In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Richard Gilbreath and Jamie the Blind Limey tackle the bizarre intersections of TikTok misogyny, religious dogma, and the emotional highs of sports fandom! From the "esoteric" cult-like nature of Mormonism to the shared ecstasy of a World Cup match, the hosts explore how our brains navigate community, grief, and the problem of suffering. Can we find peace in a world without a supernatural supervisor, or are we just hardwired for wonder?Barbara in USA discusses her transition to atheism at 72 and the struggle of shedding Mormon dogma. Richard and Jamie address the "problem of suffering" and the Epicurean trilemma, explaining why a perfect God wouldn't allow unnecessary pain. They highlight that deconstruction is a brave, individual process often hindered by social stigma. Can we find comfort in facts rather than mythological "magic" in the sky?Chloe (TikTok) explores the "intersection of fandom and faith," comparing World Cup excitement to religious fervor. Richard and Jamie suggest the emotional experiences are identical, rooted in a human craving for unity and narrative. They warn against "zealotry," using the sectarian violence of Scottish football as a cautionary tale for both believers and fans. Is passion a legitimate expression of humanity, or a shortcut to division?Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, ObjectivelyDan and Jamie the Blind Limey dive into the bizarre world of Star Wars Lego drama and Mormon conspiracies! The hosts debate the merits of internet activism, call out the gerontocracy of the atheist movement, and challenge the semantic games used to define a deity.
Luca in Netherlands asks the hosts to define their atheism and questions the source of intrinsic human value. Dan and Jamie explain why value is a subjective construct. How do we prevent atrocities? Hosts argue objective laws lead to hierarchies.
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Christi Powell and Sofia Spina explore the "Cold War" between psychology and religion! Both hosts, working in mental health, discuss the bias of Christian counseling and whether science can explain morality. Can we find a naturalistic grounding for "God," or are we just redefining reality to feel better?
John in CA argues nature is the only real God, claiming the universe gains consciousness through us. Hosts challenge his redefinition of omnipotence and the lack of evidence for cosmic sentience. Is this a new theology or just a semantic game?
Carib in Trinidad posits a creator outside of time, claiming the Quran accurately describes humans turning into apes and pigs. Hosts note that simple observations don't require supernatural explanation. Is an "out of time" deity even probable?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Jamie the Blind Limey and Doctor Ben are joined by guest host Kelly Laughlin to navigate the intersection of medical ethics and ancient rituals! From the hilarity of Chick Tracts to the sobering reality of public health crises, the hosts challenge listeners to prioritize human safety over supernatural comfort. Can community exist without a pulpit, or are we all just seeking an invisible therapist?
Rebecca in CA asks how aid workers should balance religious burial customs with the prevention of Ebola outbreaks. Hosts discuss the tension between individual grieving rights and public health safety. Can logic save communities from faith?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Special Episode: We Are Here 24 hour fundraiser! https://aca.show/wearehere 

This episode was extracted from our 24hour fundraiser live stream on May 16-17. We apologize for the delayed posting!

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Richard Gilliver, ObjectivelyDan, and Scott Dickie join the second annual 24-hour live stream fundraiser! They explore the intersection of philosophy and science while dismantling claims of religious revivals and the psychological lures of modern astrology. Can critical thinking provide the ultimate shield against the encroaching tide of misinformation and ancient traditions?
Drew in TX asks why the religious right claims a Gen Z revival is happening. Hosts discuss how statistics are manipulated for morale and profit. They explore the link between capitalism and faith media. Can these narratives be easily debunked?
Drew K in TX critiques the resurgence of astrology. Scott explains evolutionary pattern seeking and type one errors. They analyze the profit motive in the billion-dollar industry. Is astrology just a safe way to have irrational beliefs?
Ann in CA asks if she has recovered from her Catholic past. Hosts discuss the extra-biblical origins of Saint Anne and the power of traditions like fish on Fridays. Can community needs keep people tethered to rituals long after faith ends?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!





Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Doctor Ben and the incredible Robotgoat dismantle the top ten worst scientific lies pushed by religion! From faith healing fantasies to the biological absurdity of ribs and sperm, the hosts explore why critical thinking is the ultimate antidote to indoctrination. Can we bridge the gap between ancient myths and modern reality, or are some believers too invested in the "poetry jar" to count their own bones?
Luke in FL asks if mocking God speaking things into existence is a good argument. Ben warns against taking an impossible burden of proof. They discuss bear maulings and drowning babies. Is calling God a monster more effective than citing logic?
Billy the silly 27 from TikTok argues pastors edit the Bible for comfort. Robotgoat recalls a sermon on David that ignored child illness. Why do believers rely on authority over reading the text? Does the New Covenant mask ancient horrors?
Secular Cheese in Canada fears religious immigration. Robotgoat calls this racist propaganda. Ben argues that discriminating by religion violates human rights. Can secularism survive without resorting to the same tactics as theocratic regimes?
Kush from TikTok asks about deconstruction and family reactions. Robotgoat discusses shifting from scientific illiteracy, while Ben notes the "elephant in the room" of his past. How do we build a new community based on evidence?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time! 


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Christy Powell and guest host Sarah from Leaving Faith explore the dizzying flexibility of biblical interpretation and the biological "bad design" of the human body! Joined by Dr. Ben, the hosts tackle why reading the Bible cover-to-cover is often the fastest road to atheism and why a perfect creator would wrap the prostate around the urinary tract. Can we find logic in a text that justifies any worldview, or are we all just left with our own personal Jesus?
Charlie-TikTok is a hypnotherapist deconstructing from a monastery who clings to God for comfort. Hosts identify hypnotic techniques in worship and label wonder as natural. Why does the "problem of evil" create guilt? Can "I don't know" be a home?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Scott Dickie is joined by Coach Renz to explore the "mathematics of truth" and the power of family support during deconversion! They discuss how logic provides an essential framework for navigating faith-based assumptions and examine why a supportive environment is vital for exploring one's own identity outside of religious dogma.
Cliff in OH compares the moon landing to faith, arguing that answered prayers provide evidence for God. Scott and Coach Renz identify circular reasoning and post-hoc fallacies in his mundane examples. Can coincidences serve as proof for a deity?
Colton in PA discusses Biblical parallels to ancient flood and creation myths. Coach Renz highlights how oral traditions evolved into global legends and debates whether universal order is extrinsic or intrinsic. Why must order imply a designer?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Richard Gilliver and Jamie the Blind Limey tackle the bottom feeders of the philosophy world and the perceived persecution of majority religions! They explore the distinction between academic philosophy and rhetorical trickery, the reality of global religious oppression, and why a loss of privilege is often mistaken for a lack of fairness. Can critical thinking dismantle the defensive shields of the "Phil bros"?
Lisa in Canada asks how to critique religions without appearing bigoted. Jamie separates ideas from people, while Richard notes systemic abuse in Buddhism. Should consistency be the shield against prejudice?
Michelle discusses how spirituality helps her process horrific childhood trauma. The hosts empathize but warn against using magical thinking as a security blanket. Can evidence-based healing replace supernatural hope?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Sofia Spina and Scott Dickie delve into the delicate balance of secular parenting and setting boundaries with religious family! From wedding stress to the trauma of "all stick, no carrot" Catholic discipline, the hosts explore how to navigate interpersonal relationships when ancient dogmas clash with modern autonomy.

Brittany in Canada seeks advice on wedding planning with manipulative Catholic parents. Sofia and Scott suggest reframing boundaries as expectations of respect and discuss intergenerational family therapy as a tool for autonomy. They emphasize that establishing independence now protects the future of her new family unit. Will the desire for inclusion be worth the stress of the celebration?

Anne in CA shares her traumatic Catholic upbringing versus her son’s secular freedom. Hosts argue that religious corporal punishment destroys curiosity and trust while critiquing the "broken spirit" model of faith. They discuss the God model of parenting as a system of absolute obedience that often forces a performance of belief. Is breaking a child's spirit ever a moral act?

Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.