TheThinkingAtheist

If I Was the Intelligent Designer (PART ONE)

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Intelligent Design crowd keeps insisting that all things have been divinely fine-tuned just for us. In this show, we suggest some better ideas.Bec...

God-Awful Video Games (with Noah Lugeons)

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Noah joins us to talk (hideous) Christian video games and films. Buckle up.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethi...

"Sorry About the Car Crash!" - GOD

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From within a pile of crashed cars, a local police department thanked God. Does this make any sense? Plus...your calls.Become a supporter of this podc...

The Slots of Sin!

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's a bonus for you...a 6 1/2 minute True Story about the war on (satanic?) slots in the mid-twentieth century. Enjoy!Subscribe: http://www.truesto...

Can Someone Hack My Brain? (with Professor Nita Farahany)

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nita Farahany is a law and philosophy professor at Duke Univerisity. She's also an expert on bioethics, genomics, AI, and she's author of the book, "T...

When the Future Feels Unfixable

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling overwhelmed about the state of the world? You are not alone.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingat...

The Grief Vampires

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Skeptic and debunker Susan Gerbic joins the show to talk about celebrity psychics who prey on the grieving and vulnerable. Her team has spent years ex...

Episode Number 666

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One show. An episode milestone. Three Satanists. What could go wrong? VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu.be/62IQwWlQBVQBecome a supporter of th...

High on Oreos: Questions, Calls, and Lots of Sugar

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today's podcast is fueled by...cookies (and your calls). Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist...

Primates and Prejudice: with Dr. Frans de Waal

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Frans de Waal is a world-reknowned primatologist, author, and educator with decades studying the animal kingdom. He joins Seth Andrews for insights ab...

Scared Straight? What "Troubled Youth" Programs Get Wrong (with Cyndy Etler)

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cyndy Etler is a life coach and author, focusing on struggling youth, and exposing many (often religious) "scared straight" programs doing more harm t...

My Family Called Me a Baby Killer (and other listener calls)

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's show, it's rationality and humanity versus zealotry and bigotry...with plenty of listener calls.Become a supporter of this podcast: htt...

Thinking Is Power: Why Knowledge Is Not Enough

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melanie Trecek-King is a biology professor and founder of Thinking Is Power. She has a lot to say about science education...and why the facts simply a...

The Man in the Gray Suit

04 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Subscribe to "True Stories with Seth Andrews" on all major podcast apps, or visit http://www.truestoriespodcast.comBecome a supporter of this podcast:...

Teens and Designer Jeans: The Blaming and Shaming of Purity Culture

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fundamental religions are obsessed with sex, desperately trying to desexualize teenagers and control them through adulthood. This show exposes why Pur...

Let's Explode the Universe (with Forrest Valkai and Gutsick Gibbon)

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when two dynamic (and wildly entertaining) science educators come together to talk about evolution VS. creationism? This podcast answers ...

Rapture Anxiety: Fearing the End of the World

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, rapture anxiety is a thing. We explore how End Times dogmas can distort reality and do immense harm, especially to indoctrinated children. CNN Ar...

Christian Nationalists are Preparing for War: a Conversation with Brad Onishi

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Bradley Onishi is co-host of the Straight White American Jesus podcast and author of the new book, "Preparing for War: The Extremist History...

The Atheist and the Mysticist

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mysticist Andrew Jasko joins Seth Andrews for a candid, good-faith discussion about consciousness, spirituality, psychedelics, and interestingly, thei...

The Gun Exchange

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Enjoy this bonus episode from Seth Andrews' new podcast, and subscribe to True Stories with Seth Andrews on all major podcast apps.Become a supporter ...

#WomenLifeFreedom : Revolt and Revolution in Iran (with Maryam Namazie)

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth Andrews speaks with Iranian-born activist Maryam Namazie about the historic uprising underway in Iran. www.maryamnamazie.com YOUTUBE VIDEO VERSIO...

That's It, You're Dead to Me: When Does Someone Become "Toxic?"

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here's a messy little conversation about mental health in the meme-verse. When do we necessarily use (and sometimes overuse) the term "toxic?"Article ...

A Christmas Story (no, not that one)

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth Andrews has written an original Christmas tale, which he shares after a short monologue (rant) about the holidays. Enjoy!Become a supporter of th...

The QAnon Rabbit Hole

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Courtney Heard, co-host of the Q-Dropped podcast, joins us for this discussion about the Q conspiracy culture.PODCAST LINK: https://www.porthosmedia.n...

Are People Inherently Good?

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a candid monologue, Seth Andrews navigates some of humanity's worst and best, articulating the challenges and (hopefully) spreading some hope.Becom...

The Phantom God: What Neuroscience Reveals about the Compulsion to Believe (with Dr. John Wathey)

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Neuroscientist Dr. John Wathey joins us for a deep dive into belief and the brain. THE BOOK: https://amzn.to/3UX5vzkBecome a supporter of this podcast...

The World's Most Dangerous Toys

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here's a 7-minute true story sampled from Seth's second podcast. Search and subscribe on your podcast app to True Stories With Seth Andrews.Become a s...

You Are Evil and You Must Be Destroyed: Regaining our Humanity in an Inhumane World

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth Andrews speaks candidly about his own struggles as a human and activist in this polarized and often outrageous world. VIDEO OF THIS SPEECH: https...

Damn the Door Knockers: Porch Proselytizers and My Injured Dog

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth recently had a bad experience with a church lady on his front steps. This rant/show is largely unprepped and perhaps unhinged, but it's from the ...

Never Let a Creationist "Teach" Evolution (with Forrest Valkai)

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Biologist Forrest Valkai has something to say about science education, evolution, creationists, and Tyrion Lannister. This is a fun one.VIDEO of this ...

I'm Afraid of Scrubbing Bubbles: A Show About Strange Phobias

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some scares. Some science. Enjoy this October journey into our rational - and irrational - fears.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.sprea...

Ghost Stories 2022

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dim the lights and crank the sound. Our annual Halloween tradition continues.Special thanks to guest voice actors Elle Gee and Becca Adams Weinberg.Be...

Dominion and Shame: Purity Culture's War on the Sexual Self

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this show, we define Purity Culture, expose its teachings and tactics, and speak with some who escaped and now help others do the same.Become a sup...

American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom (with Andrew Seidel)

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Constitutional attorney Andrew Seidel's new book tackles the compromised U.S. Supreme Court. We talk about the problem (and possible solutions).GET TH...

Do We All Have a Dark Side?

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do the best of people hide an inner dark side? Is there an uncivilized creature beneath the uncivilized human? We discuss.Become a supporter of this p...

Is Yahweh a Terrorist? (with Dr. Joshua Bowen)

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

At the release of his new book on the Old Testament, Dr. Joshua Bowen joins us for a necessary conversation about the true nature of the biblical god....

Can We Even Trust Our Own Brains? (with neuroscientist Dr. Indre Viskontas)

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some fascinating (and fun) brain science on this week's show.Dr. Viskontas' website: https://www.indreviskontas.com/Wondrium: http://www.wondrium.com/...

No! I'm Not Quitting!

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth Andrews has launched a second show: True Stories with Seth Andrews. He shares some examples. http://www.truestoriespodcast.comBecome a supporter ...

Where's the Jesus in my Juice? (and other listener calls)

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of good stuff in this week's show: the Founding Fathers, a (somewhat) Catholic activist, some healthy firestarting, and one lovely caller who exc...

How Minds Change (with David McRaney)

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

David McRaney is a science journalist, host of the "You Are Not So Smart" podcast, and author of several books, including his latest, "How Minds Chang...

We Dissent: Four Secular Women on the Front Lines

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth Cavell, Alison Gill, Monica Miller, and Rebecca Markert are attorneys and secular activists on the new podcast http://www.we-dissent.orgEliz...

Everyone's Shouting. Nobody is Listening.

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth Andrews shares his story about a recent encounter with an angry Christian.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/th...

Blood Cult: The Weird, Wild World of Christian Rituals

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth Andrews takes a fresh look at the world's most popular religion, revealing how culty (and often creepy) Christian traditions and rituals truly ar...

Speaking of God, We Don't Know Sh*t" (with ex-pastor D.B. Ramsey)

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

D.B. Ramsey was theologically trained and spent many years preaching Christianity. Today, he's an agnostic, directly challenging the faith he once hel...

Adopt and Make Them Christian: The Post-Roe Crusade of Christian Dominionists

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth shares his recent article on post-Roe Christian Dominionism, plus your calls.ONLYSKY ARTICLE: https://bit.ly/3ID9sUMBecome a supporter of this po...

Bad Therapy: When Unscientific Interventions Harm People

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Alexander Williams, Dr. Yevgeny Botanov, and Dr. John Sakaluk penned a recent article titled "Bad Therapy," which addresses some unscientific - an...

Science VS. Snake Oil: Debunking Bunk in this Crazy World (with Timothy Caulfield)

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Timothy Caulfield (@CaulfieldTim) is Professor of health law & science policy, speaker, TV host & author. He joins Seth Andrews for a compelli...

Alice Greczyn: Sex, Shame, and the Harms of Purity Culture

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alice Greczyn is a Hollywood actress, author, speaker, and activist. She escaped fundamentalist Christianity, and she tells her story.VIDEO of this in...

My Head Is Going to Explode

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host rants. Your calls.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Raptor Turkeys (and Other Random Stuff We Should Absolutely Know)

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for another thrill-packed general knowledge show. In this broadcast, we talk about the appendix, belly buttons, cats and boxes, stoplights, ...

Dave Warnock: Childish Things

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Terminally ill with ALS, Dave Warnock is committed to fully living the moments which remain. He discusses his life, his prognosis, and his new book.Da...

Values are More Important than Beliefs (with Dale McGowan)

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A past recipient of Harvard's Humanist of the Year award, Dale McGowan is an activist, speaker, author, and Chief Content Manger for http://www.onlysk...

Out Of My Cold, Dead Hands: America's Love Affair with Guns

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the wake of two recent mass shootings, and inspired by a recent OnlySky article on American guns, homicide, suicide, and mental health (https://bit...

The Supremacist Court: Activists VS. America in the Halls of Power

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A leaked Supreme Court majority opinion reveals the impending end of reproductive choice via Roe V. Wade. What's happening, and what happens next?Spec...

Relatives, Rights, & Roe: Host Rants and Listener Calls

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a variety pack this week, with plenty of listener comments and questions. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podc...

Your Moment of Science: Yvette d'Entremont in her Own Words

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Yvette d'Entremont is an analytical chemist and science educator perhaps best known as SciBabe. Seth reads several of her "Moment of Science" articles...

The Science of Mindfulness (with Dr. Ronald Siegel)

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Ronald Siegel is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, author of "The Mindfulness Solution," and professor for "The Science...

Race, Representation, & Black Nonbelievers (a Conversation with Mandisa Thomas)

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of my lovely patrons advised that she wanted an audio-only version of this recent interview for listening. Here you go! :)VIDEO version: https://y...

The Atheist Movement Is...Dead?

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

From time to time, someone (religious or otherwise) will declare all of atheist activism null and void. Seth Andrews examines that claim. Plus your ca...

We Call B.S. (with Tom & Cecil of Cognitive Dissonance)

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Curry and Cecil Cicirello talk about their irreverent new book, "The Grand Unified Theory of Bullshit." VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu....

Noah Lugeons: How Bad Was This Movie?

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Noah Lugeons hosts The Scathing Atheists and co-hosts God Awful Movies. This short bonus show features the audio from a recent video interview...condu...

Dishwasher Anarchy (and other observations on my birthday)

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth Andrews turns 54. He's older. He's crankier. And he has stuff on his mind.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/th...

In Retrospect: Evangelical Conservatives, Sex, and Monica Lewinski

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, the story is 24 years old, but with the new American Crime Story miniseries airing on FX, it is reviving discussions about conduct, legality, and...

Are Atheists Leading People to their DOOM? (and other listener calls)

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a potpourri of questions, opinions, and rants from our listeners. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thet...

Rage, Reaction, and a Little Hate Mail

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lots to talk about on this bonus podcast, including a nasty letter, and some wonderful listener calls.VIDEO of this podcast: https://youtu.be/iv4LiaRE...

Genesis, White Jesus, and Debating the Resurrection (with Dr. Bart Ehrman)

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

YouTube video of this interview: https://youtu.be/EzEmmSqUCHUDebate registration link: https://bit.ly/349rOguGenesis course: https://bit.ly/3pyXovKDr....

The Hate Preachers: Bigotry and Fearmongering by Extremist Christian "Leaders"

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Columnist, podcaster, and activist Hemant Mehta joins Seth for a difficult yet necessary dive into the hate platforms like The New Independent Fundame...

The Ultimate Kids' Guide to Being Super Healthy (with Dr. Nina Shapiro)

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Doctor and educator Nina Shapiro has a new book about keeping kids healthy. She joins us for a conversation about food, fads, medicines, and helpful a...

Psychic Predictions: The Track Records of Professed "Seers"

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Richard Saunders (of The Skeptic Zone podcast) and Rob Palmer (Skeptical Inquirer contributor) joined others in the ambitious Great Australian Psychic...

Death, Grief, & Belief (with Dr. Terri Daniel)

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone deals with loss and grief, but not all models for recovery (especially religious ones) are helpful or healthy. Interfaith Chaplain Dr. Terri ...

Banned on Facebook

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

COPY AND PASTE (use better tags if you have them, and helpfully share in the comments):The #Facebook account facebook.com/seth.andrews.31was incorrect...

Bob's Bicycle: Prayer, Priorities, and the God of Diminishing Returns

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When Christians celebrate "answered" prayers, they often sound ridiculous. Seth shares a chapter on the subject from his new book, "Christianity Made ...

Christian Jihad: A New Report on the Capitol Insurrection

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Constitutional Attorney Andrew Seidel gives details on a new and comprehensive report proving that the January 6th Insurrection at the Capitol was - i...

Primatology, Proof, & the Human Monkey

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Erika is a primatologist known on Reddit/YouTube as "Gutsick Gibbon." She's also an enthusiastic educator about human evolution. Sit back and enjoy th...

Be Yourself (Because Nobody Else Will)

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Listeners bring their comments and questions this week, many falling under the category of preferences, boundaries, and personal choices. The theme se...

Impossible (?) Conversations: The Best and Worst of "Woke Culture"

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Psychologists Dr. Hector Garcia and Dr. Valerie Tarico join us for a complex, nuanced, and thoughtful conversation about the dying of discourse in a h...

Atheist Comedians

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Atheist comedians poking fun at religions? Here are some various clips from stand-ups like George Carlin, Dave Allen, Sarah Silverman, Tim Minchin, an...

Hi, I'm an Atheist: Coming Out to Family and Friends (with author David G. McAfee)

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Author and journalist David G. McAfee talks about his new book, which is helping guide atheists through their "coming out" to family, friends, and ass...

Show #600

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's broadcast number 600! Thanks so much for over a decade of shows.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkinga...

2021: The Year in Review

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's our annual recap of (some of) the best, the worst, and the most bizarre stories of the year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.sprea...

Holiday Heathenry

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host rants. Your calls. Let's enjoy Christmas week together!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3...

I Miss Christopher Hitchens: Remembering Hitch on the 10th Anniversary of his Death

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We lost Hitch on December 15th, 2011. In this broadcast, we hear his voice, enjoy his mastery of language, and remember.LINKS:On the Daily Show with J...

We Are But Beasts (with Aron Ra)

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aron Ra is an author, educator, and atheist activist. He joins Seth Andrews to talk about pagan Christmas, religious awfulness, and humans' place as "...

Spoiled America: Re-examining the Wonders of our Daily Lives

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this unique show, we take a few minutes to regain some perspective.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinking...

The Mess in my Head: Holiday Ramblings from a Frustrated Host

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For the host and many listeners, the 2021 holiday season is a weird time. How are you dealing with the last month(s) of the year?Become a supporter of...

Expose Christian Schools

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The #ExposeChristianSchools hashtag is helping people share their stories about indoctrination and abuse within religious "education." In this show, w...

Dominion: The Christian Assault on a Secular Nation (Part Two)

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katherine Stewart, author of "The Power Worshippers," and constitutional attorney Andrew Seidel join us for part two of this important conversation ab...

Dominion: The Christian Assault on a Secular Nation

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Religious "nones" are on the rise, but evangelicals continue to maneuver into circles of influence at every level. We discuss their tactics and Christ...

Our Irrational Fears

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's a lighthearted look into the fears and phobias which give us pause (or send us rushing out of the room). Evolutionary psychologist Dr. Hector Gar...

The Strange Origins of Popular Superstitions

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Don't walk under a ladder. Don't open an umbrella indoors. Beware the black cat. Knock on wood. This lighthearted show explores the origins of popular...

Ghost Stories 2021

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our annual Halloween tradition! It's an entire podcast of ghost stories. Turn down the lights, crank up the volume, and enjoy.Become a supporter of th...

Seth Andrews Teaches Sunday School

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for another journey through some of the more, uh, interesting yet seldom addressed stories in the Christian Bible.Become a supporter of this p...

Jesus & John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation (with author Dr. Kristin Du Mez)

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kristin Du Mez is a Christian, yet she is also taking to task America's hard leanings into white Christian Nationalism and authoritarian "God warr...

A Love Letter to #Exvangelicals and Those Deconstructing their Toxic Faith

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Seidel has penned a latter for Religion Dispatches that serves as an encouragement to exvangelicals. In this (free) short bonus show, with thei...

Ten Things Christians Wish Jesus Hadn't Taught (with author Dr. David Madison)

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Seth speaks with Dr. David Madison about his new book, and the last half of the show features all of Chapter Ten.Get the book here! https://amzn.to/3j...

The Trolley Problem (and Other Ethical Dilemmas)

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The classic Trolley Problem forces a life-and-death choice with no easy solution. In this broadcast, listeners navigate several ethical dilemmas, and ...

Mimzy Vidz: Free From Islam

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mimzy was a devout Muslim. She observed the Qur'an and proselytized her religion...until her dissatisfaction with Islam led her to question everything...

The Inevitable: Dispatches on the Right to Die (with author Katie Engelhart)

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katie Engelhart has a new book which fairly explores the hugely complex issues of Death with Dignity, assisted suicide, Medical Aid in Dying, and othe...

I Used to Believe Weird Things

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our listeners confess to the (often comedically) strange beliefs they once held.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/t...

Abortion: Science, the Soul, and the Question of Personhood

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We take a respectful and science-based look at the controversial subject of abortion.Link to the book, "Confessions of a Former Fox News Christian:" h...