
Serious Inquiries Only
828 episodes — Page 11 of 17
SIO24: Can We Rely on the CBO's Projections?
Given the preemptive bashing of the CBO by Republicans and the subsequent release of a pretty damning score on the AHCA bill, I wanted to take a look at how the CBO did at predicting the effects of Obamacare. Is the Trump administration on solid ground when it says that the CBO is wildly inaccurate and partisan? After that I discuss four very thought provoking questions I received in the voicemail segment! Sources: CBO Basic History Fact Check on CBO Predictions More Critical Look at CBO Predictions CBO Predictions for AHCA Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO23: Is It Morally Acceptable to Have Children? with Travis Rieder
Joining us today is Travis Rieder! Travis is a philosopher at Johns Hopkins who deals with Population Ethics and related questions. Find his academic page here. Given the uncertainty of outcomes of our potential children, and given the many problems humanity faces due to overpopulation, is it morally acceptable to have children? Travis and I discuss that question and many related ones in a fascinating philosophy edition of SIO! Here are Travis's main works on these questions, for further reading: 1. Adoption and Procreation 2. Population Engineering 3. Small Family Ethic (book) Highest-impact Media Pieces: 4. NPR Profile 5. Response to Critics Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO22: From Obamacare to Trumpcare
In today's episode I want to discuss one of the most significant battles that will be fought in the new administration: that is the repeal and replacement of Obamacare. While looking into a lot of the claims made by Sean Spicer and other Trump apologists, I was struck by how fascinating the story of Obamacare really is. So, the first 15 minutes or so of today's episode is on the history of Obamacare, and what implications it has for the future of Trumpcare. Good Obamacare Timeline, Another Good Timeline, CNN's Piss-Poor Timeline NYT Article on Trumpcare, Demographics That Will Suffer Most Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO21: Be Reasonable, with Michael Marshall
Joining me today is Michael Marshall, host of the podcast Be Reasonable. On his show, Marsh speaks with people who have incredibly fringe views. Whether it's a ghost hunter or flat Earther, Be Reasonable allows a place for these folks to speak at length on their views. Marsh messaged me after my interview with Trump supporter Dr. Price because of the similarity in that recording to what Marsh is doing on his show. In this interview, Marsh and I have a dialogue about what tactics he uses when speaking to people of vastly different views, and I pick his brain on a number of issues involved. There's a lot to learn here about how I want to conduct interviews in the future when I'm dealing with someone of vastly different views. Check out Marsh's charity goodthinkingsociety.org Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO20: Can We Change Minds?
In today's episode, after a few thoughts on the Trump address to Congress and his BS spending plan, the topic is "How to change people's minds." Haeley and I set about to do some research on a: how possible it is to change minds, and b: if so, what are the best methods? I take a look at and describe a number of studies that shed light on this issue, and the goal is to apply it to both the Dr. Price debate and any future debates! Have a listen and see what conclusions we reached! After that I've got an extra long voicemail and response segment, since I didn't do one last week. I had a ton of voicemail and I picked out some good ones to react to. Here are the links to the articles/studies we referenced: Paradoxical Thinking study ChangeMyView study Why Facts Don't Change Our Minds Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO19: Interview with Ron Miscavige
EJoining us today is Ron Miscavige - the father of Scientology cult leader David Miscavige. Ron has a long history with the church and he takes us through the background of how his son went from an asthmatic 9 year old to the supreme leader of Scientology, and further, how Ron managed his and his wife's eventual escape from the organization. To get deeper into Ron's story, check out his book here. Here are links to the documents Ron mentioned: Document 1 from Ron Fair Game Policy Document Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO18: Milo's Long Overdue Downfall
EIt finally happened. Milo said something that was horrifying enough for people who 5 minutes ago talked like it's all about freedom of expression and it doesn't matter how much we disagree, to say "nah never mind, let's de-platform him." In today's episode I clear up what I view as SO much fallacious reasoning on this issue. People are actually viewing what happened to Milo as a reason that we should have been platforming him all along. To me, this is completely contradictory. Find out why in today's episode! Overtime Larry Wilmore Detailed article about the Adelaide Kramer harassment Current Affairs article Conatus News interviewed Thomas Black Bloc protesting Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO17: Dialogue with Trump Supporter Dr. Robert Price
Today's episode is my attempt at a calm, rational dialogue with a Trump supporter. I knew Dr. Price supported Trump as a candidate but I was unsure how he would view the first month plus of Trump's presidency. I ask him about that, and some debate and discussion follows. I don't want to give anything away about it, but please listen and I'll provide some comment after. If you're interested in Dr. Price's work, check out his website. Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO16: Debunking Liberal Fake News
EThis week, Thomas talks about the recent increase in "fake news" coming from the more liberal outlets. From "spin", to misinformation, to outright lies there are plenty of examples to choose from among recent headlines! Is this just what happens to the party that is not in power? Thomas also tackles some Trump updates and some listener voicemails. Atlantic interview with the managing editor or Snopes New York Magazine article on possible election hacking 538 article debunking it Washington Post Article about State Department Resignations CNN article debunking it Woman dies because of Trump's "Muslim Ban" Follow-up debunking it Police Raid and burn Tipis at Standing Rock Debunked here, here, and here. Bill Maher and Piers Morgan Clip Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected] Direct Download
SIO15: Did the Catholic Church Support Hitler? with Tim O'Neill
Joining me for a third time is Tim O'Neill of the blog History for Atheists! Tim is back to take us through some really fascinating possible misconceptions about whether or not the Pope and the Catholic church were supportive of Hitler and the Nazis. Tim also discusses whether or not Hitler himself was religious. Lots of claims have been made by atheists and others about these questions and Tim is here to clear up misconceptions and give his view of what the evidence tells us! Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO14: President Bannon
Today Thomas is taking a closer look at the other terrible hairstyle in the White House, Steve Bannon. There has been a lot circulating about how much power and influence Bannon may have, many say it's far too much. So we decided to look into just who this guy is and exactly what kind of power he actually has. As seems to be the case with most current political news, what we found is...concerning. Thomas also replies to some of our wonderful listener comments and voicemails. Keep them coming, we love hearing from you! NY Times OpEd- I Was on the National Security Council. Bannon Doesn’t Belong There. CNN- David Axelrod: I woke up this morning as an alternative fact NPR- FACT CHECK: Spin Aside, Trump's National Security Council Has A Very Big Change Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO13: Food Fight! With Kavin Senapathy
Today Thomas talks with Kavin Senapathy about science, food, and the misinformation and pseudo science that is so prevalent in the food industry today. Kavin is co-Executive Director of March Against Myths, a Forbes contributor, and co-author of "The Fear Babe: Shattering Vani Hari's Glass House". You can find more from her on Facebook and Twitter. Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO12: Is the Left to Blame for Trump's Muslim Ban?
But first I have to offer a correction on the Jordan B. Peterson episode. He said in other interviews that he would use she and he appropriately for trans people but not any other pronouns. I made it sound like he wouldn't do so. I apologize for getting that wrong. I explain my thinking on this, as well as point out how frustrating it has been for people to try to dismiss my entire message based on one point of misunderstanding. After that, I cover Trump's executive orders so far, and in particular the Muslim ban. Is it the same as Obama's act from 2011? Are liberals responsible for it? Find out what I think and see if you agree or disagree! Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO11: Do We Have Free Will? with Aaron
Today's episode is brought to you by hellofresh.com!! Click the link and make sure to enter promo code seriouspod for $35 off your first delivery! Today I have philosopher Aaron on to discuss free will. I've been wanting to revisit the topic for quite a while now, ever since the debate between Sam Harris and Dan Dennett that I covered in detail at the time. Today's show is exploring an anti-compatibilist position, and I'm hoping a future show will explore the compatibilist one! (if you're a philosopher who believes free will exists, please contact us using the links below to potentially be on a future episode!) Aaron attempts to define free will in the way most amenable to compatibilist arguments, yet still believes he has good reason to doubt free will! Listen and see if you agree! If you like Aaron, make sure to check out his book here! Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected]
SIO10: Jordan B. Peterson is Just Wrong (or lying...or both).
This week we listened to Waking Up with Sam Harris and as big fans we were very disappointed in how he handled his interview with Jordan B. Peterson. So in this episode Thomas goes over exactly why that is, in the hopes that this message reaches Sam. We also have some more great listener voicemails, thank you so much for all the great feedback and keep it coming! Find the record of Bill C-16 from the Canadian Parliament here Find the Ontario Provisions Peterson mentioned here Find Brenda Cossman's article rebutting Peterson's Claims here Some even argue that C-16 doesn't go far enough! here And VICE has a pretty good breakdown of everything here Leave us a Voicemail: (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? email: [email protected] Direct Download
SIO9: Punching Nazis, with Eli Bosnick
Recently the internet exploded in debate over a video in which neo-Nazi Richard Spencer was punched while giving an interview. Even the New York Times published an article that asked whether this is something that should be morally permissible. I have come out against violence over words of any non-imminently threatening kind, and my guest Eli Bosnick has come out strong the other way. Since Eli is an awesome guy willing to discuss disagreements and try to find the truth, he's here to have a bit of a debate with me on what the correct course of action is re: Nazi punching. To leave a voicemail to potentially be played on the show, call (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? Contact us: [email protected]
SIO8: Completely Unpresidented
It's another Thursday full of inquiry! In this episode I discuss Trump's inauguration and the obscene amount of money he's collecting for it, as well as the congress persons boycotting it. Are they right to do so? Next up are updates on Trump's cabinet confirmation hearings. How are our favorite incompetents faring in congressional hearings? And finally, I've got some great voicemails to react to. Thanks for those contributions! Included is one from a Republican atheist telling me why Trump won. Also, a listener commented that the far left is just as bad as the far right because of their anti-science positions. Do the numbers really bear that out? Here are some links I used to evaluate that: GMOs, Vaccines, Climate Change To leave a voicemail to potentially be played on the show, call (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? Contact us: [email protected]
SIO7: An Atheist and a Christian Walk into a Bar...
Joining me today are that atheist and that Christian, and their names are Justin Schieber and Randal Rauser. Justin and Randal have written a book containing a very fruitful and respectful dialogue between an atheist and a Christian. Today they talk about the origins of the project and then were kind enough to go over one of the many arguments contained in the book! The argument is on the hostility of the universe and whether it makes sense under theism. There's a very spirited back and forth that I encourage you to listen to! You can find the book here. If you'd like to leave a voicemail to potentially be played on the show, call (916) 750-4746! Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? Contact us: [email protected] Direct Download
SIO6: Too Much Identity Politics Or Not Enough?
Welcome to the first edition of Thursday Inquiries!! My unofficial or maybe official name for the new format. Mondays will be interviews and Thursdays will be commentary and news and so forth. A lot is happening in the news and a lot of people are still very sloppy thinkers. In an episode of The Waking Up Podcast, Sam Harris said that Trump was the end of the Democratic Party. Could this really be true in an election where Democrats won by 3 million votes? Also Trump had his first press conference as president elect and it was predictably terrifying. And yes, Trump mocked a disabled person. All this and more, plus leave me a voicemail at my new Serious Pod number!! It's (916) 750-4746. Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? Contact us: [email protected] Direct Download
SIO5: Fake News Epidemic
Today I'm talking with Dr. Joel Breakstone, director of the Stanford History Education Group. He was co-director of a recent study that looked at thousands of students, from middle school through college, and tested their ability to discern fake news from real news. The results are worrying, and may give us some insight into why this is such a problem in America today. Then I take a few minutes to talk to Bruce Gleason, Director of LogiCal LA about their upcoming conference. Find the Executive Summary of the Stanford University research study here And an article discussing the study here Learn more about LogiCal LA and get tickets to the upcoming event here Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? Contact us: [email protected] Direct Download
SIO4: Trollology 101
EIn this episode I am joined by Scott and David. We discuss some of the science behind the rise in internet trolling. They share their ideas about the ways psychology, sociology, and our ever increasing dependence on technology for socialization; have led to more trolling. We also discuss some other behaviors and traits that correlate with online trolling, some of the possible origins of these behaviors, and speculate as to what can be done about it. Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod For comments, email [email protected] Questions, Suggestions, Episode ideas? Contact us: [email protected] Direct Download
SIO3: Trump's Cabinet: Filling the Swamp 2
Direct Download In this episode we cover more of Trump's cabinet picks. This time we take a look at his nominations for Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Education, and Secretary of Energy. This isn't funny anymore. 10 things to know about Sen. Jeff Sessions- Washington Post Will Rick Perry Promote Science at the Department of Energy? -The Atlantic Betsy Devos and the Plan to Break Public Schools- The New Yorker Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod
SIO2: Trump's Cabinet: Filling the Swamp
Direct Download In this episode, we start taking a look Trump's picks for his cabinet members; beginning with his choices for Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury. Just to be sure we have some perspective, we go over the job descriptions and look at some of the individuals that held these positions during the Obama and G.W. Bush administrations. You might say we have some concerns... Will ‘drain the swamp’ be Trump’s first broken promise?- Politco Rex Tillerson, an Aggressive Dealmaker Whose Ties With Russia May Prompt Scrutiny- NY Times Trump’s Treasury Secretary Pick is a Lucky Man. Very Lucky. -ProPublica Support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/seriouspod Follow us on Twitter: @seriouspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouspod

SIO1: Chris Shelton; No Longer Atheistically Speaking
The podcast name change is officially underway!! It's going to take a little while for everything to filter through, but as you should already be noticing, things are different. Joining me for episode 1 of Serious Inquiries Only is multi-time guest and everyone's favorite ex-Scientologist Chris Shelton! Check out his website here. Chris was recently the target of a Scientology hate-page, which is something of a badge of honor, but is also a very odd thing to go through. We find out just what Chris has been up to in the past year since we last spoke to him which prompted such a response from the church!
AS304: Clarifying Empathy, with Eli Bosnick
A few weeks ago, Eli and I had a conversation with two people who may or may not be characterized as trolls. This can be found on AS298. In the beginning of that recording, Eli made a bit of a speech on empathy which contained a lot of insight but also wasn’t quite perfect. We … Continue reading AS304: Clarifying Empathy, with Eli Bosnick → The post AS304: Clarifying Empathy, with Eli Bosnick appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS303: Doing Charity Better, with Foundation Beyond Belief
Joining me for today is Noelle George, Executive Director of Foundation Beyond Belief! Since the holidays have rolled around again and you’ve likely started to hear the annoying, holier than thou jangle of constant Salvation Army bells outside of every grocery store and mall, I thought it might be a good idea to talk with someone … Continue reading AS303: Doing Charity Better, with Foundation Beyond Belief → The post AS303: Doing Charity Better, with Foundation Beyond Belief appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS302: Andrew Torrez and Cognitive Dissonance!
Here’s the 3rd and final part of my episode 300 spectacular! Joining me first is Andrew Torrez from the little known fledgling podcast Opening Arguments! First we do a little reminiscing, then a segment where I try to play the lawyer and he plays the questioner! Finally, we discuss the hate speech law that Jake … Continue reading AS302: Andrew Torrez and Cognitive Dissonance! → The post AS302: Andrew Torrez and Cognitive Dissonance! appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS301: Angry Black Rant and Jake Farr-Wharton!
Two more great guests for part 2 of the 3 part episode 300 spectacular! First up is Ishmael Brown of the Angry Black Rant podcast. Ishmael is someone I really enjoy speaking to because he’s thoughtful, provocative, and hilarious all in one. We talk about whitelash, Colin Kaepernick, and other post-Trump victory issues facing our … Continue reading AS301: Angry Black Rant and Jake Farr-Wharton! → The post AS301: Angry Black Rant and Jake Farr-Wharton! appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS300: The Scathing Atheist, Plus a Personal Message and Announcement!
Joining me first to kick off my extra special 300th episode, 3 part, 3+ hour extravaganza are none other than Noah, Heath, and Eli of the Scathing Atheist and God Awful Movies! Oh right, and the Skepticrat… I interview the guys on a few different topics related to their particular approach to atheist activism and … Continue reading AS300: The Scathing Atheist, Plus a Personal Message and Announcement! → The post AS300: The Scathing Atheist, Plus a Personal Message and Announcement! appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS299: Let’s Get Into the Arguments
Alright the response for part 2 of the discussion that went bad was actually pretty overwhelming. Eyeballing it, I’d say it was at least 4 to 1 in favor. However, the people who didn’t want to hear part 2 had really good reasons… So I’ve sort of split the difference. I’m going to talk a … Continue reading AS299: Let’s Get Into the Arguments → The post AS299: Let’s Get Into the Arguments appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS298: The Best Podcast Ever, Part 1
Well, this is the recording you may have heard or seen me allude to. Joining me is Eli Bosnick, Mike, and Dustin. WARNING: This episode contains a lot of profanity. This is an attempt at a really difficult conversation between two sides coming from way different perspectives. It will be up to you to judge … Continue reading AS298: The Best Podcast Ever, Part 1 → The post AS298: The Best Podcast Ever, Part 1 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS297: Are the PC Police Out to Get Us?
In today’s episode I talk about several very striking examples of misleading headlines that have been created and shared in furtherance of the narrative that the PC police are ruining our lives. When I investigated these news stories though, I found that the truth was somewhat more complex and in many cases the stories were … Continue reading AS297: Are the PC Police Out to Get Us? → The post AS297: Are the PC Police Out to Get Us? appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS296: Life in the Light of Death, with James Lindsay
I’m joined once again by James Lindsay! James has a new book out with some very useful insights on death. Find it here. The first 20 minutes we talk a bit about the election and the fact that many of James’s listeners are likely Trump supporters, despite James himself not being one. Then from there we … Continue reading AS296: Life in the Light of Death, with James Lindsay → The post AS296: Life in the Light of Death, with James Lindsay appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS295: Michael A. Wood Jr, Part 2
Time for part 2 with Michael A. Wood Jr! Michael is a retired Baltimore police officer and veteran of the USMC. He originally went viral in 2015 for publicly speaking out against police brutality and has become an advocate for police reform. Part 2 focused on problems in policing and his proposed solutions to them, among other topics! … Continue reading AS295: Michael A. Wood Jr, Part 2 → The post AS295: Michael A. Wood Jr, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS294: Michael A. Wood Jr, Part 1
Today’s guest is Michael A. Wood Jr! Michael is a retired Baltimore police officer and veteran of the USMC. He originally went viral in 2015 for publicly speaking out against police brutality and has become an advocate for police reform. We had a wide ranging discussion, with part 1 focused more on his background and how he … Continue reading AS294: Michael A. Wood Jr, Part 1 → The post AS294: Michael A. Wood Jr, Part 1 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS293: President Trump’s Second Term, with Eli Bosnick and Andrew Torrez
Here is part 2 of my truly excellent recording with Andrew and Eli. We commiserate, we give our answers to a lot of the common questions, we laughed, we feared and I feel slightly better knowing I’ll still have these two amazing people and more to get me through this. I hope everyone else is as … Continue reading AS293: President Trump’s Second Term, with Eli Bosnick and Andrew Torrez → The post AS293: President Trump’s Second Term, with Eli Bosnick and Andrew Torrez appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS292: President Trump, with Eli Bosnick and Andrew Torrez
It f*cking happened. President Trump. We elected President Trump. The first 12 minutes of this episode are my live reaction from Tuesday night when it happened. It may make you uncomfortable. It’s raw and emotional but it’s how I was feeling. I left it in in case it helps anyone feel less alone in this. … Continue reading AS292: President Trump, with Eli Bosnick and Andrew Torrez → The post AS292: President Trump, with Eli Bosnick and Andrew Torrez appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS291: What In the World Is The SPLC Thinking?
On October 25th, the SPLC released this report identifying 15 individuals who they view as anti-Muslim extremists. Some inclusions make total sense, but 2 stood out: Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Maajid Nawaz. Do their claims about Maajid and Ayaan survive scrutiny? Find out. Here are some links I reference: Great Atlantic article Guardian article on Quilliam … Continue reading AS291: What In the World Is The SPLC Thinking? → The post AS291: What In the World Is The SPLC Thinking? appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS290: Are We Living In A Simulation? With Phil Torres
Got a nice long action packed episode for you today. In what was originally going to be a two parter, Phil Torres and I talk about the simulation argument made popular by Nick Bostrom. I highly recommend you read the original paper and some of the other resources found here. In the second half, I make … Continue reading AS290: Are We Living In A Simulation? With Phil Torres → The post AS290: Are We Living In A Simulation? With Phil Torres appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS289: Abortion Clinic Escort, Michelle
Today we are joined by Michelle. Michelle works with a group that defends abortion rights by volunteering as safe escorts for patients through protestors. Recently some of the tactics the protestors have used are against local laws and local police have not been responsive. We talk to her about the experiences of her and the … Continue reading AS289: Abortion Clinic Escort, Michelle → The post AS289: Abortion Clinic Escort, Michelle appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS288: A Final Election 2016 Episode (VOTE!!!)
I’ve got plenty of interviews loaded up for the coming weeks, so I wanted to get in one final commentary on this election before we vote Trump out of relevance. I’ve got several new thoughts that I haven’t yet expressed in Tommentary form, so don’t worry it’s fresh stuff! I talk about my final verdict … Continue reading AS288: A Final Election 2016 Episode (VOTE!!!) → The post AS288: A Final Election 2016 Episode (VOTE!!!) appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS287: Atheist Ethics and Implicit Biases, with Alonzo Fyfe
Joining me today is Alonzo Fyfe, who publishes the blog “Atheist Ethicist.” We talk about some really interesting topics including implicit biases and how they’re affecting this election. Alonzo has a theory that, though they might not be aware of it, most people who are anti-Hillary are actually victims of their own implicit biases. We … Continue reading AS287: Atheist Ethics and Implicit Biases, with Alonzo Fyfe → The post AS287: Atheist Ethics and Implicit Biases, with Alonzo Fyfe appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS286: Dr. Robert Price on Jesus Mythicism, Part 2
Today we are talking to Dr. Robert Price about the historicity of Jesus. Dr. Price is a former Baptist minister and current Professor of Biblical Criticism at the Center for Inquiry Institute. He has written and spoken extensively on this topic. In this part 2 we cover the references to Jesus found in Josephus. Find … Continue reading AS286: Dr. Robert Price on Jesus Mythicism, Part 2 → The post AS286: Dr. Robert Price on Jesus Mythicism, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS285: Dr. Robert Price on Jesus Mythicism, Part 1
Today we are talking to Dr. Robert Price about the historicity of Jesus. Dr. Price is a former Baptist minister and current Professor of Biblical Criticism at the Center for Inquiry Institute. He has written and spoken extensively on this topic. In this episode we talk about Jesus as the Mythic Hero Archetype and combination … Continue reading AS285: Dr. Robert Price on Jesus Mythicism, Part 1 → The post AS285: Dr. Robert Price on Jesus Mythicism, Part 1 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS284: Vaccines Are Not Killing Us! with Ken Camargo
My guest today is Dr. Ken Camargo. We discuss the anti-vaccination movement, the facts about vaccination, and what is behind all the misinformation out there. Ken is an MD with a Master’s and a PhD in public health, a professor and researcher of the graduate program in public health at the Institute of Social Medicine, … Continue reading AS284: Vaccines Are Not Killing Us! with Ken Camargo → The post AS284: Vaccines Are Not Killing Us! with Ken Camargo appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS283: The Liberal Version of Trump
Today’s episode is a Tommentary on… Trump. Look I can’t help it, he’s the news right now. I’ve got a few thoughts on Trump’s taxes and his comments on PTSD that may run counter to what you’ve been hearing. Also I speculate on what a liberal version of Trump might look like. Hey come see … Continue reading AS283: The Liberal Version of Trump → The post AS283: The Liberal Version of Trump appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS282: How Not To Hit On Tracey Moody
Today’s episode might be a bit of a departure but this is a very important topic to me. No matter what your views on the whole social justice divide might be, I am hoping that Tracey’s story of online harassment might make an impact. Tracey is not at all sensitive to male attention online. It’s … Continue reading AS282: How Not To Hit On Tracey Moody → The post AS282: How Not To Hit On Tracey Moody appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS281: Village Atheists with Leigh Schmidt
My guest today is Leigh Schmidt. Leigh has a Ph.D. in religion from Princeton and his latest area of study is the irreligious. He has written a book called Village Atheists in which he discuses the history of atheism and looks at specific examples of atheists in US history. His book was the subject of an … Continue reading AS281: Village Atheists with Leigh Schmidt → The post AS281: Village Atheists with Leigh Schmidt appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS280: Richard Carrier’s Lawsuit, with Andrew Torrez
Dr. Richard Carrier has launched a lawsuit against several parties, including prominent atheists that the listeners will likely be familiar with. You can find the details spelled out pretty well here. I wanted to learn more about these cases in general so I invited legal expert Andrew Torrez on the show to teach us! Stay … Continue reading AS280: Richard Carrier’s Lawsuit, with Andrew Torrez → The post AS280: Richard Carrier’s Lawsuit, with Andrew Torrez appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.
AS279: No Child Left Alone, Part 2
Today we delve even further into the study found here. We talk more about the implications and possible explanations for the ultimate finding, which of course was a strong effect of people evaluating the danger of a situation not based on actual risk but on moral judgment. The post AS279: No Child Left Alone, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.