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Artwork for Highest Power: Church + State

Highest Power: Church + State

Baptist News Global
Donald Trump
Christian Nationalism
ICE
Trump Administration
Baptist News Global
Civil Rights Movement
Christianity
Politics
Desiring God
Epstein Files
Minneapolis, United States
Advent
America Reads the Bible
Incarnation
Iran
Christian Patriarchy
Howard Thurman
Dispensationalism
Jesus
Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.

A podcast from Baptist News Global examining the intersection of faith and politics at the highest levels of power. Hosted by Rick Pidcock.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes125Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianityReligion & Spirituality

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Highest Power: Church + State

Latest Episodes

Thursday, May 7, 2026 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

Monday, May 4, 2026 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

Thursday, April 30, 2026 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

Monday, April 27, 2026 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Lerone Martin
King scholar and professor
Stanford University
Episode: Ep122: How MLK Jr.'s Nonviolent Support of the Oppressed Contrasts with the Motive in the White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting, with Lerone Martin
Sheila Gregoire
Author of The Great Sex Rescue and The Marriage You Want
Bare Marriage / The Great Sex Rescue
Episode: Ep119: Mark Driscoll's Role in the Freedom 250 Event & How Complementarianism Sacralizes Violence Against Women, with Sheila Gregoire
Warren Throckmorton
Author of The Christian Past That Wasn't, Debunking the Christian Nationalist Myths That Hijack History
Warren Throckmorton (author)
Episode: Ep118: How the "America Reads the Bible" Event Promotes Myths about Our Christian Past, with Warren Throckmorton
Pat Kahnke
Author of A Christian Case Against Donald Trump
Culture, Faith, and Politics podcast host
Episode: Ep117: The 'Trump as Jesus' Painting & My Conversation with Pat Kahnke about the Common Values of Diverse Christian Nationalist Expressions
Lauren Smallcomb
Writer, poet and musician; certified mind body practitioner; author of Golden Child
Flourish Therapy / Golden Child
Episode: Ep116: Healing When Our Families Break Apart over Politics, with Lauren Smallcomb
Cody Sanders
Author of Christianity, LGBTQ Suicide, and the Souls of Queer Folk
Author, Baptist News Global contributor
Episode: Ep114: The SCOTUS Ruling Against Colorado's Ban on Conversion Therapy, with Cody Sanders
Ginny Brown Daniel
Writer for Baptist News Global, author of The Absurdity of Authoritarian Power and the Unthinking Obedience it Demands
Baptist News Global
Episode: Ep112: Pete Hegseth's Holy War in Iran & the Absurdity of Authoritarian Power, with Ginny Brown Daniel
Tia Levings
New York Times bestselling author of Well-Trained Wife and I Belong to Me; interviewee on Shiny Happy People
Author, Survivor Advocate
Episode: Ep111: The Duggar Scandal, Christian Nationalism, & the Seeming Inescapability of the Abusive Power Dynamics Many of Us Left Behind, with Tia Levings
Angela J. Harrington
Author of Embracing the Old Witch in the Woods
Author/Coach
Episode: Ep109: James Talarico, Jasmine Crockett, & Liberating Feminine Wisdom from Christian Patriarchy, with Angela J. Herrington

Host

Rick Pidcock
Host of Highest Power: Church + State; explores intersection of faith and politics with a critical lens on power and accountability

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 59 ratings
  • Phenomenal analysis!

    Rick Pidcock analyzes in depth the now unmistakable and grievous marriage between white evangelical Christianity and political power, displaying the moral clarity of the prophetic tradition of speaking truth to said powers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PC and MT
    United States7 months ago
  • Excellent Analysis of Christian Nationalism/Christian Dominionism

    It’s rare to hear such a deep understanding of the theology and social dynamics at work in Christian Nationalism/Supremacism. The topics are timely and the perspective Rick brings is always well thought out, fair, and connected to the theology driving CNs. Excellent podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GlasgowCelt
    United States8 months ago
  • Insightful!

    Thanks for your interview with Sarah Bader. Unbelievably tragic that she had to explain a woman’s concerns will not be listened to, thus necessitating a man’s voice (Bell) though he is fraught with baggage. Even a discredited man (Bell) is listened to, respected, and applauded while a woman is ignored and physically shoved aside. Thank you for highlighting this disturbing phenomenon affecting real people in real time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Strive4Truth
    United States8 months ago
  • It’s about time!

    Here here, Rick! You say what needs to be said at a time when Christians have once again embraced the same old lie that God is not enough. If you want your faith challenging, listen up. If you’re willing to settle for a lesser truth, listen to something else.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    retroorbitalmicturalgia
    United States10 months ago
  • Love this podcast!

    Wow. I have followed Rick’s writings for a while now and was thrilled when this podcast came alive.

    Rick strives and does a great job reporting the facts and helping walk through everything from Christianity and politics to being a voice for victims of abuse.

    Rick is fair and at the same time doesn’t waiver from support of abuse victims when credible. From all the writings of abuse and misbehavior across the theological conservative spectrum to now the abuse that has surfaced from progressiv... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stand with Victims
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate deep, courageous analysis of Christian nationalism and church-state issues.
Guests and topics are consistently timely and insightful, with a strong stance on accountability.
Praise for fairness and rigorous critique across political and religious spectrums.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep117: The 'Trump as Jesus' Painting & My Conversation with Pat Kahnke about the Common Values of Diverse Christian Nationalist Expressions
Q: What is the core problem the book Weapons of Worship addresses?
The core problem is that worship music and worship settings are being used to manipulate emotions and mobilize political power, often promoting an us-vs-them dynamic and justifying aggressive or exclusionary politics under the guise of religious devotion.
Ep119: Mark Driscoll's Role in the Freedom 250 Event & How Complementarianism Sacralizes Violence Against Women, with Sheila Gregoire
Q: What role do these theologies play in real-world harms like sexual coercion or violence against women?
Sheila ties theological scripts to embodied harm, citing research on sexual pain disorders, coercive dynamics, and the broader impact on women's wellbeing within church communities.
Ep119: Mark Driscoll's Role in the Freedom 250 Event & How Complementarianism Sacralizes Violence Against Women, with Sheila Gregoire
Q: What are the concrete differences between complementarian and egalitarian approaches based on your research?
Sheila describes matched-pair studies showing negative outcomes across many measures when complementarian beliefs are adopted, and highlights how egalitarian practices correlate with healthier relationships and less gender-based harm.
Ep119: Mark Driscoll's Role in the Freedom 250 Event & How Complementarianism Sacralizes Violence Against Women, with Sheila Gregoire
Q: How prevalent is the script that men are constantly aroused while women are not, and how does that affect church dynamics?
The host asks about prevalence and impact; Sheila explains that the script is widespread in some evangelical teachings and is a major contributor to unequal dynamics, with data showing negative outcomes for women and marriages.
Ep93: How White Congregations Can Listen to and Learn from Marginalized Communities, with Braxton Wade
Q: How do you see these days and months that emphasize justice being helpful for the oppressed, and how can we avoid corporate commodification of those observances?
Observances should be treated as ongoing, lived commitments year-round rather than marketing opportunities; communities should embed empathy and inclusive practices 51 weeks a year to avoid tokenizing moments.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Highest Power: Church + State

What is Highest Power: Church + State about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A sharp, policy-forward show that examines how faith intersects with power, often focusing on Christian nationalism, church-state dynamics, and accountability within religious institutions. Episodes frequently feature authors, journalists, and faith leaders who critique authority, analyze power structures, and offer constructive paths for churches and faith communities to respond to political realities. A standout thread across episodes is a willingness to challenge dogma and spotlight abuses of power, from institutional responses to abuse to the weaponization of religious rhetoric in national policy. Listeners are likely drawn to rigorous analysis, courageous conversations, and practical guidance for ministry, advocacy, and civic engagemen... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Highest Power: Church + State?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Highest Power: Church + State:

1. Sons of Patriarchy
2. The Convocation Unscripted
3. The SkyePod
4. The Holy Post
5. Preacher Boys Podcast

How many episodes of Highest Power: Church + State are there?

Highest Power: Church + State launched a year ago and published 125 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Highest Power: Church + State?

Recent guests on Highest Power: Church + State include:

1. Lerone Martin
2. Sheila Gregoire
3. Warren Throckmorton
4. Pat Kahnke
5. Lauren Smallcomb
6. Cody Sanders
7. Ginny Brown Daniel
8. Tia Levings

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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