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What happens when your faith and your politics collide? In this powerful episode, content creator and author April Ajoy shares her journey from being a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist to becoming a progressive Christian voice calling out religious extremism. Raised in a family of traveling evangelists, April grew up believing America was a Christian nation blessed by God—until personal tragedy, political disillusionment, and her brother’s coming out shattered that worldview.

She opens up about her time working at the 700 Club, the pain of deconstructing toxic theology, and how humor became her tool for resistance. April’s story offers a deeply personal window into how faith can evolve without being abandoned—and why standing up to Christian nationalism is both necessary and hopeful.

👤 Guest Bio
April Ajoy is a content creator, author of Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith, and co-host of The Tim and April Show. Raised in a Pentecostal family steeped in evangelical and nationalist ideology, April now uses satire, storytelling, and social media to challenge Christian nationalism and promote a more inclusive, justice-centered faith.

🔗 Resource Links
Star Spangled Jesus by April Ajoy: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781546006688
The Tim and April Show: @TimandAprilShow ​on YouTube

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Pentecostalism is the fastest-growing branch of Christianity worldwide—expected to top 1 billion by 2050. But what happens when elements of this movement intersect with far-right politics and spiritual warfare rhetoric? In this episode, Canadian scholar Dr. André Gagné returns to Faithful Politics to unpack the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), dominion theology, and the Seven Mountain Mandate—ideologies fueling an increasingly militant form of Christian nationalism. Gagné explains how these movements evolved from church growth strategies into political frameworks now embraced by Trump allies like Paula White-Cain and Lance Wallnau. The conversation explores how spiritual language can dehumanize political opponents, what “spiritual warfare” really means, and why Christians should be concerned about the blurring line between faith and authoritarianism.

👤 Guest Bio
Dr. André Gagné is a professor of theological studies at Concordia University in Montreal and a leading expert on the intersection of religion and politics. His research focuses on how the Bible is mobilized in contemporary politics, with a particular interest in dominion theology, Pentecostal-charismatic networks, and religious violence. He is the author of American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and End Times and co-editor of Religion and Violence in Western Traditions. He also hosts the Spirit, State, and Society podcast.

🔗 Resource Links
American Evangelicals for Trump by André Gagné:https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781032415680

Spirit, State, and Society Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCg1iGewURbw0G1Ggfo0I7fA

André Gagné on Substack: https://substack.com/@andregagne

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🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:
donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

📩 Reach out to us:

• Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com
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Former Ohio Governor John Kasich joins Faithful Politics to discuss his new book, Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build a Future. Kasich opens up about the tragic loss of his parents that led him to deeply explore his faith, his unlikely friendship with a pastor, and the powerful community stories that shaped his latest work. But it’s not all heavy topics — Kasich lightens the conversation with dad jokes and a touching story about meeting Chester Bennington from Linkin Park backstage before the singer’s untimely death. Listen in as hosts Will Wright and Josh Burtram explore how faith, music, and small acts of kindness can leave lasting impacts on people and communities.

Guest Bio:
John Kasich is the former governor of Ohio and a two-time presidential candidate. He is the author of Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build a Future. Kasich, a lifelong Christian, blends humor and humility in his reflections on faith, politics, and pop culture — from reading Isaiah on Mondays to rocking out to Metallica on Fridays.

Resources & Links:

Heaven Help Us by John Kasich: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780310368823
John Kasich's Website: JohnKasich.com

Support the show

🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:
donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

📩 Reach out to us:

• Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com
• Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com

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