What's up. Y'all Brad here. I hope you are well today. Many of you know we just launched Axis Mundi Media. I started Axis Mundi because I wanted to create a set of podcasts that are research-based, connecting the ivory tower to the grassroots. I saw a gap in terms of the kinds of content that were being produced. My vision is a research-based network characterized by rigor and veracity - full of contented created by experts. But I also wanted to make sure that that content was compelling and the kinds of things that people want to listen to when they're driving to work or doing the dishes, or, just trying to find something that's worth their time.
Some of you asked me how you can support us - and we really could use your support. We are an indie network, just like Straight White American Jesus is an indie show. We don't have any outside funding at the moment. We don't have big grants from universities. We don't have a funder who has given us a blank check. So if you would like to help Axis Mundi Media get off the ground and make sure that we can create the kind of research based podcasts that will help safeguard democracy from religious nationalisms from extremist communities from authoritarian leaders, then here's a couple of ways you can do that.
You can sign up to be a paid member of the Axis Mundi Media substack. You'll get updates from us. You'll get special content, but most of all the content we are planning for the next year.
You can also go to our Straight white American Jesus Patreon. We're going to be building out a way to support Axis Mundi through Patreon, but right now Straight White American Jesus is the best way.
Now you might be thinking, well, what is it you want to do? And if you check out www.axismundi.us you will see all of the shows that we have in pre production or in production. And I think they're pretty exciting.
We have shows from Andrew Whitehead that we'll be running for the next four weeks and actually debuts today.
We have shows from Sarah Moslener on patriarchy and white supremacy and their implications - and their entanglements with purity culture. But here's the thing.
We have a bunch of series that we want to make. Yet we don't have the funding to do it yet. There are two two shows in particular that we hope to produce in the coming months:
Miss Information: Host Dr. Susannah Crockford explores the ways that misinformation and conspiracy theories infiltrate both wellness communities and conservative Christian spaces. The series reveals how a strange alliance has been formed between yoga moms and Sunday School moms through their rejection of COVID vaccines, willingness to trust alternative medical sources, and desire to bring their kids up outside mainstream culture.
Red State Religions: The term Bible Belt conjures images of “old time religion” and conservative Christianities. But in states known for electing religiously conservative politicians, faith and politics are thoroughly entangled in progressive causes. This podcast explores the persistence and resistance of liberal religious values and progressive politics by exploring the stories of faith leaders, laypeople and congregations and how they put “faith into action.”
We're so thankful for y'all and I just want to say: thank you for making this happen. We have felt your love and support for the last five years. And it's enabled us to take a big leap - and try something that's kind of kind of scary. We are just at the start of something big that will help folks like you learn about the threats to our democracy, join in solidarity with those who are trying to safeguard it, to rescue it, and to protect it. Our goal is to educate in order to activate.
Until next time: Keep your eyes open, and feet on the ground
I'm really excited about this project. Listening to Andrew Whitehead's new podcast reminded me of how important distribution of these idea is, and how much there is to be done. Having been in the study of Christian Nationalism for a few years now, I need the reminder of how many of my fellow pastors remain unaware.
I already contribute to the SWAJ patreon, but I will look into contributing more. Also, I will use social media (except that which used to be called Twitter, I'm trying to walk away from that mess) to point folks toward your resources.
Keep up the good work!