This very special 300th broadcast was recorded in Dallas, Texas on November 19th in front of a live audience at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas-Richardson.  Special guests include:Matt Dillahunty:  https://www.youtube.com/user/SansDeitySarah Haider of Ex-Muslims of North America:  http://www.exmna.orgDavid Smalley of Dogma Debate: http://dogmadebate.comAron Ra:  https://www.youtube.com/user/AronRaRecording artist Shelley Segal:  http://www.shelleysegal.comVIDEO of this broadcast here: https://youtu.be/U6ViKFHOC-IBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

In the spring of 2016, Seth Andrews received a strange letter in the mail...a letter which has roots dating back over three decades.  In September of 2016, he told his entertaining story about "The Mystery Letter" to a live audience in Riverside, California.  This is the audio of that presentation.VIDEO of the speech:  https://youtu.be/xWovupLjz7wSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.casper.com/sethandrews (promo code: sethandrews)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

If you enjoy audiobooks, and if you enjoy didactic fiction, you'll like this show.Author Lee Burvine speaks with host Seth Andrews about his sci-fi novel with religious (some would say sacreligious) themes, and Seth plays the first five chapters of the audiobook - read by Seth Andrews in their entirety - on this broadcast.THE KAFIR PROJECT WEBSITE:  http://www.kafirproject.com/Amazon/Audible link for purchase:  http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/The-Kafir-Project-Audiobook/B01M7SRX8D/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1478011395&sr=1-1Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

It's an annual Halloween tradition, as we gather around the virtual campfire, suspend our disbelief in ghosts and spirits, and enjoy some delightful frights together.  Seth Andrews shares various ghost stories, and once again, he finishes the broadcast with an original production that will (hopefully) provide some October thrills and chills.Enjoy!SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR.  Your first month free!   http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethandrewsEd Suominen's blog:  http://blog.edsuom.com/Written version of "This is my Body:"  http://tellectual.com/TBT-This-is-my-Body.html Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR.  Your first month free!   http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethandrewsHow do we separate "nutrition" from "woo-trition?"  This show is about the science (and pseudoscience) of food.  We also spend time on nutrition celebrity "The Food Babe," Vani Hari, a best-selling author and activist named by Time Magazine as one of the 30 most influential people on the internet, despite the fact that she has no degree or expertise in the field of health and nutrition.Joining our discussion are actual health and science educators:Yvette d'Entremont (also known as SciBabe), with a B.S. in chemistry and an MSc in forensic science.  Yvette is a public critic of Vani Hari and a science educator.  http://www.scibabe.comMelissa Dobbins MS, CDE, RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist).  www.SoundBitesRD.comLeah McGrath RDN  @LeahMcGrathRDDr. Steven Novella, clinical neurologist and assistant professor at Yale University School of Medicine.  Dr. Novella is a proponent of scientific skepticism and a vocal critic of pseudoscientific health claims and claimants. http://theness.com/neurologicablog Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR.  Your first month free!   http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethandrewsIs Buddhism a religion?  A philosophy?  Both?  Something else?  Many Buddhist organizations - physical and online - promote it as a way of "finding peace within oneself.  What about atheists who are Buddhists?  Is this a spiritual journey, or a method for framing a physical one?LINKS:David G. McAfee on Buddhism:  https://davidgmcafee.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/buddhisms-lived-and-portrayed-traditionsStephen Batchelor:  http://www.stephenbatchelor.orgNo Religion Required podcast:   https://noreligionrequired.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.casper.com/sethandrews  ($50 off any mattress purchase with promo code seth andrews)Aron Ra has a new book based on his popular YouTube video series, "Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism."  We talk to Aron about these falsehoods, and the new book.VIDEO of this discussion:  https://youtu.be/9bToIwtUQCAAmazon link for FFoC book:  https://www.amazon.com/Foundational-Falsehoods-Creationism-Aron-Ra/dp/1634310780The YouTube video series:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnJX68ELbAY&list=PL126AFB53A6F002CCBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR.  Your first month free!   http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethandrewsSummer has come and gone, but for many of us, our memories of summer camp remain fresh in our minds, partially because those camps were more interested in Christ than they were in campfires, swimming holes, nature hikes, team sports, friendships and fun.In this broadcast, we share some stories from our listeners, highlighting their own "Jesus Camp"-esque experiences, and we highlight Camp Quest, a secular summer camp which is providing a welcoming, woo-free alternative to the church-run (and church-funded) religious camps that sell camp...but deliver church.Help us support a secular solution:  Camp Quest.  Our goal is $15,000 raised by October 15, 2016.  Donate at http://www.campquest.org/donateBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR.  Your first month free!   http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethandrewsJohn C. Wathey is a computational biologist whose research interests include evolutionary algorithms, protein folding, and the biology of nervous systems. From 1991 to 1995, he was a senior applications scientist at Biosym Technologies (now named Biovia), a company that develops molecular modeling software for the pharmaceutical industry. In 1996, he founded his own business, Wathey Research, and since that time, most of his scientific research has been funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health. John (who goes by "Jack") has written a new book titled, "The Illusion of God's Presence: The Biological Origins of Spiritual Longing."  In this broadcast, Seth andrews speaks with the author about humankind's (evolved?) tendency to seek the supernatural in a natural world.John Wathey's website:  http://www.watheyresearch.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR.  Your first month free!   http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethandrewsWhat happens when people with conflicting views about God, religion and spirituality fall in love and decide to share life together?  This broadcast features the stories of those who are either married or life partners, and who have differing faith traditions and beliefs (or none).  Their successes and failures.  The challenges of being divided on a critical (or not so critical?) issue.  And the meeting of two very different viewpoints within the same - and very small -space.Does love conquer all?  We discuss.  Plus, Dale McGowan, author of "In Faith and in Doubt," joins us to cap the show with some notes about his research on interfaith couplesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

This isn't a podcast, per se.  It's a short bonus clip highlighting a couple of interesting things happening in the freethought movement:  a film in production which links Batman to Jesus, and an October 2016 debate between Jesus historicist Bart Ehrman and Jesus mythicist Robert M. Price.Seth Andrews takes a few minutes to speak with Jozef Richards and Rob Moore about the projects.LINKS:The Ehrman/Price debate:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mythinformation-conference-iii-feat-bart-d-ehrmandr-robert-price-debate-tickets-19701931006Mythicist Milwaukee:  http://www.mythicistmilwaukee.comBatman & Jesus website: http://www.spadeheartclub.com/batmanjesusBatman & Jesus trailer:  https://youtu.be/cnS8FjMQx0k Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://polarisfinancialplanning.com/polaris-blog/the-phil-ferguson-show-podcast/National Public Radio has declared that it is nixing the comments sections on its website.  This decision has resulted in a lot of discussion about the merits of comments sections, the nature of online discourse, and NPR's responsibility to the public.  We discuss.We also speak with Sarah Haider of Ex-Mulims of North America regarding France's (now suspended) Burkini ban, and we finish the show with a reading from Chris Matheson's humor book, "The Story of God."_____NPR article on its comments section decision:  http://www.npr.org/sections/ombudsman/2016/08/17/489516952/npr-website-to-get-rid-of-commentsSarah Haider's Heat Street article "Repressive Burkini Bans Will Do More Harm Than Good:"  https://heatst.com/culture-wars/repressive-burkini-bans-will-do-more-harm-than-goodDavid Smalley "What's Killing the Atheist Movement:"  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2016/08/whats-killing-the-atheist-movementChris Matheson's "The Story of God:"  https://www.amazon.com/Story-God-Biblical-Comedy-about/dp/1634310241/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1472478175&sr=8-2&keywords=the+story+of+godBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

An Oklahoma children's home happily accepted a $100 donation (given by Matt Wilbourne, a Muskogee resident), until it realized that the money was given in the name of the Muskogee Atheist Community.  The Murrow Indian Children's Home is managed and funded by the American Baptist Churches Association, and they apparently don't wish to associate with an atheist financial gift.  So they attempted to return the gift.  In a strange turn of events, this story has made national news, brought many atheists and Christians together, and propelled a GoFundMe page into the $10,000+ range.In this short bonus podcast, Seth Andrews speaks with Matt Wilbourne about the gift, the children, the money, and what happens next.DONATIONS VIA GOFUNDME AT:  https://www.gofundme.com/2zc57tpgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Jake and Hugo host the weekly podcast, "The Bible Reloaded," an irreverent show (hosted by atheists) which examines the Bible, lampoons Bible-based propaganda produced by companies like Chick Tracts, and reviews various religious films (like "God's Not Dead").Last week, the TBR hosts announced that they were suing a Christian film company owned by the Christiano Brothers (Christianfilms.com) over the filing of false DMCA claims in regard to TBR's reviews of some of their movies.  If you're unsure what any of this means, don't worry.  Jake and Hugo join Seth Andrews to talk about the lawsuit, the players, and the very real phenomenon where organizations use bogus copyright claims to silence the voices of (and potentially shut down the pages of) their critics.If you wish to support the lawsuit, click:  https://www.gofundme.com/tbrdefensefundBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

This broadcast is about the 2016 Olympic Games, but it's also a series of observations (ok, rants) by Seth Andrews on athletic God-speak, genuflection, glory, and the notion that Jesus cares who wins the gold medal.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.lootcrate.com/sethandrews (promo code: sethandrews)Atheos is a new smartphone app, developed from the template outlined in Dr. Peter Boghossian's book, "A Manual for Creating Atheists."  In this interview, Seth Andrews interviews 2 key players in the development of Atheos, Christine Vigeant and Sarah Paquette, and he walks through a quick demo of the app for the viewers.LINKS: http://www.atheos-app.comTwitter: @AtheosFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/atheosappVIDEO of this discussion is at https://youtu.be/x0gT4aT_KaMBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.lootcrate.com/sethandrews (promo code: sethandrews)David G. McAfee is an atheist activist and author.  His first book, "Disproving Christianity and Other Secular Writings," brought him national attention, and three other books followed.  David has written for American Atheist Magazine, the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science, and other sites and publications.Seth Andrews spoke with David about his work (much of it geared towards encouraging critical thinking in children).WEBSITE:  http://www.davidgmcafee.comFACEBOOK:  www.facebook.com/AuthorDavidGMcAfeeTWITTER:  @DavidGMcAfeeVIDEO of this interview:  https://youtu.be/WkD5081JuYE Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

This show is a random romp through recent pop culture phenomenons (and whatever else pops into the host's mind).  Plus some listener calls.  Enjoy!New Yorker Article: "Donald Trump Ghostwriter Tells All" - http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/07/25/donald-trumps-ghostwriter-tells-allBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.warbyparker.com/thethinkingatheistKen Ham's "Ark Encounter" has been hyped - by some - as a tour de force of biblical truth, adventure, and potential tourism dollars.  It officially opened on July 7th.Our four (atheist) panel guests were there for the occasion: David Silverman, Tracey Moody, Dan Broadbent and Aron Ra.  They give us the report from the field.  VIDEO of this interview:  https://youtu.be/ZL2_q3sbdB4Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (promo code: thinkingatheist)Proverbs 13:24 says, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."  Is this a healthy approach to child-rearing and the discipline of children?This is the second part of our 2-part broadcast on (often religiously-motivated) corporal discipline for children, where we hear more of our listeners' perspectives, examine more of the data supporting or refuting the effectiveness of spanking, and we speak with Janet Heimlich, author of the book "Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment."  An Open Letter to Roy Lessin:  http://cdugan0.tripod.com/RoyLessinOpenLetter.htmlHemant Mehta's article:  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2016/05/18/this-christian-is-selling-child-beating-sticks-but-he-doesnt-want-the-internet-to-find-out/Phil Ferguson's podcast (show 168): http://philfergusonshow.secularmediagroup.com/category/pfs/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT THIS SHOW on Patreon:  http://www.patreon.com/sethandrewsProverbs 13:24 says, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."  Is this a healthy approach to child-rearing and the discipline of children?We explore many religious rules for parenting, and we share the perspectives of listeners who have firsthand experience with strict (and not-so-strict) homes, physical punishments, and the often lasting consequences.This is part one of a 2-part series.  The second half airs next week. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

The Bible says in John 14:13-14, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."  Mark 11:24 assures the faithful, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."Christians (and those of other religions) worldwide pray fervently for the cures to cancer, disease, and all manner of malady and misfortune.  Are those prayers activating the healing hand of God as promised in scripture? This is a difficult and often unpopular conversation, but a necessary one.  And amid the global avalanche of human suffering, we must address and understand what prayer is, why we do it, what results it does (or doesn't) bring, and the nature of the god who receives our desperate pleas.  We must also reevaluate our models for compassion, help and healing...and the agents of rescue and goodness who are so often, tragically, ignored.This presentation by Seth Andrews, given at the "Shift to Reason" conference in Regina, Saskatchewan on April 30, 2016, is far from a complete examination of the subject, but it explores some important, key questions regarding faith, divine protection, suffering, prayer and healing intervention. The video of this speech can be seen HERE:  https://youtu.be/Qht73MF6C84 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

John W. Loftus is a former Church of Christ minister. Today, he's an atheist, author and activist. He joins Seth Andrews to talk about his journey.Video of this interview: https://youtu.be/C794qlswPzIBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

In this short, unscheduled broadcast, Seth Andrews addresses the recent mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, as well as the responses peppering social media, the connection to radical Islam, the indoctrination of bigotry and hate, and a few reasons to remain vigilant and hold onto hope.Kaveh Mousavi's article "Orlando Shooter: The Sinful Executioner:"  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/marginoferr/author/kmousavi/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.casper.com/sethandrews Eli Bosnick, Heath Enwright, and Noah Lugeons are hosts of a podcast called "God Awful Movies," which skewers the hideously bad (and unintentionally funny) religious films produced by God's public relations department here on earth.Seth Andrews joins the GAM team to examine - and skewer - three specific religious movies:1)  A Matter of Faith2)  If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do?3)  International GuerrillasThere is VIDEO of this podcast (complete with many actual film clips):  https://youtu.be/4r-GT4OgblAGOD AWFUL MOVIES LINKS:podcast page:  http://godawfulmovies.libsyn.comFacebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/GodAwfulMoviesThe Scathing Atheist YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/user/NoahLugeons  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (promo code: thinkingatheist)Ed Suominen is an engineer, inventor, recovering fundamentalist Christian, and author.  His books include, "An Examination of the Pearl," and "Evolving out of Eden," which Ed co-wrote with Dr. Robert M. Price.  Ed also writes "Ed Suominen's Shitty Little Blog," which can be found at http://blog.edsuom.com, and one year ago, his retelling of the biblical story of Abraham was read by Seth Andrews in a podcast titled, "Abraham's Excellent Adventure."  (LISTEN HERE:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2015/06/23/abrahams-excellent-adventure)In a story written and produced specifically for this broadcast (and again performed by Seth Andrews), Ed explores the implications of Yahweh's commands in Deuteronomy 22, prompting the listener to (hopefully) review and re-examine the goodness of the Bible...the supposedly Good Book.Written version with footnotes:  http://tellectual.com/TBT-Stones-of-Tribulation.htmlBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.lootcrate.com/sethandrews (promo code sethandrews) "The Order of Elijah" is a metalcore band from Joplin, Missouri.  Since their debut album "Accession" released in 2012, they have been identified as a Christian band.  Yet lead singer Shannon Low recently declared that he - and the band - no longer held to the Christian faith.  Low is an atheist, and he is being very public about it.Shannon Low joins Seth Andrews for a candid discussion about Christianity, the business of Christian music, his apostasy, the backlash, and the future of a "formerly Christian" band.VIDEO OF THIS INTERVIEW:  https://youtu.be/NdA2IWwiZXoThe Order of Elijah pages:FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/theorderofelijahLUXOR RECORDS:  http://www.luxor-records.com/#!the-order-of-elijah/c1ighHemant Mehta's article:  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2016/05/22/the-lead-singer-of-a-christian-metal-band-just-came-out-as-an-atheistBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Sponsored by The Phil Ferguson Show:  http://polarisfinancialplanning.com/polaris-blog/the-phil-ferguson-show-podcastTracie Harris is one of the co-hosts of the Austin-based television show, "The Atheist Experience."  She joins Seth Andrews for a conversation about religion, atheism, God, family, boundaries, and the reasons that someone who dislikes debate would host a debate broadcast.Plus, viewer comments and questions.The Atheist Experience website:  http://www.atheist-experience.comWATCH the video of this conversation on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/z4fBE-9O_pwBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.lootcrate.com/sethandrewsWatch this conversation on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/A_URlDunFD8Trae Crowder is a Tennessee comedian (and definitely not a southern conservative).  His recent video on transgender bathrooms went viral, and his redneck rants on social issues have made international news.Trae joined Seth Andrews for a brief yet entertaining conversation about his recent internet fame, the south, God, and the trials and joys of being a "Liberal Redneck.ON TWITTER:  @traecrowderON YOUTUBE:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTHsQd-vRXK1bp4vpifl6yACOMEDY WEBSITE:  http://wellredcomedy.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.lootcrate.com/sethandrewsIn 2012, Steve and Tally Cass founded the atheist band, "Monster on Sunday."  MoS's 2015 debut album (titled "Baby Eater") is an in-your-face wall of anti-religion rock, and a labor of love by this husband/wife team based in San Diego.  In this departure from our usual "talk radio" format, Seth introduces the players and highlights some of the music.  No doubt, this particular flavor of loud, firebrand activism won't be for everyone, but if you're interested in grass-roots, guitars and godlessness, Monster on Sunday just might be your ticket.VIDEO of this conversation on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/CHzEyuhXv8QMonster on Sunday's website:  http://www.monsteronsunday.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.lootcrate.com/sethandrewsVeteran actor John de Lancie is a featured speaker at the 2016 Reason Rally.  He joins Seth Andrews to discuss his own views on reason, religion, the 2016 rally in Washington DC, and of course, his decades as film and television icon.John de Lancie's website:  http://delancie.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.evolvefish.comAlix Jules is a secular activist, writer, and President of Black Nonbelievers of Dallas, Texas.  He chairs the Dallas-Fort Worth Coalition of Reason's Diversity Council, is a founding member of the Fellowship of Freethought, and is an advisor to the Council for Secular Humanism's Africal Americans for Humanism Initiative.His atheism and activism have gained national attention.In this one-hour conversation with Seth Andrews (recorded in Dallas on April 9th, 2016), Alix speaks candidly about religion, race, politics, equality, and the rise of black secularism throughout the United States.VIDEO of this conversation is here:  https://youtu.be/OkP0eCMn1XQAlix Jules' blog on Patheos:  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thegraffitiwall Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:   http://www.casper.com/sethandrews (promo code: sethandrews)Is religion a virus of the mind?  Three mental health experts join us.Dr. Andy Thomson is a psychiatrist, a trustee for the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science, on staff with the University of Virginia, and author of "Why We Believe in God(s): a Concise Guide to the Science of Faith."Dr. Valerie Tarico is a psychologist, columnnist for AlterNet, and author of "Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light."Dr. Darrel Ray is a psychologist, co-founder of Recovering From Religion, author of "Sex & God" and "The God Virus," and host of the Secular Secuality podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.hellofresh.com (promo code thinkingatheist)Seth Andrews joins Dogma Debate host David Smalley in the DD studio for two hours of candid discussion about their shows, the guests, the fans and critics, and some of the opportunities, challenges and quirks of producing "heathen" radio.Obviously, they had no trouble finding things to talk about.  Enjoy!DOGMA DEBATE:  www.dogmadebate.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Phil Ferguson is a financial advisor and host of "The Phil Ferguson Show."  In this bonus podcast, Phil speaks with Seth Andrews about the application of critical thinking to areas of our lives beyond religion, including the decisions we make with our money.With (occasionally thick) financial jargon relating to things like stocks, mutual funds, college savings, retirement planning, etc, this show won't be for everyone.  But it may provide some useful information to those interested in investment-related material.Phil's website:  http://polarisfinancialplanning.com/polaris-blog/the-phil-ferguson-show-podcast/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.lootcrate.com/sethandrewsThe U.S. Department of Education says that over 1.7 million children in the United States are homeschooled.  But what happens when homeschooling stops being about education, and instead becomes insulation?  Isolation?  Inodctrination?This broadcast isn't a referendum on the concept of homeschooling.  It's an exploration into some of the more extreme religious homeschool environments, and into the lives and personal stories of those who experienced them.This is part 2 of a two-part broadcast. Homeschoolers Anonymous:  https://homeschoolersanonymous.orgVyckie Garrison "No Longer Quivering:"  https://youtu.be/EGiv_o6YGKUBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

The U.S. Department of Education says that over 1.7 million children in the United States are homeschooled.  But what happens when homeschooling stops being about education, and instead becomes insulation?  Isolation?  Inodctrination?This broadcast isn't a referendum on the concept of homeschooling.  It's an exploration into some of the more extreme religious homeschool environments, and into the lives and personal stories of those who experienced them.This is part 1 of a two-part broadcast.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

"God's Not Dead" is a film produced by PureFlix which released in 2014.  With a budget of only $2 million, GnD grossed over $60 million.  It's not hard to see why a sequel film has just been introduced to theaters.The premises of both films are essentially the same.  Christianity is under attack in the United States, and brave God Warriors must stand up against the evil atheists to defend their faith and their savior.  Are these movies rooted in any shade of reality?  And how do they speak to another, larger phenemenon within many religious cultures: the manufacturing of martyrdom?Seth Andrews shares a recent article by (former Christian) Neil Carter, as we examine the Christian Persecution Complex.YOUTUBE VIDEO "Gods Not Dead (Again!): https://youtu.be/hwffbQiUwLcNeil Carter's article, "Persecute Me, Please: God's Not Dead 2 and the Evangelical Lust for Victimhood:"  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessindixie/2016/04/01/persecute-me-please/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

A November 2015 Pew Research Center survey revealed that the United States is becoming less religious overall, and "especially the youngest Millennials, who have entered adulthood since the first Landscape Study was conducted {a few months earlier} - are far less religious than their elders."Admittedly, these "nones" aren't necessarily atheists, and many may consider themselves "spiritual" on some level.  But what's driving this exodus from the formal structures of religion, and what do these young people think and say about the often hugely religious climate they see all around them.This show focuses on youth, how they view the world, and how their exit from the church is impacting the United States and the world.Secular Student Alliance:  https://secularstudents.orgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Watch the video of this podcast HERE:  https://youtu.be/YxRdJGqTeXACallers submit their own comments and questions for this show.  We highlight the proposed "Genocide & Incest" counter-billboard to The Ark Encounter's grand opening.  And we spend more than half of the show discussing the recent prison beating of convicted sex offender Jared Fogle and the proper response(s) to the violence carried out against him.  An interview with Sarah Morehead caps the broadcast.Funraising page for Tri-State Thinkers "Genocide & Incest" billboard campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/genocide-incest-park#/Sarah Morehead's blog:  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2016/03/17/sex-offenders-can-be-nice-guys-how-making-jared-fogle-a-monster-encourages-abusers/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:   http://www.hellofresh.com (promo code thinkingatheist)It's a topic we've addressed in various forms, but this is an entire show dedicated to medicine.  Science-based medicine.  Alternative medicine.  The names and claims of many so-called "natural" cures.  And the charge that medical science should be distrusted in favor of unlicensed "healers" who operate outside the checks and balances of regulatory agencies, and who - in so many cases - are making a pretty penny.Joining us for the show are Dr. Harriet Hall (the "SkepDoc") of Science Based Medicine: https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org, and Dr. Stephen Barrett of QuackWatch.com.Dr. Hall's 10-course lecture series:  http://web.randi.org/educational-modules.htmlBOOK:  "Inside Chiropractic:"  http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Chiropractic-Patients-Consumer-Library/dp/1573926981/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458131680&sr=8-1&keywords=inside+chiropracticBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistNo theme or topic.  Just a full show of listener comments and questions.  Enjoy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Sponsored by The Phil Ferguson Show:  http://polarisfinancialplanning.com/polaris-blog/the-phil-ferguson-show-podcast/Matt Dillahunty is one of the hosts of The Atheist Experience television show, he is a frequent speaker and debater, and he hosts the Atheist Debates YouTube channel.Matt and Seth Andrews are friends who often enjoy long conversations on the freethought convention circuit.  This time, they decided to record the conversation for the podcast audience, touching on topics ranging from religion to atheism to Star Wars.THE ATHEIST EXPERIENCE:  http://www.atheist-experience.com/ATHEIST DEBATES:  https://www.youtube.com/user/SansDeityBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.evolvefish.comScience has proven the Big Bang.  So why is it so difficult for the everyperson to communicate the how/why of that event?  Perhaps, it's because the universe is a mind-bogglingly huge thing for us to grasp.  Overwhelmed, we sometimes check out of necessary conversations about cosmology, our origins, and the observable, natural world.Dr. Dan Batcheldor has a Ph.D in astrophysics and is Head of Physics and Space Science at the Florida Institute of Technology.  He's a user of NASA's Hubble telescope, and he studies heavy subjects like supermassive black holes.  He is also eager to provide resources to the rest of us that can be understood and explained, making us better educated, and making us more effective in our discussions with creationists and pseudoscientists who claim that our universe bears the mark of a Divine Hand.There's a video of this exchange on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/Z5-AdCAVgE4Support Dan's book via his website:  http://www.danielbatcheldor.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistDan Barker's new book (titled after the famous Richard Dawkins quote) doesn't exactly cast a flattering eye at the biblical god.  Truth be told, the Bible itself doesn't flatter God, either.  Not-so-hidden inside the pages of scripture is the profile of a deity so ugly, brutish, bloodthirsty and petty, he would be condemned by the faithful as a monster in another context.Join us, as we speak with Dan Barker about his own personal story, and we examine The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction.VIDEO VERSION:  https://youtu.be/comqy3lQNVMDan's book on Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/god-daniel-barker/1122409434On Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/God-Most-Unpleasant-Character-Fiction/dp/1454918322/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455027296&sr=8-1&keywords=the+most+unpleasant+character+in+all+fictionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR: The Phil Ferguson Show http://polarisfinancialplanning.com/polaris-blog/the-phil-ferguson-show-podcast/Ken Ham (of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum) prepares to unleash his "Ark Encounter" upon the public.  The road toward completion has been a rocky one, with controversies about tax incentives and discriminatory hiring practices often leading the heated discussions for and against its existence.In this broadcast, we speak with several people who have followed the story closely: Mikel and Ed Hensley of the Kentucky Secular Society, and author Dan Arel.Video version of the podcast interview: https://youtu.be/SLNsKOxbxnsTracey Moody's article "What Ken Ham Isn't Telling You About Ark Encounter Funding:"  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/11/11/what-ken-ham-isnt-telling-you-about-ark-encounter-funding/Noah's Ark: God, Giraffes & Genocide: https://youtu.be/CccaGaKOlSINCSE: The Impossible Voyage of Noah's Ark:  http://ncse.com/cej/4/1/impossible-voyage-noahs-arkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistDr. Paul Offit is Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as the Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology, and a Professor of Pediatrics at the Perleman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.  He has received awards for his work from the University of Maryland, the Infectious Disease Society of America, the National Institutes of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and more, and he was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences in 2011.  An author of over 150 scientific papers, Dr. Offit is the co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine, "Rotateq," and he released the book, "Bad Faith: When Religious Belief Undermines Modern Medicine," which was selected as an Editor's Choice by the New York Times in 2015.In this 2nd half of our "Medical Neglect" show, Dr. Offit speaks with Seth Andrews about faith, medicine, belief, and faith-based ideas which often harm those who embrace them.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

There are two words that, too often, mean the difference between life and death:  Religious.  Exemption.  Individuals and families who reject necessary medical care in favor of prayer and adherence to strict church restrictions often pay with their lives, or the lives of their children.  Rita Swan is the director of CHILD, INC, and she has firsthand experience with this.  Rita has since dedicated her life to child advocacy and the fight to protect children from (often well-meaning) parents who keep them far from hospital care, and far from the health solutions they desperately need.It's a difficult subject, but a necessary discussion about faith, parental responsibility, and the need for real-world solutions to real-world problems.This is part one of a two-part show on this subject.  Part two features Dr. Paul Offit, author of the book, "Bad Faith: When Religious Belief Undermines Modern Medicine," which airs February 2, 2016.CHILD, INC LINKS:http://www.childrenshealthcare.orghttp://www.idahochildren.orgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.