Serious Inquiries Only

In today’s show, I’ve got two siblings! We’ve got Melonnie, a listener of the show and someone wary of GMO products. Also on is Derek, her brother and a scientist who has some expertise on GMO foods. Will Melonnie’s concerns about labeling change Derek’s mind or will Derek be able to convince Melonnie that the technology … Continue reading AS228: Should We Label GMOs? → The post AS228: Should We Label GMOs? appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Several announcements in this show!!! One you may already have noticed, and another has something to do with this page here. I’m very excited! In this episode I’ve got a ton of Tommenting for you guys. I start with some Easter apologetics and then move onto a terrible flier some church put on my door. It … Continue reading AS227: Tommentary Time, Easter Edition → The post AS227: Tommentary Time, Easter Edition appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Sarah Morehead recently wrote a must-read article, which you can find here. It deals with something I also expressed an opinion about online, which is the disgusting positive reaction people seem to have over news of Jared Fogle being beaten in prison. It seems odd to see so many in the humanist community advocating extrajudicial punishment … Continue reading AS226: Sarah Morehead → The post AS226: Sarah Morehead appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Have you always known Scalia was the worst but didn’t quite have the legal expertise to say exactly why? I’ve got the podcast for you! My guest is Andrew Torrez who is a graduate of Harvard Law and owns his own practice in Baltimore, and he’s got some great blog posts on things like Scalia … Continue reading AS225: Andrew Torrez on Scalia’s Legal Activism → The post AS225: Andrew Torrez on Scalia’s Legal Activism appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Fresh off a great interview, it’s time for some Tommenting! Lots of people asked if I was going to talk about Sam Harris and Omer Aziz, and while I’m definitely not doing a full review like I did with Maryam Namazie, I want to at least talk about some broad themes. So I do that, … Continue reading AS224: Tommentary → The post AS224: Tommentary appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Today we’ve got a lot more discussion with Ishmael Brown, host of Angry Black Rant! This time we talk about Black Lives Matter and whether or not their protests go too far! And there are other topics and laughs and lots of good stuff! The post AS223: Angry Black Rant appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

My guest today is Ishmael Brown, host of Angry Black Rant! His podcast may or may not have been somewhat inspired by yours truly… But that’s neither here nor there, as he’s here today to talk about the N word. Should we use it? Can white people use it? If Sam Jackson tells you to use … Continue reading AS222: The N Word, with Ishmael Brown → The post AS222: The N Word, with Ishmael Brown appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Haven’t had an opinion episode in a while, so here it is! Lots of interesting stuff discussed today. Peter Hitchens thinks Christopher and the rest of us atheists just didn’t believe in god because we want to have lots of sex. He’s only half right… Also, are Republicans the only party that rejects science? A … Continue reading AS221: Tommentary → The post AS221: Tommentary appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

My guest today is Eiynah, @nicemangos on Twitter. She’s a blogger/writer/and now podcaster who has been on the show before. Being an ex-Muslim is a distinctly difficult place to be because of the hate mail comes in from all sides! Today, Eiynah is here to talk about Tommy Robinson and anti-Muslim bigotry. Eiynah sees Islamophobia … Continue reading AS220: Eiynah Returns → The post AS220: Eiynah Returns appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

The Sam Harris Maryam Namazie Breakdown Today’s episode is all about breaking down the Sam Harris Maryam Namazie breakdown which happened on Harris’s Waking Up Podcast. The episode in question can be found here. While my podcast will provide a more detailed explanation, I’m also going to do a bit of a blog post here to hit some … Continue reading AS219: The Sam Harris Maryam Namazie Breakdown → The post AS219: The Sam Harris Maryam Namazie Breakdown appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Noah and Heath are back at it for a tasty part 2! The post AS218: Politics with The Skepticrat, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

The Skepticrat are back!! Noah and Heath of The Skepticrat and of course Scathing Atheist and Godawful Movies are back! In this first part we’re talking all about the US primaries. Are the guys for Bernie or Hillary? Or Trump? Probably not Trump. But wait I want to leave you with a feeling of suspense, … Continue reading AS217: Politics with The Skepticrat → The post AS217: Politics with The Skepticrat appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I have an incredibly interesting guest by the name of Phil Torres. Phil just wrote a book called The End: What Science and Religion Tell Us about the Apocalypse. We’ve got a really cool 2 part discussion for you. In today’s part, we discuss some other issues like foreign policy, the Middle East, … Continue reading AS216: The End, with Phil Torres, part 2 → The post AS216: The End, with Phil Torres, part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I have an incredibly interesting guest by the name of Phil Torres. Phil just wrote a book called The End: What Science and Religion Tell Us about the Apocalypse. We’ve got a really cool 2 part discussion for you. In today’s part, we talk about Phil and the book and the different ways … Continue reading AS215: The End, with Phil Torres → The post AS215: The End, with Phil Torres appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Eli and Cecil are back for an extra long show! No two parter this time, I figure you guys deserve a nice long juicy episode. The 3 of us talk about the infamous Eli episodes and what we all learned from it, and then go on to talk about other issues like Dawkins and the … Continue reading AS214: Eli and Cecil → The post AS214: Eli and Cecil appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

As promised, I’ve got a breakdown of the Matt Dillahunty Blake Giunta debate over Divine Hiddenness. I opted not to do any sort of detailed breakdown of the exchanges because that could devolve into a tedious infinity, rather I have some interesting themes picked out to discuss. I also go into some comments from listeners, … Continue reading AS213: Thoughts on the Dillahunty-Giunta Exchange → The post AS213: Thoughts on the Dillahunty-Giunta Exchange appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Today I share my thoughts on what happened with Richard Dawkins and the NECSS. Find out where I come down on that whole mess! Heavy spoilers: I have criticism for all involved. After that, I talk about the myth of the Bernie Bro. It’s an incredibly frustrating slander on the part of Hilary feminists. The post AS212: On Dawkins, the NECSS, and Bernie Bros appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Matt and Blake continue the discussion on Divine Hiddenness. The post AS211: Matt Dillahunty and Blake Giunta, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Matt Dillahunty and Blake Giunta Today’s episode is part 1 of a fascinating discussion on the problem of Divine Hiddenness. Matt Dillahunty joins us, who you no doubt have heard on Atheist Experience and countless other debates. He can be found here. On the other side is Blake Giunta, a Christian and past guest of … Continue reading AS210: Matt Dillahunty and Blake Giunta → The post AS210: Matt Dillahunty and Blake Giunta appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This episode came about in kind of an interesting way.. I explain in the first few minutes of the show. Long story short, Eli is here to talk about Twitter and our blocking policies (or lacks thereof). We also go into harassment online and what the implications are for the atheism movement and other movements. The post AS209: Twitter Trolls and Online Harassment, with Eli Bosnick appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’ve got some commentary on the aforementioned issues. Lots of stuff. PLUS big announcement for next week’s shows!! Here’s a link I reference: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-scheer/hillary-blames-bernie-for_b_9018360.html The post AS208: Misogyny, PZ Myers, and Politics appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

We continue the conversation on the abortion debate with Tyler, and how to go about such debates in the future. The post AS207: Abortion Debate Criticisms, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’m joined by two female commenters who had some criticism for me on how I dealt with the Tyler Vela abortion debate. In the spirit of listening to criticism and learning from it, I thought I’d extend the invitation to talk to them about it, and they accepted! Was it a fruitful conversation? You’ll have … Continue reading AS206: Abortion Debate Criticisms → The post AS206: Abortion Debate Criticisms appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I hope everyone knows changing comments to Tomments is completely meant to be a stupid joke. I wonder if anyone thinks I’m super into changing words into being my name? It’s actually the opposite, hence the joke. Anyway… Today it’s time to finally get to some listener comments on the last few episodes. I always … Continue reading AS205: Listener Tomments → The post AS205: Listener Tomments appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

In today’s episode I talk about a number of things I found interesting. Among them are gun control, Obama’s tearful speech, the sexual assault crisis in Germany, and free speech. The post AS204: Tommentary Thursday appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

We continue the discussion on whether or not 90% of all Evo Psych false. That’s the claim Dr. Richard Carrier makes in his mammoth article, which can be found here. While I’m hoping to have Richard on at a later date to discuss the topic he’s likely most known for – Jesus’s existence, this visit is … Continue reading AS203: Dr. Richard Carrier, Part 2 → The post AS203: Dr. Richard Carrier, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Is 90% of all Evo Psych false? That’s the claim Dr. Richard Carrier makes in his mammoth article, which can be found here. While I’m hoping to have Richard on at a later date to discuss the topic he’s likely most known for – Jesus’s existence, this visit is all about Evolutionary Psychology and whether or … Continue reading AS202: Dr. Richard Carrier on EvoPsych → The post AS202: Dr. Richard Carrier on EvoPsych appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This episode, I look at a story from a few months back that I never got to comment on. It’s a very fascinating news item about a parent allowing her child to choose to end her medical care and thus end her life. But it’s done on the basis that she’ll go to heaven… Here’s … Continue reading AS201: Tommentary; Critical Comments → The post AS201: Tommentary; Critical Comments appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Thank you guys for the avalanche of comments, emails and messages on my debate with Tyler Vela. This is likely the most response I’ve gotten to anything, and I think it’s because there is plenty to disagree and argue about. That’s my favorite kind of topic! Today’s episode is a bit of a post-mortem on … Continue reading AS200: Abortion Debate Followup → The post AS200: Abortion Debate Followup appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Here’s part 2 of a 2 part spirited debate with Christian and past guest, Tyler Vela. Tyler hosts a podcast called the Freed Thinker, which you can find on iTunes or through google. I will be doing a commentary and break down of exactly how this debate broke down on Thursday’s show. The post AS199: Debating Abortion, with Tyler Vela Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Here’s part 1 of a 2 part spirited debate with Christian and past guest, Tyler Vela. Tyler hosts a podcast called the Freed Thinker, which you can find on iTunes or through google. If you’d like access to part 2 right away, check out http://www.patreon.com/atheist! The post AS198: Debating Abortion, with Tyler Vela appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Today I’ve got some more Tommentary for you. Because I’m pretty sure Eli and Cog Dis will all agree with me on the Goldsmiths issue, I decided to tackle a brief portion of commenter Mike Samsa’s incredibly long disagreements with me on the treatment of Maryam Namazie. It amazes me that someone could condone how … Continue reading AS197: Goldsmiths Followup; Radicalizing Muslims → The post AS197: Goldsmiths Followup; Radicalizing Muslims appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’ve got a couple Tommentary items to talk about that I promise aren’t trigger warning or safe space related… But then after that I go into the Eli Bosnick adventures both Cog Dis and I have had. I did a lot more research into the fact claims and came out in a pretty different place … Continue reading AS196: Tommentary on Tump, Eli Bosnick Followup → The post AS196: Tommentary on Tump, Eli Bosnick Followup appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

The funniest man on the planet is back for part 2 to talk about SJW issues further. Be sure to let me know your opinions on this episode, because I think these issues are important and controversial. I’ll be addressing your comments in the next Tommentary. Some links Eli referenced: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2015/11/02/students-accuse-yale-sae-fraternity-brothers-of-having-a-white-girls-only-policy-at-their-party/ http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/12/opinions/kohn-yale-protests/ http://www.sae.net/oklahoma The post AS195: Eli Bosnick, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

The funniest man on the planet is here to talk about something not funny. Safe spaces, trigger warnings, and is the secular community targeting the wrong thing when we speak out against shrieking 19 year olds at Yale. Eli holds a very passionate position on this and we have a good discussion on it. Here … Continue reading AS194: Eli Bosnick On Safe Spaces → The post AS194: Eli Bosnick On Safe Spaces appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’m back to my Tommentarying ways with some thoughts on the abortion clinic shooting. Is it Christian terrorism? Is Christianity just as responsible for the shooting as Islam is for Islamic terrorism? Find out my thoughts and be sure to share yours if you disagree. Or maybe if you agree! The post AS193: Abortion and Christian Terrorism appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

We’re back for the second installment with James Lindsay, discussing his new book, Everybody Is Wrong About God. The book can be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Is-Wrong-About-God/dp/1634310365 Part 2 starts with a question on whether or not atheist vs theist debates should be a thing of the past, in light of James’ observations on the nature of god. … Continue reading AS192: Everybody Is Wrong About God, Part 2 → The post AS192: Everybody Is Wrong About God, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This is an interview that has been months in the making. James Lindsay is here to talk about his exciting new book, Everybody Is Wrong About God, which you can find here: http://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Is-Wrong-About-God/dp/1634310365 James was kind enough to send me an advance copy, so I was very prepared to talk about the fascinating thesis expressed in … Continue reading AS191: Everybody Is Wrong About God, with James Lindsay → The post AS191: Everybody Is Wrong About God, with James Lindsay appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I’m joined again by the great Chris Shelton! Chris appeared on the show some months back to discuss his 27 years of working for the Church of Scientology! I definitely recommend checking those episodes out if you weren’t a listener at the time. He’s here for an update on the goings on of … Continue reading AS190: Scientology with Chris Shelton → The post AS190: Scientology with Chris Shelton appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Well, I wasn’t about to ignore this major event that everyone is talking about. I offer my opinion on some of the reactions people are having, from the far right to the far left. As usual, find out why everyone is wrong! (Maybe.) The post AS189: Paris and Beirut Attacks appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

In this second installment with Fiona, we debate a bit about what the rules should be for transgender kids or kids who begin identifying as another gender in high school, and request full use of shower/locker rooms. This is a real case that happened recently and the result was that even a separate changing area within … Continue reading AS188: More Transgender Discussion with Fiona → The post AS188: More Transgender Discussion with Fiona appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I’m joined by Fiona to talk about her life as a transgender person. Fiona came out within the past year and has had to overcome a lot of challenges along the way. Fiona talks about how people have reacted, or not reacted, and also how every day things like using a public restroom … Continue reading AS187: On Being Transgender, with Fiona → The post AS187: On Being Transgender, with Fiona appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

One of my absolute favorites is back to talk politics! Best wishes also to Heath and his family, I would have loved to have both the guys on for this one but Noah and I soldiered on with a great show about the election. We broke down the debates, talked about different candidates, and just … Continue reading AS186: Skepticrat Noah Lugeons! → The post AS186: Skepticrat Noah Lugeons! appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I guess that’s slightly shorter… Alright another few topics in need of some Tommentarying this week! I had so much feedback from last week, thanks to all of you! This week I’ve got a clip from William Lane Craig’s podcast to dissect, as well as a Sam Harris clip. Then, I talk about some of … Continue reading AS185: Tommentary Tuesday Monday Sunday → The post AS185: Tommentary Tuesday Monday Sunday appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Joining me today is someone you may be surprised to learn is somewhat an expert in the field of genetic testing, Jake Farr-Wharton! 23andMe has started operating again in the US in certain capacities, after having been shut down by the FDA. While you might think this is a good thing, Jake has some concerns … Continue reading AS184: Jake Farr-Wharton On 23andMe → The post AS184: Jake Farr-Wharton On 23andMe appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

….and is usually released on Sunday nights. That’s my new super catchy slogan for what is now going to be every Monday episode! That’s right, slightly new format for the show, and you’ll be able to expect it on every Monday now! I’m very excited for the change and I think it will make for … Continue reading AS183: Tommentary Tuesday, Except It’s Monday → The post AS183: Tommentary Tuesday, Except It’s Monday appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Since I went two months without it, we’re doing back to back Portable Atheists. And with this one, we’re in for a treat! George Eliot, AKA Mary Ann Evans, was an absolutely brilliant writer. Contrasting this with the confusion that was Marx has been interesting. The essay we’re reading today is an absolute verbal ass … Continue reading AS182: Portable Atheist, George Eliot → The post AS182: Portable Atheist, George Eliot appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It has been a few months since the last portable atheist, and this one’s a weird one. Today’s reading is the essay which features the famous quote “Religion is the opium of the people.” What did Marx really mean by that quote? Hitchens, among others, has always said that people misinterpret those words. Find out … Continue reading AS181: Portable Atheist: Karl Marx on Religion → The post AS181: Portable Atheist: Karl Marx on Religion appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Joining me this week is a scientist from Canada who goes by the name Krakus. @DrVarsovian on Twitter. He’s here to talk about anti-science attitudes and politics in Canada. Did you think the US had it bad with our religious right wing? Well, turns out America’s hat is not doing too much better… find out … Continue reading AS180: Anti-Science In Canada → The post AS180: Anti-Science In Canada appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Yeah I decided to just try to pack it all into the title…. Here’s a link to an article I discuss: http://freethoughtblogs.com/ashleymiller/2015/10/02/atheist-tribalism-poisons-everything/ Is atheism at all culpable for atheist shooters? If we say no, are we being hypocritical when we blame Islam for terrorism? I think I have a pretty good answer. Also, politicizing tragedies is … Continue reading AS179: Tommentary: 2nd Amendment Needs To Go; Blaming Atheism for Atheist Killers → The post AS179: Tommentary: 2nd Amendment Needs To Go; Blaming Atheism for Atheist Killers appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.