
Christian Utopias and Network States: Kiera Butler on Theo Bros in Appalachia
05/13/25 β’ 54 min
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In this episode, Faithful Politics welcomes back Kiera Butler, senior editor at Mother Jones, to discuss her latest reporting on a group of Christian nationalists aiming to build a secluded community in Appalachia. Butler unpacks how this network of self-identified "Theo Bros," led by figures like Andrew Isker and supported by investment firm New Founding, is attempting to create a crypto-fueled, autonomy-driven enclave in Tennessee. We explore the ideological motivations behind this project, the connections to Silicon Valley's "network state" movement, and the potential implications for local communities already established in the region. Tune in to hear Butler's insights on the intersections of faith, real estate, and the radical vision for a "Christian nation" in the American heartland.
Guest Bio:
Kiera Butler is a senior editor at Mother Jones, where she covers politics, culture, and the intersection of religion and power in America. She is known for her investigative reporting on Christian nationalism and emerging political movements and has written extensively on the rise of "Theo Bros" and their efforts to create autonomous Christian enclaves.
Resources & Links:
The Christian Theobros are Building a Tech Utopia in Appalachia: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/04/christian-theobros-are-building-a-tech-utopia-in-appalachia/
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Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]
In this episode, Faithful Politics welcomes back Kiera Butler, senior editor at Mother Jones, to discuss her latest reporting on a group of Christian nationalists aiming to build a secluded community in Appalachia. Butler unpacks how this network of self-identified "Theo Bros," led by figures like Andrew Isker and supported by investment firm New Founding, is attempting to create a crypto-fueled, autonomy-driven enclave in Tennessee. We explore the ideological motivations behind this project, the connections to Silicon Valley's "network state" movement, and the potential implications for local communities already established in the region. Tune in to hear Butler's insights on the intersections of faith, real estate, and the radical vision for a "Christian nation" in the American heartland.
Guest Bio:
Kiera Butler is a senior editor at Mother Jones, where she covers politics, culture, and the intersection of religion and power in America. She is known for her investigative reporting on Christian nationalism and emerging political movements and has written extensively on the rise of "Theo Bros" and their efforts to create autonomous Christian enclaves.
Resources & Links:
The Christian Theobros are Building a Tech Utopia in Appalachia: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/04/christian-theobros-are-building-a-tech-utopia-in-appalachia/
π§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore
β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:
donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast
π© Reach out to us:
- Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: [email protected]
- Political Host, Will Wright: [email protected]
π± Follow & connect with us:
- Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik
- Instagram: faithful_politics
- Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
- LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com
π
RSVP for upcoming live events:
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Previous Episode

How Evangelicals Betrayed Jesus for Power β A Conversation with Amy Hawk
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In this episode, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Amy Hawk, author of The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betray Jesus for Power. Once a hyper-patriotic evangelical leader, Amy shares her journey of disillusionment during the 2016 election when Donald Trump became the Republican nominee. She opens up about her fatherβs legacy as a Vietnam War hero, her evolving faith journey, and the painful decision to step away from the white evangelical church. Hawk discusses how Trumpism has infiltrated the evangelical community, drawing parallels between Judasβ betrayal and how evangelical leaders have sacrificed integrity for political power. Amy also details how her faith was renewed through studying the life of Jesus and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ultimately leading her to a spiritual community outside traditional evangelical circles.
Guest Bio:
Amy Hawk is the author of The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betray Jesus for Power. Once a devoted evangelical leader, Amy experienced a profound faith crisis during the 2016 election when she witnessed the rise of Trumpism within the evangelical church. Now, she speaks out against the manipulation of Christianity for political gain and offers daily Bible teachings on her YouTube channel and social media.
Resources & Links:
The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betray Jesus for Power by Amy Hawk β Purchase Link on her website for signed copies: https://www.amyhawk.com
π§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore
β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:
donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast
π© Reach out to us:
- Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: [email protected]
- Political Host, Will Wright: [email protected]
π± Follow & connect with us:
- Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik
- Instagram: faithful_politics
- Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
- LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:
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π
RSVP for upcoming live events:
Chec...
Next Episode

Empowering Vulnerable Communities: Faith, Justice, and Early Childhood Development
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What role does the church play in supporting vulnerable children and families in marginalized communities? In this episode, Faithful Politics sits down with Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice at Sojourners and ordained AME minister, and Rev. Thomas Brackeen Jr., Minister to Youth and Families at Metropolitan AME Church, to discuss their latest report on strengthening early childhood development in Black and Latin faith communities. From access to healthcare to the impact of economic policies, they delve into the systems affecting the youngest and most vulnerable and how faith-based organizations can step up to advocate for justice.
Metropolitan AME Church, founded in 1838, continues to stand against hate and fight for justice. In December 2020, the Proud Boys vandalized the churchβs property, tearing down and burning a Black Lives Matter banner. Metropolitan fought back, securing $2.8 million in damages and winning the exclusive rights to the Proud Boysβ trademark β a historic legal victory for a Black institution. Today, the church continues its legacy of advocacy through initiatives such as the Community Justice Fund, food insecurity programs, and the Sankofa Project, which equips families with culturally responsive and biblically grounded resources.
Guest Bios:
Rev. Moya Harris is an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, serving at the historic Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. She is also the Director of Racial Justice at Sojourners and a retired registered nurse. Rev. Harris is currently pursuing her PhD, focusing on faith, justice, and community development.
Rev. Thomas A. Brackeen Jr. is the Minister to Youth and Families at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. With over 30 years of experience in youth ministry, he has worked with young people throughout the DC metropolitan area and is committed to advocating for vulnerable children and families through faith-based initiatives.
Resources & Links:
Sojourners: sojo.net
Metropolitan AME Church: metropolitaname.org
Report on Early Childhood Development in Black and
π§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore
β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:
donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast
π© Reach out to us:
- Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: [email protected]
- Political Host, Will Wright: [email protected]
π± Follow & connect with us:
- Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik
- Instagram: faithful_politics
- Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
- LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:
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π
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Faithful Politics - Christian Utopias and Network States: Kiera Butler on Theo Bros in Appalachia
Transcript
Hey, welcome back, Faithful Politics listeners and watchers. If you're watching this on our YouTube channel, we are so glad to have you. Make sure you like and subscribe. I am your political host, Wright, and joined by your faithful host once again is Pastor Josh. How's it going, Pastor Josh? I don't know why I your name so weird.
And uh returning. Back to us is Keira Butler. She is a senior editor of Mother Jones, where she covers poli
If you like this episode youβll love
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