This is a more recent find for me — last year or so. I’d kind of sworn off theology podcasts for a while, but I enjoy this one. Steers pretty well clear of my religious traumas and neuroses! And I’ve plundered the show for some great reading recommendations too. Solidarity!

Herzog’s reading of Jesus’ parables are a breath of fresh air. Thanks for diving into them. Maybe more might make their way into future episodes?

They frown on evangelization and can’t really talk about theology or the Bible. Marxism though, they are really passionate about Marxism. They are very dismissive of the strong currents of atheism and opposition to Christianity within the Marxist tradition. I really wish there was a good podcast about leftist politics and Christianity, but I’m still looking for one.

You’re never too old to have a youth pastor (or two).

Really incredible, wonderful, and good.

Matt B and Dean D are a dynamic duo. They are funny and offer an impressive perspective on Christianity and the intersection of socialism.

I’m not Christian but live in the Bible Belt so I’m constantly surrounded with the doctrine. This podcast is very easy to understand and super informative about socialism/communism. I love how they cite Bible verses to also back up their views. I strongly recommend listening even if you’re not Christian because they don’t make the show feel “churchy”

I’ve been working my way through all the episodes for about 2 months now. I already have a notebook full of book recommendations and other podcasts to check out. Thank you guys for helping me in my journey as a “lefty” who has recently found Christ.

And I love it baby

I only started listening this year and I’ve already heard every episode. I share them more than any other podcast! But most importantly my browser is now full of tabs open to authors and books they’ve put me up on that I need to get.

glad they’re doing this, really helped me work through a lot of my christian/leftist ideas. keep up the good work y’all!!

I love this podcast - I learn something new every time!

Dean and Matt do a really great job examining the intersections of Christianity and leftist politics - not weak progressivism, but that uncut left 😤

I myself am a leftist agnostic with a deep love for theology and this podcast has completely rejuvenated my interest in Christian theology. That being said, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think that anyone with an interest in theology, leftism, or simply philosophy in general would love this podcast. Dean and Matt’s views are palatable, well spoken, interesting, and well informed. I’ve been a weekly listener for a few months now (since the last cross over with RevLeft) and they’ve never disappointed.

Great combination of politics, discourse analysis, and theoretical discussion. I always have something new to read after an episode. The hosts are very funny too. I love this podcast even though I’m an atheist.

Want a good podcast on Christianity? Want a good podcast on leftist politics? Want a good podcast on leftist politics and Christianity? Then this podcast will fill your niche interests and desires. Matt and Dean do a great job in analyzing current events and history through a Christian and Marxist lens which helps me consider what the church’s role in building a more just and equitable future ought to be. I often listen to this podcast when I’m writing my sermons and when I am working at my church. The only critique I have is that Matt and Dean have not given their audience what they have truly wanted which is a materialist analysis on the Filioque controversy. I would also like to see a materialist analysis on the Second Council of Nicaea. If they did this I would rate their podcast a 6/5.

I decided to become punk this summer and took up skateboarding as a grown ass man. Quickly I realized I couldn’t ever be truly punk if I wasn’t a leftist. Now I listen to the Magnificast while I skateboard around town. I think I’m nearly punk now. 5/5 stars, would listen again.

Matt and Dean aren’t afraid to be human, which is what makes it all the more engaging when they push the discourse on what it means to be better human beings to one another. Also their Christmas opening music had the same melody as the theme song for ABC’s Reality TV Romp Bachelor in Paradise so that got stuck in my head

The Magnificast is the most educational, and enlightening leftist podcast I've ever listened to. You've given me so much hope and conviction that we really can build a better world.

This show is really great. I love the fun take on all kinds of important topics, and the Christian perspective on political economies. Keep it up gentlemen!

I’m a progressive, LGBTQ Affirming Catholic and I’m so happy I was recommended your podcast. I have a spirituality and commentary lifestyle channel called “the HippieCatholic” and I do reviews, responses, vlogs and more from my progressive Catholic perspective. The experience of being a progressive Catholic has been one of many ups and downs. Many have told me that since I’m not a traditionalist, I’m not a real Catholic. And my faith is so important to me and all my social justice ethics through a Catholic perspective, so the fact that people question my faith due to my social justice conclusions has been difficult. I’ve recommended your podcast when I engage with my subscribers and I think it’s helped so many people questioning their faith realize that they can and SHOULD be social justice oriented and be Christian/Catholic. Also, the illogicalspoon is one of my new fav bands too. You guys are amazing, God bless!

You do not have to apologize for that

I guess I’m a Quaker now. Cool.

You guys are TERRIBLE at Biblical exegesis. I’m a leftist Christian, but I still believe in being led by the Holy Spirit when studying the Bible. Projecting your personal ideology onto Biblical text doesn’t fly. We must be aware of the tyranny of the individual. To solve this problem, pray for guidance, then look to the long history of the Church (universal Church) for further guidance. Don’t be steered into your personal view necessarily: be open to being wrong.

Waste of your time. Don't bother, unfortunately misguided.

into this podcast. It’s a quirky show and has a very good™️ fan base. I don’t read much philosophy or theology, but this podcast has introduced me to economics outside of out current state in the US. The hosts and those they interview provide a nice and ever broader range of Christians on the left. I can honestly say this podcast - along with some awesome anarchist and anti-racist organizers in my town - have radicalized me and I’m all for it.

I cannot express how important this podcast has been to me. As someone who left Christianity because of my increasing frustration with it’s right wing tendencies and black and white perspective of the world, I can hold this podcast along with other texts and conversations I’ve been lucky to experience as something which eventually brought me back from my loss of faith. To see that there is a historical left wing to the Christian faith was monumental in allowing me to explore it again with new eyes.

In all seriousness: I left the faith 6 years ago, became an anti-theist and denounced religion. This show, while it didn’t reignite my faith, did reignite my conviction in the beauty of the good word and the power of religion to do good.

Spreading extreme misinformation on the Venezuelan conflict/brutal dictatorship. Reported to the government.

In the continued effort to dethrone Joel NOsteen from Podcastopia, I shall henceforth and always submit this review to posterity. Gotta shift them Al Gore Rhythms 🤣 The amount of wit and whimsy I feel is necessary to craft an appropriate review is outside my grasp, so allow me to simply say that there is not an episode where I don’t say “I love these gals so much.” Actually I say “boys” 👬 but ya know... “gals” 👭 Also, “yeah, for sure” and “yeah, I think so” are mantras of sorts betwixt you... I wanna see an epic throw down on things upon which you two DON’T agree. Similarly, I hope some day you have some guests that you don’t necessarily agree with but with whom you have an authentic dialogue about said disagreements. It would also be a dandy thing to have your spouses on the show to have them in dialogue with you about how these things show up for them OR to just have them replace you for an episode so we get their 🔥 hot takes on you two! HA! You both give voice to and language for what I believe so many folks are feeling and show us that there is a wide net of support for such amazingly important leftist Christianity. Thanks for revitalizing Christians For Socialism. In a world where I feel I hear “I feel so isolated,” you prove that we’re actually a lot closer to each other than we know. Thanks for providing hours of ear-tingling delight, robust intellectualism, a dash of shenanigans, and perpetually poignant inspiration to dream and scheme for a better church and a better way of being in the world. Also, thanks for giving me permission to load FIF back on my phone. I’ll be ordering shirts and stickers soon. Oh, and let me into the Basement...? K, bye. Ibrahím

I had to go back and binge-listen every available episode. If you’re into Christianity and leftist politics, this podcast is your new home. Everything from Paul Virilio to A.E. Smith, Christians For Socialism to the Friendly Fire Collective. The hosts are not at all nerdy, awkward, or self-deprecating. Masterful segues. Theological expertise. My only complaint is they don’t talk about violence nearly enough. #20vineteen #joelnosteen

My hubby and I have found our people! You guys rock. Really appreciate this podcast and the enlightening dialogue. You guys give me hope for the world.

I started this podcast in the last week of June with ep 1. Now I’m live. Love that sweet shirt I can’t wear to church/work. Thanks for having fun and interesting conversations about Jesus and loving people. I’d love some episodes on theory/philosophy, maybe something about Nietzsche, Derrida, and Foucault and how they relate to Jesus. #remembertheorbepisode #thanksforfixingthoseaudioproblems #killyourmasters

Been listening since day one. These dudes bring on the best guests, recoomend the best books, and inspire action. When I jumped in I thought it'd be fun to have a homegrown show that kinda spoke to my religious and political ideas, but I've been pleaseantly suprised at how they've grown into a legitimate voice of the Christain Left™, and challenged both my religion and politics. And this is all while keeping it breezy... the Beavis and Buthead huh-huh-huh he-heh-heh in between Marxist and Scripture readings really works for me.

Let me explain. I'm a student of contextual theology with a lot of seething societal resentment that needs some healthy redistribution. Perhaps it doesn't hurt that my ancestors have been in turn bombed, enslaved, forced into concentration camps, and then enrolled according to their "blood quanta" all by the "Home of the Free." Thus, when my friend cued me into this podcast, I was hopeful that I would find some voices that provide intellectually stimulating and praxis-provoking material to chew on. I'm grateful to say that this podcast provides this and more, with interesting guests and some stellar readings. I found the last few episodes about Nicholas Black Elk particularly honoring to my own indigenous experience. Unfortunately, there seems to be work to be done to get this podcast above an occasional, topical listen for me. As many other reviews noted, the quality of the recordings are painfully behind, especially when compared to the vast majority of podcasts that I listen to otherwise. How hard is it to purchase some quality gear, or use the radio station at your local community college? This is experience has been frustrating to the point that I screamed in agony and swerved to avoid pedestrians as I adjusted the headset while driving. Is it my fault? Well, obviously. But you get the idea. Guys: I don't wanna be another dead Indian on the road. Also, I have a hard time not feeling exhausted by the trope of "two white guys talk about literature and then use nerdy words." PLEASE. INVITE. MORE. GUESTS. OF. COLOR. AND. WOMEN. I hope to revisit this review. I think the potential is real. With a few twists of the sarcasm mill and not a small amount of the Creator's love, -He Sweats in Fresno

Long time listener, first time reviewer, 5 stars prompted bc of THAT HOT PRODUCTION ON THE PRISON CHAPLAIN EP! INTRO BEAT COMIN BACK IN! HYPING ME UP! GETTING ME READY TO PROTECT MY FRIENDS!

This podcast is absolutely great. I love the dynamic between the hosts and the community that is clearly growing between this and other lefty podcasts(I came here by way of Rev Left Radio). This podcast provides so many perspectives that I’d otherwise miss. And yes, y’all have at least one non-Christian/non-religious listener. Thank you so, so much for challenging my years of Richard Dawkins Edgelord Style Indoctrination (tm). Cheers and keep up the good work! <3

But I really enjoy this podcast. I came into the Magnificast through their interview of George Cicarriello-Maher, which is now my favorite podcast episode of all time. Both the hosts are so knowledgeable and easy to listen to that each episode goes by really quickly for me. I always feel like I’m in on the conversation with them whilst learning so much. I’m not Christian, but this podcast has definitely given me a new view/respect of/for Christianity and the role it has through the lenses of communism as well as the role it could play. Such unique insight into the subjects touched on. Keep up the good work, I enjoy listening to each episode! :)

U guys r gr8

Hey y'all. Wanna listen to the best show on iTunes? Well this one probably isn't it, but it's the best one I listen to. You guys are awesome, you've really helped me to shape in my head what it means to be a Christian and a leftist. I would like to hear some more theology talk from you guys, even though you've said you aren't qualified. Just keep up the good work, comrades.

So I’ve been a dedicated listener to this podcast for basically a year. It’s followed me through political transitions, as I “””radicalized””” and become more active in political work. It’s followed me through religious transition, from my catholicism to Episcopalianism. Through all of these transitions, I can usually count on good, casual-yet-serious lefty Christian content to both affirm and challenge what it means to be a lefty Christian every Friday. And you learn with them; they’re still going through the process of learning themselves. And that’s been fun. Thanks Matt & Dean for the quality content and the good/bad transitions.

If you are a Christian wondering how you should relate to the political sphere or shape the structures which influence us all then this podcast is for you. Not only are the two hosts as hilarious as they are thought provoking, but I’m sure you’ll find that every minute spent listening is more worth while than the last. All in all a 10/5 kind of show.

Join the insurrectionary crusade for the establishment of the commune of God! These guys are ready to wage people's war against the conservatives who think they have a monopoly on religion and spirituality. Solidarity, comrades. Solidarity.✊🏻🏴🚩🙏🏻

I greatly enjoy this podcast for not only it's intersection between Christianity and leftist politics, something you don't hear often, but also the interesting guests and topics that are delved into. Matt and Dean put in work like Thanos put in work on The Hulk! Keep it up guys. Much love from The Hampton Institute. :)

Eagerly downloading what I dyslexically interpreted to be a series of hour long declamations on the hijinks of a number of notable felines, I instead found a pair of academics nimbly navigating the intersection of Christianity and leftist politics. Which, you know, is pretty good too.

Look forward to this show every week. Good to hear that good revolutionary praxis from fellow Christian socialists or socialist Christians or whatever folks wanna call themselves. As Mao would say, Combat Joel Osteen.

I wanted to come up with a very good comment but I put so much energy into the subject that I got nothing left. Perhaps if the capitalists weren’t stealing my creative spirit I could do better. But you should listen to this podcast. Matt and Dean throw up the alley and help you oop it on reactionaries...or at least cross them up with segues #JoelNostein

Chesterton once said Christianity has not been tried and found wanting, rather it has never been tried. This podcast addresses itself to this problem by attempting to locate the coordinates of where the lessons that found expression in the gospels can be brought to bear in the interregnum of the secular humanitarian project. This project may be revealed to be a cut flower of the Christian project, but so obscure has that project become to self-described practitioners, that the secular derivative can serve as a source of material from which it’s origin can be reconstructed.

As a Catholic who only recently started to discern my way out from liberalism, this podcast has been an invaluable resource. Thank you to Matt and Dean! P.S. more Amaryah please!

Good work, gals. Proud of you both. ❤️