Telling Jefferson Lies Podcast
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Season two is now complete. The inaugural season ran from January to April 2024, with additional bonus episodes released throughout the rest of the year. Season two ran from April to August, 2025.
"Telling Jefferson Lies" explores how historical narratives can be manipulated for ideological and political ends, while also addressing the broader issue of Christian nationalism and its impact on historical interpretation. The series begins with a thorough analysis of the methods employed by Christian nationalist storyteller David Barton. The episodes delve into the events surrounding the 2012 withdrawal of his book on Jefferson from publication and examine the evangelical community's reactions to this unusual occurrence. Subsequently, I widen the lens to assess the various forms of Christian nationalism and the detrimental effects this perspective can have on the relationship between church and state. The final segment discusses the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state as a matter of sound history, civics, and religious practice. For additional information, please visit the Telling Jefferson Lies podcast page .
The podcast series is written and produced by Warren Throckmorton. Throckmorton hosts with guest co-hosting provided by Michael Coulter in some episodes. Episodes during the first season included interviews with experts including esteemed historians and writers such as George Marsden, Randall Balmer, Mark Noll, Charles Haynes, Jemar Tisby, John Fea, Katherine Stewart, Troy Jackson, Glenn Sunshine, Greg Forster, Glenn Moots, Gregg Frazer, Paul Matzko, Joel McDurmon, and David Austin Walsh.
These experts shared their insights on how figures like David Barton and other Christian nationalists distort historical narratives to support contemporary political agendas. They also document how separation of church and state was the founders' intent and the best arrangement for the United States.
Season two began with an analysis of historical errors notably springing from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and the late Charlie Kirk. The season ended with critical interviews about Christian nationalism. Experts interviewed included: Aaron Cowan, Matthew Boedy, Jemar Tisby, Caleb Campbell, Randall Balmer, Katherine Stewart, Andrew Whitehead, Paul Matzko, and Roger Finke.
These episodes set the stage for season three which will highlight Throckmorton's upcoming book The Christian Past That Wasn't: Debunking the Christian Nationalist Myths That Hijack History.
I’m so encouraged to find messages like this. Thank you so much for all your hard work. I just finished “The O’Connor Question”, and the closing song is noted/reported to be “Twisting History” by “Jonus Fair”. I loved the song, but I can’t find it anywhere! Do you happen to have a link to it or a source? Thank you!
Fantastic podcast.