TheThinkingAtheist

Support our sponsor:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist Quite 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/sethandrews

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist Created 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.org Tory Christman's YouTube page:  https://www.youtube.com/user/ToryMagoo44 Mark Bunker's Knowledge Report: http://www.knowledgereport-themovie.com Scientific American article "The Real Science Behind Scientology": http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-real-science-behind-scientology/  

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://absenceofclothing.com Children 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.com Ed Suominen: Jehu's Jihad  http://blog.edsuom.com/p/jehus-jihad.html

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist Many 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.com

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist We 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-Belief Seth's Patreon page:  http://www.patreon.com/sethandrews

  Sponsored by FREE-FLO 2014 – Freethought Florida Orlando, October 10th- 12.    http://www.free-flo.org Author, columnist, public speaker and proud atheist CJ Werleman has just released a book titled, "Atheists Can't Be Republicans."  (http://www.cjwerleman.com/my-books/atheists-cant-be-republicans.html) We were curious as to Werleman's claim, so tonight he joins us for a podcast that will undoubtedly be a spirited conversation about religion, politics, big money and the Grand Old Party.  Want to weigh in?  Email: podcast@thethinkingatheist.com SHARK WEEK link:  http://www.vox.com/xpress/2014/8/25/6065531/shark-week-scientists-david-shiffman-megalodon-submarine-shark Seth's Patreon page:  http://www.patreon.com/sethandrews

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist GIVE A WEDDING GIFT:  http://www.razoo.com/story/A-Wedding-Gift-Beyond-Belief SECULAR 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-fry In 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 Clinical Psychology at the University of Mississippi.  And Dr. Darrel Ray is a clinical psychologist, author and expert on mental health.  They join us for the show, plus your calls and emails.    

In this "bonus" podcast, your humble host shares some (often humorous) stories from his recent Alaska wedding, and then he asks the radio audience for a wedding gift.  That gift...is probably not what you're expecting. VISIT THIS LINK TO GIVE YOUR WEDDING GIFT (and thanks!):  http://www.razoo.com/story/A-Wedding-Gift-Beyond-Belief

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist It's a topic we cover occasionally, partially because the issue of secular parenting is such a relevant issue, and partially because the subject is often as complex and unique as the families navigating through it. How does a godless parent approach the teaching of a child as opposed to the indoctrination of a child?  What are some successful methods for raising a genuine freethinker?  What are some of the potential problems?   In this episode, we share your perspectives and stories, and we also speak with Dan Arel, blogger, journalist and author of the new book, "Parenting Without God."  (http://www.parentingwithoutgod.com) Email the show: podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

In the spring of 2014, atheists AronRa, Seth Andrews and Matt Dillahunty teamed up for a 3-city tour bearing the tongue-in-cheek-titled name, "The Unholy Trinity."   This podcast features the audio from AronRa's San Antonio presentation, and it's part three of a 3-part podcast series from this tour.  Enjoy.   VIDEO of Aron's presentation is on YouTube:  http://youtu.be/bXHsFlizTbs

In the spring of 2014, atheists AronRa, Seth Andrews and Matt Dillahunty teamed up for a 3-city tour bearing the tongue-in-cheek-titled name, "The Unholy Trinity."   Seth's speech video on YouTube:  http://youtu.be/8tVBtyDqD90 This podcast features the audio from Seth Andrews' Albuquerque presentation, and it's part two of a 3-part podcast series from this tour.  Enjoy.  

In the spring of 2014, atheists AronRa, Seth Andrews and Matt Dillahunty teamed up for a 3-city tour bearing the tongue-in-cheek-titled name, "The Unholy Trinity."   This podcast features the audio from Matt Dillahunty's Amarillo presentation, and it's part one of a 3-part podcast series from this tour. Video of Matt's speech is here:  http://youtu.be/SBwv79WFqAc? 

How does the human brain accept rationality AND irrationality?  What are the mechanisms at play when it comes to the acceptance of religious beliefs and claims?  Are some people more predisposed to superstitious thinking than others?  What are the best approaches to help promote science, reason, rationality and evidence-based thinking? Joining us for this show will be Dr. Caleb Lack (http://www.caleblack.com) a clinical psychologist and educator on psychology, critical thinking and science VS pseudoscience.  He writes the "Great Plains Skeptic" column on the Skeptic Ink Network (http://www.skepticink.com) BOOK:  13 Reasons to Doubt:  http://www.amazon.com/13-Reasons-Doubt-writers-Skeptic-ebook/dp/B00LRFK548/

Support our sponsor:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist This week's special guest is Wanda Morris, CEO of the organization, "Dying with Dignity."  Wanda has been on the front lines of the Right to Die Movement in Canada for many years, educating the public, challenging government officials and fighting for patients' rights regarding end-of-life choices. In this podcast, we explore death, the fear of death, and the question of how humanity should approach life, death, suffering, compassion and dignity. LINKS: http://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/DWDCanada https://twitter.com/DWDCanada http://www.worldrtd.net/ Speech at IMAGINE NO RELIGION 4:  http://youtu.be/M3-6BIMkjRA

Support our sponsor:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist This week's show is a casual conversation where listeners submit questions and comments about the show, about activism in general, about their own lives and circumstances, and about whatever else might be on their minds.