Recovering From Religion
225 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 93 ratingsSubscribe for weekly discussions with cult survivors, experts in religious trauma recovery, and other topics related to recovering from religious harms. This show is hosted by volunteers from Recovering From Religion, which is a non-profit organization that works to provide hope, healing, and support for people who have questions or doubts about their faith.
Whether you are an atheist, religious, or leaving a cult, we hope you will find this podcast helpful. We aren’t here to talk you out of or into faith. We just provide a safe place to examine beliefs. Episodes are adapted from RfRx events.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
E212: Cuban Ray-guns, Schoolgirl Poisonings, and Monkey Men with Rob Palmer
December 11, 2023 07:18 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBThis week on RfRx, Rob Palmer returns to discuss mass psychogenic illness. Have U.S. government employees in Havana and all around the world – even behind the White House gates – been attacked and injured over the past seven years by secret energy-weapons wielded by undiscovered assailants for political reasons? Have thousands of girls in their schools across Iran been poisoned this past year by their Islamic government as retribution for the mass anti-hijab protests? Did a 4-ft tall roller...
E211: Atheist Street Pirates: Building Secular Community with Evan Clark
December 01, 2023 09:18 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBThis week on RfRx, Evan Clark joins us to talk about Atheist Street Pirates, local activists who track and remove illegal religious signage littering highways, streets, and neighborhoods with unwelcome and illegal street propaganda across the United States. Evan will share ideas for building and maintaining secular communities using innovative techniques rather than replicating outdated religious models. This episode of (ARR)RfRx is sponsored by the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Evan Clark is t...
E210: Godless Engineering with John Gleason
December 01, 2023 09:02 - 1 hour - 87.8 MBThis week on RfRx, John Gleason (Godless Engineer) joins us to talk about his deconversion from religion, dealing with shame and loss of close relationships as a result, and using his background in computer and software engineering to build an online community. John argues that “godless” is a term that signifies religion is a part of our past, a fact of which we shouldn't be ashamed. Godless Engineer is an ex-Christian who has worked to build an online community of secular skeptics that ana...
E209: Laughing Loudly in Outer Darkness with Stephanie M.
November 12, 2023 22:59 - 1 hour - 88.4 MBLosing faith for a person born into the LDS church (aka the Mormons) has been compared to a death by a thousand cuts. This week on RfRx, Stephanie shares her experience leaving the LDS church. Stephanie comes from a family with roots in the early years of the church, and is one of the few members of her family who has officially removed her name from church records. Her journey from a "True Believing Mormon" to full atheist spans 35 years of small cuts and cracks to her former faith. She's ...
E208: Playing Devil's Advocate with Lucien Greaves
November 12, 2023 22:41 - 1 hour - 80.3 MBAfter leaving religion, many people report experiencing lingering feelings of fear of hell and demonic forces from their former religious traditions. Others have found more creative ways to reinterpret the myth of Satan. For this week’s RfRx Foundation Spotlight episode, we chat with Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, about non-theistic religious expression, what religious liberty really looks like, and the Satanic Temple’s efforts to encourage benevolence and empathy, reject...
E207: Getting Lost in Trauma w/ David Teachout
November 12, 2023 22:22 - 1 hour - 85.5 MBThis week on RfRx, David Teachout returns to talk about trauma. Religious fundamentalism often wants us to define ourselves through trials and victimization to declare ourselves martyrs to a cause. Let’s discuss getting out of this mindset and into one that celebrates humanistic pride within adversity. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and photographer, focused on and teaching how creativity intersects with mental flexibility. David grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, attending...
E206: Separating Religion and Government w/ Geoffrey T. Blackwell
November 12, 2023 22:05 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBThis week on RfRx, we are joined by attorney Geoffrey T. Blackwell to discuss the separation of religion and government. We will have a general discussion about the concept of separation of church and state, the current state of the law in the United States, and some recent relevant Supreme Court cases and victories on behalf of non-religious folks. Bring your questions for Geoffrey and join us for this week’s interactive discussion. Geoffrey T. Blackwell joined American Atheists in Septemb...
E205: Deconstruction on the Spectrum with Anthony Dominello
November 12, 2023 21:48 - 1 hour - 90.8 MBThis week on RfRx, Anthony Dominello joins us to discuss how autism affects deconstruction and deconversion from religion. Anthony will discuss what autism is, describe the diversity of autistic people both in their personal identities and presentations and share his experiences of deconstruction and deconversion as it relates to people with autism. Please join us for this educational presentation and bring your questions for Anthony! Anthony is an ambassador and support group leader for Re...
E204: Surviving a Christian Cult w/ Andrew Pledger
November 08, 2023 19:09 - 1 hour - 84.1 MBThis week on RfRx, Andrew Pledger comes on the show to share his experiences of his upbringing in a fundamentalist Christian cult and the level of control and mental abuse he experienced as a student at Bob Jones University as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Andrew will further discuss his experiences with fundamentalism and the intersection of religious trauma and queerness. Andrew Pledger is a content creator, activist, and writer who uses social media to share his story and inspire oth...
E203: Politics and Civic Engagement After Religion: Part 2 w/ Jason Racheotes
November 08, 2023 18:44 - 1 hour - 81.1 MBThis week on RfRx, Jason Racheotes returns for the continuation of his presentation on Politics and Civic Engagement After Religion. We will be discussing how our views on politics and civic engagement may evolve and change after deconverting or coming out of religion. We will learn about some different political concepts that are often ignored and get more clarity on tangible actions we can take as individuals to improve our involvement in the political process. Jason Racheotes was raised ...
E202: Philosophy and Secularism w/ Nicholas Soutter
November 08, 2023 18:27 - 1 hour - 83.9 MBHow can philosophy improve our understanding of secularism and critical thinking? This week on RfRx, join us for a conversation about secularism and philosophy with philosopher, author, and speaker Nicholas Soutter. We will discuss the field of philosophy and its applications to secularism, dogma, controversial social issues, and science fiction. Bring your questions for Nick and join us for this interactive episode! Nicholas Soutter graduated from Clark University with Bachelors' Degrees i...
E201: How to Avoid Cognitive Bias w/ Richard Gilliver
November 08, 2023 18:12 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBHow do you know if your thinking and decision-making are biased? We encounter so much information on a daily basis that all of us are susceptible to cognitive bias, which is often the result of our brains’ attempts to simplify information processing. This week on RfRx, Richard Gilliver will discuss what cognitive biases are, how to avoid bias in skeptical thinking, and how to make sure we are not unwittingly making these errors when our brains try to take mental shortcuts while doing researc...
E200: Trauma and Your Brain w/ Dr. Darrel Ray
November 08, 2023 17:56 - 1 hour - 92 MBReligion impacts our brains and nervous systems. The evidence is easy to see and is experienced by many people. Dr. Ray will show how emotions like fear and disgust are used by religion. He will also demonstrate how religion interferes with our normal attachment systems and how religion distorts normal development from childhood to adulthood among many other things. If you have experienced trauma, can't get over fear of hell, feel disgust at things that seem normal to other people, you will ...
E199: Why There Is No God w/ Armin Navabi
November 08, 2023 17:29 - 1 hour - 84.9 MBThis week on RfRx, join us for a conversation with former Shia Muslim, author, and public speaker, Armin Navabi. Armin will discuss his faith and his journey to becoming a secular activist, as well as his book “Why There Is No God”, in which he deconstructs common arguments for the existence of a god. Bring your questions for the live Q&A with Armin! Armin Navabi is an atheist activist, known for his extensive efforts in promoting secularism, atheism, and liberalism among different communit...
E198: How to Avoid Getting Hung Up on Bad Ideas w/ Matt Dillahunty
November 08, 2023 16:59 - 1 hour - 81.7 MBThis week on RfRx, we are joined by Matt Dillahunty, a well-known activist and lecturer on topics including skepticism, humanism, atheism, and critical thinking. Matt will be talking with us about his experiences examining his own beliefs, explaining how to critically evaluate claims, and answering your questions about religion, faith, and the supernatural. Bring your questions for Matt in this interactive show! Matt was a fundamentalist, evangelical Christian for 25 years and planned on be...
E197: Why Science Education is Important w/ Dr. Ethan Siegel
August 29, 2023 22:53 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBThis week on RfRx, we are joined by Ethan Siegel Ph.D., astrophysicist and author of "Starts with a Bang!" He is a science communicator who has taught physics and astronomy at various colleges and written numerous books. He will share fascinating information about the universe, and discuss the importance of science education and science communication. Bring your questions for Ethan and let’s get nerdy! Ethan Siegel is a Ph.D. astrophysicist and author of "Starts with a Bang!" He is a scien...
E196: Celebrating Sex Positivity w/ Arden Hart
August 25, 2023 23:39 - 1 hour - 78.9 MBWe are kicking off Pride Month with an intimate conversation with adult content creator Arden Hart. We’ll talk about gender diversity, sex positivity and adult entertainment. We’ll also learn about common arguments used to advance anti-trans laws and where those arguments are flawed in reasoning and evidentiary backing. Bring your questions for Arden and join us for a celebration of queer identities! For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion....
E195: Logical Fallacies: The Sequel w/ Rob Palmer
August 25, 2023 23:14 - 57 minutes - 53.2 MBThis week on RfRx, Rob Palmer is returning to host Part II of the interactive logical fallacies trivia challenge. Bring your A-game and play trivia with us, or just come watch the show and hone your critical thinking skills. Why? Because recognizing these bad arguments can help you do two things: avoid being deceived by false claims made by others, and also stop using them yourself to justify questionable beliefs of your own. Rob will give a refresher on logical fallacies and then we’ll play...
E194: Answering the Call w/ Jimmy Snow
July 08, 2023 00:55 - 1 hour - 80.3 MBThis week on RfRx, we are putting in a call to Jimmy Snow, sometimes known as Mr. Atheist. Jimmy will be joining us to discuss his experiences growing up Mormon, ranging from numerous unsuccessful attempts at getting excommunicated to the complex interplay between systems of faith, family, and oppression. We will also be announcing an exciting collaboration between Recovering from Religion and The Line! Jimmy Snow is the executive producer of the call-in show The Line in order to pay for hi...
E193: Incels and the Boy Crisis w/ Dr. Darrel Ray
July 08, 2023 00:09 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBWith the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers in the news, as well as male lone-shooters almost daily, we might ask: “What is going on with men and boys?” Or maybe you've heard the term "incel" and wondered where that is coming from? This week on RfRx, Dr. Ray will discuss a wide range of issues, trends and statistics that may surprise you - from dating site trends, to college attendance, marriage, and a host of other things affecting men and boys. Dr Darrel Ray is the Founder & President of Recover...
E192: Healthy Activism with ObjectivelyDan
July 02, 2023 09:25 - 1 hour - 73.8 MBThis week on RfRx, join us for a discussion of healthy activism with secular and progressive activist ObjectivelyDan. Dan will talk about what healthy activism is all about, sustainable ways to be an activist, and avoiding activism fatigue while still working on causes that matter. ObjectivelyDan is a content creator most known as the creator and primary host of Truth Wanted, a weekly call-in show that talks about what people believe and why. He is an advocate for Street Epistemology, a met...
E190: Techniques For Difficult Conversations w/ Kara Griffin, PhD
July 01, 2023 22:58 - 1 hour - 91 MBThis week on RfRx, Dr. Kara Griffin will discuss techniques for navigating difficult conversations related to religion and non-belief with important people in your life. We will go over deciding whether and how to start a conversation, setting yourself up for more productive interactions, knowing when to take a break, and avoiding common pitfalls. Bring your questions and join us for the interactive conversation! Dr. Griffin was raised an evangelical Christian but left the faith in college ...
E189:Therapy isn’t a Sacrament w/ David Teachout
May 22, 2023 03:12 - 1 hour - 92.5 MBLooking for help but wary of being proselytized to? This week on RfRx, David Teachout will discuss mental health care. Let’s explore why the Secular Therapy Project is a good idea, and what to be aware of when looking for a therapist professional. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at [email protected]. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat onl...
E188: Investing in the Future with Skeptical Thinking w/ Phil Ferguson
May 04, 2023 18:20 - 1 hour - 86 MBThis week on RfRx, we are putting all of those critical thinking skills we’ve been developing to good use. Phil Ferguson joins us to discuss the applications of skeptical thinking in major life decisions including evaluating one’s faith-based beliefs, making sound investment decisions, and helping kids work through religious ideas. Phil Ferguson has been an investment advisor representative since 1996 and is the president of Polaris Financial Planning LLC. Phil is also a long time activist ...
E187: Using Creativity to Compost Religious Trauma w/ Lauren Alexander
April 12, 2023 21:17 - 1 hour - 70.2 MBThis week on RfRx, we are joined by creativity coach and editor Lauren Alexander. Lauren will discuss how we can use writing and art to process and compost religious trauma. Join us this week for a presentation about how creativity can help us in recovery as well as addressing some of the concerns that come with creating and possibly sharing art. Lauren is an editor, atheist, and introverted weirdo. They work with writers and creatives to recover from perfectionism and work through deconstr...
E187: Logical Fallacies w/ Rob Palmer
April 09, 2023 17:17 - 1 hour - 91.2 MBThis week on RfRx, we will be talking about Logical Fallacies. Why? Because recognizing these bad arguments can help you do two things: avoid being deceived by false claims made by others, and also stop using them yourself to justify questionable beliefs of your own. Rob Palmer, who has spoken about Critical Thinking at a previous RfRx, will be joining us this time to give a refresher on logical fallacies and lead the first-of-its-kind RfRx game, where those in attendance will have the oppo...
E186: Meet Your Friendly Neighborhood Atheist w/ Ethan Micheal
March 29, 2023 03:30 - 1 hour - 86.5 MBThis week on RfRx, we’re having a casual conversation with Your Friendly Neighborhood Atheist, Ethan Micheal. We will discuss the value of open dialogue, honest conversation, and leaving space for surprise and the opportunity to learn. Bring your questions for Ethan and join us for a chance to imagine new ways of thinking and questioning old ones. Your Friendly Neighborhood Atheist believes in open, honest and friendly dialogue. He hosts a variety of shows ranging from Call-Ins, Interviews, F...
E185: A Human History of Emotion w/ Dr. Richard Firth-Godbehere
March 28, 2023 21:32 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBMost of us pride ourselves on being rational, thinking creatures, but what about the role of emotions in human life and history? This week on RfRx, we are joined by one of the world’s leading experts on emotions: Dr. Richard Firth-Godbehere. His award-winning interdisciplinary research walks the line between history, psychology, linguistics, philosophy and futurism. This week he will discuss how our understandings of emotions change over time and space and how they can influence the wider wo...
E184: Magical Thinking After Religion w/ Helen Greene
March 28, 2023 21:15 - 1 hour - 97.8 MBMagical thinking is the belief that one's words, actions, thoughts, or use of symbols have an effect on the external world and/or events. In this discussion, Helen Greene will explain how in childhood magical thinking starts, how people use it as a psychological tool, how even people without belief still practice magical thinking, and how to break oneself from falling into these patterns. Helen comes from a diverse background of beliefs. Raised Catholic then rejecting the church to move int...
E183: Awful Christian Relationship Advice w/ Exxtian Erin
March 14, 2023 17:56 - 1 hour - 78.6 MBExxtian Erin joins us to discuss Pentecostal Christian marriage books and relationship advice, including some that have found their way into popular culture. From love languages to mandatory premarital counseling, we’ll review the good, the bad, and the silly in popular literature on the topic of love and relationships. Bring your questions, personal stories, and book recommendations for a light-hearted foray into the relationship advice we wish we’d gotten sooner or not at all. Erin is a h...
E182: Cracking Up: Notes of a Good Girl Gone Mad w/ Dr. Jennifer Manlowe
March 12, 2023 04:23 - 1 hour - 77.5 MBThis week on RfRx, just in time for Valentines Day, Dr. Jennifer Manlowe discusses her new book, Cracking Up. This book draws from Dr. Manlowe’s research as a scholar of gender, psychology and religion, her professional experience as a secular therapist, and her personal experience being trained to be “a good girl” as a Roman Catholic in the late 20th century. The book looks at the micro and macroculture sexist messages sent to girls through religion, popular culture, and “family values” ref...
E181: From Troubadours to Modern Musicians and Rom-Coms, Love and Relationships w/ David Teachout LMHC
February 20, 2023 05:58 - 1 hour - 89.4 MBDavid Teachout returns to help us answer the perennial question: What does love got to do with it? What is this fantastic emotion? From troubadours to modern musicians and rom-coms, myths to personal declarations, love and its many manifestations is almost as synonymous with humanity as the capacity for reason. Perhaps that’s why they’re so often pitted against one another. Let’s explore love, both as a feeling and an emotion, a few expressions of it including monogamy, polyamory and relatio...
E180: From Child Prophet to Shunned Ex-Evangelical, Self-Discovery and Healing After Religion w/ Jason Friedman
February 13, 2023 10:55 - 1 hour - 90.7 MBThis week on RfRx, Jason Friedman joins us to discuss his journey from being a self-proclaimed prophet to being shunned by his Evangelical church group, leaving his faith and embarking on a difficult journey through abuse, depression, and later of healing and self (re)discovery. We’ll discuss finding new community, working through trauma, re-discovering one’s sexuality, and the fulfillment of experiencing new and old passions without the guilt of self-imposed, faith-based restrictions. Join ...
E179: No Meaning Outside Fundamentalism? Being a Buddhist Atheist w/ David Teachout LMHC
February 12, 2023 22:25 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBThis week on RfRx, David Teachout is taking us on a deep dive into Buddhism. Buddhism, in its core tenets, is as much philosophy as it is religion. Contrary to most religions, there’s no requirement to be a dualist while still appreciating, and incorporating Buddhist principles into one’s life. For many atheists raised, and repeatedly told, that there’s no meaning found outside of fundamentalism, Buddhism is an example that proves that wrong. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and ...
E179: Being a Buddhist Atheist w/ David Teachout LMHC
February 12, 2023 22:25 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBThis week on RfRx, David Teachout is taking us on a deep dive into Buddhism. Buddhism, in its core tenets, is as much philosophy as it is religion. Contrary to most religions, there’s no requirement to be a dualist while still appreciating, and incorporating Buddhist principles into one’s life. For many atheists raised, and repeatedly told, that there’s no meaning found outside of fundamentalism, Buddhism is an example that proves that wrong. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and ...
E178: Advocacy and Atheism in the Black Community w/ Cynthia McDonald
January 27, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 91.9 MBThis week on RfRx, Cynthia McDonald is joining us to discuss advocacy, activism, and atheism in the Black Community. In honor of the MLK Day holiday, Cynthia will discuss the legacy of Doctor King, his activism, some of the social and economic injustices that are still impacting black communities today, and how religious belief or non-belief fits into the equation. Cynthia is a Social Worker in the city of Chicago. She authors a blog called freedmenhealthandwellness.com which speaks on the ...
E177: Turning Over a New Leaf, From "Perfect" Christian to Secular Activist w/ Stacie Grahn
January 26, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.8 MBFor the first RfRx episode of 2023, we are joined by former Canadian Pentecostal turned secular activist, Stacie Grahn. From Pentecostal to Reformed theology, she only ever wanted to find the truth. In this episode, Stacie will discuss her incredible journey over the past year as, not intending to get rid of her faith, she overcame fear, faced down cognitive dissonance, and ultimately found healing in online activism. After 38 years of living the “perfect” Christian life, being a mother of ...
E177: Turning Over a New Leaf w/ Stacie Grahn
January 26, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.8 MBFor the first RfRx episode of 2023, we are joined by former Canadian Pentecostal turned secular activist, Stacie Grahn. From Pentecostal to Reformed theology, she only ever wanted to find the truth. In this episode, Stacie will discuss her incredible journey over the past year as, not intending to get rid of her faith, she overcame fear, faced down cognitive dissonance, and ultimately found healing in online activism. After 38 years of living the “perfect” Christian life, being a mother of ...
E176: To Celebrate or Not to Celebrate: A Holiday Hangout
January 25, 2023 23:07 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBWhether you’re celebrating holidays this season, assiduously avoiding them, or just looking for a little cheer in your day, join us for our last RfRx meeting of the year! (Don’t worry, we’ll be back in 2023). Popular co-hosts Helen Greene and Rob Palmer will both be making appearances this week to discuss doing holidays in a secular fashion, tips for dealing with religious loved ones and overcoming other holiday challenges, and reflecting on the past year of RfRx. As always, you’re invited to...
E175: Suicide Bereavement and Supporting Loss Survivors w/ Lindsey Doolittle
January 25, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 77.1 MBThis week on RfRx, we are joined by Lindsey Doolittle, art educator, children’s author, artist to the Faces After Suicide exhibition, and Award-Winning filmmaker. She will share her experience as someone who is bereaved by suicide and suggest resources and tools to help support suicide loss survivors, especially during this time of year. After she speaks, Lindsey will welcome any questions. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at [email protected]. Any t...
E174: Putting the Pneuma Back Into Spirituality w/ David Teachout LMHC
January 25, 2023 00:28 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBThis week on RfRx, popular guest speaker David Teachout will be returning to discuss putting the pneuma back into spirituality - an exploration of pneuma, Greek for breath or life, at the heart of spirituality and why the transcendent doesn’t have to leave humanity behind. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and photographer, focused on and teaching how creativity intersects with mental flexibility to work through life’s struggles. David grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, attend...
E174: "Breath of Life" Putting the Pneuma Back Into Spirituality w/ David Teachout LMHC
January 25, 2023 00:28 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBThis week on RfRx, popular guest speaker David Teachout will be returning to discuss putting the pneuma back into spirituality - an exploration of pneuma, Greek for breath or life, at the heart of spirituality and why the transcendent doesn’t have to leave humanity behind. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and photographer, focused on and teaching how creativity intersects with mental flexibility to work through life’s struggles. David grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, attend...
E173: Supporting the Queer Community w/ Ryan K.
January 24, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 86.5 MBRecent events in the United States have represented a painful reminder of the ongoing threat of violence against members of the queer community, regardless of their religious affiliation. This week on RfRx, Ryan K. will be joining us to share his story as a queer person in and outside of religious communities, offer resources for finding support, honor some of the latest victims and survivors of violence against the LGBTQ+ community, and answer questions from the audience. Ryan is from Char...
E172: Mindful Self-Compassion and Religious Trauma w/ Christy Powell
January 23, 2023 23:45 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBA lifetime of being told you are broken, sinful or just wrong can tend to make our hurts and our flaws somehow less obvious, hidden under heaps of shame, guilt and trauma. Tapping into our innate mammalian care-giving system and inner sense of kindness and compassion can give us the tools to sit with ourselves in our darkest places and empower our healing and growth. This week on RfRx, Christy Powell, licensed professional counselor with Valence Counseling and producer of the AEN’s Secular S...
E171: A Journey Through 'Woo' with Kelley Laughlin
January 23, 2023 23:08 - 1 hour - 76 MBThis week on RfRx, Kelley Laughlin will be joining us to discuss how he moved away from religious belief, took a trip through various forms of unsubstantiated “woo woo” beliefs, and finally found his way out. Now he volunteers and advocates for secular causes promoting science and critical thinking. Kelley left Christianity as a teenager, explored a bunch of different religions, and ended up believing in a lot of woo. He started field collecting and making jewelry in his early 20s and later...
E170: Politics and Civic Engagement “After” Religion w/ Jason Racheotes
January 23, 2023 17:58 - 1 hour - 74.7 MBThis week on RfRx, Jason Racheotes will be joining us to discuss how our views on politics and civic engagement may evolve and change after deconverting or coming out of religion. We will learn about some different political concepts that are often ignored and get more clarity on tangible actions we can take as individuals to improve our political process. Jason Racheotes was raised in a secular household, but was always interested in the relationship between politics and religion. He grew up...
E169: The Psychology of Fear w/ David Teachout LMHC
January 23, 2023 10:18 - 1 hour - 88 MBJoin us this week for the RfRx Halloween Special Episode! David Teachout will be returning to speak about the psychology of fear, its effects on our lives, and how to overcome it. Come talk with us about what terrifies you - and what doesn’t anymore. Help us celebrate our favorite secular holiday by bringing your spooky costumes, scary stories, and skeptical questions. Stick around for the hangout afterwards to compete for best costume bragging rights. David Teachout is a mental health ther...
E168: The Phantom God, What Neuroscience Has to Say About Religion w/ Dr. John Wathey
January 22, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 82.1 MBThis week on RfRx, Dr. John Wathey will return to discuss his latest work, The Phantom God. Does neuroscience have anything to say about the existence of God or the basis of human spiritual beliefs? Many books have been written about this, but most have strayed from the scientific method. In this talk Dr. Wathey will take a more rigorous approach, emphasizing two big ideas.One is religious compulsion, which includes the appeal of ritual, the tenacity of religious belief, and the religious o...
E168: The Phantom God w/ Dr. John Wathey
January 22, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 82.1 MBThis week on RfRx, Dr. John Wathey will return to discuss his latest work, The Phantom God. Does neuroscience have anything to say about the existence of God or the basis of human spiritual beliefs? Many books have been written about this, but most have strayed from the scientific method. In this talk Dr. Wathey will take a more rigorous approach, emphasizing two big ideas.One is religious compulsion, which includes the appeal of ritual, the tenacity of religious belief, and the religious o...
E167: Grief Vampires w/ Susan Gerbic
January 21, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 90.4 MBThis week on RfRx, we will be continuing the conversation about psychic mediums with Susan Gerbic. A skeptic activist, Susan spent the last two years battling “Grief Vampires” during lockdown. She will explain how grief vampires took advantage of online resources and why we should, too. Susan will also discuss her work on Wikipedia fighting against the nonsense and the battle to stay in the game. Affectionately called the Wikipediatrician, Susan Gerbic is the founder of Guerrilla Skepticism...