Extremely American - Podcast Rankings and reviews

Thank you for the thought-provoking, insightful, and balanced exploration of right-wing religious and political sects. The host is exceptionally knowledgeable and presents the material in an engaging, unbiased manner. Each episode leaves me curious (and admittedly terrified) to learn more.

I am always skeptical of NPR shows on religion and politics because they are usually so left-leaning. But I recommend that you hang on and listen to all of the episodes in season 2. The bonus episode, number 10, of season 2 provides the balance needed to explain the problem of Christian Nationalism. But two of the panelists are also critical of the wokeness that comes out of the left. Finally, an NPR episode that does not lump all Christians into one extremist category. What I would like to hear/see from NPR in this podcast is a season or two of “Extremely American” that focuses on the extremists on the political left as well. They can be just as militant.

Both seasons are very interesting. The use of interviews with the principal actors is helpful. However, the host’s leftist bias is obvious, and his commentary can be tone-deaf. Listen with discernment.

I’ve come to the personal conclusion that understanding the political themes on the extreme ends - right and left - is as necessary as watching the weather: It’s easier to prepare for a tornado if you listen to the people who understand the conditions leading up to it.

The team behind Extremely American are steeped in this world and have researched the connections - as amorphous as they are - between a lot of the major players in the movement. They do the rest of us a massive service by performing this act of journalism and having their names attached, knowing that it might put a target on their backs.