Serious Inquiries Only

For the next two episodes I bring you a fascinating discussion with two of the three researchers who conducted the study described here. This is the perfect topic for this show because it illustrates how badly our intuitions track the data sometimes. It’s also a critical issue that could affect any of us! I hope you … Continue reading AS278: No Child Left Alone → The post AS278: No Child Left Alone appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s Tommentary time! I’ve got a few brief thoughts on the Sam Harris Hannibal Buress conversation that went off the rails a bit. After that I offer some brief thoughts on some general themes of the overwhelming number of comments I got about the Smalley episode. Then, an impassioned talk about the Kaepernick controversy. That’s … Continue reading AS277: Tommentary on the Harris-Buress Trainwreck, Kaepernick and More → The post AS277: Tommentary on the Harris-Buress Trainwreck, Kaepernick and More appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Tim is back with much, much more on the case for why Jesus was a historical figure! Tim blogs about history here. Here’s an article that I used to try to grill Tim a bit on the counter arguments, for your reference. Here’s the post he specifically mentioned responding to Carrier’s paper. The post AS276: Jesus Mythicism, with Tim O’Neill, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Joining me for a second appearance is Tim O’Neill! Tim blogs about history here. After Tim’s very successful first appearance on the show, many listeners asked for a follow up on Mythicism and Tim was nice enough to oblige! Here’s an article that I used to try to grill Tim a bit on the counter arguments, … Continue reading AS275: Did Jesus Exist? With Tim O’Neill → The post AS275: Did Jesus Exist? With Tim O’Neill appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Listeners will know I’ve been very critical of a particular exchange David had with Andrew, so I feel absolutely obligated to give David the chance to come on the show to provide his point of view. The result is an unedited conversation between the 3 of us. Andrew and I did some commentary afterward on … Continue reading AS274: David Smalley of Dogma Debate and Andrew Torrez → The post AS274: David Smalley of Dogma Debate and Andrew Torrez appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Here’s part 2 of my discussion with Peter Coffin! In this one, we finish up talking free speech and then wade into the topic of his second mini doc. This one is about what created Trump and Peter’s opinion on the marketplace of ideas. Free Speech Video Trump Marketplace of Ideas Video The post AS273: The Marketplace of Ideas, with Peter Coffin appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Joining me for an extensive and wide ranging interview is comedian, youtuber, and satirist Peter Coffin! Peter has been making high quality and thought provoking mini documentaries on youtube recently, which you can find here. The first we discuss is a video that reflects on free speech and whether or not unfettered free speech is possible. … Continue reading AS272: Comedian, Satirist, Weirdo… Peter Coffin → The post AS272: Comedian, Satirist, Weirdo… Peter Coffin appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’ve gotten quite a few requests that I comment on David Smalley’s debate with PZ Meyers, so in today’s episode I do just that. Smalley has a message of putting aside our petty differences in service of the atheism movement as a whole. Find the Patheos article here. Find out my take on his post … Continue reading AS271: Living Up To Smalley’s Message → The post AS271: Living Up To Smalley’s Message appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

We’ve got even more of the great discussion between Rondale and Jabari. This time we talk about, in addition to other things, racism as a term and how it is being defined. We also briefly discuss the Ellen Usain Bolt picture and whether or not the pushback was warranted or productive. The post AS270: Rondale and Jabari, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I’m very excited to bring you a discussion between Rondale and Jabari, two black atheists who have differing views on Black Lives Matter and on race in America in general. I also interject a question and comment here and there to keep discussion going as well. I want to give a HUGE thank … Continue reading AS269: Rondale and Jabari on Black Lives Matter → The post AS269: Rondale and Jabari on Black Lives Matter appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s been so long since I’ve been able to do some Tommentarying! I’ve had so many great interviews lately, but today is a chance for me to get my thoughts out on a few issues buzzing around. Rubin has gone even further off the deep end in my opinion, with a climate change denier guest and … Continue reading AS268: Tommentary: Is BLM Trash? Is Ellen Racist? → The post AS268: Tommentary: Is BLM Trash? Is Ellen Racist? appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Andrew Torrez is here to tell you, he was REALLY REALLY close. Andrew takes us through the background politically and through was he views as some mistakes the campaign made that cost Gore the election and maybe America, dearly. Andrew also takes us through the legal intricacies and implications of the election and Bush v. … Continue reading AS267: Just How Close Was Al Gore to Being President? → The post AS267: Just How Close Was Al Gore to Being President? appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Here’s part 2 with Lindsey and her defense of evolutionary psychology against the incredibly critical attack featured on this show several months back. We get into even more interesting territory! The post AS266: Was Richard Carrier Wrong About Evo Psych? appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Some time ago, I had Richard Carrier on to discuss an article he wrote that harshly criticized Evolutionary Psychology as a pseudo-science. Well, at long last, we now get a chance to hear from the other side! Joining me is someone with deep knowledge of the field. A listener named Lindsey! She shares her credentials in … Continue reading AS265: A Defense of Evolutionary Psychology → The post AS265: A Defense of Evolutionary Psychology appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Sarah is back for more! In this episode we discuss her talk for the AHA that went viral, and we debate about whether or not the left is to blame for Trump. The post AS264: Sarah Haider, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Joining me this week is Sarah Haider! Sarah is someone I’ve wanted to have on the show for quite a while. You likely saw her talk on YouTube to the AHA which went viral and became quite a sensation in the atheist community. Sarah also co-founded an organization called Ex-Muslims of North America! In part 1, … Continue reading AS263: Sarah Haider → The post AS263: Sarah Haider appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Joining me today is Tim O’Neil. Tim has a website called History for Atheists (find it here http://historyforatheists.blogspot.com/) But I thought religious people had a monopoly on biased and revisionist history? Well, if Tim is right, and he makes some pretty compelling arguments, then atheists are doing their share as well. Was Giordano Bruno really killed … Continue reading AS262: History for Atheists → The post AS262: History for Atheists appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

A listener named Elizabeth reached out to me offering her perspective on Black Lives Matter vs Blue Lives Matter and the police violence that has been dominating the media lately. Elizabeth talks about having to keep her liberal opinions to herself on the force due to bullying and intimidation, among many other things. She’s able … Continue reading AS261: Interview with a Chicago Police Officer → The post AS261: Interview with a Chicago Police Officer appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Get used to it! That’s what’s going to happen if we screw around and vote third party and all that because we can’t get around our dislike for Hillary. Yes, there are reasons to dislike her. I go into two BIG ones today. But Trump is WORSE. It’s a simple calculation. I make one last … Continue reading AS260: President Trump → The post AS260: President Trump appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Andrew Torrez is back for the exciting conclusion of his 2nd Amendment Masterclass. Everything you need to know in order to speak from a more educated perspective on the 2nd Amendment! The post AS259: 2nd Amendment Masterclass, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

At long last! The great Andrew Torrez is here for part one of his masterclass in 2nd amendment history! The post AS258: 2nd Amendment Masterclass, Part 1 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Today I’ve got Andrew Torrez to talk about the Christian Mingle settlement and hi quite awful interaction with David Smalley. After that I offer some commentary on the shootings and related events. The next 2 shows are the promised amazing lesson on the 2nd Amendment, with Andrew. Patrons can listen to that entire recording on … Continue reading AS257: Andrew Torrez on Christian Mingle → The post AS257: Andrew Torrez on Christian Mingle appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Today I’m joined by existential risk expert Phil Torres! Phil wrote a book called The End, in which he detailed out several different ways that humanity might become extinct. Phil has written several fascinating articles for a few different online publications, and he’s here to talk about some of the ideas he has explored in … Continue reading AS256: Super AI and Terrorism, with Phil Torres → The post AS256: Super AI and Terrorism, with Phil Torres appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’ll come right out and say it: David Smalley was badly mistaken in his legal analysis of a settlement (find the article here) and when he was corrected by an actual lawyer, he doubled down and got personal and insulting. That lawyer happens to be Andrew Torrez, one of my favorite guests of the show … Continue reading AS255: How To Be Wrong Better → The post AS255: How To Be Wrong Better appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s time for part 2 with Eli and Travis on gun control. After they’re done, I offer a few thoughts on the debate. Thanks so much for listening! The post AS254: Eli vs Travis Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Everyone’s favorite Christian movie critic and Atheistically Speaking master debater, Eli Bosnick, is back at it defending a strong anti-gun position against listener Travis. Atheists actually tend to be quite split on this issue, as made clear by the comments I get on both sides. So, I’m very happy to be hosting a dialogue between … Continue reading AS253: Eli vs Travis on Gun Control → The post AS253: Eli vs Travis on Gun Control appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

First up is some commentary on a common misconception about my Trump arguments. I do not think PC culture is blame to Trump. There’s a comment of disagreement I keep getting that I deal with in the first part of this episode. The second part is an interview with Al Laiman from the Inciting Incident … Continue reading AS252: Commentary; Inciting Incident → The post AS252: Commentary; Inciting Incident appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Recently a hashtag went viral called #IStandWithHateSpeech. While that might seem to be on its surface a pretty insensitive statement, it perhaps voices a legitimate concern with EU hate speech laws. Here to help us wade through the details is everyone’s favorite legal correspondent, Andrew Torrez! Here’s a news story that describes it a bit: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-1937_en.htm The post AS251: Andrew Torrez on Hate Speech appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

In a world of knee jerk reactions and the desire for easy scapegoats, I hope to bring you some balanced analysis on the shooting. Many different contributing factors coalesce here – Islam, homophobia, homophobia in Christianity, gun control, masculinity. What are we to make of all these? Well, listen in and I hope we can … Continue reading AS250: Thinking Clearly on Orlando → The post AS250: Thinking Clearly on Orlando appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’ve got those dirty bastards Tom and Cecil back for more! We talk about whether or not Hillary can get more done than Bernie would have, and whether PC culture has led to Trump. After the dudes are gone I address some of the response I got to the Ania debate over ableist language. It … Continue reading AS249: Tom and Cecil, Part 2 → The post AS249: Tom and Cecil, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

The dudes are back! Tom and Cecil are in the house, and we’re talking everything politics. What do they think about Bernie or Bust? Are they #neverTrump? Also, how do they feel about free college? Find out, and of course, enjoy a heaping helping of profanity and off-color jokes! If you’d like to hear part … Continue reading AS248: Cognitive Dissonance Or Bust → The post AS248: Cognitive Dissonance Or Bust appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Here’s the somewhat more contentious part 2 you’ve all been waiting for! In this one, Ania is a bit more critical of some of the ableist aspects of society, including language used by your host. We got into a hearty debate on the issue, and then I comment on it after. I’m very, very curious … Continue reading AS247: Ableist Language with Ania Bula → The post AS247: Ableist Language with Ania Bula appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Ania Bula has written a book called Young, Sick, and Disabled. Find it on amazon here. It’s about the challenges of living with disabilities and having everyone and their mother recommend things to you constantly. We talk about her life experiences as well as some reasons why society might still have a way to go in … Continue reading AS246: Ania Bula on Living with Disability → The post AS246: Ania Bula on Living with Disability appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’m back for some more analysis of points brought up in the Sean Carroll episodes. Spoiler alert: Sean Carroll was right about Boltzmann brains. Who would have thought! It took a commenter with a background in physics to actually address the problem I brought up on its own terms to convince me. I got even … Continue reading AS245: Objective Morality, Boltzmann Brains and More → The post AS245: Objective Morality, Boltzmann Brains and More appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

We’re back for more with Dr. Sean Carroll! This time it’s even more action packed. We talk about his debate with William Lane Craig, which I think is one of the best atheism/religion debates out there on the YouTubes. In addition to that, we talk about the Boltzmann Brain Problem, and Sean answers questions from … Continue reading AS244: Sean Carroll, Part 2 → The post AS244: Sean Carroll, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I have Dr. Sean Carroll on the show!!! I’m more excited than I can contain! Sean has a new book called The Big Picture. You can find it on Amazon by clicking here. In today’s episode, we talk about Sean’s new book, which I highly recommend everyone go buy! In additional to discussing the … Continue reading AS243: The Big Picture, with Sean Carroll → The post AS243: The Big Picture, with Sean Carroll appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Time for a change of pace! This episode I speak to a listener who doesn’t want to call himself an atheist. We debate about that, and we also discuss Einstein and Godel’s religious views. If those men were so brilliant and yet had some amount of belief in god, who are we to disagree? Godel’s … Continue reading AS242: Einstein, Godel, and God → The post AS242: Einstein, Godel, and God appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Back by popular demand! I had almost universally positive answers when I asked listeners if I could get away with doing some more commentary on this. So I did! This time I’m getting more into the issues that I wasn’t able to last Thursday. I have a few links I said I’d post as well: … Continue reading AS241: Social Justice Commentary 2 → The post AS241: Social Justice Commentary 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Well today’s the day I finally speak up after staying virtually silent for 3 episodes. I talk about some aspects of the Eli James debate and actually also explain some practical issues, like why I stayed virtually silent for 4 hours. There’s absolutely no way I can cover everything or even like half the things, … Continue reading AS240: Social Justice Commentary → The post AS240: Social Justice Commentary appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

The third and final part of the lengthy debate between Eli and James focuses on trigger warnings. The post AS239: Eli and James on Trigger Warnings appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

You guys know the drill. Two great minds squaring off on social justice and related topics. Here’s a nice long part 2 out of 3! If you’d like to hear part 3 early, you can always hop on over to Patreon and subscribe! The post AS238: Eli and James, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This is it! Something I’ve been trying to have happen for a long time! I’ve been critical of people on both sides of these issues only dealing with their respective echo chambers and never engaging, and I’ve wanted to be a better example for you guys for quite some time now. It has been very … Continue reading AS237: James Lindsay and Eli Bosnick on Social Justice → The post AS237: James Lindsay and Eli Bosnick on Social Justice appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Back by popular demand is Andrew Torrez! Last time we talked about Scalia and originalism, this time we’re going to do that again but also touch on some surrounding issues. Prepare to learn a ton about why Scalia was even more annoying that you thought! Check out his blog here. The post AS236: Originalism with Andrew Torrez appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s an argument I’ve seen floating around multiple places lately. In the future, simulations of universes will surely outnumber the one regular universe. Therefore, it’s more likely we’re in a simulation! I think it’s actually a terrible argument and I talk about why. Plus, more on the soccer team pay discrepency from last week, as … Continue reading AS235: Do We Live In A Simulation? → The post AS235: Do We Live In A Simulation? appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s time for some science up in this podcast! Joining me for the second time is Krakus Varsovian, who you may remember from an episode back in September. The state of science funding in Canada back then was dire, but it has since improved! In addition to a science funding update, Krakus is going to … Continue reading AS234: Scientifically Speaking → The post AS234: Scientifically Speaking appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

In the spirit of Equal Pay Day which happened recently, I’ve got Miss Bea Haven from Promoting Secular Feminism on to talk about gender inequality in income. Is the 79 cents figure a myth? well… sort of but also sort of not… You’d better listen to see what I mean! If you enjoyed Miss Bea, … Continue reading AS233: The Gender Wage Gap → The post AS233: The Gender Wage Gap appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Today’s episode was scheduled to be a Tommentary, but after a back and forth with a listener by the name of Ben Young, I decided to have him on for a little chat in place of my normal monologuing! We touch on a number of different topics involving the infamous Gad Saad story, blocking people … Continue reading AS232: Finding Uncommon Ground → The post AS232: Finding Uncommon Ground appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s part 2 with Kevin! Lots more on GMOs and labeling controversies. Also, I found out WE AREN’T EVEN USING FISH GENES. My mind is blown. I’ve been defending something we weren’t even doing. Though I still maintain it would be totally fine if we were doing it! The post AS231: Dr. Kevin Folta, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

In light of all this GMO debate, Dr. Kevin Folta was kind enough to hop on the show and educate us! Kevin is the professor and chairman of the horticultural sciences department at the University of Florida. He doesn’t like the word “advocate,” but he has been very vocal about GMOs and dispelling the misconceptions … Continue reading AS230: Dr. Kevin Folta → The post AS230: Dr. Kevin Folta appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s a Tommentary episode! Last week I let a straw man argument get by me and I even encouraged it. So, I spend the first part of this Tommentary trying to right that wrong. I never want to perpetuate straw man arguments if I can help it! From there, I take us on a look … Continue reading AS229: No Straw Men Allowed → The post AS229: No Straw Men Allowed appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.