This week, we are thrilled to welcome social media powerhouse, educator, and musician Monte Mader to the show! You probably know her from her viral videos expertly dismantling Christian nationalist talking points, but her story starts far from the internet spotlight.
Monte shares her harrowing and fascinating journey of growing up on a remote cattle ranch in Wyoming, steeped in extreme patriarchal theology, purity culture, and doomsday rhetoric. What was it like being trained in apologetics from childhood, only to realize the history of the church didn't match the dogma she was force-fed?
We dive into the terrifying realities of purity culture, the weaponization of biblical texts against women, and the intense backlash Monte faces online for refusing to submit or be silent. But it's not all doom and gloom! Amidst the doxxing and the hate mail, Monte shares why right now—as the mask of Christian nationalism slips completely off—is actually a time for profound, irrational hope.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro & Welcoming Monte Mader03:13 - How Monte Accidentally Went Viral
08:00 - Growing Up in Militant Christian Nationalism
14:44 - Groomed for the Supreme Court to Overturn Roe
16:32 - Liberty University & Studying Church History
21:08 - Kicked Out of Sunday School & Extreme Patriarchy
25:08 - Surviving Purity Culture & The "Used Car" Theology
35:38 - The Toxic Reality of "Biblical" Marriage
42:38 - Facing Online Backlash, Hate Mail, & Doxxing
51:37 - Why There is Actually Hope Right Now
57:59 - Where to Find Monte & Outro
Interview:
