Podcast Summary: The Tim & April Show

Episode 70: "Cinnabon Employee Cashes Out After Hate Tyrade"
Air Date: December 12, 2025
Hosts: Tim Whitaker (The New Evangelicals)
Special Guest Co-Host: Dr. Jamar Tisby
Theme: Unpacking a viral racist incident at Cinnabon, the response from right-wing Christian nationalism, and the underlying historical, theological, and systemic roots of racism in American Christianity and politics.

Episode Overview

In this episode, with April Ajoy out, Tim Whitaker is joined by historian and author Dr. Jamar Tisby to examine a recent viral incident involving a blatantly racist Cinnabon employee, the subsequent response (and fundraising campaign) from right-wing Christian nationalists, and the broader historical context of racism and white Christian nationalism in the US. The discussion unravels the willful ignorance around American racism, the weaponization of Christian institutions for racist ends, and the theological reasons why Christians must confront these issues directly—using current headlines, historical analysis, and personal experience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Why This Incident Matters

Introduction and Context ([02:07]–[03:44])
- Tim and Dr. Jamar Tisby explain their history, Jamar’s work (author, historian, justice-focused educator on Substack), and shared opposition to white Christian nationalism.
- Tim credits Jamar's book, The Color of Compromise, as pivotal in rethinking American race history and the church's complicity.
- Shared personal moments: Philadelphia cheesesteak memories as a metaphor for real connection across division ([05:19]).

2. The Cinnabon Incident: From Hate to Profit

The Story ([08:04]–[09:52])
- A Cinnabon employee (Crystal Wiley) is filmed making racist slurs and gestures toward a Somalian couple.
- Cinnabon fires her. Right-wing commentators and Christian platforms rally to her defense, painting her as a victim.
Right-Wing Denial and Deflection ([09:52]–[15:48])
- Notable Quote:
  "What Context would make a lady calling someone the N word acceptable or saying I'm a racist?" (Tim, [12:40])
- Jack Posobiec (right-wing influencer) refuses to believe "a viral video from the left," using "the left" as a boogeyman to discredit any evidence of racism.
- Dr. Tisby breaks down how labeling undesirable truth as "the left" or "fake news" is an effective tactic to avoid accountability.
Profiting from Racism: GiveSendGo Fundraising ([16:51]–[19:04])
- Crystal quickly raises nearly $150,000 on GiveSendGo (a Christian fundraising platform), supported by clearly racist and xenophobic donor comments.
- Notable Quote:
  "No white person should lose their job for refusing to be harassed by Somalians." – GiveSendGo campaign description ([17:00])
- Analysis of the coded language: Supporters equate "true American" with whiteness and cast Somali immigrants as "invaders."

3. Christian Nationalism, Race, and Historical Backdrop

Why Do Christian Platforms Enable This? ([21:13]–[22:42])
- Tim laments: "Why is it always the Christian organizations that promote the most vilest you can imagine when it's so evident how antichrist these kinds of things are…?"
- Dr. Tisby traces this back to the "Doctrine of Discovery"—Christian colonization justified exploitation as God’s will.
How Racism Became a Christian & Political Tool ([26:24]–[38:40])
- Deep dive into the ways American Christianity intertwined with white supremacy—from the 15th-century doctrine of discovery to the Cold War's "anti-Communist/Christian" crusade to opposing civil rights as a religious freedom issue.
- Memorable Analogy:
  "Captain America" as the white Christian archetype—the myth that America is for and by white Christians.
- The Bob Jones University incident: refusal to allow interracial dating, tax-exempt status fight, and how race, not abortion, catalyzed the political religious right.

4. Race, Christian Nationalism, and Today’s Crises

The Reluctance to Deal with Race Directly ([38:40]–[42:00])
- Dr. Tisby insists on naming it "white Christian nationalism"—injustice and anti-Black racism are at the root of virtually all major justice issues today.
- The Black Lives Matter movement and historic Black voices warned about systemic brutality—white America only noticed when it affected them.
- Notable Quote:
  "A failure to deal with anti black racism is how you get a Cinnabon worker ranting to somebody who just wanted a snack. ... It may start with black people, but it will ripple out to others." (Tisby, [42:24])
The Hidden World of Evangelical Power ([42:24]–[46:51])
- Tim explains to non-evangelical listeners that a vast, well-funded evangelical network animates this ideology, which outsiders often miss.
- Some of Trump’s inner circle reportedly believe (and act on) spiritual warfare and dominionist theology in the literal halls of political power.

5. Trump’s Rhetoric and Its Impact

Trump’s Open Racism and Dehumanization ([49:54]–[54:52])
- Montage of Trump calling Somalians and Rep. Ilhan Omar "garbage" and voicing support for mass deportations—repeatedly met with applause from Christian men.
- Notable Quote:
  "It is now normal for the President of the United States to call a Congressperson by name 'garbage.' ... The Overton window has shifted" (Tisby, [53:35])
- Comparison to prior outrage when Biden called out “maga extremists,” highlighting the hypocrisy and shifting standards.
The Cinnabon Employee’s Backstory and the Double Standard ([56:54])
- Revelation that Crystal has charges for child endangerment and drugs—yet is still lauded as a hero by supposed “pro-family” right-wingers.

6. Why Call It “Christian Nationalism”?

Academic/Practical Reasons for Keeping the Term ([57:57]–[63:02])
- It’s a recognized field of study with extensive data and research.
- Christians must respond with a counter-narrative, not just write off the movement as "not real Christianity."
- "If you want to say you're a Christian, okay, here's the standard. ... You are not meeting it."
The Long Christian Legacy of Oppression
- Since Constantine, violence and empire-builders have coexisted within Christianity—it must be acknowledged and confronted.

7. Anti-Blackness as America's Cornerstone

Why Anti-Black Racism is Central ([64:05]–[69:44])
- Trump’s rhetoric about African nations reveals continued valuation of whiteness, ignorance of colonial exploitation.
- Historical Note: Anti-Blackness was deeply entwined with America’s economic system (slavery, labor exploitation), making its legacy especially persistent and harmful.
- Notable Quote:
  "So much of anti blackness was caught up in economic labor exploitation. It was a money maker, the biggest." (Tisby, [68:27])

Notable Quotes

On Willful Ignorance:
“We’re at the point where I’m like, yeah it’s ignorance, but that’s almost too passive. This is a willful ignorance.” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([06:46])
On Labeling and Deflection:
“It’s really convenient to say ‘the left.’ Any time something surfaces that you don’t agree with…” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([11:00])
On Christian Fundraising for Racism:
“No white person should lose their job for refusing to be harassed by Somalians.” – GiveSendGo campaign description ([17:01])
On the Role of Christianity in Racism:
“This goes back, you know, centuries, this combination of commerce and Christianity and also race.” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([22:42])
On Trump’s Dehumanization:
“It is now normal for the President of the United States to call a congressperson by name ‘garbage.’ And that isn’t even the worst of what he did.” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([53:35])
On Why Christians Can't Dismiss Christian Nationalists as 'Not Real Christians':
“The salient question is, what responsibility do other Christians have to form a counter narrative to white Christian nationalism?” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([59:01])
On Anti-Blackness:
“So much of anti blackness was caught up in economic labor exploitation. It was a money maker, the biggest.” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([68:27])

Important Timestamps

[02:07] – Tim’s intro; Jamar’s background
[08:04] – Introducing the Cinnabon racist incident
[09:52] – Right-wing social media response (Jack Posobiec)
[16:51] – GiveSendGo fundraiser details and donor comments
[21:13] – Why Christian orgs enable racism; doctrine of discovery
[26:24] – Historical roots (segregation, Bob Jones U, Cold War)
[38:40] – White Christian Nationalism defined and why race is central
[42:00] – BLM, ignoring Black voices, and systemic trickle-down
[49:54] – Trump’s dehumanizing anti-Somali remarks (audio montage)
[56:54] – Cinnabon employee’s rap sheet; hypocrisy in right-wing backing
[57:57] – Why “Christian nationalism” as a label matters
[64:05] – Economics of anti-Black racism and the enduring legacy

Lighthearted and Weird Christian Moments

FIFA “Peace Prize” for Trump ([72:56]–[81:57]):
- FIFA invents and awards a peace prize to Donald Trump for supposed peacemaking, despite ongoing U.S. military aggression and Trump’s actual foreign policy.
- Trophy and ceremony come off as absurd and sycophantic—hosts and guest lampoon the segment’s hypocrisy.
"Weird Christian Sh*t" Clip: "Jesus Was the Greatest ICE Commander" ([83:20]–[87:30]):
- Viral video of a pastor claiming Jesus exemplifies an ICE enforcement officer, using Revelation as justification.
- Jamar and Tim incredulous: “At first I thought he was talking to AI Jesus in that graphic…” ([86:00])

Conclusion

Why This Matters
- The episode demonstrates how white Christian nationalism is not just a fringe belief but a well-funded, deeply rooted ideology shaping American society, policies, and even attempts to rewrite reality itself (as seen in the Cinnabon incident and FIFA Peace Prize).
- Tim and Jamar consistently call listeners—Christian or not—to face the ugly roots of American racism, the Christian church’s complicity, and the urgent need for truth-telling and counter-narratives rooted in love, justice, and the actual teachings of Jesus.
Final Call to Action
- Support independent, justice-focused Christian media.
- Educate yourself ("Unsettling Truths," "The Color of Compromise," "The Bible Told Them So," "Bad Faith").
- Reject the normalization of hate and willful historical blindness, especially inside Christian spaces.

Follow Dr. Jamar Tisby:
JamarTisby.Substack.com | Podcast: The Justice Briefing

Support The New Evangelicals:
newevangelicals.com/support — $5/month makes an impact

Summary compiled for listeners and non-listeners alike. Key moments, context, and quotes included for maximum accessibility.

Podcast Summary: The Tim & April Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Why This Incident Matters

Introduction and Context ([02:07]–[03:44])
- Tim and Dr. Jamar Tisby explain their history, Jamar’s work (author, historian, justice-focused educator on Substack), and shared opposition to white Christian nationalism.
- Tim credits Jamar's book, The Color of Compromise, as pivotal in rethinking American race history and the church's complicity.
- Shared personal moments: Philadelphia cheesesteak memories as a metaphor for real connection across division ([05:19]).

2. The Cinnabon Incident: From Hate to Profit

The Story ([08:04]–[09:52])
- A Cinnabon employee (Crystal Wiley) is filmed making racist slurs and gestures toward a Somalian couple.
- Cinnabon fires her. Right-wing commentators and Christian platforms rally to her defense, painting her as a victim.
Right-Wing Denial and Deflection ([09:52]–[15:48])
- Notable Quote:
  "What Context would make a lady calling someone the N word acceptable or saying I'm a racist?" (Tim, [12:40])
- Jack Posobiec (right-wing influencer) refuses to believe "a viral video from the left," using "the left" as a boogeyman to discredit any evidence of racism.
- Dr. Tisby breaks down how labeling undesirable truth as "the left" or "fake news" is an effective tactic to avoid accountability.
Profiting from Racism: GiveSendGo Fundraising ([16:51]–[19:04])
- Crystal quickly raises nearly $150,000 on GiveSendGo (a Christian fundraising platform), supported by clearly racist and xenophobic donor comments.
- Notable Quote:
  "No white person should lose their job for refusing to be harassed by Somalians." – GiveSendGo campaign description ([17:00])
- Analysis of the coded language: Supporters equate "true American" with whiteness and cast Somali immigrants as "invaders."

3. Christian Nationalism, Race, and Historical Backdrop

Why Do Christian Platforms Enable This? ([21:13]–[22:42])
- Tim laments: "Why is it always the Christian organizations that promote the most vilest you can imagine when it's so evident how antichrist these kinds of things are…?"
- Dr. Tisby traces this back to the "Doctrine of Discovery"—Christian colonization justified exploitation as God’s will.
How Racism Became a Christian & Political Tool ([26:24]–[38:40])
- Deep dive into the ways American Christianity intertwined with white supremacy—from the 15th-century doctrine of discovery to the Cold War's "anti-Communist/Christian" crusade to opposing civil rights as a religious freedom issue.
- Memorable Analogy:
  "Captain America" as the white Christian archetype—the myth that America is for and by white Christians.
- The Bob Jones University incident: refusal to allow interracial dating, tax-exempt status fight, and how race, not abortion, catalyzed the political religious right.

4. Race, Christian Nationalism, and Today’s Crises

The Reluctance to Deal with Race Directly ([38:40]–[42:00])
- Dr. Tisby insists on naming it "white Christian nationalism"—injustice and anti-Black racism are at the root of virtually all major justice issues today.
- The Black Lives Matter movement and historic Black voices warned about systemic brutality—white America only noticed when it affected them.
- Notable Quote:
  "A failure to deal with anti black racism is how you get a Cinnabon worker ranting to somebody who just wanted a snack. ... It may start with black people, but it will ripple out to others." (Tisby, [42:24])
The Hidden World of Evangelical Power ([42:24]–[46:51])
- Tim explains to non-evangelical listeners that a vast, well-funded evangelical network animates this ideology, which outsiders often miss.
- Some of Trump’s inner circle reportedly believe (and act on) spiritual warfare and dominionist theology in the literal halls of political power.

5. Trump’s Rhetoric and Its Impact

Trump’s Open Racism and Dehumanization ([49:54]–[54:52])
- Montage of Trump calling Somalians and Rep. Ilhan Omar "garbage" and voicing support for mass deportations—repeatedly met with applause from Christian men.
- Notable Quote:
  "It is now normal for the President of the United States to call a Congressperson by name 'garbage.' ... The Overton window has shifted" (Tisby, [53:35])
- Comparison to prior outrage when Biden called out “maga extremists,” highlighting the hypocrisy and shifting standards.
The Cinnabon Employee’s Backstory and the Double Standard ([56:54])
- Revelation that Crystal has charges for child endangerment and drugs—yet is still lauded as a hero by supposed “pro-family” right-wingers.

6. Why Call It “Christian Nationalism”?

Academic/Practical Reasons for Keeping the Term ([57:57]–[63:02])
- It’s a recognized field of study with extensive data and research.
- Christians must respond with a counter-narrative, not just write off the movement as "not real Christianity."
- "If you want to say you're a Christian, okay, here's the standard. ... You are not meeting it."
The Long Christian Legacy of Oppression
- Since Constantine, violence and empire-builders have coexisted within Christianity—it must be acknowledged and confronted.

7. Anti-Blackness as America's Cornerstone

Why Anti-Black Racism is Central ([64:05]–[69:44])
- Trump’s rhetoric about African nations reveals continued valuation of whiteness, ignorance of colonial exploitation.
- Historical Note: Anti-Blackness was deeply entwined with America’s economic system (slavery, labor exploitation), making its legacy especially persistent and harmful.
- Notable Quote:
  "So much of anti blackness was caught up in economic labor exploitation. It was a money maker, the biggest." (Tisby, [68:27])

Notable Quotes

On Willful Ignorance:
“We’re at the point where I’m like, yeah it’s ignorance, but that’s almost too passive. This is a willful ignorance.” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([06:46])
On Labeling and Deflection:
“It’s really convenient to say ‘the left.’ Any time something surfaces that you don’t agree with…” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([11:00])
On Christian Fundraising for Racism:
“No white person should lose their job for refusing to be harassed by Somalians.” – GiveSendGo campaign description ([17:01])
On the Role of Christianity in Racism:
“This goes back, you know, centuries, this combination of commerce and Christianity and also race.” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([22:42])
On Trump’s Dehumanization:
“It is now normal for the President of the United States to call a congressperson by name ‘garbage.’ And that isn’t even the worst of what he did.” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([53:35])
On Why Christians Can't Dismiss Christian Nationalists as 'Not Real Christians':
“The salient question is, what responsibility do other Christians have to form a counter narrative to white Christian nationalism?” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([59:01])
On Anti-Blackness:
“So much of anti blackness was caught up in economic labor exploitation. It was a money maker, the biggest.” – Dr. Jamar Tisby ([68:27])

Important Timestamps

[02:07] – Tim’s intro; Jamar’s background
[08:04] – Introducing the Cinnabon racist incident
[09:52] – Right-wing social media response (Jack Posobiec)
[16:51] – GiveSendGo fundraiser details and donor comments
[21:13] – Why Christian orgs enable racism; doctrine of discovery
[26:24] – Historical roots (segregation, Bob Jones U, Cold War)
[38:40] – White Christian Nationalism defined and why race is central
[42:00] – BLM, ignoring Black voices, and systemic trickle-down
[49:54] – Trump’s dehumanizing anti-Somali remarks (audio montage)
[56:54] – Cinnabon employee’s rap sheet; hypocrisy in right-wing backing
[57:57] – Why “Christian nationalism” as a label matters
[64:05] – Economics of anti-Black racism and the enduring legacy

Lighthearted and Weird Christian Moments

FIFA “Peace Prize” for Trump ([72:56]–[81:57]):
- FIFA invents and awards a peace prize to Donald Trump for supposed peacemaking, despite ongoing U.S. military aggression and Trump’s actual foreign policy.
- Trophy and ceremony come off as absurd and sycophantic—hosts and guest lampoon the segment’s hypocrisy.
"Weird Christian Sh*t" Clip: "Jesus Was the Greatest ICE Commander" ([83:20]–[87:30]):
- Viral video of a pastor claiming Jesus exemplifies an ICE enforcement officer, using Revelation as justification.
- Jamar and Tim incredulous: “At first I thought he was talking to AI Jesus in that graphic…” ([86:00])

Conclusion

Why This Matters
- The episode demonstrates how white Christian nationalism is not just a fringe belief but a well-funded, deeply rooted ideology shaping American society, policies, and even attempts to rewrite reality itself (as seen in the Cinnabon incident and FIFA Peace Prize).
- Tim and Jamar consistently call listeners—Christian or not—to face the ugly roots of American racism, the Christian church’s complicity, and the urgent need for truth-telling and counter-narratives rooted in love, justice, and the actual teachings of Jesus.
Final Call to Action
- Support independent, justice-focused Christian media.
- Educate yourself ("Unsettling Truths," "The Color of Compromise," "The Bible Told Them So," "Bad Faith").
- Reject the normalization of hate and willful historical blindness, especially inside Christian spaces.

Follow Dr. Jamar Tisby:
JamarTisby.Substack.com | Podcast: The Justice Briefing

Support The New Evangelicals:
newevangelicals.com/support — $5/month makes an impact

Summary compiled for listeners and non-listeners alike. Key moments, context, and quotes included for maximum accessibility.

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70. Cinnabon Employee Cashes Out After Hate Tyrade

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Summary

Podcast Summary: The Tim & April Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Why This Incident Matters

2. The Cinnabon Incident: From Hate to Profit

3. Christian Nationalism, Race, and Historical Backdrop

4. Race, Christian Nationalism, and Today’s Crises

5. Trump’s Rhetoric and Its Impact

6. Why Call It “Christian Nationalism”?

7. Anti-Blackness as America's Cornerstone

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Lighthearted and Weird Christian Moments

Conclusion

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Tim & April Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Why This Incident Matters

2. The Cinnabon Incident: From Hate to Profit

3. Christian Nationalism, Race, and Historical Backdrop

4. Race, Christian Nationalism, and Today’s Crises

5. Trump’s Rhetoric and Its Impact

6. Why Call It “Christian Nationalism”?

7. Anti-Blackness as America's Cornerstone

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Lighthearted and Weird Christian Moments

Conclusion