I do not have latte money to spare. I’m sure I’m not alone.

This Way And That
April 26, 2025

A peek through the window as a religious outsider, but also a bit repetitive

This show is great! I was raised Pagan and am now Buddhist, so I have almost zero relevant cultural context (although I have read the Bible and been to church because… I’m also a nerd). I picked up this show because of “the Trump thing”, I’ve been very curious about what’s going on “over there” in Evangelical world that makes this all make sense. That said, the more I listen, the more listening feels very much like “staring into the void.” It’s dark, and does not help me feel like there’s anything I can do to help solve the cultural divide. It also feels more and more like the hosts are saying “here is my opinion. How do you agree with me?” Rather than actually interviewing guests. Maybe expecting a journalistic approach is a bit of a high expectation of a podcast, but hearing something different than the same two peoples’ opinions on repeat is what makes me want to listen more. And I strongly dislike the way they suggest that a subscription costs “less than the latte you bought on the way to work.” I make my own coffee every single morning because I’m broke. I do not have latte money to spare. I’m sure I’m not alone.

This Way And That
April 26, 2025

Love & learn

I love this show so much & have learned so much from both Dan & Brad. Their podcaster styles are very different and the dynamic they create is thoroughly engaging, as each of them also are when they host individually. Despite analysis of current events that is often dire (how could it not be?), they leave us with Reasons for Hope that end the show on an affirming note. Thanks, guys! Keep up the great work.❤️

curiouscrow
March 11, 2025

Well done today

This was very spot on. There are so many scriptures and stories in the Bible that don’t seem to support one’s idea of “goodness,” and for me it became difficult, then impossible to make the puzzle pieces fit together. I stopped teaching Sunday school and stepped away from organized Christian religious practices for many years. I look forward to your future insights on this topic. Thank you from NC

ElizaCost
Feb. 19, 2025

SWAJ

I have listened for a few years now and understand the need to grow and expand. I’d love it if you dropped the half episodes though. I’m not planning to subscribe and find the commercialized content to be enough and the half episodes to be off putting. Playing what you can in full is fine and leave out the rest.

craigspofford
Feb. 11, 2025

Such a great podcast-informative and hopeful

I aways look forward to Brad and Dan’s conversations.

ferrarifamily
Jan. 12, 2025

Expectations blown away

Amazing discussion and insight on American politics and religion in America. Highly recommended

GrandpaSauce
Jan. 10, 2025

Love

One of my favorite podcasts. I listen every week! It is very informative and well thought out. I would highly recommend!

Berkeleynicole
Jan. 8, 2025

Thoughtful discussion and great guests

I’ve been listening now for months and decided to subscribe to support the podcast. Really appreciate the thoughtful informed discussions and focus on unmasking roots of white Christian nationalism in our political system as well as the connections with people and organizations that I didn’t know about. I feel a lot better informed and aware.

Kbk87
Jan. 7, 2025

OOAK Christian-nationalist analysis

Up-to-date, scholarly reporting and analysis about Christian Nationalism with a special focus on its current rise in power in US Politics. Essential Listening!

FloraSara
Jan. 6, 2025

Great pod

By far my favorite podcast out there! So grateful for all of the amazing coverage.

nocopk
Jan. 6, 2025

Interesting and Thoughtful

I have been listening to SWAJ for a while now as a paid subscriber. Brad and Dan bring a scholar’s mind to the ways right wing Christian movements are shaping culture, media and politics in ways not seen before. They do this while being really engaging and always interesting. This is essential listening if you want to understand the power and influence of Christianity in America. I truly appreciate and love what they do.

DC_Christine
Jan. 3, 2025