The Charisma of the Leader (ft. Molly Worthen)

Mark Bauerlein October 20, 2025

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In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Molly Worthen joins in to discuss her recent book, Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump.

The conversation is embedded below. For your long-term convenience, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Mark Bauerlein

Mark Bauerlein is contributing editor at First Things.

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The Charisma of the Leader (ft. Molly Worthen)

Mark Bauerlein

The Boys on the Brink

The Left Is Right About the Bible

America’s Empty Confessionals

Of America’s Most Influential Publication of Religion and Public Life

Reflections on a Diamond Jubilee

SlutCon’s Emotional Void

The Boys on the Brink