Thethinkingatheist

Christopher Hitchens is known for his famous book subtitle, "How Religion Poisons Everything."  Is this a fair statement?  Is religion always toxic?  We discuss.  

Netflix has a new film profiling Madalyn Murray O'Hair, founder of American Atheists and once called "The Most Hated Woman in America." But is the film fair and factual, and does the dramatized story of O'Hair bear any resemblance to the real-life story?In this podcast, we profile this atheist icon, and we discuss the film with Frank Zindler, former interim president of AA and someone who knew Madalyn Murray O'Hair personally.This broadcast will discuss specific plot points, so understand that there might be some spoilers.  If that's a concern, we encourage you to see the film before listening to the show.Support our sponsor: The Great Courses Plus http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/seth 

Alcoholics Anonymous and other recovery programs often invoke (or require) a "Higher Power." How effective is this, and are there better alternatives for beating addiction and overcoming ?  We explore 12-step programs, the often religious language they use, and some secular alternatives.Support Our Sponsor:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethJon Stewart’s blog: “Leaving AA, Staying Sober” https://jonsleeper.wordpress.comJon Stewart’s article in The Guardian:  https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/29/alcoholics-anonymous-saved-my-life-but-i-lost-my-faithRecovery resources suggested on the show:https://www.seculartherapy.org/http://lifering.org/https://www.the-sinclair-method.com/http://www.sossobriety.org/http://www.smartrecovery.org/http://www.refugerecovery.org/ 

More and more every day, the claims of a literal, historical Jesus are coming into question. Many atheists still think the Jesus-as-God story traces back to a literal person, but author Historical researcher David Fitzgerald is among a growing number of mythicists who think that that Jesus never existed in any human form. David joins Seth Andrews for a discussion about Jesus, the claims, the evidence (and lack of), and David's new book on the subject, "Jesus: Mything in Action Volume 1."Support our sponsor:  The Great Courses Plushttp://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethKindness campaign for Doug Clark:  https://www.youcaring.com/dougclarke-731585  

Lucien Greaves is co-founder of The Satanic Temple, an organization which has gained global attention with its attempts to have its Baphomet monument displayed next to Christian monuments (like the Ten Commandments) on taxpayer-funded property.  It also distributes children's books at various public schools as counters to the distribution of Gideon bibles and Christian literature.We speak to Lucien about his activism, his perspective on the supernatural and the Devil, and the mission and goals of one of the most controversial Satanist organizations in the United States. Support our sponsor:  http://www.hellofresh.com (promo code: sethandrews)

From the Jesus fish stick, to weeping Mary statues, to the staged "cures" sold by self-acclaimed faith healers, this lighthearted show explores some of the bizarre (and often hysterically funny) miracle claims from around the world.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethStamps.com:  http://www.stamps.com (promo code sethandrews)

This is a previously unscheduled, totally off-topic, "bonus" show.  Because sometimes, we just need to take a break and hang out.Of course, this broadcast won't be for everyone, but if you're just looking for something to listen to, crank it up and enjoy.

Ron Miscavige is father of David Miscavige, leader of the Church of Scientology.  Ron tells the story of his son, Scientology, and his escape from the church's controlling grasp.Ron's book, "Ruthless:"  https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Scientology-Son-David-Miscavige/dp/1250096936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487075049&sr=8-1&keywords=ron+miscavigeSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/seth   

How reliable is our memory? Can fake memories be planted through suggestion? Cognitive psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Loftus is an expert on memory who has served as an expert witness or consultant in hundreds of memory-related cases, including the famous McMartin preschool trial, the Rodney King trial, litigation involving Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart and others.  She joins Seth Andrews for an exploration of memory and the human brain.Dr. Loftus' TED Talk: https://youtu.be/PB2OegI6wvIDr. Loftus' page at the University of California, Irvine:  http://www.law.uci.edu/faculty/full-time/loftus/SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.stamps.com (promo code: sethandrews)

On the date which would traditionally see the U.S. President's annual State of the Union speech, Seth Andrews gives his own secular State of the Union address...a look at America through the eyes of a private citizen, and an examination of patriotism, protest, the presidency, and the world stage on which this nation stands.Transcript of the speech:  http://www.thethinkingatheist.com/blog/123/A-Secular-State-of-the-Union-AddressSupport our sponsor:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/seth  

Apologist Ken Ham and others have declared Donald Trump's presidency a divine appointment.  But is Trump a true representative of the divine, or of the (secular) U.S. Constitution?This broadcast is the first of a two-part series relating to Trump's America. Today's show features:Steven Newton: geologist and rep for the National Center for Science EducationLarry Decker:  Executive Director - Secular Coalition for AmericaAndrew Seidel: attorney for the Freedom From Religion FoundationAndrew Torrez: attorney and co-host of the Opening Arguments podcastSupport our sponsor / Stamps.com http://www.stamps.com (promo code: sethandrews) (Part two - A Secular State of the Union Address - airs 2/28 at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2017/02/28/seth-andrews-a-secular-state-of-the-union-address) 

Bart Campolo is son of famous Christian evangelist Tony Campolo.  Bart is the humanist chaplain at the University of Southern California, a community builder, and host of the bi-weekly podcast "Humanize Me."In this candid conversation with Seth Andrews, Bart discusses his former faith, his father, religion, humanism, and his post-Christian "Life Beyond Belief."BART'S WEBSITE:  http://bartcampolo.orgBART'S PODCAST:  http://bartcampolo.org/humanizemeSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethNaturebox   http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist

This broadcast is about atheists and skeptics, and how they deal with the often conditional love on a religious family tree.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethStamps.com:  http://www.stamps.com (code sethandrews)

David "Avocado" Wolfe is a wellness celebrity with a huge following.  But do his claims pass the science test?  What explains his rising popularity?  And what damage might result from the tips, tricks, advise and "wisdom" Wolfe is spreading to the eager masses?Yvette d'Entremont, the SciBabe, is a former analytical chemist, science blogger and activist.  She joins Seth Andrews for a spirited (and strange) journey into the world of David Wolfe.Forbes article: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kavinsenapathy/2016/01/01/a-new-years-resolution-for-science-advocates-dont-cry-wolfe/#29857f2129ddA Science Enthusiast article:  http://ascienceenthusiast.com/the-david-avocado-wolfe-effectSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (coupon code: sethandrews)

How often is the military colored by religious language and superstitious thinking?  And is a taxpayer-funded military supposed to be promoting God?  This show explores the issue with the perspectives of many listeners, and an interview with Michael L. "Mikey" Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:NatureBoxhttp://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistStamps.comhttp://www.stamps.com (promo code sethandrews)

How do religious teachings damage our ideas about sexuality, intimacy, worth, shame, partnership and pleasure?  This show explores the dark side of religious sex education.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethStamps.com  http://www.stamps.com (promo code sethandrews)

Why do our eyes get puffy when we're sleepy?  Does premium gasoline actually give us better gas mileage?  Why do dogs stink after a bath?  Why are alcoholic beverages called "spirits?"  Why does it hurt so bad to get kicked in the testicles?Once again, Seth Andrews uses Google (and other resources), seeking answers to the common - and uncommon - questions that so often vex us.  SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethStamps.com  http://www.stamps.com (promo code sethandrews)

Are trigger warnings a helpful tool for avoiding potentially harmful distress, or the enabling of hypersensitivity and a victim culture?  We discuss trigger warnings and "safe spaces" in this (inevitably controversial) broadcast.  Guests include a few activists in the freethought movement, and psychologists Dr. Caleb Lack and Dr. Valerie Tarico.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethNaturebox   http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist

Maine-based Christian podcast Cell 53 Radio asked Seth Andrews to join them on-air for a discussion about atheism, God, Christianity, belief, and Truth.  This is the audio of that exchange.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Hello Freshhttp://www.hellofresh.com (promo code sethandrews)Stamps.comhttp://www.stamps.com (promo code sethandrews)

Join Seth Andrews as he recaps the best (and worst) of 2016...from the election to entertainment to sports to pop culture, it's the Year in Review.  Enjoy.SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.stamps.com (promo code: sethandrews)