# Holy Rizz and the Power of Hype + Molly Worthen

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/saved-by-the-city-3629845/holy-rizz-and-the-power-of-hype-molly-worthen
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/saved-by-the-city-3629845/holy-rizz-and-the-power-of-hype-molly-worthen.md
Podcast: [Saved by the City](https://stenobird.com/podcast/saved-by-the-city-3629845)
Published: 2025-11-07T12:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/op3.dev/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/CCELI4653006648.mp3?updated=1762483975
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/op3.dev/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/CCELI4653006648.mp3?updated=1762483975
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Duration seconds: 3459

## Resource

Beware the charismatic pastor? America has long had a love affair with celebrity — be that of the Hollywood variety or the political ilk. From superstar athletes to celebrity chefs, their woo is not wasted on us. And the history of American Christianity was shaped by men (and a few women) who possessed that irresistible gravitational pull. They held evangelistic revivals, founded denominations and even new religions, and inspired movements. They also sometimes amassed huge amounts of personal wealth, had scandalous affairs and led their followers to commit deadly acts. Charisma has been a powerful tool in the American church and on this episode of the podcast, Katelyn and Roxy talk to historian Molly Worthen about how that tool has been used for good and evil ... and how charismatic politicians have begun to fill the void as religion declines. Plus: we take a personal Rizz Quiz GUEST: Molly Worthen is a professor of history at the University of North Carolina, where she focuses on North American religious and intellectual history. She is the author most recently of Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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