Shows
More ChristEpisode 145: Molly Worthen: What Makes Leaders Irresistable and Repulsive? Charisma and ChristianityIn this episode of More Christ, I sit down with historian and writer Dr Molly Worthen for a rich and searching conversation about faith, doubt, charisma, authority, and the modern spiritual landscape. Drawing from her deep research into evangelicalism, intellectual life, and the history of belief, Molly helps us understand why people are drawn to gurus, prophets, and charismatic leaders — and how Christians can pursue truth without losing humility, depth, or faithfulness.We explore the challenges facing Christianity today, the hunger for meaning in a disenchanted age, and how the life of the mind can serve — rather than weaken — a livi...
2026-02-1459 min
Acton LineNoah Gould Is Finding Skeptics Finding GodIn this episode, Dan Hugger speaks with Noah Gould, Alumni and Student Programs Manager at the Acton Institute, about the shape that religion and faith in God takes for those who journey from atheism and skepticism to the Christian faith.
Why are high-profile skeptics taking a fresh look at the Christian faith? Are we experiencing more general revival? What can churches do to be open to a new generation of seekers?
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2026-01-2857 min
The Commonweal PodcastAmerican Charisms: A conversation with 'Spellbound' author Molly WorthenHosts and Commonweal contributors Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins and Nick Tabor discuss Spellbound : How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump with author Molly Worthen, professor of history at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Episode production and original music by Joel Myers.
2026-01-2149 min
Trinity Forum ConversationsCharisma in Leaders: The Hidden Dynamic with Molly WorthenCharisma in leaders is a mysterious phenomenon. Maybe even baffling, if you’re the one left cold by a leader others see as charismatic. How has this mysterious word charisma, coined by the Apostle Paul but now applied widely, shaped us? How can this concept help us to understand our world?Our guide in understanding it is the University of North Carolina historian Molly Worthen, who’s also one of our Senior Fellows at the Trinity Forum. She’s written widely on her unexpected turn to Christian faith. In this conversation, drawing on her book...
2026-01-2059 min
Alive with Steve BurnsIs Charisma More Powerful Than Truth - with Molly WorthenWhy are we so easily persuaded by charisma? In this episode, historian and writer Molly Worthen talks about the strange, magnetic force we call charisma and why it’s having such a moment right now. Why aren’t facts more persuasive? When does inspiration slide into manipulation? How do you know when a story is moving you or using you? This isn’t about charm or “rizz.” It’s about storytelling, certainty, and the deep human need to feel part of something bigger. Exclus...
2026-01-1448 min
Notary Public RadioDr. Molly Worthen's: SPELLBOUND: How Charisma Shaped American History From the Puritans to Donald TrumpMichael and Miguel talk to Professor Molly Worthen on her newest book, SPELLBOUND: How Charisma Shaped American History From the Puritans to Donald Trump (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746737/spellbound-by-molly-worthen/)Notary Public Radio is a Podcast of the Lab at UNC History. The podcast that connects the issues of today to the Historical Record for everyday listeners.Hosted by assistant professor of film studies at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Michael A. Betts II, alongside professor and chair of the history department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Miguel La...
2026-01-011h 12
The Remnant Radio's PodcastSpellbound: The Story of Charisma in America (with Molly Worthen)What happens when the power of the Holy Spirit collides with the chaos of American politics? Join Joshua Lewis as he sits down with historian Molly Worthen to explore her book Spellbound, which traces the fascinating and often controversial story of charisma—both spiritual and political—from Puritan prophets to modern-day leaders like Donald Trump.We explore the tension between institutional authority and personal revelation that has defined American Christianity and culture for centuries. Discover how figures like Anne Hutchinson challenged Puritan ministers by claiming direct assurance from the Holy Spirit, how George Whitefield revolutionized preaching with thea...
2025-12-241h 04
Re-EnchantingRe-enchanting... Charisma - Molly WorthenMolly Worthen is an academic and journalist who has spent much of her career chronicling the history of religion in the USA. Two years ago she joined Justin and Belle for Re-Enchanting, to talk about her own unlikely journey to faith as an adult convert to Christianity. Today she returns to talk about her new book ‘Spellbound’ - charting America’s love affair with charismatic leaders in religion and politics. Today we attempt to re-enchant… ‘Charisma’.For 'Spellbound': https://mollyworthen.com/book/spellbound/ For Molly Worthen's first appearance on Re-Enchanting: https://www.seenanduns...
2025-12-101h 02
Talks from the Hoover InstitutionSpellbound with Niall Ferguson and Molly Worthen | Hoover InstitutionAfter the Hoover Applied History Working Group book-launch seminar on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Hoover Institution fellow Niall Ferguson interviewed Molly Worthen the author of Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump.
Watch the full book-launch seminar here: https://youtu.be/bXkccTi7ZDE
2025-12-0312 min
Saved by the CityHoly Rizz and the Power of Hype + Molly WorthenBeware the charismatic pastor?
America has long had a love affair with celebrity — be that of the Hollywood variety or the political ilk. From superstar athletes to celebrity chefs, their woo is not wasted on us. And the history of American Christianity was shaped by men (and a few women) who possessed that irresistible gravitational pull. They held evangelistic revivals, founded denominations and even new religions, and inspired movements. They also sometimes amassed huge amounts of personal wealth, had scandalous affairs and led their followers to commit deadly acts. Charisma has been a powerful tool in the Am...
2025-11-0756 min
ConversationsThe Charisma of the Leader (ft. Molly Worthen)In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Molly Worthen joins in to discuss her recent book, Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump.
2025-10-2032 min
Beyond Sunday Worship Leader Podcast#373: How Charisma Has Shaped American History And Church History with Molly Worthen
What happens when Americans lose faith in their religious institutions – and politicians fill the void? As you study the scope of American history – and church history in America – you see an interesting connection to charisma. Charismatic leaders rise to prominence and galvanize a following. From the puritans and Andrew Jackson to black nationalists and Donald trump, the saga of American charisma stars figures who possess a bewildering power to move crowds. Charismatic leaders address spiritual needs, inviting followers into a story that gives them knowledge, power, and heroic status, whether as divinely chosen instruments of God or those who will r...
2025-10-161h 00
Beyond Sunday Worship Leader PodcastHow Charisma Has Shaped American History and Church History with Molly WorthenWhat happens when Americans lose faith in their religious institutions - and politicians fill the void? As you study the scope of American history - and church history in America - you see an interesting connection to charisma. Charismatic leaders rise to prominence and galvanize a following. From the puritans and Andrew Jackson to black nationalists and Donald trump, the saga of American charisma stars figures who possess a bewildering power to move crowds. Charismatic leaders address spiritual needs, inviting followers into a story that gives them knowledge, power, and heroic status, whether as divinely chosen instruments of God...
2025-10-161h 00
The Remnant with Jonah GoldbergPuritans, Canadians, Weberians, Oh My! | Interview: Molly WorthenJonah Goldberg talks to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor Molly Worthen about her recent book, Spellbound, as they trace the history of charisma—not to be confused with charm—through 400 years of American history.
Show Notes:—Molly’s webpage—Molly’s book: Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump
The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of Jonah’s G-File newsletters—click...
2025-10-091h 15
Upper House EventsPeculiar Stories of the Holy Ghost: Charisma in American Religion and PoliticsWhat is charisma? Sometimes the word indicates someone who is simply charming, while other times it can imply manipulation. We often use it to describe that undefinable quality of a leader. The role of charismatic figures in American history stretches from early religious revivals to contemporary political movements. Across every era, Americans have turned to those who promise to restore order and meaning by channeling both sacred and secular power. When traditional religious institutions struggle to provide purpose, charismatic figures—both sacred and secular—step into the void, offering followers a sense of divine calling and cosmic significance. Draw...
2025-10-0659 min
Upper House Commons EventsPeculiar Stories of the Holy Ghost: Charisma in American Religion and PoliticsWhat is charisma? Sometimes the word indicates someone who is simply charming, while other times it can imply manipulation. We often use it to describe that undefinable quality of a leader. The role of charismatic figures in American history stretches from early religious revivals to contemporary political movements. Across every era, Americans have turned to those who promise to restore order and meaning by channeling both sacred and secular power. When traditional religious institutions struggle to provide purpose, charismatic figures—both sacred and secular—step into the void, offering followers a sense of divine calling and cosmic significance. Draw...
2025-10-0659 min
The Rising Podcast with Melanie PennDoubting Toward Belief: Molly Worthen’s Journey to the ResurrectionHistorian Molly Worthen, a former skeptic who once envied those with faith, embarked on an unexpected journey toward belief in Jesus' resurrection. Her academic work in American religious history led her to examine Christian claims more deeply. Conversations with a pastor and advice from theologian/Christian apologist Tim Keller prompted her to reconsider her skepticism, as she found the evidence for the resurrection more compelling than she initially thought. This shift in perspective on the supernatural culminated in her baptism in a Southern Baptist church, a surprising turn for someone with an academic background who had previously dismissed such...
2025-10-0223 min
Gift of NeedWe Need to Understand Charisma & Character, Pt 2 - Episode #14Description:In Part 2 of this conversation, Jude and Dr. Molly Worthen continue exploring the intersection of charisma, character, and human need. Drawing from Molly’s newest book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History, from the Puritans to Donald Trump, they discuss how our search for meaning can both inspire faith and leave us vulnerable to manipulation.We talk about:· Why spiritual seekers can be especially susceptible to manipulation· The role of community, institutions, and accountability in healthy leadership· How revivals like the Toronto Blessing shaped modern faith and politics· The pr...
2025-09-2331 min
Gift of NeedWe Need to Understand Charisma & Character, Pt 1 - Episode #13Description:In this episode, Jude speaks with Dr. Molly Worthen, professor, historian and author, about the role of charisma and character in leadership and faith communities. Drawing from Molly’s newest book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History, from the Puritans to Donald Trump, together they explore how these traits shape influence, sustain trust, and impact both personal and public life.We talk about:· The difference between charisma and character· Historical examples of charismatic leaders· Why character is essential for lasting influence· The tension between personal gifts and integrityJ...
2025-09-1643 min
eX-skepticThe Will to Believe – Dr. Molly Worthen’s StoryMolly Worthen is an academic, a historian of religion, a Yale-educated professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, and was an agnostic for decades. She studied Christianity, wrote about it, and even lived alongside devout believers. But belief itself? That always felt just out of reach. In this conversation, Molly shares how God gently disrupted her intellectual framework, used unexpected relationships (including Pastor J.D. Greear), and led her on a rigorous investigation of the resurrection that changed everything.
Listen as she unpacks:
Why she resisted religion growing up
How studying Orthodoxy and evangelicalism fed her curiosity
Why most...
2025-09-121h 20
Beneath the HeadlinesMolly Worthen's Conversion and America's Passion for Spellbinding CharismaIn an interview with David Brooks, Molly Worthen characterized both herself and Brooks as 'overly educated, slightly nerdy, late-in-life converts.'Just 5 years ago, after conversations with Pastor J.D. Greear and Tim Keller, Worthen felt compelled to examine the evidence for Jesus. What she discovered forced her to change the direction of her entire life.This episode of Beneath The Headlines tells her story. We'll also unpack her latest book Spellbound — a history of how Charisma has affected American society from the Puritans to the present day. Molly Worthen i...
2025-09-081h 01
New Books in American PoliticsMolly Worthen, "Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Everyone feels it. Cultural and political life in America has become unrecognizable and strange. Firebrands and would-be sages have taken the place of reasonable and responsible leaders. Nuanced debates have given way to the smug confidence of yard signs. How did we get here?In Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Context (Random House, 2025), historian Molly Worthen argues that we will understand our present moment if we learn the story of charisma in America. From the Puritans and Andrew Jackson to Black nationalists and Donald Trump, the saga of Ame...
2025-09-061h 05
New Books in American StudiesMolly Worthen, "Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Everyone feels it. Cultural and political life in America has become unrecognizable and strange. Firebrands and would-be sages have taken the place of reasonable and responsible leaders. Nuanced debates have given way to the smug confidence of yard signs. How did we get here?In Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Context (Random House, 2025), historian Molly Worthen argues that we will understand our present moment if we learn the story of charisma in America. From the Puritans and Andrew Jackson to Black nationalists and Donald Trump, the saga of Ame...
2025-09-061h 05
New Books in PsychologyMolly Worthen, "Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Everyone feels it. Cultural and political life in America has become unrecognizable and strange. Firebrands and would-be sages have taken the place of reasonable and responsible leaders. Nuanced debates have given way to the smug confidence of yard signs. How did we get here?In Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Context (Random House, 2025), historian Molly Worthen argues that we will understand our present moment if we learn the story of charisma in America. From the Puritans and Andrew Jackson to Black nationalists and Donald Trump, the saga of Ame...
2025-09-061h 05
New Books in Political ScienceMolly Worthen, "Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Everyone feels it. Cultural and political life in America has become unrecognizable and strange. Firebrands and would-be sages have taken the place of reasonable and responsible leaders. Nuanced debates have given way to the smug confidence of yard signs. How did we get here?In Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Context (Random House, 2025), historian Molly Worthen argues that we will understand our present moment if we learn the story of charisma in America. From the Puritans and Andrew Jackson to Black nationalists and Donald Trump, the saga of Ame...
2025-09-061h 05
New Books in HistoryMolly Worthen, "Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Everyone feels it. Cultural and political life in America has become unrecognizable and strange. Firebrands and would-be sages have taken the place of reasonable and responsible leaders. Nuanced debates have given way to the smug confidence of yard signs. How did we get here?In Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" (Random House, 2025)Context (Random House, 2025), historian Molly Worthen argues that we will understand our present moment if we learn the story of charisma in America. From the Puritans and Andrew Jackson to Black nationalists and Donald Trump, the saga of Ame...
2025-09-061h 05
BEHOLD!! The Book of the 12: Hose to MalachiStirred to Serve - North/City Intro: Stirred to serveDay 1: God moves them from reluctant to repentant (Haggai 1:1-15)For more on Molly Worthen [www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/gospelbound/happened-molly-worthen] - tune in from 35mins to 1hours5minsDay 2: The day God moved them from glum to his glory (Haggai 2:1-8)Day 3: The day God take them from unclean to… unshakable (Haggai 2:9-23)Close: Stirred to serve
2025-08-0336 min
The Holy Post680: Cancelling Colbert, Starving Gaza, & American Charisma with Molly WorthenCBS has cancelled the top-rated late-night talk show. Was it really a financial decision, or was it done to get the Trump administration to approve a corporate merger? And will Stephen Colbert now come on the Holy Post? Horrific images of starvation are coming out of Gaza as pressure builds on the Israeli government to end the war, but when does pro-Palestinian activism cross the line into antisemitism? Historian Molly Worthen's new book, "Spellbound," explains how charismatic political and religious movements have shaped America, and why they depend more on a compelling story than a persuasive leader. Also this...
2025-07-301h 23
Historically ThinkingSpellbound: Molly Worthen on Charisma, Four Centuries of American History, and the Search for MeaningHello: Autumn, 1949. Fortune editor Bill Furth, flinty-eyed gatekeeper, scans a manuscript from 30-year-old whiz kid Daniel Bell. Spots the word “charisma.” Snorts. Blue pencil meets page. Word dies swiftly, without much appeal. Fast forward ten years: charisma is everywhere. Eggheads bandy it, pundits quote it, preachers peddle it. Bell—vindicated. Since the 1950s, Americans have grown used to the word “charisma” being applied to everyone, often as a synonym for “charm”.. But what if charisma is more than charm or personal magnetism—what if it’s a key to understanding the moral and spiritual crises of American...
2025-07-3033 min
Just Liberty51: The Bewitching of the American Mind. Interview with Molly Worthen.It's far more than simply charm, or rhetorical skill, or political savvy. Charisma is a powerful force that has shaped American public and religious life--for both good and ill--for more than four centuries. Could an undertanding of this phenomenon help us make better sense of our national story? And why does it seem that Americans of faith are particularly vulnerable to its allure?
Show Notes
Book | Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, by Molly Worthen - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746737/spellbound-by-molly-worthen/
Article | "Charisma Rules the World" by Molly Worthen, N...
2025-07-2946 min
Give and TakeEpisode 297: Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History From The Puritans To Donald Trump, with Molly WorthenIn this episode Scott is joined by historian and freelance journalist Molly Worthen. Her newest book is Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History From The Puritans To Donald Trump. They explore the themes of charisma, storytelling, and personal belief. They discuss the complexities of faith, the journey from observer to practitioner, and the role of charismatic leaders in shaping cultural narratives. Worthen shares her personal experiences of conversion and the challenges of reconciling faith with reason, while also reflecting on the importance of community and the need for meaningful stories in a chaotic world. The discussion touches on historical...
2025-07-241h 23
MinistryWatch PodcastEp. 483: How Charisma Shaped Both American And Church History A conversation with Molly WorthenHere at MinistryWatch, we have become all too familiar with the allure and the dangers of celebrity preachers. One of the things you will here me say often is that we humans are not meant to be celebrities. We’re not wired for it. Celebrityhood is a condition that wars against the health of our soul.
And yet…we Americans, and American evangelicals in particular, have an addiction to celebrities. To use the words from the Joni Mitchell song, our star-making machinery keeps spitting them out. And when these celebrities burn out, or meltdown, we brush them asid...
2025-07-0245 min
The Road to NowHow Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Trump w/ Molly WorthenBob speaks with UNC-Chapel Hill historian Molly Worthen about her new book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Trump. Gary Fletcher edited this episode.
2025-06-1654 min
GospelboundHow Charisma Reveals Our IdolsIn this episode of Gospelbound, Collin Hansen talks with Molly Worthen about her new book Spellbound, which explores how charisma has shaped American history. Worthen explains charisma not just as charm, but as a powerful story that invites followers into something morally meaningful. She traces its roots from the New Testament to modern politics and culture, showing how our desire for control—and to give it up—reveals the stories and idols that shape us. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adve...
2025-06-0338 min
The New Evangelicals Podcast381. The Dark Side of CharismaDonate to "Sins of Empathy"
In this episode, Tim interviews Molly Worthen, author of 'Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump.' They explore the concept of charisma, its historical significance, and its role in both religious and political leadership. Worthen shares her unique journey to evangelicalism and discusses how charisma has been a driving force in shaping American history, from the Puritans to contemporary figures like Trump and Rush Limbaugh. The conversation delves into the dual nature of charisma, its moral neutrality, and its impact on social movements and...
2025-06-021h 11The New Evangelicals Podcast381. The Dark Side of CharismaDonate to "Sins of Empathy"
In this episode, Tim interviews Molly Worthen, author of 'Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump.' They explore the concept of charisma, its historical significance, and its role in both religious and political leadership. Worthen shares her unique journey to evangelicalism and discusses how charisma has been a driving force in shaping American history, from the Puritans to contemporary figures like Trump and Rush Limbaugh. The conversation delves into the dual nature of charisma, its moral neutrality, and its impact on social movements and...
2025-06-021h 11
Faithful PoliticsHow Charisma Shapes Faith and Politics with Historian Molly WorthenHave a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn an era where political figures command crowds with cult-like devotion, what role does charisma truly play in shaping public life? Historian and journalist Molly Worthen joins Faithful Politics to explore the deep history of charisma—from the revivals of Anne Hutchinson and Joseph Smith to the populism of Donald Trump. Worthen, author of Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, unpacks how this powerful force straddles the sacred and secular.
2025-05-311h 01
The Vital CenterExploring the Secrets of Political Charisma, with Molly WorthenWe all have an opinion about charismatic leaders — but do we really know what “charisma” means? Molly Worthen, in her new book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, points out that charismatic leaders historically haven’t always been distinguished for their charm or compelling oratory. Rather, charismatic leaders are those who enter into a mutual exchange with their followers, in which the leader “draws back the veil on an alternative world in which followers find that they have secret knowledge, supernatural promise, and special status as heroes.” Worthen, who is a professor of history at th...
2025-05-291h 07
The Russell Moore ShowMolly Worthen on Being SpellbindingWhat do Albert Einstein, the Jesus People, and Donald Trump all have in common?
According to historian and journalist Molly Worthen, they’re all part of a surprising American story about the strange, magnetic force we call charisma. In this episode, Russell Moore sits down with Worthen to explore the themes of her new book, Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History, and why understanding charisma may be the key to understanding American religion, politics, and even ourselves.
From revival tents to campaign rallies to cable news sets, Worthen tracks five distinct types of char...
2025-05-2852 min
Power-Up With The Immersive Full Audiobook Experience!Spellbound by Molly WorthenPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/25909to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Spellbound
Author: Molly Worthen
Narrator: Molly Worthen
Format: mp3
Length: 16 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 05-27-25
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 1 rating
Genres: Americas
Publisher's Summary:
In Spellbound, historian Molly Worthen argues that we will understand our present moment if we learn the story of charisma in America. From the Puritans and Andrew Jackson to Black nationalists and Donald Trump, the saga of American charisma, Worthen argues, stars figures who possess a dangerous and alluring power to move crowds. They invite followers into a cosmic drama where hopes are...
2025-05-274h 07Begin A Full Audiobook That Is Simply Best-Selling.Spellbound by Molly WorthenPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/50788to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Spellbound
Author: Molly Worthen
Narrator: Molly Worthen
Format: mp3
Length: 16 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 05-27-25
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 2 ratings
Genres: Religious Studies
Publisher's Summary:
In Spellbound, historian Molly Worthen argues that we will understand our present moment if we learn the story of charisma in America. From the Puritans and Andrew Jackson to Black nationalists and Donald Trump, the saga of American charisma, Worthen argues, stars figures who possess a dangerous and alluring power to move crowds. They invite followers into a cosmic drama where hopes...
2025-05-274h 07
Shifting CultureEp. 306 Molly Worthen - Spellbound: The Power and Peril of Charisma in AmericaCharisma is a word we hear all the time, but what does it really mean? Why are some leaders able to draw people in, while others push us away? I’ve been fascinated by this for years, wondering why we’re drawn to certain people, what makes us follow, and how charisma shapes our lives in ways we don’t always notice. In a culture where stories and leaders are constantly competing for our attention, understanding charisma feels more urgent than ever. That’s why I’m excited to talk with Molly Worthen. Molly is a historian and journalist whose new...
2025-05-2359 min
Conversing with Mark LabbertonCharisma—from Puritans to Trump, with Molly WorthenHistorian and journalist Molly Worthen explores the mysterious and potent force of charisma, and its power to shape American identity, culture, politics, and religion. She explains how storytelling, transcendence, and authority are used by America's most charismatic leaders. Drawing on her new book, Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, Worthen shares how charismatic authority reveals deep human desires for meaning, agency, and transcendence. The conversation explores themes of vulnerability, spiritual hunger, religious disaffiliation, and the evolving nature of belief and belonging in modern society. Worthen unpacks the often-overlooked distinction...
2025-05-2052 min
Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlinWhy Are We Drawn to Charismatic Leaders? with Molly WorthenHistorian Molly Worthen joins Rebecca to unpack her journey from agnosticism to faith, the pull of charismatic leaders, and why Jesus—not political saviors—is the only one truly worth following. From Trump-era evangelicalism to the Spirit-led church, this episode asks: What kind of power really saves?Buy Molly's Book:Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald TrumpSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by The Good Podcast Co.Use...
2025-05-2045 min
Arc: The PodcastEpisode 3: Molly Worthen on charisma, "The Karate Kid," and Mark’s soulArc's editor-in-chief sits down with Molly Worthen, author of the new book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, to talk about becoming an evangelical Christian, the etiquette of evangelizing, and the not-so-quiet beauty of big box churches.
2025-05-201h 43
The Road to NowCharisma and American Politics– Live at Cat's Cradle w/ Molly Worthen, Doug Heye & Rufus EdmistenWith our live show in Washington, DC coming up on May 29, we thought it'd be fun to share one of our previous live recordings from Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC w/ guests Molly Worthen, Doug Heye & Rufus Edmisten! Dr. Molly Worthen (Department of History at UNC-Chapel Hill), Doug Heye (CNN/former RNC Communication Director) & Rufus Edmisten (Deputy Chief Council, Senate Watergate Committee/ former NC Secretary of State & Attorney General) join Bob & Ben for a conversation about charisma in American politics and society. Recorded live at the legendary Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC on January 25, 2020.
2025-05-051h 05
Women Awakening with Cynthia JamesCynthia with Molly Worthen Associate Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMolly Worthen is an associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a freelance journalist. She received her PhD from Yale University. Her research focuses on North American religious and intellectual history. Her new book, Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Trump, comes out next spring and is available for preorder on Amazon. She has created audio and video courses for The Great Courses on the history of charisma and the history global Christianity since the Reformation, and both of those are available on Audible. Worthen writes regularly about religion, p...
2025-04-1127 min
The Russell Moore ShowBooks with Ashley Hales: Tolstoy, Carr, Vonnegut, Worthen, and MoreIt’s time for another books episode.Russell Moore is joined again by Ashley Hales, the former producer of the show and now CT’s editorial director for print, in a discussion about what they’re reading now and about how reading as a practice is necessary and helpful in a windblown world. What books are you loving? And which books would you be sure to pack if you were planning to be marooned on a desert island? Email us: questions@russellmoore.com. Books/essays m...
2025-04-0949 min
The Veritas ForumThat's a Wrap! Best Episodes of 2024We’ve made it to the end of another amazing year on the podcast — all thanks to you, our listeners! We loved exploring the ideas that shape our lives with you this year!
In this episode, Seth (our podcast host and video producer at The Veritas Forum) shares some stats from the podcast in 2024 and our top three episodes of the year. We feature excerpts from Molly Worthen (UNC), Jonathan Haidt (NYU), Andy Crouch (Praxis), Wendy Suzuki (NUY), and Arthur Brooks (Harvard).
Listen to Changing My Mind: A Skeptical Professor Meets a Surpris...
2024-12-1921 min
Think TheismVeritas 2024: Changing My Mind – A Skeptical Professor Meets a Surprising God w/ Dr. Molly WorthenVeritas Forum 4/15/2024 Video: https://youtube.com/live/Fob0Jj7jL_k How can we tell when we should change our mind? Join professors Molly Worthen and Lorien Foote for a discussion about how we negotiate the tension between skepticism and belief. Professor Worthen will describe the factors that led her to embrace faith after researching the good, the bad and the […]
2024-09-301h 23The Veritas ForumChanging My Mind: A Skeptical Professor Meets a Surprising God | Molly WorthenIn today’s episode, you’ll hear the story of Molly Worthen. As a journalist and historian at UNC, Molly has written about Christians for years as an outsider. But in this conversation, she shares how something unexpected happened to her recently: she became one.
Molly talks with Lorien Foote, a history professor at Texas A&M. They explore Molly’s worldview before becoming a Christian, the evidence that led her to faith, and how changing her mind wasn’t as scary as she expected.
This forum was held at Texas A&M in Spring 2024. Thank yo...
2024-09-0545 min
John Anderson: ConversationsDirect: With Molly Worthen, Christian Historian and JournalistIn this interview John speaks with Molly Worthen, a highly acclaimed religious historian and journalist. They explore religious liberty, separation of church and state, and the impact of Christianity on America.
Molly also speaks about her journey from thoughtful pragmatist to Christian convert, which has only occurred in recent years.
2024-03-281h 02
The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In GodS1 E15. More Than Mythology: Why Molly Worthen changed her mindNew Atheism popularised 'Jesus Mythicism' - an online movement denying the existence of Jesus. But in recent years the trend in academia has gone in the opposite direction as research sheds new light on the reliability of the story of Jesus in the Gospels.Justin speaks to thinkers such as John Dickson, NT Wright, Lydia Mcgrew and Peter J Williams about why we can trust the New Testament. He also hears the story of Molly Worthen, a professor of religion, who was recently shaken out of her agnosticism after investigating the evidence for Jesus.
2024-03-191h 35
Language of God166. Molly Worthen | Science and the Journey to FaithMolly Worthen is a historian by training and wrote the book, Apostles of Reason, which explores the history of evangelicalism in America. When she wrote the book about 10 years ago, she approached the topic as an outsider, identifying as an agnostic. Then in 2022, she rather surprisingly found herself getting baptized at the front of a large evangelical Southern Baptist megachurch.
In the conversation she tells the story of her conversion and questions she asked, including questions about miracles, science, and what it means to be intellectually engaged and also believe in the resurrection of Christ.
T...
2024-03-071h 04
The Speak Life PodcastMolly Worthen: A Historian Converts || SLP501Send a textGlen Scrivener from Speak Life interviews Molly Worthen about her conversion to Christianity. Molly Worthen is a journalist and associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina. She is a regular contributor to publications like the New York Times, The Atlantic and The New Yorker. She's also a recent adult convert to Christianity who’s found faith in the last place she expected: A Southern Baptist Mega Church.The Way Back is a series of interviews lighting the path back to faith. Christian author and filmmaker Glen Scrivener is speaking to...
2024-02-141h 05
Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlinCan a Historian Believe in the Resurrection? with Molly WorthenRebecca McLaughlin is joined by Molly Worthen to discuss how Jesus can transform the life of an academic.Questions Covered in This Episode:What is your story of how you became a Christian?What were the main barriers from keeping you from becoming a Christian?Can you share about your conversation with J. D. Greear?What pieces of evidence were you surprised by when you researched if Jesus was raised from the dead?What about the eye witness accounts of the gospels and their accuracy?What would you say to someone who has an academic background and doesn’t believe in...
2023-11-1442 minRe-EnchantingRe-enchanting... Conversion & US evangelicalism - Molly WorthenMolly Worthen is a journalist and associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For the past decade she has pursued a career researching the religious and intellectual history of North America. As well as writing books such as 'Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism', she is regular contributor to publications such as the New York Times, The Atlantic and The New Yorker.But Molly’s story took an interesting turn recently. Having been an agnostic most of her life, last year she converted to Christianity. Having re...
2023-10-111h 07
Maybe GodRemembering Tim KellerOn this special edition of Maybe God, Justin Brierley commemorates the life and legacy of Timothy Keller, world-renowned pastor, author, and theologian, who passed away on May 19, 2023 at age 72 after a three-year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Justin speaks with three people who were personally impacted by Keller's work, including Collin Hansen, author of "Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation", Molly Worthen, a journalist and associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Max McLean, an award-winning actor and founder and artistic director of New York City-based Fellowship for Performing Arts. ...
2023-06-161h 05GospelboundWhat Happened to Historian Molly Worthen?For 20 years, I’ve felt like Molly Worthen and I have lived parallel lives. We graduated college the same year. We wrote for some of the same publications, on some of the same subjects. But I chose to head into church ministry, while she settled into the academy and earned her PhD from Yale.Molly is associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. You may have read her work in The New York Times, Slate, or Christianity Today.She is perhaps best known for her award-winning book, Apostles of Re...
2023-05-091h 30
The MockingcastEpisode 237: Missing the MiraclesIn which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk one-downing, dry January, raging creatives, and Nigerian faith healers. Also, Sarah reveals how to get people to care, and Dave finally says what we're all thinking about RJ.
Correction: around the 30 min mark, when Dave says "Johnny Walker" he meant to say "Jack Daniels."
Click here to watch the clip of Colbert speaking with Quinta Brunson
Click here to read The Atlantic interview about Dry January
Click here to read Freddie deBoer's newsletter on the Raging Creative Underclass
Click here to read Molly Worthen's piece about Miracles in the...
2023-01-171h 07
Woven Wings LiveCoaching in Context: A History of Religion and the Search for Meaning (w/ Molly Worthen)Where do the phenomena of personal growth and spiritual life coaching come from? What’s underneath the hood of social media stardom and the quest for personal fulfillment and satisfaction? Dr. Molly Worthen, professor at the University of North Carolina, joins us to discuss the history of religion in America, including the decline of religious institutions and the rise, for better and worse, of hyper-individualism in the spiritual marketplace. Drawing on Dr. Worthen’s expertise, this episode looks expansively and critically at what we may really be seeking through avenues such as coaching, as well as the nature of true...
2022-11-151h 11
Past PresentEpisode 330: Summer Weddings and June BridesIn this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the long American tradition of June weddings. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show: June wedding season is upon us, and after two years of delayed celebrations, it is especially packed. Natalia referred to this Harper's Bazaar photo essay about representation and same-sex marriage, and to this Buzzfeed article, which is useful despite repeating a myth about bathing practices being related to June wedding date selection. Niki referred to this Atlantic article o...
2022-06-1449 min
For the Good of the Public | The Morning FiveEpisode 24: Jan. 6th Committee hearingsWear is the Love, Episode 24This week, we discuss the first primetime, live hearing of the January 6th select committee investigating the January 6, 2021 insurrection. It’s a brief episode, but we see some glimmers of hope for competence and professionalism in this first hearing, and discuss what comes next from the committee.What were your thoughts?Episode notes:“After dramatic first night, Jan. 6 panel plans several more high-profile hearings” (WaPo)“The Jan. 6 Hearing Put a True-Crime Drama on Prime-Time TV” (NYT)The Top 5 articles for your week:“Perman...
2022-06-1233 min
Wear We AreEpisode 24: Jan. 6th Committee hearingsWear is the Love, Episode 24This week, we discuss the first primetime, live hearing of the January 6th select committee investigating the January 6, 2021 insurrection. It’s a brief episode, but we see some glimmers of hope for competence and professionalism in this first hearing, and discuss what comes next from the committee.What were your thoughts?Episode notes:“After dramatic first night, Jan. 6 panel plans several more high-profile hearings” (WaPo)“The Jan. 6 Hearing Put a True-Crime Drama on Prime-Time TV” (NYT)The Top 5 articles for your week:* “Pe...
2022-06-1232 min
The Road to NowCatching Up w/ Doug HeyeLong-time friend of RTN Doug Heye returns to share his take on the state of politics in the US. Doug has served as communications director for the Republican National Committee, chief-of-staff to House majority leader Eric Cantor and has been active in national politics since the 1990s. Our conversation covers the recent primary elections, the prospects for the midterm elections this fall and, in a transition that's increasingly easy to make, professional wrestling. You can follow Doug on twitter at @DougHeye. This is Doug's fifth appearance on RTN, and if you haven't heard our episode w/ Doug...
2022-06-061h 06
The UNC Program for Public DiscourseAbbey Speaker Series: Journalism and DemocracyJoin the discourse: https://go.unc.edu/JoinTheDiscourse
We often hear that democracy requires a free press, but what exactly is the role of the media in 21st-century America? Should journalists strive to be objective? Is an internet connection the only requirement for the job? How has the decline of local news and the nationalization of media impacted American democracy? Can anything be done to reverse this trend?
On April 5th at 5:30 p.m., the UNC Program for Public Discourse, General Alumni Association, and Duke University's Polis: Center for Politics bring together journ...
2022-04-081h 28
No Small Endeavor with Lee C. CampIs Conservative Christianity Anti-Intellectual?: Molly Worthen
Is Conservative Christianity necessarily opposed to reason? Dr. Molly Worthen discusses the history of Protestant Evangelicalism, and how this tradition has often been “perhaps the most preoccupied with squaring reason with their understanding of faith.” A complex and fascinating tale.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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2022-03-031h 02
Christian Rightcast15: Wilson Family ValuesDoug Wilson is a key voice in modern Reconstructionism, an ideology that envisions America (and the world) remade into a confederacy of self-governing, patriarchal theocracies. Despite a history of eye-popping apologia for slavery, Wilson has become a key crossover figure for Reconstructionism. He leads a 1000-strong independent church in Moscow, Idaho; dialogues with more acceptable Fundamentalist leaders like R. C. Sproul and John Piper; laments the ugliness of the MAGA crowd, and does his best to project an image of free-thinking scholarship rather than angry dogmatism. Despite his genial tone, Wilson’s theology and beliefs are extreme even by th...
2021-07-2700 min
Christian Rightcast15: Wilson Family ValuesDoug Wilson is a key voice in modern Reconstructionism, an ideology that envisions America (and the world) remade into a confederacy of self-governing, patriarchal theocracies. Despite a history of eye-popping apologia for slavery, Wilson has become a key crossover figure for Reconstructionism. He leads a 1000-strong independent church in Moscow, Idaho; dialogues with more acceptable Fundamentalist leaders like R. C. Sproul and John Piper; laments the ugliness of the MAGA crowd, and does his best to project an image of free-thinking scholarship rather than angry dogmatism. Despite his genial tone, Wilson’s theology and beliefs are extreme even by the st...
2021-07-271h 52
The Honestly, Jess Showaddressing deconstructionthe topic of deconstruction doesn't have to be scary! Jess offers her personal experience and perspective here, and invites you to bring all the questions and thoughts you might have to the table. you're welcome to reach out at https://hertwocents.com/contact-2/ OR on Instagram at @itshertwocents
Important articles:
https://www.gotquestions.org/deconstructionism.html | https://www.christianpost.com/news/young-evangelicals-have-inherited-narrow-understanding-christianity-molly-worthen.html | Holy Post Episodes with Os Guinness: Ep. 5, 319, 382, 427
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/honestlyjess/support
2021-07-0119 min
IR TalkEp. 3 The Grand Strategy of Charles Hill with Professor Molly WorthenProfessor Molly Worthen of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researches and teaches American religious history. She is the author of two books, Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism and The Man on Whom Nothing was Lost: The Grand Strategy of Charles Hill. In the podcast we discuss the life of the subject of Professor Worthen's biography, Charles Hill. Important Links:The Death of a Grand StrategistThe Man on Whom Nothing Was Lost: The Grand Strategy of Charles HillGrand Strategies: Literature, St...
2021-05-2744 min
Discovery & InspirationMolly Worthen, “From St. Paul to Populist Politics: The Evolution of Charismatic Leadership”Charisma is a concept we typically use to refer to individuals who fascinate, attract, and captivate us in some way. The word’s modern usage, however, obscures its origins in Christian doctrine. In such contexts, charismatic figures were understood to have a kind of divinely ordained authority and spiritual influence.In this podcast episode, Molly Worthen, associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, explores the evolution of charisma in the popular consciousness and its role in various historical epochs and movements. From St. Paul to contemporary populist politicians, analyzing the ineffable allure of...
2021-05-1827 min
Discovery & InspirationMolly Worthen, “From St. Paul to Populist Politics: The Evolution of Charismatic Leadership”Charisma is a concept we typically use to refer to individuals who fascinate, attract, and captivate us in some way. The word’s modern usage, however, obscures its origins in Christian doctrine. In such contexts, charismatic figures were understood to have a kind of divinely ordained authority and spiritual influence.
In this podcast episode, Molly Worthen, associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, explores the evolution of charisma in the popular consciousness and its role in various historical epochs and movements. From St. Paul to contemporary populist politicians, analyzing the ineffable allure of charisma ca...
2021-05-1727 min
Christian Rightcast12: From Rushdoony to Ron Paul, with RacismLast episode, Kristin walked us through the high points of Christian Reconstructionism — RJ Rushdoony’s extremist vision of a feudal, patriarchal America ruled by religious law. In this episode we explore the racist building blocks of his ideology, as well as the careful definitions many Reconstructionist-inspired movements use to claim their views are actually anti-racist.Warning: Rushdoony’s writing, and the writing of several Reconstructionst offshoot movements, are cited extensively in this episode. Explicit and extreme racism, dehumanizing language, and defenses of slavery, are quoted for clarity and may be disturbing or triggering for listeners.Books, Papers...
2021-04-261h 48Christian Rightcast12: From Rushdoony to Ron Paul, with RacismLast episode, Kristin walked us through the high points of Christian Reconstructionism — RJ Rushdoony’s extremist vision of a feudal, patriarchal America ruled by religious law. In this episode we explore the racist building blocks of his ideology, as well as the careful definitions many Reconstructionist-inspired movements use to claim their views are actually anti-racist.Warning: Rushdoony’s writing, and the writing of several Reconstructionst offshoot movements, are cited extensively in this episode. Explicit and extreme racism, dehumanizing language, and defenses of slavery, are quoted for clarity and may be disturbing or triggering for listeners.Books...
2021-04-2600 minChristian RightcastEpisode 11: The Father of Christian ReconstructionismIf you’ve ever discussed “school choice,” wondered why some Christians , or puzzled over a “Taxation Is Theft” sign, you’ve encountered the legacy of Rousas John Rushdoony — one of the most influential but least-known fundamentalists of the 20th century. Rushdoony founded and shaped the Christian Reconstructionism movement for decades, articulating its principles and goals in innumerable sermons, essays, and a 900 page magnum opus he titled The Institutes of Biblical Law. In this episode, Kristin kicks off our series on Reconstructionism and its influence on American culture with a look at Rushdoony’s early history, the ideas he baked into Reconstruct...
2021-04-1200 min
Christian RightcastEpisode 11: The Father of Christian ReconstructionismIf you’ve ever discussed “school choice,” wondered why some Christians , or puzzled over a “Taxation Is Theft” sign, you’ve encountered the legacy of Rousas John Rushdoony — one of the most influential but least-known fundamentalists of the 20th century. Rushdoony founded and shaped the Christian Reconstructionism movement for decades, articulating its principles and goals in innumerable sermons, essays, and a 900 page magnum opus he titled The Institutes of Biblical Law. In this episode, Kristin kicks off our series on Reconstructionism and its influence on American culture with a look at Rushdoony’s early history, the ideas he baked into Reconstructionis...
2021-04-121h 39
Faith ImprovisedReconnecting with a FriendI reflect a bit about why this is my favorite week of the year, I talk about Molly Worthen’s book, Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism, and I share a personal story about reconnecting with an old friend.
2021-04-0650 min
Fare of the Free ChildEP 188: Abuse Prevention & Consent Culture with Rosalia Rivera of Consent ParentingToday’s episode features consent educator, sexual literacy advocate, speaker, founder of Consent Parenting, host of the About Consent Podcast and change agent, Rosalia Rivera. Rosalia works with parents who are survivors of sexual abuse to help them learn and teach proper abuse prevention and consent to their children.“I'm a mom of 3 little lovely consent-empowered humans between the ages of 4 and 8. It wasn't always like this. They didn't know about consent, boundaries or body safety. They were little chicks and I was the hen that hid them under my wings. I'm proud of how far they've come a...
2020-09-3039 min
Reading WomenInterview with Marie Mutsuki MockettKendra talks to Marie Mutsuki Mockett about her book American Harvest: God, Country, and Farming in the Heartland, which is out now from Graywolf.Check out our Patreon page to learn more about our book club and other Patreon-exclusive goodies. Follow along over on Instagram, join the discussion in our Goodreads group, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more new books and extra book reviews!Books MentionedAmerican Harvest: God, Country, and Farming in the Heartland by Marie Mutsuki MockettMarie Recommends
Heartland by Sarah Smarsh
God Land by Lyz Lenz
...
2020-06-1044 min
Questions From The Pew - WOSS2E1 Evangelicalism: Worth the Effort?Societal and political events have caused both insiders and outsiders to ask “Is the Evangelical movement at an end?” Perhaps a better question to ask is, “Should the Evangelical movement come to an end?” What part of the Christian witness is strengthened by the title “Evangelical”? What is lost? Are we losing more than we gain by calling ourselves Evangelicals? Is it time to give up the title “Evangelical”? Or is it still worth the effort? All that and more on this edition of Questions From The Pew.Leave us a short voice message or text message at...
2020-05-131h 02
Mere FidelityCrises in Evangelicalism with Dr. Molly WorthenDr. Molly Worthen joins Matt and Derek to talk all things evangelicalism, not the least of which is her book, "Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism." As someone outside of the camp of evangelicalism, Dr. Worthen helps bring a new look at the many paradoxes in the evangelical movement.
2020-03-1755 min
Futility ClosetThe Public Universal Friend After a severe fever in 1776, Rhode Island farmer's daughter Jemima Wilkinson was reborn as a genderless celestial being who had been sent to warn of the coming Apocalypse. But the general public was too scandalized by the messenger to pay heed to the message. In this week's episode of the Futility Closet podcast we'll tell the story of the Public Universal Friend and the prejudiced reaction of a newly formed nation. We'll also bid on an immortal piano and puzzle over some Icelandic conceptions. Intro: When identical images of a tower...
2020-03-0929 min
The Road to NowLive in Carrboro, NC- Charisma in American Politics & Society w/ Molly Worthen, Doug Heye & Rufus Edmisten (Recorded at Cat's Cradle)Dr. Molly Worthen (Department of History, UNC-Chapel Hill), Doug Heye (CNN/former RNC Communication Director) & Rufus Edmisten (Deputy Chief Council, Senate Watergate Committee/ former NC Secretary of State & Attorney General) join Bob & Ben for a conversation about charisma in American politics and society. Recorded live at the legendary Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC on January 25, 2020. Our gratitude to everyone who attended this sold out show! If you'd like to join us for a future recording, check out our calendar of live events by clicking here. The Road to Now is part of the Osiris Podcast...
2020-01-271h 21
The Make Meaning PodcastEpisode 59 - Higher Learning with Molly WorthenDo today’s students have the luxury to ask, debate, and study life’s meaning and purpose, or are we seeing a “vocationalization of mainstream universities,” more focused on professional skills and salary potential? Perhaps it’s the cost of higher learning that drives students today to be more pragmatic and practical in their pursuit of a career and not have the luxury of pondering life’s big questions.
2019-12-0225 min
BibliobanterChecking In #8: The Return of AnnieAnnie is back from maternity leave and is here to talk about the things she's been up to. We discuss books, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and articles we've been consuming. In the second half of the episode we reminisce about graduation and give advice to recent high school graduates about all the things college can offer you.
Items Discussed:
Books:
They Went Whistling: Women Wayfarers, Warriors, Runaways, and Renegades by Barbara Holland
I Might Regret This by Abbi Jacobson
Awayland: Stories by Ramona Ausubel
Notes of a...
2019-06-1346 min
In Conversation with David GoaMolly WorthanIn this podcast I have the pleasure of talking with Professor Molly Worthan. She teaches history at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill focusing on the intellectual and religious history of North America. She is also the Director of the Honors Program, an opinion
writer for the New York Times, Slate and other publication. Her superb book, Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism explores the intellectual history of American evangelicals and the culture wars since 1945.
A decade and a half ago I received an enquiry for an undergraduate student at Yale U...
2019-05-2258 min
Intellectualish with Jeff GraceMolly Worthen of The New York Times about "The Pod Bros"Jeff and Molly Worthen talk about her article in the New York Times titled "The Pod Bros Want To Optimize Your Life." They talk about the rapidly growing self-help movement in podcasting and on Youtube lead by Tim Ferris, Joe Rogan, Sam Harris, Aubrey Marcus, Lewis Howes, and more. Jeff Grace (host) @jeffgrace (Twitter) @jeffgrace (Instagram) Jeff Grace (IMDB) Molly Worthen (guest) @MollyWorthen (Twitter) NY Times: The Podcast Bros Want to Optimize Your Life
2019-02-0746 min
The Road to NowThe History of Christianity w/ Molly WorthenAre faith and reason compatible? How do people of faith reconcile themselves to a secular world? These are difficult and complex questions that have shaped America long before the founding of the United States. On this episode of The Road to Now, we sit down with Molly Worthen to talk about the development of Christianity in the United States, and its impact on American society, culture and government. For more on this episode and many others, please visit our website: www.TheRoadToNow.com. This episode originally launched on March 6, 2017, and features a new introduction by B...
2017-11-231h 00
New Persuasive WordsEscaping Roy Moore's EvangelicalismIn this episode of the podcast we discuss a recent New York Times piece by UNC historian Molly Worthen. You can find the article here:https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/17/opinion/sunday/escape-roy-moores-evangelicalism.html.
2017-11-2338 min
The Institute PodcastEpisode 41: Molly Worthen Assistant Professor Of HistoryAssitant Professor Molly Worthen discusses history, religious studies, and journalism!
2017-05-1518 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Myth of the Christian WorldviewIn this episode we talk about "the myth of the Christian worldview" inspired by a recent podcast interview with Molly Worthen and an op-ed piece she wrote for the NY Times.
Show Notes:
The podcast interview with Molly Worthen can be found here:https://giveandtake.fireside.fm/7.
Her NY Times piece can be found here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/13/opinion/sunday/the-evangelical-roots-of-our-post-truth-society.html?_r=0.
2017-04-2430 minGive and TakeEpisode 7: Talking Religion and Politics with Molly WorthenToday's guest is Molly Worthen. Molly is a historian whose specializes in American religious intellectual history. She also is a contributing Op-Ed writer for the NY Times.
Show Notes:
Below are links to two of Molly Worthen's NY Times op-ed pieces that are referenced in the conversation:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/13/opinion/sunday/the-evangelical-roots-of-our-post-truth-society.html?_r=0
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/01/opinion/sunday/stop-saying-i-feel-like.html?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Fmolly-worthen&action=click&contentCollection=opinion®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=collectionSpecial Guest: Molly Worthen.
2017-04-2135 min