Trump says people want a dictator — and for MAGA, that’s a selling point, not a threat. Here’s why I almost lost hope this week… and how your calls brought me back.

This week I almost didn’t record. Watching Trump inch America closer to fascism — sending troops into cities, threatening free speech with flag-burning bans, and bragging that people want a dictator — left me feeling hopeless. And here’s the twisted part: for his MAGA base, “dictator” isn’t a threat, it’s a selling point. That’s how cults work. But by the end of this episode, I realized one voice may feel small, but millions of voices together can still change things. Even a silly podcast like mine is part of that chorus.

Along the way, I take listener calls (including one about having gay MAGA friends), reflect on what I miss about believing in God, share my favorite childhood movies, talk about the role of instigators in building community, and answer a surprise question from Corey about my work ethic. It’s a messy, emotional, and ultimately hopeful ride.
Subscribe to the podcast: https://thereisnogodandwereallgonnadie.transistor.fm/
Website: https://www.danieljcartier.com/

• (00:00) - Introduction and Personal Reflections

In this episode... MORALITY! Do we need to believe in God to have it?  Also ...
- Can Donald Trump legally change the way we vote?
- Texas's completely unconstitutional Ten Commandments law goes into effect
- Hillary Clinton's warning to gay people everywhere.
- My embarrassing attempt at being a rap artist
- The importance of HONESTY
- Checking in with the hateful Westboro Baptist Church
- Corey gets a theme song!
- I take listener voicemails and ponder about magic
- What's my greatest "artistic achievement"?

Watch now, and if you like it, hit subscribe
Have a question? Leave me a voicemail for the next show:
https://www.speakpipe.com/ThereIsNoGodAndWereAllGonnaDie
Visit my website for more fun stuff!
https://www.danieljcartier.com/

In this episode, I confront the “triggered” meme conservatives love to toss around (you know the one ...with the crazy looking lady?) They use it to shame liberals, but here’s the truth: I’m proud to be triggered by the horrific things Trump, his corrupt administration and and the entire alt-right Christian Nationalist agenda is shoving into our world. What I don’t get is why the stuff they get triggered about is so… lame. (A fake “war on Christmas”? A single Bud Light can with a transgender woman’s face on it? Really?)

Along the way, I take your voicemails, rant about Trump’s idiotic takeover of Washington DC, side-eye Marsha Blackburn’s bid for Tennessee governor (spoiler: not a fan), and crown comedienne Elayne Boosler my official “Hero of the Week” for her incredible work with homeless animals. It’s politics, pop culture, and plenty of unfiltered opinions — the good kind of triggered from your favorite gay, liberal atheist living in the Bible Belt! https://www.danieljcartier.com/

• (00:00) - Introduction to Current Events and Heroes

I Was Promised Godless Orgies! 
Turns out, being an atheist isn’t all wine, orgies, and righteous indignation. In this episode, I count down 10 things that actually suck about being a nonbeliever — from awkward moments with religious friends,  to “concerned” strangers offering prayers I didn’t ask for. PLUS: Texas Showdown with Democrats and Republicans, Trump calls Lauren Boebert a "MAGA Warrior" (whatever that means) and a return visit from everyone's favorite homophobic Kentucky County Clerk, Kim Davis (spoiler: she’s still awful). 

I attend my first atheist convention and meet some surprising allies — former Christian Nationalists (including Star Spangled Jesus author April LaJoy) who’ve embraced progressive values and now stand as firmly against Trump as I do. Speaking of which, I dig into Trump’s disturbing new memo allowing federal employees to promote their religion at work — even to subordinates. Plus: listener voicemails, dream duet fantasies, my wild past serving food to celebrities, and a swoon-worthy moment with Robert Downey Jr.

• (00:00) - Introduction to the Atheist Convention

Self professed, "gay liberal atheist living in the Bible Belt" Daniel Cartier dives headfirst into another episode of godless wonder, love for humanity (he even loves the conservative Christians who hate him) and the chaos that IS our current landscape. Part late night confessional, part pep talk for anyone who feels defeated by the current state of affairs - this podcast is ultimately a love letter to savoring every moment of life, while we still have time.  

This weeks topics include: 
Reality Show Dynamics and Personal Reflections

The State of American Politics - Trump's acting like a dictator (again)

Media Influence and Accountability - Trump, CBS, and Stephen Colbert

The Journey of Creating an Acoustic Album

Navigating Music Placements in TV and Film

The Case of Mike Johnson claiming "Soccer is Gay" Bullying in Disguise

Andrew Isker: The Absurdity of the "Gay Beam"

Personal Reflections on Homophobia and Speaking Out

Celebrating Diversity and Acceptance

Kamala Harris and the Challenges of Female Leadership

Acknowledging Mistakes: A Call for Reflection

The Vastness of the Universe and Our Place in It

The Planet's Resilience and Human Impact

The Power of Prayer and Intention - even for an atheist 

Understanding Anger vs. Hatred

The Perspective of Atheism

The whole concept of Billionaires is gross

Desperation breeds desperate people - breeds crime
Hope breeds hopeful people - breeds a lot more happiness for everyone

Choosing to Be Part of the Solution

Listener voicemails:
The Nature of Struggle in Life

Pissed off at the world
The Serenity Prayer and Its Significance

Powerlessness and Acceptance

Agency and Response to Life

Frustration with Society and Self-Care

Atheism and it's perspectives on Religion

The Role of Pets in Our Lives

The Purpose of the Podcast

Self professed, "gay liberal atheist living in the Bible Belt" Daniel Cartier dives headfirst into another episode of godless wonder, love for humanity (he even loves the conservative Christians who hate him) and the chaos that IS our current landscape. Part late night confessional, part pep talk for anyone who feels defeated by the current state of affairs - this podcast is ultimately a love letter to savoring every moment of life, while we still have time.  

This weeks topics include: 
The Importance of Love and Acceptance
The idea of "God watching us" all the time is creepy.

Facing Self-Doubt and the Fear of Judgment

Environmental Concerns and Personal Reflections

The Decline of Insect Populations

The "Anti-Woke" Movement
Why it's dumb to be anything BUT woke. 

The Importance of Self-Expression

Sexuality and Societal Norms

Judy Garland and the Oscars 
Grace Kelly slumming it
Judy Garland was ROBBED.

Creative Expression and Acknowledgment

The Value of Personal Opinions

Ethics of Cooking Lobster 

The Cosmic Perspective on Humanity

Life's Smallness and Perspective

Douchebag of the Week: Donald Trump

Second Place: Judith Fike

Voicemails from listeners! 

The Essence of Creativity

Coming Out Gay vs. Coming Out Atheist

Creepy Movie Monsters

The Journey of Podcasting

Reflections on Politics and Society

The Role of Activism and Personal Responsibility

Summary
In the debut episode of There Is No God And We're All Gonna Die, Daniel J. Cartier answers listener voicemails, responds to a hateful preacher’s message, and clears up some common misconceptions about being an atheist. Raw, real, and unexpectedly hopeful — it’s the perfect intro to a podcast that’s anything but ordinary.

Takeaways

• It's important to keep people in your life even if you disagree with them.
• Art and music are limited forms of expression; podcasts allow for deeper exploration.
• Living in a diverse community teaches acceptance and love.
• We are all stuck on this planet together, and finding love is essential.
• Life is busy, but we must prioritize communication and connection.
• The podcast serves as an outlet for thoughts that can't fit into songs.
• Humor can be a coping mechanism for dealing with adversity.
• Creating a sense of community is vital for personal growth.
• Existence is precious, and we should cherish it while we can.
• People's identities are inherent; they don't choose who they are.

• (00:00) -