Inside the Minds of Trump Supporters: Dr. Travis Ruddle Breaks Down Political Allegiance

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] this insightful episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram welcome Dr. Travis Ruddle, assistant professor at Brigham Young University’s Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics, to discuss his groundbreaking book, The Totality of Allegiance: Inside the Hearts and Minds of Trump Supporters. Dr. Ruddle provides a deep dive into the psychological, sociological, and political dynamics that shape the loyalty of Trump supporters, based on extensive focus group research conducted across diverse demographics in the U.S. The discussion covers the erosion of critical thinking, the role of identity and allegiance in political behavior, and comparisons to broader societal and global trends in democratic systems. The episode balances academic rigor with empathy, offering nuanced perspectives on political tribalism, media trust, and the human aspects of political affiliation. Whether you’re curious about Trump supporters, concerned about democracy, or interested in understanding political behavior, this episode delivers thought-provoking analysis and actionable insights.Dr. Travis Ruddle is an assistant professor at Brigham Young University’s Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics. His research focuses on the interplay between ethics, morality, and organizational behavior across public, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. With expertise in political sociology, crisis management, and citizen engagement, Dr. Ruddle has contributed significantly to understanding how individuals and groups navigate complex ethical landscapes. His latest book, The Totality of Allegiance: Inside the Hearts and Minds of Trump Supporters, offers a groundbreaking analysis of the motivations and dynamics shaping political allegiance in America today. Dr. Ruddle’s work has been praised for its empathetic and nuanced approach, bridging theory and real-world application to foster meaningful dialogue.Link to the Book:The Totality of Allegiance: Inside the Hearts and Minds of Trump Supporters: https://a.co/d/eA3yaru Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast