Esther's Army: The Women Who Make Up MAGA (with Katie Gaddini)
Summary
Hosts Caitlin M. Green and Trent Nelson interview Dr. Katie Gadini about her book, *Esther’s Army*, which profiles six archetypes of Christian women driving the MAGA movement. They discuss how groups like conservative college students, anti-feminists, and white suburbanites are mobilized by narratives of persecution and fear. The conversation also explores the surprising inclusion of Black conservatives and the merging of right-wing politics with the anti-vaccine "MAGA" influencer sphere.
Topics discussed
Introduction and book overview: Esther's Army
Who is Esther? The biblical inspiration for MAGA women
Archetype 1: Conservative college idealists and radicalization
Archetype 2: Anti-feminists and the redefinition of feminism
Archetype 3: Black conservatives and their shift to the GOP
Archetype 4: The wellness crowd and raw milk advocates
Archetype 5: White suburban women and fear of immigration
Archetype 6: Mama Bears and the fight against 'woke' indoctrination
Conclusion and resources for Dr. Gadini's work
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