TheThinkingAtheist
645 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2.6K ratingsSeth Andrews, a former Christian broadcaster and believer for 30 years, ultimately escaped the bonds of superstitious thinking to embrace the more satisfying explanations that science provides.
A professional video producer and host of one of the most popular atheist communities on the internet, Seth Andrews brings a polished format, a relaxed environment and a rage-free challenge to the religious beliefs that defined his youth.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
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Episodes
Atheist Comedians
January 18, 2022 13:00 - 59 minutes - 81.6 MBAtheist comedians poking fun at religions? Here are some various clips from stand-ups like George Carlin, Dave Allen, Sarah Silverman, Tim Minchin, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Hi, I'm an Atheist: Coming Out to Family and Friends (with author David G. McAfee)
January 11, 2022 13:00 - 41 minutes - 56.8 MBAuthor and journalist David G. McAfee talks about his new book, which is helping guide atheists through their "coming out" to family, friends, and associates. BOOK LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Hi-Im-Atheist-Means-Others/dp/1250782082 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Show #600
January 04, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 92.7 MBIt's broadcast number 600! Thanks so much for over a decade of shows. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
2021: The Year in Review
December 28, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 88.1 MBIt'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.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Holiday Heathenry
December 21, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 96.8 MBHost rants. Your calls. Let's enjoy Christmas week together! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
I Miss Christopher Hitchens: Remembering Hitch on the 10th Anniversary of his Death
December 14, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 97.2 MBWe 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 Jon Stewart: https://on.cc.com/3nkAHL8 Tariq Ramadan Debate/Islam: https://youtu.be/mMraxhd9Z9Q On Joy Behar with Pastor Douglas Wilson: https://youtu.be/tamcV_XxZsQ Intelligence Squared debate: https://bit.ly/3Dg1Cgu Debate with Frank Turek: https://vimeo.com/1904911 VS Rabbi Harold Kushner: https://youtu.be/Xx_ov2NiNo4 On the street/...
We Are But Beasts (with Aron Ra)
December 07, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBAron Ra is an author, educator, and atheist activist. He joins Seth Andrews to talk about pagan Christmas, religious awfulness, and humans' place as "beasts" in the animal kingdom. Shows with Aron are always entertaining, and this one is no exception. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Spoiled America: Re-examining the Wonders of our Daily Lives
November 30, 2021 13:00 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MBIn this unique show, we take a few minutes to regain some perspective. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
The Mess in my Head: Holiday Ramblings from a Frustrated Host
November 23, 2021 13:00 - 57 minutes - 79.1 MBFor 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 this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Expose Christian Schools
November 16, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 84.1 MBThe #ExposeChristianSchools hashtag is helping people share their stories about indoctrination and abuse within religious "education." In this show, we expose some of the problematic curriculum and share listener stories about their own experiences. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Dominion: The Christian Assault on a Secular Nation (Part Two)
November 09, 2021 13:00 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBKatherine Stewart, author of "The Power Worshippers," and constitutional attorney Andrew Seidel join us for part two of this important conversation about the evangelical assault on the United States. Katherine Stewart: https://katherinestewart.me Andrew Seidel: https://andrewlseidel.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Dominion: The Christian Assault on a Secular Nation
November 02, 2021 12:00 - 37 minutes - 50.9 MBReligious "nones" are on the rise, but evangelicals continue to maneuver into circles of influence at every level. We discuss their tactics and Christian Dominion Theology. Dr. Clint Heacock's "Mindshift podcast: https://mindshiftpodcast.co.uk/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Our Irrational Fears
October 26, 2021 12:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBIt'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 Garcia joins us for the second half of the broadcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
The Strange Origins of Popular Superstitions
October 19, 2021 12:00 - 58 minutes - 79.8 MBDon'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 superstitions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Ghost Stories 2021
October 12, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBOur 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 this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Seth Andrews Teaches Sunday School
October 05, 2021 12:00 - 58 minutes - 80.4 MBJoin us for another journey through some of the more, uh, interesting yet seldom addressed stories in the Christian Bible. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Jesus & John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation (with author Dr. Kristin Du Mez)
September 28, 2021 12:00 - 43 minutes - 60.2 MBDr. Kristin Du Mez is a Christian, yet she is also taking to task America's hard leanings into white Christian Nationalism and authoritarian "God warrior" narratives. Join us for a compelling discussion about her new book. BOOK LINK: https://amzn.to/391DTU1 Dr. Du Mez's website: https://kristindumez.com/ VIDEO of this discussion: https://youtu.be/aeMjEYAMsGk Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
A Love Letter to #Exvangelicals and Those Deconstructing their Toxic Faith
September 23, 2021 16:30 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBAndrew Seidel has penned a latter for Religion Dispatches that serves as an encouragement to exvangelicals. In this (free) short bonus show, with their permission, I read the text of that letter. ARTICLE: https://religiondispatches.org/a-love-letter-to-exvangelicals-and-those-deconstructing-their-toxic-faith/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Ten Things Christians Wish Jesus Hadn't Taught (with author Dr. David Madison)
September 21, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBSeth 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/3jQBi5u Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
The Trolley Problem (and Other Ethical Dilemmas)
September 14, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 98.7 MBThe classic Trolley Problem forces a life-and-death choice with no easy solution. In this broadcast, listeners navigate several ethical dilemmas, and we discuss the implications. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Mimzy Vidz: Free From Islam
September 07, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 61 MBMimzy was a devout Muslim. She observed the Qur'an and proselytized her religion...until her dissatisfaction with Islam led her to question everything. She shares her inspiring story on this week's show. On Twitter: @MimzyVidz On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/mimzyvidz VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu.be/aQfrRS41eaU Documentary "Women Leaving Islam:" https://youtu.be/ojpGBz9OxPM Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/supp...
The Inevitable: Dispatches on the Right to Die (with author Katie Engelhart)
August 31, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutes - 78.7 MBKatie Engelhart has a new book which fairly explores the hugely complex issues of Death with Dignity, assisted suicide, Medical Aid in Dying, and other models for allowing competent adults to end their own suffering. She speaks candidly about her research, the stories, and her own opinions. Katie's website: https://www.katieengelhart.com VIDEO of this conversation https://youtu.be/ic4cG4SYMco Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/...
podcast581-Inevitable-KatieEngelhart
August 31, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutes - 78.7 MBKatie Engelhart has a new book which fairly explores the hugely complex issues of Death with Dignity, assisted suicide, Medical Aid in Dying, and other models for allowing competent adults to end their own suffering. She speaks candidly about her research, the stories, and her own opinions. Katie's website: https://www.katieengelhart.com VIDEO of this conversation https://youtu.be/ic4cG4SYMco
I Used to Believe Weird Things
August 24, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 94.6 MBOur listeners confess to the (often comedically) strange beliefs they once held. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Abortion: Science, the Soul, and the Question of Personhood
August 17, 2021 12:00 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MBWe take a respectful and science-based look at the controversial subject of abortion. Link to the book, "Confessions of a Former Fox News Christian:" https://amzn.to/3iFFMep Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Recovering From Religious Trauma: with Psychologist Dr. Marlene Winell
August 10, 2021 12:00 - 51 minutes - 70.4 MBDr. Winell does a lot of work with exvangelicals, and she authored the book, "Leaving the Fold - A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving their Religion." She joins us to talk about religious trauma and recovery. Dr. Winell's website: http://marlenewinell.net Dr. Winell's book: https://amzn.to/3rK7FF9 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Justice-Centered Humanism: with Roy Speckhardt of the American Humanist Association
August 03, 2021 12:00 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MBRoy Speckhardt is Executive Direction of AHA and author of several books, including his most recent, titled "Justice-Centered Humanism: How (and Why) to Engage in Public Policy for Good (Humanism in Practice). We talk about atheism VS Humanism, and being forces for positive change in this crazy world. Roy's book: https://amzn.to/3lfCy3h American Humanist Association: http://www.americanhumanist.org Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--32...
UFO Mania: Is The Truth Out There?
July 27, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBU.S. Intelligence recently declassified a series of UFO-related documents and videos, sending the culture into UFO-mania. But how new - and how credible - are the reports that Unidentified Aerial Phenomena prove the existence of aliens? VIDEO of the James Underdown interview: https://youtu.be/dwuGt5RY3_I Intelligence report: https://bit.ly/36RwAx6 Jim Underdown: https://bit.ly/3xWOMBe Skeptical Inquirer: https://bit.ly/2TpkOqn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/pod...
Did Moses Write the Torah? A Skeptical Look at the First Five Books of the Hebrew Bible
July 20, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 92.9 MBAssyriologist Dr. Joshua Bowen's new book is called "The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament." Seth Andrews reads from Chapter Four, which deals with the claim that Moses wrote the first five books of the Old Testament. Full audiobook is on Audible here: https://adbl.co/2UBuYEv Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Seth Andrews Puts Me to Sleep (and other listener calls)
July 13, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 90.4 MBCallers bring their own questions and opinions to this week's podcast. Enjoy! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
The Apostate Report: Leaving Islam in North America (with Sarah Haider)
July 06, 2021 13:00 - 39 minutes - 54.3 MBSarah 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. The Apostate Report can be downloaded at https://exmuslims.org/apostate-report VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu.be/9q0BfQMLBTA Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Final Exit: Life, Death, and the Right to Choose
June 29, 2021 13:00 - 54 minutes - 75.2 MBThe (controversial) issue is known in many ways: Right to Die. Medical Aid in Dying. Death with Dignity. Others. Essentially, the question is, "Do people have the right to end their own suffering, and do advocates have the right to assist them?" We discuss "living" VS "existing," and Seth speaks with three representatives of http://www.finalexitnetwork.org Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Scientology and the Danny Masterson Trial
June 22, 2021 13:00 - 34 minutes - 48 MBThe sexual assault allegations against actor/comedian Danny Masterson are bringing to light maneuverings by the Church of Scientology. We discuss the case, the courts, and the cult with ex-Scientologist Chris Shelton and investigative reporter Tony Ortega. Chris Shelton: https://bit.ly/2TKmjz9 Tony Ortega/Underground Bunker: https://tonyortega.org Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament (with Dr. Joshua Bowen)
June 15, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBAtheists often speak about the contradictions and atrocities rampant throughout the Bible, but they often enter those conversations without all of the information. Assyriologist Dr. Joshua Bowen is author of the new book, "The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament: Volume One" (https://amzn.to/3xcdVqM), and he joins us for some prime examples of how we can know more and be better when talking about the Christian scriptures. VIDEO of this conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yNMa6kGOEZQ ...
Remembering My Father
June 08, 2021 13:00 - 40 minutes - 55.6 MBA few thoughts at the close of a personal chapter. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Belief and the Brain: a Psychiatrist and a Neuroscientist on Evolution and Religion
June 01, 2021 13:00 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBDr. 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 computational biologist, neuroscientist, and author of "The Illusion of God's Presence: The Biological Origins of Spiritual Longing." Both men discuss how human evolution so often informs religious beliefs. Dr. Thomson's book: https://amzn.to/32m06J6 Dr. Wathey's book: https://amzn.to/3eapMhe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/p...
Fear of the Devil: Paranoia and Panic by the "Divinely Protected"
May 25, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBHave you ever noticed how devout believers claiming safety and victory are ALWAYS freaking out about Satan, dark forces, and evil conspiracy? We explore this contradiction. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Love, Last Wishes, and a Life Well-Lived
May 20, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 71 MBIn 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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Fall River: Death and the Devil in a Massachusetts Town
May 18, 2021 13:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBThe Epix Network just released the new 4-part docuseries, "Fall River," which chronicles the murders of 3 women against the backdrop of the Satanic Panic. Director/Producer James Buddy Day joins Seth Andrews for a conversation about the series, the story, and how fears of Satanism fueled public perception (and the eventual conviction) over forty years ago. OFFICIAL SITE FOR "FALL RIVER:" https://press.epix.com/programs/fall-river Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/...
For Small Creatures Such As We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in our Unlikely World (with Sasha Sagan)
May 11, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBSasha 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 We," Sasha explores and explains how/why rituals can be so important for making the most of the human experience. Sasha's book (autographed for you): https://www.sashasagan.com/signed-copies Sasha's website: http://www.sashasagan.com VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu.be/Vb6OQAWlsI8 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spre...
Attacked From Within: The Assault on State/Church Separation
May 04, 2021 13:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBRachel Laser, attorney, human rights activist, and President of www.au.org, speaks with Seth Andrews about the critical fight(s) to protect the United States from fundamentalism and unamerican Christian Nationalism. VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu.be/ixIEcbcuCt0 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Hype: A Doctor's Guide to Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims, and Bad Advice (with Dr. Nina Shapiro)
April 27, 2021 13:00 - 58 minutes - 54 MBDr. 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 http://drninashapiro.com/hype Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
The Creepy and the Culty: "Normal" Things that Mainstream Religions Do Every Day
April 20, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 96.6 MBOften, mainstream religious practices don't seem strange to us...because we're accustomed to them. But are the mainstream faiths any less culty? We think not, and this show provides examples. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
The Satan Shoes: A Conversation About the Controversy (with Lucien Greaves)
April 13, 2021 13:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBLucien 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. VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu.be/qyn6EWg8u1I Lucien's blog on Lil Nas X: https://www.patreon.com/posts/lil-nas-x-is-not-49717911 Satanic Planet "Baphomet" Video: https://youtu.be/PghnCkolCd0 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Accidents of Birth (with the hosts of Cognitive Dissonance)
April 06, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBIn 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. VIDEO of this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cv_RDasAmyQ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Always an Atheist: Stories of Lifelong Nonbelievers
March 30, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBFor 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 listeners, here's an entire broadcast featuring your calls and your stories. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
The Catholic Divide: A Church in Conflict over Money and Power (with Katherine Stewart)
March 23, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBThe Catholic Church is at war with itself. Big Money players have weaponized the church for Christian Nationalism, while others are resisting religious overreach to install a theocracy and discriminate against others. Author/Journalist Katherine Stewart joins us to talk about her New Republic article, "How Big Money is Dividing American Catholicism." ARTICLE LINK: https://bit.ly/38yfA06 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Wayward: Spiritual Warfare & Sexual Purity (with author Alice Greczyn)
March 16, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBActress and author Alice Greczyn escaped a high-control version of Christianity. She speaks about her book "Wayward" and her escape from the blame and shame of religion, and Seth Andrews reads from Chapter 17 in the last portion of the show. VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu.be/fBdGTehpPhA Alice's book: https://amzn.to/3rNumY4 Alice's website: http://www.daretodoubt.org Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Is Cheese Powder Actual Cheese? (And more answers to life's burning questions)
March 09, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 76.1 MBHere'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 ship's command center a "bridge?" What's up with useless human arm hair? What is an Epsom Salt? Why do we immediately forget someone's name? And of course, what's up with that orange powder sold as cheese? These are the types of probing (and entertaining) questions we explore this week. Enjoy! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www....
Can You Reason with Unreasonable People?
March 02, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 82.9 MBMany of us have encountered the "brick wall" believers in superstition, woo, conspiracy, and really bad ideas. Are they still worth our time and energy? And are there ways to break through? We discuss the complex issue(s) regarding deep-seated beliefs and opinions. The Oatmeal illustrated story: https://theoatmeal.com/comics/believe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.