God, Guns, and the GOP: How Faith and Power Collide in Texas (A conversation with Robert Downen)

Garrett Fulce talks with Texas Monthly reporter Robert Downen about covering the intersection of faith and politics in Texas. The conversation ranges from Downen’s early work exposing abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention to the current tensions inside the Texas GOP between establishment figures and grassroots activists. They discuss the rise of Christian nationalism, how extremism seeps into policymaking, and what it means to report truthfully in a hyper-polarized environment. Downen also reflects on journalism’s future in the digital era and the ethical tightrope reporters walk when sources see coverage itself as a badge of honor.0:00 – “Rewarding tantrums”: Garrett’s opening monologue1:55 – Downen’s path from evangelical roots to journalism3:18 – From Houston Chronicle to Texas Monthly — how reporting evolved12:27 – Digital algorithms and the decline of local news14:28 – Covering politicians and faith leaders who see media as the enemy23:00 – Inside power struggles and grassroots extremism in Texas GOP32:57 – Media credibility and public mistrust34:41 – Online radicalization and political violence45:12 – How right-wing extremism reshapes policy debate54:19 – Religion in Texas primaries and future trends1:08:12 – Closing thoughts on journalism’s role in a fractured stateFind us at seeingredpodcast.substack.com for full episodes. Follow us on all socials at @theseeingredpod and online at our website Seeing Red Podcast. x.com/gwfulce