The Handmaid’s Tale Is Coming To A State Near You

July 8, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

In a recent installment of “Sunday Matt” on the Heretic Happy Hour podcast, I reflected on the eerie parallels between our present-day socio-political climate and the dystopian world depicted in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. This reflection isn’t merely an exercise in dramatic comparison but a sober realization of the rapid trajectory we’re on—a trajectory that should alarm anyone who values freedom, equality, and justice. When my wife and I started watching “The Handmaid’s Tale,” I knew it would be... Read more

Women’s Empowerment and Patriarchy

July 4, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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My wife and I just started watching “The Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu, and let me just tell you that if you haven’t seen it, it’s f*cking terrifying and uncomfortable to watch. However, in dire times like these, sometimes you have to do uncomfortable things to prepare yourself for the world that may be coming your way. Let me also just say: thank God for people like Sheila Wray Gregoire, April Ajoy, and my partner in crime, Keith Giles, for the... Read more

Christian Nationalism: A Critical Discourse

July 3, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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Christian nationalism has been a contentious and increasingly prominent topic in contemporary American discourse. In a recent panel discussion on the Heretic Happy Hour podcast, we brought together activists Lisa Sharon Harper and Shane Claiborne to explore this phenomenon, its implications, and its potential threats to both democracy and authentic Christian faith. The discussion is rich with insights, historical perspectives, and passionate critiques, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complex interplay between Christianity and nationalism in the United... Read more

The Bible and Politics: A Match Made in Hell

July 2, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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During a recent episode of the Heretic Happy Hour podcast, I, along with Keith Giles, Desimber Rose, Eve_wasframed, and John Fugelsang, shed some light on the complex and often contentious intersection of politics and the Bible in modern American society. This panel discussion, anchored in recent Pew Research findings, delves into the implications of intertwining religious values with legislative processes, and critically examines how contemporary interpretations of Christian values align (or rather, misalign) with the teachings of Jesus Christ. The... Read more

How Christians Can Make America Great

June 14, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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In the ’80s, Ronald Reagan said he wanted to make America great again. No, really … he did. Decades later, “make America great again” became the mantra of one Donald J. Trump, the Wish.com version of an already problematic individual (don’t shoot me, conservatives). Now, this phrase is the battle cry of most all Christian Nationalists, who see the United States of America as a once great Christian nation that will one day be made great again (for whom? We... Read more

Why We Love STARDEW VALLEY

June 12, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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For those not familiar with the title, Stardew Valley is a cozy farm simulator that has been played and enjoyed by millions of adoring fans across multiple gaming systems since 2016. Not unlike Harvest Moon which came decades prior, Stardew Valley puts the character in charge of a farm that has seen better days, but one still brimming with potential. Over time, the player can decide how they will imagine their new home and how much (or little) to interact... Read more

Trump and MAGA: A Story of Unrepentance

June 10, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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The other day, the Heretic Happy Hour podcast received a voicemail on our hotline, and the caller made a brilliant point about how Donald Trump is, among other things, unrepentant. And while it is true that he is also a convicted felon–something that should disqualify him from holding public office–we shouldn’t demonize other felons in our critique of Trump. A great rebuke… one that did not go unnoticed by Team HHH. The wild thing about this realization is that Christians... Read more

This Is Who The Conservative Right Are

May 17, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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Just this week, two events took place that best summarize the conservative Right. First, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered a commencement speech for the ages, where he literally told graduating women that their greatest achievements are in front of them–so far, so good–becoming homemakers, wives, and mothers. Wide right, Harrison. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you … How... Read more

What Should We HATE?

May 6, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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If this week has taught me anything, it’s that I’m not a big enough hater. Damn. Kendrick Lamar really does NOT like Drake. And to be honest, I’m here for all of it. But before assuming I’m here to chime in on the rap beef–I’m not Black, so not only would it be out of pocket to comment on a lot of the sub-contexts present in the feud, as a guest in their house, it’s my job to listen more... Read more

Heretic Happy Hour Returns In ONE WEEK!

April 30, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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It’s been a few months since a new episode of Heretic Happy Hour has released. But now, the wait is nearly over! And things couldn’t be more exciting for this podcast. Here’s how we describe it in a recent press release: Chico, CA, April 30, 2024 – The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast is thrilled to announce its relaunch on May 7th, 2024, with an all-new weekly panel format that promises to challenge, inspire, and entertain listeners. Hosted by a diverse... Read more