TheThinkingAtheist
Episodes
Recovering From Religious Trauma: with Psychologist Dr. Marlene Winell
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Winell does a lot of work with exvangelicals, and she authored the book, "Leaving the Fold - A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving...
Justice-Centered Humanism: with Roy Speckhardt of the American Humanist Association
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Roy Speckhardt is Executive Direction of AHA and author of several books, including his most recent, titled "Justice-Centered Humanism: How (and Why) ...
UFO Mania: Is The Truth Out There?
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. Intelligence recently declassified a series of UFO-related documents and videos, sending the culture into UFO-mania. But how new - and how credib...
Did Moses Write the Torah? A Skeptical Look at the First Five Books of the Hebrew Bible
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Assyriologist Dr. Joshua Bowen's new book is called "The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament." Seth Andrews reads from Chapter Four, which deals wit...
Seth Andrews Puts Me to Sleep (and other listener calls)
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Callers bring their own questions and opinions to this week's podcast. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thet...
The Apostate Report: Leaving Islam in North America (with Sarah Haider)
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Haider, co-founder of www.exmuslims.org, joins us to talk about a just-released survey of North American ex-Muslims and its compelling findings....
Final Exit: Life, Death, and the Right to Choose
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The (controversial) issue is known in many ways: Right to Die. Medical Aid in Dying. Death with Dignity. Others. Essentially, the question is, "Do peo...
Scientology and the Danny Masterson Trial
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The sexual assault allegations against actor/comedian Danny Masterson are bringing to light maneuverings by the Church of Scientology. We discuss the ...
The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament (with Dr. Joshua Bowen)
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Atheists often speak about the contradictions and atrocities rampant throughout the Bible, but they often enter those conversations without all of the...
Remembering My Father
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A few thoughts at the close of a personal chapter.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/sup...
Belief and the Brain: a Psychiatrist and a Neuroscientist on Evolution and Religion
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Andy Thomson is a psychiatrist and author of "Why We Believe in God(s): A Concise Guide to the Science of Faith. Dr. John Wathey is a computationa...
Fear of the Devil: Paranoia and Panic by the "Divinely Protected"
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever noticed how devout believers claiming safety and victory are ALWAYS freaking out about Satan, dark forces, and evil conspiracy? We explo...
Love, Last Wishes, and a Life Well-Lived
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this caller-driven show, we get philosophical about life, the end of life, and how we choose to be remembered.Become a supporter of this podcast: h...
Fall River: Death and the Devil in a Massachusetts Town
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Epix Network just released the new 4-part docuseries, "Fall River," which chronicles the murders of 3 women against the backdrop of the Satanic Pa...
For Small Creatures Such As We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in our Unlikely World (with Sasha Sagan)
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sasha Sagan is the daughter of the late (and legendary) cosmologist, Carl Sagan. A producer and author of the new book, "For Small Creatures Such As W...
Attacked From Within: The Assault on State/Church Separation
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Laser, attorney, human rights activist, and President of www.au.org, speaks with Seth Andrews about the critical fight(s) to protect the United...
Hype: A Doctor's Guide to Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims, and Bad Advice (with Dr. Nina Shapiro)
27 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Nina Shapiro is a renowned physician and author of "Hype," a terrific and practical guide for separating medical fact from fiction.Get the book at...
The Creepy and the Culty: "Normal" Things that Mainstream Religions Do Every Day
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Often, mainstream religious practices don't seem strange to us...because we're accustomed to them. But are the mainstream faiths any less culty? We th...
The Satan Shoes: A Conversation About the Controversy (with Lucien Greaves)
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lucien Greaves, co-founder of https://thesatanictemple.com, weighs in on the recent moral panic regarding Lil Nas X's recent video and The Satan Shoes...
Accidents of Birth (with the hosts of Cognitive Dissonance)
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this lively show, hosts Tom and Cecil of https://dissonancepod.com join us for a conversation about life in this random, weird (post-truth?) world....
Always an Atheist: Stories of Lifelong Nonbelievers
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For all of the "apostate" shows we've done, many have requested that we dedicate a podcast to the lifelong non-believer. So for our never-bought-it li...
The Catholic Divide: A Church in Conflict over Money and Power (with Katherine Stewart)
23 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Catholic Church is at war with itself. Big Money players have weaponized the church for Christian Nationalism, while others are resisting religiou...
Wayward: Spiritual Warfare & Sexual Purity (with author Alice Greczyn)
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Actress and author Alice Greczyn escaped a high-control version of Christianity. She speaks about her book "Wayward" and her escape from the blame and...
Is Cheese Powder Actual Cheese? (And more answers to life's burning questions)
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Here's another fun distraction from the usual topics, and a great chance to think about some of the things we do and say every day. Why do they call a...
Can You Reason with Unreasonable People?
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us have encountered the "brick wall" believers in superstition, woo, conspiracy, and really bad ideas. Are they still worth our time and energ...
Is Cancel Culture Real?
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Actor Gina Carano was just dropped by Disney over her controversial Twitter posts, with many decrying "Cancel Culture." Does Cancel Culture even exist...
Insurrection and Christian Nationalism (with constitutional attorney Andrew Seidel)
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Seidel is a constitutional expert and author of "The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism is Unamerican." He joins Seth Andrews for a frank...
Women Leaving Islam: Stories of Courage and Change (with Maryam Namazie)
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Maryam Namazie is a British-Iranian human rights activist and producer of the new documentary, "Women Leaving Islam." In this show, she speaks about t...
Bad Apologetics: The Arguments We're Most Weary Of (PART TWO)
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our conversation with various activists about apologetics arguments (and the refutations). Joining us this week: Shannon Q, Matt Dillahunt...
A Skeptic's Guide to GameStop (with Phil Ferguson)
31 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus podcast, Phil Ferguson of Polaris Financial and The Phil Ferguson Show helps us break down the whole Reddit/GameStop story.VIDEO of this...
Bad Apologetics: The Arguments We're Most Weary Of (PART ONE)
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this first of a two-part series, various atheist activists weigh in on the apologetics they're most tired of hearing. Guests this week include Aron...
The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries (with Dr. Donald Prothero)
19 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Renowned paleontologist and geologist Dr. Donald Prothero talks about his new book, "The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries." Join us for a fascinat...
I Left Because
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
#ILeftBecause is a Twitter hashtag popularized by Dr. Chrissy Stroop, and people worldwide are sharing the reasons they left religion. We talk to Dr. ...
Outbreak: A Crisis of Faith (with Noah Lugeons)
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Popular atheist activist, podcaster, and author Noah Lugeons just released a new book with commentary on our crazy world. He joins Seth Andrews for a ...
2020: The (mostly COVID-free) Year In Review
29 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Beyond the pandemic, a LOT of interesting stuff happened this year. We look back at some of the biggest non-COVID news, the most entertaining stories,...
Road Rage, the Crown, a Karen, and a Christmas Gargoyle
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this "kitchen sink" broadcast, we get philosophical about angry drivers, royalty, relationships, and...a Christmas gargoyle. Happy holidays!Link to...
For Goodness' Sake: Surprise Calls and Gifts to Those in Need
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Let's play Santa Claus! This community donated funds and nominated specific needs. In this podcast, we call the recipients and do some godless good.Be...
What Christians (Probably) Don't Know About Christmas
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Isn't it strange that atheists often know more about the origins/symbols of Christmas than many believers? Join us as we examine the (bizarre) biblica...
Weaponized Stupidity & Monetized Myth: The Randy Quaid-ing of America
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of the recent presidential election, the prophets of apocalyptic doom are losing their minds. What is happening to America? Join us for a ...
Holidays Beyond Belief: Coping and Celebrating without Religion
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Many atheists LOVE Thanksgiving and Christmas, while others avoid them. In this podcast, we talk about the holidays...beyond belief.Become a supporter...
Seth Andrews on The Atheist & Christian Book Club
21 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth fielded questions and challenges from Christians (and a few atheists) at their November online meeting of The Atheist & Christian Book Club. This...
Thanksgiving: The Dark History of a Beloved American Holiday
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We should embrace every opportunity to give thanks, but the American Thanksgiving holiday has a (very) dark backstory which should be acknowledged. Fo...
Grieving without a god
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Grief comes in so many forms. Grief surrounding death, the loss of a relationship, even grieving a religious culture from your past. In this show, we ...
Introducing: Do No Harm
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Wondery (Dr. Death, Dirty John, The Shrink Next Door) and NBC News (Dateline, The Thing About Pam, Motive for Murder) present Do No Harm.The Bright fa...
The Refreshingly Honest Christian
06 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews was a recent guest on David Metcalf's podcast at www.refreshinglyhonestchristian.com, where the two had a candid conversation about the C...
What Does "Agree to Disagree" Mean to You?
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When we decide to "agree to disagree" on something, when are we constructively choosing our battles, and when are we merely surrendering on an importa...
Fears, Phobias, and Frightening Films!
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This Halloween-themed show gets into the things that frighten us, our evolved fear mechanisms, and - just for fun - some recommendations for scary mov...
Ghost Stories Bonus: "Clown"
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Here's something a little extra for the Halloween holiday. Totally free (and hopefully spooky). Enjoy! Ghost Stories audiobook: https://adbl.co/3kzy6J...
The Authoritarian Unveiled (with Dr. Eric Maisel)
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An authoritarian is defined as someone "favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of pers...
Ghost Stories 2020
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's our annual tradition. Lower the lights, crank up the sound, and Happy Halloween!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podc...
The Brainwashing of my Dad (with documentary filmmaker Jen Senko)
06 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jen Senko's father got hooked on radical, right-wing radio, and his transformation nearly tore his family apart. Jen joins Seth Andrews to talk about ...
When the World Doesn't Suck: Faith in Humanity Stories
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a crazy year, and often a difficult one. This show is - hopefully - a reminder that goodness still exists in the world. Enjoy!Become a suppo...
The Dark Reality of the Christian Music Industry (with documentary filmmaker Grace Baldridge)
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Grace Baldridge is a documentary filmmaker behind the documentary, "The Dark Reality of the Christian Music Industry." She joins Seth Andrews for a co...
What Would Satan Do: Religion, Moral Panic, and the Devils in the Dark (with Lucien Greaves)
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lucien Greaves, co-founder of http://www.thesatanictemple.com, joins Seth Andrews for a conversation about the continuing Satanic Panic in the United ...
A Little Goodness
11 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On the anniversary of 9/11, Seth Andrews does a stream-of-consciousness show about life, love, and goodness.VIDEO of this stream is at https://youtu.b...
The Rush to Anger: Right-Wing Radio and the Angry White Male
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this free audio chapter from Seth Andrews' new book, we explore the Christian Nationalism, fearmongering, bigotry, and near-constant rage blasting ...
Unzipped: When the Purity Police Fall from Grace
01 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews speaks about the recent dust-up involving Jerry Falwell, Jr., as well as Ken Copeland's dismissal from the Trinity Broadcasting Network. ...
Cow Yoga!
28 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Yoga...with cows? With the madness in the world, perhaps it's something we could try. Seth Andrews explores this little de-stresser and takes plenty o...
War and Protest: A Candid Conversation with Vietnam Veteran John Musgrave
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
John Musgrave was horribly wounded in the jungles of Vietnam. This near-fatal experience brought him home to a nation in turmoil, and as the bullets a...
Young Humanists: with Elle and Bailey Harris
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Elle (9) and Bailey (14) are young authors who are promoting Humanism and science to their generation. Seth Andrews speaks to them (and Dad) about the...
My Mom Unfriended Me on Facebook
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews speaks about unfriending, unreason, and the vast ocean of conspiracy that is infecting the United States. It's random. It's ranty. It's r...
Make America Constitutional Again (with Sarah Levin)
16 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Levin is Program Director for Secular Democrats of America, an organization on the front lines of state/church separation in the United States. ...
Former Christian Music Singer Jon Steingard: I No Longer Believe in God
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Steingard was lead singer for the CCM band Hawk Nelson. On May 20, 2020, he posted on Instagram that he no longer believed in God, and his story w...
Leah Remini, Tom Cruise, and the "Space Opera" of Scientology (with guest Tony Ortega)
04 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Australia's Channel 7 produced a 10-part series called "Scientology: Black Ops" starting Leah Remini and Paul Haggis. Strangely, they cancelled the br...
America is Not a Christian Nation
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is the audio from a recent online speech given by Seth Andrews, dealing with the United States, its founders, it Constitution, and the popular cl...
We Don't Belong in Boxes (with Vi La Bianca)
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Vi La Bianca is co-host of Secular Sexuality and Talk Heathen. Vi joins Seth Andrews for a candid conversation about Christianity, religious family, s...
QAnon, Toxic "Positivity," and the Maskholes
17 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews gets into the QAnon conspiracies, John Pavlovitz's take on "Toxic Positivity," and those convinced that masks equal tyranny. Plus, your c...
Slavery in the Bible: Better Arguments against Biblical Atrocities (with Dr. Joshua Bowen)
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Joshua Bowen is author of the 2020 book, "Did the Old Testament Endorse Slavery." He has a Ph.D in Assyriology and specializes in the Sumerian la...
We're Engaged: The Atheist & the Christian
07 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Patrick and Christabella are engaged to be married. He is an atheist. She is still a Christian. In this candid conversation. Seth Andrews speaks to th...
I Have Questions: The Stuff I Should Already Know
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this amusing and R-A-N-D-O-M podcast, Seth Andrews explores some of the not-so-big questions that have occupied his mind. Enjoy!Support our sponsor...
American Idiot: Superstition and Selfishness in a "Free" Nation
26 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews laments the United States' resistance to reason and empathy during a global pandemic.Link to pre-order for Seth's book: http://www.sethan...
Tracie Harris: Our Society is a Product
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tracie Harris is probably best known as former co-host of The Atheist Experience. Today, she's onto other projects, including serving as an advisor fo...
Meet Erin: Ex-Christian
16 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Very recently, Erin finally, fully made her break with fundamental Christianity. The road has been difficult. Family and friends are only now becoming...
Shame & Sanctimony: Fear and Control in Religious Schools
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews shares specific policies/cultures from some religious schools. Plus, plenty of listener calls.Support our sponsor: http://www.blinkist.co...
8 Minutes and 46 Seconds: Outrage and Protest in a Divided Nation (with Wil Jeudy)
05 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd - an unarmed black man - was suffocated to death under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, resulting in a nation...
Discriminating Against Atheists: Religion VS Non-Belief in America
02 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This particular broadcast examines American attitudes about atheism and stories from many of our listeners about their own experiences. Support our sp...
My Religious Family is Driving Me Crazy
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Frustrated with religious family members trying to convert/save you? This show is therapy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com...
Tribes, Tantrums, SJWs, and "The Atheist Movement"
19 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Atheist YouTube activists Shannon Q, Jimmy Snow, and Paulogia join Seth Andrews for a candid conversation about atheism, activism, religion, social ju...
Goodbye Jesus: An Evangelical Preacher's Journey Beyond Faith (with ex-pastor Tim Sledge)
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Sledge was a fundamentalist Baptist pastor for decades. Today, he's a humanist activist and author who no longer believes in any god. He joins Set...
Disinfect Bad Ideas
05 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this fast-and-loose broadcast, Seth Andrews applies bleach to some of the world's more troubling stains. Plus listener calls!Support our sponsor an...
Christians, Conspiracy, and Just Plain Crazy: with Noah Lugeons
28 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Noah Lugeons is a popular podcaster, speaker, author, and activist, perhaps known best from The Scathing Atheist and God Awful Movies shows. He joins ...
Dr. Nina Shapiro: Masks, Medicines, Dr. Oz, and Corona-Conspiracies
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Nina Shapiro is Professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, science educator, and author of the book, "Hype: A Doctor's Guide to Med...
Overcoming Isolation: Recovering From Religion
21 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Darrel Ray and Gayle Jordan from http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org join Seth Andrews to talk about the current COVID-19 crisis and how RFR can...
Podcast #500 (with Natalie)
12 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's a special milestone: Show number 500. For the first time, Seth's wife, Natalie, joins in for a look at their relationship, and how two very diffe...
The Power Worshippers: The Rise of Religious Nationalism (with Katherine Stewart)
07 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Katherine Stewart is author of the new book, "The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism." Get the book at https://amzn...
Keto, Paleo, and the Science of Diet (with licensed nutritionist Leah McGrath)
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We're directing our rational brains toward the subject of health and nutrition...with special guest and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist Leah McGrath. ...
Seth Andrews Reads Your Favorite Selections (PART TWO)
27 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This bonus show includes a recipe for stroopwafels, some H.P. Lovecraft, "Corduroy," political nonfiction by Katherine Stewart, and finishes with some...
Seth Andrews Reads Your Favorite Selections: PART ONE
25 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As a distraction in this isolated week, Seth Andrews reads - by request - selections from some of our listeners' favorite stories. Today's episode inc...
Are People Inherently Good?
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews shares a troubling story, followed by discussion on the human condition. Are people naturally prone to pro-social, ethical "goodness?" Ar...
Lets Self-Isolate...Together!
20 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Another bonus broadcast. Host rants and your calls on any subject. VIDEO of this livestream at https://youtu.be/FM5mE-8gEecBecome a supporter of this ...
Stocks, Panic-Buying, and the Costs of Crisis (with Phil Ferguson)
17 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews speaks with "financial guy" Phil Ferguson about the weird, wild happenings in the U.S. and global economy in the wake of COVID-19. Phil'...
How Should a Humanist Vote?
17 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Prepare yourself. It's an election year, and we're talking religion AND politics. Special thanks to Rebecca Markert from http://www.ffrf.org for joini...
Coronavirus: The Science VS the Scare (with Dr. Nina Shapiro)
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Panic is rising over the coronavirus COVID-19. How concerned should we be, and how should we respond? Dr. Nina Shapiro gives us some science beyond th...
What's WRONG with people???
03 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews monologues about the insanity of humanity. Plus...plenty of listener calls!Video livestream of this show is on YouTube at: https://youtu....
Empty the Pews: Stories of Leaving the Church
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Chrissy Stroop and Lauren O'Neal are editors of the new book, "Empty the Pews: Stories of Leaving the Church." They join Seth Andrews to talk about th...
The Unholy Trinity Reunion Tour 2020 (with Seth Andrews, Aron Ra, and Matt Dillahunty)
21 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Here's the audio of the Q&A from the February 15th Unholy Trinity Reunion Tour. Video of this conversation is on YouTube at https://youtu.be/6f-rK7Wlg...
Yasmine Mohammed: Unveiled
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Yasmine Mohammed was once a properly-veiled Muslim woman. Her life journey took her through an abusive marriage to a member of Al-Qaeda, into a critic...
Black Nonbelievers: A Candid Conversation about Diversity
11 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Andrews tackles the subject of diversity and the atheist "movement" with a panel of five black atheist activists: Mandisa Thomas, Will Juedy, Pre...
A Secular State of the Union Address (2020)
04 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
United States presidents traditionally give a synopsis of their nation's achievements and challenges in an annual speech. For this podcast, host Seth ...
Whistleblowers: The Truth & Transparency Foundation
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Originally founded as Mormon Leaks, http://www.truthandtransparency.org is the brainchild of Ethan Dodge and Ryan McKnight...in an attempt to empower ...