680: Cancelling Colbert, Starving Gaza, & American Charisma with Molly Worthen

CBS has cancelled the top-rated late-night talk show. Was it really a financial decision, or was it done to get the Trump administration to approve a corporate merger? And will Stephen Colbert now come on the Holy Post? Horrific images of starvation are coming out of Gaza as pressure builds on the Israeli government to end the war, but when does pro-Palestinian activism cross the line into antisemitism? Historian Molly Worthen’s new book, “Spellbound,” explains how charismatic political and religious movements have shaped America, and why they depend more on a compelling story than a persuasive leader. Also this week— Phil is back from his European vacation with stories of schnitzel and chicken dancing.

 

Holy Post Plus:

Bonus Interview with Molly Worthen:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/135231773/

 

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/135245929/

 

0:00 - Show Starts

 

2:30 - Theme Song

 

2:50 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/holypost

 

3:55 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Brooklyn Bedding is offering up to 25% off sitewide for our listeners! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/holypost

 

5:04 - Phil’s Chicken Dance Adventure

 

15:05 - Colbert Cancelled?

 

24:21 - Antisemitism and Protesting Israel

 

42:43 - Sponsor - Poncho - If you’ve been looking for the perfect shirt—something breathable, fits great, feels even better, and stands out in a good way—give Poncho a try. Get $10 off your first order by using this link: https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/holypost

 

44:23 - Interview

 

47:50 - Building vs Destroying Institutions

 

58:56 - What Charismatic Movements Succeed?

 

1:09:45 - Charismatic Leader vs Charismatic Story

 

1:16:00 - Secular yet Spiritual

 

1:23:19 - End Credits

 

Links from News Segment:

Holding Israel accountable isn’t antisemtic—harming Jews is:

https://religionnews.com/2025/07/16/holding-israel-accountable-isnt-antisemitic-harming-jews-is/

 

Other Resources:

Spellboard: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump: https://a.co/d/4IWVyNX

 

Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

 

Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

 

Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

 

Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

 

The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.