Thethinkingatheist

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistIt's our annual wrap-up of the best (and worst) of 2014.  What are the things that made the headlines?  Scientific breakthroughs?  Best films?  The most iconic figures?  The biggest successes and failures of the year?Join us for the final broadcast of the year.  Salon Article:  http://www.salon.com/2014/12/20/were_putting_an_end_to_religion_richard_dawkins_bill_maher_and_the_exploding_new_american_secularismBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistIs there any evidence for a real Jesus?  Was Jesus' story borrowed from earlier religions and cultures?  Is Jesus really the reason for the Christmas season, which is being celebrated globally this week?In this podcast, Seth Andrews speaks to three historians who have dedicated much of their lives and writings to the subject of Christ and Christianity: Dr. Richard Carrier, David Fitzgerald and Dr. Robert M. Price. Join us for a compelling panel and an enlightening show.  RICHARD CARRIER:  http://www.richardcarrier.infoDAVID FITZGERALD:  http://www.amazon.com/David-Fitzgerald/e/B004ASD9M4ROBERT M. PRICE:  http://www.robertmprice.mindvendor.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistDr. Ryan Cragun is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Tampa, and he specializes in the sociology of religion.  A former Mormon (now atheist), Cragun has released his new book for which this show is titled.  Join us as we talk about religion around the world, its claims versus reality, and the stuff about religion which isn't known (or being taught), but should be.Link to Dr. Cragun's book:  http://www.amazon.com/What-Dont-About-Religion-Should/dp/0985281537Dr. Cragun's website:  http://www.ryantcragun.comChristmas: Behind the Curtain:  http://youtu.be/kenbgMjRvlY Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (coupon code: thinkingatheist)Cara Santa Maria has dedicated her life to improving science literacy by communicating scientific principles across media platforms. A North Texas native, she currently lives in Los Angeles. Prior to moving to the west coast, Cara taught biology and psychology courses to university undergraduates and high school students in Texas and New York. Her published research has spanned various topics, including clinical psychological assessment, the neuropsychology of blindness, neuronal cell culture techniques, and computational neurophysiology. Cara previously worked as a co-host and producer on the Pivot TV nightly live television show, "TakePart Live." Before that, she was the senior science correspondent for The Huffington Post and co-starred in "Hacking The Planet" and "The Truth About Twisters" on The Weather Channel.  She has made appearances on CNN, Fox News, TLC, Current TV, BBC America, G4, SundanceTV, Travel Channel, and Nat Geo WIL

SUPPORT OUR (NEW) SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (use promo code: thinkingatheist to get $5 off your purchase)Imagine this.  You receive the news that today will be your last day on earth.  Your last day anywhere.  How would you populate the final hours of your life?  What people would you see?  What foods would you eat?  What things would you do?  Would you react with fear and panic, or would you bask in the warm glow of inevitability?This show allows us to think about what we might do if we realized that our finite lives were approaching the final ticks of the clock. What would you do if the world ended tomorrow?Christmas video "Christmas: Behind the Curtain:  http://youtu.be/kenbgMjRvlYBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.evolvefish.comIt's a holiday week.  In this relaxed show, listeners submit various things for Seth to read on the air.  No real rules on this one, so if you have something interesting for the host to lend voice to, send it in for consideration:  podcast@thethinkingatheist.comROBERT GREEN INGERSOLL "What I Want For Christmas:"  http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/What_I_Want_for_ChristmasTHE ONION ARTICLE:  http://www.theonion.com/articles/horribly-awkward-first-sexual-encounter-worth-the,1614Seth's Patreon page:  http://www.patreon.com/sethandrewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThe Quiverfull Movement is a lifestyle among fundamentalist Christians which believes that an abundance of children is in compliance with God's perfect will.  Contraception equals abortion, a heinous sin against God, so the only "family planning" that's done is a prayer to the sky that His will be done.  The Quiverfull Movement is highly patriarchal and often has a dark side in relation to the rights of women and children.In this episode, we explore The Quiverfull Movement, we speak with Kathryn Joyce, author of the book: "Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement," and we speak to some who once experienced this culture inside its walls, including Vykie Garrison, who hosts the online community, "No Longer Quivering."Kathryn Joyce's book:  http://www.amazon.com/Quiverfull-Inside-Christian-Patriarchy-Movement/dp/0807010707/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233348792&sr=8-1Link to "The Onion" article:  http://www.theonion.com

Killing some time.  Testing some new gear.  Talking about whatever.  It's a casual evening among friends, and a very loose "unscheduled" radio podcast for the TTA audience.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistFor many who have escaped from religious beliefs and cultures, there was a single event (or series of events) which ultimately tipped them over the edge.  In this podcast, we hear the personal stories of apostates, and the "tipping points" which ultimately caused them to call themselves non-believers.Share your story at podcast@thethinkingatheist.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThe late Christopher Hitchens once said that "Mockery of religion is one of the most essential things...one of the beginnings of the human emancipation is the ability to laugh at authority.  It's indispensable."  But does the mockery of religious belief close minds (and doors) as skeptics attempt to promote rationalism and disabuse superstitious people of their faiths (and is that even a goal)?  Should the ridiculous be ridiculed, or should we find other methods for exposing the cracks in religious foundations?Greta Christina's Blog "Is It OK to Mock Religion?" http://freethoughtblogs.com/greta/2009/05/28/is-it-okay-to-mock-religion/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR: http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistOur original podcast guest had to postpone, so AronRa jumps into the mix for a casual (and random) conversation with Seth Andrews about God, Satan, the shattered Ten Commandments monument, Governor Rick Perry, a host of pre-Christian deities and some details about the Australia leg of the Unholy Trinity Tour in 2015.Sit back, relax and enjoy this conversation among friends.ARON'S SKEPTOKON SPEECH:  http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=1142790RA-MEN PODCAST:  http://www.thera-men.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.evolvefish.comIt's an annual tradition.  Each October, in advance of Halloween, we gather around the virtual campfire to share our favorite ghost stories.  (Yes, atheists often love tales of the supernatural, as we enjoy all manner of fiction and storytelling.)  So dim the lights, place a candle in the jack-o-lantern, and join us for some spooky tales of things that go bump in the night.History of Halloween podcast:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2011/10/14/halloween-history-and-the-churchBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistIt's October, the season of Halloween and a time when we fright and delight each other with spooks, scares and things that go bump in the night.  In advance of next week's "Ghost Stories" podcast (a yearly tradition), we spend this episode talking about the things that scare us.  Rational fears.  Irrational fears.  The things that make us shudder.  The things that make us scream.Your calls and emails welcome.  Scared of something?  Email podcast@thethinkingatheist.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistReverend Bob Ripley was a minister for over 30 years, with 15 of those years as Senior Minister at Metropolitan United Church, one of the most prominent churches of the United Church of Canada.  He wrote a syndicated column discussing religion for 25 years.In his September 26, 2014 column on LFPress, he announced to the world that he no longer believed in God.  He's releasing a book which chronicles his journey, titled "Life Beyond Belief: a Preacher's Deconversion."Bob joins Seth Andrews for a candid discussion about his life, his beliefs, his doubts, and the transition from Christian minister to skeptic/humanist.BOB'S WEBSITE:  www.lifebeyondbelief.caBOB'S COLUMN:  http://www.lfpress.com/2014/09/26/ripley-how-my-mind-has-changedARONRA:  Theism is Irrational http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=1042266&u=198656Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Support our sponsor:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistQuite often, religious people declare that all atheists are "angry atheists."  Is this an accurate statement, and what place does anger have in the battle against superstition?  What are the stories behind those who have been genuinely hurt by religion, and how does anger help and/or harm our ability to persuade others to embrace an evidence-based, dogma-free life?This podcast is about the angry atheist.  Seth's Patreon page:  http://www.patreon.com/sethandrewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistCreated by the late science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion/cult which teaches that humans are actually immortal beings who, having forgotten their true nature, require intensive (and expensive) "auditing" techniques to rediscover their true, immortal selves.Reports and allegations have been made, by journalists, courts, and governmental bodies of several countries, that the Church of Scientology is an unscrupulous commercial enterprise that harasses its critics and brutally exploits its members.In this compelling episode, we explore Scientology's practices, and we hear from those who escaped its shadow. Tony Ortega "The Underground Bunker:"  http://tonyortega.orgTory Christman's YouTube page:  https://www.youtube.com/user/ToryMagoo44Mark Bunker's Knowledge Report: http://www.knowledgereport-themovie.comScientific American article "The Real Science Behind Scientology": http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-real-scie

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://absenceofclothing.comChildren raised in Christian homes are almost always surrounded by beautiful and inspiring tales hand-picked by parents for bedtime.  They're inspired by Jesus' miracles.  They learn about Zacchaeus and the sycamore tree.  They sing about Joshua and the walls of Jericho.  They read the joyous tale of Noah's Ark and the boat filled with (often colorfully-drawn) animals.In this podcast, we talk with Joey Kirkman, co-author of "Bedtime Bible Stories," about the darker tales of scripture and his recent book (complete with parental advisory label), and we take your calls and emails on the bible tales that might just keep Christian children wide awake with terror when the lights go out.Bedtime Bible Stories website:  http://www.bedtimebiblestories.comEd Suominen: Jehu's Jihad  http://blog.edsuom.com/p/jehus-jihad.htmlBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistMany skeptics and rationalists come from religions, cultures and behaviors that stand far apart from their current relationships with reality.  This show takes an entertaining look at the strange beliefs many atheists once held and explores how otherwise rational minds can entertain the irrational, the unusual and the bizarre.Want to tell your story?  Email podcast@thethinkingatheist.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistWe had to move some shows around at the last minute, so tonight is a "freestyle" podcast, where you talk about whatever's on your mind.  WEDDING GIFT BEYOND BELIEF (charity drive):  http://www.razoo.com/story/A-Wedding-Gift-Beyond-BeliefSeth's Patreon page:  http://www.patreon.com/sethandrewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistGIVE A WEDDING GIFT:  http://www.razoo.com/story/A-Wedding-Gift-Beyond-BeliefSECULAR THERAPIST BLOG ARTICLE:  http://freethoughtblogs.com/greta/2014/08/20/secular-therapist-project/JERRY COYNE'S ARTICLE ON ROBIN WILLIAMS (with Stephen Fry letter): http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/robin-williams-depression-and-stephen-fryIn recent weeks, we've been dealing with the human mind and its ability to accept irrational things.  This week, we're dealing directly with the complex issue of mental health, specifically things like depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, mood disorders and more.  Blogger, speaker and activist JT Eberhard has revealed publicly his own battles with depression, giving a talk at Skepticon 4 titled, "Mental Illness and Why The Skeptic Community Should Give a Shit."  (LINK: http://youtu.be/UI-YvrHZVvk) Michaelyn Eberhard has a bachelors degree in neuroscience and is a freethought activist.  Jeremiah Beene studies Ph.D