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About Straight White American Jesus

From Preachers to Scholars Defending Democracy

Straight White American Jesus (SWAJ) exists because democracy depends on religious literacy, and the mainstream media keeps getting religious  politics wrong.

White Christian nationalism and authoritarian religion are growing threats to our democracy; they openly reject and fight against the egalitarian and pluralistic values the United States strives toward.

For those confused (and upset) by the Religious Right, we provide analytical, unflinching research from former evangelical ministers turned religion scholars so you can understand the forces shaping American politics today. 

SWAJ has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, and Yahoo News. We’re consistently ranked in Apple Podcasts’ Politics Top 50, and used as a resource in universities worldwide.
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Meet Your Hosts

Bradley Onishi headshot

Bluesky_logo_(black) @BradleyOnishi.bsky.social

@BBOnishi

BradOnishi.com

StraightWhiteAmericanJesus@gmail.com
Dr. Bradley Onishi

Brad was a megachurch pastor who preached evangelical theology before his journey led him to a deeper reevaluation of his faith. He earned graduate degrees from Azusa Pacific University, Oxford University, and L'institut catholique de Paris, eventually completing his PhD in religious studies at UC Santa Barbara.

His academic work focuses on the intersection of religion and politics in America, particularly how White Christian supremacy has shaped American history. Brad brings both pastoral experience and scholarly expertise to every episode, bridging the lived reality of conservative Christian  faith with rigorous academic analysis.

As host and lead researcher for SWAJ, Brad conducts expert interviews, delivers breaking analysis, and tracks Christian nationalism's evolution from fringe theology to political force. He regularly appears on MSNBC and national radio outlets. He has appeared on “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross and many other large national shows. He has written for or been featured in The New York Times, NPR, PBS, Rolling Stone, NBC News, CNN, and many major media outlets seeking expert commentary on evangelical politics.

Daniel Miller headshot

Bluesky_logo_(black) @SWAJDan.bsky.social

DanielMillerSWAJ@gmail.com
Dr. Daniel Miller

Dan served as a Southern Baptist minister, counseling evangelical families and preaching denominational theology before leaving the faith. He pursued graduate studies at Oxford University and earned his PhD from Syracuse University, becoming a scholar of religion with expertise in biblical studies, philosophy of religion, and social theory.

Dan uses his unique combination of pastoral experience and academic training to systematically deconstruct evangelical arguments across multiple dimensions—showing how pseudo-science, selective biblical interpretation, and protective rhetoric combine to justify incredibly harmful positions. 

His "It's in the Code" series provides healing and insight through comprehensive scholarly refutation, helping ex-evangelicals understand exactly why evangelical arguments fail intellectually while offering community support for those navigating religious trauma.

Why SWAJ Exists

Mainstream news covers evangelical political behavior without understanding the theological frameworks driving it. 

MSNBC reports the politics.
NPR covers the policies.
But only SWAJ explains the theology and history behind both.

We decode the doctrines, the biblical interpretations, and the religious worldviews that shape Christian nationalist  political choices. With 900+ episodes spanning seven years, we've built the most comprehensive audio archive on American evangelical politics—fully searchable and organized for discovery.

From fringe theology to political power, we track how Christian nationalism threatens democratic institutions while providing the religious context that protects against authoritarian movements.

Recognition & Impact of SWAJ

Join the Community

Straight White American Jesus is what happens when insider knowledge meets scholarly rigor. We preached these beliefs before studying and deconstructing them, creating unmatched insight into the Religious Right.

Ready to finally understand evangelical politics?

Axis Mundi Flagship

$3.65 $5.99

Per Month / for 12 months

Axis Mundi Flagship gives you ad-free access to the full Straight White American Jesus archive and every episode of One Nation Indivisible.

  • Ad-free Listening for SWAJ and One Nation, Indivisible
  • Monthly Bonus Episode of SWAJ
  • Access to the Full 1,000-Episode Archive of SWAJ
  • Access to All One Nation, Indivisible Bonus Content
  • Discord Community
  • Invitation to Live Recording of the Bonus Episode
 
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Axis Mundi Insider

$6.70 $10.99

Per Month / for 12 months

With Axis Mundi Insider, you’ll enjoy not only our two flagship podcasts, but the entire network of Axis Mundi Media podcasts—produced in partnership with experts and scholars who understand the insidious nature of extremist religion, Christian nationalism, and authoritarian politics.

  • Ad-free Listening for All Axis Mundi Podcasts (13+ Shows)
  • Monthly Bonus Episode of SWAJ
  • Access to the Full 1,000-Episode Archive of SWAJ
  • Access to All One Nation, Indivisible Bonus Content
  • Discord Community
  • Invitation to Live Recording of the Bonus Episode
 
Subscribe Now